by Bruce
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Warning: This story presents men in a romantic relationship. Read no further if that offends you.

Archive: Permission is happily granted to Paris/Kim Slash Fic and PKElite to archive this story. Other friendly folks may save a copy for their individual enjoyment. Please do not archive elsewhere or repost without permission from the author. Thank you.

Disclaimer: Paris & Kim and all things Star Trek belong to Paramount. No money is involved in this fan fiction, nor is any copyright infringement intended.

Feedback: Constructive criticism and comments are appreciated.

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"Good afternoon, Ensign Kim."

Harry had been spending his break seated on a couch in the starboard observation corridor, watching the warp speed doppler-shifted stars streak past the view port from left to right. People had passed in front of him, but he hadn't noticed. The starship U.S.S. Voyager was a small-enough ship that most of the crew knew when not to disturb others, and no one had tried to talk to the operations chief as he sat and stared.

A moment. A blink. Harry turned and saw who had spoken to him.

"Oh, sorry. . . Captain's Assistant Wildman. I didn't mean to ignore you."

"Are you off duty, Ensign?"

Harry smiled and nodded.

Naomi hopped onto the couch and slid next to him, nestling inside his right arm. "So am I, Uncle Harry. What are you looking at?"

Harry gave the small girl's shoulder a gentle squeeze and left his hand there as his gaze returned to space. "I'm not really looking at anything in particular. I like to look out the window when I have thinking to do. Looking at stars gives me a chance to clear my head."

"What are you thinking about?"

He inhaled deeply, held the air for a moment, then slowly let it out. "Well. . . it's hard to put into words." He searched for them. "You know how the ship is our home?"

"Until we reach the Alpha Quadrant."

"Right. But we don't know how long that will be. It could happen tomorrow . . . or it may not happen until you're grown."

Naomi looked up at him. "Mom says that she's. . . an optometrist. . . and that we should think positively."

Harry chuckled quietly and looked down at Naomi. "You mean 'optimist.' And your mother is right." He paused, considering how deep a conversation he could have with a precocious six-year-old.

She looked up at him. "I still don't understand why you were sitting here all by yourself."

"Voyager could be our home for a long, long time. Part of me wants to consider the ship to be our permanent home," he explained. "Do you know what it means to 'put down roots'?"

"Like a tree?"

"Kind of. It means to settle in, to make a life where you are."

"Are you ready to settle in?"

Harry breathed deeply again. "I think so."

"Mommy talks to me about Daddy a lot. She misses him. So do I, even though I've never seen him."

"Your mother is lucky to have your daddy and to have you."

"Is that what you mean about roots? To have a family?"

"Yes, I guess so. I think everyone should have someone. Your mom has you. And someday you'll be with your dad, too."

"And you want to be with someone, too?"

A nod. "Yes."

Naomi looked out the view port. She'd always had a close bond with Harry. Her mother had tried to explain to her how Harry had rescued her as a baby when she was a newborn. But Naomi didn't understand. All that she knew was that Harry doted upon her, and she loved him, too.

"You don't want to wait until we're home. Right?"

"Right."

"Would you stay with them, even after we're home?"

Harry's gaze returned to the stars, focused in the distance, but not at anything Naomi could see. "Yes."

Naomi's face showed deep thought.

"What about Unkie Tom Paris?"

Harry stiffened, then turned quickly to look at Naomi.

"I know you like him. And he likes you. And I know you play together. . ." she trailed off as she saw the expression on Harry's face. It wasn't an angry face, more a look of surprise.

"You do like him, don't you?" she asked.

"Well, yes, Naomi, I do. What made you say that?"

Naomi concentrated for a minute.

"Well, the way you look at him is just like the way Mommy looks at the pictures of Daddy."

Harry didn't know what to say for a few moments. His eyes searched the carpet for help. Were his true feelings really so transparent? Did Tom know?

"And I know Unkie Tom likes you. He's always planning games to play with you."

Harry's jaw began slowly making a circle as thoughts bombarded him. What were Tom's feelings? Did everyone know how he felt? Should he say something to Tom? How would he react?

"Mommy's an. . . optimist. She loves Daddy and knows that we will be together soon." Naomi paused, noticing that Harry was lost in thought. "I'm an optimist, too. I think you and Tom should settle in and put down roots."

Harry slowly locked eyes with the little girl, and a hint of a smile passed between them.

"Besides, it could be a long trip home. You and Lieutenant Paris are lucky to have each other."

The moment was interrupted by a comm badge chirp. "Seven of Nine to Naomi Wildman."

She tapped her badge and replied, "Go ahead."

"You are overdue for our game time. Do you wish to postpone our activity?"

"No, Seven. I'll be right there."

"Very well. Seven of Nine out."

Naomi leaned up and gave Harry a kiss on the cheek. "Gotta go!"

Harry smiled and called "Bye, Naomi. . . and thanks," as she disappeared down the corridor. He turned to look out at the stars again when he was interrupted by another comm badge chirp. "Paris to Kim."

Harry's pulse quickened slightly as he tapped the badge. "Yes, Tom?"

"Harry, I looked for you in your quarters. We're on for Chapter 54 of Captain Proton."

"I didn't forget, Tom. I'll be right there."

"Good. This one will be fun. It's called 'Proton and Buster: Together Again'!

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End