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Strategic Advancement

Summary:

What’s so funny?” Garak asked, lifting his head just enough to catch Julian’s eye, one eyebrow raised in playful suspicion. Julian grinned, turning his face to press a lazy kiss to the corner of Garak’s mouth.

“Nothing. Just thinking how much you’re like a lizard on a warm rock, so content.” he teased, his voice soft and affectionate, eyes crinkling at the corners as he spoke. Garak’s eyes widened momentarily, then softened with a rare, genuine smile.

“A lizard, am I?” he mused, the mock offense laced with amusement. He moved his hand to Julian’s waist, fingers tracing light, lazy circles against his skin, the touch soothing. “Well, as long as I’m your lizard, I suppose I can accept that.”

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The game was set, chess pieces in precise formation on the polished board at a table on the corner of the Promenade. Julian Bashir, recently off duty, had chosen to wear something sleek and comfortable, an ebony-hued tunic that fitted him just right, skimming the taut muscle beneath in a way that caught the eye without being too obvious, and a matching set of trousers. He had anticipated this evening, imagined the slight lift of Garak’s ridged brow and the way those ice-blue eyes would appraise him with the sort of deliberate intensity that made his pulse race.

Garak’s voice was a smooth purr, steeped in rich amusement as he slid a rook forward, displacing one of Julian’s pawns with elegant precision. “It’s all a matter of perspective, my dear Doctor. A simple game can turn into something so much more stimulating with the right company.”

Julian’s fingers hovered above his bishop as he met Garak’s gaze, a blush creeping up his neck. The Cardassian tailor had a way of framing words, layering them with insinuation that was as calculated as his moves on the board. Julian shifted in his seat, aware of the others moving about them, chatting and laughing, oblivious to the charged current weaving between him and Garak.

“I imagine you’re right,” Julian replied, trying to infuse a note of nonchalance into his voice, though his fingers trembled faintly as he made his move, nudging the bishop forward to challenge Garak’s knight. “Sometimes,” he continued, eyes locking onto Garak’s, “even the most cautious strategies benefit from a touch of unpredictability.”

Garak’s lips curled at the edges, a smile that was as enigmatic as it was disarming. He leaned forward, elbows resting on the table, bringing himself closer so that the shadows cast by the dim lighting deepened the contours of his features. Julian felt a shiver run up his spine as Garak’s gaze held his, unyielding and probing.

“Unpredictability, Doctor?” Garak’s voice lowered a fraction, almost conspiratorial. “How delightfully reckless of you.” He moved his knight to capture Julian’s bishop, the piece making a satisfying clack against the board. “I wonder, does that philosophy extend beyond the confines of the chessboard?” 

He knew he had to be careful, playful banter was one thing, but taking the next step in public—well, it was a risk, he could never be sure if Garak wanted him back, yet, the hunger in Garak’s eyes was unmistakable, and Julian was tired of the almosts and what-ifs that defined their usual interactions. Julian’s heart pounded with a force that made his chest tighten as he leaned forward, letting his words slip out before he could second-guess himself.

“You could always invite me back home with you later, and you can find out for yourself, Elim…” The name rolled off his tongue in a way that felt too intimate, like a caress. He lifted his foot beneath the table and slowly dragged it along Garak’s calf, the subtle motion hidden from the prying eyes of the bustling Promenade but unmistakably felt by the Cardassian.

Garak’s reaction was immediate; his eyes darkened, a storm of emotions swirling within the brilliant blue. The tailor’s fingers, so steady moments before, stilled in place on the board. His usual composed façade cracked just enough for Julian to see the sharp inhale and the slight flaring of his nostrils. But then, just as quickly, Garak’s expression softened, transforming into that familiar, maddeningly ambiguous smile that always left Julian wanting more.

“My dear Doctor,” Garak said, his voice velvet-soft, laced with something dangerously alluring. “You play a game that, I must admit, has me quite intrigued.”

Julian smirked, letting a hint of mischief dance in his dark eyes. “It wouldn’t be much of a game without a worthy opponent,” he countered, shifting in his chair just enough to let his foot trail higher. Garak’s eyes flickered for an instant, betraying the slightest tremor of his control. Julian felt a surge of satisfaction at this minor victory, at the way he had managed to crack that iron resolve at least twice, if only for a heartbeat.

They continued the game, the atmosphere charged with electric tension that made every move feel like a test of will. Julian moved a pawn forward, a seemingly innocuous action, but Garak knew better. His fingers closed around his rook as he leaned forward, the space between them shrinking until Julian could see the glint of interest and approval in Garak’s eyes.

“Bold, Doctor,” Garak murmured, capturing Julian’s pawn with a calculated precision. His voice dropped, so low only Julian could hear over the chatter and laughter around them. “I do so look forward to our post-game analysis.”

