Title: The Road Less Taken

Author: Blood Raven 77

Rating: G

Disclaimer: Paramount pictures own all characters. The poem "Road Less Taken" is sole property of Robert Frost.

Words: 300

Pairing: Garak/Ziyal

Summary: This is a bit of a "what if"story. Thoughts that may have or could have gone through Garak's mind had the opportunity arose.

Author's Note: Thanks again to Hobsonphile for being so kind as to beta read my work.

Road Less Taken

".I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence

Two roads diverged in a wood

And I took the one less traveled by

And that has made all the difference"

Robert Frost

Pausing, Garak studies her for a moment. He knows he is at a turning point; a single choice on either part could change everything between them. Touching her cheek gently, he smiles slightly. He has denied his emotions for so long and now he has to choose.

A slight shiver runs down his spine as Garak closes his eyes. I did nothing to deserve her love, he thinks a little sadly to himself. Yet here I am with her now, at a crossroad of sorts.

Slipping his arms around her small waist, he can't help but feel a bit like the traveler from a Terran poem he once read. Like the traveler in the tale, there were two paths before him. He could make the wise decision: stop now, pull away and leave. It would not be the first time he has denied his emotions. He has done it so many times before, always choosing duty over all else. Or he could take the risk, allow himself to love her without reservation. Faltering briefly, he moves his hand to her chin as he tilts her head slightly. Leaning in, he gently kisses her lips, his mind resolute in his decision.