The BLTS Archive - Smile
by Blossom Morphine (blossommorphine@hotmail.com)

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Archive: Yes, but ask first. annie in chicago_2 does not. :)

Disclaimer: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine does not belong to me. *weeps*

Author's Note: This is just a drabble in concern to this most adorable
of pairings. I wasn't sure how long (short?) drabbles are suppose to
be but I hope I did all right.

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"I think it adds to your charm."

Bashir sighed and set his fork down on his tray. "You would."

"Now, now. There's no need to be upset. I meant it to be a
compliment." The tailor smiled, a small, quiet one that seemed more
genuine than his usual toothy beam. He was glad to talk to Bashir
after the recent discover of his genetic status.

"I'm sorry. It's just that, I had hoped that this would never happen
and now ... everyone knows." The doctor seemed to retreat in on himself,
making him even more slight and vulnerable. It was a disquieting
things to see. Garak had noticed that Bashir was not prone to giving
in to his emotions, whether it was to joy at being the youngest
physician to be nominated for the Carrington Award or to grief at
being unable to save Vedek Bariel. It was one of the (many) things
that made him different from the other Terrans inhabiting the station.

"You were in an invidious position. But think, you would have never
have known just how skilled you were at deception." Garak favored him
with an almost paternal, yet decidedly flirty look. One could have
almost said he simpered, but that would have been beneath a man his
age. As usual, it went unnoticed.

"It was only a necessity." Elegant hands began to bounce on top of
each other. A quirky but endearing habit, especially since it gave so
much away. "My career depended on it. I was so ashamed, even though it
was done to me when I was a child and-uh-um... why are you smiling?"

"Again, I mean it as a compliment. You need to learn to accept them
with grace." The Cardassian tailor placed his hand on top of Bashir's.
The doctor didn't pull away.

"You could have done anything, been anyone. Despite what history tells
you what Augments are suppose to be, you chose to be a doctor, using
those talents of yours to help others." Garak could feel Bashir's
heart beat faster underneath his hand. "I believe altruism like that
is one of your precious Federation's vaunted virtues."

Bashir gave him a small, quiet smile.

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The End