The BLTS Archive- In The Fullness of Time
#4: As Twilight Falls
by T'Lin (LinkyS@aol.com)

---

Archiving: ASC/EM and my own web site - all others please ask first.

Disclaimer: Paramount/Viacom own all things TREK ... I just borrow the
boys for a bit of entertainment. I promise to return them, unharmed,
when I am through with them ... I make no money off of this, I just do
it for pleasure ... mine, theirs and hopefully, yours. No copyright
infringement is intended.

0201.04

---

Julian walked into OPS. As he did, all eyes were on him. People
smiled. No longer did they see the tired, depressed young man who had
been moping around the station for months. There was a lightness to
his steps ... a radiance in his smile. Apparently, whatever he had
been doing for the past week had been rejuvenating.

Miles smiled as Julian approached. In a conspiratorial whisper, he
asked, "can I assume you spent the past week with Garak?"

Julian looked around to make sure no one else could hear their
conversation, then just as quietly answered, "Yes." Seeing the smile
that lit his friends face, he quickly added, "you didn't tell anyone,
did you?"

"Who, me?!?  Of course not" but glancing over at Ezri, he continued,
"but I think Ezri knows."

"I thought she might ... when I was injured, she spoke to Garak about
my 'uncharacteristic forgetfulness and preoccupation' I think was how
Garak put it. He, of course, didn't tell her anything of significance,
but she's smart ... and has more experience than all of us put
together ... I thought she'd figure it out."

"Don't worry ..." Miles said with a shrug, "I don't think she told
anyone, either."

"What about the others?" Julian asked. He wanted so much to shout his
love of Garak throughout the station, but Garak had forbidden him from
telling anyone, still afraid that the Starfleet personnel would not
accept the good Doctor's choice of lover.

"Well ... there has been a lot of speculation about where you've been
the past week," said Miles, who looked around before continuing, "and
even more speculation concerning the fact that Garak has also been
absent."

"I was afraid of that." Julian shook his head, saying, "do you have
any ideas on how I can convince Garak that it is OK to be open with
our relationship?"

"Don't push him ... I think he has to get used to the idea." Miles was
thoughtful for a moment before continuing, "just be there for him ...
and the rest will come eventually."

"Thanks ... I'll do that," and with a pat on the shoulder, he said,
"if anyone asks, we were together for the week," he smiled as he
continued, "but beyond that, they don't need to know."

"Will do" said Miles, as Julian continued on to Sickbay, to report for
duty.

---

The morning had been uneventful. Oh, there were a few winks and
knowing smiles, but nothing was said about his week off ... there were
no questions about where he'd been or with whom. Those who *thought*
they knew, knew better than to ask ... and the rest were too polite to
pry into his personal affairs.

As he finished up with the paperwork that had accumulated over the
past week, his mind became preoccupied with the thought of having
lunch with Garak. This would be their first meal together, publically,
since they had become lovers. As a matter of fact, it will be their
first public appearance, together, in over a week ... it would surely
prove to be a test of willpower if Garak insists on their keeping the
whole relationship private. Julian shook himself out of his reverie
... if he didn't get going, he'd be late, and he did not want to keep
Garak waiting.

Julian entered the replimat, just as Garak looked up ... Julian was
pleased to see the smile that lit his face. Perhaps Garak had changed
his mind about all the secrecy. But at his words, he knew that nothing
had changed. "My dear Doctor ... how nice to see you once again. It
seems like I've been away for far to long." He offered Julian a seat,
as he went on, "but I understand that you, too, were away for a time?
Please, have a seat, and tell me all about your little vacation."

Obviously, he intended all in the replimat to hear his words, thereby
putting an end to the rumors, but it bothered Julian that he felt it
necessary to continue the charade. Julian sighed as he took his seat,
giving Garak an exasperated look.

Leaning across the table, and running his foot along his lover's leg
under the table, Julian whispered, "you know damn well what I did all
week ... and if you want more of the same, you'll forget about this
little charade." That said, he sat back, however, he continued to
'play footsie' with his lover.

Garak looked decidedly uncomfortable, yet there was fire in his eyes
... Julian's actions were producing the desired effect, but Garak was
still unmoving in his convictions. He leaned forward, whispering in
turn, "and if *you* want more of the same, you will desist from your
present activity. This is not the place for it."

Suddenly, the tension at their table was thick enough to cut with a
knife ... Julian stopped his foot action, and ate his lunch. Garak
glared at him for a moment, then did likewise. The silence was
deafening.

