Firefly Mal/Simon slash round robin

Once Bitten, Chapter 4

2007-08-09T22:26:26Z

Title: Once Bitten
Chapter: 4
Author: lvs2read
Rating: PG
Setting: Post series, no BDM
Disclaimer: Belongs to the almighty Joss Whedon

Admin Post

All eyes turned to Simon. He scratched behind his ear, cleared his throat, and said, "Well, I couldn't just leave her there! I didn't even know she was there at first. If I had, I'd…well. I imagine I'd have been more careful. Anyway, I suppose… they told the truth, Captain."

He looked straight at Mal, who decided it was safest to ignore the appeal in those clear blue eyes. Best not to ravish the man in front of the entire crew. And that was just an odd thought to be having. Not that he hadn't had similar thoughts before. Just never felt such a strong urge to act upon them.

"Truth," Mal repeated, moving closer in spite of himself. "So, there was an accident?"

Simon nodded emphatically. "There was. They had…" His eyes darkened briefly, and he scrubbed a hand over his face. "If I'd known it was that serious, I might have asked someone else to stay to help. With the grave digging, at least. There's barely an able-bodied man left in the settlement, which is how those small-minded fools managed to take over. When the processing plant blew…" He trailed off, face blank. "It was two days after you left us. After the first incident with the generator…they just kept on using it, put it straight back into service."

Kaylee's hand flew up to cover her mouth. Wash slid his hand over Zoë's, face solemn. Mal decided discretion was pretty much useless anyway, after what Zoë, Jayne and River had witnessed down in the bay, and laid one hand on Simon's shoulder in silent sympathy. "Take it the building blew?"

"Whole damn plant. Took half the town with it. We could feel the explosion from the hall where they'd put the injured. River just…she couldn't cope with it. I had to sedate her so I could continue treating the casualties…those that were still alive, that is, so when a woman came up to offer to watch her, I accepted." Simon shrugged helplessly, shoulder lifting and falling under Mal's hand. "She was veiled…all the women in the township were. I didn't think anything of it. By the time I'd finished working, I was so tired I couldn't even see straight. One of the other women showed me where she'd taken River, and Beatrice was waiting for me with food and drink, and I just ate and fell into bed. It wasn't until the morning when I woke up that I recognized her, and she was so rutting smug about it. She'd remembered me from Serenity..and…well. She'd fed me, I'd slept in her bed and I'd seen her unveiled. There were plenty of women to bear witness to it. That's their version of marriage."

Mal pulled his hand back, pressing two fingers to the bridge of his nose. "So, we left you there, they ignored Kaylee's advice, blew up half the town, you worked your ass off to help 'em an' how exactly do they end up with the tryin' to shoot you bit?"

"Hell, Mal, that ain't hard to figure out." Jayne leaned on the table, smirking. "Doc prob'ly opened his mouth."

Mal was rather amused to see the glare Simon sent at Jayne. "At least when I open my mouth, sense emerges."

"Thinkin' that one's debatable."

"Jayne, Doc. Enough." Mal folded his arms. "Doc, keep tellin'. She the one roped River up?"

"No," Simon admitted reluctantly. "She wanted you to give her a lift off of Beylix, but she knew you wouldn't do that willingly. I don't know why she wants to get to Persephone, but I did remember an old acquaintance of yours who might be keen to, ah, encounter a Guild trained un-Companion?"

Mal couldn't stop the delighted grin spreading over his face. "Now that sounds like a plan I can get behind. Good notion, Simon. Damn fine notion. Knew you had a reason. Still don't explain the tied up bit…"

Simon sent him a pleased smile before his face settled back into its normal serious expression. "Yes, well. Beatrice – or whoever she is – was halfway through telling me all her cleverness when River woke up. And River remembered her, and she wasn't entirely happy about her being there, or the marriage thing, or…well. She began screaming, Beatrice veiled herself and ran out, and I was trying to comfort River when those men arrived. That's all."

"Figures. Know it ain't your fault, Doc, nor yours, River, just wish… Ah well, if wishes were horses… Question now is what to do 'bout the vixen we brought on board. Like the way your mind thinks, Doc, but it ain't exactly like we can approach the renowned Mr. Wing our own selves. He'd smell a rat quicker'n that viper gets hitched. Lookin' for thoughts, people."

"Well, sir," Zoë spoke up, "we do have that cattle feed burnin' a hole in the cargo bay, since the previous buyers had no use for it." Simon looked a question at Mal, who just shrugged regretfully as Zoë continued thoughtfully, "Could contact Sir Warrick, see if he's interested in it. Might be he'd be willing to help us with our other problem as well."

"True, he might. All right, Zoë, send him a message offerin' to negotiate on the feed. Tell him we can be there in - Wash?"

"From here? Two days, give or take. I can get you a more precise time once I'm back on the bridge."

"Fine. Two days, then. But don't go to mentionin' our guest just yet. Wanna whet her appetite for the deal first." He nodded his dismissal to Zoë and Wash, who departed for the bridge. "Now then, Kaylee, I'm thinkin' you might be our best way to convince YoSaffWhatever that she'd like t'meet up with ol' Ath. Think you could play up his best attributes? You know, his looks, his standin' in society, his money."

"Sure thing, Cap."

"Just one moment, Captain. Are you seriously suggesting placing that innocent woman willingly into the path of a known brute? And involving Kaylee?"

"For one thing, preacher, that woman is 'bout as innocent as a rattlesnake, and you know it. For another, she's well able to take care o' herself, as she's shown us on more'n one occasion. And Kaylee's already involved, just by bein' on this boat. Don't see no harm in her bein' the one to pique our little gold-digger's interest. 'Sides, don't think she trusts me, for some reason." Mal smirked as he remembered their past dealings with Saffron. Turning to Jayne, he continued, "Best go bring our guest up here. Time we found out just why she's so anxious to get to Persephone. Much as I'd like to, can't keep her tied up for the next two days, so go 'head and let her walk free. Just keep an eye on her. And see she comes straight here. No side trips--anywhere--dŏng má?"

"Got it, Mal." Jayne smiled in anticipation as he left the room. He almost hoped Saffron would try something funny. He wouldn't mind a bit of revenge for Ella. She'd been his favorite gun, next to Vera, of course.

Turning to River, Mal asked, "You pickin' up anythin' in her thoughts? Know she's wantin' revenge. Got any ideas what shape that revenge might take?"

River shook her head. "Too many twists and turns, if and maybes, can't follow the path."

"That's all right, darlin'. Woman's got a devious mind. We'll just have to do our best to stay a step ahead of her."

Zoë re-entered the room and announced, "Message sent. Now what, sir?"

"Now we find out from our cocky coquette why exactly she wants to go to Persephone."

Next chapter is up for grabs! Come on folks! Help us figure out what that devil-woman, Saffron, is up to!

Once Bitten, chapter 3

2007-08-09T07:11:00Z

Title: Once Bitten
Chapter: 3
Author: itinerant_vae
Rating: PG
Setting: Post series, no BDM
Disclaimer: Belongs to the almighty Joss Whedon

Admin post

Simon's head turned to stare at the couple. Mal enjoyed the look of shock on his face. Oh yeah, this could be real fun.

"Nope," Jayne said shortly, bending down to wrap his arms around her thighs and hoist her up. "Recall your games left me up one wife and down several guns. Had myself a real fondness for Ella."

"I was…fond of…your gun too." Saffron's voice was even breathier than usual as she bounced on Jayne's shoulder.

"Ain't lettin' no woman touch my weapons again."

Her protests were still audible as they left the bay.

"Jayne?" Mal yelled after them. "Find a gag, too. Don't want her flirtin' her way out of them ropes."

Zoë just smirked at him and left to round up the crew. River settled on the stairs to watch as Mal turned back to Simon, reholstering his gun without looking.

"Now, Doc. Think we're needin' to have us a little talk on the subject of boundaries and when it's appropriate to be manhandlin' your captain..."

"Yes, well, I'm sorry. It was the only thing I could think of on such short notice," Simon huffed in indignation as he tried to pull away from Mal.

"Oh, don't go apologizin'. It was right good thinkin'." Mal wrapped his arms tighter around Simon's waist, not letting him go. "Though I do wonder if the wandering hands weren't just a bit of overkill." As he spoke, Mal's own hands drifted lower, and he took full advantage of Simon's gasp when he pulled him closer, kissing him deeply, reveling in the soft lips grown pliant under his, exploring the taste and texture of the willing mouth kissing him back, luxuriating in the arms wrapped tightly around his neck, fingers twined in his hair, growing hard from the moans and sighs coming from Simon… Tian a!

Dazed, Mal finally broke the kiss, leaning his forehead against Simon's as he asked, "What was I sayin'?"

Simon stared at him, trying to catch his breath as he replied, "Something about boundaries and appropriateness, I think."

"Oh. Right. Wasn't complainin' 'bout the actions, so much as the timin'."

"It seemed like a perfect time to me. If I had tried anything before you left us on that god forsaken moon…" Simon tried to push away from Mal. There was the sound of someone clearing their throat, and they both glanced in its direction to see River still sitting on the steps.

"River! I didn't know…" Simon blushed.

"River, darlin', what 'r you doin' sittin' there?" Mal wondered just how far down that blush traveled.

River cocked her head at them. "Watching. Listening. Thinking. Parasite wants revenge."

"Tell me somethin' I don't know." Mal reluctantly released his hold on Simon. "S'pose we'd better join everyone in the mess so's you can tell us 'bout your little adventure and why it is we're headin' to Persephone." Mal motioned for Simon to lead the way as the three of them left the cargo bay.

