Posted by Lieutenant Séan Iven (Counselor) in Checking on Friends but also (im)Patients

Posted by Civilian Thyr Th’arialat (Resident) in Checking on Friends but also (im)Patients

Posted by Lieutenant Séan Iven (Counselor) in Checking on Friends but also (im)Patients
Posted by… suppressed (174) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Séan once again found himself at Thyr’s shop/home. He went around and up to the rear entrance before he gave it a solid knock.

Counselor Iven

It took several moments for Thyr to come open the door. He looked awful. Not because his wound, because he looked like he’d been out at his usual Bad-Choice places, bars and such, picking fights. Probably within the last day. “Come in.”

~ Thyr

Séan’s eyes narrowed as he observed Thyr’s worse condition. He held his piece for the moment as he entered and shut the door behind him. In his hand he was carrying a large paper bag. He moved to the fridge and started putting away its contents, various foods he’d picked up and a simple dish he’d made, before he asked over his shoulder. “You want something to drink from the fridge?”

Counselor Iven

“No, I’m good,” he replied, sitting on the sofa. In the fridge was food from Jezem but it wasn’t neat and organised like usual. It didn’t look like he’d eaten that much lately.

~ Thyr

Séan grabbed a can of something with unrecognizable writing on it for himself then joined Thyr on the couch. He popped the top open and took, then his face kind of scrunched up a bit. “Mmm.” He vocalized with a bit of surliness before he took another sip.

Counselor Iven

“Not a fan of,” Shivan looked at the can, “Andorian soda?” he asked. He turned his Orion soap back on and turned his attention towards the TV. “I’m doing fine, you don’t have to keep checking on me.”

~ Thyr

Séan took another sip and made another face. “It’s wet and it’s cold. My first time drinking sake was worse.”

Counselor Iven

Shivan nodded. “That’s… Andorian drinks for you. Sake is… Its own brand of awful.”

~ Thyr

“I was not ready for alcohol then but my mentor felt it prudent to introduce it to me in a controlled environment.” Séan said with a chuckle before he took another sip then grimaced. “This really is… something. Hmm… so, what’s up with the additional injuries?”

Counselor Iven

“Nothing. Do you want something else? There’s plenty in there.” Shivan replied. The answer to the question would only earn him another lecture.

~ Thyr

Séan was mid sip when Thyr gave an obvious non-answer. He turned to look at Thyr with can still pressed to his lips. He slowly pulled the can away before he sighed. “Way to try and sidestep the question.”

Counselor Iven

“I answered it, nothing. They’re nothing. It’s nothing. Nothing to worry about.” If he had to say the word nothing again, he might punch something.

~ Thyr

“Uh huh.” Séan said with a look that implied he totally didn’t believe Thyr.

Counselor Iven

“Glad we’ve cleared that up,” Shivan said, ignoring the disbelief in Séan’s tone.

~ Thyr

Séan cracked a wry grin. “You sure seem to have a funny way of wanting to avoid something but putting zero effort into the attempt. But seriously, what’s up with the injuries? I doubt you’ve even left your place.”

Counselor Iven

Shivan shrugged. “So how could I get looking like this in my own apartment? You tell me.”

~ Thyr

Séan looked at Thyr for a moment as he contemplated whether he should actually answer that. That was the difficulty of having two unconventional patients that knew each other; it was difficult to know what was common knowledge to both of them and not accidentally break their confidence or patient privacy privilege. He suspected Jezem had ‘tuned up’ Thyr for what was likely perceived as a foolish and risky venture. “I’m not exactly sure Thyr. How does anyone have a beating delivered to their doorstep?”

Counselor Iven

In reality, Jezem had done no such thing. Jezem’s actual reaction was what had sent Thyr to his old haunts… the bars. And that was where he received his likely more than one beating. “A lot of ways, actually, but that’s not what happened.”

~ Thyr

“Well you keep your secrets then.” Séan said in a nonchalant manner as he turned his attention back to the Orion soap opera. He didn’t have any linguistic skills so he had no idea what was being said but there were plenty of scantily clad males and females.

Counselor Iven

Shivan turned back to the soap. If Séan was expecting Shivan to speak up to fill the silence, it didn’t happen. He focused on the TV and kept his mouth shut.