They ate in silence for some time, when suddenly, Garak spoke. "You
know, I saw the most fascinating piece of artwork while I was on Bajor
last week ... I wish you had been there, I know you would have found
it of interest."

Julian looked up, ready to make a snide remark about the artwork which
he had, in fact, seen, when he saw the desperate look in Garak's eyes.
At that moment, Julian realized that Garak's fears over their
relationship were very real to him, and not something to push him
about. Miles was right.  He would have to let Garak move at his own
pace with this.

To ease his lover's anxiety, he decided to play along with the
charade, saying, "Artwork? What was it, a painting? Sculpture? Tell me
about it."

Julian could see the relief washing over Garak, as his facial muscles
relaxed, and a grin slowly crept into his eyes as he began to describe
the highly erotic piece of sculpture they had purchased while on
Bajor. It was modern, and very symbolic; after a great deal of
discussion, and close inspection, they had decided that it was
representative of two males copulating. It was only logical that they
should buy it.

Garak's voice, as he described the texture and shape of the sculpture,
was hypnotic. As the words brought its image to his mind, he found
himself becoming aroused, and wishing they were alone. "It sounds
lovely," he said, adding, "just the kind of thing we could have spent
hours dissecting and analyzing ... and arguing about its potential
value to the art world, no doubt."

"Yes, just as we do so many of our favorite novels. Our weekly
discussions are the high point of my existence here, my dear ... I do
miss them, when you are away on a mission."

"As do I, Garak." And with these simple words that were no different
from any other they had spoken to each other over the years of eating
lunch together, Julian could see in Garak's eyes that he was just now
beginning to believe that Julian meant every word he had said.

Garak looked around the replimat, and seeing that nobody was paying
any attention to them, he reached his hand across the table and took
Julian's hand in his own, gently squeezing as he said softly, "Give me
time."

"You have all the time you need," Julian said, "but keep in mind, I
will not deny our relationship to anyone who asks."

"Fair enough, I suppose." He released Julian's hand, then asked,
"Other than Mister O'Brien, does anyone know yet?"

"How did you know that Miles knows?" Julian asked. As far as he knew,
Garak and Miles had not had any cause for interaction since this
morning ... and even if they had, he knew that Miles would never have
said anything to Garak.

"I have never known you to be able to keep anything from Mister
O'Brien. You two are virtually inseparable," Garak said, then smiled
as he added, "good thing I'm not the jealous type."

"You have nothing to fear on that account. Miles and I are just good
friends ... besides, he's married, and I can assure you," he added
with a wink, "I'm not his type."

"Oh?" That last comment caught Garak's attention, and he was about to
inquire further when the object of their discussion entered the
replimat and made his way to their table. Julian turned, to see what
had captured Garak's attention.

"Miles ..." he started, then stopped as he saw the serious look in his
friend's eyes. "What's wrong?"

"Can I have a word with you ... alone?" he said, giving an apologetic
look to Garak as he did. "It will only take a moment of your time, but
it is rather important."

"No need to apologize, Mister O'Brien ... we were just about finished,
in any case, and I have some dresses that need my attention." He
turned to Julian, and continued, "if you would like, we can continue
this conversation over dinner ... say 19:00 hours?"

"I'll have to get back to you on that," Julian said, as he saw the
slight negative gesture that Miles gave him. He had no idea what was
going on, but he had every intention of finding out. "I'll stop by the
shop later this afternoon."

"Very well. Until later, Doctor ... Mister O'Brien." And with a slight
bow of his head, he left the replimat. Every fiber of his being was
demanding that he turn back, and insist that O'Brien leave Julian
alone -- Julian's last words about 'not being O'Brien's type' still
reverberating in his mind -- but he had said he was not jealous, it
was now time to prove it.

---

Julian silently watched as Garak left the replimat. Only when he was
lost to his sight did he turn to face Miles and ask, "What's going
on?"

"It's the Captain ... he heard that you and Garak were together last
week ... and, well ... he's concerned," Miles faltered, a sure sign
that he was uncomfortable with what he was saying. "Look ... I
probably shouldn't be saying anything about this, but I thought you
should know."

"Thanks Miles," Julian said as he shook his head, adding, "I really
didn't think the Captain would be so close-minded over the
relationship."

