TITLE: "THE SILENT HOURS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Simon/Mal

RATING: R for *slash* but not graphic.

STATUS: New. A Standalone piece.

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: http://carlajane.50megs.com/Ali00.html

SUMMARY: "Simon contemplates his time on Serenity and

the slow but inevitable lure of a certain delectable Captain."

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly'

are the property and gift of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.

No infringement of copyright is intended.

"THE SILENT HOURS"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

He leaned against the railing on the catwalk. Bone weary but unable to speak. Letting the cool darkness numb the shadows of his mind. River was at last sleeping. Wash no longer in physical pain but the scars he carried inside him were something Simon could not heal. He was not sure that anyone could except perhaps one man. The man he had left behind. A man who's strength had enabled him to survive. Simon knew the guilt of that would eat into his soul. Even in Zoe's loving arms there would be nightmares. Simon hung his head and recalled his reaction when Zoe had brought him back. The stunned look on everyone's faces at the news that Niska had released Wash but would not let the Captain go. The way his heart had faltered when he opened the small package wrapped in cloth placed silently into his hands. As Zoe helped Wash along the catwalk he had looked down and unfolded it. Stared with horror at the severed ear of their Captain.

He was not sure when his feelings for the Captain began to change. When he had first met him on the ramp of Serenity he thought him an arrogant, spiteful, and violent man. A criminal who could not be trusted let alone liked. He saw no redeeming features in that cold hard face only danger. Yet he had already booked passage, his choice made, and he