The BLTS Archive - Getting Away from It All
by Yavanna (kcolohan@sidsplace.win-uk.net)

---

DS9 characters copyright Paramount Pictures, story copyright

Karen Colohan 1995.

Special thanks are due to Jenny, without whose inspiration this

story would never have been finished.

(c) 1995 by Karen Colohan

---

Julian Bashir moved around his quarters whistling cheerfully to
himself. He was packing his bags, preparing to take some much needed
leave from DS9. When Commander Sisko had first suggested he could use
a holiday he'd resisted the idea, but now he was looking forward to it
with eager anticipation. Being the only doctor on the station was hard
work at times, and much as he loved his job the thought of several
weeks of total relaxation was exceptionally enticing!

He had handed over the infirmary to a competent Bajoran medic earlier
that morning, and there was nothing more for him to do but pack his
bags and wait for his travelling companion to arrive. It had taken
some fast talking on his part to convince his friend that a break on
Risa would do them both a world of good, but eventually Garak had set
aside his misgivings and agreed to make the trip.

It was some months now since Julian and Garak had taken the first
steps from simple friendship to something more intimate, and neither
of them had yet had cause to regret it. Julian often wondered why it
had taken him so long to figure out Garak's feelings towards him.
Well, hopefully this trip would allow them to make up some of that
lost time. It would also be a relief to spend time together without
the eyes of half the people on DS9 upon them!

Julian was well aware of the mixed reactions to his burgeoning
relationship with the Cardassian tailor. In the main he had met with
stunned disbelief, but a few of the station's Bajoran inhabitants had
displayed a stronger reaction. Eventually, Julian had learned to
ignore them.

His colleagues had generally been more understanding. Commander Sisko
had accepted the situation philosophically. Personally he didn't trust
Garak, but what the doctor did in his own time was his business. Kira
had made a few pointed comments at the outset, but Julian had faced
her down and now she paid them no attention. Dax had been the most
sympathetic of all. She'd sat Julian down and had a long heart to
heart with him. She was the only one who had actually asked if being
with Garak made him happy. When Julian had answered in the affirmative
she told him in no uncertain terms that that was the only thing that
mattered. Now they were better friends than they had ever been.

The door chimed, and Julian called out that it was open.

A moment later Garak entered his quarters, travelling bag in hand. He
was dressed only slightly less somberly than usual, in a deep, rusty
red tunic and trousers. The tailor took the opportunity to appraise
the doctor's own outfit. He so rarely saw him dressed in anything
other than his uniform. Today Julian had chosen a loose shirt of pale
blue, worn over a pair of tight, dark blue trousers. As the doctor
turned, Garak noticed that his hair was a little more tousled than
usual too.

"Well, doctor, I'm all packed," said the Cardassian with a smile. "I
trust you haven't changed your mind about going. I've told all my
regular customers that my shop will be closed for several weeks."

"Of course I haven't changed my mind, Garak," said Julian, grinning
broadly. "I wouldn't miss this for anything."

"Well then, if you're ready, shall we go?" Garak regarded the doctor
affectionately, marvelling anew at the wonderful change that had taken
place in their relationship. The tailor hadn't been so contented in
many years, and it was a feeling he intended to cling to for as long
as he could.

Julian threw the last few items into his bag and closed it. Casually
he slung it over his shoulder and indicated that Garak should lead the
way. They headed along the corridor in companionable silence, making
for the turbolift which would take them to the docking ring and their
transport.

---

The trip to Risa was long and uneventful. Julian was glad it was
finally over and he could really relax and start to enjoy the fact of
being there with Garak. He stood and surveyed their suite with
approval. The main room was light and airy. It was dominated by the
large bed, strewn with pillows and cushions. It looked soft and
inviting; the doctor was looking forward to testing it, as a pleasant
change from DS9's hard Cardassian beds! Gauzy curtains screened the
high windows and hung round the bed, creating a pleasantly intimate
atmosphere. In the smaller room leading off this one Julian knew a
large spa bubbled away - he was rather looking forward to indulging
himself in there too!

Garak appeared at Julian's shoulder and the doctor turned to him with
a smile.

"I'm glad we're doing this, Garak. It's good to get away from the
station for a while," said Julian with a contented sigh.

"Oh, I quite agree, doctor, being the focus of station gossip does
become a little tiring at times," observed Garak, only half jokingly.

"You don't have any regrets about all this, do you, Garak? After all,
it was you who began this relationship." Julian studied the
Cardassian's face intently.

"None at all, my dear doctor, I for one am perfectly happy with the
way things are," replied Garak.

"Do I really make you happy though?" asked Julian slowly.

The tailor could see the uncertainty in the doctor's eyes. "Yes," he
answered simply, "but I thought that you knew that."

"I suppose I do," admitted Julian with a faint smile. "It's just good
to hear you say it from time to time."

Garak moved quickly, taking Julian into his arms. The doctor pressed
himself against the Cardassian eagerly, enjoying the warmth of his
embrace. He sought out Garak's mouth with his own, kissing him
hungrily. The tailor returned the kiss, his tongue slipping between
Julian's lips caressingly. As the doctor's eyelids fluttered shut,
Garak felt his slender body relax against him.

It required only a minimal effort to manoeuvre the doctor to the bed
and to push him down onto it. As Garak prepared to join him he saw
that Julian's eyes were open again and he was smiling up at his friend
invitingly. Once more the Cardassian was struck by the doctor's
seductive beauty. His breath caught in his throat and it was all he
could do to stop himself from tearing Julian's clothes from him, just
to see the delights beneath.

Julian was well aware of the effect he was having on Garak. He found
it arousing to watch the Cardassian controlling his body's instinctive
responses. Sometimes they gave their passions free rein, meeting one
another with wild abandon, but at other times they would deliberately
hold back, taking things tantalisingly slowly. Now was one of those
times, and Julian could feel the heat building in his groin as his
arousal intensified.

He held out his arms to Garak and the Cardassian lay down on the bed,
covering Julian's body with his own. Slowly they moved against one
another, each feeling the other's hardness pressing into them through
their clothing. Carefully Julian began to work at the fastenings of
Garak's clothes, easing each item from his body. As ever he delighted
in the heat of the Cardassian's skin as his hands ran lightly over it.

"Can I undress you?" whispered Garak, his chest rising and falling
with his rapid breaths.

"No, not yet!" Julian's breathing was equally ragged as he fought the
impulse to allow the tailor to do as he wished. Garak's hands strayed
over his body, crushing the fine material of his shirt and Julian
gasped at the intense sensations flooding through him.

"Please, doctor," implored Garak, his lips at the younger man's
throat. He trailed kisses down the smooth skin of Julian's neck and
chest until he encountered the soft material again. With a sudden,
inarticulate cry of frustration his hands ripped at the confining
silk, pulling the shirt from the doctor's body. Julian went rigid with
shock and Garak drew back in distress.

"My dear doctor, I'm sorry," he murmured, his expression contrite. "I
don't know what came over me."

"I do," said Julian with a slight smile, as he forced himself to relax
again. He glanced briefly at his ruined shirt before regarding the
Cardassian ruefully. "I shouldn't have teased you like that. I'm
sorry." He reached out and lightly caressed Garak's cheek, feeling him
tremble at the touch. "Why don't you finish undressing me, Garak.
Though maybe you should stick to the conventional method this time."