"No, no ... it's not that. You see, he had a visitor this morning. God
only knows what the meeting was all about, but rumor has it that this
visitor was from Section 31." Here, Miles paused and looked around to
make sure nobody was listening in on their conversation. "Afterwards,
I heard him talking with Kira ... I couldn't hear much, but you and
Garak featured prominently, and I also heard him say 'Obsidian Order'
... considering your past association with Section 31, and Garak's
with the Obsidian Order ... well ..."

"Ah ... I see what you mean." Julian stood, and placed his hand on his
friend's shoulder. "Thanks for the heads up, Miles." And with that, he
left the replimat, in search of the Captain.

---

Julian had no sooner left the replimat when his comm badge chirped,
"Sisko to Bashir."

"Bashir here," he said, knowing full well why the Captain was calling.

"Can you come to my office at your earliest convenience?"  It was
obvious to Julian that this was not a request but an order ... no
matter how pleasantly it was worded.

"Of course, Captain ... I'm on my way right now. Bashir out." As the
lift took him in the direction of Ops, Bashir speculated on all the
possible scenarios pertaining to his current situation. Knowing
Section 31 as he did, he was sure  they found some way to benefit from
his relationship with Garak ... most likely something that they would
have little choice over, and even less appreciation of.

The question remained; would it be something they could live with?
Julian did not want to lose Garak. They had already wasted enough
time, and with the war and all, who knew when their time together
would come to an end. As he climbed the steps to Sisko's office, he
was determined ... he would not allow Section 31 to ruin his
relationship with Garak ... at any cost.

---   When Julian entered the Captain's office, Sisko was reading
something on his computer terminal and did not look up as he said,
"Doctor, please have a seat ... I'll be right with you."

Julian sat as he was told, and noticed the windows of the office
become opaque as Sisko diverted his attention from his terminal to
him. His stare was inscrutable, and lingered for far longer than
Julian was comfortable with.   Julian fidgeted slightly, and was about
to ask what was on the Captain's mind, when Sisko finally spoke.
"Doctor, why didn't you tell me about the growing relationship between
yourself and Garak?"

Julian had rehearsed many different replies to this inquire, but none
of them came smoothly to his lips at this time ... he was suddenly
like a schoolboy, caught with a friend behind the bleachers by an
imposing Head Master. After a few aborted attempts, he finally blurted
out, "I did not see how it was anyone's business but our own," and
seeing the look on Sisko's face, hastily added, "Sir."

"I see." Sisko was visibly angry, as he stood and paced across his
office. When he got to the far wall, he turned sharply and said in his
most commanding tone, "Did you even *once* consider that it would be a
bad idea? After all, we *are* at war with Cardassia ... and Garak *is*
a Cardassian, regardless of his exiled state."

With this, Julian too stood up, and asked, "May I speak freely, sir?"

"Of course, Doctor ... how else are we to solve this little dilemma?"

"Very well." Julian said, as he walked toward the Captain, then past
him to stare out the port. Several moments passed as he composed
himself. His next words were spoken quite quietly, "Of course I have
considered the wisdom of this relationship ... as Garak has. If we had
not considered it, and all the possible ramifications,  we would
surely have gotten together a very long time ago."

Julian then turned to face his captain, as he went on, "If I did not
trust Garak implicitly, I would not have allowed myself to get as
close to him as I have." Seeing the scepticism in Sisko's eyes, he
went on, "I know Garak is the type who will do whatever is best for
himself ... but he has also done a great deal for us, and our well
being on this station. You have my word that he will not betray us to
the Cardassian people."

"Doctor, can you be so sure of that?" Sisko asked, thinking that the
seriousness of the situation seemed to be lost on the Doctor. In an
effort to stress his point he went on, "Even if they were to lift his
exile, and return him to a position of power such as he had been used
to in the Obsidian Order?"

Julian looked at the captain thoughtfully for a moment, then said,
"Had you asked me this when I first met Garak, I would have said that
he could not be trusted ... but that was then. Garak is not the same
man he was then. When I saw him interacting with Tain, and the power
he had to offer, I could see the change come over him ... if his own
father could not get him to go back to his old ways, no other
Cardassian would be able to sway him."

Suddenly a sly smile crossed Sisko's lips as he said, "Thank you,
Doctor," and he turned back to his desk, leaving a bewildered Julian
standing with his mouth agape. Sitting once again, he motioned for
Julian to do the same, as he added, "That was my assessment of Mister
Garak as well, but I wanted you to confirm my view on the matter.
Sorry for the harsh words, but they were necessary."

