The BLTS Archive - The Web (alternative ending) by Yavanna (kcolohan@sidsplace.win-uk.net) --- Author's note: This version of the ending of "The Web" is for those of you who prefer your stories on the mushy side... --- "Garak, I swear to you I am telling the truth. Surely you know I would never be unfaithful to you. I love you. You're the only thing keeping me sane through this war... I would never jeopardise what we have." Julian fell silent again and regarded his lover solemnly. "Dear Julian, I want to believe you," murmured Garak. For a long moment he searched the doctor's face, looking for an answer in the hazel eyes. Apparently he found one, for the Cardassian's tense posture finally relaxed just a fraction. Julian noticed the change, intent as he had been upon watching Garak, and a faint spark of hope lit inside him. "Garak...?" he ventured tentatively. "I must admit," said the Cardassian slowly, "I didn't think it was in your nature to hurt me that way, but... What was I to think? When I smelt the scent of you on this -" He glanced down at the ruined undershirt."- and then learned where you had been all that time... Well, I am just an old and foolish man, who finds it hard to understand what it is that you see in me." "Remind me to explain it to you again very soon," whispered Julian, his lips curving in a slight smile. Garak did not share the attempt at humour and his expression was quite serious when he spoke, his voice low and intense. "Julian, if I found out that he had harmed you I would kill Keevan myself." Bashir shook his head. "No. He didn't - harm me. I... It was unpleasant, but... Well, on balance I suppose I can consider myself to have got off very lightly. Besides, much as it pains me to say it, the Vorta is too valuable to kill. He could still be useful to the Federation as a bargaining chip in any negotiations with the Dominion." Julian shrugged, attempting to play down the revulsion he still felt at the thought of what Keevan had done to him. "In that context my feelings hardly merit consideration." Julian reached out and took his soiled shirt from Garak, tossing it into the cleansing unit. He shuddered as the residual scent of sex rising from the material triggered an all too clear memory of Keevan's hands touching his bare skin. The Cardassian saw the tremor run through Bashir's body and he carefully pulled him into his arms. The gesture was purely protective, without any sexual overtones. "I'm sorry," murmured Garak, his lips brushing Julian's damp curls. "When you needed comfort all I gave you were accusations and my anger. I should have trusted you." "It's all right. You're here now... I understand why you were angry. In your place I probably would have been too," admitted Bashir. "It didn't exactly look very innocent, did it? That's what he threatened me with - when he told me he'd call security. If he had called them I doubt they'd have believed my story either. It sounds pretty far fetched even to me! I - I just wish I understood what he did to me - how he controlled me... Garak, I have to tell the Captain about this, don't I? If this is some innate ability all Vorta have it could be important." "In the morning," said Garak softly, "and I'll come with you. Of course, once Sisko knows then Keevan no longer has any hold over you either. No doubt he had hopes of blackmailing you at some point. It would give me great pleasure to tell him his little scheme has been a complete failure." Bashir shivered again. "Perhaps, but that doesn't stop me feeling... It's crazy, but I feel so - violated," Julian said in a small voice. "And yet I can hardly call what he did to me rape. Oh God, I know I'm just overreacting..." "Did you wish for any of it to happen?" interrupted Garak sharply. "No!" replied Bashir vehemently. "Then it was rape," said Garak firmly. "He coerced you into a sexual act you didn't want." "Somehow he manipulated me - for a while he made me think I wanted him - but it was all his influence. I had no control over what I was thinking or doing. Whenever I went near him it was as if - as if he had his hands inside me, pulling invisible strings..." Julian shook his head as he tried to explain the feelings he had experienced in the Vorta's presence. "He knew exactly what he was doing. You know, he chose me because he'd already worked out we were lovers. He knew that I'd be susceptible to an approach from another male. God, I can't believe I thought I wanted him, even for a moment." "Hush, Julian, it's over. I won't let him touch you again," Garak promised, gently kissing the human's smooth forehead. Bashir clung to him, relieved to have his lover's support. For an awful moment the doctor had truly thought he had lost the Cardassian. It didn't bear thinking about. Julian tilted his head up, hazel eyes looking deep into blue. "Take me to bed, please - Elim," Julian pleaded. Garak did not need to be asked twice. --- The End