<USS Avalon> "Unexpected Perspective"

Unexpected Perspective
Elissabeth Marksbury
and
James Monroe


Finality. That's what the doors signified and that's all that Elissabeth could 
hear in the silence echoing around the room. She blew out a long breath, 
refusing to believe this was over. Yet, she knew, things weren't right. It was 
like dealing with James all over again. Which meant that she had to admit she 
was the failure. It was impossible to stand inside her quarters. Bryce's 
presence was all encompassing.

Instead, she gathered up all the things from her small desk and left the room. 
She turned the corner for her office, five PADDs tucked neatly in her arms like 
books. Her thoughts were so jumbled that she didn't even realise she was 
walking on the wrong side of the hall until she collided with someone, knocking 
her parcel from her hands. "Dammit!" she nearly yelled in frustration. 

"Whoa," hands grabbed at her arms instinctively, catching her balance just 
before Lissi shrugged off his hold. James looked down at the PADDs and tried 
picking them up for her, if she only didn't do the same. Snatching a couple 
from James' light grasp on it, he looked at her, "What's wrong, Liss?" 

Her eyes met his as they were both stooped down in the floor and tears suddenly 
swam in her vision. That compassion and care for her... This was definitely the 
weakest moment he could've caught her in. "Let's just say I'm developing a 
healthy fear of relationships." 

"I'm... sorry, I..." Monroe became lost for words. Frown lines were developing 
as it was increasingly difficult to express his concern. The best he got out 
was, "What happened?" 

"Walk with me?" she asked innocently, rearranging her bundle again. 

A mild surprised flashed across Monroe's face and he couldn't help but show a 
small smile, "Sure." 

Silently, she led the way to her office, letting James hold the PADDs for her 
as she fumbled with the door code. Her hands just wouldn't stop shaking. Their 
hands touched briefly as he handed them back over and they locked eyes once 
again. "Thank you," she managed to whisper, breaking away and placing the files 
back where they belonged. She moved back around the desk. "I'm sorry I ran into 
you," Elissabeth offered, then realised that could sound like she didn't want 
him there, and added, "literally, I mean. Figuratively, I never mind." She 
tried a tiny smile, but more tears just pooled in her eyes and she looked away. 

She couldn't ask to be held any more than now. It was pulling at feelings James 
tried hard every day to bury. But instead of fighting against his emotions and 
keeping that personal level at a distance, Monroe pulled her in his arms, 
"What's wrong, Liss? I've never seen you this way." 

Her body shook as she gave in and felt the relief of James' arms around her. 
She held to him tightly, comforted by the familiar touch and scent. After a 
long pause, she finally answered, "Bryce... I- I told him it wouldn't work." 

Still hugging her, "Why?" 

"He..." she sighed, not really sure how to explain it. "He felt the need to 
question my actions... and you know there are some things in my life that have 
to stay a secret. Affiliation with Intel for one. He couldn't leave those 
things alone. And I can't have him doing that." It suddenly occurred to her 
what sort of position she was putting herself in just then, but the embrace was 
too intoxicating to relinquish. 

Monroe did it for her, letting go smoothly. Looking straight into her eyes, 
"You two have had this argument before?" 

"No. I thought we understood to leave well enough alone. You did." Her voice 
was small and wavered slightly, but she couldn't break her gaze away. 

"I?m not him. And just like that, you dumped him?" 

Elissabeth flinched like she'd been slapped. "It wasn't going to work. There's 
no reason to take eight months to figure that out like I did with you. It hurts 
too damn much," she defended. 

Monroe just shook his head, "There's a difference between understanding and 
defining a relationship. You instantly let him go because you can't accept he 
keeps questioning. Doesn't work that way, Liss."

"Then enlighten me," she said, a little angry. 

"Maybe if you worked it out instead of dropping him on a dime, you'd know he's 
asking out of concern," Monroe said quietly. 

"Of course I'm wrong. I thought you'd be happy. Liss is a complete failure at 
relationships. You're off the hook." The overly emotional response was a bit 
unsettling. 

"Did I say that? And don't bother saying I ?didn't have to, it was all in my 
wording.' You're good at that part when you're emotional. You just won't have 
it any other way than yours." 

"Because sometimes, that's the way it has to be." 

"That's where we differ, Liss. Sometimes you have to realise those that want to 
help you, will do just about anything to do so. But instead, you push them 
aside. Just like me, just like Bryce. How many more are you gonna push aside, 
Liss?" He left it at that, and hesitantly walked out of her office. 


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