Posted by Lieutenant Commander Bethany Kovra Gadi (Chief of Security) in Rest and Relaxation?

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Aasrel Izei (Chief Medical Officer) in Rest and Relaxation?

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Bethany Kovra Gadi (Chief of Security) in Rest and Relaxation?
Posted by… suppressed (49) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
Aasrel leaned into her and rested his head against her, rubbing her hand with his thumb on their clasped hands. He closed his eyes and let himself be lost in her feelings of love and support.

~ Izei, CMO

A soft contended sigh escaped, that he only heard because they were so close, as his thumb rubbed over her hand. Bethany remembered him doing that when she was in sickbay and thought she was going to die. As if he could use the motion to simply wipe away everything that was wrong with her. They stayed that way for the rest of the trip. Bethany was content as she had ever been. When the transport stopped, she waited until the aisle cleared and then made their way off and back into the neighborhood where his family lived.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

By the time the transport stopped Aasrel was sleeping lightly. It was Bethany’s movement that prompted him to get up and follow her off. When they arrived home, his mom hugged both of them. How was your day? Did you like going, Bethany? What did you think?

~ Izei, CMO

After the quiet of the transport, Rel keeping the majority of the thoughts around her at bay, the sudden contact felt too much. Bethany realized she had a headache from all the telepathy. She had tried to blend in a little more for Rel’s sake. “It was beautiful. The Spires are,” she searched for the tight word, “enchanting.”

She felt a small kick at her foot and looked down at Luna. Bending to scoop her up, Bethany grinned. “I see you managed to wrap someone around that floppy ear of yours, and got out of your carrier. You had better have stayed out of trouble.” Luna twitched her nose and cuddled into Bethany’s arm.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Keyana smiled and laughed. “She is too cute for her own good.” Everyone sensed her discomfort and the pain of her headache and switched accordingly. Mrs Izei smiled and nodded. “Enchanting is a good word for them. I love going there.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany grinned from behind a full face nuzzle of the bunny. “Oh and she knows it. On my previous ship, our security chief was known for never smiling. Everyone liked him, but he was always quiet. By the end of our first week, Luna had him walking her around the ship on her leash, and getting him to feed her in the lounge. No one could believe it.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Keyana smiled widely. “Good! Everyone needs to smile.” That was when Masas walked in. “Of course little miss smiles would say that.”

~ Izei, CMO

For a moment, it felt like home. Watching her uncles pick on her mother like they were still children. When she had first arrived on Earth, she had been fascinated watching her mother and uncles together. Then after her mother had died, it was like the light faded. Her uncles still picked on each other, but for a long time it was forced. Bethany envied Aasrel and Masas and Keyana that relationship. “You should always smile and laugh. Especially when people don’t expect it. It makes them wonder what you’re up to.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“See? Bethany gets it,” Keyana said, gently clapping Bethany on the shoulder. She grinned at Aasrel, “What do you think?” Aasrel shrugged and shook his head, “It’s complicated.” Keyana’s smile faded slightly, and there was a quickly hidden pang of… pity? Some kind of regret? and she plastered the smile back on. “Come on Rely, everything is more fun with a smile. You used to say that.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany looked over her shoulder at him, tossing one of those flirtatious, sassy, mysterious grins. The kind that always got his attention. She held his gaze until he smiled at her, and then she winked at him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel couldn’t help but grin, “Come on, Bethany, that’s not fair,” he complained.

~ Izei, CMO

“On Earth, we have this very old saying. Goes back a few centuries. ‘All is fair in love and war.’ So, yes it is quite fair.” She winked at him again.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Well, this isn’t Earth.” Aasrel huffed playfully, giving her a look. “Alright, alright,” Keyana replied, “I think I like that saying.”

~ Izei, CMO

That look made Bethany blush. It always did. Bethany leaned into him, not overly close, but enough. “It’s called cultural exchange, Doc.” Then she looked at Keyana, “It’s a very useful saying.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

We’ll see how you feel about that cultural exchange later, Aasrel replied, still giving her that look. He was sure he could find some way to playfully use his culture to his advantage. Keyana looked between them and smiled. “I can imagine so.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany didn’t trust herself to make sure only Aasrel heard her. But she knew all about the side of his personality that went with that look. Her face turned an enamored and bright red. Which of course everyone in the room noticed. Bethany didn’t care. She was quite sure she would enjoy whatever he came up with.

Bethany nuzzled Luna again before the rabbit insisted on being transferred to Aasrel. Bethany indulged her and handed her over. Turning her attention back to his sister, “It’s quite useful in all sorts of situations. I’m pretty sure whomever first coined the phrase intended it that way. Is there not something similar on Betazed? Minus the war part of course.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Keyana thought for a moment as Aasrel took the little bunny and scratched by her ears. “What’s fair in one thing, must be fair in all things. Means quite the opposite of your phrase.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded. “Do unto others,” she said quietly. A double edged blade that statement was. Be kind is what it was supposed to mean, but many took it to mean if someone hurt you to do the same to them. “That’s a good standard to try and live by. I fall quite short of it.”

