Duv "Oopsie" Galeni (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
komarran) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
garrulously2016-05-25 07:47 pm
komarran) wrote in garrulously2016-05-25 07:47 pm
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Edited 2016-09-10 20:28 (UTC)
He's not entirely sure why he's here beyond that it's been too long since he's had his last intimate encounter with anyone and he's noticed recently that his attention has been drawn to... Well. More than just women. He's not sure if it's from his career settling down into something more consistent or it's interest he's ignored since his youth given how clear his father had made his opinions on such relationships.
But he's here on Beta Colony and in the office of a male licensed sexual practitioner. If anyone's going to judge him, he's not going to find them on Beta Colony. He's even found earrings to blend in after careful research, something along the lines of 'still figuring things out with a professional, please don't ask until I'm done,' to help himself blend in. Why the whole planet felt the need to use the damn things, he's not sure, but it's helped him avoid advances he knows he'd get otherwise here.
He'd made it clear when he set up the appointment that he wanted to see where his interest went and needed help in a controlled environment. Despite the boundaries being clear, he can't help but fidget in his seat. It'd be an outright lie to say he hadn't picked this LSP based on appearances and reviews -- if he's going to experiment and pay for it, he may as well get someone he might enjoy. But he can't shake the nerves that have settled in his stomach. One-night stands had never been something he enjoyed and he avoided them. Yet...
Yet here he was. Not a one-time thing, but clearly not a 'relationship' in the traditional sense. Just however long their sessions were deemed necessary. God, he could use a drink about now.
But he's here on Beta Colony and in the office of a male licensed sexual practitioner. If anyone's going to judge him, he's not going to find them on Beta Colony. He's even found earrings to blend in after careful research, something along the lines of 'still figuring things out with a professional, please don't ask until I'm done,' to help himself blend in. Why the whole planet felt the need to use the damn things, he's not sure, but it's helped him avoid advances he knows he'd get otherwise here.
He'd made it clear when he set up the appointment that he wanted to see where his interest went and needed help in a controlled environment. Despite the boundaries being clear, he can't help but fidget in his seat. It'd be an outright lie to say he hadn't picked this LSP based on appearances and reviews -- if he's going to experiment and pay for it, he may as well get someone he might enjoy. But he can't shake the nerves that have settled in his stomach. One-night stands had never been something he enjoyed and he avoided them. Yet...
Yet here he was. Not a one-time thing, but clearly not a 'relationship' in the traditional sense. Just however long their sessions were deemed necessary. God, he could use a drink about now.
Most of the time, Ivan doesn't ever think about where he's from. It's Betan first, and then whenever the looks of no, really, where are you from that he divulges the usual 'Barrayaran refugee, with asylum' spiel that gets sympathy in response, but also incredulity as well. Yeah, he knows, that planet is a hot mess right now, whatever. Ivan's very far away from it, his mother doesn't talk about it, and whatever family he had on it is probably dead or leading the ongoing civil war. Instead of that mess, Ivan finds himself with a job he's mostly good at; there's several reviews that mention his lack of tact. Ivan -- and apparently his bosses -- keep him around for his skill and for his handsome good looks and easy charm.
But getting a Komarran in his office makes him think of Barrayar -- how that planet had lost Komarr, how no one really cares about what's going on in that part of the Nexus unless it's to sell them weapons the moment it springs to a space conflict. It hasn't yet.
The man looks like he's about to jump out from his seat is Ivan's first impression when he enters his office -- older, and his file made it clear that he was attempting to see if he really was bisexual or just in a confused phase of life. Which Ivan sees a lot at this point. He gives the man an open, affable smile as he slides into his seat behind the desk. "David Galen? I'm Ivan. It's a pleasure to meet you."
But getting a Komarran in his office makes him think of Barrayar -- how that planet had lost Komarr, how no one really cares about what's going on in that part of the Nexus unless it's to sell them weapons the moment it springs to a space conflict. It hasn't yet.
The man looks like he's about to jump out from his seat is Ivan's first impression when he enters his office -- older, and his file made it clear that he was attempting to see if he really was bisexual or just in a confused phase of life. Which Ivan sees a lot at this point. He gives the man an open, affable smile as he slides into his seat behind the desk. "David Galen? I'm Ivan. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Yes, he had made a good choice. Seeing Ivan in person was much better than what he had viewed when making his decision. Charming and hopefully as experienced as he seemed given how little David knew what he was doing. He doesn't look any less prepared, but he's at least not jumping out of his seat and even manages to relax a little at the smile.
