Disclaimer: Star Trek DS9 and characters belong to Paramount and Gene Roddenberry.
Relieved that his shift was over Dr. Julian Bashir left the infirmary, he was happy he could save lives and make people feel better but he just wanted this damn war to be over! But he knew everyone felt that way.
For a moment he began to head over to Garak's shop only to be stopped by the painful realization Garak would not be there, he was on his home world helping to liberate it from the Dominion.
He remembered that first day when Garak had approached him, how Julian had feared and mistrusted him, never realizing that six years later Garak would become his dearest friend.
"Julian?" He turned to see Miles and Keiko, both of their eyes held compassion. "Come to our quarters and have dinner with us." Keiko said.
Julian eagerly nodded; tonight he did not want to be alone. They soon returned to the O'Brien's quarters and began to eat. Molly and Kirayoshi always made him smile. But he was just going through the motions.
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The night beforeGarak had left, Julian had went to see Garak to wish him luck and they had embraced.
Julian felt tears in his eyes and felt Keiko embracing him, "I should have said I loved him, I should've told him!"
Miles put his hand on Julian's shoulder, "You'll tell him when he comes back, I've never been fond of Cardassians but I respect him."
Julian dried his tears, Garak coming back was what gave his heart hope.