"Um, thank you, sir." Julian was speechless as he rejoined the captain
at his desk. Sitting, he looked quizzically and asked, "What's this
all about, Captain?"

"Starfleet has a request to make of Mister Garak, but only if I felt
we could trust him. I thought we could, but needed to make sure."
Sisko paused for a moment, looking a bit embarrassed before
continuing, "When the rumors of your 'intimate knowledge' of our
resident Cardassian started flying around the station this morning, I
realized this would be the perfect time to see if my view of things
was accurate or not. Besides, Starfleet is getting a bit persistent,
and they suggested I ask for your help."

"My help? In what way?" Julian was beginning to wonder if some of his
speculations were about to be confirmed ... what exactly did Starfleet
want of Garak, anyway? And would he be willing to do it?

"Considering your friendship with Garak, the Starfleet brass feels it
would be better for *you* to ask Garak to help us, than for me to do
so ... after all, he trusts you far more than anyone else on this
station."

"Yes, I can see that ... but what do they want him to do?" Julian was
becoming concerned.  It usually didn't take Sisko this long to say
what was on his mind.

"As you know, the war with the Dominion and the Cardassian's is not
going well. We have, however, intercepted several Cardassian
transmissions ... and ... well ..."

Julian interrupted, seeing where this was heading even if Sisko was
unable to voice the request. "The Brass want Garak to break the codes
for them, don't they." It was a statement, not a question.

"Yes, among other things  ... it would be greatly appreciated, and he
would be compensated, of course."

"I'm sure," was all Julian could say. He had no idea if Garak would
agree, or not. Hell, he didn't even know how to approach the subject
with him, but it was quite apparent that he really had no choice.
Resigned to the task ahead of him, he stood and said, "I cannot make
any promises, but I will ask."

"Thank you, Doctor ... that's all I can ask of you." Sisko stood as
well, reaching across to shake Julian's hand as he added, "Again, I am
sorry about all this ... please let Garak know that I would not ask
this if there were any other way to win this war."

"I will ... though it may not make much of a difference in the long
run. He was already leery of the reaction our relationship would
generate among the crew ... but I do not believe that *using* it as
leverage to gain his assistance was one of the things he feared
happening."

"No, I suppose it wasn't ..." Sisko said absently, realizing that for
a Cardassian, that *would* be the least of his concerns in the type of
relationship he and Julian had.

"Oh, and Captain ..." Julian said, as he made to leave the office, "I
can only assume that the rumors about Garak and myself are all over
the ship by now, but I would appreciate it of you would not say
anything to confirm them. Garak wants things to remain 'low-key' for
the time being ... you understand ..."

"Of course, Julian."

"Thank you, sir." And Julian left, his mind already searching for a
way to approach the subject with Garak without angering him.
Obviously, he would have to do it soon ... perhaps after dinner
tonight. He'd have to do something special to get the Cardassian in
the right mood.

Julian was contemplating his options when he entered Garak's shop. As
Garak looked up from his mending, the smile that he gave Julian made
all of his recent troubles melt away. Thoughts of asking Garak to spy
on his own people left his mind as he crossed the room to kiss his
lover.

As their lips touched for the first time that day, he heard a small
click, and the lights dimmed. The kiss was passionate, and accompanied
by strong hands exploring his body. Before he was completely aware of
what was happening, Garak stood up, and lifted him into his arms. His
own arms around the Cardassian's neck, Julian allowed himself to be
carried into the back room, where Garak had cushions artfully arranged
on the floor, and candles set about the place, giving it a very
romantic air.

Placing Julian carefully on the cushions, Garak knelt beside him
saying, "I had hoped you would stop by this afternoon. Do you have
some time to spare?" he asked, as he started to undress his young
lover. "I'm dying to find out what that was all about with Mister
O'Brien earlier," he added, as he toyed with Julian's nipples. He knew
that Julian was supposed to be on duty, but he couldn't resist the
supple flesh beneath the hideous uniform.

Julian knew he couldn't let this continue ... he was supposed to be in
sickbay. But the feel of the Cardassian's hands was almost too much
for him to resist. With a moan of pleasure mixed with the pain of
separation, he took hold of Garak's hands and rolled to his side,
forcing Garak to do the same.

Now lying side by side, Julian holding Garak's hands away from his
body, Julian whispered, "You have no idea how much I want you right
now, Elim ... but I must go."  Pressing his body against Garak's, he
gave him one final kiss before releasing his hands and getting up from
the cushions. "I'm off duty at 1700 hours ... meet me in my quarters
at 1715, and we can continue this *conversation*," and he walked out
of the room, with the sound of Garak's heavy breathing making his cock
ache.