And at least David isn't staring as his forces his gaze to shift from Ivan's face to the man's desk.
"Ah, yes, it's nice to meet you too," he says and clears his throat. "I was told you could help me?"
And at least David isn't staring as his forces his gaze to shift from Ivan's face to the man's desk.
"Ah, yes, it's nice to meet you too," he says and clears his throat. "I was told you could help me?"
Edited 2016-05-26 02:16 (UTC)
"I've read your file, so we don't need to go over any of the introductory awkwardness that comes with trying to explain yourself," Ivan says, waving away what he assumes are his primary concerns. "But yeah, I think we can help you out. It says here you're uncertain -- did you want to take one of the introductory tests to find out? It says here you haven't, and we normally advise everyone to try. Or you can just-- talk about what you want, what you expect."
And Ivan can work from there, although that's the part he's the worst at. The sex? Yeah, he's great at that. Walking people through their emerging sexuality crisis? Not so much. But he's getting paid, so.
And Ivan can work from there, although that's the part he's the worst at. The sex? Yeah, he's great at that. Walking people through their emerging sexuality crisis? Not so much. But he's getting paid, so.
Thank god for that. He knew the detailed paperwork he filled out had to be good for something and avoiding that initial awkwardness is a damn good use for it.
Ivan's question is one he's thought long and hard on. He sits up straighter, eyes still on the man's desk, as he answers. "I was hoping to take one of them yes. Ah, one of the milder ones." 'Milder' in that he doesn't want to dive right in completely. Surely they had one suited for the incredibly confused and sexually timid? Though this was Beta Colony.
Ivan's question is one he's thought long and hard on. He sits up straighter, eyes still on the man's desk, as he answers. "I was hoping to take one of them yes. Ah, one of the milder ones." 'Milder' in that he doesn't want to dive right in completely. Surely they had one suited for the incredibly confused and sexually timid? Though this was Beta Colony.
It is Beta Colony, which means they absolutely have a mild one just for people like him. "Well, we've got one that scales how attracted you are to each gender, although by requesting me I'm going to say you know what you want, in theory. So uh, we'll just set you up with one so you've got proof of your attraction, and then one of the tests that judges your reactions to various sex acts so we have someplace to start. Sound good?"
In theory this all sounded so much easier. Come in, do a few sessions, have his life all figured out. Why couldn't anything fit neatly into his plans? Or at this point, he'd settle for the plans his father had. But no, he's in someone's office and is painfully aware the other man knows David thinks he's attractive.
Wonderful.
He rubs the back of his neck and fights back a creeping blush. This is what he's here for dammit, it shouldn't be that hard. "Yes, I'd like that." It was as good a place as any to start when he had no idea what to do himself.
Wonderful.
He rubs the back of his neck and fights back a creeping blush. This is what he's here for dammit, it shouldn't be that hard. "Yes, I'd like that." It was as good a place as any to start when he had no idea what to do himself.
Ivan beams back at him, wide and charming. "Right." Fishing around in his desk, he brings up the small instruments and a small holovid screen. "I'll help you get this on and queue something up -- do you want me to leave you alone while you watch?"
He stands up again, untangling the wires before pressing small pads to Duv's temples, brushing the hair back. "This'll take the readings that'll show up here," he says waving the small machine in his other hand, "and when you're done we'll go through the results together."
Beta Colony -- all about open discussion regarding sex, no problem.
Beta Colony -- all about open discussion regarding sex, no problem.
David freezes as Ivan's hands near him. His heartbeat quickens a moment and he lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding once Ivan pulls away. This is going to be a long, long session. Why did they have to be so thorough?
"Ah right," he says lamely as he clears his throat. He manages not to fidget in his seat until he's left along with the holovid display. This is for his benefit, he really should just relax.
David can make a good guess as to what the results say about his interests. Women more obviously catch his eye though men are ranking a close second despite the bubbling of nerves and burst of shyness that comes up every time he sees one he's attracted to. Sexual acts in general earn shy responses though it's clear he has a keen interest in intimacy and closeness with his partner above all else.
By the time the 'test' is over, he's flushed and not entirely sure how he's going to handle the talking portion of this.
