Look, we have a visitor! [Leonard/Paula]

[dctr_mccoy]

As much as they both loved their daughter, Leonard knew it was important to have a little alone time, to keep them sane. So once a day, Leonard stopped by Sickbay, presumably to make sure everything was running smooth in his absence, but usually he just ended up telling Olivia stories, which were pretty impressive for a five-day old baby

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[lt_paula]

It had been nearly a week since the battle. At first, Paula had been so busy there simply hadn't been time to do more than work, eat, and steal a few hours of rest whenever she'd been able. After the first couple of days that had eased, the immediate danger past, and she and Hikaru had even managed an entire night together. Most of it sleeping, but they'd had some important conversations since then, about moving in together. She was both incredibly happy and completely exhausted, and looking forward to the opportunity to rest once they got to the colony.

But she was worried about Leonard, Jim, and the baby, and while she knew they were okay, she still didn't know exactly how they were doing. When she had a few hours free, she stopped by the mess hall and picked up a few things, then set out for the captain's quarters. Juggling the tray in one hand, she hit the buzzer with the other.

[dctr_mccoy]

Nothing had worked so far, so Leonard was about to pull out the tricorder when the buzzer rang. "Open," he called out, happy to see Paula, but still having no idea what was wrong with his daughter. Colic? Was she feverish? "Hey you."

He was about to ask her to hold the baby so he could examine her, but Paula's hands were full. "After you put that down, could you-" He was stepping toward her, but right as those words left his mouth, Olivia let out a loud belch, coughed, then giggled. "Oh, was that all?" he laughed nervously, feeling foolish.

Turning his attention back to Paula, he gave her a big smile. "We're glad to see you." Holding Olivia, he held her up a little, as if for inspection. "I don't believe you've met my girl here."

[lt_paula]

"Hey--" Her eyebrows raised and Paula moved to set the tray down without another word, concerned by the worry on Leonard's face, but just as she got it onto the table she heard that astonishingly loud belch and turned around, a broad grin tugging at her lips. "Was that you, little one?" she asked, incredulous. Chuckling, she looked up at Leonard. "Hi," she said at last. "Sounds like someone's keeping you busy."

Paula stepped closer when he held the baby out, one hand reaching up to stroke a soft, tiny hand. "Hello there, Olivia," she said, melting at the sound of that little giggle. "Aren't you beautiful," she crooned softly. Glancing up, she held out her arms. "Can I?"

[dctr_mccoy]

He laughed at the look on Olivia's face when she burped, almost as if she startled herself. "Every time I think we've finished eating and changing and sleeping, its time to start all over again." But Leonard wouldn't change it for the world, this new, endless cycle of childcare.

Paula's face changed when she looked at Olivia, who turned her face toward Paula's, fingers reaching for Leonard's hand. "Olivia, this is one of my best friends, Lieutenant Commander Paula Collins." Handing her to Paula, he touched the baby's cheek softly. "Paula, this is Miss Olivia Rose Kirk." It was hard to keep the pride out of his voice, watching her big blue eyes turn from him to Paula.

[lt_paula]

She chuckled softly, aware from the tone of Leonard's voice and the broad smile on his face now that he wouldn't change a thing about it, all the changing diapers and feedings and naptimes. "You look like you're settling in well," she told him as she reached for the baby. Paula cradled Olivia, delighted with the wide-eyed look she got. "That's right, Miss Olivia. We're going to be good friends, you and I." She leaned in and brushed a kiss over her forehead, inhaling that unmistakable warm, clean baby scent. When she pulled back Olivia was still studying her seriously, her brow furrowing in a way that made Paula laugh

[dctr_mccoy]

"What look?" Leonard asked, pretending that Jim hadn't spent all evening pointing out how that worried look was a mirror image of his own. Then he laughed, leaning back on the sofa as he watched Paula tenderly holding Olivia. "She's a handful," he admitted, still not completely used to getting up every few hours at night to feed her, "but already, I can't imagine life without her." Every moment they spent as a family was amazing, watching Jim growing as a parent, the two of them still grinning, as if they couldn't believe their luck.

Paula looked tired as well, and Leonard remembered that so many of the crew and personnel were working extra shifts to make up for the areas that weren't still one hundred percent operational. "You doing okay?" he asked, nudging at her food, a little worried. Getting up, he fetched the tray that she brought and set it on the table in front of them -fruit and cookies and sandwiches - so they both could enjoy the snacks. "I imagine that Spock being in Jim's chair has made it harder for you guys in Science

[lt_paula]

She nodded, easing herself down on the sofa with a sigh. "Nothing a few days' rest won't cure," Paula told him with a reassuring grin. "Things have been so chaotic since the battle, but I think the rest of the trip to the colony's going to be pretty tame." Leaning forward a little, she picked up a sandwich and nibbled the corner. "Half our labs are closed, either awaiting decontamination or repairs, or because people have been drafted into more critical areas." Paula shrugged. "It was bad the first few days, but it's gotten better. Everyone's settled into their temporary rotations and pitching in wherever they can."