~ Thyr

If Shivan was expecting Séan to keep pushing out of some need to know then he would be disappointed, or elated, when he let the topic drop and focused on the soap. He chuckled a couple times as he finished off the Andorian soda.

Counselor Iven

Most certainly elated. Shivan just let them sit in silence. He didn’t want to talk. He wanted to stew in a self destructive pool of despair.

~ Thyr

Séan couldn’t very well do or say nothing the entire time or otherwise why was he here? So he casually started a conversation from the fringes of what he wanted to talk about. “So how’s the stab wound? Are you still weeping and feverish?”

Counselor Iven

“Fine.” Shivan turned slightly so Séan could see it. It didn’t look great, definitely going to scar. It was healing, but his less than great choice of pass times was slowing it. It looked irritated and swollen, though he hadn’t managed to re open it. The auto suture had done a good job.

~ Thyr

Séan frowned as he reached a hand over to lightly palpate the wound. “You really should be resting more and not…” He motioned at all of the new bruises. “Aggravating things further.” He sighed as he took his hand back. “I shouldn’t harp on you too much since you did get stabbed helping me out, but by the same token your well-being is important to me to somewhat disregard the gratitude.”

Counselor Iven

Shivan tensed and held his breath while Séan touched it gently. When he stopped, Thyr turned back and sat back against the back of the sofa. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve been stabbed plenty. I’m happy knowing you owe me one and leave it at that. No gratitude necessary.”

~ Thyr

Séan shook his head and a hint of exasperation was heard in his voice. “That’s not what I meant and I’m pretty sure you know that.”

Counselor Iven

Shivan glanced at him, clearly confused. “What did you mean, then?”

~ Thyr

“I mean that as much as your help a few days again has me not wanting to pry into why you’re all banged up, the flipside of that is I can’t leave it alone because your wellbeing is important enough to me to set the gratitude aside.” Séan explained patiently.

Counselor Iven

Shivan nodded and then shrugged. “Pry all you like.” He said. “I wouldn’t expect you to not do that because I helped you.”

~ Thyr

“I’m glad we’re on the same page then.” Séan said with a grin. “So who roughed you up?”

Counselor Iven

“No one,” Thyr replied, glad things felt back to normal. “Now shut up and watch the show.”

~ Thyr

The show continued on for about ten minutes before Séan interjected. “That’s a load of shit. That no one roughed you up I mean.”

Counselor Iven

“Sure, it is. Doesn’t mean I’m gonna change my answer.” Thyr said, hiding a small grin.

~ Thyr

Séan shook his head. “At least you’re not denying it this time.” He sighed before shifting in his seat to face Thyr. “So I’m not going to make any progress on getting you to fess up so we can work on that?”

Counselor Iven

“Work on what? Going to bars? That needs worked on?” Thyr challenged.

~ Thyr

“Maybe?” Séan met the challenge head-on. “If the majority of the times you’re getting roughed up are at the bar then you really need to rethink your choices.”

Counselor Iven

“What if I’m doing exactly what I want to do?” Thyr replied. “I’m fine.”

~ Thyr

“You’re fine getting beat up by other people? Really?” Séan asked with a bit of skepticism.

Counselor Iven

“Yep.” Thyr answered. “If I weren’t, you’d think I’d stop doing it.”

~ Thyr

“I don’t think that at all.” Séan said evenly. He knew, or at least was fairly certain, what it was that drew Thyr to getting into conflict. “I think you have a misplaced sense of self-worth that leads you to self destructive actions when someone, or even yourself, tells you that you screwed up. I’ve not known you before your ‘exile’ here but you clearly think you’re not worth the ‘effort’ people are putting in on your behalf. Jezem’s looking out for you and my trying to help in the best way I can come to mind.”

Counselor Iven

Séan was spot on correct, of course. “If that’s self destructive then it isn’t self destructive enough.” He commented. “Besides, that won’t be a problem anymore. Jezem’s finally done with me. Can’t tie my self worth to someone who’s tired of dealing with me.”

