Defending the Maiden
Title: Defending the Maiden
Series: Code of Honor (7/?)
Author: Gwenfrewi72
Rating: AO
Fandom: Firefly
Spoilers: None
Summary: Mal defends River. Simon’s in trouble with Kaylee, Again. Jayne has some fun. Simon catches Mal red-handed with River in his bunk.
Length: according to Word 6,064
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: THIS IS A LONG ONE! For miss_strawberry & obsidianagirl for encouraging my writing. Also, I wandered over to Simon/Kaylee land for a bit.
Copyright (c) February 2006 Patricia Flynn
Thanks to Obsidianagirl for beta-ing this for me. She’s the best Captain in the ‘verse next to Mal, of course!
As always, feedback is shiny!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Mal took in the fact that River’s eyes were red rimmed and there were tear streaks on her face. Then he realized that her eyes were awash in new tears that were falling quickly. Her eyes shone hopefully up at him. Made him feel like a big damn hero.
He stood so swiftly that his chair fell over. He loomed over the table and got in Simon’s face.
“You make your sister cry again and you’re gonna take a nice trip outta the airlock, dong ma?” Mal’s eyes burned furiously into Simon’s.
Simon shrank back against his chair in fear for his life. Mal was a menacing figure when he was angry. Maybe I’m wrong. No, can’t be. He’s too old for her. Simon nodded his head in acquiescence.
“We’ll talk more about this later.” Mal said standing upright again. He righted his chair and resumed his seat.
Kaylee glared at Simon before proceeding with her meal. Zoë watched with her normal stoic face but she’d been ready to act if the need arouse. Jayne’s head was bouncin’ back and forth between Mal and Simon as he tried to figure out what was going on.
River looked distraught for a moment and then felt Mal’s conviction to be with her. Her face visibly brightened and the tears came to a halt. Kaylee noticed River’s ecstatic expression and her face broke out into one of her trademark sunny smiles.
Simon sat watching Kaylee. His heart thumped painfully in his chest as he watched her face illuminate.
Kaylee caught Simon starin’ and her frown quickly returned. She was not happy with him. He was so ignorant of what was important in life. Family and love headed her list and when she could see the two combined, then nothin’ in her ‘verse was shinier than that, not even Serenity.
Seeing Kaylee frowning again, Simon turned his attention back to his place. He WAS right. River was too young, too broken to even think about being in a relationship. A small part of his ego tried to point out that he couldn’t be everything to River, but he squashed that thought and focused on how right he was instead.
Simon was confused with how this was going. He was in the right and Kaylee was mad at him. The Captain just threatened to put him out of an airlock for making “his” sister cry. It made no sense and he’d always thought of himself as very logical.
“Can’t see the stars for the black.” River murmured next to him.
Zoë leaned back in her chair and watched Mal’s body language carefully. Then she caught it, that small, happy grin. Mal hadn’t smiled like that since before the Battle of Serenity Valley.
It was directed at River, who was looking just as happy. In fact, the two of them had the most besotted looks on their faces. Their bodies were unconsciously leaning toward each other. They were wrapped up in looking at each other, lost to everything and everyone else. It reminder her of the way her and Wash use to be. Now this was an interesting development.
Jayne realized somethin’ was up between Mal and Simon and somehow that gorram crazy girl was a part of it, but hell, if he weren’t in any trouble then he didn’t give a gorram. He resumed eatin’ with his normal gusto.
Mal looked over at River and was all manner of happy. He wasn’t aware that he had a small grin on his face as he looked over at River. Blue eyes met brown and the affection and love shining at him eased the jagged edges of his soul that he wasn’t even aware of.
Mal was ignorant to the fact that his entire body language changed in that moment. His shoulders lifted as if relieved of some unspoken burden. The tension in his face relaxed and he looked years younger. He was slowly becoming the man he would have been if it hadn’t been for the war.
River glowed with happiness when she noticed these changes. She felt the crashing waves of anger, frustration, guilt and all manner of things start to calm within him. They were a long way from completely still but it was a beginning.
“To have and to hold, from this day forward.” River softly breathed the words. Mal nodded his concurrence as he felt the words wash thru and over him.
Their interlude was disrupted when Jayne rose noisily from the table and left. Zoë and Kaylee quickly followed.
Simon sat waiting for the Captain. He knew they had to have this talk and he was positive the Captain wasn’t going to be happy about his decision but he knew what was best for River.
Mal looked at Simon’s body language and he knew this wasn’t a battle he could win but the war was an entirely different matter. Sometimes you have to yield some ground to gain the tactical advantage.
Mal’s eyes shifted to River again. “River, we need to be headin’ to Persephone. Badger has got a job for us. Go plot a course.”
River clearly wanted to stay but read that Mal wanted her gone for this confrontation. Nodding, she rose gracefully on her chair. Her hand briefly rested on Mal’s shoulder before she left the room.
“Doc.” Mal wasn’t cognizant of the fact that he always referred to Simon this way when he wasn’t happy with him.
“Captain. You can’t be entertainin’ the notion that you and my sister enter a …” Simon’s mind raced for a suitable word and found none.
“What I’m entertainin’ is getting to know your sister better. Court her, if ya like. Realized I got feelin’s for the girl and she’s informed me she has the same. Thought we’d see where it led us.”
“She’s seventeen years old and mentally broken. Beside the fact that you’re old enough to be her father.”
“Technically speakin’ yeah, I could’ve fathered her but I didn’t.”
“Regardless, she is underage and I will not give my consent as her guardian.” Simon had reverted to his previously stuffy behavior and Mal wanted to put a bullet in him, but knew that it wouldn’t get him anywhere.
“Well now, that’s just it. Until she’s eighteen you’re still her guardian and her birthday ain’t but a month away.”
“Captain, I will have you arrested if you do not comply with my wishes on this.” Simon threw out the bluff. He wasn’t going anywhere near the Feds and they both knew it.
Mal decided to humor the boy.
“Well then, I see that I have no choice. Until her eighteenth birthday I will treat her the same way I do all the woman on my ship. Is that to your satisfaction?” Mal’s eyes were sharp with intent.
Simon sat back for a moment. This was too easy. The Captain was more stubborn and belligerent than that, but he couldn’t for the life of him see what the Captain had planned, what angle his was working.
“Fine. I will be watching very closely to see that you do just that.”
“I will however not be held responsible for anything your sister does. You can’t expect me to control her when you have a hard time doing that.” Mal smiled benignly at him.
“Agreed.”
Mal smiled his normal unholy grin that he used when he planned on misbehavin’ and it made Simon all kinds of uneasy. For the life of him, Simon knew he was going to regret agreeing to this he just didn’t know how and why.
Mal reached over and shook Simon’s hand before striding away to the bridge.
Kaylee stood near the door, eavesdropping. She knew Simon was confused but he was bein’ such an idiot. She knew her Captain had a plan and she couldn’t wait to see it in action.
* * * *
Everyone else was seated at the dinner that night, when Mal walked in with Zoë on his arm. He escorted her to the seat to his left at the table, held her chair for her to be seated before seating himself.
Simon was amused by this but didn’t think much of it. He’d been trying all day to get Kaylee to talk to him with no success.
After dinner, Mal once again rose, helped Zoë from her chair and escorted her from the room.
* * * *
The next morning, Mal escorted Inara to and from breakfast. At lunch it was Kaylee. Each time the woman was seated to his left. They would enjoy a pleasant conversation amongst themselves.
