Following Up and Checking In [Tatiana]

[Tatiana Beautero]

Tati smiled at his comment, "Not intentionally but maybe a little… you opened the door." Nodding absently as he continued to explain the psychological side of TJ's presence and its effect, Tati understood precisely what he meant. When he mentioned a rabbit in his office she giggled a bit, "Obviously the clear choice; low commitment but still cuddly and interactive plus they require less physical space than other pets."

To her it was a perfectly reasonable choice for him and his line of work. Watching TJ and Ace, Tati wasn't overly concerned about her companion there; he loved new people and new pets didn't matter what species. Giving a wave in return to Aubrey when he finally appeared she turned her attention back to Aidan and sighed thoughtfully. Someone else she would talk to about day-to-day things? Obviously Bishop came to mind but that defeated the purpose of his question because he was actively part of those deep old wounds she was trying to heal from.

That didn't mean she couldn't talk to him, Tati knew if she really needed to certainly she could talk to him but she considered her other options before another thought came to mind. "Mr Cross… Derek.. I mean. The librarian. We chat frequently and he doesn't seem inclined to pry into my past history." The two of them had a rapport that was relatively easy and it helped they shared a love of discovering mysteries, solving secrets and adventure.

Her gaze shifted briefly checking on TJ and Ace making sure they were still enjoying themselves; though she knew soon enough he'd come back for either a drink or just to touch base with her like he always did. "He is easy to talk with and he provides a different viewpoint on some things I might not have considered." Her head tilted thoughtfully and she turned her attention back to him, "I could reach out to Penny too I suppose. If it's just day-to-day things anyway, I don't want to add to her own difficulties by griping about my own."

[Aidan Blackwood]

"Honestly, it was my secretary's choice. She said something soft and cuddly in the front room would make people feel more at ease whenever they're waiting," he smirked softly, "Luckily, it's used to being handled by her, so it doesn't freak out if patients try and pet it or hold it," he said.

Aiden listened to her talk about the librarian, nodding occasionally. As she spoke about Penny, he thought for a second before remembering the name but then tutted slightly at her last statement, "You're making assumptions that that would be adding to their difficulties, aren't you? Isn't that a little unfair?" he asked, tilting his head, "I understand not wanting to bear your soul right away necessarily, but perhaps it could be a mutual thing. She went through something herself, right? Maybe she needs someone she can trust to talk to, and the two of you can help each other find some catharsis," he offered.

[Tatiana Beautero]

Tati sighed at his question, he wasn't wrong but she didn't feel she was either. "With Derek? Perhaps. With Penny? Most certainly not." She sighed holding up a hand to request a moment to piece together her thoughts, "I mean yes, I know she's had things happen that I'm sure we could commiserate over with one another. The difference is Derek I feel would use things we have in common to take my mind off of the problems for a while which often helps when I feel most muddled; Penny however would want to roll up her sleeves and dig in to help me fix it. She's sort of like I am that way."

And she adored that about Pen, she honestly and truly did. But she saved that particular trait of Pen's for when she herself was far too cowardly to act but knew she had too. All it took was mentioning whatever it was she knew she needed to do but couldn't to her friend and it didn't take long before Penny had her face to face with whatever it was she was avoiding like the plague. "I do not have any issues when my friends need my help to sort out their own problems. I only struggle to sort out my own… but I suppose that's how everyone feels, huh?"

She'd never minded helping her friends, at least until… her thoughts trailed off briefly and she forced herself to take a slow deep breath before pushing the thought away. Tati hadn't really stuck her neck out for anyone since then, little things here and there sure but nothing worthy of mention at all she felt. Folding her hands in front of her she sighed softly, "I'll talk to Penny when I see her next, little steps and see how it goes." It was the best she was going to give him currently, she was already feeling knots in her stomach at the mere idea of telling Pen the truth or even some of the truth. Heck even just something she was sure Pen would already suspect was enough to make her feel unwell, but it would be impossible to hide once her friend saw her around Bishop again.