~ Thyr

Séan narrowed his eyes. He hadn’t seen Jezem since their cooking lesson and impromptu shopping/bargaining stroll through the market so he wasn’t current on how he was doing. “He said that? Explicitly?”

Counselor Iven

“Yep.” Thyr said flatly. “Wanna go ask him? Then maybe you’ll leave me alone about it.”

~ Thyr

“Hmm… perhaps he’s trying a drastic approach to snapping you out of the cycle.” Séan put on a thoughtful expression. He shook his head a moment later. “I don’t particularly want to get in the middle of you and him, no. Though I’m sure it will come up the next time we have a session. This is about you though. So I’m guessing you didn’t take that news well, went to the bar, and used other people and alcohol to punish yourself?”

Counselor Iven

Thyr rolled his eyes. “Whatever you want to think.” He commented with a shrug.

~ Thyr

Séan just looked at Thyr for a couple heartbeats before he sighed then shrugged. “Alright. I will think what I want if you’re not interested in correcting it. I just think it’s a bit sad that people will come to conclusions, whether it’s right or wrong, but your voice isn’t heard.”

Counselor Iven

“The only person who thinks that is you, because you’re the only one that bothers to care,” Thyr replied, waving him off. “So, no one else thinks that.”

~ Thyr

“Well of course I’m the only one who cares, if Jezem is truly done.” Séan laughed. “After coming here have you even attempted to befriend anyone? I’m guessing not since you are technically in hiding. How can you have anyone else care about you if they don’t even know you?”

Counselor Iven

“Revna knows me. Eryn.” Thyr replied defensively. “M’rajah too.”

~ Thyr

“Know you and friends with you are two very different things.” Séan rebutted. “Hell, I’m not sure if we’re even friends though I’d like to think we are. Our closeness came about because I forced my way in. Will you let Revna, Eryn, and M’rajah have the opportunity to get closer?”

Counselor Iven

“I don’t think I know what that means or how to do that.” Thyr said and shrugged. “What am I supposed to do? Be all vulnerable and sh…tuff?” He uttered an Orion curse word. “No thanks.”

~ Thyr

“Unless you’re open to someone to allow them to get to know you then you’ll merely be a stranger.” Séan shrugged in turn. “Only the kind hearted or those with an agenda would care about strangers and I have a feeling you wouldn’t trust either types.”

Counselor Iven

“Everyone has an agenda. Every ‘kind hearted’ person wants something and it’s only a matter of time till you find out what.” Thyr said with conviction. “So no, I can’t trust either.”

~ Thyr

“What is my agenda then?” Séan asked in turn.

Counselor Iven

“Don’t know yet. Illusion of power over someone? Need for control, maybe.” Thyr answered.

~ Thyr

“Please, if I needed that sort of power trip I would’ve gone into Intelligence or Security instead of counseling.” Séan lightly mocked. “There are much easier ways and more worthwhile people to try and control. But that aside, you admitted to my caring about you. While people who care can likewise have an agenda, the duality of people can be fascinating, I don’t want anything except getting to know you.”

Counselor Iven

“But why?” Thyr questioned. “To you I’m nobody. There’s no reason to get to know me unless you want something or have a motive.”

~ Thyr

“Curiosity.” Séan answered simply. “In a bar full of rough people you stood out like a sore thumb.”

Counselor Iven

“Please, please tell me how so I can make sure I don’t in the future.” Thyr replied. “I am a ‘rough person’.”

~ Thyr

Séan grinned for a moment. “Yeah but that’s the thing, While you may be a rough person you didn’t seem to believe you were a part of that crowd.”

Counselor Iven

“No? So our whole.... Whatever this is, is based on your mistakes?” Thyr asked, looking at him.

~ Thyr

“Mistakes? What do you mean?” Séan asked with some confusion.

Counselor Iven

“Well, if you thought I didn’t believe I was a part of that crowd, then you were wrong. Mistaken.” Thyr said. “I’m sure it happens.”

~ Thyr

“Oh, I see what you mean.” Séan said with realization after the explanation. He shook his head and chuckled. “But no, I’m not mistaken. Perhaps I wasn’t clear enough and that’s not your fault. I’m sure you do feel some sort of belonging with the people that were in the bar but I mean more like the caliber of them pale in comparison to who you used to associate with. Those folks may be criminals and thugs but not operatives for syndicates or intelligence units. It seemed to me you were there to escape the tedium that has become your life and while that’s the closest environment to where you thrived before it’s still not close enough.”