Her expression softened when she felt Olivia squirming, and Paula looked down to see her snuggling against her chest, blinking sleepily. "Well," she murmured, a broad smile creeping slowly over her face, "I guess I've passed muster." She chuckled, stroking Olivia's silky hair. "You're precious, yes you are," Paula said, her voice soft and low.

[dctr_mccoy]

"I feel bad, like I should be out helping more," Leonard admitted as he reached out, grabbing a sandwich of his own. "I've made it to Sickbay a few times, and I think its mostly covered. Thank goodness for Donald Blake," he stretched out his legs. "Having him around means I don't have to worry quite so much, about work, anyway.

"Oh yes, it looks like she likes you. Is Miss Paula soft, baby? Is she comfortable to lean against?" He looked over at the two of them, the expression on Paula's face as she cooed at the baby. Olivia seemed mesmerized by Paula's voice, her movements slowing down to take in everything. "So, how are things with your helmsman?" he asked, his voice gruffer than his expression. "He taking care of you still?"

[lt_paula]

"You have your hands full," Paula told him. "Taking care of this little one and Jim too is enough right now." She watched him eat, glad she'd thought to bring food with her. "I imagine you'll worry about work, just the same," she said with a small grin. She knew Leonard too well; it wouldn't sit well with him, the idea of someone else in charge of his Sickbay, nor was he one to sit by when anyone needed help. But it was his turn now, and Jim's, to let the rest of them take care of the two of them for a change. "How is Jim, by the way

[dctr_mccoy]

"It's hard not to worry," he admitted, finishing the sandwich in just a few bites. "Guess I was hungrier than I thought," he added, reaching for another sandwich half. "Everything just gets pushed aside when she's around, you know? Not that I'm complaining, not one bit. We just forget about other things, its easy to get lost in her life, playing and eating and just watching her

[lt_paula]

"From what I could see, your staff performed admirably." Paula made a face, chuckling a little. "Sorry, I've just come from an officers' meeting." Commander Spock had used those words, which were as close to glowing praise as he ever got, she supposed. "They've done well, Leonard, really. That day... they were so busy, but so worried about you and Jim and the baby." It had been the same all over the ship, as the news had spread. There had been the outrage that the Klingons had boarded their ship, but then the worry and the protectiveness as they'd closed ranks to keep everything running while their captain was out of commission

[dctr_mccoy]

He could hear Spock's words coming from her mouth, and it made him laugh. "I'm so proud of them, Paula, I really am. One of these days, after we get back, I gotta find a way to thank my department." To say that they had done a good job was an understatement. "Hell, the entire ship needs a little party

[lt_paula]

"A party might be just the thing," she pointed out. "Maybe after you're all settled and Jim and Olivia are up to it, you could have a get-together." Paula thought the chance to celebrate and let off a little steam sounded ideal after all that they'd been through

[dctr_mccoy]

"We were thinking of having a small get together on the colony, just family and friends," Leonard answered, grinning at the thought of showing off the baby to everyone. "But I think the people on the ship need something too," he said. "I dunno, maybe just the time on the colony is enough for them, some rest."

It was clear from the way Paula held the baby that it was something she had given some serious thought to, and the way that Olivia seemed to respond to her made him feel good. "There is nothing worse than not knowing if someone you love is hurt." Too often he and Jim had experienced that, and it never got easier. "I think that's when it really happened for Jim and I, after the Narada. I just... I couldn't go on not letting him know how much I cared about him. Couldn't hide it anymore." Olivia yawned and stretched in her sleep, and Leonard's face softened. "And now look at us."

Another look at Paula. He wanted so much for her, happiness and safety and someone who loved her without limits. "Just don't wait too long, okay?"

[lt_paula]

"I think they'd appreciate anything you did for them," Paula told him. She wasn't sure whether Leonard really knew how well-liked he was by his staff, but she'd seen a glimpse of it on the worried faces she'd seen in her visits to Sickbay over the past few days. "Maybe Commander Spock would have some ideas, or his brother? They might have a better idea of what's available on the colony."

She nodded, aware that he knew first-hand how difficult it was, waiting to find out if a loved one was safe. "It's harder than I imagined. I mean, I know Hikaru is more than capable of taking care of himself, but... I still worry." Paula looked down at Olivia, her smile returning as she watched her get comfortable. She looked over at Leonard, thrilled to see him looking so incredibly happy. "How's Jim adjusting?" It had to have been hard on him, being injured, especially with his condition.

"I don't think we'll wait too long," Paula tried to assure him. "I think once the mission is over... that's what we've talked about, anyway."

[dctr_mccoy]

"Hikaru is quite the fighter, from what Jim tells me," Leonard said, "Never saw a man wield a sword like that. Its a lost art, from what I imagine." Leonard had never been interested in that sort of hand to hand fighting, but he appreciated that some people were masters at it. Better them than him, he mused