Tears of Time

Chapter IV/?



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Julian was released as soon as they materialized outside a large country house. He looked around. In the distance, something glinted and sparkled. Squinting, he could see a few elegant curves which were the signature of Cardassian architecture.

 

“Lokarian City,” Garak said, pointing toward it.

 

“Garak...” His knees buckled as he was shocked. He fell against Garak's chest.

 

“What did I say about respect for your Cardassian Master?” Garak soothed, rubbing his back. “You are trying my patience, Doctor.”

 

“Well, what should I call you?” Julian demanded, gritting his teeth.

 

“Master or Sir will be fine in a public setting.” Garak said, leading him up the steps to the door which slid back after scanning his thumb and retina, entering an extensive code and having his voice print recognized.

 

“We're not in a public setting,” Julian said, gritting his teeth. He had to play along with this game. He may have given too much information away already, if he was really in the past.

 

“And yet, our situation is hardly intimate enough for allowing you the liberty of addressing me by name.”

 

The walls were done in a rich shade of reddish brown with creamy colored accents. A large vase of purple Edosian orchids sat on a table in the entrance hall. The doors on the right side were open showing a sitting room with floor to ceiling yellow wall lights and large windows with no curtains. A long white table was placed in the middle of the wall opposite the door. Several bone carvings were placed along it at even intervals, and a gold framed mirror with curves extending on the wall was centered above the table. Two long black couches covered in a leather like material with red pillows on them for decorations ran along the walls adjacent to the door.

 

“Now, I think we should go over some ground rules,” Garak said, leading Julian into the sitting room. “Shall I remove your restraints?”

 

Julian held his wrists out to Garak, looking into his blue eyes.

 

Garak removed the shackles, and placed them on low table between the couches. He unclipped the leash, placing it next to the cuffs.





"Computer, place a level three forcefield between the door and the entryway."

 

Julian moved to the other side of the table from the Cardassian. Garak sat down after sliding his boots off and stretched his legs out, leaning on the arm of the couch.

 

Julian moved to sit on the other couch.

 

“Rule number two,” Garak said, holding up a hand to stop him. “You're not allowed to use the furniture without permission.”

 

“Where am I supposed to sit?” Julian asked, glaring at Garak. “And what is rule number one?”

 

“Rule number one was already covered. I hope you will remember it soon.”

 

“Forgive me, Master,” Julian said, bowing low and holding his hands out far to his sides, palms up.

 

“I have an unusual medical condition, Doctor." Garak smiled pleasantly, and continued. "Sarcasm tends to make my finger twitch and press things you might regret.”

 

Julian watched Garak out the corner of his eye as he paced the room, observing things. He reached out to touch one of the bone carvings.

 

“Rule number three, though you belong to me, I don't want you touching my things without permission.”

 

“What am I allowed to do then?”

 

Garak moved a hand toward his pocket.

 

“Sir?” Julian added, eyes fastened on Garak's hand as it slid away from his pocket.

 

“You are supposed to please me. You can start by getting me a cup of red leaf tea from the replicator.”

 

“So I am your slave?”

 

Julian walked over to the replicator and collected the beverage.

 

“You are an egotist, aren't you? If you were my slave, I assure you that I would not waste your energy in fetching me a cup of tea. However, you may yet become my slave, though I prefer the term consort. You are worthy.”

 

“You wouldn't...” Julian trailed off, backing from Garak after giving him the cup. His eyes were wide and tears sprang to them at the thought of how this time-traveling incident might change his closest friendship. "Please don't do that."

 

“I've never resorted to such measures for pleasure, and I don't intend to start with you, despite your beauty.”

 

Garak took a sip of his tea.

 

“You may order something for yourself if you like.”

 

“Why did you bring me here?”

 

Julian ordered Tarkaalean tea, extra sweet and wandered about the room, squeezing the cup in his hands.

 

“You were in rough shape when we found you. I intend to see that you are shown some hospitality during your stay.”

 

Garak watched the human pace the room, like a caged animal. He looked over his skin which had a light sheen of sweat on it still. His muscles were taut as if he would spring at any moment. Yes, taking him from the Central Command had been a wise move. They would have torn him to pieces, and it would be a shame to see such beauty marred psychologically or physically.

 

“We might need to measure you for some more clothes,” Garak said. "With your coloration, dark red or ivory would be stunning."

 

“Well, you ripped the clothes I had.” Julian muttered, casting a look over his shoulder as he took a sip of the tea.

 

“Belonging to me, you should be better attired than you were. Those colors and materials did nothing to flatter you. I was thinking of a fine velvet.”

 

“I don't belong to anyone.”

 

“You are going to be difficult. A pity really. I could make things so much more pleasant for you if you'd allow me.”

 

“Why don't you let me go?”

 

“First of all, even if I believed your story about coming here from the future, which I don't. I wouldn't let you go.”

 

Julian was silent and continued to pace the room. He saw several data pads on the main table and glanced at them. They contained some Cardassian novels. His breathing was fast.

 

“Doctor, you really should relax,” Garak said, grabbing Julian's arm as he wandered too close.

 

Julian almost yelped as he was pulled to sit on the couch next to Garak.

 

“Why don't you tell me more about yourself? After all, you seem to know incomplete information about me...”

 

“I thought I wasn't allowed on the furniture.” Julian tensed as he expected a shock.

 

“I've given you permission to sit at my side on my furniture. For the moment.”

 

Garak's movements were slow as he leaned back, draping an arm around Julian and sliding his fingers over his shoulder in a very light touch. He touched his palm flatly to Julian's shoulder.

 

Julian sat stiffly, but didn't move away from the fingers. They were soft as if Garak were wearing leather gloves. He could feel Garak's heat next to him. He looked away. He shifted, remembering the first time Garak touched his shoulders, and pressed him back into his seat, touching slightly longer than proper for a first meeting. It was as if Garak had been familiar with him, but seemed aware that Julian might not be familiar with him.

 

He peeked back at Garak a moment later as the fingers stroked the sides of his neck where ridges would begin if he were a Cardassian. He breathed out a little heavier, trying not to think about how relaxing the soft touches were, how they were slowly forcing him to relax as the tension ebbed. He sighed more heavily, biting his lip as his head tipped forward. He leaned back on Garak's arm, and felt a leg press softly to his as the Cardassian shifted.

 

“Why do you keep touching me?”

 

“Because you're mine.”

 

Garak slid his fingers softly and teasingly over the muscle knots in Julian's shoulders.

 

Julian sighed in spite of himself as the tension flowed out and his muscles relaxed. Heat flowed around his body and he moved, trying to press closer to the touches.

 

“We'll be having a few guests for dinner this evening. I suggest we get you bathed and dressed for the occasion.”

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