When Garak returned, the Doctor was fast asleep and curled tightly around his stuffed animal. The young man looked so small like that, with all those long limbs folded and tucked up under himself. He decided it was probably best to let Bashir rest, leaving his requested items on the coffee table within arm's reach. There was a thin blanket on the back of the sofa and Garak adjusted the draped material so that it covered his sleeping companion. Admittedly, it was already quite warm in here (by human standards), but he wanted to make sure that the Doctor wasn't at risk of going into shock in his absence. He really needed to get back to his shop to tie up a few loose ends and wrote a quick note for Bashir explaining where he was going and that he'd see him later, coming home initially for his lunch. He also mentioned that should the Doctor have need of him, he'd return immediately, no questions asked.

- - -.

Julian woke up some time later and was startled to find himself in unfamiliar surroundings for the second time that day. Sitting up, he attempted to slow his frantic heartbeat as he remembered that it was all over and that he was safely inside Garak's quarters. He took a calming breath and revelled in the spicy and earthy smell that flooded his senses. The comforting scent he associated with the Cardassian was everywhere, particularly noticeable on the blanket that he had found himself wrapped up in. Julian snuggled further into the material, holding it up to his face as his brain merrily recognised and identified the familiar notes.

Julian sighed. It was done, then. Masril was caught and being detained by Security in a holding cell. He knew that he could trust Odo, the Constable wasn't going to let anything get past him. Even though he'd managed to temporarily disable the Orion himself, there was no telling how long he'd have stayed out. Julian was fully aware that he'd been left in no condition to be able to do much of anything following his dose of anaesthesia and the physical altercation that had followed. His rush of adrenaline, fuelled by blind panic, had only provided a short-lived and temporary burst of energy. Enhanced or not, he'd been on his arse. Literally. He would be forever grateful to Odo and Garak for their timely assistance.

Speaking of Garak, where was he? As Julian looked around the inviting but empty space, he noticed a PADD on top of his change of clothes. Smiling at the Tailor's selective choices, he reached for the tablet and happily discovered the message that had been left for him. He supposed that he couldn't expect Garak to spend his day sat diligently by his side. Although, he had a sneaking suspicion that if he asked him to, Garak would be more than willing to do just that. Maybe he was trying to give him some space to wind down and process the morning's events? Julian determined that he'd take the chance to use Garak's facilities and get cleaned up, then heal himself once he could properly survey the damage. That way, he should be ready to eat lunch with his dear friend when he came back.

Julian was amazed to discover that Garak had an actual tub in his bathroom. How the hell had the Tailor managed to wrangle that?! Not even Captain Sisko had one, as far as he knew. It had to be a relic from the Cardassian ownership of the station, unless Garak had more powerful and influential friends than he'd let on? Julian only had the basic Starfleet standard sonic unit in his own quarters. Not that he really minded, showers were quicker and more efficient. Admittedly, he wasn't often in the mood to be submerged in water, but it would be nice to have the option! Garak's bathtub was enormous, definitely big enough for two.

Logging that information for another time, Julian stripped off and moved to get in the shower. He paused to glace in the mirror, the bruises across his skin drawing his eye. He was a kaleidoscope of varying colours that started at his wrists and moved all the way up to his neck and face. Not ideal, but they should be simple enough to treat. Stepping into the sonic shower, he allowed the soothing vibrations to wash over him.

- - -.

Garak entered his quarters quietly, not wanting to disturb the Doctor should he still be sleeping. He was happy to discover that Bashir was not only awake but was looking significantly brighter than he had earlier. Heartened at the sight, he took a seat in his armchair adjacent to the occupied sofa. "You seem to be much improved, my Dear. I hope my quarters were suitable? They seemed to be at least somewhat comfortable, given your unconscious state when I left."

Julian grinned; he had always found it easy to sleep anywhere as long as he had Kukalaka to hand. "I concur, they are very comfortable indeed! Thank you for letting me convalesce here. I needed to shake off the last of the sedative to properly clear my head, but I'm feeling much better now. As you can you see."

Julian, ever the exhibitionist, rolled up his silk sleeves and dipped his collar to show Garak his newly restored complexion.

Garak was aghast, there was so much tantalising golden skin wantonly put on display. If the Doctor carried on like this, they wouldn't make it through to dinner this evening. Should he still wish to go ahead with their previously discussed plans, that is. Deciding to voice his concerns, and give himself a much-needed distraction, Garak posed the question. "Doctor, would you prefer to postpone our little get together for another day? I can well imagine that you might want to take it easy and avoid anything too strenuous or taxing?"

Julian blushed, thinking exactly how strenuous things could get between them tonight if he had his way. They were both finally on the same page, at least, he thought they were. As he caught Garak's gaze lingering for the second time on his exposed collarbone, he relaxed, certain that their needs were (for once) perfectly in tune.

Feeling emboldened, Julian reached out towards his friend with his palm raised and fingers outstretched. He'd seen Ziyal initiate this Cardassian gesture numerous times and was eager to try it himself. Looking at Garak through heavy lidded eyes, he all but purred. "Garak, I wouldn't miss it for the world. That is, if you'll still have me?"

Garak's mouth opened in shock; Bashir knew exactly which buttons to press. Of course, he still wished to attend their date. That was never in doubt. He had seemingly been wrong, however, in his assumption that the Doctor wouldn't have any interest in learning his planet's customs. Although, truthfully, he hadn't tried. He hadn't wanted to have them dissected or publicly ridiculed out in the replimat. There was precious little of Cardassia available to him, manners and societal behaviour was really all that he had left.

