(Day 1 – Home recovery)

Having finally managed to wind down and get into bed, Julian was awakened a few hours later by his door chime. As he jolted upright, he blindly reached for the quilt and wrapped it loosely around his shoulders. He still felt half asleep and yawned widely in an attempt to rally himself. Now that he was up, Julian figured he might as well see who was calling at this time of night. He concluded, somewhat guiltily, that he would only have been summoned at this hour in the event of an emergency. Although, if that was the case, he should have been contacted via his comm badge. Had he accidentally slept through the hail? Crossing the living room, he knew that all the speculation in the world wouldn't answer his questions and went to unlock the door.

Julian's mood improved significantly as he took in the unusual sight before him. He could only assume that the figure standing alone in the corridor, who was almost entirely shrouded in blankets, was his good friend and fellow recuperating patient. He took a full step backwards and offered a jaunty flick of his wrist to invite the indistinct guest inside. He was impressed that the Cardassian had been respectful enough not to just let himself in, as he had on previous occasions. Julian had debated changing and rotating his entry codes, but for what purpose? It wouldn't keep Garak out if he truly wanted to break in, and if anything, the challenge would only encourage him to further show off his disreputable skills. Skills that, despite himself, Julian had been keen to see in action.

Julian followed the shuffling visitor back through the door, pausing momentarily in consideration before speaking aloud. "Computer. Raise ambient temperature by 10 degrees." The low light in his quarters would be sufficient, they could both still see each other easily enough. Garak had already expressed his displeasure at the station's normal lighting levels and Julian hardly wanted to add to his current discomforts, the cold walk through the habitat ring couldn't have been a pleasant experience.

Garak hesitated once he had crossed the threshold and found himself in the rare predicament of not actually having anything to say. He hadn't planned far enough ahead to offer any interaction of consequence to the good Doctor. Having momentarily panicked when he discovered that Bashir was no longer in the infirmary, he had felt compelled to check on him in person. Now that he had, he was simply relieved to see the young man back up on his feet again. Waiting for the Doctor to regain consciousness had been difficult for Garak, he wasn't accustomed to having somebody to worry over. Was this the danger of sentiment that he'd always been warned against?

Julian could sense Garak's trepidation; he looked dazed as though he was somewhat surprised to have found himself here. Deciding that they'd both gone through more than enough, he reached out to take Garak's hand in his own and lead him straight through into the bedroom. He didn't have the energy right now for dealing with whatever this display was and Garak was clearly not fit to be up and about either. Making an executive decision for the both of them, he toed off his slippers and got into bed. As he lay back, Julian noticed that Garak was hovering at the foot of the bed like some sort of spectre. What on Earth?

Julian propped himself up on his elbows and frowned. "Garak, get in the bloody bed now before I make you. Doctor's orders. We are both owed at least one decent night's sleep, and I know that I'll rest easier with you up here next to me instead of ominously lurking."

Garak was brought out of his reverie at the jibe and quirked his lips. "Fine. As you wish, my Dear. I am, as ever, at your disposal."

Garak climbed in next to Bashir, shedding a couple of his blankets as he went. He could already detect the improvement to the room's temperature, the Doctor had been very thoughtful to put his needs before his own. The man was resolutely selfless, even in his sleep addled state. Garak smiled fondly as Bashir tossed aside his own extra layers and surreptitiously wiped his brow, he could have perceived his sleeping companion's rapidly rising body heat from a mile away. As he reclined on the Cardassian style mattress, he allowed himself to gravitate towards the growing warmth beside him.

Garak contemplated just how much he had missed the touch and scent of the good Doctor. Now that he could indulge himself again, the olfactory sensations were almost overwhelming. Distantly observing Bashir from his bio bed over the last few days had been a strange experience after practically living on top of one another, he had seemingly grown rather accustomed to being within arm's reach of the gentle human.

Julian turned onto his side, angling his body towards Garak. Unbeknownst to the Tailor, he was having much the same thought and felt comforted beyond measure at having Garak so close. He had always been very tactile with the people he cared about, friends and lovers alike, and it was wonderful to have developed that sort of physical ease with Garak. Not only that, but Julian was also happy to note that he was looking well. Garak had clearly gotten the help he'd needed in the infirmary. It was just a shame that he himself had been indisposed and unable to assist, he knew how much Garak hated being examined and put on display.

Garak moved to mirror Bashir's pose and couldn't hold back a grin as the Doctor unceremoniously shifted across the bed to be nearer to him. He found himself happily wrapped up in the long, lean arms of his companion. Bringing up his own arms, he encircled Bashir's slim back and drew him into his chest.

Julian snuggled up as close as he could, burying his nose into Garak's pyjamas so that he could breathe in his heady fragrance. He was officially an addict; overcome with the primal need to surround himself with the deliciously earthy essence that was quintessentially Garak. The Cardassian had the added benefit of being luxuriously cool to touch and Julian eagerly pressed against him, seeking temporary relief from the surrounding climate. The bedroom had become a little too warm for his taste, he normally ran hot himself and tended to keep his quarters in line with the rest of the station.

Garak hummed in satisfaction as they both manoeuvred themselves into a more comfortable position, neither willing to give up their newly claimed hold on the other. Their softly bent legs had come together naturally in a tangle of stacked limbs. Garak, finding that his leg had come out on top, smirked as he hooked his ankle possessively over and around the Doctor's hip. His foot settled in the crook behind Bashir's knee, and he drew him almost imperceptibly closer.

Julian smiled into Garak's chest and sighed contentedly. "You're so comfy."

Garak raised a brow. "Should I be offended? Am I to be believe that you are comparing me to some sort of cushion?"

Julian chuckled sleepily. "Nah, it's a good thing. Nice and snuggly, makes me feel safe."

Garak blinked in surprise, thrown off his game by the casual praise. Bashir felt safe and comfortable around him? How very strange. Shaking his head, Garak responded. "And here I was thinking that there was hope for you yet, my Dear. Apparently, you still have much to learn."

Julian pouted and tightened his grip. "No, I know more than enough. More than even you know. You're not the only one with secrets... Mmm I'm too tired for all this now, we both need to rest. Can talk in the morning. Night night, my dear Elim."

Garak froze in shock; the Doctor had been mumbling but he was sure he'd discerned the use of his first name. How long had Bashir had access to that information? He was cleverer sometimes than he gave him credit for. Garak should know better by now than to be fooled by the Doctor's bright-eyed exterior, he could be frighteningly shrewd when the situation called for it.

Garak shook his head; he must have misheard. If not, he would get to the bottom of it tomorrow. Bashir was right, he certainly needed all the sleep he could get. Garak closed his eyes and willed himself to relax into the Doctor's embrace. He felt Bashir slacken as his breathing deepened and was compelled to do the same. Yawning, Garak started to drift off and drowsily murmured to his companion. "Goodnight, Dearest."