Wives Know Best! Curing Ailments: The Therapeutic Route

[Bobbie]

After an eventful evening with a new and unexpected friendship, Tedd was ready to finally be reunited with his wife. Sally’s ferry was estimated to arrive early that morning, and while the barber would have loved nothing more than to meet her at the dock in person and board a ship to get off this island, he knew it wasn’t the best idea. Michael reassured him that as long as he stuck to the islands affiliated with M.A.R.I., then he would have nothing to worry about in terms of the law, but that wouldn’t stop any self-proclaimed vigilantes from taking action, and he couldn’t put Sally at risk like that.

Becoming a member of M.A.R.I. was not exactly his first choice, but there didn’t seem to be any other. Mr Greene was clearly set out to destroy his old life, and succeeded. While he waited in his hotel room, Nellie greeted Sally as she set foot on land and was happy to take her to the hotel, catching the wife up on all that happened since she met Tedd here, and brought her back to his hotel.

As the Barkers were reunited, it was nothing short of a magical moment for the pair of lovers, as if they hadn’t been apart for a single day. Their love was as strong as it ever was and their passion as vibrant and genuine.

Despite his fears, the idea of moving their business was not of any concern to Mrs Barker, as her only desire was to be with her husband again, wherever that would take them.

As midday approached, the hour of their scheduled meeting at the mansion got closer, and the lovebirds’ honeymoon breakfast was coming to a close. It was presumed to be a meeting with the leader of the organisation, owner of the mansion, or, frankly, whoever Michael decided they would need to speak to to get things in order. In any case, it didn't matter - there was no going back.

Having busied herself with exploration of their new home, Nellie stayed out of the pair’s way and waited for them outside as she hailed a passing carriage. While she didn't dare express this in from of Mr Tee, a part of her was quite excited.

“There’s a lot more that we need to discuss, Teddy Bear…” the woman who was wrapped around Tedd’s arm spoke as they both emerged and made their way to the carriage that Nellie was already seated in. All the pleasant conversations were had as they focussed on each other’s company above anything else, but Sally was far too level-headed to dismiss other important matters, such as what an allegiance to this organisation would mean, the way forward in their business, and, most important of all, the events that Nellie recounted to Sally which occurred prior to her arrival.

Theodore was silent. While he did not know precisely what she wished to discuss, it wasn’t hard to identify key points that might have been brought up in his absence during her journey. Helping her into the carriage, he followed after her and sat beside her.

“I love you no less than I did nine years ago, but I need to know you’re okay. Nine years is a long time to be locked up.” Perhaps aiming to ease the condition that she was about to put forward, she gently squeezed his arm, smiling at one certainly obvious change in her man that occurred while he was put away, no doubt with a lot free time on his hands. She didn’t quite recall him being so muscular as a bachelor... it made her worry about other changes that took place that may be detrimental to his wellbeing.

Her husband frowned and couldn’t help pass an annoyed glance toward Nellie, who was sitting across from them and avoiding making eye contact with him. She had her defence ready in her mind: Of course I told her you killed a man and you were perfectly fine with that! No secrets from the wife, secrets destroy a marriage! Her reasoning went on and on.

“Teddy, look at me.”

Theodore looked at Sally with a soft sigh, the carriage hitting a bump in the road. “I’m fine. I’m glad to be out of there so that we can get back to our lives. Whatever happened in prison is in the past, hun, I’m just happy to be with you again.” As he kissed her head, she sank into his chest, his arm now wrapped around her, and she smiled at the perfect textbook response… and that was exactly what didn’t sit right with her.

The woman’s freckled cheeks were red with their closeness, but a little wet glimmer formed at the corners of her eyes upon closing them tightly. What if I lose you again? The fear of having her beloved taken away from her again was too much for her to simply dismiss. She wished that his words were enough, but they weren’t… what Nellie described to her was horrendous, and if she had any hope of clinging to the Theodore Barker that she adored so much, something had to be done to ensure that he was not pushed over the edge into a darkness so deep and far from her that she wouldn't be able to reach him.

Sally’s silence bothered Tedd, knowing his wife well enough to understand what it meant. There was some sort of war going on inside her heart at that moment. To put it simply, she didn't believe him. It was frustrating to have to repeat that he was okay again and again, but seeing how it weighed on her pushed him to make an offer that he would very soon regret.

“I'll do whatever you want me to do to prove it to you, Sal, I really am okay.”

The carriage slowed to a stop as they arrived at the mansion, forcing their conversation to be put on hold for the time being. Feeling a little awkward about the whole situation, Nellie was the first one to spring to her feet with excitement. "We're here! It's a beautiful mansion, Mrs Barker!"

