Advice

Posted on Tue Apr 16th, 2024 @ 9:15pm by Ensign George Paxton & Lieutenant Commander Savin

Mission: Character Development
1078 words - 2.2 OF Standard Post Measure

George meandered towards Savin's office. He wasn't sure why exactly he needed to talk to the counselor, but he know something was off and hoped that maybe talking it through would help. He sent a message via his padd before her wandered that way to ensure the counselor was available so it was no surprise when the door opened only seconds after he chimed the bell.

"Commander Savin," George smiled. "It's been a long time since we've talked. I thought it might be good to catch up. If you're not too busy."

"If I were, I would not have granted you access," Savin smiled as he gestured towards the comfortable seating area where, apparently, tea was already waiting. "What can I do for you George, it has been a while since we last spoke."

"To be honest, I'm not sure. Things just seem off, like my emotions are out of whack. It's hard to put words to it. I thought perhaps we could talk and maybe between the two of us we could figure something out, but," he sat down as suggested by the counselor. "It feels rude of me to barge in and just pull you into work. How have you been?"

"You did message ahead," he reminded the younger man, "and I acknowledged your message, did you miss that?" He reached for the pot of tea and poured some in both cups, pushing one towards George. "I am well," he answered politely, "we can discuss me later, if you still desire. First I would like to hear why you feel your emotions are...out of whack? What does that mean?" Had he understood that correctly? Savin glanced sideways to sneak a peak at his PADD, which turned speech to text if and when required. He rarely used it during sessions, unless words were used that he was unfamiliar with.

"I do remember, but that doesn't negate my southern manners," George chuckled softly as he picked up the cup of tea and savored the first sip. "Not as good as sweet tea, but it's not bad. Anyway," he smiled and placed the cup back to the table. "Out of whack means....out of sorts? Unexpected? I'm not sure how to explain it. Like I think I should feel one way, and then I feel the opposite. Does that make sense?"

"Yes. Why do you feel you are not feeling as you should? Can you tell me how long you have been feeling like this?"

"I'm not sure. Mason and I had an argument a while back, but it wasn't a huge deal. I probably overreacted, but we never had a chance to discuss it before all the action of the last mission and ever since then it's been different. Like, when he's not around, I miss him, but when he is around I feel annoyed. Almost like he's being clingy or trying too hard..." George took a sip of the tea and reflected on how he actually felt. "I normally love that Mason tries hard to show that he cares about me, but now for some reason it's annoying. I don't know why."

"Have you spoken to him about this?" Savin queried carefully, "does he know how you feel about constant attention? And when you feel you miss him, what then?" He paused. "When was the last time you spent time together, in neutral territory?"

"No, I haven't spoken to him about it. I'm only just now recently realizing that it now and I realized it was odd so I wanted to talk about it with a neutral party first. We haven't spent a lot of time together since Mason healed enough to return to his own quarters. The only exception being a dinner, but there was a mutual friend present as well," George replied.

"That was good thinking. Did you have the dinner on neutral ground as well?" The counselor cast the man a thoughtful look. "I recommend you do speak with him, sooner rather than later. The longer you put it off, the more difficult it becomes. I cannot offer advice on relationships as I have nothing to relate to but i am here to support you all the same. Tell me how you want me to help you."

"I'm honestly not sure, I guess I was hoping for some advice, but perhaps I need to figure it out for myself," George stood to leave. He had hoped for an easy answer. Maybe some insight on how to come to terms with his feelings. He wasn't sure exactly what he needed, but it was clear that it was going to take more time and soul searching on his part to come to an answer.

"I can advise you on many things," the counselor answered, "and I am here to listen. You say you are annoyed by his attention, how exactly does it annoy you, and what do you feel when he is not giving you attention?"

"Ah, but you just said you can't offer relationship advice," George chuckled. "Like I said, it's like he's being clingy and that annoys me. I don't feel anything when he isn't giving me attention. I usually put my mind to other things. Sometimes I miss him if I have zero contact with him for days."

"Perhaps, you need to find a balance, and tell him how you feel? I did say I cannot offer relationship advice, but I can do on feelings." Savin smiled pleasantly. "That is my area of expertise. My advice would be to talk to him,really talk to him. And take the time to do so, perhaps somewhere neutral."

"I will consider your advice," George nodded with the gentle smile that so often graced his facial features. "I appreciate your time and thank you for the tea. It's quite good. If you could send me the recipe, I'd appreciate it." He set the glass down. "Have a good evening."

"It is what I am here for George and of course I will. I will make sure your replicator will have it within the hour. It is something my mother made for me when I was in need of comfort, though I do not know where it originates. She claims it is Vulcan, but I have always doubted that." He continued to smile as he led his guest to the door. "Enjoy your evening George, and remember, talk to him. Communication is key, in any situation."