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Disclaimer time once again!   Fifty-sixth verse same as the 
first . .everybody *sing*:

I don't own these characters, (chorus) Paramount does!
I don't own this venue, (chorus) Paramount does!
I am making no money off of this, (chorus) Paramount does 
not either!

This story will eventually involve sex between two men, aka: 
slash.  If that is *not* your cup of tea, sweet as it is, then 
don't read it!  (simple, ain't it??) Feedback is *very* much 
appreciated, and always answered.  Flames will be passed 
around to friends and chuckled over.  :)

Yes, another series.  <sigh>  Sequel to 'Ssst', 'Growl', 
'Chuckle' and 'Sob'.

'Grin' by Amirin <groh@iquest.net>


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<beaming smile>

"Well, now, look at you!  You look a hundred times better 
today than yesterday, Tom.  You certainly do.  The good 
Doctor says you should be up and around in no time, no 
time at all.  That's wonderful news, isn't it?"

<grin>

"I'm not used to seeing you so quiet."

<wink>  <nudge>

"It's rather disconcerting, I must admit.  Oh, well, you take 
your recovery at your own pace and you'll be back with us 
again, soon.  I have every confidence in you, yes, I do.  I 
know how much you hate missing out on things."

<grin>  <nudge>

"Well, now, what shall I talk about today, hmm? The Doctor 
says it doesn't matter too much what I say, it's just 
supposed to help you feel more connected, more a part of 
things.  I'll certainly do my best."

<reach>  <sigh>

"Goodness, your hand is cold.  That can't be a good thing. 
Let's get this blanket pulled up a bit higher, shall we?  There, 
that's better.  Hmm, maybe touching you might help some. 
I'll ask the Doctor later, but this can't hurt, now, can it?"

<grin>

"I wish I knew if you were comfortable or not, but unless you 
wake up and tell me, I'll just have to guess, now, won't I?"

<smile>

"Hmm, let's see . . . space is dull as a Phyrazian's intellect, 
right now.  Oh, you've never met a Phyrazian, have you? 
Trust me, Tom, they are *deadly* dull.  Anyway, the most 
interesting topic of discussion at the moment is *you*.  Yes, 
Lieutenant, you, even comatose, are, apparently, 
fascinating."

<laugh>

"You certainly look differently when you're asleep.  More 
vulnerable . . ."

<snort>

"Listen to me, would you?  I'm being ridiculous, don't mind 
me."

<sigh>  <reach>

"Hmm, are you warming up at all?  Oh, that feels much 
better.  Really, the Doctor should be more careful about 
tucking you in.  By the way, he says you're improving 
steadily, but slowly."

<hurriedly>  "Not that there's any rush, now, I didn't mean to 
imply that there was.  But, you *are* getting better.  Did you 
know that?  Hmmm?  Can you feel it?  Are you aware, on 
some level, that things are perking right up?  Do you know 
that I'm holding your hand? Can you feel that?"

<sigh>

"I wish you'd wake up.  I didn't realize how much I looked 
forward to talking with you every day until you weren't 
around to talk with.  Serves me right for taking it for granted. 
Well, I won't be doing *that* again.  I've learned my lesson, 
yes, indeed."

<thoughtful pause>

"Chakotay may be coming in here later to talk to you.  He 
feels absolutely awful about what happened, yes, he does. 
Any other time, it wouldn't have mattered, but . . . well . . . 
you know what happened."

<sigh>

"I've seen Seven by herself quite a bit recently.  Harry's all 
but gone into hiding. Lieutenant Torres has been snapping 
at everything that stands still long enough to listen, including 
Vorik, who, apparently stands still a *little* too much for his 
own good.  Everyone seems to be out of sorts.  They're all 
worried about you, yes, they are."

<hurriedly>  "Now, I don't want you to think it's your fault, 
Tom.  It isn't.  You just take your time, get yourself well. 
Don't worry about us, you just worry about *you*, okay?"

<sigh>

"And I'll worry about you, too, all right?  You just leave 
everything to me. I'll find some way of snapping them out of 
this, before they snap altogether.  Really, they're not helping, 
now, are they?"

<grin>

"You'd know just what to do, to ease the tension on this 
ship.  You'd find some obscure reason to have a party and 
everyone would be smiling again.  You're very good at that, 
you know."

<pat>  <laugh>

"Actually, that's not a bad idea.  You see?  You're so much 
in my thoughts, lately, I'm even *thinking* like you.  Heh heh. 
You take care, Tom.   I'll see you tomorrow."

<grin>


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