Out of the carriage first came the brunette baker, a cheery smile on her freckled face and dressed in a casual t-shirt and blue denim jeans, with an apron tied around her waist that became more of a fashion statement than a functional necessity at this point. Next, Tedd got off, wearing a tightly fitted t-shirt that could afford to be a size larger and dark trousers. His striking grey eyes peering back into the carriage, he offered his hand to assist the final passenger, his wife. Exhuming radiant confidence and grace with a gentle smile on her glossy lips, she wore a Victorian-style dress with narrow straps that matched her dark-coloured hair.

---

Theodore Barker: #aa6706
Sally Barker: #cda0ff
Nellie Bouchard: #f2c860

[Mr. Moon]

Samuel #1

It was a hard and dangerous journey, but in the end, Samuel and his wife Anabella found a new home with the rest of M.A.R.I. at Toroa as Michael managed to relocate their kids there as well before the news of their exploits could lead to a bounty being issued on their heads.

Anabella took it well, while she lost the business she established back in the East Blue, she found a new friend in Nellie and together with her and Gabriel´s help started building her new café with Nelie´s bakery. Showing the same level of passion as in everything else, she spent most of her time overseeing the progress, leaving her husband on his own.

The psychiatrist didn´t slack off either, but while opening his office was definitely easier than building a whole café, people were naturally distrusting his profession and so he managed to get only a few clients so far. And so he was spending most of his time in the Headquarters, training his martial arts with various other members.

He was just returning from one such training when he noticed three people stepping out of the carriage. The psychiatrist knew Nellie, his wife´s new business partner, and Tedd, who was the main reason these two couldn´t leave Toroa, but wasn´t familiar with the second woman.

Deducing she was probably that mysterious wife Nellie mentioned once, he just greet them with a nod and continued on his wife as he didn´t want to bother anyone, but sadly Beast didn´t have such inhibitions.

Reading under a nearby tree, the tall, glowing blonde dropped her book at the sight of her new friends and rushed towards them across the lawn.

“COOKIE! GRUMPY BEAR!”

She yelled in excitement, hugging Nellie first and Tedd second, before taking a closer look at Sally.

“And who are you? Are you my new sister?”

[Bobbie]

Nellie was happy to see Samuel as her bubbly character meant she was excited to see any familiar face. Waving to Samuel in response to his nod, offering a friendly smile, she gently nudged Tedd.

“Look, there’s Samuel. His wife and I have been hard at work to get our café and bakery going. He’s a psychiatrist. He and his wife also moved here, just like us, and had to restart their business here on Toroa.” Nellie explained, mainly for Sally’s sake since she was sure that Tedd knew who Samuel was already.

Tedd was nodding along, but before he could say anything more to help orient his wife, Beast came sprinting over to them and immediately leapt at Nellie first, and then her husband.

“Beast!” she exclaimed and hugged her favourite doggo in return.

Even Tedd chuckled and hugged Beast, but had to shake his head afterward. “I’m not grumpy…” his protests were followed by a sharp laugh from Sally.

“You are, honey, and that’s okay.” The woman in the dress pitched in with a cheeky snicker and then turned to Beast. Her eyebrows were raised with curiosity, “I am not your new sister, sweetie, I’m so sorry to disappoint, but you are adorable… I would love to have a sister like you.” Her hands were placed on her hips for a moment, quite interested to know where this woman, Beast, had heard of Tedd’s nickname - surely ‘grumpy bear’ had to be a play on that.

“I’m Sally Barker, the grumpy bear’s wife.” As she introduced herself, she moved closer to hug Theodore’s arm, lovingly.

Tedd was far happier when in the company of his wife, there was no denying it, though there was still a lot of guilt weighing on him about their move. On top of that, he was silently hoping that his wife hadn’t picked up on something Nellie just said…

“Come on, let’s head inside so you can meet Professor Moon,” Tedd gently urged Sally along, but the woman hesitated.

For a moment, her gaze lingered on Samuel, “May as well meet the people who are already out here on our way in, don’t you think?” She looked up at her husband with a warm smile and then beckoned him to follow her instead toward the psychiatrist.

