There was a beep indicating someone was outside his door, but Julian wasn't sure he wanted any company at that time.

"Dr. Bashir?"

Julian knew that voice, the way it pronounced his surname.

"Come in, Garak."

The Cardassian walked in, taking notice of the human resting his head against the exterior of the couch while sitting on the carpeted floor.

"Really, Doctor, there is furniture for a reason."

"Not now, Garak. I thought you came to cheer me up," Julian mumbled, only picking his head up slightly to talk to the tailor.

"Well, I did," Garak sat on the couch, looking down at Julian. "I heard what Major Kira said. It was very long ago-"

"I know that!" Julian all but shouted, standing up hastily to pace about the room, a habit he had the reared its ugly head when the young doctor was at all nervous.

"It's not just that," Julian continued. "Everyone thinks I've had it so good! No one knows what I've really been through, especially Kira! She thinks she's the only one on the entire station who has ever suffered!"

"You could always tell her," Garak suggested. "Tell her how you really feel."

Julian looked over, ceasing with his pacing. "That's actually a good idea."

"Of course it is, I came up with it, didn't I?"

Julian ignored the remark, instead walking over to his computer. "Thank you, Garak."

Garak smiled, standing to leave. "Anytime, Julian."

WwWw

"Quark, I need a favor."

The Ferengi looked up from where he was wiping down the bar.

"Doctor, I didn't think I would see you around here for a while, considering-"

"Can you help me or not?" Julian interrupted.

"Depends, what's the favor? And what's in it for me?"

"What do you want?" Julian asked.

Quark thought about it. "Tell me the favor first."

Julian did. The Ferengi thought for a long time.

"On the house."

"What, why?" Julian asked, knowing Quark had to be up to something.

"Hey, I can be generous. And besides, the Major was a tad bit hard on you. I don't know if this idea of yours will fix anything, but leave the hard stuff to me, and you might have chance."

Julian didn't exactly know what to say, so he went with "thank you."

"Ah," Quark swatted his hand as if trying to get rid of an imaginary Glob Fly. "Just buy a drink and we're even, okay?"