Drinking the Night Away
by Fliss Carthew

This is being written _very_ late on a Saturday night, when I'm at least five sheets to the wind, if not more. Anyway, here it is. All flames will be used to line my pet vole's cage.

Kira sighed and motioned to Quark to pour her another drink. She'd become a regular customer ever since the Occupation had started again, this time with the Dominion supporting the Cardassians. As the Ferengi silently filled her glass, she took the full bottle off him and waved him away, ignoring the venomous glares from the few other Bajorans around.

She knew she was regarded as a traitor by the majority of her countrymen, that they believed that no Bajoran would ever work with the invaders willingly. Her only comfort was that she was secretly fighting against them, than she was leading her own resistance cell that was successfully sabotaging the Cardassians, and really ticking Dukat off. She knew that she would probably be hung as a traitor after they left; that no one would ever know just how much she had sacrificed for her people.

The knowledge hurt beyond belief.

Filling her glass, she was astounded to see a golden hand close over her drink, and looking up, she smiled bemusedly as the visage of Constable Odo sank into her befuddled brain.

"Odo, what can I do for you?" She smiled dumbly at him, missing the look of concern that clouded his face.

The man sat, and hunched forward. "You can stop drinking and pull yourself together, Major. Your people need you, and I need you."

"Need me?" She barked a laugh and gulped down another drink. "They hate me! To them, I'm a slut who's sleeping with the enemy. They don't need me, and they certainly don't want me." She poured herself another drink as another person strolled up to the table.

"Major, will you join me for dinner?" Dukat's smooth voice broke the mood as he strode up to the table. Odo immediately went on the defensive, but there wasn't a lot he could do about it.

Kira shrugged, emptied her glass, and stood. "Why not. They'll kill me anyway, so I might as well deserve the sentence." She stared at him blankly. "Just keep the Spring Wine coming, that's all I ask."

Dukat nodded wordlessly, and they left the bar, arm in arm. All Odo could do, was watch and worry.

Dukat poured the Bajoran another glass, noting that she was delightfully oblivious, and smiled in anticipation. He had long dreamt of conquering the Bajoran, and now, it seemed to be at hand. Oh, she would probably make a fuss the next morning, claim that he had forced himself onto her, but he had already foreseen that argument. A small recording device located in the wall would ensure that she couldn't cry rape.

"So, Major," He strolled over and sat on the couch, watching as Kira struggled onto unsteady feet and lurched into a chair opposite him. "What shall we do now?"

She shrugged and stared at him. There was no life in her eyes, just resignation. "Whatever you want to do."

Words became pointless then. The Cardassian stood and grabbed Kira's uniform, yanking her to her feet. Bluntly, he forced his lips to hers, biting her mouth until she opened her lips and he could force his tongue inside.

After a moment or two, he pushed her away, towards the hard Cardassian bed along one wall. Kira flopped onto the bed, her drunken mind trying desperately to fight its way clear of the alcohol, without success. She felt her enemies body press against hers, making it hard for her to breathe. Dimly, she felt his hands grabbing at her clothing and then felt warm air caressing her body as her top was removed.

Dukat took a moment to study Kira's naked torso, an evil smile crossing his lizard features. Running his hands roughly over her unresisting body, he made sure that the camera could see that Kira wasn't trying to push him away. He smiled one last time, then got busy with removing her pants.

A noise, rather like that of water pouring out of a bucket sounded behind him, and a collar clamped itself around his neck.

Odo roared as he pulled Dukat off his beloved, and reformed in the shape of a Bajoran Swamp Ape. The now-extinct apes stood almost three meters tall and had claws for hands. Dukat found himself swinging from one of these claws, his head somewhere near the ceiling, and gasping for air. "Please..." He pounded his palms on Odo's arms, trying to force him to let go.

Odo snarled. "I'm going to let you go, for Bajor's sake, and for Nerys'. Your men would kill her if they found her here and you dead." He brought Dukat's face in towards his and breathed. "Then we are leaving the station, and you will not stop us. Because if you do, I will kill you."

Odo dropped Dukat and used the remnants of Kira's shirt to tie the Cardassians hands together and gag him, before shifting back to his usual form. He gently caressed her, quickly making sure she was all right, then wrapped her in a sheet and picked her up.

As he reached the door, he turned slightly, and fixed a steely gaze on the trussed Cardassian. "Whatever happens in the future, remember this: Changelings have very long memories. And when it comes to Kira Nerys, this Changelings memory is longer than most."

Dukat's eyes bulged as he watched Odo leave with his precious Bajoran. Moments later, the two officers were on their way to Bajor, stowed on a cargo ship.

It was another twelve hours before the guards rescued Dukat. They found him swearing vengeance on the whole Bajoran race. Weyon smiled and whispered. "There might be a way you can still get your revenge."

Dukat pulled him closer and snarled "I'm listening. What do you have in mind?"

Kira's eyes fluttered open and she groaned as large hammers beat a painful tattoo on her skull. Opening one eye a slit, she saw a fuzzy face hovering anxiously above her. "Where am I?"

"On Bajor, at your home in Dakhur." Odo spoke softly, not wishing to cause her any more pain than she was already in. "We arrived two hours ago, you slept all the way."

Kira tried to move and instantly threw up into a bucket located just next to the bed he'd placed her on. Odo made gentle soothing noises and rubbed her back soothingly, patiently waiting for her to regain control over herself. Finally, she lay back down, exhausted. She felt a wet cloth gently wipe her lips, then heard Odo remove the bucket to the bathroom. Lying there, she thought back to the night before, and felt a chill sweep through her as she remembered her night with Dukat. Hearing Odo return she glanced at him through swollen eyes.

"What did I do with Dukat?" She sighed and winced. "I don't remember much after leaving Quark's."

Odo picked up one of her hands and caressed it gently. "You had dinner with him, then he tried to force himself on you." He heard her choke out a strangled sob and extended his caress to her whole body, picking her up and cradling her against him, rocking her slowly. "It's all right Nerys, I got you out before he could hurt you."

"Odo, what must you think of me?" Kira choked back tears as she clutched at her friend as if her life depended on it. "I went willingly with a Cardassian! There's nothing worse than a Bajoran who does that."