Counselor Iven

Thyr raised a brow. “So you picked the worst criminal in the joint and struck up a conversation because it would interest you? Are you sure we’re that different?”

~ Thyr

“I can be a bit adventurous and it was my first day on Oed so I was doing some exploring.” Séan said with a shrug. “Since you stood out from the rest you did pique my curiosity. When it became obvious that you were here using a cover identity that made me want to dig deeper. You’re not exactly an enigma of a person but you were far more interesting than most of my patients.”

Counselor Iven

“So we aren’t all that different,” Thyr repeated. “You did something stupidly dangerous because it was more interesting.”

~ Thyr

“Eh… the danger is debatable.” Séan joked with a big grin. “Besides I doubt you would have attacked me in a bar. Stalked me on my way home perhaps.”

Counselor Iven

“If I’d stalked you home, it would be to know where to case so I could kill you in your sleep.” Thyr stated, shrugging. “Which is really what I should’ve done. Lucky for you I didn’t.”

~ Thyr

“Oh by that point I would’ve been certain what your intentions were.” Séan nodded in agreement. “I did take a very roundabout way home and even used the Centurion’s transporter.”

Counselor Iven

“That just means you’re not an idiot.” Thyr said. “Blackmailing criminals isn’t the smartest thing to do.”

~ Thyr

“Neither is hanging out at a bar where the most likely people to recognize you would be there.” Séan pointed out with a grin.

Counselor Iven

“I was being self destructive.” Thyr replied as though it were obvious.

~ Thyr

“Well duh.” Séan said while maintaining his grin. “I said that almost ten minutes ago. I’m glad you’re admitting it now though.”

Counselor Iven

“You and talking people in circles!” Thyr hissed irritatedly. “Why do you do this?”

~ Thyr

Séan blinked at the sudden(though not really) irritation. “It’s like an interrogation without the use of force. I do it because you put up so many layers of half truths or deflections that the conversation has to circle around to get to the truth or at least how you feel things to be.”

Counselor Iven

Thyr scowled. “The layers are there for a reason. So what’s your point about why I might do certain things? Or are you going to lead me in more circles?”

~ Thyr

“I’m trying to help you introspect in a productive way.” Séan replied earnestly. “Any circles we go in are because you come back to points that are counter to recognizing what’s an issue.”

Counselor Iven

“Okay,” Thyr sighed, “Then what’s the issue this time?” He asked.

~ Thyr

“That throwing yourself into harm’s way is not an appropriate response to self-loathing.” Séan said softly. “You’ve got to learn a new coping method then going to get yourself beat on.”

Counselor Iven

“I don’t need a coping method.” Thyr replied. He didn’t believe he’d be around long enough for it to matter. With his ties to Jezem broken, it was best he turn himself over now. To avoid bringing harm to those who didn’t deserve it.

~ Thyr

Séan sat in silence for a few seconds as he thought about Thyr’s response. It was certainly on point as the other man’s behavior typically shunned reflection, self-correction, or help of any kind… but there was something more to it. “Why?” He asked simply.

Counselor Iven

“What do you mean, why? It’s pointless,” Thyr replied, shrugging, unwilling to give up his plans. If he told Séan, Séan would no doubt make it considerably harder to do. He would tell no one.

~ Thyr

“Don’t even give me that.” Séan retorted with an unimpressed look. “I certainly don’t have you all figured out but I’d like to think that I know you well enough to be aware of when you’re lying or withholding. This time you’re definitely holding something back.”

Counselor Iven

“What if it’s something I can’t tell you?” Thyr replied. “What if it risks your safety or your job?”

~ Thyr

“My knowledge of it or what I might do if I know?” Séan asked in a follow-up.

Counselor Iven

Thyr pondered for a moment. “Both,” he said. “But more the second.”