Needing to be situated closer to properly accept the offered greeting, Garak stood up and took a seat on the sofa beside his companion. If they were going to do this, they might as well do it right. Tilting his body towards Bashir, Garak met his elegant hand with his own and firmly brought their palms together. He kept his eyes focused on reading the Doctor's face which was radiantly rosy-cheeked. So far so good. Adjusting his grip, he slowly interlaced their fingers and tightened his hold. Bashir seemed to be temporarily perplexed but after a millisecond, the young man mirrored him.

As their hands melded together, Garak had to stifle the urge to hiss at the smooth skin pressing hotly against his own. He had never experienced bliss like this. Oh, he'd previously partaken in his fair share of youthful dalliances. But he, admittedly, hadn't sought out enjoyable company for several years now. Garak had almost forgotten how delightful it could feel when these sorts of touches were freely and lovingly given for the mutual enjoyment of both participants. He was sure he was now as similarly flushed in appearance as the Doctor, he could sense his scales darkening as heat shot through to his core.

Garak hadn't spoken a word, but his movements carried weight and Julian knew they were both equally affected by the contact. He'd seen Garak press palms before but always with his fingers upright, he didn't need his increased abilities to register that what they were doing was something more intimate. Their knees were also lightly touching in this position, and he leaned in slightly to make the pressure more deliberate. Remembering that there was something else he'd wanted to ask, he smiled down at their enjoined hands and was brave enough to assert himself. Julian tilted his head back up to look Garak squarely in the eye. "Oh and, Dearest? It's Julian. We are beyond even your long-standing need for such formalities now, I should think?"

Garak swallowed thickly and nodded, the good Doctor had him there. "Why, yes, I believe we are."

Julian, beaming, brought up his free hand to stroke Garak's cheek. He took a second to register the cool ridge of scales under his fingertips, always having been curious what their texture would feel like. He never thought he'd be lucky enough to demonstrate his regard for his ever elusive and completely infuriating but brilliant friend. Eyes softening, he was in awe that Garak trusted him in this way. It went against his nature to let people see him. Julian wanted to catalogue every detail, the Cardassian was so beautifully open and yet tentative as though he were something valuable that needed to be handled with care. He had to show Garak that he wasn't that delicate.

Garak found himself suddenly yanked closer and smiled at the obvious impatience of his dear Doctor. He could slow this down to really heighten their anticipation, but he was feeling every bit as eager as his companion. They'd orbited around the possibility of this moment for years and had waited more than long enough. Playful jibes and knowing glances could only sustain them both for so long.

Garak was pulled from his thoughts as Bashir's nails raked through his hair, demanding his immediate attention. Retaliating in kind, he released the Doctor's hand and dominantly enveloped the young man, pulling him down into his arms. He hovered his mouth over Bashir's, only millimetres between them as they had been back in the turbolift. Garak smirked predatorially, he had the Doctor now. Finally, he could claim him for himself.

As the seconds elongated, the irony of their swapped roles wasn't lost on Julian. He understood that he was being punished for his teasing behaviour yesterday. That had hardly been his fault, though. Garak hadn't made it clear to him at that point how close to the truth their deception was. Raising a brow, he decided to provoke Garak further and whispered against his lips. "…and here I thought you'd do the honourable thing and at least wine and dine me first."

Garak audibly growled at the insinuation and was smugly satisfied to feel Bashir twitch at the unexpected raw sound. He'd shared endless meals and rousing discussions with his perplexingly kind-hearted and petulantly optimistic companion, unable to express himself freely. Before anything else could be said, he swiftly closed the offending gap and crushed his lips to the Doctor's.

Many times, Garak had wanted to end their arguments just like this. He'd fantasised regularly about reaching over their lunchtime meals to silence Bashir with a passionate kiss. Instead of slick retorts and masterful counter points, Garak could use his tongue to swallow his companion's gasp of surprise and then proceed to thoroughly educate the good Doctor as to exactly what he was thinking. He was elated that he hadn't been alone in his cravings for more. The reality of pinning in place an enthusiastically participating Julian Bashir was overwhelming, he hadn't felt this alive since before his departure from Cardassia.

Julian was gone. Lying on Garak's sofa, wrapped up in the arms of his handsome Cardassian was better than anything he'd ever allowed himself to imagine. He was still amazed that this was actually happening, it felt like a dream. What a strange turn of events these last couple of days had been. If he'd never been accosted, neither of them would have voiced their shared desire for each other. Of that, he was sure. They'd needed the shove of an interfering outsider to bring them together and overcome their mutual stubbornness. Ridiculous. They were supposed to be intelligent. How they'd managed to miss the clear signs of the other's regard was beyond him.

Smiling, Julian drew Garak closer and moaned as their mouths battled for control. He'd never met anyone like Garak who could match him and endlessly keep him guessing at the same time. Truthfully, he wouldn't change a thing. All their ups and downs over the years had led them to this perfect moment. Hopefully, the first of many more. He certainly wasn't going anywhere, Garak was stuck with him now. He was already confident that their partnership would be a formidable one, the strong foundations of their deep and caring friendship made this next step ever so plain and simple.

-The End-


"And then she understood the devilish cunning of the enemies' plan. By mixing a little truth with it they had made their lie far stronger."

C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle


Author's Notes:

I hope everyone who read this far enjoyed the story :) I 100% struggled to keep things short. Apparently, I'm all about the long and drawn out slow burn! Thoughts and comments would (as always) be extremely welcome. x