Eros (firefly fanfiction) 1/?
Title: Eros
Pairings: Simon/OMC, Simon/OFC, Simon/Mal, Wash/Zoe
Rating: Mature/NC-17/18
Warnings: BDSM relationship and society described in detail
Disclaimer: I tried to buy it but they laughed at me.
Summary: [post-series, pre-film] When the crew visit a planet that has a culture built around BDSM relationships they find out more about Simon than they ever thought.
Chapter One
There was a knock on Simon's door late that night and for a moment his heart skipped a beat, worried it would either be a medical emergency or Kaylee looking for something he wasn't sure he knew how to give her. It wasn't that he didn't want to, he just knew that he was limited in ways he wasn't sure she yet understood. Upon answering the door he found only a bored looking Mal, pouty lips pursed as he admired the hallway décor. “Can I be of assistance, Captain?” He asked politely.
“Doc,” Mal said enthusiastically, “no need to be worrying. Just got news that we'll be docking on Eros for fuel and supplies.” He informed Simon.
“Right,” Simon said. “Is there a reason you're telling me this? Normally I'm the last to know anything on-board.”
“Technically Doctor, you're still the last to know, what with your little sister being a reader and all and me telling everyone else first. You are right though, normally I wouldn't bother with this personal call only I seem to recall you being uncomfortable with members of the opposite sex, and members of the same sex too now I think on it. Eros is a little different than most planets, as I'm sure you've heard, and I didn't want you being all... you, when we get there. These people are our friends, Doctor, don't matter how they chose to live their lives, ain't none of ours unless we want it to be, dong ma?”
Simon wanted to be offended, he really did. He wished he could make a biting remark about how he had attended every one of his 'universal social politics' classes at school and knew ample about Eros culture and how sexual identity was measured differently and that it was used to inform all social interactions. He didn't say any of this, for two reasons. The first being Simon's dislike of conflict and the second because he could reluctantly admit that the Captain had a point. His social skills left a lot to be desired in most circumstances. He faired well at formal social functions, when being a gentlemen was more important than interpreting what a smile meant or how to use innuendo. This time, however, he would have the advantage. He believed that his ability to fit into Eros society was one of the reasons why his personal skills lacked in certain aspects. On Eros everything was laid out for you, a persons position, their status and taste was written all over their body, often literally.
“I actually think I may be able to help. Do you have any contacts on the planet?” Simon asked.
Mal looked surprised. “Not as such. An acquaintance of an acquaintance suggested a friendly location on the surface.”
Simon nodded. “I'm not sure if you are aware of this, Captain, but those of us who train on Osiris are are required to spend a period of six weeks on another planet when we graduate. We don't get to chose, and many of us get sent to border worlds to treat infections. I was sent to Eros.”
Now Mal looked downright shocked. “You were? And you didn't alienate the whole planet while you were there?” He asked sceptically.
Simon frowned at him. “I believe there were a few left who could bare my presence,” he said dryly, “I may even be able to call in a few favours and find you a friendly face,” he suggested.
“Well, that would be something. Make your call Doc, god knows I'm in no position to turn down friends,” the Captain added darkly.
Simon nodded and it seemed their conversation was at an end as Mal wondered off towards the kitchen, probably headed off to his own bunk judging by the time. Simon closed his door and thought about what to say in a Wave.
(-)
Simon slept poorly that night, taunted by dreams of what he really wanted but would forever be denied, made all that more potent by their destination growing closer by the hour. Morning came and he dressed in what was left of the clothes he had brought with him when he had run from home to find River. Thinking on her he checked and saw she had left her room, and found her with most of the others in the kitchen sat around the wooden table eating the last of the flavoured protein for breakfast. Notable absences were Wash, who was most likely on the bridge, as well as Inara and Book who had both recently left the ship. Inara had been planning it for a while, according to Kaylee who had told him among quiet hiccuping sobs of her best friend's plans to leave. She had returned to Sihnon, and while Simon had his own suspicions for why Inara would reject Serenity and Mal he knew he would never share them with anyone. Book's departure had been unplanned. They'd stopped at Haven to restock with food and water when Book had met the people and decided that was where he was meant to be. With sad heart and fond smiles they had left the Sheppard behind and continued on. The ship had left oddly empty ever since and Simon knew none felt their absence more than their stoic Captain.
