anywhere but here | kristine

[rhys alexander greyback]

tell me lies

soothe my soul

January 30, 2029
kristine finch

Merlin, if this wasn’t the hangover that made Rhys grateful, he was due to be in St. Mungo’s that day. Rhys would likely keel over while sitting in the waiting room, and at least Healers were in the general area. They specialized in psychiatry, but they’d still keep him alive, right? The waiting room was quiet, with hardly anyone but Rhys there. This made him feel self-conscious. Rhys’s general anxiety and restlessness left him fidgeting constantly despite the urge to simply lean his head on his hand and perhaps nap for a few minutes until his name was called.

Once again, Rhys had forgotten to take his Aware Wolf doses. Time wasn’t real when you weren’t completely sober. Fortunately, his phone and a text from Sarah reminded Rhys that the full moon was approaching. So, he took his bottle of whatever he was drinking and took residence in the werewolf hotel for the night. His body hurt from the transformation and the hangover. His skull throbbed, and the low buzz from the fluorescent lighting threatened to drive him mad. It was torturous, really. And to top it off, Rhys was starving. The only time slot St. Mungo’s had that wasn’t six weeks out was a morning appointment as if this whole charade couldn’t get any worse.

The bank forced Rhys here so he could keep his job and seniority. Plus, his lawyer also pushed him here as Rhys tried to figure out his next steps toward fighting Sage’s attempts to keep him away from his daughter. The thought always angered him, which didn’t help his headache. The hangover potion he’d bought from the shop wasn’t doing a thing either. Now, if he could just get this over with. What would he have to do? Explain his side to the Healer and have her sign some paperwork? Seemed easy enough.

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[kristine finch]

Kris started her day by stepping in a large mound of chuddy on the sidewalk on her walk to work. Her new Docs were compromised but not destroyed. It was more embarrassing that she didn't notice and a kind samaritan informed her of the unfortunate situation. That wasn't enough to ruin her day though. Especially after she scarfed down an iced coffee and flakey croissant as a form of emotional therapy.

One thing Kris loved about her job was that every day was different. Most days she didn't know what to expect, which she enjoyed about her profession. This morning she was designated to speak with a troubled fellow and sign off on his paperwork involving occupational and legal matters. Rhys Greyback. Greyback. She recognized that name but wasn't sure why.

A clipboard floated beside Kris as she entered the empty waiting room, she reached for the clipboard to read a name on the thick file. "Rhys Greyback?" she called out in an authoritative tone as her eyes searched the room, offering him a quick but warm smile and nod. "G'day. Follow me this way please.." she stated as she started down the long hallway and stopped in front of the door of one of the private exam rooms with a squeak of her shoes as she turned to face the door.

Kris held open the door, a faint smell of alcohol lingered in the air as the man passed her. "Hi, I'm Kris Finch." she introduced herself before taking a seat in an arm chair, gesturing with a calm gesture for him to take a seat. These moments were always a little awkward because she wasn't quite sure what kind of day her patient was having.

"Please take a seat wherever you're comfortable." There was a second arm chair and an exam table, not many other places to be comfortable, but she always tried to be courteous. "Can you explain to me why you're here today?" she asked him kindly.


rhys alexander greyback

[rhys alexander greyback]

tell me lies

soothe my soul

January 30, 2029
kristine finch

Thankfully, his name was called. However, it felt unnecessary as he was the only person in the waiting room. The Healer seemed young and familiar, but faces often felt familiar to Rhys as he traveled frequently. For now, he kept quiet as he followed her down the hall. Other healers passed them but paid them no attention. And there wasn’t a sound from any of the different rooms. It wasn’t what Rhys was accustomed to from St. Mungo’s. The other floors were far busier and noisier. It was unsettling.

She held the door open, and he walked into an office of sorts, where he took a seat. At least she saved him the trouble of small talk. Rhys had never done one of these appointments before, so he wasn’t sure what to expect. Or what did this person know? Wouldn’t some paperwork have been sent her way? Who knows. Rhys cleared his throat, looking around at his strange new surroundings. ”Work says I have to be.” It was the truth. ”Or they won’t let me go back.” It was perfect, really. Especially with everything else Sage was putting him through.

Quickly feeling frustrated, Rhys slumped a little in the chair. It was more comfortable, considering he was tall compared to everybody else. With arms crossed, one of his knees lightly bounced up and down as his fidgeting grew. With a heavy sigh, Rhys continued because it wasn’t a miracle that Gringotts had gotten him to see a psychiatrist, but he was here to find leverage over Sage. ”And I need to work because of a…custody…thing.” Maybe scheduling an appointment the morning after a full moon was not the best idea. But the sooner Kris Finch signed his paperwork, the sooner he reached his goal.

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[kristine finch]

Kris nodded sympathetically at the mans brief explanation of work sending him to St. Mungo's. She knew that already. It was a part of the motions, typical medical briefing. Kris felt it was better to learn about her patient through her patients mouth, rather than their file. Sometimes key details were missed by providers.

The quill floating quill beside her shoulder jotted down notes before suddenly freezing and scratching the pad. Kris stared at Rhys carefully, unsure how she should go about this. Instead of hesitating she decided to go forward, steadfast. "I'll need you to go into a little more detail, Mr Greyback." she advised him in a calm but stern tone. Breathing in lightly through her nostrils as the quill continued with rhthmic scratches.