---

He thought that 1700 hours would never come. Perhaps if he had been
busy, it would have been different, but sickbay was virtually deserted
... no sick or injured to tend to, just a few tests to run, and
paperwork to finish up to occupy his mind. Not nearly enough to keep
him from thinking about what he had to ask Garak tonight. But first,
they would finish what Garak had started this afternoon. Julian had
been in a state of semi-arousal ever since his encounter with his
lover, and would not be able to concentrate on anything else until his
'itch' was satisfied.

Walking briskly to his quarters, he payed little heed to those around
him, his mind was focused on one thing, and that was Garak. It was not
surprising that he nearly mowed Miles down in his distraction.

Julian didn't want to be rude, but managed to keep his conversation
with Miles relatively short. He took a few minutes to reassure Miles
that his meeting with the captain was not nearly as bad as he had
feared, and that everything would be fine. Before parting, they made
plans to visit 'The Alamo' the next day, which seemed to please Miles
greatly.

Once again en route to his quarters, Julian half expected to find
Garak pacing outside his door ... after all, he was now five minutes
late. But as he walked down the hall, there was no sign of the
Cardassian. Not entirely surprised by  that fact, Julian went to his
door, which opened at his approach. Startled, he entered, and was
pulled into a fierce embrace by Garak, who had apparently let himself
in.

Fully aroused by the intensity and passion emanating from Garak, he
returned the embrace enthusiastically, as they stumbled into the
bedroom. Dueling tongues ... groping hands ... Julian's uniform was
carelessly stripped from his body. It was then that he realized that
Garak was already naked.

Garak obviously had no intention of wasting any time, as he directed
Julian to kneel on the bed. Julian did as he was told, and braced
himself for what was to come. The bed shifted, as Garak knelt behind
him, and Julian gasped as a cool, wet tongue flicked across his
puckered opening.

Coaxing Julian to spread his legs wider, Garak took hold of his hips,
pressing his well lubricated shaft slowly into his lover. As he
slipped in, the pressure of the ring of muscle intensified, adding to
his pleasure.

Garak continued to press in slowly ... deeper and deeper, all the
while holding Julian perfectly still. He knew that Julian had been
quite hard when he had first come into the room ... the scent of his
arousal had been overwhelmingly sweet, adding to his own.

That's why there had been no 'small talk' ... no 'foreplay' ... he had
been afraid that his erection would peek before he entered Julian ...
and they had learned the hard way that once the bifurcated head was
fully engorged, there was no way he could penetrate the human. But
*oh*, once he was deep inside, he could allow the head to swell, as it
was doing now.

Still holding Julian's hips, Garak started to rotate his own ever so
slowly ... he could feel his release building, as Julian moaned in
pleasure. That's all it took ... with a final thrust, Garak cried out,
as his climax hit. When he was satiated, he slipped out, and collapsed
beside his lover. As he lay there, he could see that Julian was on the
brink himself. The pre-ejaculate glistened on the tip of his cock, and
Julian fought for that last bit of control. "Come to me," Garak said,
as he lay on his back.

Julian obliged by straddling Garak's broad shoulders, his swollen cock
in Garak's mouth. Garak was a natural ... able to open his throat to
accommodate the length and girth of Julian's shaft. He sucked
greedily, swallowing as the hot fluid poured into him.

---

Two hours later, they emerged from the shower sexually satisfied, and
completely exhausted ... not to mention famished. Julian called up a
simple but hearty meal for them, and a bottle of Kanar. As he set the
table, Garak poured, as he asked, "So, what did Mister O'Brien want
with you today? By his demeanor, one would assume it was something
quite serious."

Julian deliberately finished what he was doing before he answered ...
the slight hesitation was not lost on Garak, who gave him a rather
annoyed look as he sat. With a look that said 'what?', Julian finally
answered, "Actually, Miles just came to give me a' heads-up' on a
situation he *thought* might be something to be concerned over."

"And what situation might that be?"

"Well, it had to do with a conversation he overheard between the
Captain and Major Kira, that he misinterpreted due to not having all
the facts ... nothing important, I assure you." Julian said, trying to
sum it up in as few words as possible. He then went on, "Although in
some ways, I find the reality of the situation almost as frustrating
as his speculation, just for different reasons." Julian paused,
sipping his Kanar.