“Want some food, Simon?” Kaylee offered sweetly when she saw him, holding out a plate. Simon felt queasy looking at the stuff but his stomach rumbled despite this. “Not sure you can technically call this food,” he murmured in an attempt at humour, “but thank you.”
Kaylee beamed at him.
“Not to worry Doc, soon enough you'll be feasting on genuine food products. That is if your friends come through,” Mal said.
“Since when does he have friends?” Jayne asked in the middle of a mouthful . Simon winced but took no offence. After all Jayne was so ill educated he probably barely understood the meaning of the word, and they had yet to find evidence that he himself had ever formed such bonds. The closest that Simon had ever seen him come to friendship was the blind hero-worship of the occupants of Canton and the casual partnership he struck up with Book, who he could often be found spotting weights for or playing cards with in the kitchen.
“I think it's shiny that we finally get to meet some of Simon's friends,” Kaylee defended him. She paused then, a worried frown marring her pretty face as she turned to him. “We do get to meet them, right?” She asked quietly.
Simon's heart hurt that she would doubt him, but he knew in the past he had come off as a snob. This was definitely an opportunity to prove that false. “You will all get to meet them when we land. Cara will be joining us at the docks,” he assured both Kaylee and the Captain.
“Dare I say this sounds like it might go a might smoother than our usual escapades?” Zoe suggested.
“I wish you wouldn't, you know how I hate to jinx things, and we seemed jinxed enough of late,” the Captain replied warily.
“Of course sir,” Zoe responded immediately, “didn't mean turn into an optimist.”
“Well as long as you didn't mean it,” Mal joked, and the banter started up once again.
(-)
They were stepping off the ship and onto welcoming firm land when Simon thought to check the appearances of his crew mates. Since they were two crew members down River was having to come with them so he could look after her. Since the crew had accepted her she had been able to maintain control more often than not but she still took medicine to help and occasionally she had days that were bad enough to warrent locked doors and sedatives. He took in her attire, she had dressed in a worn red jumper that was easily a size too big for her and a pair of leggings that ended an inch or so below her knees. Her dark brown hair had been tied back in a ribbon by Kaylee and Simon was reminded once again how pretty his sister was. On any other planet he might worry but not today, the age of consent on most core planets was eighteen and while many rim planets chose to ignore this and marry their children off sometimes as young as sixteen, he knew this wasn't one of them. Due to Eros' complex social system and sexual identities the age of consent was the highest in the verse at twenty-one although breaking that law was not uncommon. Still, as outsiders he knew River would be seen as a child and left mostly alone. Kaylee on the other hand was fair game, she was pretty and outgoing and he knew she wished she was sexually active. He took in her recently brushed shiny brown hair and the trace of eye liner that enhanced her pretty eyes, then looked at the v-neck floral print tee she wore and cargo pants covered with pockets and only one visible grease stain. It was so sweet that she's made such an effort just to meet Simon's friends and Simon truly hoped she didn't end up getting hurt by what she learned about him here. He knew he should probably have taken her aside to discuss it with her beforehand, but if it had been that easy to talk about he would have explained long ago and maybe avoided this whole awkwardness between them. As much as he wanted to ask her to cover her neck with a high t-shirt he knew it wasn't his place to interfere so he said nothing. Wash, Jayne and Mal were all fine, and besides he would never dream of telling them how to dress. Besides the amusement factor if someone hit on one of them would far outweigh their glares in his direction once they realised he knew exactly how to blend in. It was Zoe who posed a problem, although he wasn't quiet sure how to bring it up with her.
“Uh, Zoe… I don't want to cause any problems but... your necklace,” he gestured to the twine wound around her neck tight like a stylised collar.
She levelled him a look. “I'm prepared to deal with the consequences, but I'm not removing it,” she said. Simon didn't know the significance of the decoration but on a practical warrior woman like Zoe it must be very special so he simply nodded and led them all away from the ship.
