Paradise Lost (and Gained)

It was the first question anyone ever asked him, and Odo tried not to take it personally. Still, he could not repress a twitch of indignation.

"You came back?" It was Julian this time, blinking stupidly in the soft light of the sick bay.

"Should I not have?"

Julian frowned, then smiled, then frowed again. "I'm happy to see you, of course!"

Odo rumbled in amusement. "But?"

"Well... The Great Link is supposed to be... Paradise. Unlimited, endless joy and community. Why give that up?"

Hearing footsteps approaching, Odo closed his eyes. He'd know her anywhere. "It has its limits."