This story is a work of colorful and slashy fiction. Names, 
characters, places and incidents have been long-standing
slaves of Paramount Pictures. Any resemblance to actual 
events or locales or persons, living or dead, is probably
because the author has written too many of these already.
Forgive her.

STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE is a Registered Trademark ® of 
Paramount Pictures.  Copyright (c) 1996 by Paramount Pictures. 
All Rights Reserved. No infringement was meant.  Well, not
consciously anyway.


TITLE:   FESTIVE SUN
AUTHOR:  BGM
RATING:  PG-13
PAIRING: DS9 Crew
NOTE:    The Cardassian language was done by Andrea Evans.  I 
         only borrowed humbly a few words from it.  ~*grin*~


---------------------------------------------------------

The eve of *Raii mathe* ... literally translated it meant festive 
sun, but it was much more than the simple celebration of Cardassia's 
soft golden sun.  It was a rare time for the people of Cardassia.  
A time of joy.  A time of forgotten woes.  A week-long affair which 
served to mend and forgive.     

That week was approaching.  And Elim Garak longed to attend.

The mirror was a bit _too_ flattering.  He'd have to speak to his 
friend about that.  Tsk tsk.  Misleading.  Ferengi in his ways of 
acquiring profit.  Julian Bashir smiled at his reflection and 
twisted to the side, admiring the cut of the evening suit Garak 
had tailored him.  He pursed his lips and shook his head.  "I don't 
know ... it just doesn't seem all that flattering," he said, 
contradicting the very image staring back at him.  He just wasn't 
sure if he wanted to spend his credits on evening-wear just yet ... 
specially now that the reason for his going out at nights had left 
him.  He spent a moment more thinking about Melora before he sighed 
and added,   "I've never been fond of a waistless cut."  He went on 
to pose in front of the body-length mirror several times before the 
silence prompted his attention.  He frowned and cocked his head.  
"Garak?"  When no reply was voiced, he parted the curtain from the 
changing stall and walked into the client area.  

Garak was sitting behind the desk, clutching a PADD and staring off 
absently into nothing.  Concerned, Julian rounded the counter and let 
his hand rest over the tailor's shoulder.  "Garak?  Are you all right?"

The touch, combined with the soft-spoken question drew Garak out of 
his revelry with a start.  He dropped the PADD over the counter and 
cursed softly under his breath.  "Doctor ... my apologies," he said 
hastily, bouncing on his feet.  Julian regarded him with a frown.  

"Garak, what's wrong?"

Before the whole question was voiced Garak had adopted his usual 
fraudulent smile.  "Nothing is wrong Doctor.  I was merely reviewing 
my inventory ... oh!"  Shifting the subject, he went on to coo over 
Julian's suit.  "How wonderful it fits you!"  He paused behind the 
young man and adjusted the fit with quick, harsh tugs.  Julian sighed 
and tried to sound convincing.  

"I really like it Garak, but ... I think you better put it on hold 
for me.  I won't have any need for it ..."

"Oh that is a shame ..." Garak replied, moving back to the front.  
He smiled and shrugged.  "Ah well.  Perhaps next time Doctor.  At 
least you've done me the courtesy to try it on.  Not many people 
these days go that far."  He sighed again and moved to his counter.  
"You may leave the suit inside the changing stall.  I'll replace it 
later."  He sat down slowly, his words already forgotten as he stared 
at the PADD in front of him.

When Julian came back to set their next lunch date, he was gone.


---------------------------------------------------------

"*Raii Mathe* ..."  Julian rolled the name once or twice before he 
shook his head and looked up at his friend.  "So what is it?"

Jadzia Dax sat down opposite him with a mug of raktegino, her face 
focused in thought.  "Curzon once attended a *Raii Mathe* during his 
ambassadorial years.  It's a sort of Gratitude Festival, only with 
more revelry and ..."  she smiled in remembrance, looking up at Julian.  
"Let's just say Curzon developed a new appreciation for Cardassian 
women after that."

"So it's a celebration," Julian nodded.  "And it's next week.  No 
wonder Garak is down."