The docks were typically crowded, all types of people surrounded them but there was some level of uniform in their appearances. The population was divided into two sexual groups, dominants and submissives, and everything about their society was built around those categories. The dominants could dress how they wish although leather and silk were popular materials among the inhabitants. What was unique about them was the sheer lack of jewellery. No dominants would dream of being pierced anywhere on their person and even necklaces or bracelets were considered inappropriate. At most a few wore jewelled headbands crafted from silver or gold, but these were only adorned by those in the highest ranks of society such as government officials and rich land owners. Submissives were their opposites. They were restricted in style of clothing, not allowed to cover their neck from the age of puberty onwards, and many had piercings and those who were in relationships wore collars made from a variety of material, some were buckled leather straps around their necks whereas others looked more like necklaces made from precious metals and fitted with or without fastenings. Simon scanned the crowd for a familiar face.
“Simon!” Squealed an excited voice from behind him, and he turned just in time to catch his old friend in his arms as she hugged him close. He enjoyed her warmth and buried his face in her neck, the familiar scent of leather reached his nose and it was as comforting as it was surprising. He released her and stepped back to admire it.
“It's good to see you, Cara. How long have you been collared?” He asked.
She beamed at him and he suddenly couldn't help but compare her to Kaylee. “Almost a moon now. It's so exciting!”
“Congratulations,” he smiled warmly.
“Thank you. You were of course invited to the ceremony, of course I now understand why you didn't get the invite,” she said pointedly.
“Ah. I see, is that a problem?” He asked uneasily. It wasn't like Eros was a core planet, but they weren't abandoned like some of the planets on the outer rim either. They had day to day dealings with the Alliance and Simon should have anticipated them hearing about his fugitive status.
“Of course not. You're still welcome among us, Simon!” Cara assured him.
“Even we get the news on Eros, Simon Tam. We have heard about your troubles with the Alliance, but I know and trust you and I believe these people must be good people you surround yourself with,” Mistress Celeste of the Aphrodite Order announced and Simon turned to face her with trepidation and love in his heart.
“Well, most of them,” Simon agreed, pointedly not looking in Jayne's direction.
“Hey! What do you mean, 'most' of 'em?” Jayne grumbled.
Simon just smiled quietly. “It is a pleasure to greet you, Celeste,” he said and bowed his head. He had to fight the temptation to kneel, but knew that it would be an inappropriate gesture despite his past experiences with her. Simon was here as part of Mal's crew, and although Mal didn't know it no one else had the right to command any one of his crew without his permission and this included kneeling and sexual contracts. In fact, if Mal wanted he could make them all kneel for him despite personal sexual dynamics, not that the crew was organised into dominant and submissive roles, but on Eros even the dominant members of society knelt to the Mayor of the planet.
“Xiao Tam, it has been too long,” she said warmly. They didn't touch because Celeste was a high ranking domme, as her silver and diamond circlet announced from were it sat on top of her piles of chocolate coloured hair. She could have asked permission from Mal, but he knew she wouldn't as a sign of respect to Simon, clearly understanding how embarrassing it would be to have to get permission from someone who wasn't dominating him. Yes, this meant he was categorised as a submissive. At first the designation had chaffed, but soon he had learnt that it wasn't an insult, and more than that, it was true. It was also the reason he knew it could never work between himself and Kaylee. She could never dominate him like he longed for.
“A moment is too long, Mistress Celeste,” he replied formally. “May I introduce you to the Captain of Serenity, Malcolm Reynolds,” he said smoothly and he and Celeste turned to face a flustered looking Mal.
“Pleasure,” Mal said awkwardly. “Mistress Celeste.”
“You may call me Celeste, that is if I have your permission to call you Malcolm?” She enquired politely.
“You surely do, Celeste, although truth be told I go by Mal more often than not,” he said.
“Mal, then,” she agreed, and waited for the others to be introduced. Mal seemed at a loss though, so Simon stepped in to prompt him.
“You should introduce the others, Captain, unless you wish me to speak on your behalf?” He asked.
“I can do my own speaking,” Mal bit at him and Simon sighed silently. He should have known that Mal would have too much pride to accept help even when he was so clearly out of his league. “My crew,” the Captain said with a sweeping gesture, “this is my second-in-command Zoe, her husband and my pilot Wash, Kaylee is our mechanic and Jayne handles security, and of course you know Simon so he's probably told you all about his little sister River.”
River, smiling brightly, stepped forwards and bowed her head to Celeste. “I'm glad to meet you,” she said.