***

They entered the dining area to find everyone else already assembled and seated comfortably. River took a seat near Kaylee and Simon sat next to the Shepherd. Mal, as was his wont, stood in the center of the room.
"Jayne, our passenger all squared away?"

"We got a passenger, Cap'n?" Kaylee asked brightly.

"In a bit, Kaylee. Jayne?"

"Yeah. Didn't even put up a fight."

"A fight?" Kaylee looked at Jayne with a puzzled look on her face.

"Don't need to tell you how that worries me, Jayne. You sure she ain't goin' nowhere?"

"She?" Kaylee looked around, trying to figure out what was going on.

"Course I am, Mal. Said it yourself. I know my way 'round ropes. An' I ain't 'bout to let her pull one over on me 'gain."

"Hope you're right. Anyways, seems my better judgment was right 'bout leavin' Doc and River on Beylix a week back, no matter how sore a need they had for a doctor, nor how much they promised to pay for the loan of ours. Speakin' o' which, did they?" Mal looked at Simon and raised an eyebrow.

"They did." Simon reached inside his vest and pulled out a bag of coin, tossing it onto the table. "They were just trying to 'reclaim their property' when you arrived."

"Least somethin' good came of your time there, seein's the trouble you ended up gettin' into," he glared at Simon, before turning his attention back to the crew. "Turns out the locals thought there were some nasty goin's on 'tween Doc an' River, and then, to top it all off, Doc here went and got himself hitched--to an unlamented friend o' ours."

There was instant confusion among the three crew members who hadn't been involved in the earlier confrontation.

"Trouble! River? Simon? You okay?"

"Nasty going's on? With that innocent child? They must be destined for the special hell."

"Hitched? Welcome to the club, Simon. Who's the lucky girl?"

Jayne smirked at everyone as Zoë tried not to smile.

"Bì zui!" Mal shouted over the hubbub. When he had their attention again, he continued, "Seems Jayne's and my erstwhile wife turned up in the settlement week before we did."

Wash turned to Zoë and mouthed, "Saffron?"

Zoë nodded and placed a hand on his arm, silently asking him to remain quiet.

Kaylee looked in wide-eyed astonishment at Simon, who tried hard to ignore her and everyone else.

Book looked thoughtful.

"If we'd known she was there," Mal continued, "we'd've never left you there, Doc, no matter how much you wanted to help."

Simon nodded in understanding.

"Think it's your turn to take up the story. Just how is it you ended up married to that harpy? And why the gorramn hell did you ask to bring her along?"

next chapter already claimed by lvs2read!

Once Bitten, Chapter 2

2007-08-09T01:46:42Z

Title: Once Bitten
Chapter: 2
Author: lvs2read
Rating: PG
Setting: Post series, no BDM
Disclaimer: Belongs to the almighty Joss Whedon

Admin Post

The leader drew himself up angrily as he responded, "Course we didn' watch! Didn' have no need to. Heard the moanin' and screamin'. Wha' else could it've been?"

"What else indeed? And you never thought to check to find out?"

"Didn' wanna interrupt nuthin'."

"No, course not. Much more interestin' to let your filthy mind wander where it shouldn't, then punish them as is innocent of doin' anythin' more'n bewailing their captivity. I oughta jus' shoot you now and put you outta my misery. River, darlin', you doin' all right?"

"Am now. Knew you'd come."

"Damn straight. Can't let this brother o' yours outta my sight for more'n two seconds without the two o' you gettin' into some kinda scrape or 'nother." Turning his attention back to the gang leader he ordered, "Let her go!"

Motioning for one of his cohorts to untie River, the leader continued, "Tha' still leaves the charge o' adultery over that there boy's head. Wha' you say about that?"

"Simon, sweetheart, you sleep with that devil-woman you up and married behind my back?" Mal moved his hand to the back of Simon's head, running his fingers through Simon's hair.

Simon tucked his head into Mal's shoulder. "Of course not, my love. I may have been angry with you, but I'm not stupid. Besides, why would I want her when I've got you?" He moved his hand onto Mal's ass and squeezed.

Mal shot Simon a look as if to say Not stupid, huh? then choked out, "There you go. If'n I believe him, you ain't got no call to do otherwise. River, darlin', how's 'bout you join us up here 'steada standin' 'round down there."

River was watching Saffron, but glanced up at Mal. Before she could say anything, Saffron spoke up again.

"What about me, sweetie? Gonna defend my honor, too?"

"Woman, you ain't got any honor worth defendin'. These folks got a hankerin' to punish someone. Reckon you'll do better'n most. River, get yourself up here!"

River continued watching Saffron as the gang leader interrupted.

"Turns out, we got no charges 'gainst this woman. She's been causin' an awful ruckus since she come coupla weeks back. Since she seems to be married to one or all three o' you's, think it's only fair she go with you. Now."

"Why, thank you, kind sir. I do appreciate the hospitality you've shown me, but I believe you're correct. It's time I leave your fair town. If I could just take a moment to get my things?"
"Now wait just a gorramn minute! I ain't takin' this she-devil anywhere!"

"Oh, Mal, hubby, don't be such a grump. You know you want me." Saffron glanced up at Mal through her eyelashes.

Simon squeezed Mal's ass again, then leaned up to whisper in his ear, "Bring her along."
Mal groaned. "Fine! You're comin' with us. But you ain't goin' back for any fripperies, and I want you in my sight at all times!"

"I'm sure that can be arranged, hubby." Saffron winked at him as she sashayed up the ramp.
Mal groaned again. "River! Get up here!"

River winked and sashayed up the ramp after Saffron.

Zoë and Jayne backed up, keeping their weapons trained on the gang, as Mal turned to walk into his ship, Simon still held firmly under his arm.

"You owe me big-time, Doc."

"I'm sure we can come to an equitable arrangement regarding payment, aren't you?"

Mal groaned and hit the buttons to close the ramp, yelling over the comm, "Get us outta here, Wash."

“You got it, Mal. Where to?”

The captain surveyed his crew with a frown. “Damn good question, Wash. Wish I knew. Was concentratin’ more on the ‘from’.”

“Might I make a suggestion, my love?” Simon asked, turning to face him and wrapping his other arm around Mal’s body.

Mal looked down at him suspiciously, wondering why exactly the doc hadn’t let go yet. Or, for that matter, why he himself hadn’t let go. “Long as it don’t involve us leavin’ you an’ River on some back end of nowhere moon again, you just suggest away.”

Simon purred at him. There really was no other way to describe the sound. Mal tried hard to keep his concentration on the words coming out of Simon’s mouth, to a background of Jayne’s guffaws, Saffron’s amusement, Zoe’s stolid observation, and warm, inviting doctor pressed against parts of his body that were getting far too interested in the proceedings. “Our wife has expressed a wish to travel to Persephone. I suggest that we indulge her. Just this once.”

Our wife? Saffron. Right, yes, Saffron. Who was still there – which explained why Simon was still entwined around him. Though surely Saffron wouldn’t be able to see Simon’s hands doing that...Mal cleared his throat. “Good a place as any for a start. Wash, lay a course to Persephone. Zoë, I want all the crew in the dinin’ area in ten minutes – includin’ Wash. See if you can drag Kaylee out of the engine room, we’ll need her. And find out where that preacher’s hidin’. Jayne, you take this piece of space trash down to the passenger quarters and tie her up.”

At Safffron’s approach, Mal raised his pistol once more, aiming directly at her head. “Not one more step. Don’t much care what you’re callin’ yourself, long as you don’t go marryin’ no more of my crew. Only way to stop you marryin’ folks, far as I can see, is keepin’ you confined, an’ Jayne’s got a sure hand with ropes.”

Her eyes sparkled. “Why, Mal…I never realized you cared. If it bothers you so much to see me marrying other men…”

“Ain’t just the men. Way you were playin’ us first time you got on my ship, worried you’ll end up marryin’ one of our girls. Though I’m pretty much sure our Shepherd ain’t gonna help you out with that.” He stared her down steadily. “Jayne? Wanna take charge of our little parasite?”

“Sure, Mal,” Jayne leered, stepping forwards to lay heavy hands on the woman’s shoulders.

She practically wriggled in delight at his touch. “Oh, honey, I missed you. We gonna play our little games again?”

Next chapter claimed by itinerant_vae

Once Bitten, chapter 1

2007-08-08T22:22:02Z

Title: Once Bitten
Chapter: 1
Author: itinerant_vae
Rating: PG
Setting: Post series, no BDM
Disclaimer: Belongs to the almighty Joss Whedon

Admin post

The ramp thunked down onto the dirt, raising a cloud of dust. As it gradually cleared, a group of people became visible - a collection of scruffily dressed men with equally scruffy weapons, someone half-unseen lurking behind them, River standing far too calmly with her hands fastened behind her back, and Simon. Simon, looking, for a change, equally as dishevelled as those around him. Simon, breaking away from the group and running straight towards them. Towards him.

Mal barely had time to catch his breath before Simon collided with him, holding him tight and babbling.

"You came for me, oh, my love, my darling, you came, I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have, all those things I said, oh Mal, my love, Mal…"

Mal's free hand came up automatically to grasp Simon's shoulder, wondering what the hell had happened to the real Simon and whether this one wasn't actually preferable. Then Simon tensed under his hands and glared at him before pressing up close against him and was that teeth on his ear?

"Just play along. Please. I'll explain later."

Right. Play along. Play along with what, exactly? It was teeth. And lips. Play along. Right. "Did you ever really doubt me, honey-lamb? Course I came for you. Don't get rid of me that easy."

