Back on Earth (RP with knowshowtosurf)

[julepsnmedicine]

It had been a long few days.

Katie had been through so much, and Leonard knew that it wasn't going to be easy. In addition to recovering from her injuries and talking to her family, there was dealing with the memories and nightmares. Leonard wanted badly to be there for her every moment, but as chief medical officer, he had to check on the other Lexington survivors as well.

Unfortunately, they lost one of them the following day when a condition that had been exacerbated by the crew's treatment in captivity turned critical.

A couple of days after the rescue, Starfleet Command requested that the survivors all be returned to Earth so they could be debriefed on what had happened. When Jim told him, Leonard knew that they was no way he was going to let Katie - much less the others - go without him. He hadn't even needed to ask Jim, though. Before he could make the request, the captain told him that as their doctor, he would be accompanying them back.

So once all the survivors were well enough, the Enterprise rendezvoused with another ship. Leonard continued sharing quarters with Katie while all the other survivors stayed on the same level, so they were nearby. A psychiatrist had been sent to talk with them on the journey back.

The morning of the day they were supposed to reach Earth, Leonard woke up, holding Katie the way he had every morning. He kissed her temple before gently brushing her hair back from her face.

"We're arrivin' today," he told her softly. "Do you think you'll be okay? I'm gonna make sure I'm nearby the whole time in case you need me."

Comments

[knowshowtosurf.livejournal.com]

The days following her rescue from the Klingon prison camp hadn't been easy. Katie's physical injuries were healing just fine, and she was finally able to eat full meals without getting sick to her stomach. However, none of that stopped the emotional pain and distress she felt.

There were days when Katie wished she could end it all. She wanted to die instead of suffering through it. It was the easy way out, but desperation sometimes out ruled logic. However, she couldn't do it. Every time Katie thought about slicing her flesh and allowing herself to bleed to death, her mind drifted to Leonard.

Her sweet and wonderful Leonard.

He had been there for her as much as he could. SHe didn't mind it when he left during the day since she wasn't sleeping, but she desperately needed him at night. Being curled beside him made the nightmares less frightening. How could she end her life and leave him behind?

When it was announced the survivors would be going back to Earth, Katie had panicked. Katie didn't want to be without Leonard, and was glad he would be going with them. She almost didn't feel whole unless he was there, even though part of her was sure it wasn't healthy. Katie knew she shouldn't become so attached to him, especially since there was a chance she would have to stay on Earth after the debriefing.

She was awake when Leonard kissed her temple. Looking at him, she slowly nodded. "I should be. My parents and sisters are going to meet us there," Katie told him before worrying her bottom lip between her teeth. "They're going to make me stay on Earth, aren't they? You're going to leave me there, aren't you?"

[knowshowtosurf.livejournal.com]

Katie was glad Leonard understood what she needed. She was a bit concerned what this meant for her mental state. If she couldn't handle being around people, then what was she going to do? It worried her and she found herself thinking about it as she continued to walk toward her parents' vehicle. She didn't even hear what her parents were talking about.

When they got to the vehicle, Katie got in the very back with Leonard and laid her head against his shoulder. She closed her eyes and listened as her mother ranted about some horse her aunt had gotten. Snuggling closer to Leonard, Katie squeezed her eyes shut.

It didn't take them long to get to the diner and when they did, Katie opened her eyes. Getting out of the car, she followed everyone in and went to sit with them in a quiet corner.

"They still make your favorite, sweetheart," Amanda said as she held up the menu. "Western omelet."

The thought of eating a whole omelet made her stomach turn a little and Katie shook her head. "I'm still getting used to eating again so I think some bacon and a pancake will be fine," she quietly said.

Amanda frowned and looked at Leonard before nodding. "All right. If that's what you want," she said.