by Tirinar
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Disclaimer: Characters, ship, technobabble and the galaxy owned by Paramount Almighty. The Story is mine.

This short was written from Harry's point of view. Heavily inspired by 'Frame of Mind' and by Harry's reactions to bad news over Voyager.

Okay! Okay! I'm sorry! But it gnawed at me until I wrote it. Feedback appreciated.

And there's now a sequel. I personally blame Temaris.

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No.

I can't believe he said that.

My best friend isn't gay, is he?

There were no warning signs. Aren't there warning signs for everything? For the important things like this? Maybe there are. Maybe there were and I missed them, those critical moments flying by too fast to notice. Think back.

Those friendly hugs and arms draped around me. Was that his way of showing me? The comments about other crew members. The constant commentary on their relationships and looks. Was that his way of telling me? The times I looked into his eyes and saw his soul, briefly through those ice blue windows. This wasn't what I saw... ... was it?

What can I do to help him? Why am I panicking? What is wrong with me or him? Is there anything wrong at all?

This isn't natural. But is there anything more natural than love? Why discriminate on the basis of gender?

Oh God. I can't believe I'm rationalising this. He TOLD ME HE LOVES ME. What does he think I am? Gay? Same as him? We're alike, he said. Two of the same. But I'm not. I can't be. I'm not, Tom. I'm not.

I'm not the same as you.

I'm not one like you.

I'm not the guy you think I am.

I'm not that guy.

Not that guy.

Not.

That.

Guy.

Am I?