third week of the month (Sean)

It was that time of the month again. And before it sounds too weird, it was the time when Ice usually found his way to Dr. Neville's office. It was never any given day, no pre-set date, but it was usually in about the same time frame, which happened to be the third week of the month. At that point Ice had things under control in his classes, but more time meant less work and less stress, which lead to some annoying dreams when he couldn't control them. That, in turn, then lead to self-loathing and some other feelings he usually tried to repress, but instead of fighting it as hard as he used to (and nearly killing his brains in the process) he just went over to Sean and talked it out. So people didn't like shrinks but Ice found that some were actually a lot of help, so he didn't complain or whine or anything. He just did what was best for him and ignored what anyone else was saying. Besides, apart from Sean no one really knew what he was up to for those few hours on one afternoon.

Of course he always alerted the psychiatrist before-hand, at least giving him a day before he actually appeared in the office. It was much easier that way because then he didn't intrude on any other sessions and also he didn't think just barging in would make a lasting impression. Ice had known Sean since being schooled at the institute so he knew a thing or two about the man and how he helped those here. That was always a good thing. Of course he didn't fool himself - Sean probably knew Ice better than he did himself. It was bound to happen throughout the history of his monthly visits to this office. So in any case, it was better to come here than wallow or do anything else of the sort that could cause him those severe migraines again or increase his paranoia. He had enough of that during a normal day; of course he knew it was just a side-effect, but it was like that thought was closed behind bullet-proof, sound-proof glass and the rest of him couldn't hear it. The paranoia was always there.

Like right now when his head jerked around before he berated himself and finished the trek to the office, knowing the only one behind him could be a student or another professor - now way there'd be anyone else. At least, not someone who'd be out for him or something equally stupid. Ice rubbed his forehead and stopped in front of the familiar door, lifting a hand but checking behind him just to be sure. Stupid paranoia. Then his knuckles rapped lightly against the frame before he waited to be admitted, and for the customary question - answer talk to begin.