The Drabble Files

by HoVis

Series of drabbles accompanying "In the Quartermaster's Store". Just what did the crewmen and women of the Enterprise spend three years doing? Features a good dose of Malcolm. Please R and R!

6. Chapter 6

The Drabble Files

The Drabble Files

6) Glow

The very moment Billy met his new bunkmate he knew he was going to cause him problems. They ended up sharing quarters by accident; Billy mistook the deck number he had been allotted and by the time his mistake had been realised he had already unpacked his suitcase, so he ended up staying. He found it deeply ironic that the crewman who took Billy's place in his intended quarters ended up having a deep and loving relationship with the other crewman there.

Billy did not see the book hidden in the drawer, nor did he hear of the scars which Annan Henson's soulful expression concealed. He merely saw the glow, felt the warmth of his oddly smooth fingers as they shook hands, and heard with pleasure the quiet, careful voice.

But Annan recoiled a little too quickly from the handshake, and Billy soon came to understand that to Annan respect for personal space and boundaries were utmost. It was as if the glow was like an invisible barrier, drawing fascinated minions in but repelling them at the last moment.