The tailor didn't need to be asked twice and in moments he held
Julian's naked body in his arms. He resumed his exploration of the
doctor's smooth, caramel skin with his lips and tongue, feeling Julian
become steadily more aroused. The Cardassian had himself back under
control now and he took the lead, directing the progress of the
doctor's arousal.

Julian enjoyed putting himself in Garak's hands like this. It was
exciting, never being sure what he would do next, and while he often
did initiate things between them himself there was somehow a more
intense pleasure in allowing the Cardassian to take control. Right now
Garak had turned his attention to

Julian's erection, his tongue stimulating it gently. He felt the
tremor which ran through the doctor's slender frame and a smile
touched his lips. He was well aware that that particular caress turned
Julian on more than any other.

The ache in Julian's groin was becoming almost too much

to bear. His nerve endings felt like they were on fire. He wanted
nothing more than to feel Garak's talented mouth close around his
erection, but he knew the tailor was holding back deliberately, paying
him back for teasing him earlier. Julian gasped again as he felt
Garak's lips tease at him momentarily and then withdraw.

"Garak!" he murmured in an agony of anticipation.

"Yes, doctor?" There was an unmistakable hint of amusement in the
Cardassian's voice.

"You're a cruel man, Garak," complained Julian in an
aggrieved tone.

"But you love me anyway," concluded the tailor archly.

Julian laughed in spite of himself.

"You know that I do, Garak," he returned with a smile,
which died on his lips as he realised it was the first time he'd
actually admitted that - to himself or Garak.

He met the tailor's pale eyes wonderingly, and found the
same expression of surprise reflected back at him.

"Well, well, doctor - many a true word as they say,"
observed the Cardassian slowly.

"I'm sorry, Garak. If you don't..." Julian looked flustered. The
tailor gently placed his fingers against the doctor's lips to silence
him.

"Not at all, my dear doctor, I'm glad it's finally been said. I wasn't
entirely sure if love was what you felt for me. No, hear me out," he
said quickly, as Julian tried to interrupt.

"I knew you enjoyed the time we spent together, but I wasn't certain
whether there was any more to it than that." Garak smiled again, but
there was a catch in his voice as he continued. "I'm gratified to
discover that there is."

Julian pulled Garak closer against him, wrapping his arms tightly
about the Cardassian. As he did so his body's demands reasserted their
hold over him and he moaned as Garak's hot erection pressed against
his own. He sought the tailor's mouth and began to kiss him deeply,
drawing an immediate response from Garak.

Any thought of further restraint was impossible, the tide of arousal
which swept over them was too intense. They thrust urgently against
one another, seeking release, and their mutual cries increased in
volume as they pleasured one another. Julian was the first to lose
control, but Garak was a mere heartbeat behind him. For a timeless
instant they shared their joy, until exhaustion claimed them and they
lay panting, in a tangle of limbs, on the wrecked bed.

Slowly Julian opened his eyes and found Garak watching him
affectionately. Carefully the Cardassian rolled off of him, propping
himself up on one elbow and surveying the doctor's body with approval.
Julian's skin was sheened with sweat and tinted with a faint rosy
blush. To Garak's eyes he had never looked more appealing.

It had taken Julian a long while to get used to the tailor's habit of
watching him intently, sweeping his body from head to toe with an
intense scrutiny. At first he had found it highly embarrassing; now it
never failed to arouse him and he felt his body begin to stir again in
response. Garak smiled gently, enjoying the beautiful picture made by
the doctor as he stretched lazily, moving with an almost feline grace.

"Ah, my dear, sweet doctor, such delightful possibilities offer
themselves to us. Shall we explore them?" he asked seductively.

"Shall I tell you what I'd like to explore, Garak?" responded Julian
in kind.

"Of course, doctor!" smiled the Cardassian. Julian leaned across and
whispered conspiratorially to him at some length. All the while
Garak's eyes widened in surprise. The doctor was grinning broadly by
the time he drew back, enjoying the tailor's shocked expression.

"Are you serious, doctor?" asked Garak after a long moment.

"What do you think?" laughed Julian.

"I think you're teasing me again," concluded Garak with an answering
smile. The doctor's wicked grin told him he was right.

"But it was fun seeing your expression when you thought I was
serious," said Julian with an impish smirk.

"I never realised before just what a vivid imagination you have,
doctor." Garak regarded the younger man with interest, as if his
curiosity had been piqued. "So, what else can you imagine for us?"

"Well, I don't know about you, Garak, but after our journey the idea
of relaxing in the spa with some good food and a cool drink is
incredibly appealing," said Julian. "After that, who knows..."

---

Ten minutes later, Garak was indeed relaxing in the spa, a glass of
Kanar in his hand. Julian reclined elegantly by the edge of the spa,
a tray of food in front of him. The doctor sipped slowly from his own
glass, he wasn't entirely sure what it contained, though Garak had
assured him he would find the taste pleasing. He had to admit the
Cardassian had been right about that, but the slight tingling he was
beginning to feel through his nerve endings led him to suspect the
drink wasn't as innocent as it looked.

Garak regarded his companion steadily, a hint of amusement dancing in
his clear blue eyes.

"Are you enjoying your drink, doctor?" he asked disingenuously.

"Yes, as a matter of fact I am, but I would like to know exactly what
it is," replied Julian.

"Oh, it's quite popular - in certain circles, on Cardassia," said
Garak lightly. "It's called tianor."

"Tianor," repeated Julian slowly, unable to recall having heard the
name before. "Garak, would you mind telling me _precisely_ what that
is. I feel rather - strange."

"I'm sure you do, doctor, but it's not an unpleasant sensation, is it?
The juice is, after all, renowned for its - pleasure enhancing
qualities, shall we say," announced Garak with a sly smile.

Julian's eyes widened in surprise and he found himself at a loss for
words. No wonder he felt so - sensitised. Garak set down his glass and
shifted his position, until his face was only inches away from the
doctor's.

"I really do suggest we eat, before the food gets cold," said the
tailor, his eyes glittering brightly. Before Julian could reply, Garak
dipped his fingers into one of the dishes, fishing out a choice morsel
and offering it to the doctor. After a moment's hesitation Julian
opened his mouth, accepting the proffered piece of food. The
Cardassian watched as he ate and then repeated the gesture.

"Don't you want anything?" asked Julian, as Garak made no move to take
any food for himself.

"Oh, I think you know what I want, my dear doctor," replied the tailor
simply.

"Well, you can have that soon enough," said Julian with an
affectionate grin. "In the meantime you should still eat!" Mirroring
the Cardassian's actions, the doctor scooped up some of the contents
of the nearest dish. Garak accepted the offering without comment, his
tongue lingering a moment to caress the younger man's fingertips.
Julian gasped as his tianor heightened senses reacted to the touch. On
an impulse he held out his glass to Garak.

"Why thank you, doctor!" said the tailor. "I must admit I haven't
drunk tianor myself in a long time. It may be - an interesting
experience." With that he took the glass from Julian and drained it;
as he set it down by the side of the spa he returned his attention to
their meal. "Now, where were we?"

