TITLE: "ARTICULATION"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Mal/Inara. Simon. River.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "MANIPULATION"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "Mal gets more confused when he wakes up

than he was before he went to sleep. Simon picks his

moment not realising what he is getting into."

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.

"ARTICULATION"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

He woke feeling a deep wash of contentment. More rested than he could remember since the War. The first thing to impinge on his drowsy consciousness was his surroundings. In particular the luxury of the big comfortable double bed and silk sheets. Realisation snapped his eyes open only to find he was alone. Where was she? Had it been nothing but a gorram dream? If so, what the *diyu* was he doing lying in her bed? And naked? As his mind whirred with questions the shuttle door opened and Inara stepped in, closing the door softly behind her before turning to face him. A smile softened plush lips, her eyes seeming to mock the confusion of feelings jockeying for position on his face.

"Did we...?"

Amused she folded away the smile but left the echo dancing in her eyes. "No."

More confusion. "We didn't...?"

"You needed to rest."

"You kissed me."

"Yes."

"All over."

There. Definite mocking now, he was sure of it. She did not answer this time.

"An' the hands..."

"You were tired, I needed to relax you."

His eyebrows shot up. "That what they call it now?"

"Mal, you were still on edge."

"Gettin' shot'll do that to a man." He grumbled. "Not that I suggest you try that." He added quickly. "Bes