****************************************************

Disclaimer time once again!   Seventy-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 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-second 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', 
and 'Whack'.

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


****************************************************


Neelix just left and I'm still lying in bed, my hand on his 
pillow.  So warm.  As is he. 

<stretch>

Ya know, the more time I spend with him, the more I 
understand what Kes saw in him. Why she chose him to try 
and build a life with.  And what an extraordinary guy, to get 
involved with a woman he knew would be gone in a few 
short years.  I guess I just always assumed that if I 
connected with someone, we'd grow old *together*.  No 
chance of that with an Ocampan.  

<sigh>

Seven years, for the two of them.  At the most. Damn, I don't 
know if I could have done it.  I really don't.  A remarkable 
being, our Neelix.

<smile>

I know I need to get the hell up, grab a shower, and meet 
him in the galley, but I'm feeling kinda lazy and I don't really 
want to move. He's waiting for me, though.  You wanna 
know something?  It's a nice feeling.

"Doctor to Lieutenant Paris."

Now what?

"Paris here, Doc."

"By my calculations, you should be about out of the muscle 
relaxants.  I've prepared some more doses for you."

"I've got plenty left, Doc.  And I feel fine."

<pause>

"Are you sure you feel fine?  Or is it that you just don't feel 
*pain*?"

"Both, Doc.  Neelix gave me a backrub before I fell asleep.  I 
feel about a hundred times better than I did earlier."

"When was the last time you had a dose?"

"Ummm, maybe four hours ago."

"Lieutenant, I'd like you to come to Sickbay, if you would.  I 
want to run a few scans, just to make sure that you aren't 
simply *unable* to feel whatever pain you may actually be 
in."

<groan>  "Doc, I've got to meet Neelix in the galley; he's 
expecting my help with dinner."

"Tom, apparently you don't realize that this could be serious. 
If you *are* in pain, but unable to feel it, and the feeling 
should suddenly return, you might find yourself . . . 'in a 
world of hurt'. So to speak.  I'll see you in a few moments, 
Lieutenant.  Don't argue with me. Doctor out."

Damn, damn, damn.  

<sigh>  "Paris to Neelix."

"Neelix here, Tom.  What's wrong?  Are you all right?"

"Yeah, but the Doc wants to see me. He's unwilling to take 
my word for the fact that I feel fine."  <growl>  "So, I'm going 
to be late.  I'm sorry."

"Nonsense, Tom, it's certainly not *your* fault. I'll meet you 
in Sickbay in ten minutes."

<startled sputter>  "Neelix??  You don't have to come, really. 
I know you've got work to do."

"Don't be silly.  Ensign Smith can take care of dinner.  She 
said she rather enjoyed filling in for me, before.  Everyone 
was very nice and supportive of her efforts.  It'll be perfectly 
fine, Tom.  I'll see you soon.  Neelix out."

Well, how 'bout that?

<chuckle>

Damn, he wasn't kidding about the whole 'taking care of me 
in spite of myself' thing, was he? 

<smile>

Kinda nice, though, having someone looking out for me.  A 
rarity, that.

<snort>  <sigh>  <stretch>

Okay, enough of this.  Shower time.


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