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Disclaimer time once again!   Sixty-eighth 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.  :)

Sixteenth in the Stage Direction series.  Sequel to 'Ssst', 
'Growl', 'Chuckle', 'Sob', 'Grin', 'Sigh', 'Smile', 'Yawn', 
'Whisper', 'Groan', 'Hover', 'Waffle', 'Comfort', 'Fidget', and 
'Grimace'.

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


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<slow walk down corridor>

"Kes loved the moss, you know."  

<puzzled look>

<grin>  "She said it was one of a thousand little things you 
add to a program that make the illusion so real.  Like the 
trombone player with the headcold. Kes always thought that 
kind of creativity was a real gift.  She called you a 
'holo-artist'."

<pleased smile>  "I'm flattered, Neelix.  Thank you. 
Speaking of creativity, what are we making for dinner?"

<swoosh>

<laugh>  "Well, what would you suggest?"

I find myself unable to stop smiling as Tom tosses off ideas 
for about twenty different dishes.  Souvlaki actually sounds 
rather good, tonight . . .

<sigh>  

The walk was lovely.  The heat was close to oppressive, but 
it's New Orleans, to hear Tom tell it.  Music on nearly every 
street corner, children running through the crowds, laughing, 
shops and people and the most incredible smells . . .  All the 
things Tom took care to point out to me were the things that 
had fascinated Kes the most. I could almost swear my 
Sweeting was there, following and laughing, keeping us 
company, hands folded behind her back as she grinned at 
everything, and nothing . . .

<soft smile>

I head to the cook-tops and dig around for enough things to 
keep Tom chopping for a while.  Lunch was very amusing. 
The crew's reaction to him being 'behind the counter', so to 
speak, was startled, but Tom's quip about 'He slices, he 
dices, he even makes julienne fries' sent the early arrivals 
into hysterics.  It was wonderful to see.  So wonderful.  Oh, 
the sound of his laughter has been such a rare thing, of late. 
He laughed more today than he has for the last several 
weeks.  And I like to think that I can enjoy some small 
measure of credit for that.

I get him started on the wasuki with pimento and rice, since 
it takes so long for the wasuki to brown evenly, while I make 
sure we've got enough silverware and trays for everyone. 
Lunch was unusually crowded, for some reason, not that I 
mind, oh, no, not a bit.  In fact, Tom's broiled gradlefish with 
mock-lobster sauce was hugely popular.  A trifle bland, for 
my taste, but the crew loved it.  I wouldn't mind having it 
again, some time.

<thoughtful frown> 

You know, I'm not too sure *Tom* had any, come to think of 
it.  He got busy cleaning things up and I don't think he ate. 
He didn't come in for breakfast, either, but he *was* busy, 
seeing the Doctor this morning.  He must have had 
something, though.  He'd have been too hungry to skip 
lunch, if he hadn't.  I'll have to keep an eye on him, make 
sure he eats dinner.  

<snort>

For goodness sake, listen to me. He's a grown man and I'm 
treating him like a child.  Silly me. If he's hungry, he'll eat. 
Really, Neelix, what are you thinking of . . . ?

"Neelix, where do you want this?"

<stunned look>

"Oh, my goodness.  Tom, put that down, it's *hot*.  Here, let 
me take it."

<confused>

"It didn't feel hot, really.  Maybe it's cooled off some . . ."

"Tom, it's hot even with the mitts on.  And you were holding 
it bare-handed?  Oh, dear.  Let me see your hands." 

<sigh>  "Neelix, I'm fine, really . . . Holy *shit*."

"Oh, no.  Look at those burns!  We've got to get you to 
Sickbay."

<stagger>  "Nee-neelix?  I think . . . my legs . . ."

"TOM!  Oh, heavens.  Computer, two to beam directly to 
Sickbay . . ."


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