Chapter Text
Leaving Qo’Nos: B’Elanna
B’Elanna pulled her gold and black uniform out of her luggage and proceeded to get dressed. She was leaving Qo’nos to go to DS9 today. She finished pinning her pips to her collar and then turned to make sure everything was packed. She was going to miss seeing her mother every day, but she was looking forward to seeing Jadzia again. They had been speaking every night, and she enjoyed their conversations, but she really missed her.
Making sure she had all of her stuff. She straightened up and grabbed her bag to search for her mother. Seeing her out in the garden, she set her bag down and walked outside. “I’m all packed and ready to go,” she said, approaching the older Klingon.
Miral looked up from the mixing soil and smiled. She thought she had prepared herself for B’Elanna’s departure last night, but coming face to face with reality proved to be more difficult. She found solace in knowing they were separating on good terms and with the promise that B’Elanna would be back. “Do you want to help me plant this? It’s an Earth bonsai tree for the little one.” Miral indicated to B’Elanna’s belly. “They grow quickly and differently here on Qo’nos, so by the time my puqnI’ is born, they and the tree will be about the same size and continue to grow as the years pass.”
B’Elanna stared down at her mother as she spoke about planting a tree for the baby. She smiled and nodded, “That is really sweet,” she said softly. She nodded, “Sure, I’ll help you plant it.” She grabbed one of the spare aprons and laid it down before kneeling beside her mother, helping her plant the bonsai tree. She looked over at her mother, “I’m glad we had time together, I will miss you, but you are welcome to visit at any time,” she said, sounding hopeful.
Miral patted the soil over the seed before she looked over at her daughter beside her, “I’m going to miss you too. You can always call whenever you want.” She smiled and wiped her hands on her apron.” How about I come to visit in a few months? Do you know how long you will be on the station with Jadzia?”
B’Elanna wiped her hands on the apron too and looked at her, “I will call, definitely,” she assured her. They finally had a good relationship, and she didn’t want to lose contact with her mother. “No idea yet,” she replied.
“Ok.” Miral stood up and held out her hands to help her daughter up. “Thank you for helping me with the tree, I think it will grow nicely here.” Miral didn’t let go of her daughter’s hand, “How about I walk you to the transport?”
B’Elanna squeezed her hand and nodded, “I can’t wait to see it when I come back,” she said, looking at the Klingon. “Yes, let’s go,” she replied, heading back inside with her. She grabbed her bag and walked out the front door with her mother, heading in the direction of the transport. When they arrived and located her shuttle, B’Elanna turned to look at her mother, “I will call you when I get to the station.”
“Have a safe flight ‘Lanna.” Miral pulled her daughter into a warm embrace, “Thank you for coming all the way here to see me. I love you, and I’ll be waiting for your call.”
B’Elanna hugged her mother tightly. When she pulled away, she smiled at her, “I love you too,” she said. She turned and walked over to board the shuttle to get settled for the trip to DS9.
=/\=
When the transport docked at DS9, B’Elanna gathered her things and moved to leave the shuttle. She was early. She had reached out to the station's colonel to let her know she would be arriving a day early. She wanted to surprise Jadzia and get settled on the station. She had to admit that she was feeling nervous but excited at the same time.
Spotting a Bajoran woman in uniform as she stepped onto the docking bay platform, she approached her, “Colonel Kira?” She asked.
Kira nodded, “Welcome to Deep Space Nine, Lieutenant Commander Torres.” Kira smiled and held out her hand for a handshake as she studied her new Chief Engineer and Jadzia’s partner. “It's a pleasure to meet you finally, I’ve heard a lot of great things.”
B’Elanna shook her hand and offered a warm smile, wanting to make a good impression on Kira since Jadzia had spoken highly of the Bajoran. “Likewise, it’s good to meet you and be here on the station,” she said. “Jadzia doesn’t know I’m here yet, right?”
"No, she doesn't. I had to make sure the shuttle's passenger list didn't cross her screen in Ops." Kira grinned, ushering them out of the docking area.
B’Elanna nodded and smiled, “Thank you for keeping it from her. I wanted to surprise her,” she said. She had no idea yet what she was going to do, but she figured showing up early was going to be enough of a happy surprise.
“I think she would love this surprise,” Kira smiled, almost feeling giddy. She recalled how hard it was to keep a smile off of her face any time she was near Jadzia this morning. “Do you know what you are going to do? Do I need to hold her up in Ops for a while or direct her somewhere?”