Simon sagged against him briefly, and then Simon was kissing him. And Mal knew he ought to stop it, ought to break off and say something, but this was Simon, and he was kissing him, and he tasted so good, and he was kissing him, and he felt even better, and he was kissing him, and it didn't seem Simon was going to pull away any time soon…Mal blindly held his pistol out towards Zoë, and felt it taken from his hand. Mal gathered Simon even closer into his arms and proceeded to kiss him back thoroughly, temporarily oblivious of their audience until Simon yelped into his mouth and quivered.

Mal looked up to see Jayne grinning and winking at him over Simon's head. "Ain't you got a greeting for me too, honey-lamb?"

Mal met Simon's horrified eyes. Evidently not that good an actor - which led to all kinds of interesting thoughts about that kissing. "Now, Jayne. I don't share. We been through this."

Jayne's grin faded, leaving a scowl as he dropped his hand from Simon's back. Mal tucked Simon firmly under his left arm, and turned to face River and the strangers. "Now then, sweetheart, how 'bout you introduce us to your new friends? See your sister's gettin' along with them just fine."

"That's kind of the problem." Simon's arm slid comfortably around Mal's waist, who tried not to think of how right it felt all of a sudden. "They think I'm sleeping with her. So that's incest and adultery."

Mal's brows shot up. "Adultery? You got yourself a wife, too?"

"Something else we have in common, my love." Fingers were definitely creeping down below his waist. "I didn't know it was happening, and we seem to have married the same brassy bigamist."

"The same…huh?"

A figure from the back of the group of strangers came forward, sashaying towards them with a predatory smile on her face. Mal fervently wished for his pistol as he heard both Zoë and Jayne cocking weapons towards her.

"He means me, sweetie." The redhead stopped, raising her hands halfway above her head with a pout. "I didn't realize you'd already claimed him. Isn't that just darling? Maybe I'll keep both of you. You two are just so pretty together."

Mal looked down at Simon, who was suddenly blushing deep red. "An' what name did she give this time?"

Simon licked his lips nervously, and Mal tried not to get distracted by the flicker of pink tongue and thoughts of what it had so recently been doing. "Beatrice. Not that it matters. She's still the same Saffron. Or Yolanda. Or Bridget. Or…what name did she give when she married Jayne?"

"Margaret." Jayne supplied, never taking his eyes off the curvy woman in the short skirt. "Course, she was blonde then. Not all over."

Saffron gave a delighted giggle. "Oh, you remembered. I never thought you would. How clever of you."

"So let me get this straight. They're gettin' ready to peg the two of you out for the crows for incest and adultery, but the devil-woman gets away with bigamy?"

Simon shrugged, shoulder sliding against Mal's side. "It was rather hard to prove the bigamy without any previous husbands along. Now, though…"

At this point, the leader of the gang stepped forward. "Don't mean nothin'. 'Cept now we's got us three evil-doers to punish 'steada jus' two."

"How you reckon that?" Mal tucked Simon just that much closer into his side as Simon's fingers crept further down towards his ass.

"Weren't you listenin' to that there spawn o' the devil? He's guilty o' incest and adultery. And the girl here's guilty o' incest. As for the she-devil…"

"I'd be interested in knowin' why you think these two been committin' incest. You been watchin' 'em or somethin'? 'Cause I gotta tell you, I don't let nobody but me see this boy's lily-white ass. Zoë." Simon gasped in shocked indignation as Mal held out his hand for his pistol.

"Sir." Zoë handed it to him, while keeping her shotgun trained on Saffron.

Mal cocked his weapon at the gang leader. "Ain't gonna ask you again. Were you watchin' 'em?"

Chapter 2 is already claimed by lvs2read!

Admin post - Once Bitten

2007-08-08T22:12:23Z

Yes, we know Prodigal Son isn't finished yet. How about a little choice and variety, hmm?

Chapter 1 by itinerant_vae
Chapter 2 by lvs2read
Chapter 3 by itinerant_vae
Chapter 4 by lvs2read

Pimp us out!

2007-07-23T20:59:05Z

Help us find new writers, keep the Mal/Simon stories going...use this banner in your LJ user info!

To put this in your user info, or in a post, use this code:

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Searching for signs of life

2007-07-23T20:52:54Z

Hello? Is this thing on?

alienatingfolks is looking for new writers! We've got a shiny new layout, a pretty banner, and a need for someone to claim the next chapter.

We've got one round robin fic midway through right now, Prodigal Son, which is just begging for a writer to come along and claim the next chapter. You can make it as short or as long as you like, just come claim and you've got a whole week to write!

If you don't fancy that storyline, feel free to start another - anything involving Mal/Simon is welcome. Let's keep this comm alive!

Prodigal Son, Chapter 13--PG

2007-05-02T21:33:59Z

Title: Prodigal Son Chapter 13
Rating: PG
Setting: Post-BDM by several years
Disclaimer: Belongs to the almighty Joss Whedon. I'm just having fun playing.
Author's Note: Translations in mouseover and at the end of the text.

Thanks, as always, to itinerant_vae, who convinced me to go a different way and make the story better. *g*

Better late than never, right?

Organizational Post

Stepping closer to the vehicle, aware of Mal's unwavering, albeit unhappy, presence behind him, Simon said, "Yes, Father, it's me. Unfortunately, I don't have time to stop and chat, so, if you'll excuse - "

"Get in."

"Jiè guò?" Mal's voice, kept low in view of their situation, still held a note of incredulity. "I don't think - "

In the same instant a lighter voice voice from the interior of the limo said, "I don't think - "

"I'll handle this, Regan. Simon, if you and your…friend…wish to escape further notice, I suggest you both get in. Now. Unless you'd rather meet up with that squad I hear up the street?"

Simon turned to look at Mal, question evident on his face.

Mal shrugged his shoulders then waved for Simon to get in. "Better the devil you know, than the one you don't."

"Are you calling me a devil, young man? Edwards, turn around and take us back the way we've come. Drive until I tell you to stop." Turning his attention back to Mal, Gabriel Tam asked, "Well, are you?"

As Mal settled next to Simon in the car, he automatically took stock of his surroundings. Seated across from them was an older, gray-haired, portly gentleman who must be Simon's father. Next to him was a self-contained woman who looked to be a mite older, though she bore her years better.

They were both dressed to the nines for whatever 'benefit' they'd been to, and it galled Mal no end that they'd gone about their lives as if nothing had changed while their children had been relegated to living as fugitives. Granted, he'd done the best he could by them since that first day, but their lives could have been so much better if their parents had been more interested in being parents than going to 'benefits'.

Crossing his arms across his chest, he growled, "Just calling it as I see it…sir. Know all about how you'd rather disown a son any man would be proud to call his own than help him help his sister, your daughter, who's smart as a whip and a joy to be around." Shifting his glare to Regan Tam, he continued, "And as for you…ma'am. Any woman who abandons her children to the vagaries of fate and the Alliance while she basks in the limelight of her social status ain't a mother, that's for sure. Guess it's true what they say about the Core. People are a dime a dozen, but money's God."

During Mal's tirade Simon had tried several times to get his attention without succeeding. He finally laid a hand on Mal's arm and squeezed hard as he placed his other hand on Mal's face, turning him to face him. "Mal. Don't. It's not necessary."

Mal glared at Simon, unable to believe his ears. "Oh, yes, it's necessary, liànrén. You know how many years I've been wanting to get that off my chest?"

"I imagine a couple less than I have, love." Simon smiled tenderly at Mal while he absent-mindedly stroked his face.

"This is all very touching, but I believe we have better things to discuss. Such as who you are and where my daughter is." Gabriel's voice was as cold as ice as he took in the sight of his son making it blatantly clear what his sexual preferences were.

"Forgive me. Where are my manners?" Simon's voice was laden with sarcasm as he continued, "Mal, as you have deduced, these are my parents, although I'm sure River would refer to them as DNA donors, Gabriel and Regan Tam. Mother, Father, this is Captain Malcolm Reynolds, the man who took us in and helped us when you wouldn't."

"Now just a minute, Simon! Just because you were under stress at work and were making a mountain out of a molehill about those letters, doesn't mean we wouldn't have helped you if you'd asked."

Rounding on his mother, Simon all but shouted, "I did ask for your help! And what did you do? You shut down my accounts and made it ten times more difficult to get River out of that place you so blithely sent her to! You still have no idea what they did to her there, do you?!"

Gabriel's cold voice cut through the silence that followed Simon's accusation. "Rehashing the past is all well and good, but you still haven't told me where my daughter is. Where is she, Simon? What have you done with your sister?"

Simon laughed hollowly. "What makes you think I'm going to tell you where she is? It's just my bad luck that you found me. I had hoped to be long gone by the time you returned home."

"Really, Simon. It would be so much simpler if you just told me where she is. I suppose I could have Edwards track that monstrosity of a vehicle you were on when we saw you, but that would take too long."

"Too long for what, you don't mind me asking? Way I see it, longer it takes you to find her, better her chances are of not having to see the bēibĭ de rén who abandoned her to Alliance scientists and their bēiwū de experiments."

Raising a disdainful eyebrow at Mal, Gabriel said, "I'm sure you would see it that way. Now, Simon, are you going to be difficult, or are you going to tell me where she is?"

"Again, I ask, why should I?" Simon's jaw jutted out stubbornly as he glared at his father.

"Because - "

The crackle of Mal's comm unit interrupted them, and as Mal pinched the bridge of his nose, Jayne's voice came through loud and clear. "Mal? Finally lost that patrol, but where the gorramn hell are you and that táo shén de doctor?

