DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but the character of Rebekah. Everything else belongs to someone else and I've only borrowed their characters for my own personal enjoyment.

Six weeks later, Julian was finishing another day. Another mind-numbing day like the previous 42 before that.

He'd left the Enterprise without saying goodbye to Rebekah. He didn't know what hurt more; not having her with him or leaving without saying goodbye. He loved the woman, but he couldn't have her. It didn't make any sense, but, then again, love never did.

He had fought the internal battle with himself, saying he was feeling too much for her too fast and it couldn't last. He'd ignored all the logical thoughts when it came to Rebekah because she was everything he'd ever wanted in a woman. She completed him like no one else. He was totally infatuated with her and couldn't get enough of her. It was crazy that he was plodding along on a space station, millions of light years from her instead of by her side.

He debated resigning his commission and getting a job as a civilian doctor. He'd even checked to see if he could get a medical position on the Enterprise. He hadn't found anything that would bring him closer to Rebekah, so he stayed were he was. Working himself into exhaustion every day so he could at least sleep. It was the dreamless kind. The kind that came from working constantly and taking little time for ones self. He knew, genetically engineered or not, he couldn't last forever at this pace. He just hoped he forgot Rebekah before that happened. Then again, if he didn't at least he'd be out of his self-pity and misery when it happened.

He put the tricorder on the desk and handed the PADD to his relief doctor. He exited the Infirmary and headed to Quarks. He was supposed to meet Miles and play a game of darts. Everyone of his friends on the station had been coming up with activities to take his mind off the hole in his heart that Rebekah had once filled.
While he was grateful for his friends, he wished to be alone.

"I know you want to be alone, but we need to have a talk," Dax said, sitting down next to him.
"Jadzia, I know what you want to talk about and I don't care to share," Julian said, taking a drink. His dinner sat in front of him, untouched. Food didn't have much of a taste these days and he didn't care what he was eating. The simple act of eating wasn't something he wanted to do because he didn't see a reason for living with Rebekah gone.

"Too bad. There's nothing wrong with being depressed that Bekah isn't here or isn't with you. You love her. Admit it," Jadzia said.
"I admit it. I love her, but that doesn't do me any good because I can't have her, I can't be with her," Julian said.
"Now that doesn't sound like the Julian Bashir I've come to love over the years," Jadzia said.
"You mean that immature, skirt chasing, naïve physician that boarded this station a few years ago? He's no longer here," Julian said.

"No, the determined, confident, never say die doctor and friend I've grown accustomed to serving with," Jadzia said, smiling at him.
"I love her. Does it ever go away," he asked.
"What," Jadzia asked back.
"The pain. I know we both chose to be apart, but that doesn't make it hurt any less, does it," Julian asked.
"No. Parting is never supposed to feel good. The pain doesn't ever go away, but it does ease up. It's always there, but you get used to it and can actually make it hide and ignore it. But it's always there. I think you're realizing that, despite the differences, you two are made for each other and I'd like to see you two get to that point," Jadzia said.

"Well, she's on the Enterprise and I'm here. I don't see that happening any time soon," Julian said. He took the hug Jadzia offered and headed to his quarters. He wanted to be alone, for real this time.

"Well, it's not everyday this station gets a new science officer. It's wonderful to have you aboard," Ben said to the new officer standing before him in his office.
"Thank you, sir. I hope I do a good job for you, sir," they replied.
"I know you will. Go to your quarters and get settled. First shift is in the morning," Ben said.

His guest left the office by way of the back door and headed to the Habitat Ring. They knew their way around the station, having studied plans and such while waiting for the transfer.

They placed their bags in the quarters they were assigned and left the room. They headed down the hall and stood in front of a door, identical to the one they had entered a little while ago.

They rang the bell and, after a few minutes pause, were allowed admittance.
When the doors opened, Dr. Julian Bashir was unable to believe the site that appeared before him.
Standing there in a DS9 uniform stood the woman he loved more than anything.

"Rebekah," he said before rushing toward her. It was only when he wrapped his arms around her he noticed the extra bundle she carried.
"Surprise," she said.