Julian’s lips quirked, and he bit back a grin, glancing down at the board to disguise the warmth spreading across his cheeks. The minutes passed, each movement of a chess piece a silent exchange that spoke volumes. But Julian wasn’t content with just playing; he kept up the subtle touch of his foot, brushing Garak’s leg with a deliberate slowness. The Cardassian’s usually steady hand twitched just enough for Julian to notice when he pushed a bishop into play.

“You seem distracted, Elim.” Julian said lightly, his voice smooth despite the way his pulse was racing. The attention in Garak’s gaze was enough to make Julian forget the clamour of people around them, to feel as if they were in a world carved just for them.

“I am,” Garak replied, his eyes fixed on Julian’s face as he spoke. “And yet, I find myself perfectly comfortable..” He moved his knight, a move that placed Julian’s king in a precarious position. The game had become a battlefield of glances and touches, each move an unspoken challenge. Garak’s leg pressed back against Julian’s now, matching his pressure with his own in a way that sent a shiver down Julian’s spine.

The game was nearing its climax, but Julian’s focus was split between the tactical dance on the board and the simmering heat in Garak’s eyes. When Garak finally placed his queen in position and whispered, “Checkmate,” the word felt like an invitation wrapped in silk.

Julian exhaled, letting a small smile curve his lips. “Looks like you won this round,” he said, lifting his gaze to meet Garak’s. “But I’d like a rematch. Perhaps somewhere with fewer... witnesses?”

Garak’s expression was one of triumph tempered with amusement, his voice unwavering. “Then let us not keep the chess board waiting, Doctor.”

The walk from the Promenade to Garak’s quarters was both too long and not long enough. Julian felt the weight of Garak’s presence beside him, the silent current between them thrumming with anticipation. When they reached the door, Garak paused, his gaze sweeping over Julian with a possessive intensity that made the doctor’s breath catch. The door hissed open, and in an instant, they were inside.

The air inside Garak’s quarters felt charged, the ambient hum of the station distant and insignificant compared to the moment crackling between them. Julian let his eyes roam the room for a second, taking in the dark tones and meticulous order of Garak’s space, before they settled back on the tailor. There was a soft, unreadable smile playing at Garak’s lips, but those ice-blue eyes were anything but calm. They smouldered with a depth of emotion Julian had never seen so clearly before.

Julian, emboldened by the rush of adrenaline and desire still coursing through his veins, decided to push just a bit further. He leaned back against Garak’s desk, the slight angle of his body casual, but his gaze steady. “Since you won that round, Elim,” he said, his voice low and inviting, “I guess as a reward, I’ll let you decide what happens now. But…” He tilted his head slightly, a playful challenge glinting in his eyes. “I need you to use your words and say it like it is this time, I need to hear it.”

Garak’s expression shifted, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before being replaced by a knowing smile that revealed just enough of his sharp teeth to make Julian’s heart skip. The Cardassian stepped closer, the measured grace in his movements exuding an air of confidence that was wholly his own. Julian’s breath caught as Garak’s hands came to rest on either side of him, trapping him between the cool surface of the desk and the warmth of Garak’s body.

“Very well, Doctor,” Garak whispered, his voice dropping to a rich timbre that resonated in the small space between them. “Since you insist on clarity…” He leaned in, his breath brushing Julian’s ear as he spoke, each word deliberate and carefully placed. “What I want is to finally strip away this game of veiled meanings and dances around what we both know to be true. I want to feel you, taste you, hear every sound you make until there is nothing left unsaid between us.”

Julian shivered at the confession, the heat that pooled in his belly sparking into a full flame. Garak drew back just enough to look at him, searching Julian’s face for any sign of hesitation. Finding none, he traced a line down Julian’s jaw with his thumb, his touch softer than Julian had expected.

“That's what I want, Julian,” Garak continued, the sound of his name making Julian’s pulse race, “to watch every mask fall away, to know the man beneath it's usual uniform, with no barriers of pretense.”

Julian’s lips parted, but words failed him, replaced by the overwhelming desire that made him press forward, capturing Garak’s mouth in a kiss that was nothing short of fervent. 

Garak’s words, “I want to feel you, taste you, hear every sound you make.."  echoed in Julian’s mind, adding fuel to the fire that coursed through him as they kissed. The reality of being wanted by Garak, after so many stolen glances and half-spoken confessions, sent a thrill down his spine. Julian found himself clutching at Garak’s shoulders, pulling him closer, desperate to feel the solid weight of him pressed against his body.

He had been playful with flirtations, quick to offer a charming smile to the ladies on the station, but nothing had gone beyond friendly light touches and laughter in what felt like an eternity. It had been so long since he had been touched intimately by someone other than himself, and the ache of that solitude made him more desperate, more needy.

