All characters belong to the powers that be at Paramount. This story is my own creation.
"I do not like tuxedos."
Worf's voice rumbled through the quarters and Jadzia Dax put her PADD down to hurry into the next room.
"You look very handsome," she said, trying to console her irritable husband. She took a step back to survey Worf in his tux. "Your bow tie is crooked."
"I cannot believe I'm letting you do this," he answered.
Dax finished straightening his bow, "It'll be fun, Worf."
"I would have preferred an evening of Klingon music."
"I know what you would have preferred, but we listen to Klingon opera all the time. This is more interesting. And besides, we haven't been on a real date in a long time."
"We have spent time in the holodeck before."
"Yes, fighting reenactions of some ancient Klingon battles. It's boring, Worf! I do not intend to fight at all tonight," Dax said. She ran her hand through Worf's hair. "You need a trim."
"Jadzia."
"Sorry, just making an observation. But, really, you do look very handsome in that suit," she remarked.
"This suit was not made for comfort," Worf grumbled. Dax moved to straighten the bow tie once again and then she caught hold of it, pulling Worf's face closer to hers.
"It's what I love about you," she said. "You are so wonderfully inflexible."
She let go of his tie and Worf shook his head at her.
"You are not ready," he observed.
"I bought a new dress. I want it to be a surprise. So, go on."
"I will wait for you outside."
"No. You go on to Quark's, and I'll meet you there," Jadzia answered. "Go on." She pressed her fingers to her lips and blew her husband a kiss.
"Don't be too late," Worf warned. "I will be waiting for you."
Dax just laughed at him and Worf left their quarters. ****
"This was her idea," Worf said to the holographic singer. Vic Fontaine nodded knowingly.
"I guessed that from the moment I saw your face," Vic answered.
"She wanted to have a romantic date. I would have preferred something less extravagant."
"I can see that about you kids," he said. "Complete opposites."
"Yes. She is always laughing, I am always serious," Worf said. "She plays tongo, I do not understand games."
"But there must be a reason why you married her."
"Of course."
"And you can't say no to her?"
Worf looked uncomfortable, "No."
"Which is why you are here, in a Las Vegas nightclub, looking as if you would rather be on a battlefield somewhere, engaged in a duel to the death."
"Nothing so violent," Worf said.
"Ah," Vic perched at the edge of the table. "But yet, you're here."
"She thought it would be fun."
"And you?"
"I prefer Klingon opera."
"You do not like my singing?"
"It is all right."
"Well, then, I was going to offer to sing while you were waiting for her, but apparently the lady is late."
"She is always late."
Vic took the seat opposite Worf and leaned forward, "Why did you marry her?"
"Excuse me?"
"You said you were complete opposites. Why did you marry her?"
"Because I love her."
"A good enough answer for me. I might be a hologram, but I do understand the human heart. But then, you're not human, are you?"
"No."
"No matter. I suppose love is the same, no matter who is experiencing it."
"Yes."
"You are not enjoying this conversation?"
"I don't like to discuss my personal life with strangers."
"I'm not a stranger, I'm Vic Fontaine!" the hologram looked obviously hurt.
"I apologize."
"How about some music? Trust me. It'll grow on you."
"Fine," Worf said, eager to make the holographic lounge singer go elsewhere.
Vic signaled to the orchestra who began playing an old Gershwin tune.
"I know just the thing," Vic told Worf.
Vic's mellow voice began to sing:
"There's a saying old
says that love is blind -
still we're often told
seek and ye shall find…"
Worf considered for a moment and then interrupted Vic.
"Actually, I do have something I would like you to do," Worf said. ****
Jadzia twirled around the room in her new dress. She had spent all of her tongo winnings on the dress, in anticipation of a special evening. The dress was cut straight across her shoulders, revealing the spots running down her neck. The full skirt swayed gently around her knees as she whirled once more around the room, singing softly to herself:
"So I'm going to seek
a certain lad I've had in mind
looking everywhere
haven't found him yet"
She stopped dancing for a moment to take a look at herself in the mirror. She had swept her hair up in a classic twist, but she knew that Worf liked her hair down. She removed the barrette and let her hair tumble down to her shoulders. She hummed to herself as she moved around the room, locating a pair of earrings and a necklace to compliment her outfit.
"He's the big affair
I cannot forget
Only man I ever
Think of with regret"
****
Dax entered the holosuite, anticipation caught in her throat. The program was just as lovely as she had envisioned. In the background, she could hear Vic Fontaine singing softly:
"I'd like to add his initials to my monogram
Tell me, where is the shepherd for this lost lamb
There's a somebody I'm longing to see
I hope that he turns out to be
Someone who'll watch over me."
The light was dim, but Dax immediately made out Worf, sitting at a table, his face aglow from the candles on the table.
Vic Fontaine stopped singing and immediately came to Dax's side.
"Madame," he said.
"Hello," Dax smiled. She took his proffered arm and he led her to the table. Worf stood up.
"Jadzia," Worf took her hand. "You look beautiful. The dress is wonderful."
"Thank you," Dax said. In a moment of vanity, she spun around, letting the leaves of the skirt swirl around her. "Isn't it wonderful? Garak made it especially for me."
"It is," Worf answered.
She took a seat and Worf poured her some champagne.
"Isn't this wonderful?" she asked. "It's been so long since we've done something so indulgent."
"It is nice," Worf conceded gruffly.
"I hope you like the food. Bashir suggested the menu."
"You told the doctor about tonight?"
"Well," Dax shrugged. "I wanted to try something elegant and Bashir knows good French cuisine."
"Any requests?" Vic Fontaine asked.
"Something soft," Dax answered.
Vic nodded, "I know just the thing."
In the background, he began to sing:
"I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood.
I know I could always be good
To one who'll watch over me"
****
Dax watched Worf's face as he spread butter on his roll.
"You don't like it," she said mournfully.
"I do."
"You only ate the bread, Worf. I'm sorry. I should have thought."
"It is all right. You are enjoying your meal."
"But I don't want you to be miserable."
"I'm not miserable."
"Yes, you are. I made you get all dressed up, you're listening to music you hate, you don't like the food…" Dax's voice trailed off as she listened to Vic singing.
"Although he may not be the man some
girls think of as handsome
To my heart he carries the key
won't you tell him please to put on some speed"
****
Across the table, Worf's eyes met Dax's and he smiled at her.
"It's been a lovely evening," he said.
"Don't lie."
"I do not lie. And it's true. Any time I spend with you is wonderful. And you look lovely."
Dax blushed self-consciously; she was not used to Worf paying her such compliments.
"Thank you," she said shyly.
Worf stood up, "Would you like to dance?"
"Dance?" Dax looked at him in surprise. "You don't dance!"
"Vic taught me," Worf said, holding out his hand. Jadzia took it and he held her out to the dance floor.
Dax put her arms around his neck, "I never thought you would dance with me. You didn't even dance with me at our wedding; I had to dance with Alexander."
"I am sorry about that."
"It's all right," Dax touched his cheek. "And by the way, my compliments to your dance instructor."
Worf tightened his hold as Dax pressed her cheek against his shoulder. She knew she could stay in this holodeck forever.
"You can't dance to Klingon opera," she pointed out. "This, you can dance to."
Worf considered for a moment and then said, "You're right. I prefer this."
In the background, Vic continued to sing:
"Follow my lead -
oh, how I need
someone to watch over me
someone to watch over me.