"Hmm.  It is a big thing on Cardassia.  Virtually every city stops doing 
_everything_ for that week.  Basic shops are left opened for food and 
assorted needs, but other than that, it's just one huge party."

"So, if that's true, why doesn't Garak go?  If they'll be so lost in 
partying and fun, wouldn't Garak be able to blend in smoothly?"

The Trill shrugged primly, pursing her lips.  "That's not up to me or 
you to answer that.  If Garak is keeping himself from going then he 
must have a good reason."  She looked down into her cup, considering.  
"Maybe ..."  She looked up and smiled suddenly.  "Maybe I should talk 
to Sisko ..."  She straightened up and moved away, already lost in her 
idea.  Julian walked after her, curious.    


---------------------------------------------------------

Kira Nerys snorted, rolling her eyes.  "*Raii Mathe* is _not_ my idea 
of a party.  It's ..."  she waved at the air before her.  "constant 
partying."

Sisko came up behind her and said, "And there's something wrong with 
that?"  He turned his head and pointed at Dax.  "And you're proposing 
we _all_ go to Cardassia to attend this *Raii Mathe*?"

"Why not?" she smiled.  "The Raii Mathe is opened to everyone ... one 
of the rare moments when Cardassia isn't so preoccupied with politics.  I 
think it would be a fine idea."

Kira couldn't believe what she was hearing.  She shook her head, eyes 
wide.  "No.  No!  We can't go to Cardassia and assume everything will 
be happy and joyous.  We can't just _waltz_ in there!"

"She's right you know," Odo put in, leaning quaintly at the frame of 
the entrance with arms folded.  

"Damned right I'm right," she snapped.

"But ... if we're careful and announce our presence a day or two in 
advance, I don't anticipate much ... opposition.  I think it's feasible."

Kira stared wide-eyed at Odo, then slumped her shoulders in defeat.  
"Great.  So we're going to Cardassia.  Who exactly is going?"

"Senior staff ... and Garak."

Kira nodded.  "Well.  I suppose I should go pack."

"Pack light," Dax advised, grinning.  "I plan on bringing you to the 
Tokvar pools."

Kira spun on her heel and stabbed her finger at her friend.  "NO!  
There is NO way you are bringing me to _that_!  And that is final!"

As Bajoran and Trill began to argue about that very same conclusion, 
Ben Sisko leaned toward Odo and whispered.  "You suppose I should 
ask what that means?  Or is that something I'll learn on my own?"

Odo looked suddenly uncomfortable.  "It's ... best you see it for 
yourself Captain."  Donning one of his charming half-smiles, Odo 
turned and left the conference room.	
	
---------------------------------------------------------

"This is so exciting!" Julian grinned, clutching his bag to him as 
he settled into his seat.  Beside him, Garak paused, offered a 
fatherly smile before sitting down himself.  

Garak looked over to the rest of the crew and seemed to gather his 
words.  "I ... I really wanted to thank you all.  Without having you 
along, I wouldn't have probably gone at all."

The rare moment of sincerity was not lost on the people present, and 
Sisko nodded meaningfully.  "I've always wanted to see Cardassia, mind 
you," he said, settling into the pilot seat.  

Dax looked over at him with raised eyebrows.  "You've never been?"

"Not for a vacation," he grinned, and they chuckled like school 
children.  Julian looked over his shoulder to where Kira and Odo had 
settled in.  Kira seemed to be muttering something while Odo simply 
looked impassive as usual.  

Julian turned back to his friend and sighed contentedly.  "I really 
can't wait to see this *Raii Mathe* celebration.  So tell me Garak, 
what is it we're supposed to expect?"

Dax nodded with a grin and looked over her shoulder.  "Yes Garak, 
tell them about *Nooatokla*."

"We are *not* doing *Nooatokla* either, and _that_ is final!" Kira 
bellowed from the back.  "I'll do the dancing, I'll do the eating, 
I'll _even_ do a bit of socializing, but _no_ *Nooatokla*! And no 
*Tokvar* pools."

