You fingered the cuffs of your long sleeved jacket as your therapist offered you a notebook.

"It's alright and normal to be hesitant to talk about past relationships, dear." She assured gently. "Your pain is real and valid. For now I want you write down when you're feeling as though your emotions aren't real. Write everything that comes to mind. It will help the emotions seem more real because there's physical evidence."

You nodded slowly and gingerly took the notebook.

Her alarm went off just then and she turned to halt the alarm.

"Alright, our session is finished but if you'd like to add anything you are welcome to."

You shook your head staring at the notebook.

"That's perfectly alright. I'll see you next week y/n." She smiled at you so kindly.

You couldn't help but offer a shy smile in return and walk from the therapist's office.

"Now Sandy, remember what I told you about yoga and tea." A therapist in the next door office spoke to a giant man as he walked out.

"Alright doc." The man named Sandy responded with a doubtful tone. "If you say so."

You halted in the hallway keeping your distance. The man was gigantic and you knew all too well what most men with such a fighting physique could do to hurt you.

Unfortunately, the man saw you staring and glared at you.

"What are you looking at?!" He demanded angrily leaning towards you.

You flinched away and forced your eyes to the floor. You didn't mean to, really you didn't. But frightened tears spilled down your cheeks and your body tremored.

Instantly the office fell silent for you. Memories of past abuses flared in your mind and you froze trying to process everything. You heard distant voices speaking in angry and warning tones.

Just then a gentle voice saved you from your thoughts.

"Hey."

You flinched hard but looked up.

The giant man was on one knee and looked genuinely worried.

"I apologize for earlier. I wasn't thinking. Can you breathe for me for a bit?"

Part of you wanted to run, to yell back at him, maybe even hit him. But the stronger part of you wanted to believe the kind look in his eyes. Slowly, you nodded and allowed the man to take your hand.

He put gentle pressure inside your palm.

"My therapist told me this can help you take your mind off bad places." He informed before looking into your eyes gently. "Can you breathe in for four seconds?"

You nodded and sucked in for four seconds.

"Now hold it for seven seconds." Sandy instructed.

You obeyed.

"Ok, breathe out for eight seconds."

You allowed the air to slip through your lips, but all the while your eyes focused on his. Somehow his gaze eased your mind and pressed away the bad memories.

"There, see?" Sandy praised with a smile.

A round of applause snapped your from your trance and shot your attention to his therapist.

"Well handled, Sandy. Although next time we will talk about your knee jerk reactions."

Sandy rubbed the back of his neck shyly.

"Heh, sorry doc. Old habits die hard."

You glanced between the two men then stared down at your journal. What were you meant to be feeling now? Had you really had a panic attack just now? Were you trying to get attention?

You kept your head down as you tried to walk past the men, but Sandy called out to you.

"Uh miss?"

You glanced over your shoulder.

"Yes?" You whispered meekly.

"I really would like to make it up to you. The whole snapping thing, that is. Would you care for a cup of jasmine tea before you head home?"

You stood still for a few moments, but eventually you nodded the affirmative.

Sandy grabbed his bag and held the door open for you.

You walked out then followed him as he led the way to his place. While the two of you walked Sandy explained that he was going through a stressful week and that caused him to have relapsing outbursts.

Normally they were much more private and less confrontational, but today had been a breaking point. He explained to you about how angry he used to be and how his therapist had helped him through some really dark times in his life.

You listened to every word. His story was deeply captivating and in some ways, it even mirrored yours. After some initial small talk you explained your reaction to his outburst.

You had severe panic attacks from past mistreatment. Exes who could have an entire psych ward beat, and bad habits you were still recovering from.

Sandy was an amazing listener. He nodded and hummed even gasped a few times at the darker parts of your stories. You found yourself opening up to him more as you two had some jasmine tea on his boat.

After you two finished Sandy walked you home and you two parted ways. But the next week you two ran into each other at the therapy offices. You two walked home together and each week became a routine since your appointments were at the same time.

That was until one day in particular. Sandy was late and you worried he was sick. Deciding that a call would bother him, you struck out on your own.

About three blocks away from the offices you ran right into trouble. Your most recent and likely most abusive Ex, Zachary. Zach was an indisputable Narcissist with a temper and a silver tongue.

"My my don't you look lovely this afternoon." Zach flirted falling in step with you.

"U-Uhm thank you, but I really have somewhe-"

"Oh don't mind me. I won't stop you y/n." Zach chuckled with a smirk. "No, I simply wanted to say, 'hello'. Can't a friend say, 'hello' to you? Or are you simply too busy for everyone?"

"N-no I just didn't think-"

Zach scoffed.

"Well that is obvious, isn't it? Where are you headed anyway? That shrink? You always did have special issues that needed inspection."

"The only special issue she has is creeps like you." Sandy growled from behind you.

Zach whirled around but froze when he saw Sandy's build.

You bit your bottom lip to keep your giggles inside as you watched Zach's jaw drop.

"Zach, this is Sandy. My boyfriend." You introduced smugly.

Zach backed away.

"Oh is that the time?! I really have to leave." He rushed away without so much as a glance at his watch.

You burst into laughter and Sandy rose a brow at you.

"Hahaha thank you, Sandy! I don't think he'll bother us again."

Sandy smiled.

"Boyfriend eh?"

You cheeks ignited crimson at the realization of what you'd done.

"Oh! Oh Sandy I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean-"

Sandy held up a hand to silence you.

"Don't apologize. I'm glad we agree."

Now it was your turn to drop your jaw.

"Y-You mean-"

Sandy smirked.

"Y/n, will you be my girlfriend?"

You beamed and nodded happily taking his hand.

"Of course!"

Once you two entered the office your therapist smirked and Sandy's groaned handing over a twenty dollar bill.