The following day's conversations were focused primarily on the dance lessons of the night before. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves, thus validating Vic's original intent for the classes. He claimed he wasn't planning on doing any more, but after several requests from Dax smiled said he'd consider it. Everyone seemed to have something different to say about the experience: Kira said that Odo was, unsurprisingly, very easy to lead. Sisko, on the other hand, found Dax took control over the dance from him at times – just as unsurprisingly. Even the O'Briens seemed to have had a good time; Molly had taken it upon herself to teach her father how to dance, much to his dismay.

For his own part, Julian was looking forward to discussing the matter with Garak over lunch. They usually only had lunch together once a week, but given the circumstances they had agreed to make an exception.

"So, what did you think?" Julian finally asked, after they had gone on a tangential discussion of Federation values in Cardassian novels and used up half his lunch time. "Were the dance lessons enjoyable?"

"Why of course, Doctor!" Garak paused for a beat, dropping his more enthusiastic debating voice down into a softer conversational tone reserved primarily for Julian. "Your dancing is wonderful. As, I assure you, was your company."

Julian sighed, smiling. "Is that what this is about? You pulled the strings on this thing as soon as you heard about it, didn't you? It was your idea that we attend in the first place."

Garak looked taken aback. "Doctor, if I recall it was you who brought up the topic with your dismal mood. And it was Vic Fontaine who came up with the idea to begin with."

Although still not convinced, Julian decided to change his tack. "Garak, you don't need to organize something like this just to get my attention. You could just ask me to spend time with you."

"Well, Doctor, if you insist." Garak's face settled itself into an expression that somehow combined charm and mischief. I really need to figure out how he does that. "Would you care to take dinner with me?"

Julian's surprise cost him a few seconds before he answered. Garak only rarely asked him for his company, generally preferring to simply break into his quarters or holosuite program. An actual polite invitation was almost unprecedented – in a good way. He covered his momentary shock with a smile and replied, "I don't see why not. Do you mean at Quarks, or…?" He trailed off.

"Doctor, you know how I feel about Quarks." Garak paused to cast a frown in the direction of the Ferengi's bar. "I think we can do better than crowded, noisy, and sloppy. Actually, I was thinking we could dine in my quarters instead." He glanced questioningly at Julian. "That is, if you have no objections"

"Not at all. I'd be delighted to see what you have in mind." As he paused for breath, Julian was interrupted by the rude beeping of his combadge. He tapped it, but got – and expected – no reply. Standing, he turned to Garak. "My time's up. I've got to get back to sickbay." He turned to go, then paused. "When would you like to meet for dinner?"

Garak seemed to consider the question, although Julian suspected he'd had the answer prepared for some time now and was merely putting on a show for the sake of practice and amusement. "How does tomorrow night sound, Doctor? At, say, 1730 hours?"

Julian's usual response in such matters was something similar to 'yes' or 'sure', but he stopped himself at the last moment. I should make certain, he thought, before I make a fool of myself. After pausing to find a response, he looked (meaningfully, he hoped) at Garak. "It's a date." The man used to be an interrogator, he told himself. He can catch a simple multilayered response.

He wasn't disappointed. Garak nodded and turned a bright smile in his direction. "Why, Doctor, I'm so glad we agree." He held the gaze a moment longer before gesturing down the promenade. "I do believe your sickbay needs you now, Doctor."

"Oh, ah, yes. Of course." Julian managed articulately, starting down the promenade. "Have a nice day, Garak."

"I believe I shall, Doctor," Garak smiled to himself as he watched him go. "I believe I shall."