Simon fumed as he watched Kaylee flirt outrageously with Mal all thru lunch. They kept touching each other in that affectionate way of theirs and he was jealous. She was still ignoring him and when she did speak she just suggested he go check on River.
At dinner that night, Mal escorted River into dinner. He was being all manner of solicitous of her and Simon’s eyes narrowed.
Mal looked smugly at him and said. “I believe that’s anger on your face Doc. You have no reason to be upset, I’m just treating her the same as all the other woman on my ship.”
Simon’s mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air. He’d been outmaneuvered and he knew it.
Kaylee giggled and Zoë smiled. Simon realized that they’d been in on it and were amused at his expense.
Inara was frowning. She’d thought Mal had decided he was mistaken about caring for River when he’d arrived at her shuttle that morning, offering to escort her to breakfast. He’d been all manner of courteous and she’d been enamored by the mirage. She was not amused and did not like that he’d manipulated her to get what he wanted.
Jayne looked confused and decide it might be a good idea to pay more ‘ttention to what were going on. Anytime Simon got all het up, he enjoyed it.
Dinner was a lively affair that night. Mal was in a magnanimous mood and was regaling them with amusing stories from the war.
Simon sat and fumed. Mal had outmaneuvered him and Kaylee was still rejecting his every attempt to speak to her.
Jayne had noticed that Kaylee was not speaking to Simon and decided to have a bit of fun.
“Kaylee, you look right pretty tonight.” Jayne’s comment brought the conversation to a standstill.
Kaylee detected that Simon, who’d been preoccupied all evening, was suddenly interested in the conversation.
“Thank you Jayne. You’re lookin’…” Kaylee fumbled for a moment, “mighty handsome yourself.” Then gave Jayne her third best smiles.
Mal’s eyebrows rose at this and he glanced at Simon. Simon’s face turned rigid.
“Ifn it’ll please ya, I’d like to escort ya to the engine room.” Jayne smiled as he rose and extended his hand to her.
Kaylee upped the wattage on her smile a notch as she took his hand and rose. “Why that’d be nice Jayne. Would you care to join me for a drink? I just got a new batch of brew out of the engine.”
Kaylee wound her arm through Jayne’s when he nodded and they exited the room.
Simon started to rise but Mal’s voice interrupted him.
“Doc, seems to me it’s your turn to be doin’ the dishes.” Mal knew Simon had been about to follow them and he took great delight in delayin’ that.
Simon nodded dejectedly. His eyes kept flickering toward the doorway that led to the engine room every time Kaylee’s happy laugh filtered into the room.
Mal just smiled and escorted River back up to the bridge.
* * * * *
It took them a week to get to Persephone. During which Inara announced she’d be leaving to return to the Training House. This time when she packed she made sure to gather all her belongings. Nothing was going to be casually ‘forgotten’.
Her leaving this time was brief and final. None of the crew expected to see her on the ship again. Kaylee knew she’d wave Inara from time to time but it wasn’t the same as bein’ able to stop by and visit. Nope this time it truly was goodbye.
Mal continued his practice of escorting Zoë to breakfast, Kaylee to lunch and River to dinner. Inara had been taking all her meals in her shuttle.
Kaylee flirted outrageously with the Captain at lunch, but dinner was true torture for Simon. Kaylee spend the entire meal flirting with Jayne. They usually retired somewhere afterwards together.
Simon had tried everything he could think of to get Kaylee to speak to him but nothing worked. She pointedly ignored him. Even going so far as to enlist Zoë’s help when she’d cut her hand the other day.
Simon’s disposition became more and more sour. No one talked much with him since he was more likely to bite your head off than speak civilly. He’d even takin’ to taunting Jayne at every opportunity.
* * * * *
Simon was straightening the infirmary for what seemed the hundredth time that day in an attempt to not think about Kaylee and Jayne when he heard River’s voice.
“Loves you. Loves Mal, Zoë, and even loves Jayne. Loves us all. Wants everyone happy.”
“I know bao-bei.” Simon sat down. Crossing his arms on the exam table, he rested his head on them. He hadn’t been getting much sleep without Kaylee snuggled next to him. He hadn’t realized how quickly he’d gotten use to her being there.
“Not sleeping with him.”
Simon’s body tensed as images of Kaylee and Jayne in numerous sexual positions ran across his brain. Jayne doing things to Kaylee that he’d done. Making her all manner of happy in bed.
“Misses you.”
“I doubt that. She’s got Jayne and Mal to make her feel beautiful and wanted.” Simon spoke so dejectedly that tears formed in River’s eyes.
“Can’t see the stars for the black.” River mumbled before fleeing the room, overcome with Simon’s sorrow.
* * * * *
Mal, Zoë and Jayne had just arrived in the cargo bay when River came running up to Mal and buried her face in his chest. Handing the small, precious box in his hand to Zoë, Mal then wrapped his arms around River and walked her over to the side.
“Get the cargo loaded up.” Mal said as he sat her down on a crate.
“Hurts. Won’t stop. Tiny shards of love and trust falling away.”
“I know darlin’. Simon’s made a bed of his own chosin’. Not sayin’ that Kaylee’s right cause she ain’t. No right in denying love but that’s what she’s doin’. I appreciate that she’s tryin’ to help but it ain’t right. Guess I need to talk with my mechanic.”
River rested her head on his shoulder.
“Knew you’d make it better.”
“Don’t know about that lil’ albatross, but I’ll try. Now get a course set to Greenleaf. We got a delivery to make.”
River leaned up and kissed him on the check before flitting away. Mal watched with a smile and then a frown when he realized he’d have to involve hisself with Kaylee and Simon’s love life.
* * * * *
Mal once again escorted River to dinner. They were enjoying simply being together. Being able to touch each other in those small yet infinitely intimate ways that lovers do.
River had taken to holding Mal’s left hand under the table. She was able to eat with her left hand just as well as her right, so no one really noticed.
After dinner Mal rose from his chair to get everyone’s attention.
“Kaylee got you a present. Had to get somethin’ for the best mechanic in the ‘verse.” Mal walked over to his locker and opened it. Inside was a small box. Picking it up he went and placed it in front of Kaylee.
Kaylee kissed his check as he set the box before her. “I love my Captain.”
Mal smiled and resumed his seat.
Kaylee looked at the box for a moment and then a sweet, familiar odor wafted up to her. Her eyes widened with excitement and she gently lifted the lid. Inside sat a dozen luscious red strawberries.
Kaylee squealed with joy. Jumping up she ran and gave Mal another hug. “I REALLY love my Captain.”
Simon watched all this and mentally kicked himself. He’d forgotten Kaylee’s love of strawberries. If he’d gotten them for her she’d probably be talking to him now.
Practically dancing, Kaylee resumed her seat. She generously offered to share them with everyone. Everyone was waiting for Kaylee to take the first bite.
Simon’s eyes were focused intently on Kaylee. The look of rapture on her face reminded him of how she looked when she had her orgasm. He felt his pants tighten uncomfortably as Kaylee’s eyes closed and she wrapped her lips around that first juicy bite.
Kaylee was so lost in the ecstasy of her strawberry she wasn’t aware of everyone’s eyes on her.
River blushed while Mal and Zoë chuckled.
Jayne’s mouth dropped open and he hastily stood up. “I’ll be in my bunk.” He hastily exited the room.
Simon just stared. His eyes glazed over as memories of him and Kaylee ran like a movie in his head.
Kaylee finished eating her strawberry and opened her eyes. Simon’s eyes met hers and his lust filled gaze burned her. Feeling ashamed, she lowered her eyes to the table.
“If you’ll excuse me.” Simon rose and left.
