Feelings

It was surprising, this revelation that he was in love with Kira Nerys. Surprising because he had never believed he could fall in love like humanoids, or other sentient creatures. That belief turned out to be way off the mark. Now he was in a dilemma, one that he had never been in before. Should he tell her how he felt and risk their friendship?

When he saw her step out that airlock with that content smile on her face, Odo knew he couldn't tell her. She was happy with Bareil and their friendship meant more to him than potentially hurting her.

"I take it things went well with Vedek Bareil," he greeted her.

Kira's smile widened. "Yes, everything's fine now, thanks Odo."

But there was a slight shadow behind her smile. If it had been anyone else they would not have noticed. But because it was Odo, and he knew her so well, he did notice. "But…"

She frowned slightly. "What makes you think there's a 'but'?"

"I know you, Nerys. You're concerned that you're belief in Vedek Bareil wavered in the face of that evidence, when you should have stood by him one hundred percent."

Kira gave Odo a look, then glanced around. "Can we talk about this some place not so public, please?"

"My office," Odo led the way to his office on the Promenade. "Was I right?"

She nodded. "How do you know so much about relationships?"

Odo opened his hands. "I don't know that much. I just know you."

"So you have no idea why I doubted him, even ever so briefly?"

"Not really, just that it seems natural. From what I've seen anyway. But I suppose that doesn't help much," he added when Kira didn't look convinced.

"Not really." Kira admitted.

"Why don't you talk to Lieutenant Dax about it? In her long life she's bound to have some experience she can draw on to help you, give you some perspective."

"I think I will. Thanks, Odo."

Odo stared at his desk after Kira had gone, he felt bad that he could not make her feel better, but relationships and their problems were way out his area of expertise. He was at a loss, and he didn't want their friendship to suffer.

Later that night, Odo was to revert to his natural state in his bucket when Kira stopped by his office. "Hello Odo."

"Major Kira. You talked to Lieutenant Dax then?"

"Yes. She, er, she told me what you did actually. That it's natural to doubt in the face of evidence like that."

"What else did she tell you?"

"That what was important was not that I had a moment of doubt, but that I stuck by him and searched for the truth." Kira tugged at her uniform.

"Which you did. So you feel better now?"

"Yes. Odo, I stopped by to say thank you."

"You don't have to thank me, Nerys. I didn't do anything."

"You've been a good friend. Thank you for that."

Odo stood. "You're welcome."

"Well, it's pretty late. I'd better go. Good night."