B’Elanna smirked at the questions, “I was just thinking about what I was going to do,” she said. She looked around the station as they walked to the crew quarters. The station was busy with humanoids. She didn’t want a public reunion with Jadzia. “Might be cliché, but I am leaning towards a nice dinner in quarters. Could you direct her to my quarters for some reason? She won’t have any idea that I’m in them already. Do you think that will suffice?”
"Yes, I’m sure it will. I’ll just ask her to check on these quarters on her way to hers.” Kira guided them through the promenade, walking slowly to let B’Elanna take in the scenery. “I don't want to get down to business just yet since you're not technically on duty for another two days, but I just wanted to let you know that I've looked at your file, and we're very lucky to have you."
“I appreciate those words, I am happy to be here,” B’Elanna said. “It’s going to be a different experience from working on a starship.”
“Indeed, it will,” Kira agreed. “But we have a good team here that can make the transition smooth for you. We also have the Defiant, she’s a little smaller than a starship, but I think you’ll like the challenge she can provide, seeing as she is of Dominion technology.”
B’Elanna had read up on the Dominion War, wanting to get an idea of the station and its history, including the part it played during the occupation. “I’m sure everything will be great,” she said. “I’m looking forward to checking out the Defiant.” She followed her down the corridor once they reached the habitat ring.
“So we gave you the quarters of our former Chief of Engineering, they’re quite comfortable. Most of the Cardassian furniture has been moved out. It’s a little further than Jadzia’s quarters but they are on the same deck.” Kira didn’t want to include the reason B’Elanna was given Chief O’Brian’s old quarter was because it was bigger than most quarters, and Jadzia personally asked they be given to B’Elanna. Jadzia wanted her to be comfortable and to have plenty of room for her and the baby.
“I’m sure they’ll be great,” B’Elanna assured Kira with a smile. When they walked into the quarters, B’Elanna looked around, her eyes widened at how big they were. “These are definitely much bigger than my quarters on Voyager,” she said, setting her bags on the sofa. “How much time do I have before Jadzia is off duty?”
“Mmm, about another five hours. Is that enough time for you to settle down and get everything set up?”
B’Elanna nodded, “it is perfect,” she said with a smile. “Thank you so much, Colonel.”
“No problem at all. I’m happy to have you here.” Kira clasped her hands together, “Well, I’ll leave you to get settled. Enjoy the rest of your day, and let me know if you need anything.” Kira stepped out of B’Elanna’s new quarters, hoping she could contain her smile before she made it back to Ops.
B’Elanna smiled, watching her leave. She turned to look around the quarters and walked over to the workstation to let her mother know she made it to the station. She sent a message to Harry, who had agreed to help her get some things from her apartment in San Francisco. Getting unpacked, she changed out of her uniform and reclined on the bed for a nap, feeling tired from the journey. Plus, she didn’t know what else to do since she needed to stay in quarters until Jadzia got off duty. She didn’t want to risk being seen by her.
After her nap, she planned dinner, programming it in the pattern buffer. She set the table, and set out candles with some nice music playing. She replicated some beautiful flowers for her girlfriend and then got ready, freshening up in a thigh-length dress. Everything felt perfect.
Jadzia was just logging off for the day when Kira stopped her as she was walking to the turbolift lift.
"Lieutenant Dax, do you mind stopping by these quarters on your way home?” Kira asked, handing Jadzia a PADD. “Chief O’Brian seems to think they may have left some of Molly’s and Yoshi’s things. Apparently, they are going crazy without them.” Jadzia arched her brows as she looked at the list on the PADD, “I told Miles we’ll take a look for him,” Kira continued.
“Sure, I’ll stop by,” Jadzia replied. She cocked her head slightly to the side and stared at Kira, “So, are you going to tell me what’s been going on with you today and yesterday?” Jadzia noticed Kira had been acting oddly since yesterday, she wanted to ask her what’s been going on, but she didn’t want to miss her nightly chats with B’Elanna. Kira had been smiling and staring at her more than usual, Jadzia even made a smart comment about her being taken and unavailable for Kira. This just caused Nerys to chuckle and roll her eyes.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Kira said, feigning innocence.
“Right,” Jadzia turned and walked back to the turbolift, “Late dinner tonight?” she asked, determined to get some information out of Kira.
“Sure, if you have time. Bye, Jadzia.” Kira hurried up the steps to her office before she could hear the Trill’s reply.
Jadzia paused for a moment and stared at the door Kira had just run to. “She’s acting strange. I can’t be the only one that notices this,” she said to one of the Bajoran officers in Ops. Jadzia shook her head and finally stepped onto the turbolift thinking that she didn’t have time to deal with another abnormal alien something or other going around the station so close to B’Elanna’s arrival.