Garak chuckled merrily.  "But the whole _point_ of Raii Mathe is the 
*Nooatokla*.  You see," he said to Julian, who seemed about as interested 
in Garak's words as any.  "*Nooatokla* happens at the end of the week, 
when everyone has celebrated and drunk and passed out and committed about 
every sin you want to add in there," he chuckled.  "*Nooatokla* is 
actually very peaceful ... very quiet."

"So what is it?"  Julian hastened to ask.

"Ah, you'll see when it happens Doctor.  Far be it for me to ruin the 
surprise."

Meanwhile, Kira was still arguing about *Nooatokla* with Odo, who finally 
held up his palm and shook his head.  "Major, the *Nooatokla* is not 
obligatory!  You _can_ skip it if you want.  And besides, what makes 
you think you need to perform it with a native?"  

Kira stopped babbling and stared at Odo, her eyes swimming with a question 
he left unanswered for the moment.

---------------------------------------------------------

They arrived in mid-afternoon, completely unprepared for the heat that 
assaulted them.  Only Odo and Garak seemed comfortable in the crushing 
heat of Cardassia's sun.

Kira unfastened her uniform, revealing a short, casual white blouse 
already soaking with sweat.  "Prophets, no wonder you're always complaining 
about the damned cold on the station ... you're used to oven conditions!"

Dax inhaled deeply, then coughed violently.  "Garak, tell me the Tokvar 
pools aren't far from here?"

"We're in Sekta Province," Garak said, still mesmerized by the sights of 
home.  "The *Tokvar* pools are right beside the Raihedla resort, where 
we're going."

"Thanks the Gods," Dax breathed, unzipping her uniform as she began 
walking.  Kira hurried by her side, fanning herself with her hand.    

Garak followed leisurely with Julian, who was also beginning to loosen 
his collar.  "So Garak.  How do you feel?"

The Cardassian turned to look intently at Julian, and a smile of genuine 
happiness crossed his lips.  "At home."

Behind them, Sisko and Odo exchanged a smile and a lopsided smirk.

---------------------------------------------------------

Dax hadn't wasted her time.  As soon as she and Kira had been offered 
the room, Jadzia had dragged her friend outside, where a short walk had 
led them to the famous pools.

Kira regarded the place, feeling suddenly very exposed.  Even completely 
dressed.  "Jadzia, _what_ have you made me do?  I cannot do this!"

"Sure you can!" her friend replied merrily, letting her bag drop at her 
side.  Aside from that and the towel wrapped over her forearm, she was 
completely nude.  Kira glanced at her, noting absently just where the 
spots covered that ivory, tantalizing skin before she frowned.  "You're 
asking me to join in some big ..." words failed her and she finally 
blurted, "orgy!  Me?"

A couple of Cardassian men paused as they passed her, looking at her 
before going on their way chuckling.  One of them fondled her thigh 
from behind and whispered, "*Novetse kirsen* ... "  She turned to glare 
murderously at him, but he was already far, arm and arm with his companion.  
She barely glanced at the taut musculature of their backsides before she 
blinked and shook her head.  "I'm insane for having done this.  Really ..."  
She stared at Jadzia, who was already flirting with a Cardassian man who 
had just finished a leisurely swim.  She was kneeling at the side of the 
pool while he grinned and flirted right back.

Bereft, Kira clenched her fists and turned to leave.  As she did so she 
rammed directly into someone else, and before she could mutter an apology, 
her eyes fell at the man's groin.  No Cardassian, for sure.  Definitely ...
her eyes traveled up the lean, svelte body only to stare back into the 
gentle, wide eyes of Julian Bashir.  She choked on her apology and left 
hurriedly, red with embarrassment.  

He frowned after her as he approached Dax, hooking his thumb at her.  
"What's wrong with her?"

Dax paused from her discourse with the young man to look up at Julian, 
then at Kira's retreating back.  "I think the Nooatokla hasn't grown on 
her yet ..."  She chuckled and nudged his leg.  "Nice body by the way.  
No wonder you have half the female population of DS9 on your back."

Julian turned red himself and averted his eyes.  "I wish.  Oh, by the 
way, have you seen Garak?  I was supposed to meet him here."