"Yes there is Nerys." Odo ran his hands down her back, trying to comfort her. "A man, no matter what race he is, should never take advantage of a woman. Especially one who is drunk and doesn't know what she's doing."

He had expected more crying, and was therefore confused and a little hurt when a slight chuckle emerged from the woman. Kira raised her eyes, smiling, and ran a finger down his smooth face. "Odo, sometimes I think you are too much of a gentleman."

Odo hurumphed and glanced out the window. "You're probably right." He glanced back at the woman in his arms and held her a little closer, smiling at the tenderness in her expression. "I definitely think I've been too much of a gentleman in the past with us."

"I agree with you there!" Nerys was feeling more like herself now, aside from a dreadful thirst. Sitting up slowly, she swung her legs onto the floor, clutching at Odo. "I know there's a sink around here somewhere."

Odo placed a hand on her shoulder and resolutely pushed her back to lie on the bed. "You stay here, I'll get you some water."

Kira watched as the man quickly brought her back a glass and a jug of water. She gulped down three glasses before pausing and glancing at Odo to see him smiling at her. She ginned back, then placed the glass down and reached out to hug him, her hands running over his simulated back. "Thank you. Thank you for being my friend, for always being there when I need you." She leaned back; her eyes alight with the fire within. "And for loving me just for who I am."

Odo pulled her back against him, his eyes closing, as his voice became hoarse. "Nerys, I don't know what you want from me." He felt her tense a little. "I mean, I know but I'm not sure that you know what you want."

"Odo, are you saying I'm still drunk?" Kira drew away from him, her eyes narrowing. "Because if you are, then I think you need to revise your knowledge of Bajoran anatomy." She leaned forward again, a single finger running down his chest aimlessly.

If Odo had still been Human, he would have gulped and broken out in a sweat. But after what seemed like a lifetimes' worth of unrequited loving, his long-buried desires took over, and he kissed her with all the passion he could muster.

The rest of the day, when remembered by them later, was a blur of liquid light pouring over unresisting Bajoran flesh, and dimly remembered sobbing as she cried out the pain and torment of the past. The first time that Odo's substance flowed into her, she felt something deep inside change irrevocably, and knew that her life would never be the same.

*No, not my life, * she thought later as she lay, sated and content against and equally exhausted and happy Changeling. *Our life. A new life together, here on Bajor, away from wars and pain. * She smiled happily, her hand running over her greatest friends' body and snuggled closer against him

The noise of the door bursting open surprised them both, and neither had time to do more than sit up and stare as Dukat, Weyon, and four other Cardassians burst in. Dukat levelled his phaser at the pair and smiled evilly. "Well Vorta, it seems you were right." He gazed at Kira's naked torso leisurely, and she blushed as she quickly covered herself with the sheet. "I'm going to enjoy 'resuming' our relationship Major." His phaser moved to center on Odo. "And your lover is going to watch every last moment."

Odo's gaze was alternating between Dukat, who was sitting in a chair with the same atmosphere as if he were in his office, and Kira, who was lying on the bed, her hands manacled to the bedposts. Two of the four guards were in the cabin, the other two were stationed outside, watching in case any happened by. He'd been forced away from Kira; over to the other wall and both guards in the room had their weapons trained firmly on him.

For the first time, Odo cursed the isolation of the cabin. The ancient Bajoran of Kira's clan had chosen a magical place to build the house, with a magnificent view and beautiful surroundings. Unfortunately, it also meant that no one else was around when something went wrong.

Like now!

"Now Major," Dukat sat back and gazed steadily at the Bajoran. Kira was staring resolutely at the ceiling, hatred and fear showing on her face in equal mixes. "Before we were so rudely interrupted by you lover, I believe we were about to get to know each other better."

"I'll die before I ever lie down with you, Dukat!" Kira spat out the words and tried to control the trembling. The fear was beginning to creep through her soul and her eyes desperately sort out Odo's face, begging him to help her. "You'll have to rape me Dukat, it's the only way you'll ever get me into bed with you."

"That wasn't what you told me last night, Major." Dukat stood and removed his armoured top unhurriedly, enjoying the terror that sprang into Kira's eyes. Tossing the jacket onto the table, he glanced at Odo and motioned towards the guards. "Make sure he gets an uninterrupted view. I want him to remember this day for the rest of his life." He turned back towards Kira.

"Dukat!" Weyon's voice broke through the atmosphere, causing the Cardassian to sigh and turn towards the Vorta, who was beginning to look extremely squeamish. "Legate, you told me you would just humiliate them. You said nothing about hurting them!"

"Vorta, this is how I humiliate people." Dukat grinned wolfishly. "I might not be permitted to damage your precious renegade Founder, but I have desired this Bajoran for many years." He turned back to Kira, who was struggling furiously against the manacles, and tossed the sheet onto the floor, exposing her to all. "And I have every intention of keeping her with me, for a while at least." Reaching down, he grabbed Kira's head, forcing her to look at him. "After I'm finished with you here, you're coming back with me to DS9. You will be my *J'esatra* for the rest of your life."

"I'll never service you." Kira spat into Dukats' face, still struggling. Dukat merely laughed and began to remove his shirt and boots, staring at her. Kira bit her lip until the blood flowed. A dim, roaring sound filled her ears, blocking out everything around her except for the breathing from Dukat as he stripped quickly.

Dukat momentarily turned his back, and Kira saw her chance. Raising a knee, she pushed with all her force against him, throwing him off balance and onto the floor. Dukat growled and pounced on her.

They struggled furiously; Kira fighting with strength she didn't know she had, Dukat trying to restrain her. Eventually, he glanced at the guards, who were gleefully watching the struggle. "Will one of you get over here and help me!"

Both Cardassians moved towards the bed, and Odo seized the chance to disappear into the wall, not that anyone else noticed. Weyon was mesmerised by what was happening before him, and the guards were holding Kira still as Dukat divested himself of the last of his clothing.

It was at this point that the laws of physics seemed to take a holiday.

One of the guards gave a short yelp, then flew up and out of the window, to land twenty metres away in the scrub. As the other guard stared, amazed, he felt earthquakes unleash itself beneath his feet, and seconds later, he was following his companion out the window.

