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Disclaimer time once again!   Sixty-first 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.  :)

Yes, another series.  <sigh>  Sequel to 'Ssst', 'Growl', 
'Chuckle', 'Sob', 'Grin', 'Sigh', 'Smile', and 'Yawn'.

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


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I don't have the heart to wake him. He needs his rest, yes, 
he does.  I must admit, it gave me a scare when I came in 
and found him.  I nearly commed the Doctor in a panic, silly 
me.  <grin>

I felt like a fool when I realized he was only sleeping.  But, 
goodness, for a moment, there . . . Well, I don't want to think 
about it. 

<sigh>

Lying on his side, almost curled into a ball, facing the door. 
Like he'd been waiting for me.  I know it's ridiculous, but the 
very idea was enough to put a smile on my face.  Let me tell 
you, it was rather reassuring when I covered his shoulder 
and he mumbled something in his sleep.  Just sleeping.  Not 
in a coma.

<shiver>

He was sleeping with one hand under his cheek, just like 
Naomi does, and looked much younger than his thirty-three 
years, he certainly did.

<shake head> 

I checked his temperature.  It's become a habit, I think.  

<faint grin>

Anyway, he didn't feel cold, but I pulled the other blanket 
over him, just in case.  Can't be too careful, now, can I?

<fiddle with blanket>

It's so good to have him back with us, again.  Where he 
belongs.  It was an opinion shared by everyone I talked to at 
the party.

<silent laugh>

The party was a resounding success.  And the 
guest-of-honor was sleeping through it.

<sigh>

He was so tired when I left.  I can't imagine he stayed awake 
for long, after.  I bet he hasn't even eaten yet.  Well, I 
suppose sleep was just more important than food. That must 
be it.  I guess I could always stay and wait for him to wake 
up, then see if he needs anything.  

<decisive nod>

I haven't got a single thing to do, right now.  That's one of 
the benefits of having a party on the holodeck, nothing to 
clean up, afterward.  

<grin>

Thank the stars.  That was quite a party.  I believe I could 
almost feel the stress level dropping, as people ate and 
drank and talked.

<sigh>

It was wonderful.  A job well done, Neelix, if I do say so, 
myself. Even the Captain said so.  That was a lovely speech 
she made. And very understanding, asking everyone to 
please let Tom recover, before they all descended on him to 
visit.  About how he would certainly appreciate their 
well-wishes, but needed time to get his strength back.  I 
couldn't have agreed more. I'm hoping they'll leave him be, 
for a while.  Give him some peace.  He deserves it.

<smile>

Well, now.  How long have I been here? Goodness, I'm just 
being silly.  I certainly can't stand here for hours and watch 
him sleep, now, can I?

<silent, rueful chuckle>

The chair looks comfortable enough.  It should do, nicely.

<careful sprawl>  <squirm>  <settle>

*Quite* nice, actually.  

<sigh>

Let's see, now.  I doubt he could have stayed awake for 
more than an hour after I left, which would mean he's been 
asleep for about . . . umm . . . three hours. Or so.

<rustle>  <wriggle>  <shiver>

Goodness, he's a restless sleeper.  Three moves and the 
covers are off.  Can't have that.

<sigh>  <stretch>  <cross room>

Let's try this again, shall we?  Blanket tugged up, arm inside.

<mumble> 

Shhhhh . . . 

<mutter> <groan>  <eyes open blearily>

<murmur> "Umm, Neelix?"

<whisper>  "I'm right here, Tom.  Everything's all right.  Go 
back to sleep."

<groggy nod>

"Do you need anything?"

<shake head> <negative mumble> 

<whisper>  "Then, sleep.  I'll be right here, if you need 
anything."

<faint mumble>  <sigh>

<whisper>  "That's it.  Sleep, Tom.  Just sleep."


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