Garashir Watch West Side Story (part 3)
Julian sipped his root beer as the Jets and the Sharks met for their war council. Garak had refused to partake of the drink, instead replicating some red leaf tea to go with their popcorn.
"It's interesting, isn't it?"
"What is, dear?"
"This bit." Julian gestured at the holo-screen. "They work so well together to hide their plans to fight. They can act friendly. Tony and Maria were able to fall in love. But they are more concerned with hating each other than resolving their problems."
"Ah, such is often the case in life. People are often loathe to let go of their prejudices when left to their own devices. And, you see, the shop keeper is complicit as well. He allows them to use his shop to plan their battles." Garak sipped his tea daintily. "And there is Krupke again. Incompetent as ever. He ought to arrest them all."
"Based on what?" Julian queried. "There's no proof of anything, both gangs make sure of that."
"And yet Krupke knows that they are planning something. Agents of the State must be free to ACT on their knowledge if they are to keep the peace."
"But then Krupke would be free to act on his prejudices- he is not objective, we know he favors the Jets. The burden of proof MUST be met, in order to preserve the basic freedoms of the people--"
"And there you go again with those Federation ideals." Garak shook his head at Julian in disapproval.
Julian opened his mouth to argue again, but the scene on the screen changed, and his companion turned his attention forward once more. Julian did as well, and felt a smile creep onto his face. This scene. This was why he'd wanted to watch this film with Garak. Impatiently, Julian waited for Anita to tell Maria about the rumble, to warn the star-crossed lovers of Bernardo's wrath should he find out about them.
As Tony and Maria wondered through the clothing shop, Maria getting her veil and Tony his hat, the both of them kneeling side by side... Julian's hand grew warm at his side. He chanced a look at Garak as Tony and Maria began to say their vows, his heart pounding in his chest. Garak was watching with interest, one ridged brow raised-- incredulous, perhaps, at the mock-ceremony and the state of the clothes in the shop. Julian licked his lips and turned back to the screen as the song began.
*Make of our hands, one hand. Make of our hearts, one heart. Make of our vows, one last vow. Only death will part us now...*
Julian became aware of Garak's eyes on him as the song went on. He drained his root beer resolutely and set it aside. Without looking at Garak, he raised his hand, palm out.
*Now it begins, now we start. One hand... one heart.*
Garak's cool palm met his own. Julian breathed out a shuddering breath, finally turning to meet his friend's gaze, cursing his face for flushing as he did. Garak's bright blue eyes held an uncharacteristic warmth, a smile on his grey lips that was almost fond.
"You know, my dear Doctor... this gesture is appropriate to many things, but not to wedding vows."
"Oh?" Julian squeaked out. "Is there a different--"
"Like this." Garak slid his fingers between Julian's, his thumb moving to gently rest against the pulse in Julian's wrist. Julian closed his eyes for a moment-- his hands weren't as sensitive as Garak's but even to him this felt overwhelming. Intimate. He moved his fingers to slide against Garak's, nudging his thumb under the long sleeve of Garak's tunic to rest against the corresponding point on Garak's wrist.
"Like this." Julian repeated. They drew closer together, Julian's heart soaring as Garak gripped his fingers tighter.
On the holo-screen, the Rumble began.
"This won't end well, I think." Garak said, lowering their hands and pulling back. He resumed watching the film, as unruffled as ever, as though he hadn't just made Julian's heart leap out of his chest and then sent it plummeting down to his stomach.
"It is a tragedy, after all." Julian said after a few beats, watching Tony approach the rumble in his vain attempt to stop it. His hand is tingling, still close to Garak's on the couch.
"It is." Garak said.
TBC