Heartwarming / Doctor Ghemor, I Presume?

• Even if it was prompted by utterly horrifying, twisted circumstances, Julian Bashir finally gets to know true, genuine parental love from a man who's happy to call him "son", no matter if they're not related at all.
• Legate Ghemor's reaction when he believes his son is finally home. It needs to be read:
  The Legate made a dismissive gesture, with a low, frustrated grunt, then turned to face Julian. A change seemed to come over him then. He was stock-still, his eyes running over Julian as if he couldn’t stop looking, as if he wanted to look forever and even that wouldn’t be enough, as if he were saving up the sight of Julian to last him for the rest of his life.
• Julian's sudden understanding that Ghemor isn't playing a role. All of the Legate's kindness, his sheer relief and happiness to be reunited with his "child"? That's the real deal.
• Tekeny naturally inquires about what "Cesnil" was up to, on Terok Nor. When Julian announces he was a doctor and intends to keep practicing, the Legate immediately supports the move, entirely happy that his son found a career he's clearly passionate about.
• Julian's narrative starts by calling Ghemor "the Legate". As he slowly gets to know him, "the Legate" becomes "Tekeny" and ultimately "Father".
• Seeing Garak speechless in front of Julian in full Cardassian make-up is unexpectedly cute. Who would have believed the fearsome Agent Regnar, right hand to the most dreadful man who ever led the Obsidian Order, could be reduced to a lovestruck teenager in front of his crush cleaning up a bit?
  • Sisko oh-so-candidly reveals the tailor was surprisingly helpful for tracking the doctor's whereabouts, almost volunteering to join the rescue expedition. Julian suddenly feels quite ecstatic.
  There were probably ways to describe the sensation in Julian’s chest at that bit of news that didn’t make him sound like an infatuated teenager with their first crush, but he didn’t know any of them.
• Tekeny is naturally pretty upset to learn Garak is firmly courting Julian, but decides to trust his maybe-son's judgement and ability to defend himself. Of course, a little discussion with the abovementioned suitor can't hurt...
• After the scan comes back inconclusive, Sisko decides to let a potential spy have a choice, Starfleet reglementations be damned: of course, the Commander would like for Julian Bashir to be real and stay on the station... but if Cesnil Ghemor wants to leave Deep Space Nine for a new life with his father, well, that's okay too.
• In spite of the fact they might not be related at all, Julian still wishes to keep contact with Tekeny. The old Legate happily accepts, as he "had thought he loved Julian for a few days and now found that love a difficult habit to give up".
• Blaze with the Glory opens on Julian and Garak returning at Deep Space Nine right after eloping to get married. Tekeny and Alin Ghemor were present to give Julian away, and he openly calls them his father and cousin.
  • Sisko grouses a bit about security risks, but mainly he worries about Julian possibly not marrying out of love. After the doctor reassures him, the Commander is fully okay with the whole situation.
  • Miles feels the venture was a bit rushed and still doesn't trust Garak, but if the tailor is the one making his friend happy, then he's happy for Julian and that's all.
• Garak mentions he wants to raise children with Julian.
• Tekeny obviously is heartbroken to learn Cesnil still is at large, but nonetheless wants to stay close with Julian. It's made even more powerful by the fact that adoption isn't a usual practice on Cardassia.
• This exchange:
  Tekeny: You don’t need to worry about me, Julian.
  Julian: Nor you over me, but that’s never stopped you before.
  Tekeny: That’s different. You’re my son, it’s practically my duty.
  Julian: (smiling) Unfortunately for you, that duty goes both ways. Besides, I’m your doctor for as long as you’re on this station, and that makes your continued survival my responsibility.
• After seeing just how Richard Bashir treats his only son, Tekeny is aghast and bluntly calls the man a fool.
• When The Reveal about Julian's genetic enhancements come out, Garak firmly declares his intent to stick besides the man he married — who is not the second coming of Khan Noonien Singh, thank you very much, and if the Federation is too prejudiced and stupid to see that, bully for them!