Garak’s hands, rougher than Julian expected, trailed down his chest. The way those fingers moved, mapping out every ridge and plane of his body, sent a rush of heat surging through Julian. He couldn’t help the sound that escaped him—a needy soft whimper, unbidden and raw.

The sound made Garak pause, his fingers stilling just above Julian’s waist. His blue eyes darkened with an emotion Julian couldn’t quite place but recognized as intense, predatory even. There was a fire in Garak’s gaze, one that spoke of restraint teetering on the edge of being discarded. It was a look that made Julian’s pulse race faster, his breath coming in shallow pants as he waited for Garak’s next move.

“Julian,” Garak murmured, his voice low, reverberating in the space between them. “Did you know.. that sound might be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard?”

Julian’s eyes widened slightly, and a deep flush coloured his cheeks. He swallowed, feeling the tremor of anticipation run through him. “Then I hope you’re ready to hear more of them,” he whispered, emboldened by the intensity in Garak’s eyes.

A smile, sharp and full of promise, curved Garak’s lips. He resumed his exploration, fingertips trailing lower, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. Julian’s muscles tensed under the touch, his body reacting to every press and caress as if each one was the answer to a long-unfulfilled need. When Garak’s hand finally settled on his hip, gripping just hard enough to make Julian gasp, the Cardassian leaned in, his breath hot against Julian’s ear.

“I intend to hear everything, my dear Doctor. Every. Last. Sound.”

Julian shivered, a pulse of heat unfurling in his stomach and spreading outward. He reached for Garak, fingers tangling in the ridges of his scales, pulling him into a deeper kiss that was all tongue and teeth and shared hunger. Garak’s responding groan vibrated between them, the sound igniting something in Julian. The careful patience they had once maintained between them was shattered, replaced by a frenzied urgency that neither could deny any longer.

 Garak’s lips left Julian’s, trailing down his jaw and neck, eliciting shudders that made Julian’s chest rise and fall faster. When Garak’s mouth pressed against his collarbone, teeth scraping just enough to tease, Julian couldn’t hold back the moan that tore from his throat.

“Yes, just like that..” Garak whispered, voice rough with need as he marked the space between neck and shoulder. Julian’s hands tightened on Garak’s arms, nails digging into flesh as the sensation sent a jolt through him.

"Elim-” Julian gasped, his voice cracking with want. His name on Julian’s lips, spoken in that tone, made Garak pause for a moment before he took Julian’s mouth again, deeper and more possessive than before.

"As much as I would like to just have you over this table, Julian," Garak says, voice low and breathy. "I'd rather lay you out on my bed so I can see.. touch... and taste all of you." The imagery those words conjured in Julian’s mind was potent—Garak’s hands and mouth exploring him, the way those piercing blue eyes would watch every reaction he gave. A moan slipped past Julian’s lips before he could stop it, and without thinking, he leaned forward again, capturing Garak’s mouth with a need he hadn’t known he possessed. The kiss was desperate, almost bruising, as Julian poured everything he felt into it, letting Garak feel the extent of how much he wanted this—wanted him.

Garak responded in kind, one hand tangling in Julian’s hair, tilting his head to deepen the kiss while the other gripped his waist, fingers digging in just enough to leave the slightest mark. Julian’s heart thundered, and he was dimly aware of the edge of the desk pressing into the small of his back, a grounding sensation in the whirlwind of heat and urgency.

But Garak pulled back, his breath ragged, eyes blazing with something Julian had never seen before—pure, unfiltered desire. “Not here,” Garak murmured, voice hoarse as he trailed his thumb over Julian’s swollen lips. The gesture was possessive yet tender, it made Julian’s pulse quicken.

Before Julian could respond, Garak’s arm slipped around his waist and lifted him effortlessly.

The sudden shift, the way Garak’s strength lifted him as if he weighed nothing, made Julian’s already aching need flare. He felt the thrum of arousal snap through him, a pulse that beat hard and insistent in his veins. Julian’s legs wrapped instinctively around Garak’s waist as he was carried across the room, the tailor’s long strides, made him tighten his legs more, pushing his own hard need against the other man. 

“Impatient, Doctor?” Garak teased, though his voice was rough with want. His gaze flicked to Julian’s parted lips and the way his chest rose and fell with each rapid breath. Garak’s eyes softened, just for a heartbeat, with reverence. “You are stunning..”

Julian swallowed hard, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks, but there was no time for embarrassment. Garak’s mouth found his again, the kiss deep and claiming, making Julian moan into the contact. He clutched at Garak’s shoulders, fingers digging into the firm muscle as he let himself fall deeper into the sensation of it all.

