Of course, [Julian nods in understanding, but decides to move on from the topic of actual hearts back to the drawn ones of the game.]

Well, I can't say that I wouldn't be curious to know. I wonder how much someone like you would be able to manipulate the game, given that I barely knew what I was picking before it was already done.
[Otherwise he would've maybe kept some of these options to himself, for several reasons. However, some part of this game seems to force one to tell the truth.]
Ah, you see, as a doctor, I would prefer for there to be no killing at all. I want to preserve life after all, whenever possible. But ... [Julian pauses for a moment before he continues, hazel eyes speaking of honesty] I would appreciate the sentiment, even though I hope that it will never come to such a situation. Except maybe in a holosuite.

[He prefers to have the people he cares about unharmed. Too often so they end up in his med Bay regardless, but Garak has so far thankfully been a rare visitor]

As many things, the amount is what matters. There is of course pro and cons to the consumption and it shouldn't be a regular thing. However, a glass of red wine every now and then is something that even I as a doctor can approve of.
Besides, I've been drinking too many less beneficial pints with O'Brien from time to time.
[He orders their respective drink and gestures for Garak to pick a seat, as he steers towards the couch to sit on.]

Please, by all means, take a seat.
I can talk to O'Brien, if you like. He seems indeed a bit busy, but I am sure he will find the time to repair your replicator. Otherwise you can of course also use mine,
[An innocent enough suggestion, though there are of course enough replicators to use all over the station. He is just being polite, of course.]

Such a special fabric for me then? I would almost feel honored, if I wasn't sure that that's what you're telling all of your customers, don't you?
[A small smile as he raises his glass, then bring the rim to his lips]
I'll make sure to make some room in my schedule and hope that no accidents will happen during that time. How long do you think it might take, just for a rough estimate so that I can see when it would best suit me.

Ah, [Julian could just leave it at that, but he feels the need to interfere, even if he then takes a moment to think over his words]
No. To be honest, I think my choice would have been the same. I don't think any of these came as too much of a surprise, so why not put them out there. After all, one has to be honest in this friendship, don't you agree?
[Though is he? Completely honest, that is? Well, at least he is not telling immense or obvious lies as Garak is doing.]
But I am glad that they were able to make your day a little more bearable.

That is good to know, [And he is almost sure that Garak would also mean both interpretations of the heart, killing for Julian, but just as easily kill him if it was necessary. but don't mind me still hoping that it will never come to this.

But also this raises the question of who created this game, if it has a different effect in different species, and how it is even as powerful as to be able to influence a mind like that. How it can enter the participants mind to see what hearts would need to be picked.

[Julian always likes to hear when Garak did try some of books he suggested to him and values his opinion, but this one makes him raise a curious eyebrow.]
Well, that's a rather philosophical question, isn't it? I think humans like to romanticise the idea of sacrifice way too much. To give oneself completely to one person, life and all, feeling so deeply for someone that the own life seems meaningless without the other.
Maybe that is what people yearn for, while yes, I agree that it would be far more valuable for someone to live on, fighting together for a happy ending. If such a thing exists, or course, which is another discussion altogether.
However .. those questions suggest that you would see these two hearts as purely romantic options, or am I mistaken?
[Or will he even get an honest answer this time?]

[he settles into his couch, a polite distance between him and his guest, but close enough for them to be able to clink glasses if they wanted to.
Julian takes a sip of his red wine, holding the glass casually in his hand as he continues the conversation.]
Ah yes, I can see how that can be quite the monotonous diet, and not something that I'd recommend for someone like you.
Then it's doctor's orders now to inform me tomorrow when that customer will be gone and the desired meal will be prepared. And maybe another story about said customer will be waiting for me in return?
[Though he is certain that Garak wouldn't tell him about his actual "customer". Or maybe someone to meet for intel.]

No, probably not. And even seeing it for myself would still make me wonder, [He admits with a grin, shooting Garak a pointed look, but it softens quickly and turns into an expression of excitement.]
Tarkelean tea? Actual Tarkelean tea? Well, don't mind if I take you up on that offer, it's been too long since I was able to taste it. [Even though some people might judge him for the way he drinks it and claim that through all the sweetness, he should barely be able to taste the tea itself at all]
It looks like we are actually making a lot of plans for the upcoming days and weeks, my friend.