The two companions finished eating in silence. Each was becoming
increasingly aware of the progress of the tianor as it permeated their
body, setting their senses alight. For Garak, the bubbling of the
water against his skin was the most exquisite torture, stimulating
every part of him. He wanted nothing more than to pull Julian into the
spa with him, but to his frustration the doctor rose and disappeared
into the outer room, carrying the tray.

When he returned, Julian was holding another dish. He held it out for
Garak's inspection as he finally stepped into the spa, settling
himself comfortably at the tailor's side.

"I'danian spice pudding," he said, by way of explanation, "I thought
you might like something sweet to finish." Julian regarded Garak
coquettishly through his long, dark lashes.

"Oh, I certainly had something sweet in mind," agreed the tailor, "but
it wasn't spice pudding!"

"I can guarantee you'll enjoy this," insisted Julian with an inviting
smile. He offered a little of the dessert to Garak on the tip of his
finger. With considerable delicacy the Cardassian licked the creamy
confection from the doctor's hand. He knew it was a particular
favourite of Julian's. The taste was pleasant enough, but...

Garak's body tensed as he felt Julian begin to caress his chest
lightly. He glanced down, and was startled to find the doctor drawing
swirls of the spice pudding across his skin, its creamy hue standing
out boldly against the grey of his own colouring.

"Doctor, what are you doing?"

"Oh, I just enjoy finding new ways of serving my favourite foods,
don't you?" replied Julian brightly. Before Garak could frame a
coherent response the doctor bent his head and began delicately
licking the sweet, sticky desert from the tailor's skin. Garak gasped
involuntarily as Julian's agile tongue caressed him, and the fire of
arousal swept through him. He felt a profound sense of disappointment
when the doctor drew back, licking his lips provocatively and watching
him with some amusement.

"Would you like some now, Garak?" he asked teasingly, offering the
dish to the Cardassian. As he took it, Julian leaned back against the
edge of the spa, allowing Garak access to his entire upper body.

The tailor didn't need to be asked twice and he set to work with a
will, his hands swiftly adorning Julian with a trail of spice pudding
running from the base of his throat, around his nipples, and down to
his waist. As Garak put the dish aside and began the task of licking
the sweet confection, only a shade lighter than Julian's smooth skin,
from the doctor's slender body, he could feel the younger man
trembling in anticipation.

Garak worked his way slowly down from Julian's throat, lingering a
little longer than was strictly necessary over each of his taut
nipples, teasing the doctor with the maddeningly slow strokes of his
tongue. Given how aroused he felt himself, with the tianor heightening
every one of his senses, he could well imagine the effect his
ministrations were having on Julian.

The doctor could barely hold himself still. His fingers tangled
convulsively in Garak's smooth, dark hair and he moaned softly as the
tailor explored each new expanse of his skin. So caught up in the
delicious sensations was Julian, that he barely noticed when Garak
finally completed his slow journey. A moment later he felt an
electrifying jolt as the Cardassian pulled him into his arms, their
bodies touching along their entire length. He relaxed into the
embrace, allowing himself to be drawn deeper into the warmth of the
bubbling water, feeling it tickling at his skin delightfully.

"Well, doctor," observed Garak between kisses, "I do believe that was
the most interesting meal I've had in a long time."

"Mmmm, it was enjoyable, wasn't it," agreed Julian dreamily. "I don't
think I shall ever be able to look at a bowl of I'danian spice pudding
in quite the same way again."

"And what would you like now, doctor?" enquired Garak, his blue eyes
reflecting his own desire. He trembled as Julian reached up and gently
traced a fingertip along the sensitive ridges on his face and at the
side of his neck. It felt like a candle flame being drawn across his
skin and he cried aloud at the intensity of the sensation. Julian
smiled beatifically.

"I'd like you inside me, Garak," he murmured. "I can feel how much you
want me." To prove his point he brushed himself lightly against the
tailor's eager erection, provoking another vocal reaction.

"And do you want _me_ any less, my dear doctor?" breathed Garak as he
turned Julian in his arms, settling the younger man so his head rested
against one of the Cardassian's broad shoulders. The tailor slid his
arms around Julian's slim waist, reaching down with one hand to
lightly caress his erect sex. The doctor's eyelids fluttered shut and
his full lips parted slightly. He turned his head until he could reach
to nibble gently at Garak's neck, enjoying the tailor's deep throated
moans.

Carefully, Garak pressed himself closer to Julian's body, his erection
hard against the doctor's pert backside. Julian angled his hips
slightly and sighed with pleasure as he felt the tailor slowly enter
him from behind. The delicious sensation of Garak's erection filling
him, combined with the effects of the tianor, and the feeling of
floating in the warm water of the spa, left Julian in a daze.

As if in a dream he was aware of Garak's hands caressing him,
skillfully teasing at his sex until it throbbed with the need for
release. All the while Julian could feel the tailor's lips straying
over the sensitised skin of his back, seeming to leave circles of fire
wherever they touched. And most intensely he felt Garak thrusting
slowly and steadily into him, as he pressed back in response, building
towards a climax that threatened to overwhelm him at any moment.

Garak could sense Julian's increasing arousal, the movement of his
hips becoming more frenzied by the minute. His own thrusts became more
vigorous as he responded to the doctor's passion. Suddenly, Julian
cried aloud as he came, pressing himself hard against Garak's body.
The abrupt tightening of his muscles was enough to send the tailor
over the edge as well, clutching Julian to him in a fierce embrace.

For a long moment the two men floated on a tide of mutual pleasure,
the aftershocks resonating through their bodies for longer still.
Slowly Julian re-collected himself, turning his head to smile drowsily
at Garak. The tailor looked equally contented as he settled the doctor
in a more comfortable position against him, unwilling to allow him to
move too far from him.

"If the rest of our stay on Risa is as enjoyable as today, I shall be
glad you convinced me to come with you," said Garak with a smile.

"I did tell you it would be fun, Garak," said Julian, yawning hugely
and tucking himself more snugly into the tailor's embrace.

"I'm not sure it would be a good idea to go to sleep here, doctor,"
observed Garak.

"I can hardly keep my eyes open though," admitted Julian reluctantly.
Carefully the Cardassian extricated himself, ignoring the doctor's
half hearted protests. He stepped from the spa and retrieved a large,
soft towel, holding it out invitingly. With a sigh Julian also climbed
out of the spa and allowed Garak to wrap him in it. While the tailor
found a second towel for himself, the doctor wandered back into the
main room.

When Garak followed him a few minutes later Julian was already asleep,
stretched out on the bed with the towel still around him. The
Cardassian stood watching him, smiling indulgently.

"Good night - and sweet dreams, doctor," he whispered softly.

---

Julian woke early the following morning, feeling relaxed. He shivered,
and discovered he was still wrapped in the slightly damp towel from
the night before. He glanced over his shoulder to find Garak stretched
out behind him, still deeply asleep. Carefully he sat up and swung his
feet onto the floor. He padded across to the room's replicator,
quietly ordering his habitual Tarkelian tea. He sipped at the hot,
sweet beverage as he discarded the now redundant towel.

