"Is that some sort of human stratagem? You abandon your spouse in hopes of coaxing a declaration?" Garak was impressed. "Why, this is far more devious and manipulative behavior than I ever suspected you were capable of."
Julian started to protest, then reconsidered. "Just don't make me resort to it again," he said. "I can't go through this _twice_. If I am ever so stupid to think I can live without you, please _stop_ me. Put a phaser to my head if you have to."
"I hope I don't need to go that far," Garak answered as he gathered his beloved back into his arms.
From
An Emotional State by Kathryn Ramage.