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Disclaimer time once again!   Ninety-fourth 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 involves 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.  :)

Forty-first 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', 'Wonder', 'Kiss', 
'Doubt', 'Surprise', 'Cuddle', 'Ahem', 'Confer', 'Recover', 
'Rant', 'Soothe', 'Hold', 'Whistle', 'Feel', and 'Squeak'.

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


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Oh, my. We're actually living together.

<chortle>

I didn't expect him to pay any attention to the tradition, I 
mean, it's not strictly followed among my *own* people, for 
heaven's sake.  The last thing I thought he'd do was ask me 
where I wanted to live.

<grin>

Goodness.  We're sharing new quarters.  Well, new to both 
of us, at least.  Closer to the Bridge for him and a little bit 
closer to the mess hall for me.  He's closer to Sickbay, as 
well, now, so he doesn't have to go so far for the Doctor's 
tests.  And he's with me all the time, so I can keep an eye 
on him easier.  In fact, I was a bit concerned he might get a 
little tired of me, as things stand at the moment. And I told 
him so.

<soft smile> 

He told me not to be ridiculous.  Right before he kissed me. 

<sigh>

He was trying so hard to be accommodating.  Didn't want 
me to have to leave my quarters, if I were attached to them, 
which I wasn't, by any means. So sweet.  And so generous.

<beaming grin>

Our new place is much larger, plenty of room for both of us. 
Also has a bathtub, a delightfully sinful decadence I still 
haven't gotten used to.  And one I'm looking forward to 
sharing with him.  

<wicked smile>

A shower for him, a *much* larger bed . . .  Oh, it's simply 
wonderful.  And room for all my things scattered around, 
including some that belonged to Kes.  Tom insisted that they 
be brought out, so we could both enjoy them.  Said it made 
him happy to have reminders of her mixed within and around 
the rooms.  And his own belongings, of which there aren't 
many, sadly, fit in just beautifully with mine. Quite the  
eclectic mixture, we've got, I must say.

<contented sigh>

Home.  It feels like home. A place I can look forward to 
going to, when my work is done.  Because I know he'll be 
there and I can't wait to see him. Not a place I'll seek to 
avoid as long as possible because of the loneliness and 
emptiness.  Not anymore.  Not with Tom.

<straighten pillow>

He's with the Doctor, now, should be home any minute. 

<wry smile>

It feels like home to him, too.  Already.  It amazed me how 
quickly he adjusted, how rapidly he settled in, before he 
threw himself on the bed and smiled at me and softly told 
me to hurry and join him, because it wasn't a bed made for 
one.  

<close eyes in memory> 

He was right.  It's a perfect size for two.  Wonderful man. 

<clear throat>  <critically study living area>

Well, now.  Where was I?  Oh, yes.  Dinner went by quickly, 
very quickly, after I told him what he'd inadvertently done. 
We weren't paying any mind to the crew, hardly at all.  They 
could have been on fire, for all we noticed.

<snort>

But, they noticed us, oh, my, yes.  Tom and I were huddled 
in the kitchen, talking rather, um *animatedly* about the 
whole thing, and I guess our laughter was carrying quite a 
ways and, well, eventually the Captain was forced to inquire 
when preparations might be complete and the crew could 
eat.

<chuckle>

We just looked at each other and laughed.  Of course, we 
got to work and things were put to rights just moments later. 
Tom asked her on behalf of both of us, if there were quarters 
we could move into, together.  She blinked a few times and 
said she'd look into it.  And then, the Commander came in 
and they talked for quite some time before he approached 
Tom.

<sigh> 

Who was looking like a man about to meet a horrible fate, 
judging from the set of his shoulders and the stiffness in his 
body.  He caught my concern, though, and dredged up a 
smile for me, which managed to stay on his face throughout 
his talk with the Commander, who appeared to be using the 
utmost caution as he spoke with Tom.  I think I detected the 
slightest of grins on Chakotay's face at the end of their 
conversation, yes, indeed.  Just the barest hint, you 
understand.  But things certainly seemed to be more relaxed 
afterwards.

<decisive nod>

I'm glad.  Very much so, as a matter of fact. 

<whoosh>

<halt> "Um, hi." 

<reassuring smile>  "How'd it go with the Doctor?"

<sigh>  <shrug>  <quietly>  "He said I was making progress. 
I might be back on duty before the week is out."

<frown> "You don't seem to be too happy with his 
prognosis."

<pause>  <shrug>

"Tom, what's wrong?"  <cross room to take in arms>  "What 
is it?"

<kiss top of head> <sigh>  <whisper>  "I'll miss you.  When I 
have to go back to work."

<fierce hug>  "Why, I'll miss you, too.  But, we'll still get to 
see a lot of each other."  <wink>  <nudge>  "Especially now 
that we're living together."

<snort>  <chuckle>  "True."  <sigh>  "Very true, Neelix." 
<grin>  <quick kiss>  "I need a shower."  <kiss>

<wicked smile>  "How about a bath, instead, hmmm?" 

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