Mal, Zoë and River exchanged concerned glances.
Kaylee ate a second strawberry with none of her previous fervor and then began to clear the table to do the dishes.
Zoë wandered off and Mal escorted River back up to the bridge. He spent some time there just savoring River’s presence before going to the engine room to talk with Kaylee.
Mal found her in her hammock crying.
“Bao bei.” Mal sat next to her and pulled her into his arms. Kaylee only cried harder.
Mal sat and held her until her tears stopped. Placing a finger under her chin, he raised it until she looked at him.
“Kaylee you got to stop this nonsense. You ain’t gonna change the Doc’s mind by not being with him. ‘Sides, I’ve already got a plan in mind to get what River and I want. I need the Doc in a more agreeable mood and that’s where you come in on this plan. You need to have him all manner of happy.”
“Aww Captain.” Kaylee’s eyes filled with tears again.
“Enough of this. You need to go make it right with your man. And stop flirtin’ with Jayne. That’s all manner of unsettlin’.” Mal teased.
Kaylee hugged Mal tightly before jumping up.
“Be seein’ ya Captain.” Kaylee hurried to her bunk. Inside she found the box that Inara’d given to her before leavin’.
Inside was a silk nightgown. Kaylee quickly washed her face and stripped. Pulling the nightgown on, she shivered at the feel of the silk against her bare skin. It reminded her of Simon’s gentle hands.
It clung to all the right places. Plunged low in the front and the back and had a slit running up one side to reveal one shapely leg.
Wrapping a robe over the revealing nightie, Kaylee made her way to Simon’s room. She’d checked the infirmary and he wasn’t there.
Knocking softly on the wood frame door, she then slide the door open not waiting for a response.
Simon lay on his back, hands behind his head staring at the ceiling. He was bare-chested and just in his sleeping pants. Kaylee’s eyes ate up the sight of him. It never ceased to amaze her how muscular Simon was.
“Simon.”
Simon’s head turned at the sound of her voice.
“What are you doing here?” Simon’s voice was rather harsh.
“I…I came to apologize.” Kaylee bowed her head and mumbled.
“Apologize then.”
“I’m sorry. What I did was wrong. I was mad at you because you wouldn’t give Mal and River a chance to be happy together.”
Simon sighed. He’d been pondering the wisdom of his decision. He’d been thinking hard about it. Especially since he’d gotten the bitter taste of what is was like to be kept away from the one person you loved. Kept away from the one person who made you the happiest in the ‘verse.
He still didn’t think he was wrong but then again maybe he wasn’t entirely right either. It’d taken almost dying to figure out how important Kaylee was to him. Who was he to decide that for River?
He still feared for her but when he thought about it, other than himself, there was no other person who protected his sister as fiercely as the Captain. Mal believed in River when even he hadn’t. Understood her in ways he never could.
River was still underage, but that didn’t mean much out here. Maybe he needed to have another talk with the Captain about his courtship.
“Simon.” Kaylee was impatient. Simon had been quiet so long she feared she’d lost him.
Simon sat up and really looked at her. She was standing in her favorite ratty robe, her bare toes peeking at him from beneath the helm.
“Come sit with me.” Simon padded a spot next to him, as a smile lighted his face.
Kaylee smiled coyly. She walked forward until she was right in front of him and then removed her robe.
Simon’s eyes widened when he saw what she was wearing. His hands reached out to her waist and pulled her down on top of himself.
Kaylee went down with a happy giggle and proceeded to kiss him voraciously. She’d denied herself of him for days and she meaned to make up for it.
Simon delighted in the kisses. His hands roamed hungrily over her silk covered flesh, taking gratification in feeling her supple body again.
Outside Simon’s room, River had just come up to her door when she felt Simon’s and Kaylee’s desire wash over her. She felt every touch, every kiss. It was creepy to feel her brother making love to Kaylee/her. She shivered where she stood.
River swiftly turned and ran back toward the bridge, hoping that the distance would alleviate the sensations and impressions.
As she drew next to Mal’s bunk she sensed that he was still up. She opened the hatch and hurried down the steps.
Mal was sitting at his desk bare-chested, ready for bed. He turned when he heard the door open. He watched with a very satisfied masculine smile as River’s gorgeous legs came into view. Long, sleek legs had always been a weakness of his and she had one of the finest pairs in the ‘verse.
He’d been afeard for his life in the Maidenhead and focused on getting’ to his gun but even during those dire moments he couldn’t help but admire and lust after her dancers legs as she wove and spun a path of destruction. Hell that kick to that poor fool behind the pole had been an image he’d fantasized about a lot.
When River’s face came into view Mal realized that she was upset.
“Ai ren, what happened?” Mal rose quickly and enveloped her in a hug.
River snuggled her face in Mal’s chest. Breathing in the heady smell of musk that was his alone. She smiled briefly because he’d called her sweetheart.
“Simon and Kaylee making up. Didn’t know. Was part of it.” River started trembling.
Mal mentally cringed. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what it would be like to sense someone else, especially a family member, making love. It’d be like sensing Zoë when she’d been with Wash. His mind quickly leapt away from that painful image.
Mal walked her over to the bed and sat down. He pulled her into his lap and she rested her head on his shoulder. He gently stroked her back until the shuddering ceased and she was calm again.
“Better?”
River nodded, wrapped her arms around and snuggled closer. Savoring the warmth coming from him. Relishing the feeling of security he always gave her but being held in his arms took it to another realm. It was magical. Being held by someone else besides Simon was something new for her.
Mal had touched her before but this was different. Sitting with him like this he was surrounding her with his protection. She felt like she was encircled by silk that was impenetrable. Even the usually cacophony of voices in her head had silenced until it was just her.
Mal savored the feeling of holding River in his arms. How many times had he scene Simon hold her and was consumed with envy and jealousy? Hell the first time she’d come out of that box and Simon had rushed to her side, he’d wanted to shove Simon away from her and sooth her himself.
“Huh.” Now that was a revelation. He weren’t aware that he’d been thinking about her in that way as long back as that until just now.
Mal continued to caress River as his mind wandered
River luxuriated in the feel of him. The curious part of her had been dying to know what it would be like to kiss him again. The first one had been too brief and unpleasant. The second had thrown her for a loop and he hadn’t had feelings for her then either. The next one would be sure to be amazing.
She knew Mal wanted to wait until he had Simon’s permission before kissing her again but she couldn’t wait that long. So, she kissed him.
Mal was startled out of his reverie by the feel of River’s lips on his.
River was a genius after all and was a quick study. She used her lips to coax his mouth open and then tasted him. Reveling as new and more powerful sensations than before washed over her.
Mal’s hand went moved to cradle her head. He tilted her head to give him better access. His tongue plundered her mouth and then retreated to cajole hers to follow.
Their tongues parlayed as their desire rose.
River’s hands stroked his chest before moving up and around his neck. Her fingers wound themselves into his hair. Clutching tightly as if to never let go.
Mal’s other hand rubbed her him and then slid upward to fondle her breast. When he palmed her hardened nipple, River drew back with a gasp with wide, frightened eyes.
“Wo de ma.” Mal lifted River out of his lap and set her next to him.
Running an agitated hand thru his hair, he focused on the floor as he worked on getting his control back. He’d almost taken advantage her there for a second. His sweet, innocent albatross.
River hadn’t meant to make him stop. She could feel Mal’s anger at himself. Thinking he’d taken advantage of her. Frightened her with his desire.
“I started the kiss, Mal.”
Mal turned his head and looked at her, a wry grin on his face.
