TITLE: "THREE DAYS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: No specific pairing.

RATING: PG-13

STATUS: SEQUEL to "THE DEVIL'S OWN"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "The only thing wrong with the Past is that it

doesn't stay there."

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.

"THREE DAYS"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

It was a merry meal despite recent events and if the Captain was a mite quiet no one held it against him. In fact, Wash was just relieved there had been no explosive or violent outbursts. Simon kept glancing at Kaylee, meeting her eyes then dipping his head shyly. Mrs Frye gave the two a fond look, her husband trying hard not to laugh outright. He could warn the boy but where would be the fun in that? Once a woman got her hook into a man there was no way of wriggling off it. Not less someone cut the gorram line.

River was sitting next to Jayne, her face angled so she could watch him squirm without having to keep turning her head. It was funny to see the big man so discomfitted. Shepherd Book had tried to put him at his ease, tell him it could have happened to anyone, but being outsmarted by five six and seven year old kids was not exactly covering him in glory. What he ended up in was a gorram sight smellier and all kinds of embarrassing. Didn't think he'd ever live it down. Mrs Frye had run a tub of hot water for him out back and filled it with rose scented oils given to her by Inara. The look on the mercenary's face had been something they would all savour for a very long time. Now though they were down to the serious, and highly enjoyable chore, of eating a hearty breakfast.

Opposite River the Captain sat with