~ Thyr

Séan sighed. “My safety has already been at risk knowing you and having helped you. My career likewise since I asked you to help me find Lieutenant Mika. Luckily Starfleet has been busy with finding assassins of diplomats and hasn’t had the chance to probe deeply into what we did. So what’s a little more risk? I’m likely already in danger.”

Counselor Iven

“Nah, they won’t know anything.” Thyr said with a shrug. “A little more risk for the first reason? You’re right, no biggie, not much worse you can get at this point. But the second reason? No, I’m pretty sure I need to keep my mouth shut on this one.”

~ Thyr

“You’re that sure I’d do something to put myself at risk?” Séan asked in amusement.

Counselor Iven

“I don’t have you all figured out but I like to think I know you well enough,” Thyr said, using Sean’s own words.

~ Thyr

Séan laughed as Thyr threw his words back at him. “Touché. You’re probably right too. Which means we’re at a bit of an impasse now because I suspect you’re planning something very stupid if you are sure I’d risk myself and my career to stop you. The question now stands, how can I stop you without knowing the plan and how can you prevent me from stopping you?”

Counselor Iven

“Don’t think you can trick me into giving up information,” Thyr replied. “If you want to stop me, you’ll have to figure it out yourself.”

~ Thyr

Séan shook his head and grinned. “Or I cut through all of that bullshit and go with the nuclear option.”

Counselor Iven

“What is the nuclear option?” Thyr asked suspiciously.

~ Thyr

“I go to Jezem and tell him that you’re planning on doing something stupid.” Séan said with a now serious expression. “I’ll tell him exactly what I know, which admittedly isn’t much, but if you’re afraid of dragging me into your mess because I’d try to stop you then likely so would Jezem. If not because he cares for you still in his own way then because he very much cares for Argam. Whatever you’re planning may very well upset the balance of the whole colony and that may affect Jezem’s husband’s safety.”

Counselor Iven

“So tell him, then.” Thyr replied. “If you’re expecting me to beg you not to, think again.”

~ Thyr

“You misunderstand me Thyr.” Séan said back softly. “I’m not wanting you to beg me for anything. I don’t want you to go through whatever plan you’ve cooked up that puts you at risk.”

Counselor Iven

“Why? What have I ever done for you or anyone else?” Thyr spat, voice full of self loathing. “All I’m doing is taking up resources and putting people at risk who should never had anything to do with me.”

~ Thyr

“I mean that’s easy to think when your one consistent supporter seems to have abandoned you but I assure you you’re none of those things.” Séan replied with as neutral of an expression as he could. They were finally getting to Thyr’s core issue and showing sadness or sympathy would most likely push him away.

“I can only speak for myself but you were initially a good sport about the counseling ‘blackmail’, I’d like to think we’ve come to respect each other even if we hadn’t fully become best friends, and you helped me save a girl I like from a gang at your own personal risk. Maybe just me alone isn’t enough but I don’t want to find out you’ve left or done something worse.”

Counselor Iven

“That’s what you think I might do? Leave?” Thyr asked. He hoped to throw Séan off, pretending his plan had nothing to do with leaving. “I’m a criminal. What am I going to do? Turn you in for blackmailing me? Besides, it did me no harm to humour you.”

“Yes, because you’ve talked about disappearing and not being a burden on Jezem before.” He pointed out.

“Well, he solved that problem, didn’t he?”

“Still doesn’t convince me otherwise.” Séan shook his head. “You’d still do a fool notion if you thought it would benefit Jezem.”

He shrugged, “I’m glad you, for some insane reason, like me, or at least don’t want me to do something stupid. But that doesn’t fix anything.”

~ Thyr

“What would fix it then?” Séan asked. “I can’t wave a magic wand and erase the Syndicates memory or bounty on you. I can’t fulfill what you feel you’re missing. But do you even know what it is you want?”

Counselor Iven

“What I want…? What do you mean, what I want?” He asked, not understanding.

~ Thyr

“What would make you happy or at the very least content?” Séan asked earnestly.

Counselor Iven

Shivan shook his head. “I dunno, I mean… I don’t even know why I ran anymore. So much effort to delay the inevitable. I know you say it’s not cowardly, but you’re not part of our world.”

