Star Trek Imagines

[DS9] Julian & Garak - Not On Our Watch

A/N: This was requested on Tumblr, and is a platonic friendship between the three of them. Enjoy! :) x

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Joining Starfleet, you were expecting to have a career filled with exciting prospects, travel and experiences that were all brand new to you. All this, you got. What you didn't expect, was to pick up two people along the way who you now could never envisage a life without.

On your first day on Deep Space Nine, the first person you met was the doctor aboard the station, Julian Bashir. He was, to say the least, enthusiastic about having someone new arrive. Quickly, the two of you bonded and talked for what seemed like forever. The similarities kept coming. He was kind, as doctors always were, and he was beyond pleasant. Julian slowly became the one person you always went to with problems.

Shortly after, Julian had introduced you to someone else he new, Deep Space Nine's resident Cardassian, Elim Garak. Not known for being the most social man, you were absolutely awestruck that he kept conversation flowing with you once Julian got you talking. Garak was fascinating, a truly remarkable man with so many stories to tell, each time keeping you guessing as to the real truth of it all. An enigma, so it were, and you were utterly drawn in.

Between the two of them, you had found solidarity, even in your darkest times. Julian and Garak were always there for you, never once faltering in their promise to keep you safe. If ever you had a problem, you knew who to go and find. They had their own ways of dealing with it, too.

Julian was forward, his way of comfort consisted more of talking you through it, either by telling you a story to give you something to focus on, or just talking you through your day in attempt to ground you. He could read you like a book. Julian always knew what you needed, whether it was a cuddle and a shoulder to cry on (in the literal sense) or a silent companion so you felt less alone. 

Garak was less talkative, having had his own experiences with mental issues. He knew you just as well as Julian, however, though Garak tended to lean towards a cuddle rather than a chat. He never was much of a talker, after all. Should you have needed it, however, he would tell you the stories you loved, all about his life on Cardassia, and his adventures as 'a tailor.' Garak never imagined he would care so much for someone, but you were like a little sibling to him, and he vowed nothing would ever harm you.

Today, was one of those days. Everything was wrong, anxieties were high, and sadness was topping the charts. You didn't know why, but the galaxies felt like they were against you. Managing to do absolutely everything wrong in your day, you asked your senior if he could excuse you for a break, to which he agreed. You made your way to Quark's, dragging your feet along the Promenade. 

"So what do you think is wrong with Y/N, Garak?" Julian asked, as they walked to their lunch together a little behind yourself. You were so deep in thought, you hadn't noticed them.

"I don't know, doctor. Though I think we should find out."

The two sped up, bypassing the cafe they always stopped at. Right now, to them, you were all that mattered. Lunch could wait.

"Y/N," you slowed ever so slightly as Julian's voice pulled you from your thoughts. "Is everything alright, you don't look the best at the minute." His voice was soft and kind, and you looked up at him. 

"It's a day." He nodded in understanding. You felt Garak place a gentle hand on your shoulder, making you turn to him.

"May we join you at the bar, my dear? I wouldn't feel right leaving you to sit alone." Smiling, you replied with a yes. Garak's words seemed innocent enough to outside ears, but you knew their meaning. He didn't mean physically alone; he meant alone with your thoughts. 

Garak knew you suffered with less than positive thoughts from time to time, and they got a bit much for you at certain points. However, once he had told you about his struggles through life with the same thing, and his phobias to match, you found a sort of safe space with him to talk about things such as that. Not that you didn't trust Julian, of course, that was hardly the case. But, Garak just got it. No question, nothing. He understood it all immediately, and always had the right thing to say, or the right technique to overcome it. 

Sitting down in a quiet area, far from anyone else, you sat in  silence, though not an awkward one. Julian had his hand wrapped around yours, and Garak placed a comforting hand on your knee.

"So what's wrong?" Julian's voice was low, but caring, and you welled up.

"I-I don't even know. I just feel.. awful."

"Well, we can't be having our little fighter feeling awful can we, doctor?" Garak spoke, and Julian nudged your shoulder with a faint laugh. You smiled and exhaled through your nose in a slight form of a laugh.

"Not on our watch, that's for sure. How about a games night, or something relaxing? Just the three of us, we can watch those old movies from Earth's 21st century that you like. If you want to hear Garak complaining non stop, that is-"

"I never complain, I merely analyse-"

"Complain, Garak, you complain."

Garak merely huffed in response. You burst out laughing, the two men joining in with you, knowing their plan worked. Over your shoulder, they smiled at one another, finally knowing you were feeling somewhat better.

"You two honestly, you're like old ladies at times" you spoke between laughs, and Julian mocked insult, gasping dramatically.

"Me? And old lady? I have never heard such things in all my life." He pushed you away gently and pressed the back of his hand against his head, falling to the table in mock offence. Garak chimed in.

"If I am to be an old lady, would I at least be a fabulous old lady?" By now, you were in a fit of giggles entirely.

"You're both my fabulous old ladies." The three of you were relaxed, and happy, the atmosphere really brightening your mood.

"Hey," Julian started, getting a little more serious. "No more bad feelings, alright? Not on our watch. You're insanely wonderful and completely brilliant, and never would we allow you to feel as though that weren't true."

"Julian is right, Y/N. You are our favourite little human and if you're sad, so are we. And we don;t do sad around here. Let's be happy, best thing you can be in times like that."

You sniffed, their words sitting with you for a while, finally smiling up at them both. 

"You're always right, aren't you? What would I do without you, hey? I love you immeasurably, the both of you."

"As do we, you, Y/N." Julian replied, pulling you into a side hug.

"Indeed, he does love you" Garak joked, sending you a look letting you know that he was indeed joking.

"Garak!" 

The three of you laughed once more. It was true; you didn't know what you would do without them. They made you laugh, even in times where it was the last thing you wanted to do. Never did you think you would have such people in your life as Julian and Garak, let alone have them care so much about you. Knowing you had them, and that they weren't going anywhere anytime soon, you realised anything was possible, boundaries were conquerable, and life was far better than you knew possible.

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A/N: Thanks for reading! :) x