Slowly he ran a hand down over his naked body, enjoying the faint
tingling his touch provoked. A deeper thrill ran through him at the
memory of Garak's hands moving over his skin, caressing him, exciting
him. He glanced across to where the tailor lay sleeping, an
affectionate smile tugging at his lips. He resisted the temptation to
return to bed and slowly finished his tea, amusing himself by
fantasising about what other pursuits he and Garak might find to
entertain them during their stay on Risa.

As Garak still showed no sign of waking, Julian decided to go out and
do a little exploring on his own account. He dressed quickly, in tight
black trousers and a creamy coloured, loose cotton shirt. He studied
his reflection briefly, tugging his hair into some semblance of order.
His cheeks were shadowed with dark stubble, but after a moment's
consideration he decided against shaving - he wasn't on duty now.
Satisfied with the picture he presented, he left the suite and headed
out into the early morning sunshine.

Julian soon found himself in the midst of a small market, busy even at
this early hour. Several of the stalls caught his eye and he paused
for a closer look, admiring the skillfully made trinkets on display. As
Julian browsed the smell of cooking attracted his attention, reminding
him that he hadn't eaten since the previous night. The food vendor's
stall was close by and he stopped to buy one of the hot, savoury
pastries on offer before continuing on his way. He ate as he walked,
enjoying the pleasant, but unfamiliar taste of his impromptu
breakfast.

The doctor soon lost track of time as he strolled through the
marketplace, and it was over an hour later when he guiltily realised
that Garak had no idea where he was and would probably be worried
about him. Hurriedly he retraced his steps, making his way back to
their lodgings.

As soon as Julian reached the entrance to the suite he was sure that
something was wrong. He was quite certain that he'd closed the door on
his way out, but now it stood partially open. All his instincts, born
of his Starfleet training, went on immediate alert.

"Garak?" he called out uncertainly.

"Here, doctor..." came the reply, strangely muffled and abruptly cut
off. Julian stepped slowly into the room, and the door closed suddenly
behind him. He spun around and gasped in shock at what he saw. The
familiar figure of Gul Dukat confronted him, regarding him with a
mixture of contempt and amusement.

"Ah, Doctor Bashir! So, the reports I received were correct after
all," he observed, as he moved away from the door, and back into the
centre of the room. Julian turned to follow him, but pulled up short,
his eyes widening in horror, at the sight which greeted him.

Garak lay on the floor, still naked, his body and his face both
bruised and bloody, as if he'd been on the receiving end of a beating.
One look at Dukat's face was enough to convince the doctor that that
was precisely what had happened. Two more Cardassian's stood over the
tailor's prone form, their disruptors pointed threateningly at Julian.

"What do you want here, Gul Dukat?" demanded Julian angrily. "You have
no right to force your way in here like this; you have no jurisdiction
on Risa." The doctor began to edge closer to the fallen figure of
Garak.

"Doctor, please stay where you are," said Dukat evenly. "I would hate
for there to be any misunderstanding, should one of my men interpret
your movements as threatening."

"Garak's hurt; he needs attention," snapped Julian, his eyes blazing
with anger and concern. "Please feel free to assure your men that I'm
unarmed and no threat to anyone." He met Dukat's eyes steadily, trying
to project an air of confidence that he certainly didn't feel. He knew
he had little chance against three armed Cardassians, but he had no
intention of giving Dukat the satisfaction of seeing how nervous he
actually was.

"I'm afraid Garak is no longer your concern." Dukat looked at the
doctor with faint amusement, his knowing smile grating on Julian's
already ragged nerves. "You'll have to find another companion for the
rest of your stay on Risa. I'm sure that won't be too difficult for a
personable young man such as yourself." The Cardassian shook his head
slightly. "I must say though, doctor, that you do have a strange taste
in - friends."

"That's my prerogative!" retorted Julian, his irritation emboldening
him. "Now, I insist that you let me treat Garak's wounds. I'm a
doctor, and I won't just stand by quietly and see an injured man go
untreated."

"Oh, very well," said Dukat in a long-suffering tone of voice, "a few
minutes will make little difference." He turned to the two Cardassian
soldiers. "Let the doctor treat the tailor, he's no danger to us."

Julian scooted across the room, retrieved the med-kit he always made a
point of keeping to hand, and moved to kneel beside Garak. Carefully
he ran a tricorder over his friend's body, the routine familiarity of
the procedure helping to calm him. The injuries were, thankfully, not
too severe, but the tailor showed definite signs of concussion and a
couple of his ribs were cracked; Julian knew he didn't have the
equipment to deal effectively with those. He could do something about
the Cardassian's bruised and battered face though. He reached into the
med-kit for the tissue regenerator.

"How do you feel, Garak?" asked Julian quietly as he set to work.

"I've felt better, doctor," replied the Cardassian sardonically, his
gaze shifting to where Dukat stood watching

them silently. He tried to sit up, but Julian placed a hand firmly on
his shoulder, restraining him.

"Lie still, you have some cracked ribs and a concussion. I don't want
you to move any more than necessary. I'll heal what I can, but I don't
have all the equipment I need. I'm sorry."

Julian's face was carefully controlled, but Garak knew him well enough
to sense the concern, and the fear, he was masking.

"I'm alright, doctor," he said gently. "There's nothing for you to
worry about." *But plenty for me to worry about* he

added to himself. *On Deep Space Nine Dukat couldn't touch me, but
here...*

"Then what's going on here?" Julian demanded to know, his voice
disrupting Garak's gloomy train of thought.

"What is going on, Doctor Bashir," came Dukat's voice from just behind
him, "is that this traitor is being taken back to Cardassia, to answer
for his crimes against the Cardassian people."

"What?" Julian jumped to his feet, spinning round to look at Dukat in
disbelief. "You already exiled him, what more do you want?" The smile
which crossed the Gul's face was not pleasant and Julian felt faintly
nauseous as he realised what Dukat intended.

"You really don't want to know, Doctor Bashir. Now, if you've
finished..."

"No, I haven't finished! I haven't even begun yet, Gul Dukat!" spat
Julian. As his fury erupted he launched himself at the Cardassian,
wanting to wipe the infuriatingly smug expression from his face. He
heard Garak's warning cry, but there was nothing he could do. His
momentum carried him forward and the beam from one of the Cardassian
soldiers' disruptors seared across his chest. A look of surprise
crossed his face momentarily, and then he fell to the floor,
senseless.

"Damn you, Dukat!" Garak looked up at the Gul with anger blazing from
his eyes. "There was no need for that, he couldn't have harmed you!"

"Is he dead?" asked Dukat coolly. Garak pulled himself across to
Julian with an effort, feeling the pain from his ribs acutely. His
head spun dizzily, and he had to pause for a moment to collect
himself. He picked up the discarded tricorder and ran it over the
doctor's body, frowning at the unfamiliar display.

"He's alive, Dukat, and you'd better hope he stays that way." Garak
glared at his old adversary. "I don't think Starfleet would take too
kindly to the news that you'd killed one of their officers."

Dukat looked irritated, but after a moment's consideration he turned
to his men.

"We'll have to take both of them. Bring the medical kit, and find
something to cover _him_ with; Doctor Bashir may find the sight of him
appealing, but I do not." Dukat turned back to Garak. "You, tailor,
can make sure the doctor does stay alive. Consider it as one last
service you can perform for the Cardassian people."

