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Disclaimer time once again!   Eightieth 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-seventh 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', and 'Clink'.

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


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I must confess.  I didn't expect this to happen. Oh, no, not a 
bit.  But, then, there were many things I didn't expect to 
happen.

I didn't think he'd keep my hand in his all the way to the 
holodeck.  I didn't think he'd just ignore the stares and 
astonishment on the faces of the few crewmembers we 
passed on the way.  And I didn't realize he'd be thinking of 
Kes as I seem to be doing so often, these days, as was 
evident when he choose New Orleans for dinner.

<sigh>

I find myself unconsciously comparing the two of them, Tom 
and Kes.  But, 'comparing' isn't exactly the right word for it, 
now, is it?  I *remember* things with Kes, early on in our 
relationship, how we came together, and recall how each 
and every step closer made me love her all the more. The 
discovery and delight, common joy and fascination.  Seeing 
the universe through eyes so young, everything so new and 
wonderful.

<smile>

Tom's almost the exact opposite.  He's seen more than I 
could ever hope to, and I've seen quite a bit, to my way of 
thinking.  His eyes are older, but the discovery and delight 
reflected in the clear blue are still so wonderful to behold.

And Kes's smile . . . it was always there, her laughter always 
ready, just underneath the surface.

Tom's smiles are rare things and his laughter must be 
earned.  It is its own reward, though.  His smile does come 
easier these days.  I like to think it's because of me. 

<grin>

And it's genuine.  That's reflected in his eyes, now, too.  It 
wasn't always, before.  You know, in some ways, he reminds 
me of New Orleans.  The surface doesn't quite match the 
depth, with either of them.  You just have to know where to 
look, to get past that surface.  And how. 

Kes loved the gaiety and flash of New Orleans, at first. All 
brightness and glitter, color and celebration.  But, after a 
while, she wanted to go to the older, quieter areas.  We 
walked by this house many times.  A peaceful, restful 
neighborhood, filled with regal homes and subtle beauty.  I 
think, eventually, we might have discovered the existence of 
this restaurant.  Or, rather, *she* might have and dragged 
me willingly along with her. Kes knew where to look.  And 
how. Yes, indeed she did.  And she taught me. And for that, 
I owe her more than I could ever hope to repay.

<soft smile>

I think it's very telling, that Tom included these places in the 
program.  Oh, my, yes.  Almost as if he knew that once Kes 
got past Mardi Gras, there'd have to be something richer to 
keep her coming back, to hold her interest after capturing it. 
Something intriguing.  Mysterious.  New places to explore 
and enjoy in nearly infinite holographic detail.

<sigh> 

Tom even thought to program subroutines that had nothing 
to do with Mardi Gras, you know.  Just the city.  No flash. No 
glitter.  And Kes found most of them, yes, she did.  She 
used to tell me that there was always something new, some 
hidden treasure, something wonderful and lovely and 
magical to be found if you cared enough to look for it.

<warm gaze into clear, blue eyes>

If you cared enough to look . . .


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