Everyone watched with concern mixed with confusion. River seemed very clear headed, which should have put them at ease but it was unusual for her to be so outgoing and bubbly. Celeste smiled, however, obviously charmed by River.
“And I you. Your brother spoke of you warmly,” Celeste said.
“Well, as much as I enjoy your beautiful docks, Celeste, I was of the opinion that we'd be giving rooms during our stay?” Mal prompted.
“Indeed. As Cara is recently collared it is understandable that she and her Domme cannot host you, so I have made my own arrangements for your comfort. If you would follow me?” Celeste said and they all left the docks together, Kaylee stayed close to Mal but River who clearly felt at home on the planet walked on her own near the front of the group while Simon chatted quietly to Cara about all that he had missed.
The journey didn't take over long. Before dusk they were sitting at Celeste's generously sized table eating fresh vegetable stew and drinking warm spiced cider. It was good to be among friends again. It wasn't that the crew weren't friends, except for those who actually weren't, but they didn't really know Simon and for all that they might blame his lack of social skills for that it wasn't like anyone except Kaylee had even tried to get to know him. Mal would more often than not cut him off if Simon started talking about himself, and that was only when he was listening, and while Zoe and Inara had both been kind to him there had never been any closeness. Only River knew him, and even then a part of that was her psychic ability which gave her an insight into his thoughts and feelings that most sisters wouldn't have. Of course, River was family, so she didn't even really count. No, Celeste and Cara were friends. Next to Celeste sat one of her submissives, a boy in his early thirties with startling black eyes and a mop of blond curls. Celeste always chose the striking ones, which was why he had been so surprised when she had taken an interest in him the first time he had visited, for all that he might be pretty he had no illusions that he stood out in a crowd. Her other submissives, a woman with red hair and pale blue eyes who was all tall as Mal, and another male a few years older Celeste's own forty-five years who's hair was snow white and had been since he was very young, were both absent from the meal and Celeste shared with them that Ceres was pregnant, another welcome addition to the family, but she often felt ill which was why Salvatore had chosen to stay with her in their rooms. Due to the dynamics of relationships it was not uncommon for a dominant to have many submissives in their household, although they would usually only have children with one of them so as to ensure clean bloodlines. Simon himself had never found that particular aspect of their society appealing, he wanted to be dominated but he had no desire to share. He guessed he was just selfish like that. Cara felt the same why he did, although he knew it was rare on Eros as poly-amorous relationships were so ordinary. He hoped that her domme, a woman with Chinese features and long auburn hair, shared Cara's thoughts on the subject else there was bound to be resentments and tears. As well as Cara and her domme Anya, there were Celeste's oldest two children, Bella and Dixon, attending. Bella was twenty and on the cusp of sexual maturity and it showed in every action that she was a domme through and through, while Dixon who was barely fourteen wore a shirt with an open collar that showed a bare neckline indicating he was a submissive. It was nice that Celeste was sharing her family with them, made Simon feel warm and accepted in a way that even Kaylee's unwavering sweetness hadn't managed to achieve.
“So, Mr Tam, is the Captain your Dom?” Bella asked, and Simon choked on the green tea he had been drinking and avoided eye contact with everyone.
“I... no, no. We don't arrange society like you do on Eros,” he said. She should know that, which meant she was either trying to embarrass him, unlikely considering Celeste's strict insistence on polite behaviour, or she knew about his past here. Simon feared it was the latter.
“I apologise,” she said, her midnight blue eyes dancing with mischief, “I had heard you were trained and wondered if you had sought out a partner,” she said. “I'm sorry you have been unsuccessful in your search.”
Somehow Simon doubted that was true. “I learned much. Perhaps one day I might be able to make use of my lessons.” What he had just said was tantamount to flirting and he blushed, dipping his eyes even further to stare at the table cloth.
“I look forward to that day,” she said with a musical laugh.
“Oh I doubt we'll be around that long,” Mal broke in, his voice sounded light enough but he cast a dark unreadable look in Simon's direction that made Simon's hand go to his bear throat self-consciously. He took another sip to tea instead of replying.
“Oh Captain, you are welcome for as long as you wish to stay,” Celeste assured them, and Simon was sure he wasn't the only one to hear the humour behind her words. Maybe this had been a bad idea after all. Bad idea or not, he still had to survive the next few days. Good luck to him!