Jadzia walked down the corridor hoping to get the hunt for Molly and Kirayoshi’s things over quickly so she could head to her own quarters and relax a bit. Reaching the O’Brian’s former quarters, Jadzia entered the security code given to her by Kira. The door hissed open and Jadzia paused at the doorway, not believing her eyes, “B’Elanna?”
B’Elanna looked up from the PADD she had been reading and smiled at Jadzia, “Hey you,” she said. She moved to get up and walked closer to her, “I thought I would come early to surprise.”
“Oh my goodness,” Jadzia smiled brightly, “You’ve certainly managed to do that.” She walked into the quarters, not really caring about the PADD that landed on the floor, and wrapped B’Elanna into a tight hug.
B’Elanna wrapped her arms around Jadzia, humming as she inhaled her scent. She felt safe and knew this was where she was supposed to be. “Mm, I missed you,” she said, pulling back to look at the woman. She reached up and cupped her cheeks, pulling her into a passionate, loving kiss.
Jadzia returned the kiss just as passionately, wrapping her arms around B’Elanna’s waist and gripping her hair. The need for air compelled her to release B’Elanna’s lips and lean her forehead against the woman in her arms. “I can’t believe you’re finally here and this is actually happening.” There was no turning back now.
B’Elanna continued to hold Jadzia tight to her. “Believe it,” she whispered. She kissed her lips softly with a hum, “Would you like to have dinner?” She asked with a smile.
Jadzia had been so focused on B’Elanna that she missed the atmosphere in the quarters. Looking around the dimly lit quarters, she observed her surroundings more closely, noticing a candle flickering on a table set for two with purple flowers placed in the middle. “You made dinner for me?” Jadzia’s eyes twinkled, “I could get used to this and you in this dress.” She stepped back to appreciate B’Elanna fully, “You look beautiful, baby.”
B’Elanna smiled at Jadzia and nodded, “Yes, I wanted to surprise you, and what better way than a romantic dinner— just the two of us,” she said. She looked down at her dress and then up, “I’m glad you like it.” She stepped forward to undo Jadzia’s uniform jacket, slipping it off and down her shoulders, tossing it on the back of the couch. “Come sit, darling, I’ll get dinner.”
Jadzia sat at the table. She was unable to keep the smile off her face and her eyes off of B’Elanna. “Thank you for dinner,” she said, making a mental note to cook for B’Elanna as often as she could. “This makes perfect sense on why Nerys was acting strangely yesterday and today. She had to be in on you showing up early.”
B’Elanna chuckled at the comment regarding Kira as she retrieved their meals from the pattern buffer. “Yes, she was in on my early arrival. I’m going to have to find a way to thank her,” she said, walking over to set a plate in front of Jadzia. She set her plate down on the table before taking a seat. “Did her acting strange bother you?”
“Hmm, no, it didn’t bother me. If it were very serious, she would have told me. It was more entertaining than anything. But, for trying to deceive me, I’ll make her come to the holosuite with me and play the Camelot program again.” Jadzia grinned, “She just loves it,” she finished sarcastically.
B’Elanna arched her brow with a soft laugh, “Play Camelot? Why does that sound like a new level of torture?” She smiled at Jadzia and began to eat, enjoying the fact that she was finally on the station, reunited with the trill.
Jadzia laughed and proceeded to tell B’Elanna the story about Kira getting upset because Lancelot kissed her.
After taking her last bite, Jadzia slid her plate to the side and smiled, “That was great, thank you for making this.” Seeing that B’Elanna was done as well, she took her plate and put it in the recycler. Walking around the table, Jadzia took B’Elanna’s hands and directed them toward the couch. “So, how long have you been here? Did you get a chance to explore the station?” She asked as she leaned against the arm of the couch and positioned B’Elanna between her legs so she could hold her.
B’Elanna settled against Jadzia, grasping her arms. “I’ve only been here about five hours,” she replied. She shook her head, “No, I stayed in quarters and rested. I didn’t want to take a chance of you seeing me,” she said with a smirk, turning and pressing a kiss to her cheek.
“I see you and Kira were very committed to this surprise,” Jadzia smiled. “If you want, I can show you around tonight. There is a nice shop that sells amazing Bajoran desserts.”
“Yes, we were.” She shook her head, “How about tomorrow, you can show me all around the station, I am not officially on duty yet,” B’Elanna said softly, reaching up to run her fingers along Jadzia’s jaw. “I came early to get settled, spend time with you and get the lay of the station.”