Dax shrugged.  "Haven't seen him since we got separated at the resort.  
Why don't we go for a swim while you wait for him?"  She smiled at the 
Cardassian and spoke to him in Kardasi.  He nodded and swam away, 
kicking water at them playfully.  

Dax smiled after him and waded into the water alongside Julian.  He 
touched her elbow and nodded at the Cardassian.  "Since when do you 
know the language?"

"Really Julian.  Seven lifetimes, you think I've learned _something_ 
during the course of those centuries.  Torias was actually the one 
very fond of Cardassians.  He'd never met one in his life but he learned 
everything about them."  She sank into the warm sparkling water and 
grinned.  "It's a shame he never got to meet them.  Curzon was the lucky 
one, but then he was mostly attached to Klingons."

"And perhaps one day the divinities will give us a glimpse of just 
_WHY_ that is," Julian teased before diving smoothly into the water, 
disappearing into the azure depths.

---------------------------------------------------------

Kira returned to the resort, grumbling to herself.  She hated the place, 
hated Cardassians, hated everything about the stupid concept of taking a 
vacation here.  Vacations were supposed to be for relaxing, not stressing 
over major details like strutting around naked in front of those ogling 
Cardassians!

She stalked into the main corridor, and almost knocked over Odo.  He 
caught her in time and looked down at her with a startled look.  "Major.  
What are you doing here?  I thought you had accompanied Dax to the pools ..."

"Are you kidding?  You think I'm gonna walk around in the nude in front 
of Cardies?"  She smiled at the thought, shaking her head.  Finally she 
noticed the Constable wasn't changed either.  "And what about you?  You're 
not going to sample the *Tokvar* pools yourself?"

If Odo had been able to blush, he'd surely be red at that inquiry.  "I ... 
can't Major."

"Why sure you can ... I won't mind.  I'll read a book or something.  Go have 
fu--"

"No, you don't understand Major," Odo persisted, looking away with a 
measure of stubborn pride.  "I ... never learned how to swim."

Kira stared at him for a moment, her lips forming a sympathetic smile.  
He looked at her, then scowled.  "Well, don't just stand there saying 
nothing."

"All right.  Then come on.  We'll leave them to splash around  like kiddies 
and go get a bite to eat."  She hooked her arm though his and grinned as 
she walked him out of the resort.   
	
---------------------------------------------------------

One thing about swimming naked was the constant pressure and caressing 
texture of water on one's sex.  It was maddeningly light, but still 
there.  Julian never though swimming naked would ever be this arousing ... 
but then watching the Cardassians around him, he figured he wasn't the 
only one.  He was, however, the only one not doing what _they_ were doing 
to relieve the ache.  It seemed everywhere he looked there was a couple, 
or even a group, of Cardassians relieving each other in the most diverse 
of positions.  

So free.  So open.  He wondered again why they had agreed to let them, 
outsiders to the culture, in for the week.  He sank quietly under the 
water again, enjoying the warmth and relaxing proprieties of the pool.  
	
When he surfaced, an arm hooked suddenly around his waist and pulled him 
harshly against a strong, evidently male body.  He flailed in panic before 
a familiar voice laughed gently.  "Such a nice way to greet your friend, 
Doctor!"

Instantly relaxed, Julian swam forward before turning, smiling.  "Garak.  
Don't _scare_ me like that."

Garak was positively startled.  "Scare you?  No-one here is out to scare 
anyone Doctor.  It's a revelry.  There is no prejudice here."

Julian began wondering about that particular remark when something 
brushed against his back.  He gasped and froze as another body pressed 
against him.  Against his backside he could feel the distinct feel of 
a man's erection.  A very large one at that. 

"Elim.  Such a long time it has been ... how are you my friend?"

Garak evidently knew this man for they exchanged a few words together, 
most of them in Kardasi.  Julian was frozen.  Save for the small flurry 
of movements from his limbs keeping him over the surface, Julian was 
positively still.  Finally, the words spoke of parting, and the man 
behind him traced his shoulder with wet, cool fingers.  "You have a 
most attractive friend Elim.  A most lucky man you have become.  *Pavs 
gen*."

And very quickly, the man was gone.  Garak frowned at Julian then smiled.  
"I think you have much to learn of my culture Doctor.  Come.  Let us 
leave the water."