Dukat was still kneeling between Kira's thighs as Odo reformed, this time holding the guards phasers, one aimed at Dukat, the other at Weyon. Odo smiled. "Get. Off. That. Woman."

Dukat moved away slowly, edging towards the terrified Vorta. "Odo, I know you won't use that weapon." The usual slimy smile appeared on his face. "So in reality, we have nothing to fear."

Odo flicked his gaze towards Kira then back at Dukat and lifted his chin. "You're right, I don't use weapons." He fired and Dukat flew back against the wall, then slumped down in a deep stun-induced sleep. Odo lowered the firearm, glaring at Weyon. "But there's always a first time." He nodded towards the door, now being pounded on by the guards outside. "Get out, and take those Cardassians with you. But leave Dukat here, he's our property now."

Weyon shot out the door at the speed of light. "Your will, Founder." He threw open the door - and was cut down as the Cardassians opened fire. Odo, ever Kira's protector, stood before her prone form, firing through the doorway at the men outside.

It seemed like an eternity, but finally he stopped shooting and listened intently. Hearing nothing, he crept to the door and glanced cautiously outside, where he saw four Cardassian bodies. He sighed, and knew it was over.

"Odo?" Kira whispered, barely able to believe she was still alive, let alone unscathed. "What's happened?"

He didn't turn, unable to face her. "Where is the comm panel? I need to contact the Bajoran authorities."

"Would you like to untie me first?" She managed a ghost of a smile, but it vanished as Odo turned towards her, his face taut with the agony of the death he'd inflicted. "Odo, it's not your fault."

"Yes Major." Odo silently released her from the shackles, then escaped outside, leaving his former lover to dress and contact the First Minister.

Dukat rattled his chains and snarled at the Bajoran First Minister stood before him. "Legate Dukat, you are charged with the attempted rape, on two accounts, of Colonel Kira Nerys, formerly Major Kira Nerys." Shakaar glared at the Cardassian before him. "Do you have anything to say in your defence?"

"The Cardassian government has every right to claim back Bajor as its property." Dukat screamed the words at the top of his lungs, as Kira slumped lower in her seat. She and Odo had barely spoken in the week since the events at her cottage; indeed, the only real time they had spent together was sitting side by side at Dukat's hearing on Bajor.

Shakaar had personally headed the troops who had raced into her cabin moments after she'd called him. Odo had been outside, trying to keep one of the Cardassians alive. He'd succeeded, to everyone' surprise, but had barely said a word since, preferring to spend his time in his natural state in his rooms.

Shakaar sighed and motioned towards the doors. "Since you have admitted the charges against you anyway, I have no choice but to sentence you to death. You have repeatedly tried to assault Bajorans, and we will no longer permit your existence to continue. You will be executed by hanging in seven days. This court is dismissed."

Dukat was led away, still yelling, as the people in the room left. Kira sighed and stood, turning to the man sitting silently at her side. "Odo?" He turned towards her slowly, as if still unable to face her. "Odo, we need to talk."

"I'm sorry Major," The man stood, agony written in every line of his form. "I think we should just forget what happened and try to get on with the future." He left the room, leaving a stunned Bajoran to stare at his retreating figure, tears forming in her eyes at his rejection.

Sisko sat, stunned, as he saw the transmission from Bajor. They had telecast the trial over every channel possible for maximum exposure to the universe, and Ben had to admit, it had probably worked. Cardassia, already stretched to the limit by their second invasion of Bajoran space, was beginning to withdraw, leaving the Dominion troops exposed to the Federation forces. So far, at least half of the former Cardassian Empire was under federation control and being rebuilt.

The trial of Dukat had been an unexpected event, but not totally unforeseen. Sisko had long suspected that the Legate would try to have his way with Kira at the soonest available opportunity, and the only surprise was that he hadn't succeeded. A small smile crossing his face, he leaned back and nodded to Dax. "Contact the First Minister and offer him our assistance, should the Empire become... difficult."

Dax grinned and nodded. "Laying in a course to Bajor now, at warp eight."

Sisko settled into his chair and steepled his fingers. "Engage."

Kira stood at the back of the crowd that had gathered to see Dukat hanged. She had no real desire to watch another death, but something deep inside needed to see an end to the man who had caused her so much pain and grief.

A cheer went up as the Cardassian was brought out and the rope was placed around his neck. The was a small commotion as he struggled futilely, then a snap that could be heard even as far away as Kira was echoed across the plaza, and Dukat was dead.

After a few more rousing cheers, the crowd slowly dispersed. The Dominion hadn't even batted an eyelid about Dukats' sentence, informing Bajor that since the crime had been committed on Bajor and against a Bajoran, Dukat was under Bajoran jurisdiction, and that they would not interfere. Cardassia had been more forceful, but apparently a few well-chosen words from the head Vorta had dulled their fire.

Kira took a final look at the swinging body, then turned and slowly walked back to the ministerial building and her office. An hour later, Shakaar entered to find his former lover staring out her office window at a late afternoon thunderstorm.

"What's wrong?" Shakaar had never been a man to mince words with Kira, he knew Nerys appreciated the direct approach, especially when having problems. "I didn't think you would be upset by Dukat's death."

Kira sighed and turned to look at the man who'd propped himself against her desk. "Too much death, Edon. I've caused far too much death." She slumped into her chair and swivelled to stare out at the lightening. "Odo isn't talking to me, Prophets I haven't even seen him since the trial."

"He's at the Science Academy, helping with Changeling detection methods." Shakaar spoke quietly. He was well aware of what had happened between the Changeling and the Bajoran. "I spoke with Sisko yesterday, he tells me that the Federation has the Dominion on the run. It's probably going to be only a month or two before they return. He wants you to come back to the station when they do."

Kira sank even lower in her chair and shook her head. "Not yet, Edon. I can't think straight right now. Ask me when it actually happens, okay?"

"Of course." The minister left quietly, but not without a concerned backward glance at his friend.

Kira took a deep breath and sighed as she walked up the road to her family cabin. She still hadn't seen Odo since the trial. She'd tried to work on Bajor, Shakaar had seen to it that a position had been created for her at the Military Academy, but it had eventually proved too much. Just over a month later she'd resigned her commission then retreated back to the cottage/cave that her father had hewn out of the hillside all those years ago.