---

Julian awoke to darkness, and pain. He looked around in mounting
panic, trying to see where he was. He struggled to sit up, and let out
an involuntary cry as a hand pressed gently against his shoulder,
holding him down.

"Keep still, doctor, you took a disruptor blast in the chest and I'm
really not sure if I've been treating it correctly." At the sound of
Garak's voice Julian sighed with relief.

"Garak, thank god! Are you alright?" The doctor could just make out
the outline of his friend bending over him, as his eyes gradually grew
accustomed to the gloom. It wasn't totally dark as he had at first
believed, but the level of light was still much better suited to
Cardassian eyes than to human ones.

"I'm fine, doctor. It's you I'm worried about. The effects of a
Cardassian disruptor can be - unpleasant," said Garak slowly. He sat
back on his heels, turning the tissue regenerator he had been using on
Julian's chest over and over in his hands. The doctor watched Garak's
nervous fidgeting in silence for a moment before speaking.

"Do you know where we are?" he asked fearfully.

"At the moment we're still on Risa, doctor, though I don't know
precisely where," replied Garak. "It won't have been possible for
Dukat to bring a Cardassian warship into orbit without attracting
unwelcome attention. He and his men must have come in as regular
transit passengers. I imagine we're being held here until a shuttle,
or some such, is dispatched to pick us up discreetly."

"Then what?" enquired the doctor with some trepidation.

"Then Dukat will doubtless see that you are returned safely to Deep
Space Nine," said Garak with a slight shrug of his shoulders.

"I meant, what will he do with you?" persisted Julian.

"Oh, Dukat fully intends to take me back to Cardassia Prime, I'm
afraid. Then he'll put me on trial, and I fear he won't be satisfied
with anything less than my death this time," said Garak simply.

"I won't let that happen, Garak," insisted Julian stubbornly. "He has
no right..."

"Doctor, you're really not in any position to prevent Dukat from doing
as he pleases. I took a risk in leaving DS9's dubious sanctuary, and
regrettably this is the outcome. There's nothing you or I can do to
change that now," said Garak reasonably.

"So, this is all my fault," said Julian miserably. "If I hadn't
insisted that you come on this damn trip..."

"It's not your fault and it's very easy to be wise - with the benefit
of hindsight," pointed out the tailor gently. "Besides which, I wanted
to come here with you. Now, lie still and tell me what else I need to
do to check your condition."

Julian let the change of subject pass and motioned Garak to hand him
the tricorder. He surveyed himself with it and studied the results. He
sighed in relief as he saw the damage was relatively minor, and well
on the way to healing with the care Garak had already given him.
Evidently the disruptor had been on a low level setting. Julian showed
the display to the tailor with a faint smile.

"See, Garak, I'm fine. You did the right thing using the tissue
regenerator. Another session with it and there'll be nothing to see at
all. I wish I could say the same thing for my shirt though," he added
ruefully, looking at the scorched patch left by the disruptor. He sat
up and pulled himself closer to Garak. "Now, come here and let me
check you. I doubt if moving around has done anything to improve the
state of your ribs."

Julian checked the Cardassian thoroughly, and was gratified to find
his condition slightly improved. The surface bruising had responded
well to the treatment he'd been able to give him earlier and the
effects of the concussion no longer seemed to be troubling him. It
rapidly became apparent though that the cracked ribs were causing him
a lot of pain.

"You don't have to be so damned stoical," said Julian with mock
severity. "I can give you something for the pain." He searched through
his med-kit until he found what he was looking for.

"There's no need, doctor," Garak demurred. "I'm fine."

"I'm the doctor, so I think I'll be the best judge of that," insisted
Julian. "And you're not fine; you need proper treatment."

"Doctor, I know you're worried..."

"Of course I'm worried," admitted Julian, interrupting him. He
carefully pressed the hypospray against the tailor's neck, seeing him
relax slightly as the painkiller entered his system. "When I saw you
lying on the floor like that I didn't know what the hell was going
on," he continued.

"Well, it didn't do much for my nerves to see you struck by a
disruptor," said Garak with asperity. "That was a foolish thing to do"

"I couldn't just let him take you, Garak! I know how Cardassian trials
work." Julian paused as his voice threatened to crack. "I can't simply
stand by and let him kill you."

"Doctor, I'm sorry, but there really is nothing you can do," said
Garak, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Dukat has good reason to
want me dead, and I no longer have the - connections I once had to
protect me."

Julian sat looking at the tailor for a moment longer, then he closed
the space between them. Carefully he slipped his arms around Garak,
holding on to him as tightly as he dared, not wanting to hurt him any
more, but needing the reassurance of the physical contact. Gratefully
the Cardassian returned the embrace, wincing slightly as he did so.
Julian tried to draw back, but Garak merely tightened his grip,
unwilling to let him go. The tailor felt an unaccustomed emotion sweep
over him and he shuddered. Julian looked at him in concern.

"Garak..." he ventured tentatively.

"I'm sorry. I - I find myself somewhat - apprehensive," said Garak
quietly. "It seems that I've finally run out of options, and I... I'm
at a loss to know how to deal with this situation."

"I understand," murmured Julian, his concerned brown eyes meeting
Garak's fear haunted blue ones. "In your shoes I'd be afraid too. It's
nothing to be ashamed of. And whatever I _can_ do, I will. I'm not
going to let Dukat kill you - not without a fight anyway..." Julian's
voice broke completely, and he laid his head against Garak's broad
shoulder. The tailor stroked his hair softly, offering him what little
comfort he could.

"Thank you," Garak whispered, his lips brushing the doctor's cheek in
a gentle caress, "Julian..." The last was said almost inaudibly and
the younger man raised his head slowly, unsure that he'd heard
correctly.

"Garak...or perhaps I should say Elim. Did you say what I think you
did?" Julian rubbed at his damp eyes, looking at the tailor with
honest surprise. From somewhere Garak found a faint smile for his
companion.

"Ah, I had forgotten you knew my given name. And yes, I did call you
Julian. Do you mind?"

"Of course I don't. I'd almost given up hope of you ever calling me
anything but "doctor". You were so adamant; why did you change your
mind?" asked the younger man curiously.

"I'm not sure, but it seemed - appropriate somehow, Julian." Garak
tried out the sound of it again, taking pleasure from the smile it
brought to the doctor's face.

"Well, whatever your reasons, I'm glad - Elim. Better late than never,
he added and instantly regretted his thoughtlessness. "Oh God, I'm
sorry..."

"Hush, there's no harm done," said Garak softly, settling Julian back
into his embrace. The doctor leaned across and kissed the tailor
apologetically, a chastened expression on his face.

His tone was serious when he spoke again. "I think we should try and
rest now, Elim. We've both been hurt and we need to conserve our
strength. We have to be ready if any kind of chance to get out of here
presents itself."

"And do you think that's likely, Julian?" asked Garak, unexpectedly
deferring to the younger man. A look of determination etched itself on
the doctor's features.

"I don't know, but they do say that you make your own luck. So, let's
just be sure that any luck that comes our way from now on is good."