He followed numbly, up to the shore where Garak smoothly stepped out of 
the pool, water dripping delightfully over the ridges and scales of his 
body.  Julian allowed himself a sharp inhale of air.

He was gorgeous.

Gleaming even in the soft golden light, the Cardassian's body was 
magnificent.  Julian had seen Cardassian physiognomy in his 
profession ... more than once in fact.  But this was _Garak_ ... his 
friend, now exposed to him in all his glory.  No shame.  No hiding.  
Just pure simple pride in all his gestures.  Julian was awe-struck.  

Garak eventually took notice of Julian's stare and regarded him with 
a frown as he toweled himself dry.  "Is something wrong Doctor?"

Caught, Julian blushed red and looked away.  "I-I'm sorry.  I ..." he 
cursed himself for being so dense and sighed, snatching a towel.  
"Nevermind."  As he toweled himself furiously, looking stubbornly 
downward, Garak walked up to him and rose his chin with his fist.  
They stared for a long time at each other, simply curious at the other's 
closeness, mutually fascinated by the color of the other's eyes.  Finally 
Garak released Julian's chin and went about tying the towel at his waist.  
He offered a dazzling smile over his shoulder before walking back to the 
resort.

"He does have this way of making an impression, doesn't he?"

Julian startled and turned, pressing the towel instinctively over his 
groin.  When he finally remembered where he was he smiled nervously 
and rubbed his forehead.  "Sorry ..."  He looked up at the stranger, 
a lean and shapely Cardassian.  He was sure he'd seen him before, 
though he couldn't quite place him.  "I'm sorry, you were saying?"

The Cardassian tossed his head at where Garak had disappeared and smiled 
cuttingly.  "Garak.  I said he has a way of impressing the people around 
him.  Just by looking at you.  Amazing isn't it?"  The smile turned 
genuine, and the man proffered his hand at Julian.  "Lemek.  Gul Tusal 
Lemek.  It is a pleasure to finally see the face of Garak's attractive 
friend."

It dawned on Bashir as they shook hands that the man standing before 
him was the man who had accosted Garak and he earlier.  Before he could 
stop it, his eyes had fallen to the man's inner thighs, inspecting the 
thing that had seemed so huge under water.  Evidently, Lemek had already 
taken care of his erection, and he smiled disarmingly.  "I apologize if 
I startled you earlier.  I seem to easily forget that Humans are not 
comfortable with the touch of a stranger."

"No ... it's all right.  I was simply surprised.  Julian Bashir," he 
introduced himself, and he realized he still held the man's hand.  He 
took it back self-consciously and smiled.  Lemek toyed with his towel 
as he regarded the young doctor thoughtfully.  "I was told the senior 
staff of Deep Space Nine would be visiting during *Raii Mathe* ... it's 
nice to see you've chosen Sekta Province for your stay."  He advanced 
on the young man, his smile still cutting as he whispered, "I shall 
make it my pleasure getting to know you better, Mister Bashir."  He 
chuckled smoothly and walked off toward the resort.  

Julian sighed and let himself sit at the edge of the pool, utterly 
distraught.  Dax came by swimming and paused between his legs, grinning 
up at him.  "Having fun yet?"

He looked down at her with the most puzzled of frowns.  "I'm not sure ..."

---------------------------------------------------------

The end of the week rolled by quickly, and the crew were not looking 
forward to leaving this beautiful place.  But they knew that by next 
week, the revelry would be gone, making way for the usual political 
chaos that was Cardassia.  Kira and Odo had kept a surprisingly low 
profile during the week, slipping away for quiet evening meals, even 
if the food wasn't quite to either taste.  Walks during the night ... 
Dax had a secret suspicion that things were finally looking up for 
those two.  Sisko had looked at her with an odd stare, then chuckled.  
"I could have told you that a long time ago, Old man."  The two of
them had mostly kept together during the *Raii Mathe*.  Spending some 
time together like old times.  Drinking themselves to a stupor and 
dancing on tables.  They both laughed at the thought.