Garak did the same, then said dryly, "Do enlighten me, my dear ...
perhaps I can help."

Julian laughed a bitter laugh ... "Funny you should say that." Again,
Garak looked at him with annoyance. "Sorry. It's just ironic ...
'help' is exactly what this is all about." Julian took a bit of his
salad. Suddenly, the food had little taste, but it did serve as a
stalling tactic. Finally, in what appeared to be a complete non
sequitur, Julian asked, "Garak, how do you feel about Cardassia's
involvement in this war?"

"To be honest? I really haven't given it much thought. After all, they
have forsaken me ... what is it to me if the people are led to their
destruction by ill-advised leaders and madmen?" Garak was smiling, but
there was pain in his eyes.

Julian had seen that look before ... most notably when Garak had been
in severe pain due to the 'wire' malfunctioning, and he told Julian
that he did not enjoy the time they spent together. Julian had known
then that he really did ... but could not acknowledge the weakness
such an admission would expose.

Just as he could not now reveal how saddened he was by the possible
destruction of Cardassia ... no matter how badly they had treated him
over the years. The  question remained, would he be willing to work
against these people, to help the Federation in their war with the
Dominion? The only way to find the answer was to ask the question, so
Julian took the plunge.

"Garak ... since you have, as you say, no interest in Cardassia's
future, would you be willing assist the Federation?"  There, he had
said it ... bluntly, perhaps, but with Garak, that was usually the
best way. He sat, barely breathing, as he watched Garak's expression
change as he considered his answer.

Finally, Garak asked, "Assist the Federation in what way?" He was
being deliberately obtuse ... obviously, they wanted him to spy on his
people ... but would Julian have the guts to come out and actually say
it?

By now, they had both forgotten about their dinners ... Julian took
the final swig of his Kanar, then got up from the table. As he began
to pace, he said, "I would assume they could use a code breaker, among
other things ..." his words trailed off as he looked at Garak.

The Cardassian had also gotten up from the table, and was just now
pouring another glass of Kanar for himself ... with a slight lift, he
offered it to Julian, who declined. Putting the bottle on the table,
Garak took a healthy quaff as he glared at Julian. After an eternity,
he asked in a low, intense whisper, "Tell me, my dear ... is this why
you let me get in your bed? To soften me up? Get me to spy on my own
people? IS IT?"

"Of course not!" Julian was aghast ... of all the things he had
expected to go wrong, this was by far the worst-case-scenario.
Suddenly, Julian was feeling just as used as he suspected Garak felt.
Suddenly wanting to take back everything he had said, he stepped
toward Garak, saying, "Please, love ... this was not my idea ... nor
did I know anything about it before today."

Julian was about to reach out to Garak when the Cardassian turned
away.  As his hand came to rest upon Garak's shoulder, he flinched,
but Julian was somewhat pleased to see he did not pull away. "I'm
sorry, my love ... believe me when I say this request of assistance
had nothing to do with my loving you. I have loved you for as long as
I can remember ... long before this damn war and all the complications
it has brought to our lives."

This said, Julian took hold of the strong Cardassian shoulders, and
forced Garak to turn and face him. "I love you, Garak," he said, then
kissed him. Garak's lips were cold and unyielding. Julian pulled back
slightly and added, "and if you say no, I will still love you."

Suddenly, Garak smiled, saying, "Thank you. It means a great deal to
me to hear you say that." Pulling Julian into his arms, he whispered,
"I did not believe that you would use me in that way." He released
Julian, but took him by the hand and led him back to the table, where
their dinner sat virtually untouched. Thankfully, it was a cold meal,
so it was still edible. As they sat, Garak continued his previous
thought by adding, "... but it is sad to think that the Captain felt
he needed to use our relationship to approach me in this matter."

"He meant well ... and in all honesty, I don't believe it was his
idea, either." Julian saw Garak nod at this revelation, then they ate
for a few minutes in silence. Finally, Julian asked, "What should I
tell the Captain tomorrow?"

"You do not need to tell him anything ... I will go and see him myself
in the morning." And as he noted Julian's surprised expression, he
added, "Of course I'll help, in whatever small way I can ... after
all, this will give me an excuse to work more closely with you
...thereby spending more time with you, openly."

"But what about acknowledging our relationship?" Julian inquired ...
it was one thing to spend time together, but something else entirely
to be 'open' about their love for one another.

"In time, my dear ... in time."

---

The End