Stepping back outside, she watched the sun dip below the horizon, and saw two of Bajors moons rise in their eternal dance through the heavens. She didn't notice the tears falling; her mind caught up in the feelings of pain and betrayal she felt at Odo's withdrawal from her life. She knew that Odo had returned to the station, taking up his previous position there. Sisko had contacted her, asking her to return as well, but she'd declined, unable to face the prospect of working with Odo when he could barely stand to be in the same room as her.

Kira wasn't sure how long she spent under the stars, but she didn't venture back into the cabin until long after the sun had set, and when she did, there was a definite chill in the air. Returning to the cabin, she entered the bedroom and undressed mechanically, paying no attention to the actions she performed. Her mind was preparing to sleep, and that meant that the dreams were pushing their way to the fore. Lying down, she tried to think of something, anything that would take her mind off the dreams of Odo. It was useless; her body craved the touch of the Changeling. Sighing, she gave in.

*The station...staring out the window in her living room, watching the wormhole open and close as ships from everywhere came to Bajor. Tears ran down her face, she didn't know why.

Strong hands gently resting on her shoulders. "Shh, it's all right. I'm here." His hands warm... Pliant... So gentle... Kneading her tense shoulders, pushing the tension out of her. She turned, her eyes locking onto Odo's as his arms dropped lower, circling her waist as she stepped up to him.

His kiss was slow, soft, his lips opening beneath hers. His hands were removing her clothing, as hers brushed over his skin, the semblance of a uniform disappearing beneath them, until they both stood naked, wrapped together.

The bedroom. She, lying beneath him, open and eager, pulling him towards herself, straining for that which she craved, and the tenderness she desired. He, holding back, teasing her with his hands, his body, not letting her bring them together until finally he could stand it no longer, and they merged as one, stars becoming their only blankets, and ecstasy the only place they wanted to be...*

"You look lonely, Constable." Dax, always moving with a seemingly effortless grace, sat opposite the shape shifter and smiled curiously as she began her breakfast. "Don't tell me Quark's gotten away again?"

"No!" Odo spoke sharply, and knew in an instant that he'd given the game away. "No, not Quark." His softer voice told Dax all she needed to know. She was the confidante for both Kira and Odo, and the only person to know what had happened between them both.

Reaching out a hand, she gently squeezed his hand, smiling sadly a little. "She's only on Bajor Odo, just until she feels ready to come back. If you're that worried, why don't you go visit her?"

"No." He stared at his simulated drink, his expression unreadable. "No, she wants to be alone, according to Shakaar." He looked up and saw the unspoken question on Dax's face. "I visited him just before coming back, to find out if Nerys was returning too. He told me that she had resigned and returned to Dakhur. Apparently, she'd going to take up her ancestral career again, as a member of the artistic clans. She's never intending to come back." He shrugged helplessly and returned to staring at his drink.

"Sometimes, when people have been through something big like Kira has, they need time to think. It can be hard to decide what you really want to do when somewhere like this holds so many memories." Dax sipped her coffee and watched her friend as he nodded slowly. "I know it's hard for you to cope with, Odo, but just give her time. She'll be back soon enough."

"And what happens if she decides she doesn't want to come back?" A plaintive expression was fighting to break through the normally dour mask he wore.

"Then we have to go on without her." Dax leaned forward as the replimat filled with people. "But at least we can try and make this a place she would be proud of, and help make Bajor a planet she can live on safely." She patted his hand gently. "Don't worry, we'll see her again. She promised she'd come to my wedding."

"Commander, I wish I could believe that." The usual mask slipped into place as Odo stood and slowly paced towards his office, Dax falling in beside him. "Now, about the security arrangements for the delegation next week."

The two people entered the office and discussed the upcoming trade conference for the next few hours. But Kira was never far from their mind.

Nerys leaned back on her heals and wiped the sweat off her forehead. Two weeks into her new life, and the dreams showed no sign of relenting. If anything, they'd become more intense, and the only way she had discovered to delay them was physical labour. Hence, her unprecedented desire for gardening.

So far, she had planted four rows of Kava, three rows of Souful, and a large bed of Uhala, and the dreams continued, just as vivid. Sighing, she stood, brushed her hands off, and headed back to the cabin. Glancing at a clock, she realised that she had less than an hour to get for her dinner date. The village leader had invited her to his house for dinner, and in a rare moment of agreement, she had accepted.

As she changed into her most informally-formal dress, Kira wondered what Odo was doing at that moment, but put the thought out of her mind as her body began to wonder as well. She knew that sooner of later she would have to face him, but not before she had worked out her own feelings. And that was still a long way off yet.

She had also decided that she was a terrible artist. An unfinished painting was in the cabin next to the window. It was supposed to be of the wormhole, but kept coming out wrong. Instead of just being the wormhole, it seemed like she was looking out through a window on the station. There was a figure beside her, silhouetted in the mirror, and even before she had finished the faint outline, she knew it was Odo.

Sighing again, she finished dressing, and marched out of the house. Perhaps tonight would take her mind off the Changeling and that afternoon.

Kira arrived back at her cabin the next afternoon with a large headache. It turned out that the village leader had also invited several neighbouring leaders and merchants to dinner in the hope that Nerys would be able to give them inside information on how to establish trade links with non-Bajorans. Kira had spent the evening fending off hopeful exporters and village leaders and imbibing large quantities of alcohol. Hence the hangover to end all hangovers!

She was dozing in a hammock on the verandah, lazing in the spring sunshine, when the buzz of a transporter sounded, and a few moments later two men appeared with several large crates. Opening a sleepy eye, she glanced inquiringly at the visitors.

One of them doffed his cap and grinned. "Sorry to disturb you ma'am, but we have a shipment order to deliver paint supplies to this address, and a crate of grade-one modelling clay." He motioned towards the crates behind him and his smiling companion. "These are the supplies, so if you would just sign this PADD, we'll be on our way."

"Wait a minute," Nerys stared at him in confusion. "I didn't order any supplies."