Jiè gu = Excuse me
liànrén = lover
bēibĭ de rén = contemptible people
bēiwū de = despicable
táo shén de = troublesome

Prodigal Son Chapter 12

2007-04-14T13:41:07Z

Well, it all started with Vae asking me if my Firefly muse had returned yet and linking me to this story. Now, I was not an actual member of the community, just lurking here occasionally, but when I saw where the last chapter ended, I only could think of one thing, that it never goes smoothly.
Thanks to lvs2read for the super fast beta, even if it was ulterior motives because she wants the next chapter. Ha.

Prodigal Son Admin Post

Word Count: 549
***

As everyone climbed into the mule, River's head swung to the right, eyes narrowing. "Trouble," she whispered, turning to look behind them.

"Mal!" Jayne's voice barked into the communicator. "Alliance! They're after me, kinda. Might want to get back to the ship, dong ma? All I'm sayin'…" Seconds of gun fire echoed through the communicator just before it went silent.

Mal's head hung as he buried his face in his hands. "Zoe," he said, somewhat muffled.

"Moving, sir." The mule lurched forward and took off in the direction of Serenity, Zoe's eyes focused on the road ahead of her.

"Alliance not far," River murmured.

Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Mal turned looking up to see Simon looking at him with a worried expression. Reaching up, Simon pointed down the street at a pair of lights in the distance that seemed to be getting closer. "That… It looks like my parents are arriving."

Mal looked up ahead of them, eyes widening. That was certainly not part of the equation. "Zoe, stop the mule, now!"

Just as suddenly as before, the mule stopped abruptly, Zoe looking over at Mal with a raised eyebrow. He could only imagine the thoughts running through her head right now. Mal refused to look up at her, instead staring out in front of him, biting his lip in thought.

"Ok, here's what we do. Zoe, you get back to the ship." Mal started to climb out of the mule. "Make sure that Simon takes good care of the books. Thinkin' we'll need the bail money."

Simon shook his head. "No! You're not being left as bait while we make a handy getaway, Mal."

Mal glared at Simon. "This ain't up for discussion. You want your parents or the Alliance to get their hands on River? Now, you all git!"

Zoe nodded her head at Mal, looking ahead of them. The vehicle was getting closer now. It was a black stretch hover limo, a clear sign of status on Osiris. Somewhere, Alliance sirens could be heard too, getting closer. Just as Zoe fired up the mule and started it moving, Simon shoved the bag of books in River's lap and hopped out, rolling on the ground.

"Gorramnit, just keep going Zoe," Mal yelled, moving over to help Simon stand up. "What are you thinkin, Simon!"

Simon looked up at Mal. "You don't know my parents. I do. Zoe will return to Serenity and there will be a rescue…" He paused. "As long as Jayne isn't involved. Regardless, you need me Mal."

Mal looked completely infuriated. Even Simon had to admit that maybe this wasn't his best idea. He watched as Zoe and River took off in the other direction, hopefully making it back to Serenity before getting intercepted by Alliance. As the limo approached, Simon gave Mal a pleading look. "I couldn't leave you, Mal." The thought touched Mal's heart. If only it was said under better circumstances.

They both watched, as if in slow motion, as the vehicle pulled up in front of them. The driver didn't even acknowledge their presence as he opened the door, but Simon would recognize that voice anywhere.

"Simon? Is that you?"

Prodigal Son - Chapter 11 --- at long last!

2007-03-20T00:37:05Z

Title: Prodigal Son, chapter 11
Setting: Post BDM by several years
Rating: G

Prodigal Son Admin Post

So my muse has returned with a vengeance, and I was missing this, so with Vae's permission I thought I'd throw up another chapter. It starts kind of abruptly, though, so you may want to reread the previous chapters first. Or not, it's up to you. *g*

"It wasn't me!" River yelped, suddenly panic-stricken.

"No, it's coming from our house, not here," Simon said, and Mal tried not to wince again. "Did security come back?"

"No," River said, calm again. "Nai nai is still asleep."

"Alright," Mal sighed. "Back into the tunnel. Albatross, I saw a few airshafts as we were goin' through the first time, any idea where they lead?"

"Sewer grates on the street. Runoff gets diverted away into the sewers themselves." For a moment she looked impressed. "Grandfather was very clever."

"Probably where you got it from then. Come on people, back we go."

They slipped back into the tunnel entrance, though they had to drag River away from the dogs. The tunnel was dark, and it took some searching before they found the first airshaft. It was just large enough that Mal could squeeze his broad shoulders through once he took off his coat.

River scrambled through first; the shaft wasn't as steep as Mal had feared, so it didn't take too much work to clamber up, though they were all sweaty and dirty before they were halfway through.

"Yē sū, we're gonna get stuck in this rutting tunnel and starve to death, I just know it," Simon muttered at one point.

"Don't be silly," River said cheerfully from ahead. "We'll die of thirst long before that."

"Terrific."

They finally reached the grate, and for a moment Mal panicked, wondering how they were going to get it open. Then River calmly pulled at a lever half hidden on the wall; the grate slid aside with a rusty groan, and they scrambled out of the smallish hole.

Mal's comm beeped just as he got to his feet. "Gorramit, Cap'n, where the dì yù are ya?"

Mal pressed two fingers to his nose for a moment before answering. "Jayne, please tell me you didn't set off that house alarm."

After a moment of staticky silence Jayne replied, "'K, won't tell you then."

He heard River snickering quietly and scowled at her, which just made it worse. Damn nao huo girl. "Gonna put everyone on short rations for a month," he muttered. This time it was Simon who laughed quietly, and he gave his lover a fond look.

"Sir? The alarm is from the estate across the street, not the target. Are the goods secured?"

Zoe's steady voice helped calm his nerves, as usual. "Affirmative. What's your twenty?"

The whir of the mule's antigrav answered him as it pulled up next to them on the street. "Doctor, perhaps a white shirt ain't the best thing to wear while sneakin' around in the dark and climbing in and out of holes?" Zoe asked mildly.

"Yeah, whatever," he mumbled as he climbed awkwardly aboard, then blinked. "Oh god. I've been hanging around Jayne too long, I'm starting to sound like him."

"Zoe, tell Jayne to meet us back at the ship. I'm tired and dirty, and the mule won't run with five, so he can walk back. Let's go home, security will be here any minute and we got some books to sell."

Prodigal Son chapter 10

2007-02-04T09:49:35Z

Title: Prodigal Son, chapter 10
Setting: Post BDM by several years
Rating: G

Prodigal Son admin post

Mal stiffened instinctively at the sound of the growl, hand dropping to rest on his pistol. Dogs were never a good thing. Sensors and underpaid troops were easy enough to evade, but once a dog got hold of your scent, he'd follow it - and not discreetly - 'til you managed to find something to mask it. Least, if it was a dog that planned on tracking you. He'd no clue if the fancified folks in this neighborhood had a fancy for keeping dogs as guards or pets. Could go either way.

Simon's cool fingers closed around Mal's wrist, preventing him from actually taking hold of the gun just as River's quiet giggle rippled out in the stillness of the evening. He sent a quick glare back. Had words with Simon before regards interfering with work. Granted, this was Simon's turf, still didn't mean the man had the right to stop him drawing. He was about to say as much when River crouched down, holding her hand out towards a small, tan and white patched dog, its tail wagging frantically.

"Beagles," Simon informed him softly, not letting go of his wrist. "The Halvorsens breed them. Very valuable animals, and excellent trackers. Where there's one, there will be more. They always loved River, so she can probably keep them quiet, but we need to go. Now. Without drawing attention to ourselves by doing something noisy like shooting one of their precious pedigree pets."

"Beagles?" Mal echoed incredulously, staring at the foolish looking creature writhing in apparent ecstasy on the grass under River's hand. "You know, Wash had this idea regards - "

"No," River interrupted firmly. "No profit in pilfering pooches." She stood up, unfolding gracefully, holding a hefty stick in her hand. The beagle watched her intently. So did the two men. A slow smile spread across her face. "They remember."

Mal exchanged looks with Simon. "What, darlin'?" he asked gently. Sure, River was damn near steady these days. Didn't make her one bit easier to understand. Or comprehend. Whichever meaning she was currently favoring.

Simon took a step towards her. "River, they don’t...it’s been too long, this one probably wasn’t even born when you left home..."

Mal had just enough time for a brief uncomfortableness at hearing Simon refer to his parents' mansion as 'home' before River drew her arm back and threw the stick with surprising force in the direction of lit windows, just visible through the trees. "Not me, Simon!" The face she turned towards them was shining with elation. "Themselves."

The dog bounded off in eager pursuit of the stick. Seconds later, the shrill siren of a security alarm broke the still calm of the night.

Serious lack of fic here...

2006-12-09T06:21:55Z

We haven't lost interest in this have we? Who's gonna claim? My muse has departed for greener pastures for the mo, so who's up?

Prodigal Son--Chapter 9 (PG)

2006-11-14T22:53:54Z

Title: Prodigal Son Chapter 9
Rating: PG
Setting: Post-BDM by several years
Disclaimer: Don't own it, never did, never will. Just having fun playing.

Organizational Post

Simon reached for Mal's hand in the near darkness. "There's a gazebo just up here a bit. We can wait there until the Alliance leaves. But I don't know the codes for the security system here. I hate to say it, but I think we're going to have to go back through the tunnel--"

As Mal took Simon's hand and let him lead the way to possible shelter, he shuddered at the thought of going back the way they'd come. Motioning River to precede him into the gazebo, he said, "Might have a point there, liànrén, but let's cross that bridge when we get to it. River, you hear--?"