"Ah right," he says lamely as he clears his throat. He manages not to fidget in his seat until he's left along with the holovid display. This is for his benefit, he really should just relax.
David can make a good guess as to what the results say about his interests. Women more obviously catch his eye though men are ranking a close second despite the bubbling of nerves and burst of shyness that comes up every time he sees one he's attracted to. Sexual acts in general earn shy responses though it's clear he has a keen interest in intimacy and closeness with his partner above all else.
By the time the 'test' is over, he's flushed and not entirely sure how he's going to handle the talking portion of this.
David is... he's not like Ivan's usual clients, that's for sure. Most men come to him for help at getting more comfortable with having sex with men, women too -- although he's found that most women tend to opt for hermaphrodites or other women to get comfortable. Someone shy about sex in general, though? And requiring a build in intimacy before the other man would feel comfortable having sex? Ivan'd be better off handing this to someone else.
"Well you are attracted to men, so you can put that fear to rest," he says with a smile, "and the test indicates that there's an overall hesitancy towards sex, but that you're more open with the idea of it with someone you feel an emotional, non-sexual intimacy with first." Ivan sets the device back down on his desk, and fishes out a pamphlet of flimsies as well as calling up a schedule on his comm. "So we'll schedule a few meetings to help encourage that before moving onto anything explicitly sexual."
Another grin, and he hands a pamphlet over to the other man. "That's a list of various approved sex acts -- read it over, mark which ones interest you, and bring it back to me at our next appointment. If you'd like to try any of the masturbation ideas on your own, there's an LSP approved and run sex shop two floors up that'll help you with anything you might need."
"Well you are attracted to men, so you can put that fear to rest," he says with a smile, "and the test indicates that there's an overall hesitancy towards sex, but that you're more open with the idea of it with someone you feel an emotional, non-sexual intimacy with first." Ivan sets the device back down on his desk, and fishes out a pamphlet of flimsies as well as calling up a schedule on his comm. "So we'll schedule a few meetings to help encourage that before moving onto anything explicitly sexual."
Another grin, and he hands a pamphlet over to the other man. "That's a list of various approved sex acts -- read it over, mark which ones interest you, and bring it back to me at our next appointment. If you'd like to try any of the masturbation ideas on your own, there's an LSP approved and run sex shop two floors up that'll help you with anything you might need."
Edited 2016-05-26 21:01 (UTC)
He slumps into his chair as he listens to Ivan analyze his results. All things he knew, somewhere in his mind, but hadn't been able to put words to. That explained why all the attempts at arranged bondings had failed and caused things to get heated more than once between him and his father.
A small sigh escapes his lips as he accepts the pamphlet to look over. That should be easy and simple to do, right? He hopes. A few of the positions listed cause that tinge of his to deepen and he quickly closes it. He'll give it a better perusal later.
"I don't think that'll be necessary," he murmurs before raising his voice to a more even tone. "How frequent of meetings would you recommend?"
A small sigh escapes his lips as he accepts the pamphlet to look over. That should be easy and simple to do, right? He hopes. A few of the positions listed cause that tinge of his to deepen and he quickly closes it. He'll give it a better perusal later.
"I don't think that'll be necessary," he murmurs before raising his voice to a more even tone. "How frequent of meetings would you recommend?"
"The stop by the shop might not be, but the masturbation isn't optional. The idea is to get yourself comfortable with your own body in the hopes that will ease any embarrassment you might feel. And provide you with a template of what you like and don't like. Technology can only do so much, unless you're willing to try one of our more immersive tests." Ivan doesn't figure he is. David's got a doctorate, doesn't he? Ivan remembers seeing as much, and not the medical kind. He doesn't seem the type. "Think of it like homework. And there's plenty of free stuff to watch, too, if you need help getting into the mood."
As for his other question, well. "Once or twice a week should be fine. We can go longer once we're past establishing intimacy if you've got lingering questions or concerns."
As for his other question, well. "Once or twice a week should be fine. We can go longer once we're past establishing intimacy if you've got lingering questions or concerns."
Of course that part wouldn't be optional. "No, I think I'll pass on that kind of test. Am I going to have to turn something else in besides this?" he asks dryly as he holds up the pamphlet. At this point, he wouldn't be surprised if he got graded on this too.