---

Julian dozed fitfully. At his side Garak too finally slept, the pain
in his ribs dulled sufficiently by the painkillers Julian had given
him to allow him to rest. The doctor wasn't sure how much time had
passed when he came fully awake once more, as a shaft of sunlight fell
across his closed eyelids. He blinked at the sudden, unexpected
brightness, his eyes taking time to readjust. Carefully he slipped
from Garak's lax embrace and, climbing to his feet, went in search of
the source of the light.

The increased illumination allowed Julian to see his surroundings
clearly for the first time. He and Garak were confined in a small,
drab room. The door was at one end and fit tightly into its frame. It
had no internal handle and offered no possibility of escape, as far as
the doctor could see. The only furniture in the place was a narrow
bench pushed against the far wall. The sunlight filtered into the room
through a small aperture over one end of it.

Quickly Julian clambered onto the bench, reaching up to investigate
the opening. Excitement began to mount in him as he realised that what
he had discovered was a boarded up window, and that one of the planks
covering it had come loose and slipped slightly, allowing the sunlight
into the room. He began to tug at the boards and was finally rewarded
when one of them pulled completely free, the wood giving way with a
sharp crack.

"Julian?" The doctor turned at the sound of Garak's voice. He jumped
down from the bench and crossed the room to kneel at the tailor's
side.

"I think I may have found a way out of here, Elim," he said excitedly,
a bright smile curving his full lips. "There's a boarded up window in
the far wall of this room. Dukat's people probably didn't even notice
it was there. I've managed to partially uncover it. Do you think you
would be able to help me remove the rest of the planks? As far as I'm
concerned the quicker we can get out of here the better."

"I shall be only too glad to help," said Garak with obvious relief
colouring his voice. Leaning heavily on Julian he got slowly to his
feet, wincing at the stab of pain from his damaged ribs.

"Are you sure you can manage?" asked Julian with concern.

"Right now a few cracked ribs are the least of my worries, believe
me," Garak assured him. "Now, what would you like me to do?"

Between them the two men were soon able to uncover the entire window,
but it was immediately apparent that it would prove less help to them
than they had hoped. Julian glanced across at Garak, seeing his own
disappointment and helpless frustration mirrored in the tailor's clear
blue eyes.

"Julian, I'm sorry," said Garak quietly. "It simply isn't large enough
to accommodate me." He surveyed the doctor appraisingly. "But unless
I'm much mistaken I believe that _you_ could get through it." Julian's
eyes widened in shock as he realised exactly what Garak was
suggesting.

"I can't leave you here," he protested.

"Of course you can, my foolish young friend; you have to," insisted
Garak gently. "If you go now you can try to contact the authorities
and get help. I don't see that we have any other choice."

"No, I can't do that." Julian shook his head firmly. "What if Dukat
should return while I'm gone?"

"If he does, then so be it," replied Garak with a faint smile. "At
least I'll know that you're safe."

"Elim...Do you realise what you're asking me to do?" Julian's anguish
was clearly evident. He reached out, his hands catching hold of
Garak's shoulders imploringly. With some difficulty the tailor held
himself aloof, willing himself not to respond to the doctor's warm
touch.

"Julian, if any more harm should come to you because of me, do you
think that I would be able to forgive myself? You're an innocent party
caught up in a situation not of your making." Garak's blue eyes
regarded the doctor seriously. "You now have the chance to get out of
here, an option that simply isn't open to me. You have to leave me
behind, Julian. If we both stay here then Dukat will certainly take me
back to Cardassia and execute me. But, if you go, you at least will be
safe and you may be able to find help. That sounds the only sensible
course of action to me."

"I know, Elim, but..." Julian tried again, but Garak silenced him with
an emphatic shake of the head.

"No more arguments, Julian, you're just wasting time. Please... I
don't want you to leave, but I have to let you go." Garak paused,
taking a deep breath before he continued. "My dear Julian, don't make
this any harder for me than it already is."

Julian dropped his hands from the tailor's arms. He knew Garak was
right; at least if he left he had the chance to bring help. It didn't
make him feel any better about abandoning Garak to an uncertain fate
though. If Gul Dukat returned before he did he knew perfectly well
that he was unlikely to see his friend again.

"Alright," he said at last, "I'll go, but I don't feel right about
doing this." Impulsively Julian drew Garak to him, kissing him warmly.
The tailor responded despite his best intentions and his arms came up
to hug the doctor fiercely. For a long moment the two men embraced,
oblivious to their surroundings, neither wanting to be the first to
draw back. At last Garak pulled reluctantly away.

"Please go now, Julian," he begged. *Or I'll never let you go,* he
added to himself. "I'll be fine," he finished out loud.

"I'll be back soon, Elim," said Julian over his shoulder as he forced
the broken window open as far as it would go. He pulled himself up and
wriggled through the narrow gap. It was a tight squeeze and he felt
his shirt catch on the broken wood, but finally he manoeuvred himself
through and tumbled to the ground outside. Hurriedly he sprang up,
looking around for any indication that his unconventional exit had
been noticed.

There was no sign of a guard, but Julian had no doubt that at least
one of the Cardassian soldiers was somewhere close by. He could only
hope that he wasn't paying any particular attention to his captives,
wherever he was, not expecting them to find a means of escape.
Cautiously Julian skirted round the outside of the building; it
appeared to be part of an abandoned farm. In the distance he could see
more buildings and he hoped that they would be occupied.

He took a deep breath, now was the moment of truth, and launched
himself into a run. He headed straight for the distant signs of
habitation, wanting to cover the intervening ground as fast as he
could. To his immense relief there was no indication of pursuit and he
allowed himself to relax slightly, concentrating only on running. All
that mattered now was finding

help - and getting back to Garak before Gul Dukat did.

---

At last Julian reached his objective, and to his delight he found that
the buildings were indeed occupied. A young Risan man looked up in
surprise at his approach, frowning as he took in the doctor's
dishevelled state. Julian was panting hard from the unaccustomed
exertion of running, but finally he found his voice.

"Please, I need your help. I'm a Starfleet officer, a doctor. I have
to contact the Risan authorities. My friend is... Cardassians abducted
us... I had to leave him, but he's in grave danger. Please..." Julian
ran out of words, but his desperate anxiety, the pleading look in his
eyes, seemed to convince the young Risan.

"I'll help you contact the authorities," he said, turning to enter the
building. "Come inside, tell me what happened."

---

The next few hours passed in a blur for Julian as he repeated his
story to more people than he cared to count. It seemed an interminably
long time before he finally managed to convince the Risan security
council that at least three armed Cardassians had actually managed to
circumvent their weapons scans, and were moreover, almost certainly
intending an unauthorised shuttle landing. By the time the council had
got over their righteous indignation at this flagrant breach of their
security, and agreed to send a detachment of guards to help free Garak
and, hopefully, to detain the aforementioned Cardassians, Julian was
about ready to scream from frustration.

Julian's unwitting host, a Risan farmer by the name of Tomas, did his
best to calm his distraught guest, offering him a meal and the chance
to clean himself up. The doctor had refused both, his frantic concern
for Garak overriding every other consideration. It was all he could do
to restrain himself from running straight back to where the tailor was
confined, but he knew that if he were to be recaptured it would hardly
help matters, and would probably only lead to reprisals. All he could
sensibly do for now was wait for the Risan guards to arrive - and hope
they wouldn't be too late.