The room shifted around them as Garak carried him into the adjoining bedroom, where the lighting was dimmed and shadows played along the walls. The scent of Garak’s quarters surrounded Julian—impossibly warm, spiced, and distinctly him. It was a heady thing, adding to the rush that surged through Julian as he felt the mattress at his back.

Garak leaned over him, hands bracing on either side of Julian’s head, eyes tracing the lines of his face. The slight coolness of Garak’s skin was a balm to the heat radiating from Julian, and he found himself arching up, desperate for more contact.

“As much as I would enjoy devouring you quickly..” Garak said, a sly smile playing on his lips, “I think I’d rather take my time.” He lifts Julian's shirt up and off, tossing it aside in a heap on the floor.

Julian’s breath hitched, and he met Garak’s gaze, eyes half-lidded with desire. “Then what are you waiting for?” The challenge in his voice trembled just enough to betray how much he craved whatever Garak was willing to give him.

Garak’s expression darkened as he dipped down, pressing a line of kisses from Julian’s jaw down to the hollow of his throat, lingering there as Julian’s pulse fluttered beneath his lips. Julian couldn’t help the moan that escaped him, the feel of Garak’s mouth on his skin an exquisite torment.

“You taste even better than I imagined,” Garak whispered, his breath hot against Julian’s neck. His hands moved to trace the planes of Julian’s chest, fingers brushing over his nipples and drawing a shudder from Julian. The way Garak’s eyes roved over him, cataloguing every response, made Julian feel seen in a way that was overwhelming.

The soft, teasing touch gave way to something slicker as Garak’s mouth followed the path of his hands. When Garak’s tongue traced a slow circle around one nipple before catching it gently between his teeth, Julian gasped, hips jerking up involuntarily. The rush of pleasure that coursed through him made him keen, and he gripped the sheets beneath him.

“Elim, please…” Julian’s voice was breathless, his plea more a whimper than anything. The desperation in his tone seemed to stoke Garak’s fire, and the Cardassian’s eyes gleamed with triumph.

“Oh, Julian,” Garak said, trailing kisses down the centre of his chest, pausing at the curve of his ribs. “You’re going to make such beautiful sounds for me.”

Julian’s body was alive with sensation, every nerve ending sparking under Garak’s slightly cooler touch. When Garak’s mouth moved lower, nipping and kissing the soft skin of Julian’s abdomen, Julian’s head fell back, a deep groan rumbling from his chest.

The anticipation was almost too much, the slow, deliberate way Garak explored him making Julian’s whole body tense with need. Garak’s hands slipped beneath the waistband of Julian’s trousers, and he felt the fabric slide down, leaving him bared and exposed beneath the weight of Garak’s gaze. The cool air against his heated skin made him shiver, but it was the look in Garak’s eyes that truly stole his breath.

“Look at you..” Garak murmured as he traced the line of Julian’s hip. His touch was gentle, teasing, and Julian arched into it, a soft, needy sound escaping him that made Garak’s eyes darken even further. Julian opened his eyes, meeting Garak’s gaze, seeing the mix of hunger and affection reflected back at him. His tongue dipped into the hollow of Julian’s hip, and the doctor’s fingers tightened in the sheets, a full body shudder running through him.

“Elim-” Julian gasped, the sound of his voice ragged with need. The way he said Garak’s name—unshielded and raw—sent a thrill through the tailor, who paused to meet Julian’s eyes. Those dark, dilated pupils and flushed cheeks were a sight Garak wanted to commit to memory, wanted to explore every night from this moment on if possible.

“You make the most beautiful sounds, my dear,” Garak murmured, his voice a soft rumble that Julian felt as much as he heard. “the prettiest I’ve ever heard.” The praise made Julian’s heart pound even harder, a deep ache unfurling in his core.

Garak’s mouth resumed its exploration, lips and tongue gliding lower, tasting the smooth skin just above Julian’s most sensitive places. He breathed Julian in, savouring the way his body responded with little shivers and gasps. He drew out every touch, every moment, until Julian was writhing beneath him, hips lifting off the bed in silent pleas for more. But Garak, ever in control, pressed one firm hand to Julian’s hip, keeping him in place.

“Please, Elim..” Julian said, his voice cracking with a mixture of desperation and frustration. His hands found their way to Garak’s broad shoulders, the powerful curve of them a perfect anchor as he held on, fingers pressing hard enough to leave marks if Garak had ben human.