"The order came from an 'Odo Ital' on Deep Space Nine." The man looked at her curiously. "He's paid for the equipment already, and has arranged to pay for all future supplies you wish to order, for the rest of your life." He grinned again. "I'm honoured ma'am, we don't often meet many artists with a patron these days."

"I see." Kira nodded faintly, still staring at the boxes. She vaguely recalled signing her print to the delivery slip and the men vanish. Eventually, she shook herself back to reality and started unpacking the crates, discovering a second easel, boxes of paints, brushes, sketch books, pencils, and the finest grade of clay that Bajor could provide.

Packing the presents away neatly onto the shelves in the cabin, Kira smiled gently as she thought about the man who had sent her his love in four crates of faith.

Time had passed, as it always does, and life on the station had returned to a semblance of normality, but with members of the command crew feeling the loss of their friend. Sisko had visited Kira on Bajor to personally ask her to return, but she'd declined, politely, but firmly, and the Captain had returned to his post to face the task of breaking in a new First Officer.

Odo had taken to his old habits, prowling the Promenade until late at night, and refusing to spend time with his fellow officers. Sisko had tried everything short of ordering the Changeling around, and even Chief O'Brien was unable to convince Odo to go kyaking with him anymore.

Dax privately thought that she should probably interfere, but elected to stay quiet. She was only too aware that love was painful, and that if the rumours were true, Kira and Odo's newfound intimacy had been destroyed by Dukat's attempted rape. In Dax's mind, it was enough to make anyone cut themself off from society.

The others had simply accepted their colleagues' decision and gone on with their lives although not without noticing Kira's absence. Her replacement, Major Carthen Temor, was an excellent officer, but didn't seem to have Kira's fire for the post. The others liked him, but he simply wasn't Kira.

Nerys had contacted Dax and informed her that she would still be attending her wedding, but wouldn't be staying long afterwards. Dax had tried to persuade the Bajoran to at least spend the night on the station, but Nerys was adamant that she returns to Bajor as soon as possible after the ceremony.

Dax and Worf were becoming even more and more nervous about their wedding, and was each coping in their own way. Worf spent a lot of time in the holosuites, sharpening his battle skills. Several people made remarks about not knowing why he bothered to practice, since Dax would never put up a fight on the wedding night! But none actually said it to the man himself... probably a wise idea.

Dax had taken to walking the station after work. Eight lifetimes of experience was all well and good, but she still got nerves every time a wedding rolled around! Her after hours wanderings had also meant that she'd frequently come across Odo, and bit by bit, she'd discovered what had happened between the Changeling and the Bajoran. How Kira had given up and gone with Dukat that night, only to be rescued by Odo when she was unconscious and taken back Bajor, where, after a single afternoon of passion, there whole world was ripped apart by Dukat.

Dax, nervous though she was, couldn't help but feel anything but sympathy for the young couple. She'd been silently cheering Odo on for years now, and just when it seemed that he and Kira had finally got it together, Dukat had destroyed everything with one foul move.

"Odo, the only advice I can give you is that you keep believing in her, and in your love." Dax and Odo were standing on the upper Promenade, gazing out a window at the wormhole at three a.m. "She'll be here in a few weeks, I'll make sure she talks to you while she's here."

"She's only staying overnight, there won't be enough time." Odo's appearance had become gaunt, and the Trill wondered just how the man was coping with his loss. He stared out at the stars, his form glistening as if he was about to lose his shape. "She's happy now, I won't ruin that happiness."

Dax shook her head. They were both impossible, but it wasn't too late yet. A faint smile crossed her face as she began to plot.

Nerys stepped off the transport and couldn't help a faint smile as she glanced around the station corridor. She'd been gone for four months, but it almost felt like no time had passed at all. Shouldering her bag a little higher, she began heading towards the habitat ring, only to hear Dax call out behind her.

"Nerys!" The Trill raced down the corridor and hugged her friend tightly, then stepped back and gazed at her with concern. The Bajoran was thin and her face gaunt, as if she hadn't eaten in days. "I wasn't sure if you'd come after all that's happened."

Kira shrugged affably. "I promised I would, and I always keep my promises. Anyway, it's only for two nights, I think I can manage that."

"So you're staying tomorrow night as well?" Dax fought down her mounting excitement and tried to appear casual. "I thought you were leaving tomorrow straight after the ceremony."

"I'm having repairs done to the cabin while I'm away. It's nearly three hundred years old, and I think the verandah was going to give way if I didn't have it shored up soon!" She grinned as Dax laughed and unlocked the door to one of the guest quarters.

Leading her friend in, Jadzia smiled. "Well, here's your quarters while you're on the station." The smile deepened. "Benjamin says that you can have them for good if you decide to stay."

"Dax, I'm not staying." Kira shot the woman a warning glance and eased herself onto the couch. "I'm just here for your wedding and an extra night. I can always go back to Bajor and stay in the Capitol."

Dax shook her head and sighed. "All right, but we really miss you, that's all." The smile returned, but if Nerys had looked closer, she would have seen the warning gleam in Dax's eyes. "Now, you are coming to dinner tonight, aren't you? Everyone else will be there, and we'd love to see you again."

"Everyone?" Kira's heart was in her mouth as unbidden thoughts of Odo sprang into her mind, and the blood started pounding through her again. Dax looked at Kira closely, noting the crimson blush on her cheeks and grinned.

"Yes, everyone except Odo." She faked a sigh. "He's refused politely because of paper-work. And he believes that someone might want to ruin tomorrow, so he wants to triple-check everything."

"That's Odo." Nerys turned away and stared out the window towards Bajor. "Well, I'll be there." She glanced back and grimaced. "Do you mind if I get a little rest now though? It's a long trip."

"No problem." Jadzia hugged Kira again, and strolled out the door, calling back "I'll see you at nineteen-thirty tonight. It's informal of course." She winked. "Have a good sleep Nerys."

Outside, Dax hurried into a turbolift and sent it rocketing towards the promenade. *Part one completed* she thought. *Now onto part two! *

As it turned out, Jadzia need not have planned anything to get her friends together, since the Prophets had it all worked out themselves. The dinner went off without a hitch, although Nerys was exceedingly flustered by the end of the evening. From the moment she arrived to the moment she left, every member of the command crew tried to get her to take up her old position. Her pleasant smile was beginning to wear by the time she'd finished her first after dinner drink, and rather than explode, Kira opted to leave graciously.

