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Disclaimer time once again!   Seventy-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 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.  :)

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

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


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<smile>

I think this is becoming a habit. I wake up from a nap and 
find Neelix asleep.  This time, he's right next to me. And I 
gravitated toward him, apparently, because we're lying 
face-to-face.  Maybe I can move away, without disturbing 
him, if I'm careful . . .

<frown> <rustle>  <soft protest>

Okay, maybe not.  So be it.  

<sigh>  <grin>

Damn, I feel good.  

<careful stretch>

I wonder how long he spent working on my back.  Nothing 
hurts. Not a damned thing.  And I know he didn't resort to 
using the hypospray, because I don't have that funny taste 
in my mouth that I usually get after being dosed with the 
pain meds. 

<shake head> 

He's wonderful.  *Such* a nice guy.  How the hell did I get so 
lucky as to have him for a friend? Because he is, you know? 
One of the best I've ever had. Like Harry used to be.  Until I 
fucked him.  And he fucked me over.

<snort>

<sleepy murmur> 

"Shhhh . . ."  Sorry about that, Neelix.  I'll learn to keep my 
snorts to myself, okay?  Anyway, that's a mistake I'll never 
make again.  'Don't confuse love with friendship'.  Make a 
note, Tommy, and save yourself some grief, next time.

<sigh>

Gods willing, there won't *be* a 'next time'.  I don't think I 
could stand to go through that, again.  Nothing is worth that 
kind of pain.  Nothing.  Seeing him with Seven day in and 
day out . . .  Shit, every time I do, another piece of my heart 
breaks off, never to be seen again.

<sad smile>  <rest hand on broad shoulder>

That ever happen to you, Neelix?  You and Kes seemed to 
be okay after you guys broke it off.  You spent time together, 
did things together.  Still friends.  Damn, I miss her.  So 
much. A big part of the heart of this ship vanished when she 
did.

<sad sigh>  <finger hair>

I spent a lot of time with her, afterward.  Well, not like *that*. 
I mean, mostly, we just talked about *you*.  And what an 
amazing person you were.  So generous and caring.  Open 
and warm.  How you won her over, cared for her.  All of it. 
How devoted to her you were.  And she to you.  Oh, Neelix 
. . . How she loved you.  

<sniff>  <touch furry cheek with fingertip>

I gotta wonder how that feels, ya know?  To have someone 
love you that much? Is it smothering?  Confining?  Or is it 
just about the most perfect fucking thing in the universe?

<sigh>  <stroke spotted hand>

I guess I'm not meant to know, huh? People write poetry and 
music about 'true love' and the cynic in me wakes up and 
has a laughing fit. 

<smirk>

Maybe I'm one of those people it just doesn't exist for. 

<not-quite-nonchalant shrug>

Oh, well.  I can handle it.  Really.  I mean, how big a deal 
can it be, right?

<silent snort>

Shit, you know I'm tired when I start philosophizing.  Screw 
this.  I've gotta get some more sleep, or I won't be fit 
company for a Kazon, later.  'Night, Neelix.  Or afternoon, 
whatever.  Sweet dreams.

<burrow>  <sigh>  <hold warm hand> 

Sweet dreams . . .


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