“I know darlin’. I…”
“Didn’t scare me. Just surprised me. Felt so good. It was mine and no one else’s. Never felt that for myself, by myself before.”
River reached out and stroked his cheek. Her eyes burning with the intensity of her love for him.
“Want to do more.”
“River, sweetheart, tain’t right. Simon needs to be okay with us and you need to be a bit older. I feel like a huài dàn for what just happened here.”
“Eighty-seven percent chance that Simon will approve tomorrow. He’s been rethinking his position while Kaylee’s been snubbing him.”
“Even so. You ain’t exactly of an age, dong ma?”
“Girls been doin’ it before they’re ‘legal’ since Earth-that-was. What makes me so different? Am I not pretty enough?”
“That ain’t it and you know it. I want you plenty. You’ve had so much gorram go-se happen in your life that I don’t want to be another thing that hurts you.”
“Ninety-nine percent probability that you will hurt me the first time.”
Mal’s eyes widened. He knew she was a virgin but to have it spelled out so bluntly was rather disturbing. Some small part of him roared with joy. She would be his and his alone and he relished the thought of when he could claim her for his own.
“Not physically, emotionally. I wanna know that it’s right for you. I know you think you’re ready now but humor your Captain and let’s wait until after your birthday.”
“Yes sir.” River mimicked Zoë.
“Enough of that. Come here.” Mal sat back against the wall and pulled her up against his side.
They sat there for several hours just savoring the feeling of being together. Eventually the both drifted off to peaceful nights sleep, arms holding each other against the horrors that the night usually brought them.
* * * * *
Simon woke to the feeling of Kaylee snuggled against his side. He smiled contently and stretched.
Thinking about how happy he was to be with Kaylee again reminded him of the issue of his sister and Mal. As long as the Captain agreed to a few rather strict conditions, he’d agree to let him court River.
River had been in a snit with him since he denied Mal’s request and he figured he owed it to her to let her know he’d changed his mind as soon as possible. Being careful not to disturb Kaylee, Simon rose from the bed and quietly got dressed.
Crossing the narrow hall between their rooms, he knocked gently on River’s door. When he got no response he figured she was sleeping and opened the door carefully. He slammed it all the way open when he realized his sister wasn’t in her bed.
He knew. He KNEW that son of a whore had lied to him. He knew exactly where his sister was and he was going to catch that bastard red-handed.
Simon stormed up to the crew quarters, opened Mal’s bunk and crawled down inside.
Sure enough, there was his sister and Mal in bed. A blanket was pulled up over them but Mal’s naked back and River’s bare shoulders were all he could and needed to see. The two of them were spooned up against each other facing the wall. If he didn’t miss his guess, Mal had his arm wrapped around his sister’s waist and the probable placement of Mal’s hand sent blood throbbing fiercely through Simon’s head.
“Captain.” Simon’s strident voice echoed thru the small room.
Mal awoke in an instant and was on his feet.
Simon failed to notice that Mal was wearing pants because he’d punched Mal as soon as he stood up.
Mal fell back against the wall.
"Nee TZAO ss-MA? Nee-YOW wuh-KAI CHANG?" Mal spat as he started to get up again.
Simon moved to go at him again but was stopped when River leaped from the bed in front of him.
“Don’t you take another step!” River’s eyes blazed in fury.
“This bastard has taken advantage of you.” Simon was so righteous in his fury and moved to go around River.
River moved swiftly and efficiently and had her brother pinned to the floor, his arms twisted behind his back as she sat on him.
“Simon you will listen very carefully to what I am about to say. Nothing. I repeat nothing happened here.
“Look with your eyes. Mal has pants on and I have the dress I was wearing yesterday on. We were sitting together talking and fell asleep. Nothing more and nothing less.”
Simon struggled briefly against her hold, only to discover she was exerting a subtle pressure that made any move extremely painful. He stopped struggling and looked over at Mal and then at River.
“Fine. What were you doing here then? Captain, I thought we had an understanding about how you would treat River the same as the other ladies on your crew. I wasn’t aware that they visit you in your bunk at night.”
Mal was furious and was seriously tempted to put a bullet through the Doc’s brain pan. Standing up he allowed himself the satisfaction of waiting to answer the Doc’s question. Let him stew for a few minutes.
Mal looked at River and he saw the anguish in her eyes. She was torn between the two of them and hating every minute of it.
“River let him up.” River cautiously released Simon and stepped back next to Mal.
Simon cautiously moved his body, assessing the damage before rising to his feet. He noticed immediately that River had placed herself firmly at Mal’s side. Sighing, he sat in Mal’s chair.
“River do you want to tell him what drove you here or shall I?”
River blushed and Mal took it as a sign for him to continue.
“Well Doc, your sister was on her way to HER bed last night when she was overcome by some rather powerful feelin’s. Feelin’s of a rather lascivious nature that involved yourself and Kaylee. Bein’ all distraught about what she was feelin’, she fled the scene and came to see me.”
Mal smiled smugly as he watched a blush now creep up Simon’s face as the impact of this story registered.
“Mei-mei, you mean to say…” Simon stumbled to a halt when River nodded.
His face registered revulsion when he realized that his sister had been an unwilling observer of his and Kaylee’s sexual escapades.
“Not just an observer, I feel what you feel. Each touch, each caress echoes through your minds.”
“Oh god.” Simon’s face registered the shock of what that meant.
“That’s why I left. The Captain was up and I wanted company to distract me.”
Simon didn’t register what she was saying. He was lost in the abject horror of the image of his sister experiencing him making love.
“Simon.” Mal’s sharp command broke through.
“River, I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.” Simon got up to hug and comfort his sister but she shrank back against Mal. Simon froze, a pained look on his face.
“Captain?” Simon raised confused eyes to Mal’s.
“Simon trust me when I say the images in your head right now are not pleasant for River to be experiencing. Why don’t you go wake Kaylee up and get breakfast started? I’ll take care of River.”
Mal placed a protective arm around River and she turned into it, wrapping her arms around his middle, pressing her face against his chest. She stroked her cheek against the light dusting of hair before settling her ear over his heart and let the steady rhythm of Mal’s heart sooth her frayed nerves.
Simon stared in abject horror. River had shied away from him and turned to the Captain instead. This must be what going crazy feels like.
Simon nodded and made his way over to the ladder. Pausing he spoke. “I planned on telling you that you have my permission to court my sister, but I think my consent is rather pointless, she’s obviously made this decision herself.”
Simon stared hard at Mal who returned the gaze just as steadily. By unspoken agreement Simon had placed his sisters happiness in Mal’s hands and promised dire retribution if Mal failed to keep her happy. Simon broke the silent communication with a small nod and left them alone.
Hearing the door close, Mal turned and gathered River into his arms again. Stroking her hair as she cried into his chest.
When the torrent had stopped, he looked down at her.
“You okay darlin’?”
“I hurt Simon.”
“He’ll be okay. I’m worried about you.” Mal smoothed her hair away from her face.
“I’ve been better.” River smiled wanly.
“Yeah, but did you hear. I got his permission to court ya.” Mal grinned.
“You do. No more takin’ Zoë or Kaylee to meals. Only me and no flirting with Kaylee.”
River spoke seriously, a petulant look on her face.
“Jealous, lil albatross?” Mal smirked.
“Mine. Not gonna share. Well, maybe with Zoë. She’s still broke and needs her Captain.” River conceded graciously.
“Oh bao bei, let’s go get some food. I’m starved.” Mal chuckled as he leaned down and kissed her forehead before taking her hand and leading her out of his bunk.
