Title: The quest had pitfalls and numerous perils – Part 2

Series: Code of Honor (8/?)

Author: Gwenfrewi72

Rating: AO

Fandom: Firefly

Spoilers: None

Summary: The countdown to River's 18th birthday continues. The crew gets a job.

Length: according to Word 842

Disclaimer: The great, almighty and powerful Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, etc. own the universe and characters. I'm just playing with them. Please don’t’ take away my shiny toys Captain.

Author's Note: For miss_strawberry & obsidianagirl for encouraging my writing.

Copyright (c) February 2006 Patricia Flynn

Thanks to Obsidianagirl and zoesbackup for beta-ing this for me. You’re both the best in the ‘verse next to Mal and River, of course!

As always, feedback is shiny!

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Twelve days to River’s 18th birthday

Mal sat in Wash’s old chair. His eyes unfocused as he stared into the black as his mind whirled with ideas. Serenity was getting low on fuel, food supply was quickly getting depleted and Jayne had been grumblin’ about his lack of money again.

He closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose in an attempt to relieve the tension headache he felt coming on. He was startled when he felt long, cool fingers begin rubbing his temples.

He raised his hands to grab at those fingers, when he heard her say, “Head pounding so loud it woke me up.”

Mal smiled. Figures his lil’ albatross would know he had a headache. He sat back, closed his eyes and let himself be soothed by her hands.

River continued her ministrations for several minutes until she felt the pressure release itself. Moving silently, she walked around the chair and then sat down on Mal’s lap.

Mal’s eyes had begun to open when he felt River sit but then shut swiftly when he felt her warm smooth lips kissing his.

One hand settled on her waist, the other tangled itself in her hair to cradle her head. Mal minutely adjusted the angle of her head and using his tongue, he enticed her lips to part so he could savor her taste.

River shudd