---

Eventually the promised detachment of guards arrived, together with
the Risan security chief Julian had dealt with earlier. The doctor
rapidly found himself losing his temper as he was once again subjected
to a barrage of questions, for which he had no answers, about Gul
Dukat and how he had managed to bring illegal weapons onto Risa.
Before he had the chance to say something he might regret, Julian was
interrupted by the unmistakable sound of a shuttlecraft's thrusters.
He raced for the door, the Risan on his heels.

"Dear God, it's the shuttle Dukat was waiting for!"

Julian turned, his expression panicked. "We have to get back to Garak
now." The security chief rapidly went up in the doctor's estimation as
he had his men back in their ground transport vehicles and on their
way across the fields towards the shuttle in a matter of minutes.

"I take it I'm not going to be able to persuade you to wait here,
Doctor Bashir," he had said, not unkindly. Julian hadn't needed any
further invitation, and had quickly clambered into one of the
vehicles. Now he watched intently as they approached the grounded
shuttle, his heart pounding in his chest.

As they drew closer still Julian could see several figures running
from the shuttle in the direction of the building where Garak was
still imprisoned. No doubt they were warning Dukat of the Risans'
impending arrival. Bursts of disruptor fire flared briefly and Julian
felt the ground transport vehicle swerve abruptly to avoid them. The
Risan guards quickly responded to the attack, pinning the Cardassians
down and soon rendering them ineffective by virtue of their greater
numbers.

The moment his vehicle came to a stop Julian leapt out, heading for
his erstwhile prison and ignoring the shouted warning of the security
chief. The previously locked door now stood open and the doctor halted
his headlong rush, approaching cautiously.

It was still gloomy inside the small room and it took Julian a moment
to make out the two figures in front of him. As his eyes adjusted and
he could see more clearly he pulled up short, uncertain how to
proceed. Garak was slumped on the narrow bench, a look of pain etched
onto his features. Gul Dukat stood over him, a disruptor held to the
tailor's temple. A faint trace of amusement crossed Dukat's face as he
registered the doctor's arrival.

"Well, well, Doctor Bashir, how pleasant to see you again," observed
Dukat sardonically. "I'm sure Garak missed your company while you were
gone."

"The Risan security forces are outside, Gul Dukat. Why don't you just
let Garak go?" said Julian quietly, ignoring the pointed jibe.

"Now why should I want to do that?" queried Dukat, eyeridges raised in
mock perplexity. "You don't seem to be in much of a position to
bargain, doctor. I have a disruptor, whereas you, on the other hand,
are unarmed."

"This charade is over, Dukat," said Julian, his voice suddenly
sounding incredibly tired. "You're not going to be able to take Garak
back to Cardassia now."

"Well, that's not essential, doctor. I'll admit it would have been -
tidier, to have him formally tried, but given the circumstances I'm
quite prepared to settle for killing him here and now," concluded
Dukat calmly. Julian's eyes widened in horror, and he took an
involuntary step towards the two Cardassians. Immediately Dukat swung
the disruptor round to cover him.

"Doctor - Julian, please stay where you are," Garak called out
hurriedly. "Don't even think about doing anything foolish."

"For once I'm disposed to agree with you, tailor." Dukat glanced
briefly at Garak before returning his attention to Julian. "And
doctor, it really would be _most_ foolish of you to come any closer."

Julian hesitated for just a moment and then, squaring his shoulders
determinedly, took another step towards Garak. "I don't think you'll
shoot me, Dukat," said Julian slowly. "I don't believe you want to
cause any - misunderstandings with the Federation by making an
unprovoked attack on a Starfleet officer, an unarmed Starfleet officer
at that." Disconcertingly Dukat's disruptor remained pointed straight
at the doctor's chest.

"It's a risk that might be worth taking after all," observed Dukat.
"What do you think, Garak? Is Doctor Bashir's life a fitting payment
for my father's disgrace and execution? Shall I let you live, tailor;
should I send you back to your exile with the good doctor's death on
your conscience?"

"Doctor Bashir has nothing to do with our - disagreement, Dukat," said
Garak angrily. "Let him go. It was my death you sought. Isn't that
enough for you?"

"Ah, but your demise would be so quick, so final. Now that I think
about it, it seems to me that what you did to my father, your
betrayal, demands something more than that." Dukat looked from Julian
to Garak and back again. "I know your weakness now, tailor, and I
don't think you would find it so easy to carry the guilt of the
doctor's regrettable, and untimely, death."

"I'm not the one holding the disruptor," said Garak steadily.

"That's very easy to say, Garak." Dukat seemed amused by the tailor's
words. "I'm not sure you'll really find it that simple to rationalise
away the blame though." He smiled unpleasantly, enjoying Garak's
evident discomfiture. "It's never easy - losing a loved one. Oh, and
Doctor Bashir, please let me assure you there's nothing personal about
this."

"Forgive me if I don't find that particularly comforting," muttered
Julian with heavy sarcasm. He briefly considered making a run for
safety, but abruptly realised what a futile effort that would be;
Dukat could adjust his aim too quickly.

Julian's train of thought was interrupted by the sound of footsteps
approaching at a run. Without thinking he glanced in the direction of
the noise and missed seeing Dukat's fingers tighten on the disruptor.
Garak, however, saw the slight movement and reacted instinctively.
Ignoring the protest from his injured ribs he hurled himself at
Julian, knocking him to the ground and landing awkwardly on top of
him. The disruptor beam passed harmlessly, scant inches above them.

Before Dukat could take a second shot at the two men the Risan
security chief hurried into the room, several of his men hard on his
heels. Their weapons rose to cover Dukat, and with an ironic grimace
the Cardassian let his disruptor fall to the floor with a loud
clatter.

"Well, Garak," he addressed the sprawled figure of the tailor, "it
seems that the debt remains unsettled - for a while longer at least."
With that Dukat allowed himself to be ushered from the building
without a backward glance.

Two of the Risan guards hurried forward, carefully helping Garak to
sit up. As soon as the tailor's weight was lifted from him Julian
scrambled up, regarding his friend with concern.

"Garak needs proper medical treatment," said Julian, turning to the
security chief. "He was already hurt, this is only going to have
aggravated his condition. Please can you arrange for him to be taken
to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible." The Risan nodded
and quickly dispensed the necessary orders. As he did Julian turned
back to Garak, catching his eye. In spite of his concern he managed a
smile and leaning forward slightly he whispered to the tailor.

"Thank you, Elim," was all the doctor said aloud, but his expressive
eyes conveyed his gratitude, and a wealth of deeper emotions, far more
eloquently.

---

Julian and Garak slowly threaded their way through the bustling Risan
marketplace, all but oblivious to the sights and sounds around them.
They were finally heading back to their lodgings together, each deep
in their own thoughts. The Cardassian had been pronounced fit by a
competent Risan doctor after having his broken ribs repaired. He was
still a little stiff and sore, but otherwise was quite his normal
self, and had been only too glad to be released from the medical
centre. By way of contrast, Julian had been unusually subdued since
their rescue. Even the news that Gul Dukat had been unceremoniously
placed on the first transport ship off of Risa and forbidden to return
had done little to raise his spirits.

