Title: ALL THE WAY - A VALENTINE GIFT

Author: T'Lin (LinkyS@aol.com)

Series: DS9

Code: G/B

Rating: R

Web Site: T'Lin's Fanfic Page - http://www.oocities.org/tlin_s/

Summary: Vic throws a Valentines Day Party for his friends. This is part of my ongoing series "IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME" (including the stories "Dead of Night", "The Morning After" and "In the Light of Day"), however, it stands on its own very nicely. This story was inspired by Vic Fontain's song "All the Way".

Disclaimer: Paramount/Viacom owns everything STAR TREK, I just take the characters out once in a while to have a little fun. No copyright infringement is intended ... I do this for fun, not profit.

ALL THE WAY - A VALENTINE GIFT

T'Lin

16. January, 2000

Vic smiled as he made his rounds. The club was packed ... everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. As he stopped by each table, compliments were given, requests were made ... he took it all in graciously, as any good host would do. He looked up just as the arch to the holodeck opened ... his guests had arrived. He continued his rounds, while they got settled at their table. Slowly, he made his way over to them ... after all, he was here for their entertainment.

Ah ... how lovely they all looked. When Vic sent out the invitations to this Valentines Day Party, he told them that it was formal, but to keep the holiday in mind when choosing their attire. For the men, this was a simple task ... all were wearing black tux's ... their concession to Valentines Day was simply cummerbunds and bow ties of varying shades of red or pink ... with one exception. Julian Bashir was wearing a vest under his tux that was a geometric design of pinks and reds. As Vic took a better look, he noticed that the pattern was abstract hearts ... quite stunning, in it's own way, although not necessarily something he would have pictured the Doctor wearing.

The women, however, were something else entirely ... all were absolutely stunning. Casidy had on a deep rose, low cut, strapless gown ... the satiny texture of the fabric clung to every curve, and it shimmered as she moved. Ezri was in deep red, the color of blood wine ... the high collared, halter style of this gown accentuated her spots, and the full skirt swirled magnificently around her as she walked. Then there was Kira in a wonderful red gown, draped low in front, and even lower in the back ... made of a very slinky, silky fabric with a slit to her hip on one side. Long white gloves completed her ensemble. As he approached them, he made one final observation about their attire ... the men's cummerbunds all matched the gowns of their respective partners.

They had just finished getting settled into their table as Vic arrived. "Welcome" he said, "and Happy Valentines Day! You guys look fabulous tonight. If there's anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask".

"Thank you, Vic" said Bashir, "looks like a great party".

With this, he also noted the obvious absence of one member of their party ... Garak. He had promised Vic that he would be there. As Vic looked at Julian, he noted the young man shake his head almost unperceptively ... // best not to pursue it now // he thought. "Champagne is on the house ... if you need anything, just ask", and as he started to walk away, he turned back to add, "I'll be taking requests".

Julian stood, "Vic, can I have a word with you for a moment?"

"Of course, Doctor ... I have a few minutes before the entertainment starts", and he waited for Julian to catch up with him. Placing his hand on the Doctors shoulder, they went in the direction of Vic's office.

After Vic and Julian left the table, the conversation led into speculation. Nobody knew who Julian had planned to bring as his date for the evening, but it was obvious he had planned on bringing someone ... after all, there was an empty seat at their table, and that is the kind of thing that Vic would not have let happen. By the look that passed between them, Vic knew about the date ... perhaps he had even been the matchmaker. As Odo and Kira pointed out, it wouldn't be the first time. Well, as this speculation was getting them nowhere, the conversation soon changed to other subjects ... when the champagne arrived, several toasts were made and the party was in full swing. Julian quietly slipped back into his seat as Vic got on stage.

Ben Sisko and Casidy Yates where the first to get up on the dance floor, they were soon joined by Odo and Kira. After a quick glance at Worf, Ezri turned to Julian and asked him if he wanted to dance ... he declined, so she turned to her former husband, and they joined the rest on the dance floor. Julian sat back, and watched his friends. They all looked so happy ... he wished he was up there with them, dancing with the love of his life. Until this very morning, Garak had agreed to be here tonight ... they had decided that this would be the perfect time to tell their friends and colleagues about their 3-month old relationship. But then, this morning over breakfast, he had told Julian that he couldn't do it. He was convinced that Julian's friends would reject their relationship ... and he loved him too much to see him hurt by their rejection.

