[h1][b][i][color=CC99FF][center]Dorian Stephen Gray[/center][/color][/i][/b][/h1][center][img]https://media2.giphy.com/media/ZTlsE3rVFCaOY/giphy.gif[/img][/center][center][/center][hr][center][color=CC99FF][b]Location[/b][/color]: Dr. Whitehall's Therapy Office, School
[color=CC99FF][b]Skills[/b][/color]: N/A
[color=CC99FF][b]Fit Of The Day[/b][/color]: [/center]
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Dr. Maeve Whitehall paced back and forth, a file in between her thump and pointer finger. The file on Dorian Gray was an interesting read. A cursory glance showed no immediate signs of needing therapy, but a piece of paper rarely told everything. And someone whose powers involved possession certainly would have a lot of stories to tell.

__________________________________________

When Dorian entered the office he would see light gray walls with black swirls woven throughout. There would be a window with a setting sun, dusk. The sitting area held two couches, both black, with white and gray pillows on them. There was also a white armchair. The coffee table was white as well and had a teapot and two cups on it. There was also some books held underneath the coffee table.

Maeve sat on the armchair and looked over. [color=968dd5]”Hello Dorian. My name is Dr. Maeve Whitehall, but you can call me Maeve or Dr. Whitehall, whichever you prefer. Please have a seat where you feel most comfortable. And help yourself to some tea if you would like. I did not know what flavor you prefer so I brought some choices.”[/color] The choices included mint, lemon, chai, cinnamon, and black.

Dorian eyed the space before him, trying to hold back some commentary on the immediate need for a redesign. The walls felt like something in between a padded room and a rorschach test. The couches didn't help with the design either, the room felt cold, almost sterile, compared to where he grew up. There was never lack of color back home, and antiques that showed various lives lived bringing warmth and life into the space. He sat on the couch at an angle, leaning onto the pillow in the corned as he placed his ankle over one knee before propping forward at the mention of teas. [Color=CC99FF]”Ah, I'll take t'e cinnamon if ya don't mind. T'ough do you mind of i call you just…doc? Your first name seems too unprofessional and the latter is a mout'ful you know?”[/color]

Maeve smiled knowingly. [color=968dd5]”Doc is fine. Also, please let me know what to change in this room. I’ll admit design is not my strong suit. No need to worry about my feelings. I worked with what I knowledge I had, which was very little.”[/color] She handed Dorian a packet of cinnamon tea while she took some mint. She would wait for Dorian to pour his hot water first.

Dorian's eyebrow raised as he crossed his legs and sat criss-cross on the couch as he poured his hot water over his tea bag. [Color=CC99FF]”Mind readin’? Isn't t'at kinda like cheatin’ in your profession? But if you truly want my opinion, it's never a ‘arsh one. Just add some t'ings from your own life in ‘ere. Travels, no photos t'ats dangerous, but knick knacks and interests to let your clients know you're well…human? Bad term given the vastness of t'e world but you get what I'm sayin’.”[/color]

Maeve nodded. In an instant, the room shifted. The walls changed color and maneuvered around the room. The sitting area remained the same but now the table had little knick knacks on it like a snowglobe from Ireland and a pink bear beanie babie. Maeve’s diplomas hung from the wall and there was a painting of a woman who appeared equal parts happy and sad. The colors also shifted to neutral tones.

[color=968dd5]”Oh no mind reading here. Just basic information given to me from your headmaster. And even then I only asked for the basics. Hope this is better.”

“So before we get started, can I ask: Have you been in therapy before?”[/color]

So even Coulson knew who the two best decorators in AA were. Good to know. But the question posed by the Good Doctor, puzzled Dorian. Shouldn't that have been on a record if he had or hadn't? Wouldn't she already know? [Color=CC99FF]”No? But I feel as t'ough you already know t'at so why ask? And on t'at subject…I'm not really sure why I am ‘ere.”[/color]

[color=968dd5]”The only thing I know about you Dorian is what powers you have and a general sense of your likes and dislikes. I’ve asked to go into these sessions with you and your classmates blind, essentially, because that is how we will get the best work done. So I ask because that sets the groundwork. With that said, anything we discuss here in this room stays in this room. Despite Coulson strongly suggesting therapy, I will not report back to him anything said unless you give me permission to. This is called confidentiality.”

