Prompt #1: "Who are you?"

[doctordominator]

Character: Michael Anders
Fandom: Original
Word Count: 407

I was really hoping that, about now, my answer to that would be different than it's turned out to be. When I planned out my life, people asking that question today were supposed to get the answer:

"Lieutenant Michael Anders, U.S. Navy, Top Gun."

I had it all worked out and it was going so smoothly, too. Summers at Aviation Challenge every year, NROTC, everything. I was go for launch.

But there's this joke I heard once. "How do you make God laugh?"

The answer: "Tell Him your plans."

I hadn't planned on a drunk driver when I was figuring my life out. I hadn't planned on encountering him while I was driving back to my dorm one night. I guess he was so drunk he thought he was a moth or something, because he went straight for my headlights. That night, he died and my life ended. At least, the life I'd planned for.

I was a Freshman at the time. I'd been so pleased with myself; going to college a year early and all. I guess it was lucky for me that I did, because the physical therapy took a year before I was even ready to go back to classes; instead of ending up behind, I was more or less right "on schedule." Just not any schedule I'd filled out. I was lucky. By graduation, I was able to walk up and receive my degree without any really noticeable limp.

My dreams of being a Navy pilot were ended, though. I'd recovered and I was even in damned good shape, but I couldn't pass the physical and no way would they let me play air-jockey in a multi-million-dollar plane. Fortunately, I'd found a new set of goals. It was my physical therapy that started it, along with the therapy I got to work through my feelings of loss and frustration. Post-trauma therapy fascinated me. I ended up majoring in Psychology instead of Aeronautics, and going to medical school after my graduation.

So now, here I am. I started my practice a year ago, and it's finally starting to go somewhere. And when people ask me that question, this is what they hear:

"Dr. Michael Anders, Psychiatrist."

That's not who I planned to be, but it's definitely who I am. And it turns out that it's more than enough.

And yes, there is another answer to that question... but that answer can't be given here.

Comments

[doctordominator]

What kind of edgeplay is she into? Ryan might be interested. He's been subless for a while and it's really starting to show.

Oh GOD, if they want to make it I can probably help finance it. XD

[odalisquekitten.insanejournal.com]

Hahaha, more like what kind of edgeplay isn't she into! She says the same about me, but... I've got a plant and a cardboard cat, so what else could I possibly need?

Awesome!

[doctordominator]

I think we might have to try setting the two of them up. Do you keep your plant well-watered?

It'll certainly be interesting! XD

[odalisquekitten.insanejournal.com]

That could be fun! And if they hit it off, Anne would love me forever, so... this is a very good thing. XD It's a cactus... named Gor. ;D

[doctordominator]

That definitely sounds like a very good thing!

XD Okay, your sense of humor is top-notch!

[odalisquekitten.insanejournal.com]

Yes, it would be an awesome thing!

Thanks! Next paycheck, I might get a spider plant, too. ;D

[doctordominator]

This is a definite plan, then! Uh oh, one question. Does she do the goth makeup thing voluntarily? Because he's not into that any more than I am.

[odalisquekitten.insanejournal.com]

Gosh no! She doesn't work at the gallery, either -- she works at a marketing firm and is a creative assistant. I live for the day I don't have to do it!

[doctordominator]

Wear the makeup or work at the gallery?

[odalisquekitten.insanejournal.com]

Isn't that a loaded question! Moreso the former than the latter, really. I figure I'm putting in my time and paying my dues, and can't get too cranky about it.

[doctordominator]

What are you paying your dues for? What's your ambition?

[odalisquekitten.insanejournal.com]

Jobs in the art world are hard to come by, and it's taken me two years to get to at least assist with the exhibitions. I'd love to own my own gallery one day... in about thirty or so years!

[doctordominator]

Why so long? I think I should introduce you to my mom. She knows everybody.

[odalisquekitten.insanejournal.com]

It'll take that long to meet enough people to be well-known, and to save up the money to start one.

[doctordominator]

I'm definitely introducing you to my mother, then. She knows all the ins and outs.

[odalisquekitten.insanejournal.com]

Thanks, but I'm... being stubborn :D?

[doctordominator]

Meeting her won't hurt, though :D?

[odalisquekitten.insanejournal.com]

No, it wouldn't! I'm just still shocked that she's actually planning to come to Alex's show -- if I tell you something, will you promise not to tell her? Please?

[doctordominator]

I promise. I'll treat any secrets you tell me with the same confidentiality my patients get. Even more because there won't be any notes in a chart somewhere, either. ;)

[odalisquekitten.insanejournal.com]

Thank you! And same for you, too.

I am the model for his show, every last image. There are some that aren't on display, thank God, because they do show a little more than what Sharon and the gallery are comfortable with. So... just don't tell her it's me, please?

[doctordominator]

I promise, your secret is safe with me. Will it bother you if I buy any of the pictures? I don't want to make you uncomfortable, but Shibari is something I really like a lot.

[odalisquekitten.insanejournal.com]

Thank you! :D

No, not if it doesn't bother you. I mean hey, it'll be like, "Yeah, that sassy, cranky sub is all tied up and ON MY WALL! Muahahaha!" or something to that effect. ;D Somewhere, there must be a Shibari = Love bumpersticker and one day it will be mine... so long as my parents don't know about it!

[doctordominator]

You're welcome! :D

More like "Yeah, that really cool friend of mine who once called me Doctor Dweeb is on my wall but I'm not actually going to tell anybody that's who it is, muahahahahaha." :D

There's a place that will print custom bumper stickers.

[odalisquekitten.insanejournal.com]

I really am sorry sorry about that too, and feel rather guilty about it actually. If OTK were your kind of thing, I'd willingly submit to it to clear my conscience. Feel free to decline the offer though. Really and truly! XD

Ooooh, could be tempting!

[doctordominator]

OTK can be fun. Is that something you'd really want to have happen within the parameters of our relationship? Because you are tempting me.