"Julian, I know you're upset about recent events, but it's over now.
Dukat is gone and we're both quite safe and unharmed," said Garak at
last, concerned at the doctor's continuing withdrawn silence. "Now we
have another week or so here on Risa to relax and forget that anything
untoward ever happened."

"How can you take this all so calmly, Elim?" Julian turned to regard
his friend with disbelieving eyes. "Dukat threatened to have you
killed; he fired a disruptor at me with every intention of killing me.
If you hadn't pushed me out of the way we wouldn't be having this
conversation now! Personally I find that rather unsettling, but you're
behaving as if everything's been fine all along."

"On the contrary, my dear Julian, I am only too conscious of the fact
that there might have been a very different outcome to this
situation." Garak smiled slightly. "I simply prefer not to dwell on
such unpleasant possibilities."

"I owe you my life, Elim..." Julian's voice trailed off and he looked
away from the tailor, becoming suddenly absorbed in the wares
displayed on the stalls they were passing.

"Well, I guess that makes us even then, doesn't it?" said Garak
gently. "I haven't forgotten what you did for me - the implant,
remember."

"Yes of course I remember, but it isn't..."

"No buts, Julian," insisted the tailor, "without your help then I
wouldn't have survived, and it was a brave thing you did." Garak laid
a hand lightly on the doctor's shoulder. "Today I was able to repay
that debt." Julian stopped abruptly, heedless of the people around him
and turned to meet the Cardassian's steady gaze, reading the warmth
and affection in his blue eyes.

"You - you don't blame me for what happened here then." said Julian
quietly.

"Of course not, why ever would you think that?" asked Garak in
surprise.

"Dukat wanted to use me to hurt you. Our being here together gave him
a hold of sorts over you. I could understand if you wanted to call a
halt to our relationship after this," replied Julian.

"Oh, my dear Julian, what a foolish idea," exclaimed the tailor. "I
value what we share a great deal and I don't intend to let Dukat's
threats put a stop to it."

"You really mean that, don't you?" said Julian slowly, his eyes never
leaving Garak's face.

"Yes, I do, and..." Garak leaned closer to Julian, lowering his voice
conspiratorially, "I have every intention of proving it to you just as
soon as we get back to our suite." His lips curved mischievously,
drawing an answering smile - a very relieved one at that, and an
anticipatory shiver from the doctor. The two men resumed walking, both
now anxious to reach the sanctuary of their lodgings as soon as
possible.

When they finally entered the suite Julian barely had time to close
the door behind him before Garak, as good as his word, reached out to
draw him into his arms. The doctor returned the hug enthusiastically.
After a long moment the tailor released him, holding him at arms
length and studying his face critically.

"So, there'll be no more self-recrimination now I trust," said Garak
firmly. "None at all," agreed Julian. "I'm just glad we're back here
together - and in one piece." With infinite tenderness he cupped
Garak's face in his hands, leaning forward to kiss him gently. The
tailor's lips parted under his own and Garak's tongue slowly and
tenderly began to explore the doctor's mouth. Julian let his eyes
close, concentrating only on the gentle pressure of the tailor's lips
and the delightful taste of him.

As Julian lightly caressed Garak's face, trailing his long, slender
fingers over the the sensitive ridges and the smooth grey skin the
Cardassian slid his hands up under the doctor's shirt. The warm touch
roving over his body sent shivers running along Julian's spine. Garak
felt the younger man begin to tremble and let his hands roam further,
slipping into the waistband of Julian's trousers and reaching down to
stroke the silky skin of his backside.

With an effort the doctor pulled himself free of Garak's embrace, his
chest rising and falling in time with his rapid breathing. He ignored
the tailor's look of frustration and

surprise and quickly began to remove his clothes. As understanding
dawned Garak did likewise and in moments Julian's warm, eager body was
back in his arms, smooth, caramel skin pressed closely against
leathery grey.

"That feels much better, Elim," murmured Julian with a contented sigh,
"but please don't stop what you were doing before."

With a smile Garak resumed his gentle exploration of Julian's body.
The doctor in his turn sought out the tailor's most sensitive places,
caressing them with his lips and his agile fingers. Soon the warm glow
of arousal began to suffuse both men, each feeling the other's growing
firmness pressing against them.

Julian reached down, taking Garak's erection into his hand and
stroking it firmly. The tailor moaned deep in his throat as his body
began to react more strongly to the doctor's touch. He closed his
eyes, revelling in Julian's caresses. His own hands moved over the
younger man's backside. Gently he slid one finger, then a second
inside him, eliciting a gasp of pleasure from the doctor.

"Oh God, Elim," whispered Julian, "please, I want you inside me."
Garak didn't need to be asked twice, and pausing only to retrieve a
jar of lubricant, he drew Julian to the bed and pushed him gently down
onto it. The doctor settled himself onto his stomach and the tailor
moved to kneel between his legs. Garak's hands were shaking as he
carefully spread the cool, lubricating gel and Julian glanced over his
shoulder, surprised at the tailor's apparent nervousness.

"I'm fine, Julian," said Garak in answer to the questioning look in
the doctor's dark eyes. "It's simply that, at one point, I wasn't sure
that we would have the chance to be together like this again. Now that
we are I find myself feeling..." Unable to find the right words to
convey precisely what he was feeling Garak gestured helplessly with
his hands. Julian nodded slowly.

"I understand," he said simply and settled himself back amongst the
pillows once more. A moment later he felt Garak's erect sex enter him,
filling him with warmth. He sighed contentedly as the tailor began to
thrust gently into him. His arousal swiftly intensified and he started
to press back against Garak, taking him in more deeply, matching his
thrusts to the tailor's. Julian felt his own sex begin to throb
insistently, demanding attention and he slipped a hand down to grasp
himself firmly. It was intensely pleasurable, toying with himself as
Garak continued to push steadily into him.

Despite his best endeavours Garak was too keyed up to hold off his
climax for long. Julian gasped as the tailor's fingers dug into him
convulsively and he thrust hard once more and came, crying out
inarticulately. The doctor felt Garak's violent trembling resonating
through his body and began to stroke his own sex more insistently,
soon feeling the dizzying sensation of his eagerly anticipated release
overtake him. He gave himself up to the delightful experience,
savouring every last moment of it.

Slowly Julian's breathing quietened and a delicious lassitude spread
through him. He became aware of Garak's presence once more. The
Cardassian was lying curled up at his side, watching him
affectionately, a faint smile playing about his lips. Julian smiled
back at him, reaching out to brush the tailor's cheek lightly with one
hand.

"I don't know what I'd do without you, Elim," he said softly. Garak
caught hold of the restless hand bringing it to his lips to kiss each
of the slender, damp fingers in turn.

"Well I'm sure there would be plenty of others eager to take my
place," observed Garak.

"Oh, maybe..." conceded Julian.

"But, as you don't have to do without me, don't dwell on what _might_
have happened," admonished the tailor with mock severity.

"Don't worry, I won't," said Julian, a contented smile curving his
lips as Garak's rough tongue toyed gently with his sensitive
fingertips. "But I do know one thing, Elim," he continued.

"And what's that?" enquired Garak curiously, looking up into Julian's
warm brown eyes.

"Whatever happens," replied Julian firmly, "we really ought to get
away from it all like this more often."

---

continued in 'A Taste for Vengeance'