---

Theodore Barker: #aa6706
Sally Barker: #cda0ff
Nellie Bouchard: #f2c860

[Mr. Moon]

Samuel #2

Beast gently frowned, when Sally said, that she won´t be her new sister, but this gesture was driven more by disappointment than anger.
“Well, my dad could adopt you, you know! You are cute enough for that.”
She muttered, however, her frown quickly disappeared, after Sally explained, that she is actually Tedd´s wife.
“Oh, so you are the famous Sally?”
The blonde asked, running circles around the pair as she couldn´t contain her excitement, transforming into her natural form in the second round.
“I am so glad to finally meet you! I am Beast!”
The doggo barked, when she finally stopped again, lowering her head to be able to lick the barber´s wife’s nose.
“I am Beast! But you already know that! I was trying to be an emotional support dog for Grumpy Bear, but he didn´t like it. But Nellie was very nice to me!”
She blurted out, only to realize, that the conversation already turned towards Samuel, who was already near the main gate.
Truth to be told, that fluffy miracle wasn´t especially fond of that psychiatrist as she considered him creepy and a little scary, but she wanted to show how good doggo she is and so she darted after him.
Hearing that not-so-subtle canine behind him, the psychiatrist stopped, with one hand already reaching for the gate.
“Something´s wrong?”
His sudden question startled Beast, who tried to go from full sprint to stop too fast, and so she planted her large head into the lawn.
“Ouc, ouc…ouc!”
It wasn´t a hard fall, but still, the doggo tried to win some sympathy points from the psychiatrist, who watched her with little to no interest.
Realising, that this isn´t working, Beast ended her charade and transformed into her human form as the fact, that she was taller than him was giving her courage.
“Nothing´s wrong, just Sally wants to meet you! She is Grumpy Bear´s wife you know?”

[Bobbie]

Sally scrunched her nose and giggled, her hands instantly rising to pet Beast when she came close enough to lick her face. Hearing that Tedd didn’t like having Beast as his emotional support dog prompted the woman to raise an eyebrow at him.

Tedd looked back at his wife with a sheepish smile, avoiding her knowing gaze. “What? Do you not see how massive she is? She’s wonderful, but imagine having an emotional support dog like that follow you into every crammed space, including the bathroom… public stalls aren’t that spacious, you know,” he muttered to her once Beast took off in a sprint toward Samuel.

One glance toward the married couple and Nellie knew to give them some space, so she hurried after Beast instead. While Samuel gave the doggo little attention, Nellie would be happy to do so instead, but found that she had transformed back into her human form before she reached the gate.

“Good afternoon Mr Nachash,” the brunette spoke politely, having nothing but respect for the man and his profession. “I hope you don’t mind that I’ve already told Mr and Mrs Barker about you and your lovely wife! Mrs Barker is eager to meet you.”

Rolling her eyes and temporarily turning away from Samuel, Beast, and Nellie, Sally smiled and nudged her husband. “Such a grumpy bear…”

Mr Barker frowned at Sally with a little huff, seeing that this new nickname was going to stick, but as the finely dressed lady laughed, his own features automatically softened as he couldn’t help smiling in return. His heart fluttered as he adored every pink hue on her freckled cheeks, and her eyes reflected the same unconditional love for him.

“Now…” that was not to say, however, that each of the pair was without flaw, as Tedd had a stubbornness that his wife had little patience for and she possessed the determination of a hound on a trail that Tedd could never shake off its course. “Am I going to walk over to him alone or will you be the gentleman I know you are and introduce me?”

In truth, her question was nothing if not rhetorical, as she already started to make her way toward the trio not far from them, offering a friendly wave with her free hand. Tedd, having very little choice in the matter, was pulled along by his hand that was grasped firmly in one of Sally’s. Before he could put up any resistance, he was standing by his wife’s side before Samuel.

“Hi Samuel, I’d like you to meet my wife, Sally.” With a smile that was not as sweet as his significant other’s but bore no hostility either, Tedd politely greeted the man as he put his hand on Sally’s back. “She’s here to discuss business with Professor Moon, is he around?”

“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you! Nellie has had nothing but wonderful things to say about everyone here, especially her business partner… which is your wife, correct? And she says you work as a psychiatrist?” Perhaps seeing through Tedd’s attempt to hurriedly move on from this encounter and get right to business, Mrs Barker was quick to engage Samuel with questions of her own that would allow them to linger here for a moment longer.

Considering the possibility that she was only being polite with her introductions, the barber remained silent. Instead, he simply looked toward the gate as if it was on some timer and might lock them out permanently if they didn’t move past quickly.