"I'll see you tomorrow, at the wedding." Nerys hugged Dax gently then smiled and left the party. In the corridor, she took a deep breath and headed to a nearby turbolift and her quarters, so missing the conversation that started at the party as soon as she left.

"She looks so thin! She can't be well surely." Keiko stared at Sisko in horror.

"I think she's probably been neglecting herself, but that isn't grounds for me to interfere." Sisko sipped his drink thoughtfully and glanced at Bashir, who nodded firmly.

"I'd say she hasn't had a decent meal in ages, but she's eating enough to stay alive." He shrugged. "She lives in a mountain province, so she probably exercises quite a lot as well. But if her appetite tonight is anything to go by, she's not eating like she should."

"Is there anything we can do?" Dax spoke softly, not wanting to believe what she was hearing.

"Someone needs to talk to her, find out what's wrong and help her fix it. Then she'll be back to normal." Bashir glanced at Sisko, who pursed his lips and nodded glumly.

"And the one person who can do that is the one person she won't talk to." The Human leaned back and steepled his fingers. "People, we need a Plan."

Dax grinned. "I've already got something in mind."

Dax stared at her reflection and huffed. Odo had flatly refused to take part in her idea to get him and Kira back together, and with no time left for an alternate plan to be devised, it looked like he and Nerys would spend the rest of their lives yearning each other from afar. Sighing, she gave up the thoughts of romantic plotting and began putting the finishing touches to her make-up.

...In the wardroom, Kira was helping Keiko and Leeta put the finishing touches to the room. While it would be a small ceremony, only around twenty people including Dax's family, the reception was also being held in the same room immediately afterwards.

Keiko wrinkled her nose slightly. "How are we going to stop everyone from smelling the food? It'll drive everyone wild crazy during the ceremony."

"I asked Quark not to bring any food up until Rom contacts him after the wedding is over." Leeta clambered off a chair where she'd been attaching the last of the bunting and smiled. "Everything will be fine."

"Good." Keiko smiled and turned to Kira, who had just finished placing the chairs for the guests. "Do you need a hand Nerys?"

"No, it's all done now." Kira lowered herself into a chair and found she was panting. Sitting for a moment, she stared at her hands, and suddenly realised that they seemed thin. Too thin. Kira began to think over the last four months and realised that she couldn't remember when she'd last had a decent meal. *I'll start eating as soon as I get back, * she thought. *I just have to make it through today. *

...The wedding went off without a hitch, not that anyone had expected any less. But there was at least one person not paying any attention to what was happening before him -- Odo. The instant he'd walked into the room, his eyes had locked on the Bajoran talking to Sisko. Kira was wearing her clans' traditional clothes, an outfit that Odo had only seen once before and that was at the first ever Gratitude festival on the station.

The outfit consisted of dark green trousers and jacket with black calf-length boots. The jacket had Bajoran symbols worked into it in gold, and along the top, were seven white strips, also worked with gold writing. Glancing over it, Odo could make out the names of Nerys ancestors and the paintings and sculptures they had been rewarded for. Although there was almost no way for someone to climb the caste system on Old Bajor, there was one way: If a family was rewarded by the religious assembly seven generations in a row, they could be elevated to the higher caste, if they so desired.

Odo did a quick count back from the dates on Kira's jacket and the names of her family, and decided that the Kira clan had been one generation away from being elevated to the next caste, also the highest on Bajor -- the Vedek caste. He quirked an eyebrow and smiled slightly. In another time and place, Kira Nerys could well have been in the running to be Kai, or at least have been an influential Vedek.

As the wedding started, Odo slipped into the shadows at the rear of the room and watched carefully for any sign of disruption, not that he expected any. The worst that would happen would be that Kor and Worf would start singing Klingon opera, an event guaranteed to clear the room.

Eventually the ceremony finished, and people started congratulating Dax and Worf just as Quark entered with the food. Odo watched as Dax's family began to chat with the other guests, and noticed intently that Nerys stood away from the others, gazing out the window. The Changeling swallowed tightly and headed towards her, knowing it was time to try and resurrect their friendship.

"Nerys?" It was a hesitant question, and one pitched as gentle as Odo could. He smiled slightly as she turned her head and nodded.

"Constable." Kira turned back to the window, fighting the ache in her heart. "Did you enjoy the ceremony?"

"Yes, thank you." He moved a little closer. "I was wondering... Could we talk, please?"

"I..." Nerys turned and Odo saw she was trying to speak, as her eyes suddenly rolled back and she collapsed into his arms, dragging him to the floor as he held her limp body.

Silence crashed around, before Bashir raced over and quickly performed a manual check of the Bajoran's vital signs. "She's alive, but definitely malnourished." He stood and nodded to Odo. "I'll beam us to the Infirmary, I can--"

"No." Odo brushed Kira's hair back gently then stood, cradling her easily in his arms. "If all she needs is food, then I'll take care of her until she's well again." He shrugged slightly and almost seemed to blush. "This is probably all my fault anyway, the least I can do is try and repair the damage."

"As you wish Odo." Julian's hand still hovered over his comm badge. "But I'll still drop in some vitamin supplements tonight."

Odo nodded silently, then vanished with his burden, as eighteen other people sent out fervent prayers that whatever had gone wrong would be put right again.

It was the next morning before Kira awoke, to the delicious smell of every imaginable Bajoran dish being prepared. Trying to move, she discovered her muscles refused to work, leaving her almost a vegetable in the bed. Looking around, she realised she wasn't in the Infirmary as she'd thought, but in the guest quarters Dax had given her. Remembering the face from last night, she tried to speak. "Odo." The word had barely croaked out of her throat, but he appeared in the bedroom doorway nevertheless, smiling slightly as he saw she was awake. She grinned at him tiredly. "You smell like you're having fun out there."

Odo nodded and sat on the edge of the bed, checking her temperature and frowning as he found it too low. "I am, and I expect you to eat every bit of it. But right now, I think you need rest. Doctor Bashir tried to have you taken to the Infirmary, but I promised him I'd look after you, so you'd better get well or I'll be in a lot of trouble!"