“Not yet, Julian.” Garak whispered, the command in his tone clear. A slow smile spread across Garak’s lips as he looked up, his eyes glinting with mischief and desire. “Patience, Doctor,” he said, the title laced with irony. His mouth moved over Julian’s inner thigh, his tongue tracing lines that left trails of heat in their wake. He took his time, revelling in the way Julian’s muscles tensed and relaxed, how the doctor’s breath came in shallow, broken gasps. Julian’s whimpers turned into soft, breathy moans as Garak’s touch grew closer, but still teasing, bringing himself close, so close, only to retreat at the last moment. The build-up was exquisite torture, each near touch a tightening coil that made Julian’s skin feel electric.

“Elim, please!” Julian's fingers curling over the expanse of Garak’s shoulders, holding on as if the touch alone could pull him back from the edge of insanity. The Cardassian’s skin was cooler beneath his hands, the texture of his scales digging into his skin. Julian’s chest heaved as he looked down, meeting Garak’s eyes that were now fixed on him, watching every reaction with an intensity that left Julian exposed and vulnerable in the best possible way.

Garak chuckled softly, a deep, vibrating sound that made Julian’s already overstimulated senses spin. “So eager,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to the sensitive skin just below Julian’s navel. “I could spend hours tasting you, learning what makes you come undone.”

Julian let out a desperate groan, his head falling back against the pillows as the heat built to an almost unbearable level. “I can’t—Elim, I need—” The words were a jumble, a mix of pleading and command that made Garak’s smile widen.

“And you shall have it, my dear.” Garak promised, finally allowing himself to move lower. The anticipation of the touch made Julian’s entire body tense, a shiver running through him as Garak’s breath fanned over his heated, impossibly hard and aching need.

When Garak’s mouth finally enveloped him, Julian cried out, fingers digging into those strong, broad shoulders as if they were the only thing keeping him anchored to reality. The sensation was overwhelming, Garak’s tongue working with a skill that left no doubt about how well he understood the art of pleasure. Julian’s hips bucked instinctively, and this time, Garak let him move, pressing a hand to the small of his back to seemingly urge him on.

The room seemed to pulse with heat, their shared breaths mingling with the sound of Julian’s increasingly desperate moans and whimpers. Garak alternated between deep, slow movements and quicker, teasing flicks of his tongue that kept Julian teetering on the edge, never quite letting him fall over. The rhythm was maddening, each pull and suck and swirl of his tongue drawing Julian further into a haze of need.

“Elim, I—” Julian’s voice broke as Garak pulled back just enough to look up at him, lips swollen and eyes full of possessive hunger. Julian can only whimper. 

When Garak’s mouth descended again, more insistent this time, with a pressure and speed that promised no more teasing, Julian felt himself finally tip over the edge. The wave of pleasure that swept through him was almost blinding, and he gasped Garak’s name, body arching off the bed as he came undone. The hands on Garak’s shoulders tightened, the only real lifeline as the sensation crashed over him in waves that left him shuddering and breathless.

Garak’s mouth didn’t relent until Julian was left trembling, his body lax and spent. When the last tremor passed, Garak moved up to capture Julian’s mouth in a kiss, the taste of him shared between them. Julian’s mind was a blissful fog, but the warmth in Garak’s eyes grounded him, made him feel cherished in a way he hadn’t expected.

“Utterly beautiful.” Garak whispered, brushing a strand of damp hair from Julian’s forehead. The gentleness in his touch was much different than the passionate intensity that had just consumed them, and it made Julian’s heart ache with a different kind of need.

Julian met his gaze, a soft smile playing at his lips as he caught his breath. “You certainly know how to play the long game..” he said voice still shaky with the aftershocks of his release.

Garak chuckled, pressing a kiss to Julian’s shoulder. “Only with opponents worth winning..” he replied.

Julian’s chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven breaths, his body still trembling. But Garak, ever true to his word, was not finished. He leaned over Julian, eyes dark and warm as he traced a path down his flushed, sweat-dampened skin.

“You are so soft, so warm,” Garak murmured, his voice velvet-smooth. “I’m almost afraid my touch will ruin you.”

A shiver ran through Julian at the comment, a low, needy sound escaping his lips. He reached up, running his fingers over the strong ridges of Garak’s shoulders and the expanse of his chest, trying to anchor himself. “Elim… you are allowed to.” he whispered, his voice still breathless, tinged with exhaustion but now laced with growing anticipation.

Garak’s lips quirked into a smirk, but there was no mockery in his gaze, only admiration. “I would rather worship than ruin you, my dear,” he said, the endearment rolling off his tongue like liquid honey.

The praise, the tone of Garak’s voice—rich and filled with need—made Julian’s breath catch in his throat. He felt Garak shift, the weight of him leaving the bed momentarily as he reached over to the bedside table. Julian opened his eyes, just in time to see Garak’s silhouette bathed in the dim light, fingers wrapping around a small, dark bottle. The smell that drifted into the air when the cap was removed was heady and sweet, a mixture of exotic spices and something floral.

