The pair of them had remained cuddled up together on the sofa for the duration of the movie. Both had been more than happy to stay where they were, holding each other close and drawing comfort from the other's presence.
As the film reached its final crescendo, Garak glanced down to take in the expression on his companion's face. The Doctor was always very open with his feelings, something that he was jealous of at times. Although, upon learning that Bashir had needed to constantly temper his physical and intellectual qualities, it made sense that his emotions would serve as a release valve. As expected, the young man's eyes were glassy at the concluding events depicted in It's a Wonderful Life. The sight was endearing, and he squeezed the Doctor's shoulder in an attempt to relay his own reaction to the film.
Julian smiled to himself as he felt Garak momentarily tighten his hold, he was aware that his friend struggled to vocalise things that he viewed as sentimental in nature. But his physical response was just as valuable, and he took it as a positive sign that Garak had enjoyed their evening together. Although he remained wary, nothing between them had ever been that simple. Preparing for the inevitable onslaught of witty criticisms, Julian tentatively tested the water. "Well, that was as good as I remembered. I feel a little more ready to face the Christmas period now… How did you find it, as a first-time viewer?"
Garak eyed the good Doctor and took note of his resigned stance, he must have assumed that he had found fault with the film. Applying his haughtiest tone of voice, something that was second nature to most Cardassians, he decided to temporarily amuse himself at the young man's expense. "Well… It was a traditional Terran story based around a particularly insipid Federation holiday. Good will to all men and so on… Even you Doctor, must concede that it is utterly unrealistic and ridiculously optimistic? So, I'll admit, it didn't stand much of a chance. I knew, before we even started, that it was going to heavy-handedly lead the audience to a warm-hearted and predictably happy ending."
Julian swallowed thickly, was this what Garak thought of him? Insipid and ridiculous? Admittedly, he'd been called worse. Harsher insults had been thrown in his direction within the last month alone. Still, the words stung more than they should. He'd been feeling particularly sensitive, given recent events, and his usual tolerance for Garak's barbs had dropped significantly. For his friend to casually mock the fundamentals that he held in such high regard, he couldn't help but take it as a rejection. If he and his beliefs were such a joke, why did Garak even want to be around him?
Before Bashir had a chance to object, Garak took pity on him. The Doctor's crestfallen expression hadn't brought him any satisfaction. Instead, he'd been left with a sour taste in his mouth and sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. There was no need to upset his dear companion and he felt compelled to fix things and start making amends.
Garak shifted towards the Doctor, noting his lowered gaze and hunched posture. Recognising the defensive body language, he brought up his free hand to gently cup Bashir's cheek. He ignored the faraway look on the Doctor's face and directly addressed him, ensuring that his voice was as unthreatening as possible. "My Dear?"
Julian was surprised to discover that Garak was touching him, the light and delicate way his scaled fingers held him was equally unexpected. Raising his head, he looked searchingly into his friend's eyes as he tried to blink back his own tears. Forcing himself to focus, he cleared his throat and shakily answered. "Yes, Garak?"
Garak sighed deeply. Bashir was visibly dejected, and it was all his fault. The Doctor had seemingly been unprepared for his verbal assault. He'd been invited to share in his companion's celebrations and had already managed to spoil things. Why had he ruined the mood? This was why most people gave him a wide berth. His compulsion to throw insults whenever he felt vulnerable ensured that his endless solitude endured. Nobody wanted to associate with someone who kept their walls up and could lash out at a moment's notice. Particularly, when they wielded such vicious and cutting put-downs with ease. Bashir had been the lone exception over the years and had stuck by his side far longer than he should have, given his unsociable tendencies.
Not knowing what to say, Garak made an impulsive decision. Hoping that the good Doctor had learned a few things from their shared reading, he leaned in closer to determinedly bring their foreheads together. As he pressed his chufa tenderly against Bashir's skin, he couldn't help but release a sigh at the intimate contact. It was a shame that this would be the first time he'd initiated such an interaction. He had always imagined them doing this under happy circumstances when he was finally brave enough to explore whatever this was between them.
Julian closed his eyes against the rising emotions whirling inside him. He was confused and exceedingly lost. Despite all of that, he was perceptive enough to tell the Garak was trying to convey something important. His friend often injured with words to distract from his softer side. Heaven forbid that people think of him in any sort of positive light. Ignoring the earlier snide remarks, he took Garak's current actions at face value. His friend's cooler temperature and distinctive ridge pattern felt alien against his brow, the sensation was unusual but not unwelcome. This Cardassian gesture, from what he'd understood, was only used between family members and the closest of friends. Either of those connotations meant the world to him in that moment. The reason he'd wanted Garak here, in the first place, was because he was the nearest thing to family that he had. It seemed that his friend felt similarly.
Julian knew that the embrace could also be considered a romantic invitation. His limited research intimated that it was common on Cardassia, both amongst courting couples and established lovers. He hastily stopped himself from getting carried away with fantasies of Garak wooing him and sweeping him off his feet, pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind. That was his unrealistic optimism peeking through, inappropriate and ill-timed as usual. Garak had never implied that he carried any partiality for him, outside of their established friendly lunches, and it was self-centred and vain of him to assume otherwise.
Garak moved back slightly, his nose dragging along Bashir's as he straightened up. Once his companion opened his eyes, Garak quietly explained himself. "I felt the need to be clear with you, my Dear, before I take my leave. I was only teasing, as is our usual want. The film was an interesting choice and not at all what I had envisioned. George continuously acted for the good of the Bailey's and his community, pushing all personal ambitions aside. The repeated self-sacrifice is as strong an endorsement of Cardassian virtues, as I've ever seen. Although, had this been produced on Prime, the story would have ended with George's solemn acceptance of his punishment. His wife, children, neighbours etc would have all been united in their stoicism as he was arrested. Everyone would silently bear witness as the authorities took him away. Each person present understanding the need for him to pay his dues to the State and do his duty by his uncle."
