(snip) : : : : Alita stood up in the shallow water and began walking towards the picnic table. : : : : : : : : “Yes, I’ve noticed that he has an incredible loyal streak. I suppose that’s very comforting and maybe a bit surprising.” she said with a smile while sitting down to finish her scones. : : : : : : : : Alita : : : : : : “There is that,” Ayla said as she squeezed the water out of her abundant curls. “But it’s more than that,” she said as she sat down, seeming pensive as she reached for a scone. “There’s so much Remy and I haven’t talked about. When I was attacked, he and I were just working through some stuff regarding our relationship. Then years pass and I suddenly find everything about my life and those around me has changed. We’ve been just so happy to be together that we’ve skipped over all the things that might trip us up. Or, well, most of them. And I chose to come here Alita. I chose to be here so I could be here with him. But it’s a small ship and some days it just feels like a lot,” she admitted. She had a therapist she worked with as part of her healing as well as part of being a counsellor herself (it was standard in the field), but there wasn’t many people on the ship she could talk to like this. : : : : : : Lt. Sharise, CNS : : : : At times like this Alita was glad her Mission Officer training included basic counseling. She was even more pleased that Ayla considered her a close enough friend to confide in her in this manner. : : : : “One thing I noticed as soon as I met Remy is even when he’s standing still he’s got a huge personality. There were big issued surrounding the two of you so, of course, everything is going to be larger than life, overwhelming, and exhausting. But I know that you’re no shrinking violet. You’ll have those talks when you need to whether either one of you like it or not.” Alita said licking powdered sugar from her fingers. : : : : Alita : : “Of course,” Ayla said. “I’m not one to avoid things. But timing is important too, and less obvious There’s often not always a right answer, but the absolutely can be a wrong one. I have to get that right, because as forgiving and loving as he is, some times could cause irreparable damage and I don’t want to hurt him in any way.” She closed her eyes for a moment. “Having PTSD makes everything seem more intense, more overwhelming. But I think I have found a solution for the worst of my symptoms. It’s just working through the rest of it.” : : Lt. Sharise, CNS “Well everybody has to start somewhere I suppose. I have a feeling you’ll be working through this for quite a while. And personally, I think it’s wonderful that you have someone like Remy to support you, but my point of view on such things a a little inexperienced. What type of solution do you think you’ve found?” Alita asked with a touch of concern. Alita