"Sounds good, especially the part about spending time with me." Jadzia leaned in closer to B'Elanna, pressing her nose against the crook of her neck, and inhaled deeply. The scent of her lover's skin filled her nostrils, sending a wave of warmth through her body.
"How's my baby?" The Trill asked softly as her hand rubbed against B’Elanna’s stomach. At that moment, Jadzia realized how good it felt to say those words. A sense of contentment washed over her, giving her the feeling that she was right where she was meant to be.
B’Elanna’s eyes closed as she felt Jadzia’s face pressed against her neck, a tremor of happiness and warmth running down her spine. She smiled at the question and set her hands on top of Jadzia’s, “Good,” she replied. “Your baby is good.”
"Good," Jadzia smiled. She settled deeper into the couch with B’Elanna against her and began to talk about her day and the amusing conversation she had had with Julian over lunch. They stayed, cuddled up on the couch, talking for a while before turning in for the night, both women content and happy to be in each other's arms.
Epilogue
Months later
In the middle of the night, Jadzia was shaken awake, barely making out the mumbles to get up. “It’s time?” Jadzia asked a little groggy. After receiving a pained nod from B’Elanna, Jadzia jumped out of bed excitedly. She contacted B’Elanna’s doctor and Miral, then helped B’Elanna get dressed. After collecting their baby bag she rushed to the bedroom door.
B’Elanna looked on, amused at the speed at which Jadzia moved around her quarters. “You know as much I love your breasts, I don’t think I want to share them with anybody else,” she said, looking at Jadzia dressed in only her boy shorts and no bra.
Jadzia furrowed her brows and looked down at her bare chest, “Oh,” she said sheepishly, “No wonder it's breezy.” She ran back to the bedroom and proceeded to get dressed appropriately for a walk through the promenade to Sickbay. She smiled and took B’Elanna’s hand, kissing the back of it softly, “Ready to meet our baby?”
“More than ready,” B’Elanna replied, doing her best to focus on her breathing.
=/\=
“She’s beautiful,” Jadzia said softly.
“She is, isn’t she?” B’Elanna whispered, looking at the small baby resting in Jadzia’s arms. Tom had already come by to see his newborn daughter before going back to his quarters on the station. He had been in touch with B’Elanna throughout the pregnancy, both of them coming to an agreement that he would be in his daughter’s life.
“She needs a name,” Jadzia said, sitting on the edge of the biobed next to B’Elanna.
“Kahla.”
“Kahla. I love it. It’s as beautiful as she is.” Jadzia grinned widely at the newborn in her arms, “Hello Kahla.” Jadzia’s heart swelled when Kahla seemed to look her in the eye while making soft cooing noises. She couldn’t believe their daughter was finally here. It didn't matter how much they prepared and talked about her arrival, nothing prepared Jadzia for the amount of love that rushed through her from just holding their baby in her arms.
B’Elanna smiled, shifting so she could lay her head against her arm. She reached out to run her fingers over Kahla’s head, touching the small cranial ridges.
Miral peered into Sickbay, having been told of her family's newest arrival. “Can I come in?” She asked with a smile. She was excited to meet her granddaughter.
“Of course,” B’Elanna said, looking up at her mother. “Come meet your granddaughter, Kahla.”
Jadzia smiled at Miral and carefully placed the baby in her arms. “Kahless, ‘Lanna, she looks just like you when you were little,” Miral said. “She’s beautiful.” There were no words to describe how she was feeling at the moment. She reconnected with her daughter after years of separation, and now she was standing here holding her first grandchild. She found a second daughter in Jadzia and has a partner she loves dearly in Kes’ra. Even Kor managed to bring himself into her life with his random visits. Miral was overjoyed, but what made her the happiest was seeing her daughter jubilant and content.
B’Elanna reached for Jadzia’s hand, now that her arms were free, bringing her closer to her. She smiled at her mother’s words, happy that she was here and that she was meeting her granddaughter. “I’m glad you could be here,” she said, looking between them. “Both of you.”
Jadzia kissed B’Elanna lightly on the lips, “I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”
"Me either," Miral said. "I've made arrangements with the High Council, so I can stay as long as you need me. The first three months can be a taxing adjustment, Kes’ra and I are here to offer any help."
“Thank you,” B’Elanna said quietly. She looked around at her little family and smiled. It was like she had hit the reset button on love, happiness, and family since returning to the Alpha Quadrant. She had a beautiful and healthy daughter who she planned to raise with a wonderful partner whom she loved deeply and could tell loved her just as deeply. She had her mother back in her life, here and ready to support her in any way she needed. There was also no limit to how far she could take her career with Starfleet. Any decision she made, she knew she would always have her family. Yes, life was good.
THE END