“There are some stipulations to confidentiality though that, if they occur, I may have to break it. That includes if you have any desire to want to hurt yourself or others, if there is child abuse or vulnerable adult abuse, or if the authorities get involved and ask for my records, but even then I would fight back on that.”

“Let me be an annoying doctor at you for a moment and answer your question with another: Why do you think you were asked to be here? Can you come up with some examples?”[/color]

Dorian only really thought of one reason why Coulson would request this mandatory therapy session. Sure he wasn't present when it was talked about, but he knew this had to do with that night with Arcade. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, taking a sip of his tea before placing the cup down. [Color=CC99FF]”I can only t'ink t'is ‘as somet'in to do wit’ t'at night wit’ Arcade. But i don't see what hand of t'at requires t'erapy? Not'in’ bad or out of t'e ordinary ‘appened. I'm at a school to become a [i]super[/i]’ero. T'ere are known risks to t'at job and t'at was one of t'em.”[/color]

Mave nodded, sipping her own tea she poured. [color=968dd5]”Let me ask another question then: Do you think police officers should attend therapy? Firefighters? Paramedics? Soldiers?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Don't t'ey? I'm sure t'ey ‘ave mandated t'erapy as hearin someone's last breat’ or certain scenarios may be too much for…oh. I see. Ha ha.”[/color] Dorian understood now where she was coming from, but still almost wished to roll his eyes at her. [I]He[/i] didn't need therapy. [I]He[/i] was fine. He grew up for a large chunk at Xavier's School for Gifted Children, did she know how often that place blew up? At least once a semester. [Color=CC99FF]”Do you t'ink i need t'erapy?”[/color]

[color=968dd5]”I think [i]everyone[/i] needs therapy. Therapy isn’t just for people who have identifiable needs like depression or trauma. Some people attend therapy just to have a private space to talk about whatever they need to. Some people like having a neutral person who has their best interest at heart to speak to.”

“But I see you caught on to what I was hinting at. Even heroes need therapy. People may look at such people like Captain America and see a shining example of someone who has it together, but no one really knows what someone has going on under it all. And it isn’t fair for us to assume that just because someone is a hero doesn’t mean they do not need help or that admitting you do makes you anything less than a hero.”

“The situation with Arcade was the catalyst to this, sure, but I imagine some of you handled the situation better than others. This can be more of a space you create for yourself to get what you need out of it. Think of me as an additional support to the many you have already at your disposal.”[/color]

A part of Dorian wondered how many of the heros he's met with have gone to therapy themselves. And how many of them had been with Maeve. He didn't lingered on that though too long as she moved from one point to another, and he had to guess that he was some of the ones who had handled it better. [Color=CC99FF]”I t'ink my upbringin’just…changed my views on a lot of t'is. Xavier's school saw it's own amount of accidents far bigger t'an t'is, Beyond t'at deat’ itself isn't exactly finite. Not only is revival a mutants greatest gift, but it's my families legacy. My takeaway from t'is…catalyst is t'at I'm glad I was able to overcome our first enemy while also ‘elpin’ t'em in the process to become a better person. Arcade didn't need a beatin’ ‘e needed ‘elp.”[/color]

[color=968dd5]”I think it takes a strong person to look at someone who has hurt others, others you are close to, and want them to get help. From the sounds of it, Arcade will be getting just that.”[/color] Maeve knew of some of the mutant students from Xavier, and she herself had spoken to Charles on more than one occasion, so she knew the instances Dorian was speaking of.

