Disclaimer: This is purely a work of fiction. No infringement is intended. All characters belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy, not me. Bla Bla Bla Yackity Smackity.

A/N: This was written in response to the LJ FF Friday challenge (the topic is trust), but because of lack of a code to register for LJ I could not post it there. I am trying to be creative with this one so please let me know if it left you going HUH?

No Words

by zoefan aka nkosazana

Zoe walks into the darkened infirmary. She locks the door and turns on the lights in the front. In the far corner of the room Mal lies on one of the beds. The top of the bed is raised and remains in the darkness. Zoe takes a couple of steps toward him and then stops. She speaks.

"There has been no use for words between us. We have a way of speaking with

looks, gestures, nods, blinks."

Zoe laughs softly and takes a few more steps toward Mal.

"Nobody in this ‘verse knows me the way you do. No one else can look at me

and know exactly which nightmare it was and whether to find some way to

be alone with me or stay away. And I know without asking how to make you right again after you’ve stayed awake for days, too afraid to close your eyes. We share the same pain. That makes us connected in such a way that words aren’t necessary."

Zoe walks over to the chair beside his bed. She positions it so she is sitting directly in his field of view. She sits.

"I think this lack of words hurts us sometimes. Emotions can be lost in the translation of glances and winks. I’m not sure you really know. I don’t know if you understand why I did what I did. But, of course you do. You always do things for the benefit of others, even if it’s to your own detriment. You know that it was best for me, for all involved. It was the uncomplicated way to do it. To be silent. I know without question you wouldn’t speak on it. There are so many things between us that others are not privy too. You will never betray me and here I am re