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“Most do, I think. No one’s perfect,” Masas said. He glanced at Bethany, “So long as you’re good to my kid brother no one here will be judging you.”

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany met his gaze, “Understood, Cmdr.” There was a hint of humor to the words, but the feelings behind it were nothing but sincere. Of course Bethany was less perfect than most. She had a monster’s DNA running through her veins.

And that quick Aasrel could feel the strain against the block the Admiral had placed as memories and knowledge tried to free the emotions.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel pulled her into him and kissed her, right there in front of everyone. No thinking like that on our vacation. He said to her telepathically, concern in his words. You are nothing like him.

~ Izei, CMO

Aasrel took her by surprise. Which was beneficial to stopping all those problematic thoughts. The words and his conviction washed over along with his concern and love. She wasn’t sure she wasn’t like him, but at the moment, while he kissed her, she couldn’t think of anything else. There was only the safety of his arms and the connection between them.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

His family was polite enough to look away, empathically understanding why he’d done it. Maybe not the exact reason, but the broad strokes. The kiss ended and he nuzzled his head against her, still gently cradling Luna.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany told herself she didn’t care his family was watching. She’d survived life by not caring what people thought. People always stared at her, had opinions about her. But never had she really felt home except when she was with Rel. She rested her head on his shoulder, keeping her eyes closed, holding onto the illusion of privacy for as long as possible. Luna scrunched up on Aasrel’s arm and closed her eyes.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

They were like that for a while. His family just didn’t have the heart to interrupt. It was the most at peace either of them had felt since arriving. Finally Aasrel sighed softly and lifted his head. “I love you.”

~ Izei, CMO

“I love you, too.” Bethany kissed his cheek and rested her head on him again. She didn’t feel well. She’d already had a headache, and this sudden bout made it worse. It upset her stomach too. Headaches had mostly been cured now because of a better understanding of the brain. However that led to the incorrect conclusion that they never happened. What she probably needed was Rest and a mild pain killer. She didn’t want to Aasrel to stay alone with her. He had a family waiting to love him.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

“You should rest.” Aasrel said, sensing her headache and tiredness. “Why don’t you head to my room? It’ll be quiet there.” He said, hugging her again.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany nodded, “Yeah. I think I might take something if you think it’s okay.” Her whole medical profile was out of whack now. She couldn’t think about the why too much.

Aasrel nodded. “That would be fine.”

She reached for Luna. The little rabbit seemed to sense that Bethany needed her, and she willingly settled into her arms. Bethany said good night, even though it was early, to everyone and then went into his room and shut the door. She had barely finished changing when Luna climbed onto the bed and laid down with her.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Everyone said good night back, and Aasrel hugged her one more time before she left. Then he sat down to spend some time with the others.

~ Izei, CMO

Aasrel’s mother sat down next to him. She radiated a warmth and love that soothed and comforted. She took his hand and squeezed it warmly and didn’t let go. I am so happy you are home. I have missed you.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I’ve missed you too, Aasrel replied, but there was apprehension. The mind meld had helped immensely but there was still a lingering fear he wasn’t himself anymore.

~ Izei, CMO

It was easy for his mother, his whole family, to pick up on it. She reached up and brushed her fingers through the hair at his temple, like she had when he was a child (and unbeknownst to her, where one of the implants had been). You are still our Aasrel. Your essence, your feeling, is still the same. Just a little older.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

The surgery was still recent enough sometimes when he was touched where one had been he flinched like it was still there. This was one of those times. He jumped slightly with a flash of discomfort and something like fear, and shame. And then sadness and emotional exhaustion as he leaned against his mother like a small child would. I’m sorry.

~ Izei, CMO

No, oh no, my little love. That’s what is mother had always called him. Never be sorry for your emotions and how you feel. They are natural, a part of you, a part of all of us. We all feel the rainbow of emotions. Sometimes alone and sometimes together. She kissed his forehead.

His father came over and sat, he set an arm around his shoulders. There is no shame in how you feel, and there is no time limit on how long you feel it.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Masas came over too and set a hand on his shoulder. Sometimes in the fleet we go through things we never should have to. That is why there are so many people there to help us. Haven’t you any friends in your crew? What about your counselor?

Aasrel felt comforted by them, they could tell, but still sad and stressed, and upset. He offered no intentional response, but the answer was pretty obviously just Bethany and no recent counselor visits. He was however, glad his telepathy was back. Their words reminded him how isolated and alone and lost he’d felt without it.