[color=968dd5]”Death is scary for some, comforting for others, and maybe even just a part of life with no bearing. How we are raised alters us, sure. Nature vs. nurture. What defines ‘family’ for you?”[/color]

Dorian puffed out his chest a little when she mentioned it took someone strong to do what he did. As if she was somehow affirming his ability for heroism. Everyone he looked up to was someone who was known to care for their enemies, who wanted them to get better and could see the good in them. So to hear her say that felt reassuring. He wasn't sure how to answer that question at all however. It was silly, it should be easy, and if asked who his family was that was even easier. But what [i]defined[/i] a family? He didn't know. [Color=CC99FF]”T’at's…a bit ‘arder to explain. ‘Ow would you describe one?”[/color]

[color=968dd5]”That’s a fair question. I would define family as the people I have chosen to include in my life that give me the support and love I need. That’s a brief definition though and there’s nuance to it. Like, do I consider siblings family just because they are blood? Not always the case for everyone. And do I blindly include all friends as family? Maybe, but some friends are good for fun while others are good for support. There’s no right or wrong definition, I would say. It varies person to person. I have a good support system in my life with people I say are in my family, even if I am not related to them. Does that make sense?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”We ‘ave t'e same idea t'en. It's not easy to describe, and I ‘ave no blood relations to speak of…but t'ere are friends and friends of t'e family t'at we all consider family, and while t'ere are ot'er friends t'at can offer support at times i don't see t'em as family, merely just as good friends. It's all a little different when you're adopted from tragedy.”[/color]

[color=968dd5]”We create bonds for different reasons. Sometimes out of necessity, sometimes for support, sometimes for enjoyment. Neither is above the other. As long as those you hold in regard provide support in whatever capacity you need then those bonds are treasured.”

“You mention being adopted from tragedy. Would you care to elaborate on that? You do not have to at this time if you do not feel up to it. We can adress it at a later time, provided you wish to continue with this.”[/color]

Dorian shrugged at the request. It wasn't something he even remembered, more a story he was told. He was so young when it happened. [Color=CC99FF]”I don't see us meeting again but if it ‘elps you out sure. I was too young to actually remember anyt’in’. Just a baby. T'is was shortly after t'e fall of Genosha, my pa was doin’ ‘is usual sidework, ‘elpin’ mutants find better ‘omes. Ones wit'out persecution, or at least as much of it. Flatscans moved too quick, killed my parents before pa could show up. Found me amongst it all and took me in. Not much else beyond it.”[/color] 

[color=968dd5]”I am so sorry to hear that Dorian. For what it is worth, you have my sympathies. You may have been too young to remember it but that experience still sticks around with you. But this is also why it is important to have those bonds we talked about. As an example, who would you consider to be some of your immediate supports as school?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Danni and April.”[/color] Dorian replied instantly with a smile on his face. [Color=CC99FF]”We've known each ot'er forever, always dreamed to win t'e Contest of Champions toget'er some year and t'is is t'e year we do it!”[/color]  It had to be. 

[color=968dd5]”That’s wonderful. That contest is on everyone’s lips, it seems. I’ll admit I know only a little about it, but from what I do hear it is a big deal. What do you think of your chances of winning this year?”[/color] Maeve knew of the teams so far. The Young Avengers were pretty much the favorites to win, didn’t need to be brought up. 

[Color=CC99FF]”We are a shoe in to win. T'e Young Avengers are gonna ‘ave to watch out.”[/color] Dorian replied excitedly, clearly amped for the coming contest. 

Maeve smiled warmly. It was nice to see genuine happiness radiating off of someone. [color=968dd5]”I’ll have to keep a close eye on it then. I tend to not pay too much attention, but perhaps I’ll make an exception this year.”

“What are you doing to prepare for the contest then? How do you psyche yourself up for such a momentous event?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”You should totally watch t'is years! T'e past few years were blasé. Sure t'e first year of t'e Young Avengers were excitin’ but after t'at it's t'e same ol same ol. I ‘ate to put t'em in t'ier place just before t'ey leave but it'll show just ‘own amazin’ we are! T'e undefeated champs taken down by some underdogs! Our last training session maaayyyy ‘ave pushed too far but we learned and moved forward!”[/color]

