AT THE SLASH CAFE
© BGM

NOTE: This was part of a 'Karaoke' challenge. I still think I missed the point. `-^

The Cafe was quiet, romantic. The bustle and noise out in the street belonged to another world, and all who stepped across the threshole into the dim lighted bistro walked into a different era, a whole other universe compared to the harsh exterior. 

Walking hurriedly across the cold wet pavement, the man with the reptilian poise held his slighter charge against his chest, his long raven overcoat covering the young man's slighter shoulders against the terrible wind and rain. They increased pace and finally entered the long sought haven; the only place they knew people would understand them. Shaking the coat off and hanging it to dry on one of the many hooks, the broader man wrapped his arm around the Human's shoulders and led him inside, trading soft affectionate glances with his tender lover. 

Across the small welcoming hall, a tall handsome man exited from the washroom, and tucked his broad rounded hat neatly in the crook of his arm as he followed the couple into the room. Where they turned right, he continued on toward the table where his recent partner in life awaited him. "What took you so long?" he asked, his strong Brooklyn accent clipped with forced irritation. Not fooled for one minute, the Mountie smiled affectionatly and placed his hat on the table. 

"Is there a problem Ray?" 

The smaller man shrugged and his smile drooped into that delightfully crooked grin Fraser so adored. "Just missed you is all." 

"I was gone for five minutes Ra--" 

"All right all right all right," huffed Ray, turning his darkened gaze at the stage where a tall slender man was stepping inside the cone of light. "Let's just listen." 

Julian approached the microphone warily, a rosy flush coloring his cheeks. Across the room, Garak rested his chin on his linked hands with a sigh, enjoying the mere
sight of his lover. 

"Ahem. This is for the love of my life," he grinned, cocking his glance at Garak, "and in a sort is also a tribute to my more foolish days when I suffered in silence." He cleared his throat again and some good rythme began drifting across the Cafe. Opening his sensuous lips, Julian switched his gaze at Garak and stared directly into the Cardassian's blue eyes as he began singing: 

"My friends all tell me go to him, run to him, Say sweet lovely things to him And tell hiiiiim; he's the oooone. 

Deep in my heart, I know it, But it's so hard to show it, 'Cause it's easieeer, easier said than done. 

My buddies tell me fight for him, side to him, Tell him I would die for him, And tell hiiiiim, he's the oooone. 

Although he gives me a feeling, That sets my heart a' reeling, Yes it's easieeer, easier said than done. 

Well I know, I know, That I love him so, But I'm afraid that he'll never know. Because huh, Huh huh, I get so timid and shy, Each time that I look him in the eye. 

They all tell me sing to him, swing with him, And just do anything for him, And tell hiiiiim, he's the oooone. 

I've got a love so true and, Yet I'm sad and blue, 'Cause it's easieeer, easier said than done ... 

Easieeeeer ... said than done." 

Mad applause greated his last note, and Julian sighed in relief, grinning at the men with evident pride. He stepped down the stage, and found himself nose to nose with Garak. Treated to a long hard kiss which drew a couple of whistles and praise, Julian was rewarded by his beloved for his song. 

They walked hurried toward the back, clutching each other as though they would never let go, and Ray watched them leave with a strange light in his eyes. When he turned back, Fraser was staring at him with those soulful placid eyes; those eyes that knew everything. He bent forward, grasped his hat and whispered. "Do you really want to wait our turn?" he asked. 

Ray considered it, then shook his head. "Naaah, let's go try to hit a few loud notes," he grinned lopsidedly, grasping the Mountie's arm as they hurriedly made their way to the exit. 

END