"You seem a bit unsettled.." she observed. "Would you fancy a calming draught? Or a cuppa?..Coffee?" Kris rattled off, a little too eager to assist her patient.

rhys alexander greyback

[rhys alexander greyback]

tell me lies

soothe my soul

January 30, 2029
kristine finch

Rhys fidgeted in his seat. It felt too small for his large build. Overall, a general sense of discomfort refused to leave him. The quill by the Doctor’s head floated erratically, occasionally scribbling across parchment. He never figured the medical field to rely on quick quill notes or anything of the sort unless different charms were utilized. As much as Rhys wanted to think further about how those charms might work, Finch asked Rhys for clarification.

”Erm—“ Again, Rhys shifted to sit up fully in his seat. He supposed he would have to explain if he wanted the doctor on his side. ”My daughter’s mother won’t let me see her.” Rhys paused. It was still a painful point for him. ”She doesn’t think my daughter would be safe around me.” The words came out sharper than intended. Rhys found it difficult to put together his thoughts politely in his exhaustion.

Sighing heavily, Rhys slumped in his chair again. ”No…the morning after a full moon is always a bit rough.” Jade would always use that against him despite Rhys’ history of always being a “responsible” werewolf. ”Listen, I got into a bit of a fight before Christmas, which is why my work sent me here, but she’s using it against me now. I never have and never would put my daughter in danger.” Rhys felt a bit heated now over the issue, but he stopped speaking to force himself to relax.

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[kristine finch]

Rhys went into deeper detail about the situation with his baby mama and daughter. Kris could tell that it was a painful point for him to speak about. ”Thank you for sharing. I understand that’s not easy information to share.” she stated.Kris’ eyes widened slightly after he mentioned the Full Moon, feeling a bit guilty for making him be up so early. ”My sincerest apologies for having you up so early, Mr Greyback. I’ll make sure our meetings don’t align with the morning after a Full Moon in the future.” Kris told him with genuine sympathy but was quick to move on. It was required for her job and a part she found hard because at times she wanted to know more on a personal level. The quill scribbled: ’No Apts day of / after Full Moon’. If she weren’t a Muggleborn the name ‘Greyback’ would’ve probably rang a bell, but she was pretty much clueless.

Rhys explained that he got into a fight before Christmas, which was the reason his work sent him to her. The look in his eyes was genuine. She could tell that he was a lost man and she believed his story. Kris bit the inside of her cheek, deciding how she could react. She smelled alcohol so she had to address the problem.

Kris folded her hands in front of her, feigning a peaceful position as her eyes softened. ”Your report mentions misuse of alcohol. I cannot help but notice you smell heavily of alcohol right now.” she admitted, large brown eyes observing him carefully to see how he reacted to the statement.. She used to be an alcoholic, some would say she would be an alcoholic forever, even after being in recovery for years. Kris could smell out an alcoholic anywhere. ”Do you typically drink on a Full Moon?” before he could reply she continued to drone on, ”-And are you aware that alcohol and/or other substances aren’t recommended to mingle with potions, especially Aware Wolf and Wolfsbane, because it compromises the efficiency of the potions? Therefore putting people in danger.” she asked in a kind tone as if she was speaking to a child, although she was starting to feel more like a cop now.

rhys alexander greyback

[rhys alexander greyback]

tell me lies

soothe my soul

January 30, 2029
kristine finch

Rhys barely nodded his head in acknowledgment of the apology. He didn’t expect anyone to follow the moon schedule as he did. It was another thing that added to someone’s busy life. And the morning after was its own hangover in addition to his actual hangover. Lazily, he watched the quill in the air move quickly from side to side as it scratched the paper. The noise was slightly irritating if he was being honest, but a little voice in the back of his mind reminded Rhys he needed to be on his best behavior if this doctor was to side with him.

Relaxing his posture, Rhys also fidgeted and dropped his gaze to the floor to avoid rolling his eyes. It was all a matter of opinion, wasn’t it? Misuse of alcohol. He certainly did not. It was very useful in his life. One might argue, very important. With a heavy sigh, Rhys didn’t immediately answer the question. Years of parrying and dodging comments and questions from his inner circle taught him better. ”Yes.” Rhys replied flatly. ”I stayed at the Hotel last night.” The ‘Hotel’ was a quick way to refer to Claustrum De Lupus. Yet again, Rhys had forgotten to begin his regimen of Aware Wolf on time. Not even the threat of Sienna at his doorstep wondering why Rhys was skewing her data seemed to wake him up.

Again, he sighed, a little annoyed. ”I typically arrive before the evening and have a few drinks to take the edge off. You can check their records.” Rhys was unamused at being spoken to like a child. Especially because he was keenly aware of the danger he posed to society if not careful. And the last thing he needed was to prove he was his father’s son. ”I’d never put anyone at risk—the last thing I need is everybody thinking I’m like him.” His jaw clenched and unclenched several times as Rhys defiantly crossed his arms. Few things remained at the forefront of his mind almost permanently, as this topic did.

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