Julian’s anticipation grew, and a shiver ran through him as Garak settled back on the bed, eyes dark and intent. “Trust me, Julian,” Garak said, voice deep and soothing. It wasn’t a question, but a statement—one that carried the weight of certainty, as though he already knew the answer.

“I do,” Julian whispered, the words slipping out as easily as a breath.

Garak smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling with an affection that was almost disarming. “Good.” With that, he slicked his fingers, the oil glistening under the faint light before he pressed a gentle, teasing kiss to Julian’s inner thigh. Julian tensed in anticipation, a moan escaping him as Garak’s touch travelled to places only he’d dared explore alone.

The first press of Garak’s fingers was careful, exploratory, and Julian’s body responded immediately, a low, drawn-out moan tearing from his throat as the sensation washed over him. Garak’s touch was both gentle and insistent, his understanding of human anatomy apparent in the way he moved—deliberate, seeking out what made Julian’s breath hitch and his hips buck.

“So responsive..” Garak murmured, voice dark and filled with awe as he worked Julian open. “You’re exquisite, my dear Julian.” he sound of his name, spoken in that deep, approving tone, made Julian’s breath hitch. He moaned softly, hips shifting as Garak’s fingers moved within him stretching and coaxing him to yield. 

Garak continued to praise him, the words a steady stream that flowed between encouragement and adoration. “Just like that,” he whispered, slipping a second finger in and curling them just so, making Julian keen with a sound that vibrated through his chest. “you take this so beautifully, so perfectly.”

Julian’s hands gripped Garak’s shoulders again, the solid strength beneath his fingers a grounding force as pleasure mingled with the delicious ache of being prepared. He arched into the touch, eyes half-lidded and lips parted as he lost himself in the sensations Garak created with every movement. Whimpers and moans spilled from him without restraint, his usually sharp mind reduced to fragments of sensation and need.

“Elim-” he gasped, the name torn from him as Garak’s fingers found a particularly sensitive spot that made him see stars. Garak’s eyes gleamed, a mixture of satisfaction and possessive heat in his gaze as he repeated the motion, earning another broken moan from Julian.

“That’s it, Julian,” Garak said, voice rich with praise as he leaned down to nuzzle the crook of Julian’s neck, lips brushing the skin with feather-light kisses. “I want to hear you, to feel how you like this as you squeeze around my fingers.” His fingers moved with ease, slow but insistent, drawing out Julian’s pleasure as if it were an art form he was perfecting.

Julian’s body responded, hips canting up as he met each thrust of Garak’s fingers, the slick warmth making the slide smooth and almost too much. He whimpered again, the sound echoing in the quiet of the room, and felt Garak’s free hand slide up his side, grounding and supportive.

“Such a beautiful sight.” Garak murmured, his voice low and rough as he finally withdrew his fingers, leaving Julian trembling and open. “Ready for me, Julian?” The question was more of a promise, one that made Julian’s pulse race as he looked up at Garak, eyes wide and filled with anticipation.

“Oh, my God.. Yes. Julian breathed, his voice quivering but certain. 

A soft, genuine smile crossed Garak’s face as he positioned himself, leaning down to press a gentle, lingering kiss to Julian’s lips. When Garak finally pushed inside, it that made Julian’s body coil with need. The slide was slow, achingly so, every inch slow torture. Julian’s fingers dug into Garak’s broad shoulders trying to push him to make him move quicker.

“Elim-” Julian gasped, his voice ragged with desperation as his eyes fluttered closed. The slow, torturous pace was driving him to the brink of madness, a mix of pleasure and anticipation making him tremble beneath the weight of Garak’s body. “You don’t have to—oh, please—be quicker.”

Garak’s hand cupped Julian’s face, tilting it up so their eyes met. The Cardassian’s expression was one of dark amusement, mixed with an unmistakable hunger. “No, my dear,” Garak whispered, his voice deep and steady, the control in it absolute. “I want to hear you say it properly.”

Julian whimpered at the command, the raw need in him sparking like a live wire. He tried to shift his hips, to coax Garak into moving faster, but the tailor held him steady, his fingers pressing firmly into Julian’s sides to keep him in place. The power behind Garak’s restraint, the way he demanded Julian’s submission, sent another pulse of heat through Julian’s core.

“Elim, please,” Julian begged, the words spilling from his lips in a breathless rush. Pride and composure melted away, leaving only the desperation that simmered in his voice. “I need you, need you to fill me properly, to move. Please, I’m begging you—don’t make me wait anymore.” his voice breathy with it's desperation.