~ Thyr

“I’d argue it takes more courage to live than it does to give up or accept your end.” Séan said softly. “You don’t strike me as a coward. Someone struggling with despair, feelings of abandonment, and definitely low self-worth but not a coward.”

Counselor Iven

“Great, thanks.” Thyr said, voice sarcastic. “How does that help me?”

~ Thyr

“It helps to identify where one’s problems lie. Think about this in a tactical manner. If you needed to attack a place would you rush in straight away?” Séan asked.

Counselor Iven

“Not unless it’s a suicide mission,” Thyr replied. “Or a distraction.”

~ Thyr

“So then what would you do?” Séan asked the next question.

Counselor Iven

“I can’t discuss strategy with someone who may soon be on my tail,” Thyr pointed out.

~ Thyr

“Oh come on. Trying to disappear and trying to assault a stronghold are two entirely different things.” Séan laughed as Thyr basically outed himself. “Though thank you for confirming my assumption.”

Counselor Iven

Thyr crossed his arms and shrugged. “You can’t stop me.”

~ Thyr

“You’re completely missing the point. You asked me how pointing out your problems helps you. Now answer my question. If you’re not charging headlong into a stronghold to assault it then what do you do?” Séan asked in a bit of exasperation.

Counselor Iven

“Sneak in and damage it from the inside?” Thyr asked, confused and annoyed.

~ Thyr

“Be more specific. How do you get in? What do you attack? What do you need to look for?” Séan asked as he had a point that he was trying to make.

Counselor Iven

“It… really depends.” Thyr said. Then sighed. “Can you forget the metaphor and get to the point?”

~ Thyr

“The point is that solving one’s problems isn’t something that you should recklessly charge into. You need to identify where the problem is and work a strategy to solve it.” Séan explained. “When you solve that one you move on to the next. It’s important to take it a step at a time and not focus on how many steps it’s going to take.”

Counselor Iven

“Doesn’t matter.” Thyr said with a shrug. With his plans, well, there wouldn’t be problems to fix for much longer.

~ Thyr

“I’m pretty sure it does because wherever you’re thinking of running to isn’t going to solve anything.” Séan shook his head.

Counselor Iven

Oh, yes, it would. Thyr shrugged indifferently. “Maybe so.”

~ Thyr

Séan studied Thyr’s indifference. “So you’re already decided and nothing I say is going to change your mind.” He stated.

Counselor Iven

“If I said yes, what would you do?” Thyr asked, watching Séan carefully.

~ Thyr

Séan sighed before answering. “Well it wasn’t a question for one thing but for arguments sake let’s say it was. I’d probably break your leg to ensure you couldn’t run away and then I’d go have a chat with Jezem.”

Counselor Iven

“No, you wouldn’t,” Thyr called his bluff. “Have a chat with Jezem, sure. Break my leg? No.”

~ Thyr

“Are you sure about that?” Séan asked quietly. “I’m not a doctor who swore to do no harm. If I thought breaking your leg could save your life then should I let something like your pain hold me back?”

Counselor Iven

Thyr wiggled a hand in the air like “so-so”. “Eighty…” He watched Séan, “seventy percent sure.” Then he snorted. “I’m Andorian. I’d like to see you try.” Andorian bones required more force than human bones to break, but if he succeeded, Thyr’s bone would shatter. It was because of the structure and make of Andorian bones.

~ Thyr

“It’s not a matter of whether I’m physically capable of doing it. You’re hurt and that will slow you down. Even on your best day I could still take you.” Séan said with ample bravado. “The question is, is this the only option you’re leaving me to keep you from rushing off like a fool?”

Counselor Iven

Shivan gave Séan a look. “Don’t make me lie to you…” Apparently, Séan had earned his respect, or he’d lie without reservation. He stood from his seat, stance guarded. “You’re probably the most evenly matched person I could find besides Jezem.”

~ Thyr

Séan slowly stood up and faced Thyr but didn’t take a stance. “Unless you knock me out and take that opportunity to disappear I will do what I can to stop you. Even if I have to beat you unconscious and drag your body to Jezem’s.”

Counselor Iven

“I’d like to see you try,” Thyr said confidently. “And if I do knock you out I’ll secure you inside this house, slow down your ability to alert anyone.”