// Why couldn't he see that, by not being with me ... by not sharing our love ... he is also hurting me? // Julian thought, as he sat there, alone. Just then, there was a pause in the music, and Vic spoke into the microphone. "This next piece is a request ... I have been asked to dedicate it to Doctor Julian Bashir".

At the mention of his name, Julian was aroused from his private musing ... he looked up, as the music started to play. There, standing just behind his left shoulder was Garak, his hand extended. "May I have this dance?"

Julian was speechless ... but took his lovers hand, and went to the dance floor.

When somebody loves you ...
It's no good unless he loves you ...
All the way.
Happy to be near you ...
When you need someone to cheer you ...
All the way.


// thank you, Vic ... I know you had something to do with this. // Julian thought as he smiled into Garak's magnificent blue eyes. "Thank you!" he said, and held him closer.

Taller, than the tallest tree is,
That's how it's got to feel.
Deeper than the deep blue sea is,
That's how deep it goes, if it's real.


Garak took in the people around them as they danced. There were a few surprised expressions at first, but in a matter of seconds, everyone went back to dancing. // he was right ... nobody seems to care. // Garak was amazed.

And when somebody needs you ...
It's no good unless he needs you ...
All the way.
Through the good or lean years,
And through all the in between years ...
Come what may.


Julian was afraid to look around ... no matter how many times he had tried to convince Garak that it didn't matter, he now found himself unsure. // What if my friends didn't approve? Could I live with that knowledge? // he decided that he could, as long as he was with Garak ... but for now, he was content to rest his head on his lovers shoulder, and feel his arms around him.

Who knows where the road will lead us,
Only a fool would say.
But if you let me love you ...
It's for sure I'm gonna love you ...
All the way.
All ... the way.


As the music died, silence overcame the room. Garak stood back, still holding Julian's hand, saying "Happy Valentines Day, my dear Doctor", and proceeded to kiss him soundly.

Never one to miss an opportunity, Julian returned the kiss whole heartedly. Suddenly, their was applause, and one by one, Julian's friends and co-workers came up to the couple to offer their congratulations. Julian beamed ... and Garak hugged him all the more. The look of pure joy on their faces was enough to light up the whole room.

As they returned to their table, a fresh bottle of champagne was brought to them, and a toast made by the Captain ... "To Love, and Happiness ... may we all live our lives to the fullest, and never miss any opportunity to be with the ones we love. Life is too short for half measures!" and with that, they raised their glasses to Julian and Garak.

Later that night, as they lay beside one another, content in the afterglow of their lovemaking, Julian could no longer resist asking, "what made you change your mind?"

"Hmm?" was the sleepy reply. After a second, he shifted onto his elbow, and looked into Julian's eyes, saying, "I didn't ... I had every intention of going to the party last night."

Julian was puzzled. "But what about our argument over breakfast? Or the fact that you didn't go with me?"

"Ah ..." he smiled, and ran his hand along Julian's jaw line, preparatory to kissing him. He had a mischievous look in his eyes as he said, "I'm sorry about that ... but I wanted to make a dramatic entrance ... and surprise you, in the bargain." Then he did kiss him before going on, "I thought that surprise would cover up any signs of disapproval, at least for a while".

"Well, you had nothing to fear ... but I've been telling you that for the past three months". Julian was pleased, his friends had acted as he had hoped, and he no longer had to hide his relationship with Garak from anyone. Suddenly, a thought occurred to him, "I'm curious ... did you pick the song tonight, or did Vic?"

"I did, of course ... it took me a week, pouring over the lyrics of all of his songs, just to find the one that said exactly what I wanted to say to you ... and everyone else there, too".

"I'm glad ... it means so much more that way". Ever so slowly, Julian started to explore the ridges along Garak's neck, down along his chest and abdomen ... his mouth showering him with kisses following the same path his hand had taken. He whispered "let's see if your actions live up to your words".

Garak instantly rolled Julian over and pinned him to the bed with his body ... his arousal was quite evident, as was Julian's. "I intend to, my dear Doctor ... every day of my life, if you will have me".

"As long as that includes the nights, too" he replied with a smile.

"But of course, my dear." With that, they made love until the wee hours of the morning.

The End

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