"Nothing here, waste of time. Who called this in?" River offered some berries to Simon, smiling at distant memories. "Better than Jiāngyīn. Safer, too."

Simon grimaced, even as he accepted the handful of berries and shared them with Mal. "Don't remind me, mèi mei." He caught the look of consternation on Mal's face. "What?"

"She remembers that?" Mal asked in surprise.

"She is standing right here, and yes, I remember. Remember everything. Not all memories are mine, and some can't be quantified, but I remember. Do you?" Turning to look towards the estate where she grew up, she listened for a moment then said, "Coast is clear. Grew tired of the search. Wanted to watch show on the Cortex."

"Sorry, darlin'. It's just that you were so…confused…back then, wasn't sure how much of that time stayed in your brainpan." He shrugged in apology as he reached for his comm unit. "If the coast is clear, better call Zoë and--"

Simon laid a hand on Mal's arm, stilling his movement. "Wait a minute, Mal. Could your earlier transmission have alerted the Alliance? River? Did those men say who made the call?"

River shook her head. "No telling. Could have been Mrs. Isaackson down the street. She always was a busybody. Remember that time she caught you with--"

Simon coughed quickly, and Mal swore if it was brighter he would have seen a blush on his lover's face. Amazed him that the man could still do that after all their years together. Thought he would have gotten over bein' embarrassed by things long ago. Vowing to ask Simon what that was all about later, he said, "S'pose it won't hurt to wait 'til we're not in a secure area to contact the ship. Sure the only way outta here is back through that tunnel? I'd hate to come out the other end only to run into your bēiwū de fù mŭ."

"Persons of biological origin not in range, but Năi nai is preparing for sleep. If we are quick--" She was interrupted by the sound of a low growl near the stairs of the gazebo.

bēiwū de fù mŭ=despicable parents

anyone gonna claim Chapter 9?

2006-11-09T01:35:55Z

It's been over a week, isn't anyone gonna claim? I can't at the moment, I'm kinda hip deep in something else right now. Anyone?

Hello?

Prodigal son : Chapter eight

2006-10-30T14:55:58Z

Title: Prodigal son: Chapter eight
Rating: PG
Timeline: Post BDM by several years
Disclaimer: Firefly and all its characters are the property of Joss Whedon
Comments: I hope this is ok?

Organisational post

Penelope watched the change come over the three in the room. Simon’s partner moved in front of her grandson and snapped into a watchful pose not unlike many of the militaristic statues dotted around the city. Simon gave Mal an exasperated look and tensed to the point of rigidity as he tried to ascertain what was happening. River eerily enough imitated the Captain’s stance, more warrior now than girl and nothing like the child she had been.

Worried, Penelope glanced again at the window. The lights had definitely stopped outside the house; they hadn’t proceeded up the street. Her ears, still sharp after all these years, caught the sound of booted feet coming up the path toward the front door. At least it was the lesser of two evils, the Alliance who was approaching, not her son and daughter-in-law.

Nonetheless, the authorities must not find her grandchildren here. “Simon, the tunnel,” she hissed urgently. “You can leave through the tunnel.”

“The tunnel?” questioned Mal, shaking his head. “I don’t want to know the history, just point me at it.”

“The entrance is in my room,” Penelope explained. “Simon can show you the location. I think I shall go and greet my guests downstairs.”

The Captain smiled, delighted at the old woman’s feistiness. He was seeing where Simon and River’s strength came from he knew.

Penelope returned Mal’s smile her gaze approving. The man might be rougher than she was used to, but he clearly loved and protected both Simon and River, and for that she was grateful. Her eyes widened though at the sight of the weapon in the Captain’s hand and opened still further when she saw him hand River a second gun.

“I don’t think you have long Mal,” she dropped the formal Captain. “I hope to meet you again one day.”

“Hope so ma’am.” Mal nodded quickly and turned to the others. “We’ve got to go, now!”

Simon gave his grandmother a concerned glance and enfolded her in a tight embrace. “Nai nai?”

“Go,” she gave him a little push. “Now you know where I am, I expect you and River to keep in contact with me. Is that understood?”

“I will,” Simon promised giving her a final hug.

“We will,” River confirmed peeking through the door before stepping into the hallway. “Old family will merge with new, neglectful no more.” She nodded at the Captain and gestured to Penelope. “You can be impressive now.”

*****************

“What’s Mal mean, hush up?” Jayne demanded. “They’re overdue on a job.”

“Guess things didn’t go smooth as they were supposed to.” Zoë rejoined, “Kaylee I need you to prep the mule just in case we need it.”

“Do you think River’s there yet?” Kaylee was worried. “She hasn’t been gone very long.”

“She’s there,” Zoë answered. “Where else would she go?”

*****************

“Here,” Simon opened the door into an opulent room.

“They’re at the door.” River remarked matter-of-factly as she stood guard at the bedroom door.

“You sure this tunnel won’t be boarded up or wired or something?” Mal wasn’t likely to trust anything in this house.

“Neither of my parents knew of it. Grandfather built it long ago and Nai nai showed it to us as children.” Simon led Mal to the walk-in-closet which was as big as their bunk on Serenity. “It probably hasn’t been used since.”

“Intrusion is unwarranted they are being told.”

“Good,” Simon reached past the luggage piled neatly in the corner and pushed at the ceiling above them.

“How many secret doors are there in this place and can we hurry this up a mite?” Mal snatched up a bag and stuffed the books into it. “I don’t want to be having a gun fight right now.”

“Don’t treat the books like that,” Simon protested as the door slid open. “You’ll ruin their value.”

“I’m beginning to think you’ve been around Jayne too long.” Mal handed Simon the bag and started down the stairs knowing that he and River would be right behind him.

*****************

“It ain’t your fault you know.” Jayne addressed the booted feet under the mule as he took inventory of his weapons.

“I should’ve stopped her. Now there’s three of them out there, maybe in trouble.” Kaylee tightened already tight brake lines. “Captain said they’d be needin’ rescuin’.”

“Nothin’ ever goes smooth, specially when the Captain’s involved. You know that.”

“I just don’t like it when it’s here on Simon ‘n’ River’s home planet.”

“Too many Alliance round that’s for sure,” Zoë said coming to check on the mule. She had agreed to Simon’s plan because they needed money badly and it had seemed simple. She should have known better. Now three of their crew were probably in danger and she and the others were stuck waiting. “Kaylee when the call comes I need you up on the bridge ready to take off. Jayne…”

“I got my grenades.”

*****************

“Where are we?” Mal looked around at the trees surrounding them. He hadn’t enjoyed the journey through the tunnel, the tight confines of the walls and the musty smells had got to him. Simon anxiety for his grandmother vibrated off him and River had kept up a running commentary on the conversation with the annoying Alliance.

“The Halvorsen’s grounds, two estates down from ours,” Simon answered with a whisper.

“Good berries,” River asserted picking some of a tree nearby. “Cursory look only, old lady too difficult, search the grounds instead.”

“Then we go to ground for the night.” Mal decided. “I don’t want to draw any attention to us or the others; we’ll wait out the search. Rest here as best we can.”

Prodigal Son, chapter 7

2006-10-21T15:20:18Z

Title: Prodigal Son, chapter 7
Setting: Post BDM by several years
Rating: PG

Notes: Thanks for the quick look through itinerant_vae

“Late.” River tossed out the answer interrupting Simon mid sentence, as she walked passed them. “Knew you would be. Always been one to dwell, to think over things. Didn’t know you’d have company though.” Her eyes flicked to their Grandmother, something flashing in them for such a brief moment that Simon couldn’t place the emotion. And then she was in front of him, hand on the study swinging it open rather then just ajar, walking into it without a worry or glance back.

“Sun nu,” The word was a sorrowed whisper from behind him and Simon glanced back catching Penelope blinking back tears, straightening herself and steeling herself from the lack of reaction.

“It’s been a long time,” Simon hesitated, “She’s been through a lot, she might not even remember after what happened to her.” The doctor didn’t know what to say to reassure her. So much time had passed, too much time maybe; River had been so badly betrayed by their family and Simon never had explained their Grandmother’s part in it to her.

“Been through the wringer and then some,” Mal was standing behind Penelope, body rigid with impatience, eyes flicking to the door every few moments uneasily searching out an enemy, hand resting on the holster of his gun. “Thought we were past putting bells on people, past havin’ them sneak up on us?”

“Vaults still here.” River’s comment interrupted the rest of Mal’s words, looking at them from over her shoulder as her fingers ran across the smooth polished surface. “I don’t tar everyone with the same brush Simon.” The exasperation was obvious in her voice as her fingers danced over the grey metal, “Running out of time though…” She paused staring at the metal as if seeing straight through it.

“The codes may have changed,” Simon was moving now, standing next to River, hands searching the sides of the vault for the release catch, needing the code and control panel to open it. Mal was only a heartbeat behind him, shifting uneasily from foot to foot and barely suppressing his impatience as Simon searched. “They’ve changed the design since we’ve been gone-”

“You tellin’ me they changed all this in case you came back, but left the house codes the same?” Mal was more then a distraction; voice husky with annoyance speaking quietly, more for Penelope’s benefit then Simon’s, directly into his ear making Simon pause as vibrations sent a welcoming yet distracting shiver down his spine. He didn’t even notice the sideways glance River threw them before rolling her eyes and turning back to Penelope, ignoring the quiet curses.

“You hide, Nai nai.” River stared down her grandmother, within arms reach but not touching, a troubled expression covering her face. Holding herself back as if shy, but more wary then that. “Something odd, wrong here, something you don’t want seen…” For a moment she sounded less lucid and more rambling, one hand gently moving to stroke her grandmother’s cheek. “We’re late, I’m sorry.”