---

Theodore Barker: #aa6706
Sally Barker: #cda0ff
Nellie Bouchard: #f2c860

[Mr. Moon]

Samuel #3

The psychiatrist wasn´t a very sociable person, so when Beast proudly announced, that Mrs. Barker wished to meet him, he was everything but happy. Fortunately, his usual, stern face managed to hide most of his emotions, as he raised his eyes toward Nellie, who arrived just after the malamute.
“Miss Bouchard.”
He greeted her with another nod, skipping any additional responses to her bubbly behavior, which was always rubbing him the wrong way, despite or perhaps because of the fact how similar she was in this regard to his own wife.
Only after the rest of their little group arrived did Samuel say something else.
“Mrs. Barker”
He tried to put up one of the few smiles that didn´t creep people out, gently taking her hand for a gentle kiss.
“Yes, that´s correct.”
Samuel added, however before he could manage to continue and say something more Beast, who was already bored out of her mind by the lack of any action jumped up, to claim everyone´s attention, landing once again as a large dog, so she could poke Tedd with her wet nose.
“Isn´t it amazing? As a psychiatrist, Sammy can help Grumpy Bear with his grumpiness!”
This was obviously her little petty revenge for refusing her as his emotional support dog, which put a gentle smile on Samuel´s face, this time a genuine one.
“You know that there is only one person who can call me Sammy and it´s not you.”
He scolded her playfully, before turning to that married couple.
“I am sorry for her behaviour, she might be able to transform into a human, but that doesn´t mean she already mastered proper manners.”
This remark earned him an offended look, which however disappeared right after the first head pat. Well, strictly speaking, Beast was right, from what he learned about him, Tedd could use his help, but it didn´t seem right to come up with this idea in front of his wife, especially when Beast mentioned it first.

[Bobbie]

Samuel’s polite gesture was quite clearly a surprise to the woman, as her hand was kissed.  Sally’s other hand rose to shyly tuck a strand of hair behind her ear before glancing up at her husband for just a moment.

Their gazes only locked for a brief matter of seconds, however, as Beast’s transformation demanded their attention; if that wasn’t enough to grant it to her, the massive malamute was nudging at Tedd with her wet nose.

Mr Barker leaned away, slightly, simply because the doggo’s wet nose was not so pleasant on his skin. Still, he couldn’t help smiling. At her suggestion, Tedd laughed and shook his head, instantly able to see that this was her childish form of revenge. “Nice try, Beast, but if I don’t need an emotional support dog, what would make you think I’d agree to-”

“That’s a brilliant idea!” Sally interrupted his muttering, having not even heard him as it was directed toward Beast and not intended for anyone else.

“What?” At that moment, Tedd’s smile vanished entirely and was instantly replaced by a frown.

“What do you mean, what? I just think it’s a good suggestion, and we’re so lucky to have the resources available - if Doctor Nachash would be so generous to offer his services.” Her eyes darted from Tedd to Samuel with gratitude as she hoped he would accept a new client.

“Hold on, I think we’re letting things escalate a little quickly here,” Theodore replied in a patient tone, turning to Samuel to offer an apologetic smile. “Excuse us, please…”

Gently placing a hand on Sally’s arm, Tedd rotated her body to take a few steps away from the others with him so that they could have a private conversation, but the woman simply wouldn’t budge in body and mind…

“Okay, it seems we’re having this conversation in front of everyone, then…” he whispered quietly to his wife who looked up at him with a pair of eyes that seemed like a night sky, reflecting an entire galaxy back at him. “I don’t need a psychiatrist’s help to rid me of my grumpiness, all I need is you - and here you are! So…” A subtle sigh escaped the man’s lips as did the frustration in his voice, but a smile quickly followed.

Sally, not convinced in the slightest, loosely draped her arms around his neck, over his shoulders, to pull herself closer. “It would really put my mind at rest, Teddy Bear… otherwise, I’ll get all sorts of worked up over stressing and worrying about you.” With that, she stretched on her tiptoes to kiss him once, before giving a playful, cheeky grin, and the words that he had been dreading finally came from her mouth. “You said you’ll do whatever it takes to show me you’re okay, didn’t you? Well, this is it.”

Tedd awkwardly glanced in Samuel’s direction, then back at his wife once more as he knew he had dug himself a hole that he couldn't get out of. “Yes, but… not therapy,” he replied, being the only one between the two who was actually trying to keep their conversation private with a lowered voice.

“Why not? I don’t see why it would be such a problem if you really are fine. I am certain Dr Nachash will be able to see that after one session and simply send you back to me.” The woman knew she might be coming across as bossy and controlling, but her concern was genuine, and she knew enough of her husband to know that while this was far from the best method, it was not likely that he would seek help by himself. If this backfired, then he’d have a skilled psychiatrist to talk to about her abuse, anyway. “So is it a problem, my handsome bear?”

With a reluctant sigh, Mr Barker hesitantly shook his head. “No. Of course not… I told you I’m fine. I’ll talk to the psychiatrist and you'll see.”