She chuckled a little, then coughed. It hurt to laugh. "Well then I'd better do exactly what you say." Kira smiled and gazed fondly at the man who had dominated her dreams for so long. "Why didn't you just let Bashir take care of me?"

Odo smiled and brushed a lock of hair off her forehead. "I thought you might want some company. And something told me you needed me." He shrugged as her smile widened, then frowned. "You haven't been taking care of yourself Nerys, I expected better from an old resistance fighter like you."

Kira hadn't missed the concern that had crossed his face as he spoke, and smiled even as her stomach rumbled that it wanted attention. "I guess I had other things on my mind. Now, about that food." She trailed off as Odo laughed a deep, soulful sound that she remembered from their afternoon, and her smile widened.

"Very well, you may have all the stew you can eat." Odo grinned. "I learnt how to cook as a Human, and this is the first chance I've had to try it out on someone else."

"I'll try to be appreciative." She struggled to raise herself up, but eventually had to glance at Odo, who instantly helped her up. "Now, where's that food?"

"Are you comfortable?" Odo watched her in concern as Kira struggled to sit up and look out the window. Two days in bed had annoyed her tremendously, but she couldn't fault her nurse. Odo had been conscientious and caring, bringing her food as she need it, and tending to her needs, including bodily functions, as best he could. It had been embarrassing for them both originally, but eventually Odo had helped her through and as her strength returned, he had merely helped her to and from the bathroom, although showering was still difficult.

"I'm fine, it's just a little difficult that's all." Nerys smiled at her friend and propped against the window, watching the stars and the wormhole. She was back to her old self again now, although Odo still insisted on treating her with care. "Now, weren't you making lunch?"

"Only if you're sure you're all right." The nurturing side of Odo's nature had gone into overdrive with Kira, and it seemed that every time she had woken up, he'd been cooking something for her.

"I'm fine, really!" After a final glance, Odo turned and began heating her lunch and humming an odd little tune that made her smile happily. She watched as he bustled around the cooking area, pulling tubs out of the cooler and carefully measuring portions onto a plate as a warming pad heated up. His solicitous care had touched her more than the words his alter ego had spoken; the tenderness warming a heart that she was convinced was cold beyond repair.

Turning back to the window, she thought, for what was really the first time, about her life. She had staggered from relationship to relationship, affair to affair, for most of her adult life, but never really gotten to know the men she was involved with. Oh, she had been good friends with them, and had liked them all to some degree, but none had really gotten into her heart. She supposed that she'd never really let any of them in, not even Bareil, the one man who she had prayed would become more than just her lover.

But Odo was different. He'd always treated her gently, like a lady, even when he didn't have to. She remembered the first time she'd seen him, as he sat at her table on the occupied station. At first she thought he was simply another man wanting to bed her, but his nervousness and consideration had won through, and by the end, she even liked him.

"Nerys?" Odo's gentle voice broke into her reverie, and she turned back to find him holding out a plate of food. Taking the plate, she smiled warmly as he perched on the edge of the lounge and surreptitiously watched to make sure she ate every bite of lunch. Between mouthfuls, she glanced at him, noting the relaxed nervousness in his form, the face that was gazing out into the stars with sky-blue eyes. Setting aside the plate, she placed a gentle hand on his arm, her expression softening to one she hoped was as non-threatening as possible.

If Odo had still been Human, he would have gulped. Looking at Nerys, he watched her expression soften a little and relaxed. She was obviously feeling calm and relaxed as well. "Is something wrong, Maj--?" He stopped, remembering she was no longer an officer. "Is something wrong Nerys?" Her smile deepened and the dimples began to show, and Odo felt the usual over overwhelming urge to kiss them, one that he stifled out of long practise.

"I think we need to talk about what happened." Odo's eyes flickered away from hers, and she saw instantly the fear in him. Her grip on his arm tightened a little and her voice softened.

"Odo, it's all right. I've been thinking a lot lately, and I understand why you broke off our friendship." Her lips felt suddenly dry, but she plowed on regardless. "I've been thinking about my life, about all the... the men I've known." Kira couldn't help the blush that was shooting from her feet to her hairline, and dropped her eyes to stare at the blanket he had so carefully wrapped around her. "There's a lot of blood on my hands Odo, and I understand just how it feels to kill when you never want to."

Odo smiled slightly. "I knew you would understand, but I had to accept what I did first." He looked into her eyes and saw tears there. "I want you to know that I never stopped loving you, not for one second." He gazed out the window again. "But I couldn't face myself, let alone you."

"Odo." He felt the gentle hand on his knee this time, then her other on the back of his head, inexorably turning him to face her. He looked into her eyes finally, and saw her smiling fondly. "Odo, there is nothing you can do that you can't face me for. And there is nothing that I won't face with you either." She blushed and glanced away for a moment. "I think that's a strange way of telling you that I never want us to be apart again."

Odo looked at the Bajoran for a few moments, then slowly lay beside her, adjusting his form to flow around her snugly, but still maintaining his Humanoid facade. Kira trailed a finger down his cheek, her body responding fervently to his touch. "Where were we?"

Odo kissed her deeply. "Right here I think."

It was the last coherent statement from either of them for the rest of the day.

"More wine, Ale'al?" Odo leant over and filled Kira's glass as the woman smiled and sank lower into the bath. Sisko had kindly agreed to Odo taking a holiday on Bajor. In fact, he'd practically pushed the man out the door, not that Odo had objected. He and Nerys had managed to control themselves for twenty minutes of the three hour long trip, but had eventually succumbed and joined the 'Wormhole Club'. The two people had spent the last two weeks together, most of it making love, and were oblivious to anything that might have happened outside the cottage.

Work had intruded a little, with Shakaar requesting Odo brief the Bajoran government on the situation at the wormhole, and Nerys had decided to visit the Capitol with her lover, venturing there from the cabin for the first time in nearly three months. By the time they'd finished with the council, it had been very late and Shakaar had offered to let them stay overnight at the Ministerial residence. The three Bajorans had had a surprisingly enjoyable evening, Odo detecting no animosity from Kira's ex-lover, even though he and Nerys made their new relationship obvious.