Penelope’s hands were trembling as they reached for River’s, holding it to her cheek for a moment and kissing the fingers before gathering them against her heart. “When you get to my age you know what mistakes you’ve made, what ones you can do something about but you never stop wishing you weren’t so old and slow to change them.”

“My own son, a complete pigu, I don’t know where I raised that boy wrong. Turning against his own family and children, so much weaker than you and your brother.” Penelope hesitated, obviously wanting to draw River close but she still looked wary, uncomfortable at the scene. “You both make me proud.”

“We have family now, real family.” River’s uneasiness shows, a frown furrowing on her brow though she made no attempt to pull away from Penelope’s hands. “Got a home now, one where they don’t leave you behind and give up on you.” She paused, lips twisting as she nibbled on the inside of her mouth, unsure for a moment but unsurprised when Penelope stepped forward, embracing her.

*****

“Damn flints aren’t wanting you to get your hands on anything but they’re wantin’ you to come back? What for a cosy tea time chat and apologies, on your side too I’d wager.” Mal was getting riled now, more over implications then facts. More angry at the Parental Tams then either Simon or River were.

Simon half turned his head, eyes meeting Mal’s turbulent ones, a wealth of emotion showing what the Captain wasn’t saying; pride and anger and agrievance swirling together into a more then dangerous look that made Simon glad his parents hadn’t put in an appearance.

“That would be our Parents.” Simon’s smile was rueful, slightly forced despite his belief that he was passed their actions and rejection. “Go against them, get disowned and cut off, no longer a Tam…till you come crawling back with your tail between your legs that is.” His smile twitched for a moment, threatening to grow though Mal’s expression faltered him. The Captain wasn’t amused, in fact Simon’s comment had been close to adding fuel and fire as Mal’s eyes darted to a large picture on the wall jaw clenching at the happy, perfect image of the Tam family.

Ai ya, this was getting harder and harder still, now Mal was getting even more distracted then Simon was, the Captain’s usual careful concentration on the job blown and focused on memory and payback. Not that the idea of Mal playing avenger against his parents had never appealed, it had. Had focused in several of Simon’s daydreams and fantasies years back, but as River had said time was running short and the last thing they needed now was to be caught red-handed, even if it was stealing back his own belongings.

“It’s just another job Mal, doesn’t mean more then that.” Simon spoke just as softly, leaning his body back against Mal’s feeling the reassurance behind him as he allowed himself the luxury of briefly closing his eyes, of inhaling Mal’s scent and the scent of home, hands pausing in their search for the elusive catch.

“Doesn’t mean I have to like it Simon.” Mal absently ran his hands up and down Simon’s sides as the doctor’s fingers went back to their searching, glancing briefly behind him at the two women, River still awkward but slowly accepting Penelope’s embrace, silent tears gathering in the elderly woman’s eyes as she did.

“Touching as this is, I’m thinking we shouldn’t dwell here too much longer .Ten minutes more then we hightail it out, can’t let trouble catch us up.”

Simon could see Mal’s reflection, though slightly distorted, in the metal, the man looking more uncomfortable then Simon had seen of late, an expression that he definitely didn’t miss. “I know. I don’t miss this as home, it’s not. Serenity is, you are, River is, di yu everyone is even Jayne. But there are things I have missed, things I figured I thought I’d never see again that I pushed them to the back of my mind-”

“An’ if we weren’t usually runnin’ or on a job I’d say invite her for a visit sometime, but we are. Couldn’t risk it before, can’t risk it now, even after all this time Simon.” Simon could hear the apology underneath Mal’s words as fingers settled on his hips, his own pausing feeling the tell-tale nub he was searching for.

“I know.” The hardest words Simon had said in a while, even as he nodded his fingers pushed down on the catch changing the subject effectively as a small panel slid out on the bottom of the vault. He could feel the heat as Mal’s eyes bore into the back of his head, threatening to divert his attention once more as his fingers flew over the keys, inputting the codes he remembered from so long ago.

A sigh left his lips, head shaking slightly as the warning flashed across the panels screen. “Denied, what a surprise. Looks like they have some foresight after all; they changed the combination.”

“Son of a-” Mal bit off his curse as Simon none too discretely elbowed him in the ribs, body swivelling to look at his grandmother.

He didn’t want to interrupt such a tender moment between them, not when River was starting to smile, when his grandmother was starting to ask if she had a sweetheart of her own, all the while throwing pleased looks toward Mal. But they were running desperately short on time, had gone far beyond the calculated amount and now Mal’s jacket was crackling, a sure sign that the rest of the crew were becoming edgy and impatient.

“Nai nai, do you think you could help us?” Simon gestured to the Vault, apology on his face as the two broke apart, his grandmother moving forward to rest her hands on the panel. Penelope’s eyes closed briefly, mouth moving though her recounting was silent as hands trembled over the key pad inputting the numbers quickly.

Just as soundlessly the Vault slid open, a smile curving on Simon’s lips, eyes lighting up as his hands slipped inside tracing over the unmarred surface of the first volume. Relief flooded him as he pulled the book out, admiring it’s weight and pristine condition before passing it to Mal who almost dropped it as lights flashed outside the house making each and everyone freeze.

Only Mal’s mutter broke the stillness as he held the communicator up to his mouth, “Zoe? Might want to hush up and be on standby for a heroic rescue.”

Prodigal Son--Chapter 6 (PG)

2006-10-14T22:51:27Z

Title: Prodigal Son Chapter 6
Rating: PG
Setting: Post-BDM by several years
Disclaimer: Don't own it, never did, never will. Just having fun playing.

Sorry this is late, folks. The guys just weren't talking to me. What's up with that?

Organizational Post

Mal followed Simon and Penelope down the hall, keeping his eyes open for any signs of trouble. It wasn't that he didn't trust Simon's grandmother, but--he didn't trust Simon's grandmother, or anyone else for that matter. He'd been betrayed too many times through the years to take Simon's word for it that she was trustworthy. Matter of fact, he could count on the fingers of one hand those he did trust--his crew, and only his crew.

He watched as Simon tipped his head towards his grandmother, covering her hand with his as they talked quietly. Wondered what they were talking about, and hoped they'd find those missing books soon. He hadn't been lying about the uncomfortableness level he was experiencing. This whole job went against the grain. It was one thing to thumb their noses at the Alliance out on the Rim, but being here in the Core was just pushing their non-existent luck.

He breathed a sigh of relief as they approached the door to what had to be Gabriel Tam's study. Maybe they could still get out of here in the allotted amount of time.

***

When his năi nai laid her hand on his arm, Simon automatically brought his other hand up to cover it, walking slowly with her down the hall to his father's study. He was thinking furiously, trying to figure out where his books might be, as she continued to talk quietly. Suddenly, one of her questions penetrated his thoughts. Tipping his head closer he asked, "What did you say, năi nai?"

Slapping his arm gently she said, "Pay attention, sūn zi. You have much to tell me in just a few moments of time. You say that River and you are fine, and I can see that you have a strong man who loves you, but where have you been for the past seven years? You knew how much I worried for your safety, and River's. Why did you never contact me again?"

The guilt poured over Simon again, even as he flushed at his grandmother's comment about him and Mal. "Oh, năi nai. I am so sorry. I did try, really I did. But I didn't know you were no longer living in your old home. As for where we've been, except for that first year, we've been with Mal. On his ship. River and I have seen and done many things that we never would have thought possible. The Academy did awful things to her, năi nai, but being on Mal's ship, with the people who are now our family, she's so much better than I ever thought she would be. Especially since… Năi nai, did you ever hear of a planet named Miranda?"

"Miranda? I don't … Oh, wait, many years ago--15?--there was a terraforming accident there, wasn't there? Why?" Penelope looked up at Simon, her blue eyes showing her confusion.

"No. Not 15 years ago. More like… Did you hear anything after we left?" Simon asked her urgently, knowing their time was growing short, and that he really needed to find those books.

"After you…? Well, there were rumors, about five years ago, that there wasn't an accident. That the government had done something…"

"They weren't rumors, năi nai. It was true. The government did do something. And River knew about it. The secret of it almost drove her insane because she didn't know if what she knew was real or imaginary. But after we discovered the truth? Well, ever since then, she's been much better. She still has bad days sometimes, but she's very like the girl you knew and loved. Full of laughter and curiosity. And highly intuitive. She knew about Mal and me almost before we did." He smiled down at his grandmother as he reached out to push the study door open. Feeling it move inwards, he flicked his eyes to Mal, smile growing perceptibly wider, before his glance moved beyond Mal to the figure just coming in the front door.

"River?! What are…?"

Prodigal Son - Chapter 5

2006-09-30T05:59:18Z

Title: Prodigal Son Chapter 5
Rating: PG
Setting: Post-BDM by several years

I managed to get this posted before midnight in my time zone, so that counts as Friday, right? *g* It's a little short this time, as I only had about a day to get it done, sorry. *blushes*

Mal froze on the stairwell as an unfamiliar voice floated down.

"So tell me about this new family of yours, sun zi. What is he like?"

He heard a very familiar embarrassed cough, and Simon stuttered, "How would you…I mean –"

A lighthearted laugh, filled with love for the other voice, and something in Mal's gut relaxed a little at the sound. "I held you in my arms not two hours after your birth. I've bandaged your skinned knees – not that there were many of those – and held you while you wept over your first broken heart. How could I not know this about you?"

"Mother and Father never did," came the muttered retort.