--- chapter two link ---
Pairings: Simon/OMC, Simon/OFC, Simon/Mal, Wash/Zoe
Rating: Mature/NC-17/18
Warnings: BDSM relationship and society described in detail
Disclaimer: I tried to buy it but they laughed at me.
Summary: [post-series, pre-film] When the crew visit a planet that has a culture built around BDSM relationships they find out more about Simon than they ever thought.
Chapter One
There was a knock on Simon's door late that night and for a moment his heart skipped a beat, worried it would either be a medical emergency or Kaylee looking for something he wasn't sure he knew how to give her. It wasn't that he didn't want to, he just knew that he was limited in ways he wasn't sure she yet understood. Upon answering the door he found only a bored looking Mal, pouty lips pursed as he admired the hallway décor. “Can I be of assistance, Captain?” He asked politely.
“Doc,” Mal said enthusiastically, “no need to be worrying. Just got news that we'll be docking on Eros for fuel and supplies.” He informed Simon.
“Right,” Simon said. “Is there a reason you're telling me this? Normally I'm the last to know anything on-board.”
“Technically Doctor, you're still the last to know, what with your little sister being a reader and all and me telling everyone else first. You are right though, normally I wouldn't bother with this personal call only I seem to recall you being uncomfortable with members of the opposite sex, and members of the same sex too now I think on it. Eros is a little different than most planets, as I'm sure you've heard, and I didn't want you being all... you, when we get there. These people are our friends, Doctor, don't matter how they chose to live their lives, ain't none of ours unless we want it to be, dong ma?”
Simon wanted to be offended, he really did. He wished he could make a biting remark about how he had attended every one of his 'universal social politics' classes at school and knew ample about Eros culture and how sexual identity was measured differently and that it was used to inform all social interactions. He didn't say any of this, for two reasons. The first being Simon's dislike of conflict and the second because he could reluctantly admit that the Captain had a point. His social skills left a lot to be desired in most circumstances. He faired well at formal social functions, when being a gentlemen was more important than interpreting what a smile meant or how to use innuendo. This time, however, he would have the advantage. He believed that his ability to fit into Eros society was one of the reasons why his personal skills lacked in certain aspects. On Eros everything was laid out for you, a persons position, their status and taste was written all over their body, often literally.
“I actually think I may be able to help. Do you have any contacts on the planet?” Simon asked.
Mal looked surprised. “Not as such. An acquaintance of an acquaintance suggested a friendly location on the surface.”
Simon nodded. “I'm not sure if you are aware of this, Captain, but those of us who train on Osiris are are required to spend a period of six weeks on another planet when we graduate. We don't get to chose, and many of us get sent to border worlds to treat infections. I was sent to Eros.”
Now Mal looked downright shocked. “You were? And you didn't alienate the whole planet while you were there?” He asked sceptically.
Simon frowned at him. “I believe there were a few left who could bare my presence,” he said dryly, “I may even be able to call in a few favours and find you a friendly face,” he suggested.
“Well, that would be something. Make your call Doc, god knows I'm in no position to turn down friends,” the Captain added darkly.
Simon nodded and it seemed their conversation was at an end as Mal wondered off towards the kitchen, probably headed off to his own bunk judging by the time. Simon closed his door and thought about what to say in a Wave.
(-)
Simon slept poorly that night, taunted by dreams of what he really wanted but would forever be denied, made all that more potent by their destination growing closer by the hour. Morning came and he dressed in what was left of the clothes he had brought with him when he had run from home to find River. Thinking on her he checked and saw she had left her room, and found her with most of the others in the kitchen sat around the wooden table eating the last of the flavoured protein for breakfast. Notable absences were Wash, who was most likely on the bridge, as well as Inara and Book who had both recently left the ship. Inara had been planning it for a while, according to Kaylee who had told him among quiet hiccuping sobs of her best friend's plans to leave. She had returned to Sihnon, and while Simon had his own suspicions for why Inara would reject Serenity and Mal he knew he would never share them with anyone. Book's departure had been unplanned. They'd stopped at Haven to restock with food and water when Book had met the people and decided that was where he was meant to be. With sad heart and fond smiles they had left the Sheppard behind and continued on. The ship had left oddly empty ever since and Simon knew none felt their absence more than their stoic Captain.