And Julian ... Julian had spent the entire week trying to figure out 
just what *Nooatokla* meant, and trying to divine just what meaning 
lurked behind Garak's mysterious staring.  It was inocuous by 
itself ... but Julian found himself looking up into those icy blue 
eyes, unwaveringly locked on him with intense focus.  On more than 
one occasion Julian had shied away from them, but finally, on the 
eve of the last day of *Raii Mathe*, Julian finally confronted his 
friend about it over dinner.

"Why do you keep doing that?" he asked, just a twinge of annoyance 
in his voice.  "It's unnerving."

Garak snapped out of his inner musings.  "Excuse me?"

"Staring.  You're always staring at me," Julian said with a frown.  
"It's beginning to be annoying."

"Annoyed?"  Now it was Garak's voice laced with irritation.  "I'm 
sorry if you find my attention annoying.  I'll endeavor to cease 
looking at you Doctor."

True to his word, Garak locked his eyes on his plate and ate with 
determination.

"Look ... that's not what I meant," Julian said softly.  "I was just 
wondering why."

"Why?"  Garak uttered a small choked laugh as he stood.  "You want to 
know why my dear Doctor?" he asked.  He bent down and captured Julian's 
lips in a long, probing kiss, exploring hastily the hidden depths of his
beloved before pulling back an inch.  "That's why," he growled subtly, 
just before leaving. 

Julian stared at his plate, still dizzy from the kiss, and wondered 
just what had happened.

---------------------------------------------------------

"*Nooatokla* ..." Julian said with sudden meaning, pressing against 
Garak's chest and sighing.  Garak held him tightly, kissing languidly 
over the bend of Julian's shoulder, smiling sweetly.  In the background,
a soft rendition of Enya's *I want tomorrow* drifted languidly, by 
Julian's request.     

It was the last day of *Raii Mathe*.  The revelry was over.  The 
streets had become deserted as Cardassians from far and wide coupled 
with their loved one.  

"It means seeing hidden love ..." Garak whispered, his hands traveling 
over Julian's chest, pausing at the chocolate brown nipples.  "The whole 
point of *Raii Mathe* is to help you discover whom you long for during 
that time ... whom you miss when parted.  Whom you love."

Julian slipped from Garak's grasp, twisting around to press against 
the opposite edge of the bath.  His eyes lowered seductively as he 
regarded Garak through the flickering light of the candle.  "So you 
weren't going to tell me until it actually happened?"

Garak shrugged.  "I wasn't sure you'd react the way you did.  I never 
meant to endanger our friendship either."  He turned to pour more kanar 
into glasses, smiling dreamily.  "I must admit, this week has been the 
most wonderful I've had in a long time."  He leaned forward to give his 
beloved his drink and he chinged glasses with him.  "*Sahneyr* to you 
and yours Julian.  I owe you a precious gift."  He took a sip of the 
liquor before setting it down on the floor, his eyes never leaving the 
young man.

"Believe me, you gave me much more than you realize Elim ..."  he took 
a measured sip as well, his eyes thoughtful.  "I didn't want to believe 
it ... to be honest."  At Garak's questioning look he shrugged faintly.  
"It's all very new to me Elim.  To love a man ... the concept was 
discouraged in my family."

"I see."

"But when we kissed ... " he closed his eyes and smiled dreamily.  "It 
felt so right, I couldn't believe it.  My heart was pounding so fast ... 
I'd never felt that way with a woman before Elim.  And ... I'm 
grateful ... that it's you who showed this to me."  He held up his 
glass and smiled warmly.  "Thank you Elim."

Garak inhaled slowly, watching the young man lick his lips slowly of 
the sweet-tasting liquor.  He reached forward and curled one broad hand 
around Julian's slender neck and pulled him to him, pressing his lips to 
Julian's in a subtly passionate kiss.  

Though that changed swiftly when Julian threw his glass against the 
far wall nonchalantly and circled the Cardassian's shoulders with his 
arms, kissing back enthusiastically as water sloshed softly around them.  
The light of the candle flickered with the movement, and finally fizzled 
out as they sank together in the warm water.  Only the music accompanied 
them, enhancing their love, speaking the words that danced in their souls.

THE END