A long-suffering sigh, and Mal fought back a grin. "What I said about your parents holds true there as well. I'm beginning to thank God you did get away before they managed to turn you into the obedient little copy of your father that they wanted so badly." The voices were close now, and shadow-figures appeared at the top of the stairs. Almost without thought, Mal quickly ran his fingers through his hair and made sure his shirt was tucked in.

After all, he never thought he would have the chance to meet any of Simon's family, especially not his grandmother, and he didn't want to look like a complete mang.

Then they were staring down at him, Simon doing a not-so-clever imitation of a fish. "Mal!"

The thing in his gut relaxed a bit more. "Got a mite worried, bao bei. Everything shiny?"

Simon hurried down the steps and grabbed his arm. "You idiot! What if you'd been caught?"

"Don't look like there's anyone here to catch us anyways. And by the way, we're gonna have a long talk later about the meaning of full disclosure when it comes to security systems." He scowled at his lover, who glared right back, completely unrepentant as usual.

The discreet clearing of a throat jerked their attention away from each other. "I'm sorry, nai nai. Mal, this is my grandmother, Penelope Tam. Nai nai, this. . . is Mal," and the soft pride in Simon's voice made Mal's neck flush.

For a split second he considered playing the dandy and kissing her hand, but common sense got the better of him; her candid gaze and proud bearing told him she wouldn't appreciate such posturing any more than her grandson did. So instead he simply took her outstretched hand and bowed over it, murmuring, "Captain Malcolm Reynolds, at your service, ma'am."

She gave him a warm smile, while eyes as blue as Simon's sparkled mirthfully at him. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Captain." Her smile turned mischievous, and she said to Simon in a loud whisper, "Well, I see your taste hasn't faltered when it comes to your partners either, dear." She chuckled when both men flushed.

Mal cleared his throat self-consciously. "So, Doc, is the job done?"

Simon scratched his ear nervously, his embarrassment forgotten. "Um, no, actually. The books weren't where I left them, so we were going to my father's study to see if they're there. Don't worry," he added quickly when Mal began to frown, "my parents are at a benefit, so we have some time."

"Fine, but let's get this done. This place is givin' me an uncomfortableness. No offense, ma'am."

Penelope inclined her head regally. "None taken, Captain. I can understand how you would be…nervous at the possibility of meeting my son and his wife, considering the circumstances." She placed a wrinkled hand on Simon's arm. "Come, sun zi, let's go find those books of yours, shall we?"

Prodigal Son, chapter 4

2006-09-22T14:51:21Z

Title: Prodigal Son, chapter 4
Setting: Post BDM by several years
Rating: PG

Notes: unbeta'd so any mistakes are my own and will be happily rectified :)

“Nai nai?”

The choked out response was all Simon could manage as he stared at the woman in front of him, who moved closer; her trembling hands outstretched and pausing a moment from his face as though she were afraid he was a ghost.

“Simon?” The word was a plea as wrinkled hands stroked over Simon’s face, disbelief slowly giving way to delight.

Simon couldn’t breath, felt a tightening in his chest that had nothing to do with being home and everything to do with his Grandmother’s presence. Even as she fell into his arms, tears in her eyes and a joyous cry on her lips, he couldn’t speak. This wasn’t right, wasn’t easy not liked he’d hoped. Seeing her threw him completely off-balance, something he’d been sure wouldn’t happen when he came back. Something he knew wouldn’t have happened had it been one of his parents that had come across him.

His parents. Simon glanced behind her, towards the door, his stomach lurching at the thought of seeing either one of them. Undoubtedly his reception would be less then welcome in comparison. Lavender flooded his senses, getting up his nose and into his throat as his grandmother sobbed against him burning her head in his neck. A sweet smell that conjured up more guilt then Simon had wanted it to, more memory then he cared to remember-childhood memories.

Sucking his upper lip into his mouth as his eyes stung, Simon gently wrestled himself from her hold trying to ignore the guilt that gnawed at him as her hands held his. She looked older and more frail then Simon remembered; the once vibrant, bustling woman lost and somewhat dazed though her focus snapped to him quickly. Old before her time, no longer burdened by youth. She used to say we kept her young, River and I…

Shaking himself from his musings, Simon was acutely aware that his time was running short and regardless of his own feeling, of what he wanted to do, he had the job to carry out. He had to find those volumes, for all their sakes.

“Nai nai, please.” Simon worried his lower lip, keeping his voice soft as he spoke to her, “I can’t-I can’t stay long.

“You’re leaving?” The delight quickly gave way to hurt, a sorrowful building in his Grandmother’s eyes. “There’s no need to worry, they aren’t in. They had a benefit to go too. I’m just too old for such malarkey, so they left me here.”

Her hands were on him again, stroking at his arms, cajoling him to stay. It was a sweet relief that his parents weren’t in, that Simon wouldn’t have to face that particular reunion but he didn’t have time to stay and reminisce, to give her the attention he would have liked. Mal was waiting outside and he had less then ten minutes left, before his lover was sure to come storming after him, worrying that some trouble had befallen Simon.

“I have to.”

It hung between them, adding to the guilt weighing in Simon’s stomach and then she broke the tension, moving forward to slap Simon firmly upside the head.

“Aiya!” Simon shot her a glare, rubbing the smart on the back of his head. “What was that for?”

He groaned mentally the moment the words left his mouth, he knew exactly what that was for. It was for not coming back to see her, especially after she’d done so much for them. Not only in childhood but supporting Simon with money before he became a fugitive, money he added to his own to rescue River. He hadn’t wanted to contact his parents but once River had become less fragmented, his mind had wandered to the person who cared enough to believe his worries over her. He’d sent a few waves when he could but if she was living at the estate now, she probably hadn’t even received them.

“For not coming back sooner that’s what, not giving me a word just cause to worry! I didn’t know if you and River were safe, if you needed me.” Her lower lip was trembling, but she held herself regally giving Simon a glimpse of the Grandmother he remembered. “They tore the house apart thinking you would be here, torn mine apart too and your parents thought it best that I move in here. They said you were deluded, had fallen in with Mercenaries and the like but I knew..” her hand was shaking pointing almost accusingly, “I knew my Simon wasn’t wrong, that something terrible was happening to River. They called me crazy, thought I’d gone soft in the head and that he’d swayed me, but I knew.”

She was nodding now, speaking about him as though he wasn’t there which made Simon more then a little uneasy. Not that he wasn’t already quietly panicking as he checked his watch, seven minutes left. He needed to find those books, much as he wanted not to have too leave her with questions; he needed to find them and get out while he could. Every moment he was in the house, was a moment that he could be caught. He couldn’t fit everything to tell into the time he had.

“I’m fine, River’s better and no we haven’t fallen in-” Simon paused thinking on how she would view Serenity’s crew, “We’ve found a family, nai nai. People who helped us, helped me when things got bad. Funny that out there, away from so-called civilised people, I found someone I could trust-people who I‘d call my own.” Mal and Serenity were his home and family now.

“And you want to get back to them.” Her eyes still held the same sadness that guilted Simon so, but there was a decisiveness on her face that put him more at ease.

“I do.”

“Now I know you didn’t come back to see us, did you?” She was shaking her head, drawing a rueful smile from Simon, “What do you need? Money?” She eyed him for a moment, “Not clothes, your taste hasn’t faltered there.”

Simon couldn’t help the blush that crept across his cheeks, “No, just my books.” His eyes flicked back to the bookcase, empty of what he’d sought for and reminding him of what else he’d come for. Dropping to the floor, Simon worked his fingers into a knot in the board, pulling it up as the wood groaned in protest.

“They took a lot when they came here, after you went for River. Took everything they thought would lead them to think like you. Books, papers, they even took the journal you kept as a child.”

“And I bet that made for fascinating reading,” Simon muttered, pushing the board to one side as he peered into the small nook, “Today Mother brought me another hideously ruffled shirt-what joy.”

Catching a glimpse of the box, Simon reached in pulling it out with ease, his fingers pulling at the latch in anticipation as a sigh of relief came to his lips.

His Grandmother sighed, “They don’t learn, no one ever learns, just keeping making the same mistakes and bringing it all full-circle.” She shuffled next to him, laying a hand on his shoulder and Simon couldn’t help but look up, paused in the act of removing his battered copies. “Your parents are weak. They thought to much on image, on position and in doing so they lost their children. I used to wonder if you had stayed, would they have shaped you in their image.”

Is there a point to this, Simon bit his tongue not wanting to be rude but not wanting to dwell on that part of his past or think of his estranged parents. “Well I’m glad you didn’t have to find out.”

She shook her head, “They were weak Simon, but not all bad. They kept your rooms as they could, almost like they expected you both to come back to them. Kept everything as it was, like you were both just away for a night. They hoped you would come back, would see them-” She broke off shaking her head with a small laugh, “Duìbùqî, getting old now, I ramble.”

Simon stuffed the last of the books in his bag, interrupting and asking, “I have to find the other books, my first editions-the ones they brought me. Do you know where they could be?”

If they’d been sold or auctioned, that was it. Simon wasn’t sure if anything else equalled in value on the estate; wasn’t sure if it did that he could take it, could steal rather then reclaim his things.

“In your Father’s study, or in the safe perhaps? Those codes have changed but old that I am, little gets past me.”

“I doubt that it does,” A small smile twitched on his lips as Simon stood up, carysack on his back, “Do you mind helping me break into it?”

**************

Gorram it, this was taking longer then Mal had expected. Felt longer then he’d expected, making him check his watch every few seconds just to be sure, his body tense and ears open in case of a ruckus. Except it was silent, too silent for Mal’s liking. No quiet contented hum of Serenity around him, no feel of his lover in his arms safe and secure. Too damn quiet-like the grave.