Series: Code of Honor (7/?)
Author: Gwenfrewi72
Rating: AO
Fandom: Firefly
Spoilers: None
Summary: Mal defends River. Simon’s in trouble with Kaylee, Again. Jayne has some fun. Simon catches Mal red-handed with River in his bunk.
Length: according to Word 6,064
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: THIS IS A LONG ONE! For miss_strawberry & obsidianagirl for encouraging my writing. Also, I wandered over to Simon/Kaylee land for a bit.
Copyright (c) February 2006 Patricia Flynn
Thanks to Obsidianagirl for beta-ing this for me. She’s the best Captain in the ‘verse next to Mal, of course!
As always, feedback is shiny!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Mal took in the fact that River’s eyes were red rimmed and there were tear streaks on her face. Then he realized that her eyes were awash in new tears that were falling quickly. Her eyes shone hopefully up at him. Made him feel like a big damn hero.
He stood so swiftly that his chair fell over. He loomed over the table and got in Simon’s face.
“You make your sister cry again and you’re gonna take a nice trip outta the airlock, dong ma?” Mal’s eyes burned furiously into Simon’s.
Simon shrank back against his chair in fear for his life. Mal was a menacing figure when he was angry. Maybe I’m wrong. No, can’t be. He’s too old for her. Simon nodded his head in acquiescence.
“We’ll talk more about this later.” Mal said standing upright again. He righted his chair and resumed his seat.
Kaylee glared at Simon before proceeding with her meal. Zoë watched with her normal stoic face but she’d been ready to act if the need arouse. Jayne’s head was bouncin’ back and forth between Mal and Simon as he tried to figure out what was going on.
River looked distraught for a moment and then felt Mal’s conviction to be with her. Her face visibly brightened and the tears came to a halt. Kaylee noticed River’s ecstatic expression and her face broke out into one of her trademark sunny smiles.
Simon sat watching Kaylee. His heart thumped painfully in his chest as he watched her face illuminate.
Kaylee caught Simon starin’ and her frown quickly returned. She was not happy with him. He was so ignorant of what was important in life. Family and love headed her list and when she could see the two combined, then nothin’ in her ‘verse was shinier than that, not even Serenity.
Seeing Kaylee frowning again, Simon turned his attention back to his place. He WAS right. River was too young, too broken to even think about being in a relationship. A small part of his ego tried to point out that he couldn’t be everything to River, but he squashed that thought and focused on how right he was instead.
Simon was confused with how this was going. He was in the right and Kaylee was mad at him. The Captain just threatened to put him out of an airlock for making “his” sister cry. It made no sense and he’d always thought of himself as very logical.
“Can’t see the stars for the black.” River murmured next to him.
Zoë leaned back in her chair and watched Mal’s body language carefully. Then she caught it, that small, happy grin. Mal hadn’t smiled like that since before the Battle of Serenity Valley.
It was directed at River, who was looking just as happy. In fact, the two of them had the most besotted looks on their faces. Their bodies were unconsciously leaning toward each other. They were wrapped up in looking at each other, lost to everything and everyone else. It reminder her of the way her and Wash use to be. Now this was an interesting development.
Jayne realized somethin’ was up between Mal and Simon and somehow that gorram crazy girl was a part of it, but hell, if he weren’t in any trouble then he didn’t give a gorram. He resumed eatin’ with his normal gusto.
Mal looked over at River and was all manner of happy. He wasn’t aware that he had a small grin on his face as he looked over at River. Blue eyes met brown and the affection and love shining at him eased the jagged edges of his soul that he wasn’t even aware of.
Mal was ignorant to the fact that his entire body language changed in that moment. His shoulders lifted as if relieved of some unspoken burden. The tension in his face relaxed and he looked years younger. He was slowly becoming the man he would have been if it hadn’t been for the war.
River glowed with happiness when she noticed these changes. She felt the crashing waves of anger, frustration, guilt and all manner of things start to calm within him. They were a long way from completely still but it was a beginning.
“To have and to hold, from this day forward.” River softly breathed the words. Mal nodded his concurrence as he felt the words wash thru and over him.
Their interlude was disrupted when Jayne rose noisily from the table and left. Zoë and Kaylee quickly followed.
Simon sat waiting for the Captain. He knew they had to have this talk and he was positive the Captain wasn’t going to be happy about his decision but he knew what was best for River.
Mal looked at Simon’s body language and he knew this wasn’t a battle he could win but the war was an entirely different matter. Sometimes you have to yield some ground to gain the tactical advantage.
Mal’s eyes shifted to River again. “River, we need to be headin’ to Persephone. Badger has got a job for us. Go plot a course.”
River clearly wanted to stay but read that Mal wanted her gone for this confrontation. Nodding, she rose gracefully on her chair. Her hand briefly rested on Mal’s shoulder before she left the room.
“Doc.” Mal wasn’t cognizant of the fact that he always referred to Simon this way when he wasn’t happy with him.
“Captain. You can’t be entertainin’ the notion that you and my sister enter a …” Simon’s mind raced for a suitable word and found none.
“What I’m entertainin’ is getting to know your sister better. Court her, if ya like. Realized I got feelin’s for the girl and she’s informed me she has the same. Thought we’d see where it led us.”
“She’s seventeen years old and mentally broken. Beside the fact that you’re old enough to be her father.”
“Technically speakin’ yeah, I could’ve fathered her but I didn’t.”
“Regardless, she is underage and I will not give my consent as her guardian.” Simon had reverted to his previously stuffy behavior and Mal wanted to put a bullet in him, but knew that it wouldn’t get him anywhere.
“Well now, that’s just it. Until she’s eighteen you’re still her guardian and her birthday ain’t but a month away.”
“Captain, I will have you arrested if you do not comply with my wishes on this.” Simon threw out the bluff. He wasn’t going anywhere near the Feds and they both knew it.
Mal decided to humor the boy.
“Well then, I see that I have no choice. Until her eighteenth birthday I will treat her the same way I do all the woman on my ship. Is that to your satisfaction?” Mal’s eyes were sharp with intent.
Simon sat back for a moment. This was too easy. The Captain was more stubborn and belligerent than that, but he couldn’t for the life of him see what the Captain had planned, what angle his was working.
“Fine. I will be watching very closely to see that you do just that.”
“I will however not be held responsible for anything your sister does. You can’t expect me to control her when you have a hard time doing that.” Mal smiled benignly at him.
“Agreed.”
Mal smiled his normal unholy grin that he used when he planned on misbehavin’ and it made Simon all kinds of uneasy. For the life of him, Simon knew he was going to regret agreeing to this he just didn’t know how and why.
Mal reached over and shook Simon’s hand before striding away to the bridge.
Kaylee stood near the door, eavesdropping. She knew Simon was confused but he was bein’ such an idiot. She knew her Captain had a plan and she couldn’t wait to see it in action.
* * * *
Everyone else was seated at the dinner that night, when Mal walked in with Zoë on his arm. He escorted her to the seat to his left at the table, held her chair for her to be seated before seating himself.
Simon was amused by this but didn’t think much of it. He’d been trying all day to get Kaylee to talk to him with no success.
After dinner, Mal once again rose, helped Zoë from her chair and escorted her from the room.
* * * *
The next morning, Mal escorted Inara to and from breakfast. At lunch it was Kaylee. Each time the woman was seated to his left. They would enjoy a pleasant conversation amongst themselves.
Simon fumed as he watched Kaylee flirt outrageously with Mal all thru lunch. They kept touching each other in that affectionate way of theirs and he was jealous. She was still ignoring him and when she did speak she just suggested he go check on River.