Kira was blissfully warm and content as she was leaning against Odo, who had partly reformed after their last encounter. "Do you think Benjamin would object if you stayed here forever?"

Odo chuckled and wrapped his arms around her waist. "He might notice I'm missing eventually, but you never know." He dropped a kiss onto her head and smiled as he heard her laugh softly.

"I suppose you're right." She leaned back into him and sighed happily as his liquid form flowed to encompass her. "When do you have to leave?"

He kissed her again and sighed. "Nerys, if I can't have you and my place on the station, I'll resign." He turned her to face him and saw the hope dawning in her eyes. "I don't want you to do something you don't want to, to become someone you aren't. We'll stay here; I'll take your name. You can paint or sculpt and I'll learn how to farm."

He would have continued, but Kira placed a finger gently on his lips, silencing him. Her eyes were filled with tears, but her smile was one of happiness and tenderness. She shook her head slightly and spoke firmly. "No. No, I know I'm no painter." A small chuckle started in her. "And you are definitely no farmer. But you are the best security officer in the quadrant and you should keep doing what you do best."

"But what about you, about what you want." He gently took her face in his hands, his fingers caressing her cheeks. "You left the station because you wanted to live in peace."

Kira laughed softly and shook her head. "I resigned because I thought you couldn't stand the sight of me anymore, that I reminded you of what happened here."

"The only memories I have of here," Odo ran his hands over his lovers body, enjoying the flush of arousal that tinted her flesh red, "Are of our times together in each others arms." He kissed her then, his touch taking away all memories of the Cardassian intruders that had almost destroyed their relationship.

If there were any Prophets listening, they might have smiled as they watched two bruised and bleeding souls join again, healing each other and taking away the pain.

Dax was waiting at the airlock when Odo and Kira returned from Bajor, an all-knowing grin on her face as she held out a gold Bajoran comm badge. "It's your original badge, with Benjamin's compliments."

The two lovers gazed at her steadily for a moment, and then Kira threw up her hands and grinned. "I give up!" She linked her fingers with Odo's and shook her head as he glanced at her, a bemused smile on his normally expressionless face. "I don't know how she does it, she just does it!" Reaching out, she took the badge and clipped it on, then hugged the Trill tightly.

Dax's grin became even smugger. "It's a Trill thing." She stepped back and motioned towards the turbo lift as Odo shouldered Kira's bag; their hands still firmly linked. "Welcome back. I was beginning to wonder if we'd ever see you again."

Kira shrugged and smiled shyly. "I just needed time, and the right motivation." She glanced at Odo, who squeezed her hand tightly, the small smile she had come to recognise on his face. "And anyway, Ben told me my replacement wasn't able to handle it."

Dax smiled as they got into the lift. "Well, he wasn't far wrong. Now, are you going to tell everyone now, or just let them find out when you move in together?"

Odo shrugged affably and eyed Dax sternly. "Why do I have the feeling that everyone already knows?"

"Odo!" Dax had a shocked look on her face, but her eyes were still twinkling merrily as the trio wandered towards the habitat ring. "I am the soul of discretion itself. You know that."

"Dax, tell us the truth: Who knows about Odo and I?" Kira put on her most official face and gazed sternly at the Trill.

Jadzia sighed and smiled. "No one actually knows about your relationship, but there's plenty of speculation around." She shrugged. "Most of it courtesy of Quark. I might add that he's been busy collecting bets on you two from the moment you both left for Bajor!"

Odo sighed, and punched in his door code as they reached his quarters. "I suppose I'll have to face him now."

"We will face him together, Ale'al." Kira dumped her bag on Odo's narrow bed in the other room, then leant in the doorway, arms akimbo as she looked at the others. "But not too much trouble. After all, he is Quark."

Odo cocked his head and looked at her suspiciously. "Nerys, what are you planning?"

A cheeky smile crossed her face, one that hid some deeper emotion than good humour. "Dearling, I want to keep it a surprise for just a little longer." She strolled over and wrapped her arms around his waist, the smile growing wider with every moment. "I'll tell you as soon as I can, I promise."

Odo's bent his forehead to touch hers. "I didn't think we would keep any more secrets?"

Nerys sighed and glanced at Dax, who was just about to leave for fear she would witness something a little more intimate than just a hug. "Jadzia, I'd like you to stay, please." Dax came further into the room, and Kira returned her gaze to her lover who was becoming more suspicious by the moment. "I think we are going to need bigger quarters than these, in around five months if everything goes according to tradition."

Odo stood stock-still, his arms still around Kira's waist as he gazed at her in astonishment. He vaguely heard Dax gasp in delight, but couldn't help it as his hand crept around to rest gently on Kira's abdomen. A smile as wide as the wormhole itself spread itself across his face.

"A... a baby?" he could barely get the word out, and started laughing quietly as Kira blushed and nodded. "A baby? But... but how?"

She shrugged happily. "I don't know. I just know that I'm pregnant. I checked this morning, after I started sneezing in the bathroom just before we left Bajor." She glanced over at Dax, who was grinning like a maniac. "Well? What do you think Sisko will do about this?"

Dax hugged her friend tightly, then shrugged. "About what? I've married Worf, and we're part of the command crew. You and Odo have been friends for much longer than us, Benjamin is just going to have to get used to having two dedicated couples around instead of one."

Nerys laughed out loud and strolled towards the door, Odo a mere heartbeat away. "I don't know whether Ben will see it that way, but I hope he will." She glanced back at Odo, who was still watching as if terrified she was about to break. "I don't know if your child is going to be a Changeling, but I hope he is."

They headed down the corridor, arms around each other, and Dax a step ahead, still grinning and listening to her friends. "Why do you hope the baby is a Changeling, Ale'al?" Odo hugged her close as they took the short turbo ride to the Promenade.

"Because, O lover of my soul," Nerys gave him a quick kiss before leading the way to Quark's, "If it is a Changeling, the Founders are going to be seriously ticked!"

Odo laughed happily and drew her back to him, then kissed her slowly and deeply, in full view of the Promenade. People stopped and stared for a few moments, then went on their way without a backward glance. Dax just grinned, walked around the kissing pair, and strolled into the casino where the rest of the crew was waiting to welcome back their friends.