“Want some food, Simon?” Kaylee offered sweetly when she saw him, holding out a plate. Simon felt queasy looking at the stuff but his stomach rumbled despite this. “Not sure you can technically call this food,” he murmured in an attempt at humour, “but thank you.”
Kaylee beamed at him.
“Not to worry Doc, soon enough you'll be feasting on genuine food products. That is if your friends come through,” Mal said.
“Since when does he have friends?” Jayne asked in the middle of a mouthful . Simon winced but took no offence. After all Jayne was so ill educated he probably barely understood the meaning of the word, and they had yet to find evidence that he himself had ever formed such bonds. The closest that Simon had ever seen him come to friendship was the blind hero-worship of the occupants of Canton and the casual partnership he struck up with Book, who he could often be found spotting weights for or playing cards with in the kitchen.
“I think it's shiny that we finally get to meet some of Simon's friends,” Kaylee defended him. She paused then, a worried frown marring her pretty face as she turned to him. “We do get to meet them, right?” She asked quietly.
Simon's heart hurt that she would doubt him, but he knew in the past he had come off as a snob. This was definitely an opportunity to prove that false. “You will all get to meet them when we land. Cara will be joining us at the docks,” he assured both Kaylee and the Captain.
“Dare I say this sounds like it might go a might smoother than our usual escapades?” Zoe suggested.
“I wish you wouldn't, you know how I hate to jinx things, and we seemed jinxed enough of late,” the Captain replied warily.
“Of course sir,” Zoe responded immediately, “didn't mean turn into an optimist.”
“Well as long as you didn't mean it,” Mal joked, and the banter started up once again.
(-)
They were stepping off the ship and onto welcoming firm land when Simon thought to check the appearances of his crew mates. Since they were two crew members down River was having to come with them so he could look after her. Since the crew had accepted her she had been able to maintain control more often than not but she still took medicine to help and occasionally she had days that were bad enough to warrent locked doors and sedatives. He took in her attire, she had dressed in a worn red jumper that was easily a size too big for her and a pair of leggings that ended an inch or so below her knees. Her dark brown hair had been tied back in a ribbon by Kaylee and Simon was reminded once again how pretty his sister was. On any other planet he might worry but not today, the age of consent on most core planets was eighteen and while many rim planets chose to ignore this and marry their children off sometimes as young as sixteen, he knew this wasn't one of them. Due to Eros' complex social system and sexual identities the age of consent was the highest in the verse at twenty-one although breaking that law was not uncommon. Still, as outsiders he knew River would be seen as a child and left mostly alone. Kaylee on the other hand was fair game, she was pretty and outgoing and he knew she wished she was sexually active. He took in her recently brushed shiny brown hair and the trace of eye liner that enhanced her pretty eyes, then looked at the v-neck floral print tee she wore and cargo pants covered with pockets and only one visible grease stain. It was so sweet that she's made such an effort just to meet Simon's friends and Simon truly hoped she didn't end up getting hurt by what she learned about him here. He knew he should probably have taken her aside to discuss it with her beforehand, but if it had been that easy to talk about he would have explained long ago and maybe avoided this whole awkwardness between them. As much as he wanted to ask her to cover her neck with a high t-shirt he knew it wasn't his place to interfere so he said nothing. Wash, Jayne and Mal were all fine, and besides he would never dream of telling them how to dress. Besides the amusement factor if someone hit on one of them would far outweigh their glares in his direction once they realised he knew exactly how to blend in. It was Zoe who posed a problem, although he wasn't quiet sure how to bring it up with her.
“Uh, Zoe… I don't want to cause any problems but... your necklace,” he gestured to the twine wound around her neck tight like a stylised collar.
She levelled him a look. “I'm prepared to deal with the consequences, but I'm not removing it,” she said. Simon didn't know the significance of the decoration but on a practical warrior woman like Zoe it must be very special so he simply nodded and led them all away from the ship.
