TITLE: "ASHES"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: RIVER/MAL.

RATING: NC-17.

STATUS: New. SEQUEL to "MIXED SIGNALS"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

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

SUMMARY: "River calms Mal, Simon finds himself helplessly

falling and the Preacher does some soul searching."

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.

"ASHES"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

He was tired but in a good way. All that humping and loading had helped to ease the tension in him while making him a comfortable weary. It was good to have cargo. A smile bowed his lips as he watched Jayne tie off the crates so that they would remain in place for the journey and not shift. They were the only ones down in the cargo bay. The Captain jerked his head towards Jayne as the big man straightened. "Best clean up then see what there is to eat."

"Who's turn is it?"

Mal tried to hide the scowl as he remembered. "Zoe."

Jayne swore half under his breath. "Ruttin' hell, who told her she could gorram cook?"

"You can tell her your own self if you feel brave enough."

"Huh."

The Captain felt a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I'll take that as a no then."

The mercenary said something unintelligible then went to his bunk to clean up. Mal didn't move. He felt a strange reluctance to give up the moment of peace he had found. Didn't want to run the gauntlet of hard uncompromsing stares from his second in command. It irked him but more than that it hurt. Why couldn't she just be happy for him? A touch on his waist made him fair jump out of his skin. He turned quickly but she was quicker, her arms encircling his waist as she wrapped herself round him like a candy wrapper.

"River! *N