A/N - hope you like the getting together request Anon. I'm trying so hard to catch up and post quality work. 6 more requests to do
Julian was ready to yank out his hair and beat some sense into Garak. He could not help but be frustrated by the older man. He has been flirting for years. Now Julian's patience was wearing thin. Julian is wondering what he's missing.
He knew Garak was not an idiot. Garak was the smartest man he knew, so he concluded that it was his fault that Garak never figured out. Now he was left to figure out how to go about his feelings.
He sat down at Quark's bar and sighed. He had no idea what to do. Should he profess his undying love on the promenade? Should he walk into his shop and grab him by the shirt and kiss him? There were so many ways he could tell or show his feelings for Garak. Nothing seemed good enough.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Quark asked, sliding a Synthale his way.
"Quark, It's never a good idea to tell you anything," Julian snapped.
"You tell me what's wrong, and I will give you the Synthale on the house." Quark leaned forward with a smile, "What do you say?"
"I say I can afford it," Julian whispered.
Quark shrugged and stood up. "Suit yourself. Just know I'm here if you need to talk."
Julian wanted to tell Quark, but he knew how it would end. He was going to spread the information or start a betting pool. Neither options were favorable.
Julian sat at the bar for almost two hours drinking Synthales. He had to admit, the temptation to drink real alcohol was strong, but he was going to have Garak over for dinner. Julian would rather be sober and frustrated than be drunk and temporarily happy. He knew if Garak showed up and Julian was intoxicated, Garak would be put to bed and he would leave.
Julian placed the dishes into the replicator. He was trying to think of how he was going to tell Garak how he felt. He turned to find Garak sat on his couch with a PADD in his hand.
Julian wished he could have that moment framed. Garak sitting on his couch, one arm stretched over the back of the couch, his ankle resting on his knee. He seemed so at peace. It was the Garak he hardly ever got to see. The side of Garak he craved to see every day.
"Are you okay, Doctor?" Garak asked.
Julian forced himself to nod, "Perfectly."
"Are you sure, Doctor? You have been rather distracted thought dinner," Garak asked.
"Just stressed out a little." Julian said taking a seat next to Garak.
"No. I enjoy your company." Julian said moving closer.
"I too enjoy your company."
Julian gave him a soft smile and leaned his head back on the couch. The two of them enjoy the silence.
Julian moved closer to glance at Garak's PADD. He was reading a story. It looked familiar.
"The never ending sacrifice." Garak finished looking over to Julian.
"Yes, Doctor." Garak said turning back to his book. Julian moved closer and read over his shoulder. Garak turned so Julian could see better.
they read in a comfortable silence. Over the next hour they slowly moved closer together. Julian didn't notice until he realized he was close enough to rest his chin on Garak's shoulder.
Julian looked up at Garak, It didn't take the man long to look over at julian. Julian gave a soft smile and Garak looked confused.
"Doctor?" Garak asked moving back a little.
Julian didn't realize that he reached out to touch him until Julian felt Garak's cold cheek. Garak tensed.
"I think I should head out." Garak pulled away and moved to leave.
Julian stood and grabbed Garak's arm, "Garak, I am so sorry. I-"
"It's quite alright, Doctor." Garak said remaining absolutely still.
"I don't think. . . Garak, Please don't leave."
"I think it's best i do."
"Garak, I- You know, I find it's hard to tell you this."
"That. . . That i love you."
there was dead silence. it was heavy.
Julian lets go and steps back looking at the ground. "You can leave. I'm sorry."
"Doctor, come here." Garak said.
Julian walked over to him and Garak stroked his cheek and leaned in for a kiss.
Julian whimpered and threw himself at Garak. Garak pulled Julian close so they were pressed together.
Julian deepened the kiss and slid his hair in Garak's hair.
Garak pulled back and pressed his forehead to Julians. they stood there keeping their eyes closed sharing the same breaths.
"I've been flirting with you for years." Julian said with a shaky laugh.
"So have I." Garak whispered.
"I wish we caught on earlier." Julian said taking his hands.
they stood there together for a while. just breathing and being together.
Garak ended up spending the night.