A smile, both tender and victorious, curved Garak’s lips as he leaned down to press a soft kiss to Julian’s parted mouth. “Good,” he murmured against his lips, the word vibrating through Julian’s chest. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear, my dear.”

With that, Garak began to move, the slow, measured pace giving way to deeper, more intense thrusts. Julian’s breath caught in his throat as Garak properly filled him, the pressure and friction sending waves of pleasure rolling through him. Each thrust was deep, each pull back a promise that left Julian whimpering for more.

The sound of their bodies moving together filled the room, a symphony of gasps, moans, and whispered names. Julian’s legs wrapped around Garak’s waist, drawing him in closer, wanting to feel every inch of him, to make this moment last as long as it could.

“Julian,” Garak said, voice hoarse and full of praise as he watched the way Julian’s face contorted in pleasure. “you’re perfect like this, so responsive, so beautiful.”

Julian’s heart raced at the words, the praise fuelling the fire inside him. He could feel himself slipping further into the overwhelming sensation, his body tightening around Garak as he moved with a rhythm that left no space for coherent thought. All he could do was hold on, fingers gripping the powerful curve of Garak’s shoulders, his nails leaving red crescents in their wake.

“Please, Elim—” Julian’s voice cracked as he felt the tension building to an unbearable point. Every nerve in his body was alive, sparking with heat as Garak’s thrusts pushed him closer to the edge. “I’m so close…”

Garak’s eyes burned with an intensity that made Julian shiver. “Then let go for me, my dear.” Garak said, his voice deep and commanding as he quickened his pace, the sound of their breathing mingling as one. 

With a final deep thrust that hit just right, Julian’s body arched off the bed, a cry tearing from his throat as the release washed over him in waves, leaving him trembling and breathless beneath Garak’s weight. The pleasure rippled through him, a cascade that left him shuddering and spent, gasping Garak’s name in a voice that was barely more than a whisper.

Garak followed soon after, his rhythm stuttering as he groaned Julian’s name, his body tensing and then relaxing as he collapsed gently onto Julian, careful not to crush him. The silence that followed was filled with the sound of their laboured breathing, the room still echoing with the remnants of shared passion.

Julian’s body still hummed from the intensity of their release, his skin sensitive and alive with every lingering touch. Garak's weight pressed into him just enough to be grounding, not suffocating, and Julian relished the sensation of their bodies intertwined, slick with sweat and the remnants of passion. The room felt warm, safe, filled with a quiet that was only punctuated by their steady breathing.

“So warm…” Garak’s voice was barely more than a whisper, the words ghosting across Julian’s neck as the Cardassian lay halfway on top of him. Despite his own weight, he was careful not to crush Julian, supporting himself with one arm. The other arm was wrapped securely around Julian’s waist, fingers splayed against his damp skin as if to keep him anchored.

Julian’s chest rose and fell with the aftershocks of their earlier release, his body still sensitive, tingling with remnants of pleasure. The feel of Garak’s lips pressing slow, tender kisses to his neck made him shiver, and he tilted his head to the side, giving Garak more space to explore. Garak’s breath was warm as he took in the scent of him, a mixture of sweat and the earthy oil they had used, now mingled with something distinctly Julian.

“Mmm.” Garak hummed softly against his skin, his voice deep with contentment. His hands traced a slow, deliberate path down Julian’s sides, the touch gentle but firm enough to ignite fresh sparks beneath Julian’s skin. It tickled in places, drawing a sudden, breathy laugh from Julian that quickly shifted into a gasp when Garak’s fingers pressed a little harder, teasingly trailing over his hips.

The sound that came out of Julian as Garak continued, was something between a gasp and a moan, it made Garak pause, a groan rumbling low in his chest. “The noises you make, Julian…” he said, his voice rough with longing. “They could drive even a stronger man mad.”

Julian’s skin flushed at the praise, a warm ache settling low in his belly as Garak’s words sank in. He turned his head just enough to meet Garak’s gaze, eyes dark and half-lidded with lingering desire. “Then I hope you’re prepared to go a little mad for me, Elim,” he said, his voice soft, teasing. His body arched just slightly, pressing into Garak’s touch, inviting more.

Garak’s eyes glinted with amusement and unspent need, and the smile that tugged at his lips was both playful and predatory. “Oh, Julian, I fully intend to.” He lowered his mouth to Julian’s neck again, this time nipping lightly at the skin, drawing another gasp from the doctor. The sound spurred him on, and he licked the spot he’d just bitten, soothing the slight sting with a flick of his tongue.

Julian’s fingers found their way to Garak’s shoulders, gripping the solid expanse of them as if to steady himself. Every kiss, every breath Garak let out against his neck sent a fresh wave of heat coursing through Julian, making him squirm beneath the Cardassian’s attentions.

