Disclaimer: Joss owns everything. Fox owns the rest. I own naught. I write fanfic. It's not a very lucrative business. Less so than owning everything, anyway. Don't sue.

Comments: It started out as one little scene, so without further ado, here's part #2 in a much more detailed fic than I expected. Let me know what you think.

Feedback: is muchly appreciated (printed out, drooled over, rolled around naked in) and always answered: wily_one24@yahoo.com.au

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River laid her hands on the table, one after the other, deliberately and delicately. Her eyes shone with amusement and challenge. A curve teased the edge of her lips. She leaned forward.

"Ice melts like wine on her tongue."

"The well's gone dry and ice is all that's left."

River threw her head back and laughed in triumph. Standing in the doorway, Zoe allowed herself an amused smile. Her husband sat across from River at the table, eyes also full of laughter and challenge.

"I do believe they're having a meaningful conversation."

Zoe turned to Mal beside her.

"I'm thinking of leaving him in there, Sir, they're starting to make sense to each other."

"Minute you learn how to fly a ship, I'll take you up on that offer." Mal smiled into the Look that she gave him. "How're we doing, Doc?"

Simon shrugged.

"I haven't understood a word they've said in the past two days. I'd say we're either ready or I've succeeded in deliberately manifesting schizophrenic and psychotic tendencies in an otherwise healthy and sane individual."

"That is..." Mal stretched it out. "... not at all comforting to hear."

"It's River I'm worried about." Simon looked at the girl in question. "She's having too much fun with this, I'm not sure she even knows..."

River turned a withering glance in his direction.

"It's not real. False. Pretend. Reality is an illusion, but it can be as fun as free association into patterns of the brain."

Simon blinked.

"Okay then."

Wash let the corners of his mouth turn up into a smi