Title: The quest had pitfalls and numerous perils – Part 3

Series: Code of Honor (9/?)

Author: Gwenfrewi72

Rating: AO

Fandom: Firefly

Spoilers: None

Summary: River has a nightmare. Mal soothes her.

Length: according to 1,235 Word

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 & zoesback for encouraging my writing and my smutty mind!

Copyright (c) March 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!

* * * * * * *

Eleven days to River’s 18th birthday

Mal sat at the kitchen table, a mug of coffee cooling on its surface. A grin lit his features as he thought about the surprise he was planning for River’s birthday. His introspection was interrupted by a small figure in white entering.

Looking up, he saw River’s tearstained face and sweat soaked hair and was by her side before he knew what he was doing.

Gentle fingers stroked back the hairs that clung to her face, “Bei-bei?”

Haunted eyes rose to his before she threw herself into his arms sobbing.

He soothingly stroked her hair, shoulders and back. He murmured words of comfort as he let her cry.

When the weeping had reduced itself to hiccups, he guided them over to a chair in the lounge and sat down with her in his lap.

“Now what happened?” Mal asked as he lifted her chin so he could look at her face.

“Bad dreams. Miranda, Reavers, Wash . . .” she whispered.

River’s eyes began to fill again. Mal felt helpless with crying women, so he leaned in and kissed her. Her lips tasted of sorrow and terror. As the kiss deepened, the flavor morphed into joy and desire.

Mal’s right hand moved down to stroke the smooth skin of her legs. His left wound itself in her hair, gently cradling her head as th