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!

* * * * * * * * * * * * 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 shuddered delicately at the invasion of Mal’s tongue but she swiftly melted into the kiss. Her tongue mimicked his as it made forays to partake in the taste of him.

Mal groaned deep in his throat as River’s tongue plunged into his mouth. His hand tightened on her head and he unconsciously brought her upper body flush to his. He relished the feeling of her breasts pressed firmly against him.

River whimpered with pleasure. Unconsciously she shifted to ease the ache and was startled at the titillation this caused. She did it again, this time she moaned.

Mal felt himself harden with the sounds River was making. Then he heard the Cortex go off, letting him know that someone was trying to reach them.

With a groan he pulled himself back from her lips. Looking into her passion glazed face, he briefly thought about ignoring the message but the need for a job made him decide he’d better answer it. Putting his hands on River’s waist, he helped her stand before turning and flicking on the screen. Badger’s face appeared.

“’ello Mal.”

Badger smiled at River. His beady eyes taking in her flushed cheeks and kiss ripened lips. “‘ello luv.”

“Badger.” Mal wasn’t thrilled to see the little man; but hell, a job was a job.

“Mal, ‘ow soon till ya get to Persephone? Got a job for ya.” Badger’s Dyton Colony accent was thick with disdain.

“37 hours, 42 minutes.” Mal quirked an eyebrow as River spoke.

“There’s your answer Badger.”

“Righto. See ya then.”

“See ya in the world.” Mal leaned over and switched the screen off before leaning back with a contented sigh.

“Lil’ albatross, you do good work. You come to me and we land a job.”

“Not my work. You’re the one who let him know we were available.”

“Yeah, but I think Badger is taken with ya.” Mal scowled fiercely when he said this. Badger was known for pinching woman he wanted and then selling them when he was done with ‘em.

Mal didn’t cotton with the notion of slavery and he really didn’t take to the idea of Badger taking his girl.

River smiled beatifically. Leaning down, she pressed a quick kiss on Mal’s lips.

“Simon’s lookin’ for me.” River’s fingers briefly caressed Mal’s surprised face before she left the room.