At dinner that night, Mal escorted River into dinner. He was being all manner of solicitous of her and Simon’s eyes narrowed.
Mal looked smugly at him and said. “I believe that’s anger on your face Doc. You have no reason to be upset, I’m just treating her the same as all the other woman on my ship.”
Simon’s mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air. He’d been outmaneuvered and he knew it.
Kaylee giggled and Zoë smiled. Simon realized that they’d been in on it and were amused at his expense.
Inara was frowning. She’d thought Mal had decided he was mistaken about caring for River when he’d arrived at her shuttle that morning, offering to escort her to breakfast. He’d been all manner of courteous and she’d been enamored by the mirage. She was not amused and did not like that he’d manipulated her to get what he wanted.
Jayne looked confused and decide it might be a good idea to pay more ‘ttention to what were going on. Anytime Simon got all het up, he enjoyed it.
Dinner was a lively affair that night. Mal was in a magnanimous mood and was regaling them with amusing stories from the war.
Simon sat and fumed. Mal had outmaneuvered him and Kaylee was still rejecting his every attempt to speak to her.
Jayne had noticed that Kaylee was not speaking to Simon and decided to have a bit of fun.
“Kaylee, you look right pretty tonight.” Jayne’s comment brought the conversation to a standstill.
Kaylee detected that Simon, who’d been preoccupied all evening, was suddenly interested in the conversation.
“Thank you Jayne. You’re lookin’…” Kaylee fumbled for a moment, “mighty handsome yourself.” Then gave Jayne her third best smiles.
Mal’s eyebrows rose at this and he glanced at Simon. Simon’s face turned rigid.
“Ifn it’ll please ya, I’d like to escort ya to the engine room.” Jayne smiled as he rose and extended his hand to her.
Kaylee upped the wattage on her smile a notch as she took his hand and rose. “Why that’d be nice Jayne. Would you care to join me for a drink? I just got a new batch of brew out of the engine.”
Kaylee wound her arm through Jayne’s when he nodded and they exited the room.
Simon started to rise but Mal’s voice interrupted him.
“Doc, seems to me it’s your turn to be doin’ the dishes.” Mal knew Simon had been about to follow them and he took great delight in delayin’ that.
Simon nodded dejectedly. His eyes kept flickering toward the doorway that led to the engine room every time Kaylee’s happy laugh filtered into the room.
Mal just smiled and escorted River back up to the bridge.
* * * * *
It took them a week to get to Persephone. During which Inara announced she’d be leaving to return to the Training House. This time when she packed she made sure to gather all her belongings. Nothing was going to be casually ‘forgotten’.
Her leaving this time was brief and final. None of the crew expected to see her on the ship again. Kaylee knew she’d wave Inara from time to time but it wasn’t the same as bein’ able to stop by and visit. Nope this time it truly was goodbye.
Mal continued his practice of escorting Zoë to breakfast, Kaylee to lunch and River to dinner. Inara had been taking all her meals in her shuttle.
Kaylee flirted outrageously with the Captain at lunch, but dinner was true torture for Simon. Kaylee spend the entire meal flirting with Jayne. They usually retired somewhere afterwards together.
Simon had tried everything he could think of to get Kaylee to speak to him but nothing worked. She pointedly ignored him. Even going so far as to enlist Zoë’s help when she’d cut her hand the other day.
Simon’s disposition became more and more sour. No one talked much with him since he was more likely to bite your head off than speak civilly. He’d even takin’ to taunting Jayne at every opportunity.
* * * * *
Simon was straightening the infirmary for what seemed the hundredth time that day in an attempt to not think about Kaylee and Jayne when he heard River’s voice.
“Loves you. Loves Mal, Zoë, and even loves Jayne. Loves us all. Wants everyone happy.”
“I know bao-bei.” Simon sat down. Crossing his arms on the exam table, he rested his head on them. He hadn’t been getting much sleep without Kaylee snuggled next to him. He hadn’t realized how quickly he’d gotten use to her being there.
“Not sleeping with him.”
Simon’s body tensed as images of Kaylee and Jayne in numerous sexual positions ran across his brain. Jayne doing things to Kaylee that he’d done. Making her all manner of happy in bed.
“Misses you.”
“I doubt that. She’s got Jayne and Mal to make her feel beautiful and wanted.” Simon spoke so dejectedly that tears formed in River’s eyes.
“Can’t see the stars for the black.” River mumbled before fleeing the room, overcome with Simon’s sorrow.
* * * * *
Mal, Zoë and Jayne had just arrived in the cargo bay when River came running up to Mal and buried her face in his chest. Handing the small, precious box in his hand to Zoë, Mal then wrapped his arms around River and walked her over to the side.
“Get the cargo loaded up.” Mal said as he sat her down on a crate.
“Hurts. Won’t stop. Tiny shards of love and trust falling away.”
“I know darlin’. Simon’s made a bed of his own chosin’. Not sayin’ that Kaylee’s right cause she ain’t. No right in denying love but that’s what she’s doin’. I appreciate that she’s tryin’ to help but it ain’t right. Guess I need to talk with my mechanic.”
River rested her head on his shoulder.
“Knew you’d make it better.”
“Don’t know about that lil’ albatross, but I’ll try. Now get a course set to Greenleaf. We got a delivery to make.”
River leaned up and kissed him on the check before flitting away. Mal watched with a smile and then a frown when he realized he’d have to involve hisself with Kaylee and Simon’s love life.
* * * * *
Mal once again escorted River to dinner. They were enjoying simply being together. Being able to touch each other in those small yet infinitely intimate ways that lovers do.
River had taken to holding Mal’s left hand under the table. She was able to eat with her left hand just as well as her right, so no one really noticed.
After dinner Mal rose from his chair to get everyone’s attention.
“Kaylee got you a present. Had to get somethin’ for the best mechanic in the ‘verse.” Mal walked over to his locker and opened it. Inside was a small box. Picking it up he went and placed it in front of Kaylee.
Kaylee kissed his check as he set the box before her. “I love my Captain.”
Mal smiled and resumed his seat.
Kaylee looked at the box for a moment and then a sweet, familiar odor wafted up to her. Her eyes widened with excitement and she gently lifted the lid. Inside sat a dozen luscious red strawberries.
Kaylee squealed with joy. Jumping up she ran and gave Mal another hug. “I REALLY love my Captain.”
Simon watched all this and mentally kicked himself. He’d forgotten Kaylee’s love of strawberries. If he’d gotten them for her she’d probably be talking to him now.
Practically dancing, Kaylee resumed her seat. She generously offered to share them with everyone. Everyone was waiting for Kaylee to take the first bite.
Simon’s eyes were focused intently on Kaylee. The look of rapture on her face reminded him of how she looked when she had her orgasm. He felt his pants tighten uncomfortably as Kaylee’s eyes closed and she wrapped her lips around that first juicy bite.
Kaylee was so lost in the ecstasy of her strawberry she wasn’t aware of everyone’s eyes on her.
River blushed while Mal and Zoë chuckled.
Jayne’s mouth dropped open and he hastily stood up. “I’ll be in my bunk.” He hastily exited the room.
Simon just stared. His eyes glazed over as memories of him and Kaylee ran like a movie in his head.
Kaylee finished eating her strawberry and opened her eyes. Simon’s eyes met hers and his lust filled gaze burned her. Feeling ashamed, she lowered her eyes to the table.
“If you’ll excuse me.” Simon rose and left.
Mal, Zoë and River exchanged concerned glances.