Bashir hadn't responded to Garak's review and seemed to be still somewhat bewildered. Taking the silence as his cue to remove himself, he stood up. This wasn't how he wanted to leave things. Before slinking away, he paused and faced his host. "Tonight has been a most lovely occasion and I sincerely thank you for allowing me to join and partake in some of your customs. I apologise if I have ruined things for you, that was certainly not my intention. I was informed that Christmas is a time to be spent with one's family and I am honoured that you thought of me, when I am sure you had plenty of more enticing offers to choose between."
Julian resisted the strong urge to dramatically roll his eyes; Garak truly had no idea how valued he was. To him, he was never a last resort or consolation prize. Quite the opposite, in fact. Raising a brow, he decided it might be best to lay his cards on the table. What did he have to lose? Except his dignity, he though ruefully, which wasn't much. Letting out a breath, he captured Garak's hand with his own while the infuriating man was still within reach. "Maybe I too need to make myself clear."
As Garak frowned down at their enjoined hands, Julian tightened his grip. "Yes, you are right in one sense. The O'Brien's extended an invitation to spend the holidays with them. Also, Jadzia made an offer. Although, I highly suspect that she hadn't checked whether Worf would have been happy at the intrusion… but I honestly never considered either of them. I wanted to spend tonight with you. And tomorrow too. If you would indulge me? I'll be having a traditional dinner here in my quarters. Don't look so surprised, I have hardly been subtle with my persistence. Yes, Christmas is a time to be spent with your loved ones. Your nearest and dearest. And, yes, my dear Mr Garak. As far as I'm concerned, that means you."
Garak gaped at the Doctor. This couldn't mean what he thought it meant. Surely, Bashir was just trying to mend their friendship? Tilting his head graciously at his seated companion, Garak made another attempt at a hasty retreat before he did something foolish. "I will see you tomorrow then, Doctor. Just let me know what time I should come by."
Now it was Julian's turn to gape. Where was Garak going? Following close behind, he tailed his friend's path through his quarters. Thankfully, Garak had come to a stop by the open doorway.
Garak's keen eyes had spotted a plant sloppily applied to the top of Bashir's doorframe. How very strange, the greenery hadn't been there when he'd arrived earlier. Was it poisonous? If so, they'd both better be careful not to go too near it. "Doctor, you need to watch yourself. Somebody has deliberately tampered with your door."
Julian was even more confused. What sort of tampering? Drawing level with Garak, he was pointed towards a bunch of trimmed plants which were tied in red ribbon. Letting out a relieved breath, he chuckled. "It's just mistletoe, Garak. I would hazard a guess that Jadzia thinks she's being clever. Meeting under the mistletoe is an old Earth custom. Nothing for you to be worried about."
Garak eyed the foliage with renewed interest. "Hmm… A custom, you say?"
Julian blushed, dropping his head. "Yes, just a silly Christmas tradition. As I said, it's nothing."
Garak was amused to see his companion becoming flustered. Jadzia Dax was renowned across the station for her skilful pranks. How had this 'mistletoe' brought forward the pretty flush in the good Doctor? He supposed he could stay a little longer to find out. Smirking, he turned to face Bashir. "Nothing? I don't believe you, my Dear. You look incredibly embarrassed over something of no consequence. Please elaborate and be truthful. Tell me, what is this custom of yours?"
Julian was going to kill Jadzia! Shifting his feet, he looked around helplessly. No, there was no way around this. Furiously ignoring his happy thoughts that this could work in his favour, he met Garak's gaze and shrugged. "I repeat, it's no big deal. There is an old tradition of hanging mistletoe at this time of year. When two people pass underneath, they are supposed to share a kiss."
Garak locked eyes with the Doctor, trying to read between the lines. Satisfied with what he saw in his companion, he knew exactly what to do. Stepping towards the young man, he once again cupped his cheek. This time, confident in his actions, he drew Bashir close and softly brought their lips together.
Julian was grinning from ear to ear as Garak released him. The kiss he'd received had been short but sweet. He would go as far as to use the word 'polite'. Pleasant enough, but they were surely beyond dancing around each other now. Reaching boldly for Garak, he grabbed a handful of the man's tunic. He took advantage of Garak's apparent shock and recaptured his mouth with his own. Pressing himself into his friend, he groaned as he felt Garak respond in kind. Wrapped up in the arms of the man he loved; he could admit that this Christmas was turning out better than he ever could have imagined. Christmas miracle, indeed.
Garak eventually stepped back. He was thoroughly dishevelled, and not in the least bit troubled by that. Bashir had been rather thorough in his explorations and seemingly his hair had been a point of note. Smiling warmly, he was pleased to see that the good Doctor seemed to be just as happy with this turn of events as he was. "Merry Christmas, my Dear Doctor. I look forward to spending the day with you tomorrow. Although, I'm afraid I haven't prepared any sort of gift for you."
Julian mirrored Garak's wide smile and soft eyed expression. "A very Merry Christmas to you too, my Dearest Garak. Don't worry about the pressures of gift giving, the holidays aren't about all that. Your time and company are more than enough. Just knowing that you'll be with me, makes me feel like the richest man in town."
-The End-
"Dear George, Remember no man is a failure who had friends. Thanks for the wings! Love Clarence"
Author's Notes:
I hope everyone who read this far enjoyed the story and that you've all had a good new year x
