TITLE: "SACRIFICE"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Mal/Sarah.

RATING: PG-13

STATUS: SEQUEL to "LIES AND JUSTICE"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Sarah tries to explain her actions to Mal. The

crew reunites and tells the Captain about Niska."

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.

"SACRIFICE"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

She woke in the warm cradle of his arms, more content than a body had a right to be. Sarah did not think, did not move, did not question. Minutes passed as her languid senses soaked up the latent pleasure of his presence. Gradually awareness shattered the anaethetised bubble with memories sharp and painful, bitter ashes in her mouth where the echo of a smile became something out of reach. Her senses flooded with regret, sorrow and shame. Carefully she opened her eyes not wanting to wake him. To hold on to this image of perfection for as long as she was able. Mal was out for the count, his body folded around hers so protectively. His face relaxed in sleep but still bruised from worry and lack of sleep. Sarah reached out a hand to touch him, her fingers tracing the planes of his face. Lightly trailing ghosts of the passion that ruled her every time she looked into his eyes. Her sigh held heartbreak as much as love.

She moved him carefully, a treasured limb at a time until she had eased him onto his back. Surprised when he did not wake but relieved also because it meant she could watch over him, love him without being observed. Let her heart reach out to him one last time, perhaps to meet in his dreams.

Mal was dreaming. Lying by some sun kissed ocean from Earth-that-was. In truth he had never