Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and no infringement is intended.

Set immediately after the episode Fascination. Spoilers for Fascination and Life Support.

Kira Nerys sat on the sofa in her quarters feeling like a fool. Her door chime rang. She remembered with panic that while she was still under the influence of Ambassador Troi's telepathy, she had invited Dr. Bashir over to her quarters. She decided to ignore the chime.

Thirty seconds later, the chime sounded again. Deciding that she couldn't hide forever, she walked over to the door and opened it. Outside stood Vedek Bareil.

Kira smiled broadly and said, "Come in."

Bareil walked in, looking at the floor. He took a deep breath, looked Kira in the eyes and said, "Nerys, I owe you an apology. I was completely out of line in my behavior toward Lieutenant Dax. I love you, and I'm truly sorry."

Kira placed her hand on Bareil's shoulder and said, "I'm the one who owes you an apology. I don't know what came over me."

Kira kissed Bariel as she said, "I love you, too."

They stood embracing for several moments before Kira broke the silence. "There is one question I have for you, though."

"What?" Bareil asked.

"It's about that betrothal bracelet you tried to give Jadzia. I can't imagine you make it a habit of carrying family heirloom jewelry with you when you travel."

"I don't. Actually, Nerys, I brought it with me on this trip with the intention of giving it to you," Bareil said.

Kira looked up at him in surprise. It took a moment for the implication to sink in. "Do you mean...?"

Bareil said, "The Prophets give us each a path to walk in life. I would be honored to walk my path with you. What do you say?"

"Yes!" Kira exclaimed.

Bareil placed the bracelet on Kira's wrist as he placed a kiss on her forehead. They moved to the sofa to sit down.

Kira frowned as she said, "I suppose since you're a vedek, it would cause some sort of diplomatic incident if we don't ask Kai Winn to perform the ceremony."

"Perhaps," Bareil said. He continued, "On the other hand, we could ask Commander Sisko to do it. He is, after all, the Emissary. Winn couldn't get offended over that."

Kira smiled, "I'll ask him in the morning. Let's get married in the garden at your monastery."

"I'm assisting the kai with some peace talks with the Cardassians in six months. How about as soon as they're finished?"

"That's perfect!" Kira said.

Six months later, Kira Nerys stood in the garden of the monastery, holding a bouquet of flowers. A single tear slid down her cheek as she placed the flowers on a stone inscribed:

Bareil Antos

2336 - 2371

May he rest with the Prophets.