We May Have All Come on Different Ships, But We're in the Same Boat Now (ZAY)

[Gar]

Noticing that Zay had just spoken up for herself, Ni had to wonder what the best response would be. She didnt want to discourage her from using her voice, but she didnt want to encourage a heirarchical mindset, either. This was difficult.

After a moment Ni answered placidly, "This does not define you, Zay. However, ultimately, you don't need my permission to call me whatever you wish. Would a compromise be alright for you?" She gently brushed the hair back behind Zay's ear so that she could view her face better, "We could start with Miss Ni. Then, as you get more comfortable, you can try saying just my name..."

[Akirapryde]

It was a rare thing for Ni to sense that safe place an individual holds dear. She had felt it before and knew how to detect it. For Zay, this emotional place was somehow linked to that simple melody. Gone was the confident mask that Zay had been trained and forced to where. Beneath was a Clone who had deep scares from, in this situation, a lifetime of abuse and hardship.

Suddenly, without warning a glimpse of an image flashed in to Ni's mind. It was of a human or near human, possible clone, female with a soft smile, green eyes and red hair. It wasn't that Ni intended to but the image was from Zay's own memories.

At the same time, Zay uttered, "yes Miss."

[Gar]

Ni was a little concerned, not understanding how this image had come to her. "Would you tell me what is on your mind, Miss Zay?" She asked carefully. She waited patiently for Zay to continue as she stroked her back and hair softly. Ni tried her best to help the clone feel safe and not pressured into anything.

[Akirapryde]

The means of how Ni addressed her didn't sit well with Zay. But she knew better than to question. Instead she tried so hard to just be at ease.

But the very question rose concerns. Fear gripped with a since of duty clouded her mind. For a long awkward moment Zay was completely silent and still. Her body tensed as finally she drew in a deep breath and answered, "nothing" she said lying.

[Gar]

"If you do not wish to tell me, then that is your right," Ni said with a smile, leaning back slightly to look into her eyes, "I respect your choice." She sighed contentedly and giggled softly, "Well, I think we could both use a break from all these sad feelings, don't you? Could you do me a favor, Miss Zay?"

[Akirapryde]

Zay glanced up and nodded. She slowly rose from Ni's lap as she prepared to return to her duties. "Yes Miss, how can I serve....I mean, help you."

[Gar]

Ni tried not to let the subservient undertones bother her, knowing that these habits would take some time to lose. "I'd like to try something with you, something I think may help you get comfortable with making choices," she explained with a kind smile, laughing, "But I think we both could use a shower and change of clothes. If you wish, you may use the bathroom first. Then could you meet me in the kitchen?"

[Akirapryde]

As the words started to leave Ni's mouth, Zay thought she knew what was expected of her. Her hands moved to the buttons of her shirt once more. It then once Ni suggested different showers she nodded, "yes of course," she said softly and then moved to the shower. She knew better than to lock the door. She slowly removed her clothes, only to pause as she looked at a button. She wondered if she will have to reattach these buttons. She made a mental note to get thread that matched the fabric of the outfit.

Once her shower was over she waited in the kitchen for Ni. She set in a chair wondering what Ni had in mind.

[Gar]

Ni took a quick shower and slipped into some Jedi pants and a regular bright pink t-shirt, she didn't want to keep Zay waiting. The Zeltron entered the kitchen with a flourish and her usual bright smile.

"This will be so much fun!" She exclaimed, twirling excitedly around the small kitchen area before plopping down in the chair adjacent to Zay. "Ok! So!" She cleared her throat and sat up properly. "Pretend its morning, you just woke up, and you're really hungry! What would you like to eat?" She looked into the clone's eyes eagerly as she awaited her response.

[Akirapryde]

Zay set up and tried to 'act normal' even though she had no idea what she was doing. She patiently listened to the narrative as the scene was drawn out for her. With a smile she nodded remembering this morning and what she saw Ni eating.

She rose from the chair and moved to the supplies and pulled the same meal, she smiled hoping she had done well. "This Miss"