Kaylee ate a second strawberry with none of her previous fervor and then began to clear the table to do the dishes.
Zoë wandered off and Mal escorted River back up to the bridge. He spent some time there just savoring River’s presence before going to the engine room to talk with Kaylee.
Mal found her in her hammock crying.
“Bao bei.” Mal sat next to her and pulled her into his arms. Kaylee only cried harder.
Mal sat and held her until her tears stopped. Placing a finger under her chin, he raised it until she looked at him.
“Kaylee you got to stop this nonsense. You ain’t gonna change the Doc’s mind by not being with him. ‘Sides, I’ve already got a plan in mind to get what River and I want. I need the Doc in a more agreeable mood and that’s where you come in on this plan. You need to have him all manner of happy.”
“Aww Captain.” Kaylee’s eyes filled with tears again.
“Enough of this. You need to go make it right with your man. And stop flirtin’ with Jayne. That’s all manner of unsettlin’.” Mal teased.
Kaylee hugged Mal tightly before jumping up.
“Be seein’ ya Captain.” Kaylee hurried to her bunk. Inside she found the box that Inara’d given to her before leavin’.
Inside was a silk nightgown. Kaylee quickly washed her face and stripped. Pulling the nightgown on, she shivered at the feel of the silk against her bare skin. It reminded her of Simon’s gentle hands.
It clung to all the right places. Plunged low in the front and the back and had a slit running up one side to reveal one shapely leg.
Wrapping a robe over the revealing nightie, Kaylee made her way to Simon’s room. She’d checked the infirmary and he wasn’t there.
Knocking softly on the wood frame door, she then slide the door open not waiting for a response.
Simon lay on his back, hands behind his head staring at the ceiling. He was bare-chested and just in his sleeping pants. Kaylee’s eyes ate up the sight of him. It never ceased to amaze her how muscular Simon was.
“Simon.”
Simon’s head turned at the sound of her voice.
“What are you doing here?” Simon’s voice was rather harsh.
“I…I came to apologize.” Kaylee bowed her head and mumbled.
“Apologize then.”
“I’m sorry. What I did was wrong. I was mad at you because you wouldn’t give Mal and River a chance to be happy together.”
Simon sighed. He’d been pondering the wisdom of his decision. He’d been thinking hard about it. Especially since he’d gotten the bitter taste of what is was like to be kept away from the one person you loved. Kept away from the one person who made you the happiest in the ‘verse.
He still didn’t think he was wrong but then again maybe he wasn’t entirely right either. It’d taken almost dying to figure out how important Kaylee was to him. Who was he to decide that for River?
He still feared for her but when he thought about it, other than himself, there was no other person who protected his sister as fiercely as the Captain. Mal believed in River when even he hadn’t. Understood her in ways he never could.
River was still underage, but that didn’t mean much out here. Maybe he needed to have another talk with the Captain about his courtship.
“Simon.” Kaylee was impatient. Simon had been quiet so long she feared she’d lost him.
Simon sat up and really looked at her. She was standing in her favorite ratty robe, her bare toes peeking at him from beneath the helm.
“Come sit with me.” Simon padded a spot next to him, as a smile lighted his face.
Kaylee smiled coyly. She walked forward until she was right in front of him and then removed her robe.
Simon’s eyes widened when he saw what she was wearing. His hands reached out to her waist and pulled her down on top of himself.
Kaylee went down with a happy giggle and proceeded to kiss him voraciously. She’d denied herself of him for days and she meaned to make up for it.
Simon delighted in the kisses. His hands roamed hungrily over her silk covered flesh, taking gratification in feeling her supple body again.
Outside Simon’s room, River had just come up to her door when she felt Simon’s and Kaylee’s desire wash over her. She felt every touch, every kiss. It was creepy to feel her brother making love to Kaylee/her. She shivered where she stood.
River swiftly turned and ran back toward the bridge, hoping that the distance would alleviate the sensations and impressions.
As she drew next to Mal’s bunk she sensed that he was still up. She opened the hatch and hurried down the steps.
Mal was sitting at his desk bare-chested, ready for bed. He turned when he heard the door open. He watched with a very satisfied masculine smile as River’s gorgeous legs came into view. Long, sleek legs had always been a weakness of his and she had one of the finest pairs in the ‘verse.
He’d been afeard for his life in the Maidenhead and focused on getting’ to his gun but even during those dire moments he couldn’t help but admire and lust after her dancers legs as she wove and spun a path of destruction. Hell that kick to that poor fool behind the pole had been an image he’d fantasized about a lot.
When River’s face came into view Mal realized that she was upset.
“Ai ren, what happened?” Mal rose quickly and enveloped her in a hug.
River snuggled her face in Mal’s chest. Breathing in the heady smell of musk that was his alone. She smiled briefly because he’d called her sweetheart.
“Simon and Kaylee making up. Didn’t know. Was part of it.” River started trembling.
Mal mentally cringed. He couldn’t even begin to imagine what it would be like to sense someone else, especially a family member, making love. It’d be like sensing Zoë when she’d been with Wash. His mind quickly leapt away from that painful image.
Mal walked her over to the bed and sat down. He pulled her into his lap and she rested her head on his shoulder. He gently stroked her back until the shuddering ceased and she was calm again.
“Better?”
River nodded, wrapped her arms around and snuggled closer. Savoring the warmth coming from him. Relishing the feeling of security he always gave her but being held in his arms took it to another realm. It was magical. Being held by someone else besides Simon was something new for her.
Mal had touched her before but this was different. Sitting with him like this he was surrounding her with his protection. She felt like she was encircled by silk that was impenetrable. Even the usually cacophony of voices in her head had silenced until it was just her.
Mal savored the feeling of holding River in his arms. How many times had he scene Simon hold her and was consumed with envy and jealousy? Hell the first time she’d come out of that box and Simon had rushed to her side, he’d wanted to shove Simon away from her and sooth her himself.
“Huh.” Now that was a revelation. He weren’t aware that he’d been thinking about her in that way as long back as that until just now.
Mal continued to caress River as his mind wandered
River luxuriated in the feel of him. The curious part of her had been dying to know what it would be like to kiss him again. The first one had been too brief and unpleasant. The second had thrown her for a loop and he hadn’t had feelings for her then either. The next one would be sure to be amazing.
She knew Mal wanted to wait until he had Simon’s permission before kissing her again but she couldn’t wait that long. So, she kissed him.
Mal was startled out of his reverie by the feel of River’s lips on his.
River was a genius after all and was a quick study. She used her lips to coax his mouth open and then tasted him. Reveling as new and more powerful sensations than before washed over her.
Mal’s hand went moved to cradle her head. He tilted her head to give him better access. His tongue plundered her mouth and then retreated to cajole hers to follow.
Their tongues parlayed as their desire rose.
River’s hands stroked his chest before moving up and around his neck. Her fingers wound themselves into his hair. Clutching tightly as if to never let go.
Mal’s other hand rubbed her him and then slid upward to fondle her breast. When he palmed her hardened nipple, River drew back with a gasp with wide, frightened eyes.
“Wo de ma.” Mal lifted River out of his lap and set her next to him.
Running an agitated hand thru his hair, he focused on the floor as he worked on getting his control back. He’d almost taken advantage her there for a second. His sweet, innocent albatross.
River hadn’t meant to make him stop. She could feel Mal’s anger at himself. Thinking he’d taken advantage of her. Frightened her with his desire.
“I started the kiss, Mal.”
Mal turned his head and looked at her, a wry grin on his face.