The docks were typically crowded, all types of people surrounded them but there was some level of uniform in their appearances. The population was divided into two sexual groups, dominants and submissives, and everything about their society was built around those categories. The dominants could dress how they wish although leather and silk were popular materials among the inhabitants. What was unique about them was the sheer lack of jewellery. No dominants would dream of being pierced anywhere on their person and even necklaces or bracelets were considered inappropriate. At most a few wore jewelled headbands crafted from silver or gold, but these were only adorned by those in the highest ranks of society such as government officials and rich land owners. Submissives were their opposites. They were restricted in style of clothing, not allowed to cover their neck from the age of puberty onwards, and many had piercings and those who were in relationships wore collars made from a variety of material, some were buckled leather straps around their necks whereas others looked more like necklaces made from precious metals and fitted with or without fastenings. Simon scanned the crowd for a familiar face.
“Simon!” Squealed an excited voice from behind him, and he turned just in time to catch his old friend in his arms as she hugged him close. He enjoyed her warmth and buried his face in her neck, the familiar scent of leather reached his nose and it was as comforting as it was surprising. He released her and stepped back to admire it.
“It's good to see you, Cara. How long have you been collared?” He asked.
She beamed at him and he suddenly couldn't help but compare her to Kaylee. “Almost a moon now. It's so exciting!”
“Congratulations,” he smiled warmly.
“Thank you. You were of course invited to the ceremony, of course I now understand why you didn't get the invite,” she said pointedly.
“Ah. I see, is that a problem?” He asked uneasily. It wasn't like Eros was a core planet, but they weren't abandoned like some of the planets on the outer rim either. They had day to day dealings with the Alliance and Simon should have anticipated them hearing about his fugitive status.
“Of course not. You're still welcome among us, Simon!” Cara assured him.
“Even we get the news on Eros, Simon Tam. We have heard about your troubles with the Alliance, but I know and trust you and I believe these people must be good people you surround yourself with,” Mistress Celeste of the Aphrodite Order announced and Simon turned to face her with trepidation and love in his heart.
“Well, most of them,” Simon agreed, pointedly not looking in Jayne's direction.
“Hey! What do you mean, 'most' of 'em?” Jayne grumbled.
Simon just smiled quietly. “It is a pleasure to greet you, Celeste,” he said and bowed his head. He had to fight the temptation to kneel, but knew that it would be an inappropriate gesture despite his past experiences with her. Simon was here as part of Mal's crew, and although Mal didn't know it no one else had the right to command any one of his crew without his permission and this included kneeling and sexual contracts. In fact, if Mal wanted he could make them all kneel for him despite personal sexual dynamics, not that the crew was organised into dominant and submissive roles, but on Eros even the dominant members of society knelt to the Mayor of the planet.
“Xiao Tam, it has been too long,” she said warmly. They didn't touch because Celeste was a high ranking domme, as her silver and diamond circlet announced from were it sat on top of her piles of chocolate coloured hair. She could have asked permission from Mal, but he knew she wouldn't as a sign of respect to Simon, clearly understanding how embarrassing it would be to have to get permission from someone who wasn't dominating him. Yes, this meant he was categorised as a submissive. At first the designation had chaffed, but soon he had learnt that it wasn't an insult, and more than that, it was true. It was also the reason he knew it could never work between himself and Kaylee. She could never dominate him like he longed for.
“A moment is too long, Mistress Celeste,” he replied formally. “May I introduce you to the Captain of Serenity, Malcolm Reynolds,” he said smoothly and he and Celeste turned to face a flustered looking Mal.
“Pleasure,” Mal said awkwardly. “Mistress Celeste.”
“You may call me Celeste, that is if I have your permission to call you Malcolm?” She enquired politely.
“You surely do, Celeste, although truth be told I go by Mal more often than not,” he said.
“Mal, then,” she agreed, and waited for the others to be introduced. Mal seemed at a loss though, so Simon stepped in to prompt him.
“You should introduce the others, Captain, unless you wish me to speak on your behalf?” He asked.
“I can do my own speaking,” Mal bit at him and Simon sighed silently. He should have known that Mal would have too much pride to accept help even when he was so clearly out of his league. “My crew,” the Captain said with a sweeping gesture, “this is my second-in-command Zoe, her husband and my pilot Wash, Kaylee is our mechanic and Jayne handles security, and of course you know Simon so he's probably told you all about his little sister River.”
River, smiling brightly, stepped forwards and bowed her head to Celeste. “I'm glad to meet you,” she said.