[color=968dd5]”Well it’s hard to say no to that. You said your last training session may have pushed you all too far. What do you mean by that? It’s easy to see people training for things can oftentimes exert themselves too far and it could have some negative consequences, like injuries. Were all of you okay after the training?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Good.”[/color] Dorian nodded affirmingly to Maeves acceptance that she would be viewing this year's contest. [Color=CC99FF]”Oh, well, our last trainin’ session is what landed us ‘ere. In an attempt to get ahead we accidentally put ourselves in danger.”[/color]

Maeve figured that was the case. [color=968dd5]”And what do you make of that? Do you regret going in for the extra training to help you and your team? Do yu regret doing what you had to to survive? Do you regret what happened with Arcade at the end? Do you regret how the aftermath was handled, Coulson’s decision and ultimately leading you here with me?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”Woah woah woah. One question at all time mon ami.”[/color] Dorian said as he held up is hands in a stopping motion before putting up five fingers and counting down on them as he answered questions. 

[Color=CC99FF]” I t'ink some of t'e people involved took it too far from what I'd ‘eard. We broke t'e rules, we chose to ignore t'e schools safety guidelines, I don't see why t'ey got all upset at Coulson. Personally I t'ink t'ey were just upset wit’ t'emselves and projected it outwards at Coulson.”[/color] A finger went down. 

[Color=CC99FF]” I don't regret doin’ it. I t'ink it showed us all somet'in valuable bot’ in workin’ as a team as well as t'e dangers of breakin’ rules to get ahead. As for doin’ what i needed to do survive? I didn't do it for me. I did what I ‘ad to to ‘elp t'e ot'ers survive. As for Cadie, I'm not really sure [i]what[/i] ‘appened. I feel bad ‘e felt ‘e didn't ‘ave friends or family to lean on and went evil instead. But everyone deserves a second chance, because everyone ‘as some good in t'em. T'ey just need to find it.”[/color] One finger remained, and he stared at it for a moment longer before finally answering. 

[Color=CC99FF]”I don't know. I t'ink t'is may be good for some, bad for ot'ers, and unneeded for t'e rest.”[/color] Dorian said as he shrugged and placed his final finger down. 

[color=968dd5]”Maybe you can give me an example of when it would be bad for someone? I’ll admit there are therapists out there unqualified in their position, doing harm. But I also argue that everyone needs therapy, in some form or another. If for no other reason than to have a space to share and unload.”[/color]

Dorian wasn't sure how to answer exactly. He thought on it for a moment, drinking the rest of his tea before finally speaking again. [Color=CC99FF]”Some people may ‘ave negative emotions towards it. So tellin’ t'em t'ey need t'erapy may push t'em furt'er away t'an actually ‘elp t'em at first. I don't t'ink it's bad in t'e long run but…at first it may be a bit ‘armful.”[/color] 

[color=968dd5]”I would agree with that. I will challenge you on negative emotions. There is no such thing as a negative emotion. All emotions are healthy and valid. Anger and sadness, sure, we don’t like experiencing that, but they are necessary. It is how we process those emotions and what we do with them that can be negative. Punching a wall, for example, or staying in bed all day and not eating.”

“But let me step off my soapbox. Did you have any other thoughts or concerns regarding the situation with Arcade? Or any questions for me about anything?”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”I was told ‘e'd be given a fair trail and ‘elp. Was t'at t'e case? Did ‘e get t'e ‘elp ‘e needed?”[/color] Dorian asked, his gaze fixated on the floor beneath him. He didnt have any other questions about his session or anything. All that was running through his mind was what happened to Arcade. To Ed. He deserved a second chance. 

[color=968dd5]”I believe he was given help. I can double check but he does still need to face some punishment for what he did, but I will offer my own thoughts on his mental state and willingness to change.”

“With that Dorian, I think this is a good stopping point. Again, this can be regular or a one-off. If you do wish to continue we can discuss how often. And if you decide you are fine with just the one know that I will still be available for you when you need it. Door is always open.”[/color]

[Color=CC99FF]”T'anks Doc. I don't t'ink I'll need more but…can I get your card just in case?”[/color]

Maeve stood up and walked over to her desk, picking up one of her cards. She returned and handed it to Dorian. [color=968dd5]”You can call any time. And I’ll be keeping an eye on the contest. I’ll be rooting for you.”[/color]