“Stay still, my dear,” Garak murmured, the command gentle but firm as his hand slid down to Julian’s thigh, squeezing just enough to make him shudder. Julian tried to comply, biting his lip as he fought the urge to arch up again, but it was a losing battle as Garak’s mouth moved lower, pressing kisses along his collarbone and down to the centre of his chest, before dragging his tongue across each nipple in turn.

“Garak-” Julian moaned, his voice a pleading whisper that earned him a chuckle from the tailor. The sound reverberated against Julian’s skin, making him shiver.

“Yes, Doctor?” Garak said, using Julian's title instead of name, looking up through dark lashes as his lips hovered just above Julian’s sternum. The way he spoke, as if they had all the time in the universe, drove Julian’s anticipation higher, each slow second more tantalizing than the last.

“You… you’re not playing fair Elim.” Julian managed, breathless, fingers tightening their hold on Garak’s shoulders.

Garak’s eyes sparkled with mischief as he resumed his trail of kisses across his length, earning him a strangled moan from the other man. “I never promised to,” he said, voice rich with amusement. “What I did promise however was to see and touch and taste everything...”

And with that, he continued his exploration, every touch and kiss drawing more moans and sighs from Julian, filling the room once more with the sound of their shared passion.

Garak's body pressed close to Julian’s, their skin still slick from exertion, warm and humming with shared satisfaction. The room around them was bathed in the soft glow of the station’s ambient lights, casting shadows that seemed to move like whispers along the walls. Julian let out a contented sigh, feeling utterly spent and blissfully relaxed as Garak nuzzled into the curve of his shoulder, his breath warm and even.

“I might be a ‘superhuman', Garak, but humans have a recuperation period you know..?” Julian groaned, a playful whine in his voice. There was no real complaint behind it; the truth was that he’d enjoyed everything Garak had done to him—every kiss, every touch, every moment that had made him forget everything else outside these four walls.

Garak pressed a soft kiss to Julian’s shoulder and settled in closer, his body half-draped over Julian like a blanket. “I see I might have overestimated your stamina..” Garak teased, his voice a low, affectionate murmur. The gentle weight of his arm resting across Julian’s waist made the doctor feel cherished, a sensation that settled warmly in his chest. Julian chuckled, a sound that vibrated through his chest and made Garak shift slightly, looking up with a hint of curiosity.

“What’s so funny?” Garak asked, lifting his head just enough to catch Julian’s eye, one eyebrow raised in playful suspicion.

Julian grinned, turning his face to press a lazy kiss to the corner of Garak’s mouth. “Nothing. Just thinking how much you’re like a lizard on a warm rock, so content.” he teased, his voice soft, eyes crinkling at the corners as he spoke. Garak’s eyes widened momentarily, then softened with a rare, genuine smile.

“A lizard, am I?” he mused, the mock offense laced with amusement. He moved his hand to Julian’s waist, fingers tracing light, lazy circles against his skin, the touch soothing. “Well, as long as I’m your lizard, I suppose I can accept that.”

Julian’s grin turned into a laugh, the warmth between them dispelling any remaining tension in the room. The sound seemed to reach into Garak’s core, drawing him even closer, if that were possible. Julian tilted his head, pressing another kiss to Garak's lips, the lingering contact speaking more than words ever could.

They lay in a comfortable silence for a moment, the steady rhythm of their breathing the only sound. Julian shifted, running his hand slowly down Garak’s back, feeling the hard planes of muscle and the intricate texture of his scales against his fingertips. It was starting to feel more familiar now, but it still sparked a thrill of curiosity and wonder in him.

“You know,” Julian said, voice still soft as he broke the silence, “I’m looking forward to mapping out your body.” His tone was sincere, a mix of fascination and longing. His fingers traced the ridges of Garak’s spine, pausing at the dip just above his waist. “Every scar, every line, every mark. I want to know it all.”

Garak’s expression softened into something tender, his eyes studying Julian’s face. “Is that so, Doctor?” he replied, the endearment now carrying a deeper significance. “I can’t say I’d mind that in the slightest.”

Julian’s hand continued its exploration, tracing patterns across Garak’s back before coming to rest on his hip. “It’s only fair,” Julian said, a mischievous spark in his eyes. “you’ve had the pleasure of seeing and tasting every part of me. I think it would be only prudent of me to be able to return the favour.”

Garak’s laugh was low and rich, vibrating through their shared space. “Well, I suppose turnabout is indeed fair play,” he said, his voice taking on a teasing lilt. “Though I warn you, mapping a Cardassian may take quite some time. We are, after all, a rather complex species. Could go on for days possibly..”

Julian smirked, pressing his forehead to Garak’s. “Good thing I’m so very patient then.” he whispered.