Everyone watched with concern mixed with confusion. River seemed very clear headed, which should have put them at ease but it was unusual for her to be so outgoing and bubbly. Celeste smiled, however, obviously charmed by River.
“And I you. Your brother spoke of you warmly,” Celeste said.
“Well, as much as I enjoy your beautiful docks, Celeste, I was of the opinion that we'd be giving rooms during our stay?” Mal prompted.
“Indeed. As Cara is recently collared it is understandable that she and her Domme cannot host you, so I have made my own arrangements for your comfort. If you would follow me?” Celeste said and they all left the docks together, Kaylee stayed close to Mal but River who clearly felt at home on the planet walked on her own near the front of the group while Simon chatted quietly to Cara about all that he had missed.
The journey didn't take over long. Before dusk they were sitting at Celeste's generously sized table eating fresh vegetable stew and drinking warm spiced cider. It was good to be among friends again. It wasn't that the crew weren't friends, except for those who actually weren't, but they didn't really know Simon and for all that they might blame his lack of social skills for that it wasn't like anyone except Kaylee had even tried to get to know him. Mal would more often than not cut him off if Simon started talking about himself, and that was only when he was listening, and while Zoe and Inara had both been kind to him there had never been any closeness. Only River knew him, and even then a part of that was her psychic ability which gave her an insight into his thoughts and feelings that most sisters wouldn't have. Of course, River was family, so she didn't even really count. No, Celeste and Cara were friends. Next to Celeste sat one of her submissives, a boy in his early thirties with startling black eyes and a mop of blond curls. Celeste always chose the striking ones, which was why he had been so surprised when she had taken an interest in him the first time he had visited, for all that he might be pretty he had no illusions that he stood out in a crowd. Her other submissives, a woman with red hair and pale blue eyes who was all tall as Mal, and another male a few years older Celeste's own forty-five years who's hair was snow white and had been since he was very young, were both absent from the meal and Celeste shared with them that Ceres was pregnant, another welcome addition to the family, but she often felt ill which was why Salvatore had chosen to stay with her in their rooms. Due to the dynamics of relationships it was not uncommon for a dominant to have many submissives in their household, although they would usually only have children with one of them so as to ensure clean bloodlines. Simon himself had never found that particular aspect of their society appealing, he wanted to be dominated but he had no desire to share. He guessed he was just selfish like that. Cara felt the same why he did, although he knew it was rare on Eros as poly-amorous relationships were so ordinary. He hoped that her domme, a woman with Chinese features and long auburn hair, shared Cara's thoughts on the subject else there was bound to be resentments and tears. As well as Cara and her domme Anya, there were Celeste's oldest two children, Bella and Dixon, attending. Bella was twenty and on the cusp of sexual maturity and it showed in every action that she was a domme through and through, while Dixon who was barely fourteen wore a shirt with an open collar that showed a bare neckline indicating he was a submissive. It was nice that Celeste was sharing her family with them, made Simon feel warm and accepted in a way that even Kaylee's unwavering sweetness hadn't managed to achieve.
“So, Mr Tam, is the Captain your Dom?” Bella asked, and Simon choked on the green tea he had been drinking and avoided eye contact with everyone.
“I... no, no. We don't arrange society like you do on Eros,” he said. She should know that, which meant she was either trying to embarrass him, unlikely considering Celeste's strict insistence on polite behaviour, or she knew about his past here. Simon feared it was the latter.
“I apologise,” she said, her midnight blue eyes dancing with mischief, “I had heard you were trained and wondered if you had sought out a partner,” she said. “I'm sorry you have been unsuccessful in your search.”
Somehow Simon doubted that was true. “I learned much. Perhaps one day I might be able to make use of my lessons.” What he had just said was tantamount to flirting and he blushed, dipping his eyes even further to stare at the table cloth.
“I look forward to that day,” she said with a musical laugh.
“Oh I doubt we'll be around that long,” Mal broke in, his voice sounded light enough but he cast a dark unreadable look in Simon's direction that made Simon's hand go to his bear throat self-consciously. He took another sip to tea instead of replying.
“Oh Captain, you are welcome for as long as you wish to stay,” Celeste assured them, and Simon was sure he wasn't the only one to hear the humour behind her words. Maybe this had been a bad idea after all. Bad idea or not, he still had to survive the next few days. Good luck to him!
--- chapter two link ---