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Disclaimer time once again!   Eighty-first 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 love and sex and affection 
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.  :)

Twenty-eighth story in the Stage Direction series.  Sequel to 
'Ssst', 'Growl', 'Chuckle', 'Sob', 'Grin', 'Sigh', 'Smile', 'Yawn', 
'Whisper', 'Groan', 'Hover', 'Waffle', 'Comfort', 'Fidget', 
'Grimace', 'Sizzle', 'Glare', 'Shrug', 'Doze', 'Snort', 'Whack', 
'Stretch', 'Snicker', 'Pace', 'Hug', 'Clink', and 'Wonder'.

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


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We eat slowly, savoring everything.  Especially the 
company.  I know I am, at any rate.  And judging from the 
glowing smile on Neelix's face, I'm not the only one.

<happy sigh>

<softly>  "What is it, Tom?"

<quiet smile>  "I'm just enjoying myself, Neelix.  That's all."

<grin>  "As a wise man once said, 'That's everything'."

<warm laugh>  "Yes, it is."

<take hand> "So am I, I'll have you know.  Very much." 

<stroke hand> "I'm glad to hear it."

We've stopped eating, but I've had my fill of food, anyway. 
Damn, I don't know what to do, next.  <grin>  Kes, you 
should have left instructions . . .

<hushed> "What are you thinking about, Tom?"

<smile>  <whisper>  "Kes."

<nod>  "She'd be so pleased that her two favorite people 
were . . . such good friends, now."

<sigh>  "Yes, she would.  I know I am."

<grin>  <lean forward>  "Me, too."

Our waiter is quietly clearing the table; neither of us is 
paying much attention to him until he speaks.

"Will there be anything else, Gentlemen?"

<shake head> "Nothing, thank you."

"Very well.  Please feel free to enjoy the veranda, if you 
wish."

Neelix's eyes light up and we stand, hands still together. 
We walk through the rest of the place, but we're not really 
seeing it.  The veranda is dimly gaslit and the french doors 
are open, so we head out onto it.  The night air smells 
wonderful and the heat and humidity aren't bad at all.  Insect 
and animal noises are vying with the quiet music for 
attention as I lead Neelix over to one of the sofas, wicker 
with a cushioned seat.  His contented sigh as he makes 
himself comfortable echoes my own and we grin at one 
another.

"Such a beautiful night."

<softly>  "Yes, it is."  <smile>  "Thank you for sharing it with 
me." 

"I wouldn't have wanted to miss it, Tom.  Tonight has been 
*so* lovely."

<nod>  "For me, too."

<pause>  <stroke hand> "This isn't your usual 'night out', is 
it?"

<shake head> <quietly>  "No."  <smile>  "This is a lot nicer 
than my 'usual'."

<gentle smile>

<sigh>  "Neelix, I'm . . . so glad you're here. With me. You 
know?"

<nod>  <lean closer>  "I know."  <clear throat>  "I can't think 
of anywhere I'd rather be."  <smile>  "Or anyone I'd rather be 
with."

<sigh>  <shaky smile>  "Thank you.  For everything." 
<pause>  "The last few days have been *so* . . .  They've 
been wonderful.  *You've* been wonderful."  <quiet snort> 
<grin>  "You're *always* wonderful."

<protest>  "Tom . . ."

<interrupt>  "You *are*, Neelix.  Really.  You're one of the 
kindest, sweetest people I've ever known.  You care about 
people, *really* care about them . . ."

<cover mouth with fingers>  "Shhh.  That's not entirely true. 
I care about *you*.  You're probably the most important 
person in my life, right now.  Certainly the one whose 
companionship I cherish the most." 

<gentle kiss on warm fingers>  <take hand> "That's what I 
mean. Neelix, no one has ever made me feel like this.  Not 
that I can remember.  I really *like* being with you, I love 
spending time with you, whatever we end up doing . . ." 
<snort>  "Damn, I am so *bad* at this."

<protest>  "You are not.  I think I know what you're saying 
and I feel the same way.  I have for quite a while, now." 
<grin>  <stroke cheek>  "See, you're no worse at this than 
*I* am."

<smile>  <softly>  "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'd be fine." 

<snort>  "Like *hell* I would.  I don't do too well on my own. 
In fact, I vaguely remember B'Elanna telling me that I was 
one of the most high-maintenance people she'd ever known. 
That if I was one of the engines, she'd scrap me and start 
over.  Which is exactly what she did, come to think of it."

"She doesn't know what she's lost, Tom.  She truly doesn't."

<shaky smile>  "The guy she lost isn't the guy you know, 
Neelix.  I feel different when I'm with you.  I *am* different.  I 
just feel . . . better, I guess, than I ever have before.  And it's 
because of you.  Am I making any sense?"

<slow nod>  "And I'm delighted to hear you say it.  But, I still 
think you're selling yourself short.  I really haven't done 
anything but take care of you when you needed it.  Anyone 
could have done that . . ."

<hurriedly>  "That's *exactly* my point.  No one else on this 
ship *did*, but you.  And you take care of things that I don't 
even realize are important to me, at the time.  It's only later 
that I appreciate what you've done for me . . ."  <smile 
through tear-filled eyes>  "You make me feel like someone 
actually gives a damn about me . . ."

<interrupt with a kiss>  <surprised silence>  <whisper> 
"Because I do.  So much." 

<soft, hesitant kiss>  <whisper>  "Neelix?"

<less hesitant kiss>  <lean forward til foreheads touch> 
"Yes, Tom."  <contented sigh>  <quietly>  "Yes."


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