**************************************************** Disclaimer time once again!   Ninety-third 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.  :) Fortieth 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' and 'Feel'. 'Squeak' by Amirin **************************************************** Damn, I can't believe I did that.  I can't believe I told *Harry* I loved Neelix before I even told *Neelix*.  What the hell was I thinking? I know what I was thinking.  I was trying to convince Harry that this wasn't some damned plot to lure him back.  That Neelix and I were together. Period.  But, I still can't believe I did that.   It took me almost a half an hour to get Harry out of my quarters.  I wasn't about to start changing with him there, no way in hell. And now, I'm late. Neelix has probably been wondering what's taken me so long . . . Damn, there're a few people in here for dinner, already.   "Hey.  Sorry I'm late."   "Neelix?  What's wrong?"    "How's Harry?" "Oh, Neelix.  Damn . . ."    "Harry is stunned.  I've spent the last forty minutes trying to convince him that I'm not using you to make him jealous, or bring him back to me, or whatever the hell he was thinking would happen. I don't think he gets it, but that seems par for the course around here, lately."   "Really."  "Yes, really.  Neelix, what . . .?" "Look, I don't give a damn if he understands or not, if that's what you're thinking . . ."  "Oh, that's not what I'm thinking.  Oh, no.  Not at all."    "Then, what is it?  Huh?  Tell me. Please?" "I'm not the only one who knew you were with Harry."  "And now, they all think . . ."  "Well, they're *wrong*.  My god, do you think I'd do that to you?  Neelix?!?  *Do* you?"    "*No*!  I do *not*, not for a minute, but *they* *do*!"  "Yeah, well, they're fucking *idiots*, all right?!?  They don't know how much I love you, Neelix!  Hell, *you* don't know how much I love you!  And I'm only *starting* to figure it out, here, okay?"  "You just . . ."      "Yeah, I know.  Told you I love you.  Not quite the way I planned, but still . . ."   "No, Tom.  You just made an official Declaration."   "Fortunately, not of Intent.  Way too soon for that.  But, still . . . Oh, my. I wasn't expecting this . . ."    "Okay, slow down.  I just did *what*?"  "Well, I know you didn't mean it . . ."  "Like *hell*, I didn't!  Neelix, I love you. If you want it in *writing*, you've got it."    "I *love* you.  I really do."    "Oh, my."  "Are you all right?"  "In *writing*?  Oh, my."  "Neelix?  Okay, breathe . . . What have I done?"  "You-you made a Declaration.  To me. In public." "And this is a bad thing?"  "No, no, not at all.  No.  Not a bad thing.  Just an official thing.  Well, as far as Talaxian custom is concerned.  I mean, it's not the same for you, I know . . ." "Okay.  Back up.  Talaxian custom?" "A public declaration of love . . . means what, exactly?"  "It's rather, um, exclusive.  I'm afraid."  "Meaning . . . no one for me but you and no one for you but me? That kind of thing?"  "Well, yes.  Basically.  That's about it.  Actually."  "Good.  I like the sound of that."   "Neelix, I've got no problem with that whatsoever.  Honest. Damn, you had me worried . . ."  "Well, there's also the rather small matter of . . . um . . ." "What?"  "Living together.  Really, it's no problem, I mean, I can see why you wouldn't want . . . I mean, I understand . . . mmmph."      "T-tom?"  "Neelix?  Your place or mine?" *********************end