Throughout the week, the customers of Garak's Shop had declined.
There wasn't much to sew, hem or patch, so the Tailor was sitting behind his counter and working on some private fashion designs.
He was surprised as the Shop doors slid open and a happy Doctor Bashir rushed in, carrying a parcel, wrapped in colourful paper topped with a bow.
Garak immediately dropped everything and hurried around the counter to greet his friend and lover.
„Julian! What a nice surprise! Aren't you on duty until o'600?"
„It is a quiet day. No major injuries, no accidents, no Klingons on the station. Nothing the nurses can't handle."
„And you decide to visit this old Cardassian. I'm flattered."
Both leaned forward and gave a peck on each others lips.
„So," Garak began smiling, laying his hand on the Doctor's shoulder and leading him further into the room, „What about the present?"
„Ah yes! Happy Birthday Elim!" proudly Julian protruded the present in Garak's direction, whose smile faded instantly.
He took the present with an „Oh..." and placed it by turning around, on the counter.
Julian was puzzled. Why wasn't Garak happy about the present? Did Julian forget something about Cardassian Birthday etiquette?
Confused and a little disappointed, he stepped next to his friend and apologised: „Did I say something wrong? I'm so sorry, you don't like being called Elim! Or do Cardassian not give presents on their birthdays?"
Garak looked at the parcel tugging at the bow: „No! Everything is fine! You did nothing wrong!"
„But you are not happy. Don't you like being remembered of your age? Is it the colour of the wrapping? Or what?"
Bashir was honestly worried, he didn't like making people unhappy, especially not accidentally.
Garak produced a weak smile and turned to look at this hopelessly selfless Human.
„Who does like getting older? But that's not it. It's just that I haven't been too honest with you..."
Being not honest wasn't something new about Garak, but what could it be this time?
Julian grew tense and curious and looked at Garak in anticipation, holding his breath.
The Cardassian looked quite ashamed.
„Well, it's not my birthday today. When you asked me about it, I didn't know you as well as I do now and I completely made it up. You know I don't like giving away too much personal information about myself. I even forgot which date I told you. And now you come in here with this nice present for an old liar like me." his eyes searched his friend's eyes, hoping for forgiveness.
Julian exhaled and paused.
That was somehow characteristic for Garak, making such a thing up, but Julian was relieved that it was not his fault his friend was unhappy.
But seeing Garak being ashamed wasn't making Julian happy either.
He smiled and patted Garak on the back.
„You are a hopeless liar, aren't you?"
Garak being relieved that Bashir wasn't angry with him, smiled back: „I'm sorry, Julian. A habit I probably can't change so quickly."
Julian having found his earlier eagerness nudged the present in front of them and looked defiantly at Garak: „ And I guess you won't tell me your real birthday date?"
„Why should I? Then you only would have to get another present for me."
„You know I would!" Bashir challenged his friend.
Leaning to his side and giving his dear Doctor another peck on the cheek, Garak whispered: „I know. Thank you."
Then he straightened up.
„How about I open this now, then I close the shop early and we have dinner? Celebrating a fake birthday with a real friend is probably better than the other way around."