~ Izei, CMO

Your brother is right, Azzie, his father said. There are resources there for you. Why have you not used them?

His sister had a hard time seeing him with no friends. She thought Bethany was amazing, but why hadn’t he made other friends? She had no way of knowing how hard that was to do on a mission like they just finished.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It wasn’t just that the last mission wasn’t conductive to friend making but also that he hadn’t tried since the incident with the Borg. He’d spent most of his time alienating people and wanting to be alone. He pressed his face against his mom’s side. I just… I don’t know, I just don’t.

~ Izei, CMO

It can be hard to connect to new people that don’t understand what you have been through, his father said, And that’s okay. But ignoring therapy is a bad idea. If you don’t like the counselors available to you, let’s find one you do. It’s going to be okay. We’re here with you.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

It’s not that I don’t like him, Aasrel insisted. Of course, he’d sensed Bethany’s apprehension about Paddy, but he’d not seem the counselor himself. I have to use the ship counselor anyway. He could do a subspace call, but if they got stuck on a mission like the last one, that option wouldn’t be available.

~ Izei, CMO

His father sensed the hesitation and the confession, Then why haven’t you gone? He squeezed his shoulders. You don’t have to say, but if you tell us, then maybe we can help you. Rather than just offer our words and feelings.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I don’t know why, Aasrel replied miserably. There was an undertone of apprehension and anxiety. It’s too much, I guess.

~ Izei, CMO

His mother took his hands and rubbed the backs with her thumbs. How do you wish you felt right now? She had often asked her children that when things were too much or confusing.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Better. Like myself. Less… disgusted with myself. He sighed against her. Bethany had this old Vulcan friend of hers do a mind meld to help… Suppress some of the emotional turmoil. This isn’t even as bad as it was.

~ Izei, CMO

She rocked him slowly, How do you want us to help you do that?

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

I wish I knew. Judging by the wetness on his shirt and the soft sorrow he felt, he’d started crying. You’re going to call me at least once a week from now on, Masas said.

~ Izei, CMO

And us too, his mother said. Then she began to sing. Lullabies and ballads she used to sing when they were much younger. The songs evoked memories and emotions in all of them, that they all shared together.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Nostalgia and pleasant emotions overwhelmed him, drowning out all else. It helped him calm. Soon he was asleep against his mom, emotionally exhausted.

~ Izei, CMO

His parents and siblings exchanged glances and emotions. A mix of gratefulness he was home and loving concern for the trauma he went through and hope that finally being home would help him begin to heal. After awhile, they laid him down on the couch and covered him with a blanket and went to bed.

It wasn’t long before Keyana returned. She was holding a cobalt blue stuffed flanarian bird. Aasrel had given it to her when she was little. She had had horrible nightmares about the things that might happen to their father while he was deployed. It had comforted her. She tucked the stuffed toy into his arms and then laid down in the floor beside him and went to sleep.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

The toy has been his, one of his first when he was a baby. He’d been glad to give it to her to help her sleep. Here, Mr Feathers will watch over you and scare all the nightmares away, he’d told his younger sister.

Aasrel woke up in the early morning. He noticed a familiar blue stuffed toy tucked gently into his arms and then Keyana on the floor. He smiled a little, hugged the toy closer, and closed his eyes to try and sleep a little longer.

~ Izei, CMO

Bethany could keep her mind quiet and blank with little effort, but that was due to intense training. She could also move silently, but that was because Uncle Kian had taught her how to move through the mountain wilds and not disturb the animals.

She had woken with Luna curled on her chest, but no Aasrel. She had fed and pit the rabbit in her cage and then went looking. She stood in the living room watching Aasrel and his sister sleep and the stuffed flanarian bird in his arms. She smiled, it was a precious sight. He looked more peaceful than she’d ever seen him.

Just as silently as she’d arrived she slipped out of the house. She always lived fresh air and nature first thing in the morning.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

The house began to awaken a little bit later. First Masas, then their parents made their way quietly into the main room. Their parents started on breakfast. It was that noise that woke Aasrel, who reached down and gently poked Keyana in the back. “Key.”

~ Izei, CMO

Keyana groaned and then her eyes popped open with a huge smile, “Asa!” She hopped up, clammored onto the couch and hugged the stuffing out of him. He hadn’t called her that in a long time and she was so happy he was home.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Key please, Aasrel said as he was squished into a big hug by her, though there was the same sense of joy and nostalgic happiness. I saw Mr Feathers. He said to her, smiling at her.

~ Izei, CMO

She squeezed him tighter for a moment before letting him go, just a bit. He always made me feel better. You made sure, so I thought he could help you now.

Lt. Cmdr. Gadi, COS

Aasrel smiled and picked it up and tucked it into the bedding on the couch. I don’t want to take him away from you.

~ Izei, CMO