After a kiss on the cheek from her husband, Sally turned to Samuel once more with a proud but sweet and unassuming smile. “May I propose that you two have a chat while Beast and Nellie show me around, Dr Nachash? If my presence inside the mansion is permissible and no trouble to anyone, of course. I would be so grateful!”

Tedd's frown had grown without him even realising it, his eyes narrowing toward Beast as he couldn't believe that her revenge scheme worked...

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Theodore Barker: #aa6706
Sally Barker: #cda0ff
Nellie Bouchard: #f2c860

[Mr. Moon]

Samuel #4

The psychiatrist did his best to hide his surprise when Sally actually accepted Beast´s proposition about Tedd visiting therapy as it was meant as a gentle jest and not a serious offer.
“I mean, of course, if the patient…I mean Mr. Barker agrees to it.”
He added, waiting for him to refuse. Not that the psychiatrist wouldn´t use new clients, even though this one wouldn´t be paying one, but he was quite sure, that Tedd was the type of person who would claim he don´t need therapy even after dialog with a rock.
The barber didn´t surprise him and protested against the idea, which led to a short argument and private time between the married couple to clear things out, which gave the psychiatrist time to think.
Naturally, he had some information about what happened to Tedd on Toroa, but never got any details, and Sally didn´t look like a sensitive wife, who would push her husband to therapy just because of a few curse words he learned during his jail time, so what exactly happened?
Well, it seemed that he will find out as the husband and wife returned shortly, this time in agreement about the barber becoming his patient.
“Well, technically speaking this is a military zone now, but I am sure Gabriel wouldn´t mind you walking around, especially if Beast guards you. Am I right?”
He asked, patting that giant malamute´s head, who happily barked.
“Yes! I am an excellent guide!”
She said proudly, running several circles around the group, before sitting right in front of Sally with a happy grin on her fluffy face.
“Just try not to disturb anyone´s training alright?”
Samuel chuckled, turning his attention to the barber.
“Very well, my office is in the city, but I am sure we´ll find some empty room in the main building, so follow me please.”
He gestured to him, walking back the way he originally arrived.

[Bobbie]

Both Sally and Nellie were quite amused by Beast’s behaviour. Tedd, however, wasn’t very happy with the dog, nor the situation, clearly shown in the growing frown on his face while his wife was preoccupied.

“Thank you so much, Doctor! This truly means the world to me.” Sally uttered, reaching out to Samuel to grab one of his hands in both of hers and giving them a grateful squeeze in some form of handshake.

Much like Samuel, Tedd used the bit of time he had to himself to think, while he wasn’t in the spotlight. Deep in contemplation, he quickly tried to come up with a way out of the hole he dug for himself. What choice did he have? Sally was clearly not going to accept no for an answer, and he couldn’t go back on his promise now.

“Of course you are, you are the best guide dog in the world!” Nellie exclaimed, scratching Beast’s neck and paying little attention to her other friends.

Sally, on the other hand, did not shy away from locking eyes with the grumpy man. In fact, she did so intentionally, as she peeled her gaze away to look at her husband, perhaps aiming to discern his true state of mind in response to her suggestion that was masked by compliance. The woman’s sceptical eyes bore holes into their unknowing target until Theodore could feel her looking at him.

Turning to face her once more, he made a conscious effort to relax - which was a greater struggle than he anticipated - and gave her a casual shrug, his frown shifting into a smile.

He didn’t need to say a word, it was easy to tell that he wasn’t keen on therapy, but she was convinced it was for the best, and knew he would forgive her. Stepping closer to him, she played with his stubble for a moment and gave him a quick kiss, which he happily returned.

“I love you Teddy Bear,” Mrs Barker offered him a tender reminder that all she did was because of her love for him, then smiled and nudged him toward Samuel, who had gestured for Tedd to follow him. “I’ll see you soon!”

As his wife returned to Nellie and Beast, Mr Barker walked after Samuel. Now that he was no longer being watched by Sally, his nonchalant façade was quickly dropped and he was frowning again, easily irritated by all that happened. Eager not to walk in awkward silence and allow resentment to fester, he sought out a topic for discussion that would distract him.

“Must be a hassle to have to travel from here to your office so frequently,” he said, latching onto the topic for a conversation starter. “Nellie says her and your wife’s business is going very well though, I’m not sure if I’ve ever congratulated her on that… or you, for that matter. The move must have been difficult.”

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Theodore Barker: #aa6706
Sally Barker: #cda0ff
Nellie Bouchard: #f2c860