**************************************************** Disclaimer time once again! Sixty-second 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. Sequel to 'Ssst', 'Growl', 'Chuckle', 'Sob', 'Grin', 'Sigh', 'Smile', 'Yawn' and 'Whisper'. 'Groan' by Amirin **************************************************** The last thing I expected to see when I woke up, was Neelix sleeping in the chair in my bedroom. I have no idea how long he's been here, either. Or how he knew I didn't want to be alone. I guess the party's over. Hope so. I'd hate for him to miss it, seeing as how he put it all together. Guess I'm hungry, huh? Don't know what I want to eat. It's nice to feel strong enough to make it out of bed, though. Thank heaven for small miracles. Apparently, it's something of a miracle I'm even *alive*. Got my nervous system toasted but good. If you can't do something well, why do it at all, eh? I was pretty out of it earlier, I guess. Maybe that's why Neelix stayed. Damn, he's so . . . *nice*. Goes out of his way for people, with no thought for himself. Amazing, that someone like that exists. So generous. So compassionate. And such a damned quiet sleeper. He doesn't snore. Just a faint rumbling sound. Hardly moves around, either. Maybe I can get up without waking him. Or, maybe not. Ow. Fuck. The Doc said I might be sore, more sensitive to discomfort than usual for a while, until things level off, but this is *bullshit*. Dammit, I can't *move*. Not without feeling like someone was flaying me with a phaser. Maybe . . . maybe it isn't as bad as I think. I just wasn't prepared for it, that's all. I know what to expect, now, it can't be as awful as it was . . . Oh, hell, yeah, it can. Okay, think, Tom. Maybe I'm just moving too fast. Okay, let's try it at thruster speed . . . O-okay. Let's not. Shit. How 'bout I don't move at all and the pain goes away, now? How's that for a deal? Huh? Sounds like a plan to me. *Dammit*. Who's bright idea was it for me to get up, anyway? Well, yeah, mine. Fine, rub it in, why dontcha? Hell, I hate to wake Neelix up, but . . . "Neelix?" "Neelix!" "Umm?" "Hey, there. Sorry to wake you." "No, not at all, Tom. Don't be silly. How are you feeling? Do you need anything?" "I can't move without it hurting like hell." "Oh, dear. Oh, my." "Well, how can I help?" "Can you get me something to eat?" "The usual?" "That would be great, Neelix. Thanks. Sorry to bother you." "It's no bother, Tom. Not at all. Always happy to help." "I've noticed. You're a hell of a guy, Neelix." "So are you. Now, hold on, I'll be right back. Don't . . . well, go anywhere. Ummm . . . yes, well . . . you know what I mean." "I'm not going anywhere, Neelix. Cross my heart." "If I could . . ." "Now, don't try it, if it hurts. Hmmm . . . maybe the Doctor has something that could take the edge off. I'll ask him. Be right back." "Way too nice for his own damned good . . ." ***********************end