~ Thyr

Séan brought his left foot back and his hands up in a southpaw stance. “Don’t just talk about it. Come show me you’re big and bad enough to follow through. All I’ve seen so far is you getting your ass handed to you.”

Counselor Iven

“If you’re going to bait me into a fight, you’ll have to try harder than that,” Thyr replied, rolling his eyes. He kept his gaze on Séan, but made no move to engage him.

~ Thyr

“Are we just going to stand here then? I’m actually fine with that. You’re not running anywhere, or trying to, and I’m not beating you unconscious.” Séan said with a fair amount of sarcasm.

Counselor Iven

“What happened to leg breaking? Not strong enough?” Thyr taunted irritatedly. “Wherever I might go, you can’t stop me.” He shooed Séan like an irritating bug. “Out. Go talk to Jezem.”

~ Thyr

“Now who’s being obvious? Can’t stand to make the first move huh? You actually like me it seems.” Séan grinned though he didn’t drop his stance.

Counselor Iven

“I just don’t need random starfleet officers endangering themselves on my behalf,” Thyr lied. “Now out.”

~ Thyr

“No.” Séan said simply.

Counselor Iven

“Fine, stand there and waste your time.” Thyr seemed like he had a hard time resisting, and his fine came forcefully, but apparently Séan’s anger therapy hadn’t been completely useless.

~ Thyr

“Since you’re not going to swing at me first and I’m not going to leave, why don’t we sit back down?” Séan offered a compromise.

Counselor Iven

“No,” Thyr replied, moving around the apartment. He stopped in front of a particular spot with a crowbar and pried open the base board. “Stand or sit, do whatever. I’ve got things to do.”

~ Thyr

Séan sighed as Thyr looked to be grabbing his go bag. “Alright. I guess I’m starting us off then.” He stepped towards the couch, grabbed the arm and back of it, then with a grunt of effort chucked it at Thyr.

Counselor Iven

Séan hefted his sofa and it sailed through the air. Thyr would be impressed, but what a waste of energy. The strap of a bag sticking out from the hole Thyr had made, he rolled away from his spot and dodged the sofa. On his feet and in a defensive stance, he grinned. “Yessss unleash your inner darkside, young Iiiiiiiiiiveeen.”

~ Thyr

Séan didn’t quip or taunt Thyr but instead closed the distance quickly. The couch throw wasn’t meant to hit Thyr but instead catch him off guard and separate him from the crowbar. Well if it did hit then that’d be alright too. Séan gave a quick forward kick.

Counselor Iven

Thyr blocked his kick and pushed him. Then charged in a tackle lead by one of his bulky shoulders.

~ Thyr

Séan took advantage of Thyr’s push to put a little distance between them. So when he saw the other man charging with a shoulder tackle he almost felt bad for side stepping and sweeping Thyr’s legs.

Counselor Iven

Thyr crashed to the floor with a thud and a grunt. He was quickly up and facing Séan, protecting his weaker side.

~ Thyr

Séan slowly closed the distance while he kept his guard up. When he felt the range was right he fired off two jabs at Thyr’s head.

Counselor Iven

Thyr dodged the first one but the second struck him solidly and knocked him a little dizzy. He moved into a protective stance.

~ Thyr

Séan capitalized on Thyr’s defensive stance to follow up with another light jab with the right then a heavy left hook.

Counselor Iven

Thyr would have been fine, but the right jab caught him close to his old wound, it knocked him off balance enough he couldn’t defend the left hook. With a heavy grunt he was knocked to the ground. He kicked out at Séan’s legs like his life depended on it.

~ Thyr

Séan tried to block Thyr’s kick but was unprepared for just how desperately strong it was. He went down to a knee with a pained oof and took a deep breath while he assessed how his opponent was doing.

Counselor Iven

Hurting. That much was obvious. But for how hurt he must be, he was surprisingly agile. He was on a knee himself in a blink, swinging his right fist at Séan.

~ Thyr

Séan moved with Thyr’s punch and grabbed his arm. He used the momentum that Thyr put into the punch as well as his own movement to pull Thyr towards him. He tucked his legs up and pushed out to throw Thyr to the other side of the room.

