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.