“I know darlin’. I…”
“Didn’t scare me. Just surprised me. Felt so good. It was mine and no one else’s. Never felt that for myself, by myself before.”
River reached out and stroked his cheek. Her eyes burning with the intensity of her love for him.
“Want to do more.”
“River, sweetheart, tain’t right. Simon needs to be okay with us and you need to be a bit older. I feel like a huài dàn for what just happened here.”
“Eighty-seven percent chance that Simon will approve tomorrow. He’s been rethinking his position while Kaylee’s been snubbing him.”
“Even so. You ain’t exactly of an age, dong ma?”
“Girls been doin’ it before they’re ‘legal’ since Earth-that-was. What makes me so different? Am I not pretty enough?”
“That ain’t it and you know it. I want you plenty. You’ve had so much gorram go-se happen in your life that I don’t want to be another thing that hurts you.”
“Ninety-nine percent probability that you will hurt me the first time.”
Mal’s eyes widened. He knew she was a virgin but to have it spelled out so bluntly was rather disturbing. Some small part of him roared with joy. She would be his and his alone and he relished the thought of when he could claim her for his own.
“Not physically, emotionally. I wanna know that it’s right for you. I know you think you’re ready now but humor your Captain and let’s wait until after your birthday.”
“Yes sir.” River mimicked Zoë.
“Enough of that. Come here.” Mal sat back against the wall and pulled her up against his side.
They sat there for several hours just savoring the feeling of being together. Eventually the both drifted off to peaceful nights sleep, arms holding each other against the horrors that the night usually brought them.
* * * * *
Simon woke to the feeling of Kaylee snuggled against his side. He smiled contently and stretched.
Thinking about how happy he was to be with Kaylee again reminded him of the issue of his sister and Mal. As long as the Captain agreed to a few rather strict conditions, he’d agree to let him court River.
River had been in a snit with him since he denied Mal’s request and he figured he owed it to her to let her know he’d changed his mind as soon as possible. Being careful not to disturb Kaylee, Simon rose from the bed and quietly got dressed.
Crossing the narrow hall between their rooms, he knocked gently on River’s door. When he got no response he figured she was sleeping and opened the door carefully. He slammed it all the way open when he realized his sister wasn’t in her bed.
He knew. He KNEW that son of a whore had lied to him. He knew exactly where his sister was and he was going to catch that bastard red-handed.
Simon stormed up to the crew quarters, opened Mal’s bunk and crawled down inside.
Sure enough, there was his sister and Mal in bed. A blanket was pulled up over them but Mal’s naked back and River’s bare shoulders were all he could and needed to see. The two of them were spooned up against each other facing the wall. If he didn’t miss his guess, Mal had his arm wrapped around his sister’s waist and the probable placement of Mal’s hand sent blood throbbing fiercely through Simon’s head.
“Captain.” Simon’s strident voice echoed thru the small room.
Mal awoke in an instant and was on his feet.
Simon failed to notice that Mal was wearing pants because he’d punched Mal as soon as he stood up.
Mal fell back against the wall.
"Nee TZAO ss-MA? Nee-YOW wuh-KAI CHANG?" Mal spat as he started to get up again.
Simon moved to go at him again but was stopped when River leaped from the bed in front of him.
“Don’t you take another step!” River’s eyes blazed in fury.
“This bastard has taken advantage of you.” Simon was so righteous in his fury and moved to go around River.
River moved swiftly and efficiently and had her brother pinned to the floor, his arms twisted behind his back as she sat on him.
“Simon you will listen very carefully to what I am about to say. Nothing. I repeat nothing happened here.
“Look with your eyes. Mal has pants on and I have the dress I was wearing yesterday on. We were sitting together talking and fell asleep. Nothing more and nothing less.”
Simon struggled briefly against her hold, only to discover she was exerting a subtle pressure that made any move extremely painful. He stopped struggling and looked over at Mal and then at River.
“Fine. What were you doing here then? Captain, I thought we had an understanding about how you would treat River the same as the other ladies on your crew. I wasn’t aware that they visit you in your bunk at night.”
Mal was furious and was seriously tempted to put a bullet through the Doc’s brain pan. Standing up he allowed himself the satisfaction of waiting to answer the Doc’s question. Let him stew for a few minutes.
Mal looked at River and he saw the anguish in her eyes. She was torn between the two of them and hating every minute of it.
“River let him up.” River cautiously released Simon and stepped back next to Mal.
Simon cautiously moved his body, assessing the damage before rising to his feet. He noticed immediately that River had placed herself firmly at Mal’s side. Sighing, he sat in Mal’s chair.
“River do you want to tell him what drove you here or shall I?”
River blushed and Mal took it as a sign for him to continue.
“Well Doc, your sister was on her way to HER bed last night when she was overcome by some rather powerful feelin’s. Feelin’s of a rather lascivious nature that involved yourself and Kaylee. Bein’ all distraught about what she was feelin’, she fled the scene and came to see me.”
Mal smiled smugly as he watched a blush now creep up Simon’s face as the impact of this story registered.
“Mei-mei, you mean to say…” Simon stumbled to a halt when River nodded.
His face registered revulsion when he realized that his sister had been an unwilling observer of his and Kaylee’s sexual escapades.
“Not just an observer, I feel what you feel. Each touch, each caress echoes through your minds.”
“Oh god.” Simon’s face registered the shock of what that meant.
“That’s why I left. The Captain was up and I wanted company to distract me.”
Simon didn’t register what she was saying. He was lost in the abject horror of the image of his sister experiencing him making love.
“Simon.” Mal’s sharp command broke through.
“River, I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.” Simon got up to hug and comfort his sister but she shrank back against Mal. Simon froze, a pained look on his face.
“Captain?” Simon raised confused eyes to Mal’s.
“Simon trust me when I say the images in your head right now are not pleasant for River to be experiencing. Why don’t you go wake Kaylee up and get breakfast started? I’ll take care of River.”
Mal placed a protective arm around River and she turned into it, wrapping her arms around his middle, pressing her face against his chest. She stroked her cheek against the light dusting of hair before settling her ear over his heart and let the steady rhythm of Mal’s heart sooth her frayed nerves.
Simon stared in abject horror. River had shied away from him and turned to the Captain instead. This must be what going crazy feels like.
Simon nodded and made his way over to the ladder. Pausing he spoke. “I planned on telling you that you have my permission to court my sister, but I think my consent is rather pointless, she’s obviously made this decision herself.”
Simon stared hard at Mal who returned the gaze just as steadily. By unspoken agreement Simon had placed his sisters happiness in Mal’s hands and promised dire retribution if Mal failed to keep her happy. Simon broke the silent communication with a small nod and left them alone.
Hearing the door close, Mal turned and gathered River into his arms again. Stroking her hair as she cried into his chest.
When the torrent had stopped, he looked down at her.
“You okay darlin’?”
“I hurt Simon.”
“He’ll be okay. I’m worried about you.” Mal smoothed her hair away from her face.
“I’ve been better.” River smiled wanly.
“Yeah, but did you hear. I got his permission to court ya.” Mal grinned.
“You do. No more takin’ Zoë or Kaylee to meals. Only me and no flirting with Kaylee.”
River spoke seriously, a petulant look on her face.
“Jealous, lil albatross?” Mal smirked.
“Mine. Not gonna share. Well, maybe with Zoë. She’s still broke and needs her Captain.” River conceded graciously.
“Oh bao bei, let’s go get some food. I’m starved.” Mal chuckled as he leaned down and kissed her forehead before taking her hand and leading her out of his bunk.