Counselor Iven

Martial arts training, and Sean was well trained. Thyr was thrown, colliding painfully with the wall with a heavy grunt and a painful sound and seemed stunned or badly hurt as he did not stand.

~ Thyr

With a grunt of effort Séan rolled to his feet and warily approached Thyr. He stayed out of reach while he checked on his friend.

Counselor Iven

Thyr tried to get up, but stumbled, in pain it seemed, and found himself on the floor.

~ Thyr

Séan stayed out of reach because he wasn’t sure if Thyr was baiting him in. “Are you good or are we still going?”

Counselor Iven

“Can’t… Get up,” thyr said. “You win. Still not staying.”

~ Thyr

Séan blew out a breath he’d been holding unconsciously. “We will come to that bridge again after you recover. I’m going to help you now as long as you promise not to sucker punch me.”

Counselor Iven

Thyr nodded. “No punching. Promise.” He said. He pulled himself over and sat against the wall.

~ Thyr

Séan moved closer and knelt next to Thyr. “Okay, where are you hurting and are you good for me to help you move or do you need a bit of time?”

Counselor Iven

“My body.” He said. “I’m good. I want the sofa.”

~ Thyr

“Okay.” Séan said as he got up and went to move the sofa back to its original spot in front of the TV. He then moved back to Thyr and got his arms braced under the others armpits. “This is probably going to hurt so take a deep breath, grit your teeth, and try not to pass out.” With a deep grunt of effort he lifted the other man off the ground and carefully walked him to the sofa.

Counselor Iven

Thyr wasn’t able to help much. He grunted and held on to Séan, moving his feet in a sort of pained stumble. He plopped onto the sofa like a sack of blue potatoes and rested his head on the arm rest. His body was already starting to bruise.

~ Thyr

After Thyr was settled onto the sofa Séan went and collected the dropped bag that was retrieved from the floorboard. He wasn’t sure what was in it and he didn’t plan to look, but he thought taking it would hamper Thyr’s plans to leave. He took a seat on the sofa but kept the bag out of reach. “Am I going to have to get you more pain meds?”

Counselor Iven

Thyr nodded, partly because that would take Séan longer. Once he was gone and Thyr had rested a little, he could still make a break for it.

~ Thyr

“I’m not doing it now.” Séan said with a chuckle and a shake of his head. “I have to catch my breath after that tussle of ours. You’re a heavy bastard after all.”

Counselor Iven

“You wouldn’t have won if you hadn’t punched me in the stab wound.” Thyr said stubbornly.

~ Thyr

“Ha!” Séan laughed. “Tell you what, after you recover as right as rain we’ll have a rematch.”

Counselor Iven

Shivan smiled, but there was a sadness to it. As though he wanted to take Séan up on that, but was positive there would never be the chance. “Fine then. Rematch, when I’m 100%.” He said, trying to sound cocky and confident but his voice was soft, tinged with sadness.

~ Thyr

Séan picked up on the shift in tone and mood. “You don’t mean that. Once I leave and you’re feeling well enough to move you’re going to try and disappear. And you know I can’t sit around and watch you forever or get Starfleet security to bar your leaving the planet. Too much attention would draw the wrong sorts and likely get you killed. So I’m going to take your go bag with me and hope that slows you down enough that Jezem can put something in place.”

Counselor Iven

Shivan shrugged indifferently. “Take it, then.” He said and closed his eyes. “You gonna leave me here then?”

~ Thyr

“Unless you’d rather I frog march you all the way to Jezem’s right now?” Séan asked with a raised brow. He wasn’t sure if Thyr’s indifference was genuine because he could replace what was in the bag or feigned in an attempt to stop him from taking it if it wasn’t really all that important.

Counselor Iven

Thyr wasn’t going to give away his reasoning. “Not unless you’re dragging or carrying me.” He said.

~ Thyr

“Would you rather I take you to Jezem and try to mediate whatever this is that’s going on? I’m willing to do that if it’d keep you alive.” Séan asked with sincerity.

Counselor Iven

“Look, Jezem’s right. I’m wasting resources and time. This isn’t worth your time,” Thyr said.

~ Thyr