But he's paying the man and if this is what he needs to do then he should at least try. "You, ah, wouldn't happen to have a list of those free sources...?" he asks, finally meeting Ivan's gaze.
But he's paying the man and if this is what he needs to do then he should at least try. "You, ah, wouldn't happen to have a list of those free sources...?" he asks, finally meeting Ivan's gaze.
"No, this is all that I'm going to ask for, for now." With the implication being if David doesn't, Ivan will have to find a way to get the other man to start getting more comfortable and relaxed with the idea of sex at all. But his question about the sources is, Ivan thinks, a sign of him at least willing to try. Good, he hates coaxing people into this. Seducing is fine and easy, but this is work.
"Yeah," he says, going back to digging through the files on his desk before coming up with a list. "Feelie shows, what holovid channels, it's all right there."
"Yeah," he says, going back to digging through the files on his desk before coming up with a list. "Feelie shows, what holovid channels, it's all right there."
He nods and adds the list to his growing stack of materials. This isn't how he envisioned his meeting with an LSP going, but then again he wasn't sure what to expect when he first scheduled it. Just that he was going to give it a try dammit and this was his best opportunity for it.
"Thank you, these should help." Maybe. He won't know unless he tries. "I'll be sure to schedule my next set of appointments as soon as I leave." Thankfully he can have them recurring with ease. The best part about him taking a sabbatical for this venture was that his time was completely flexible.
"Thank you, these should help." Maybe. He won't know unless he tries. "I'll be sure to schedule my next set of appointments as soon as I leave." Thankfully he can have them recurring with ease. The best part about him taking a sabbatical for this venture was that his time was completely flexible.
Ivan flashes him an encouraging grin before standing, holding his hand out for David to shake. "Just let Reception know, and we'll set up a time. I look forward to our next appointment."
He should refer him to someone else, Ivan thinks, very briefly. But he'd been trained in all of this just like anyone else, and David requested him. What's the worst that could happen?
He should refer him to someone else, Ivan thinks, very briefly. But he'd been trained in all of this just like anyone else, and David requested him. What's the worst that could happen?
He manages a small, shy smile as he stands and accepts Ivan's hand. Since he began planning this trip to Beta Colony, he'd been nervous about what he'd find here. So far, he's gotten rattled and obtained some peace of mind. At least the man's grin makes up for much of that and David thinks he won't mind these sessions so much.
"Thank you, I appreciate it." And he's out the door and heading right for Reception to schedule his appointments. A couple times a week shouldn't be too difficult on him.
"Thank you, I appreciate it." And he's out the door and heading right for Reception to schedule his appointments. A couple times a week shouldn't be too difficult on him.
The 'homework' he'd been given had been more difficult than he expected. It's only been a week since his first appointment to give him time to look over the materials given and he's not sure he's really ready for his next session. The masturbating hadn't even been the hard part, it had been the careful consideration of every damn sex act described in the pamphlet that he had to rate an interest in that gave him pause. This was going to be seen by someone. A professional, but still a someone.
In the end, he forces himself to be brutally honest. There was no point in paying for help from a LSP if he was going to lie to them. That's what he told himself and it had kept him calm right up until he's outside the man's door.
If he survived graduate school, he can survive figuring out his sex life. He takes a deep breath and heads into the office to settle in for his first real meeting.
In the end, he forces himself to be brutally honest. There was no point in paying for help from a LSP if he was going to lie to them. That's what he told himself and it had kept him calm right up until he's outside the man's door.
If he survived graduate school, he can survive figuring out his sex life. He takes a deep breath and heads into the office to settle in for his first real meeting.
This time Ivan's already sitting at his desk, going through flimsies with a lightpen -- scribbling a note here and there, like you can't market me as a 'galactic', I've lived here for twenty-seven out of twenty-eight years. He looks up when David enters, setting aside his work and smiling.
"David, hey. Take a seat," he says, gesturing to one of the ones in front of the desk.
"David, hey. Take a seat," he says, gesturing to one of the ones in front of the desk.
"Hello, Ivan." He takes a deep breath as he sits down, flimsies in his lap for the moment. "I brought that flimsy back."
How could he forget about it? Not that he's eager to hand it over to the man. His hands toy with the edges of it for a moment before he slides it onto the desk.
How could he forget about it? Not that he's eager to hand it over to the man. His hands toy with the edges of it for a moment before he slides it onto the desk.
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