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"...It's just that... you've been spending an awful lot of time with major Kira lately, and I know that a lot of homosocial interaction can lead to--"
Having seen through the doctor's ploys a few days ago now, Jadzia decides to put him out of his misery point blank:
“It's sweet of you to worry, Julian. But really, it's alright. Even if it does trigger a change... It's natural for Trills.”
“I know serial hermaphroditism is natural, but I don't like playing games of risk with my endocrine system, and it is my medical advice that you don't either! You know that trills who undergo fewer sex changes tend to live longer lives.”
“I do. Buuut,” She gives an easy shrug, “taking artificial stablisers always felt like cheating to me.”
“It's not cheating!" Bashir manages to shock himself a little with how forcefully that came out. "It's what medicine is for--to help people live healthier, more comfortable lives!"
A look of actual hurt crosses Jadzia's face--her brows draw.
“I thought you of all humans would understand.”
Julian throws up his hands.
“What's to understand?” He's flown well into scathing theatrics by this point, “I suppose you'd prefer to gamble against an infection as well--take your chances against a swarm of Garthallian nerve mites!”
Jadzia’s eyes flash.
“Protandry is not an infection.”
"I didn't mean it like that-- wait--" wincing, he trots after her.
Jadzia stops by the doorway, and sighs.
"Julian. Listen.” She turns, and looks to him in understanding. She gets it—it’s not like she hasn’t been a young man more than once. It’s awkward enough for trills when your crush goes and flips sexes… let alone for species for whom they tended to be a bit more permanent. “I understand. But unpredictability is a part of life, and I don't want to get in the way of it."
“I’m sorry.” Bashir’s shoulders slump. “I know. It’s your choice. I suppose I just...” he withers a bit.
She, in her infinite mercy, spares him from having to say it out loud.
"...Have a professional concern for my health?"
"Yyyes."
"I'll let you know if I change my mind, alright?"
Bashir deflates a little further.
"Sounds good to me."