Every so often his eyes would wander to what he could see, his body tensing and hand twitching involuntarily to his gun as lights swept close to the estate. Never entering, just passing, living their lives and making Mal wonder if the ‘verse wasn’t being slightly perverse, teasing his worry in such a manner.

Light caught his eyes, diverting his vision to the second floor. Di yu, Simon had enough smarts not to turn any lights on which meant someone was in, someone could be finding him right now.

Last thing he wanted was Simon caught up with his folks again, caught up with anything that’s not me an’ mine. Parents who’d made him feel less than worthy. Made him guilty an’ had him carrying the burden of saving River all by himself. Parents who didn’t so much mourn their children, rather slipped back into their cushy lifestyle.

Mal checked his watched, three minutes till the twenty they’d agreed, yet Mal couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Couldn’t one gorram job go as planned?

Cursing, his finger still hovered over his weapon, Mal moved quietly into the house creaking a couple of floorboards as he moved up the stairs.

Prodigal Son, Chapter 3 (PG)

2006-09-18T04:44:30Z

Title: Prodigal Son Chapter 3
Rating: PG
Setting: Post-BDM by several years
Disclaimer: Don't own it, never did, never will. Just having fun playing.

Organizational Post

Now:

As Simon stepped up to the gate of his old home, he hesitated. This would be the first hurdle to getting into the house, bypassing the security system.

In the past three weeks the crew had done some discreet checking to make sure that Simon and River's parents still, in fact, resided at the estate. There had been the slight chance that they would have sold the property for some reason, but, no, they still owned it.

Simon still had the key to the front door. He had kept it in a small box in his room, never thinking to need it again, but never quite wanting to throw it away. One never knew, after all, when circumstances might require its use. His parents were creatures of habit, and he hoped that meant they had neither changed the door locks nor the gate code. Especially since he had neglected to tell Mal about the security system. Taking a deep breath, he flipped open the panel and entered the code--his and River's birthdates--and waited.

***

Mal watched Simon walk towards the front gate. He still couldn't believe that the Simon and River had grown up on an estate. Although, if he'd stopped to think about it, he might have come to that conclusion. He'd just never stopped to think about it. He saw Simon hesitate and wondered why he was doing so. The longer he was out in the open, the more chance there was of him being seen.

Then he heard it. Didn't know why he hadn't heard it before. The unmistakable sound of a laser powered security system. He was going to have to have words with his lover about the meaning of full disclosure. He held his breath as Simon pushed the controls on the security panel. This whole plan could be going up in smoke right in front of his eyes if the code had been changed.

He glanced around at the empty street, and quietly drew his weapon, prepared to do battle if anything should go wrong.

***

Simon heaved a sigh of relief as he heard the snick of the gate unlatching and the whirr of the laser ceased. Pushing the gate open, he stepped through, once again entering the estate where, at one time, he'd played games with River. Where he'd sat in the shade of the mimosa trees, reading about the adventures of fictional boys on Earth-that-was.

He'd practically worn the covers off of the reprinted copies of 'Tom Sawyer' and 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' he'd received as birthday gifts. Which was why his parents had bought him those first editions. So he could have 'nice' copies. It hadn't mattered to them that he loved his old, battered copies. Even then, appearances had been everything. He'd managed to save his much maligned friends from the dustbin, and hidden them under the floorboards in his room. He hoped they were still there. The first editions were for Mal and Serenity, but those old ones were his.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Simon turned to shut the gate then realized that if he did so, the security system would reactivate, leaving no way for Mal to enter the estate if necessary, and making it harder for him to leave when he concluded his business. Leaving the gate barely open, he decided he would just have to take the chance that no one noticed the deactivation. Glancing up, he noticed Mal's shadow and gave it a small smile and wave, reassuring his captain that everything was going according to plan, so far.

Turning around, he looked up at the dark house and began walking towards it, keeping in the grassy area along the driveway so as not to make noise.

***

When the security system went silent, Mal relaxed his tense posture, slowly lowering his weapon. Looked like the code hadn't been changed in the six years Simon had been gone. Had to love complacent rich folk. Meant there was hope that Simon's old key would work, too. Maybe things would go smooth, just this once.

Holstering his gun and keeping to the shadows, Mal approached the gate. He'd told Simon he'd give him twenty minutes. Didn't mean he had to stay so far back. Wouldn't follow him in, but no reason he couldn't be closer to the gate, in case something went wrong.

He followed Simon's progress towards the house, watching the way he kept to the shadows and off of the driveway. Simon had learned a lot in the last six years about stealth, and how to use it to his advantage. Mal was going to have to remember to tell him how proud of him he was. Didn't do it very often. No point in having it go to his head. But he did need to tell him now and then. Didn't want him thinking he was being taken for granted. No telling where that road would lead. Most likely nowhere pleasant.

Finally, Simon had reached the front door. For a moment he just stood there, but then there was a change in the shadow and the door opened just wide enough for Simon to slip inside. Guess the key still worked. Nothing to do now but wait. Settling back into the hedges, Mal began to count off the minutes. Five down, fifteen to go.

***

Once inside, Simon pocketed the key and reached down to slip off his shoes. As his eyes adjusted to the different lighting, he noticed that nothing had been changed. The same vase stood on the same table in the same location in the foyer. The only thing that had changed was the flowers in the vase. It gave him hope that everything else was still the same as well.

Standing still for another moment, letting his eyes fully adjust, he listened for any sounds of movement in the house. There were none. Carrying his shoes and moving slowly forward, he headed for the stairs, thankful for all those late nights at the hospital that had taught him where the creaky floorboards were. As he attained the second floor and started for his old room, he paused outside the door to his parents' room, listening intently. He had no desire to see them, nor any desire to be caught in the house by them, so was thankful when no sounds reached him.

Continuing down the hallway, he passed River's room. He wished he had time to stop in there and get some of her favorite things. Maybe when he was finished in his room. If he was quick enough. Reaching his room, he quietly turned the handle and stepped into the room that had been his sanctuary for so many years. Closing the door gently behind himself, he walked over to the bookshelf, pulling out the carrysack he'd brought along, and reached for the first volume. It wasn't there. Where was it? And the other volumes? Had his parents had the audacity to sell them?

There was a soft sound behind him, and before he could move, the light came on. Turning to confront his adversary, he was stunned speechless at the sight in front of him.

"Simon?"

Prodigal Son - Chapter 2

2006-09-12T02:45:27Z

Chapter: Two
Rating: PG
Timeline: Post-BDM by several years

Cheers to lvs2read for the super-fast beta! *g*

One month earlier:

It was after midnight when Mal slipped out of his warm, Simon-filled bed, pulled on his clothes and climbed out of their bunk as quietly as he could. He made himself a cup of the herbal tea Simon insisted he drink when he was up at night instead of the regular assam they used; his lover said he was tired of Mal coming back to bed and staring at the ceiling because he was hopped up on caffeine.

It had been a while since he’d had an attack of insomnia, since Simon usually managed to exhaust him pretty well. But the last few weeks had been tough for Serenity - jobs were scarce right now for freelancers, and though they were making enough to stay afloat, things were starting to get tight. They hadn’t begun rationing yet, but he’d had a talk with Jayne last week about portion control and how it was their friend. The merc still wasn’t speaking to him.

Mal stared into his mug, inventing and rejecting different ideas, when he felt soft fingers disturb the hairs on the back of his neck, and Simon slid into the chair next to him. He hadn’t bothered to put on a shirt, and his broad shoulders glowed in the dim light of the galley. As usual when Mal caught a glimpse of him undressed, he wondered how he’d managed to attract someone so beautiful, both inside and out.

“You’re worrying again, aren’t you?” Simon asked, his voice rough from sleep. He took Mal’s hand in both of his own, his thumb stroking small circles on the back.

Mal shrugged and squeezed Simon’s hand. “Can’t help it. Don’t know how long we’re gonna keep flying at this rate. Fuel’s gettin' low, and so’s food. Got a job lined up on Boros, but it won’t do more than cover the basics.” He slumped, the weight of failure heavy on his shoulders.

“This isn’t your fault, Mal. We’ve had hard times before, but we always manage to eke out a living. I have faith in you, and in us.” Simon smiled. “Now having said that, I think I may have an idea on a job.” He held up a warning hand when Mal perked up. “It’s still very tenuous, and I haven’t worked out the details yet. Let’s finish the job on Boros, and by then I should have the kinks ironed out, okay?”

“I trust you, lianren. Just don’t keep me in suspense too long, I’m gettin' old and my heart can’t handle much any more, dong ma?”

Simon snorted. “My muscular buttocks you’re gettin' old,” he said in his best imitation of Jayne. It was so bad that Mal almost spit out his tea; but it got him to laugh, which he knew had been Simon’s intent all along.

Simon stood and tugged on his arm, flashing his best leer. “Come back to bed, and if you’re really good, I’ll tire you out so much that you’ll actually sleep late.”

Mal jumped to his feet and started dragging the doctor back to the bunk. “And what if I’m really bad?”

“Then I’ll make sure you can’t get up tomorrow at all.”

* * * * * *

One week later:

“No. Absolutely not.”

“Mal…”

“We ain’t havin’ this discussion, Simon. The answer is no.”

“Would you please listen to my idea instead of just arbitrarily shooting it down?”

“You are off your nut if you think I’m gonna let you go to Osiris and just waltz into your parents’ house. You do remember that you’re still a fugitive, right?”

“Mal, this is a good idea. If you can find an even half-honest fence, the take from this job will keep us in the black for years!” Simon turned to Zoe who was sitting across from him at the table. “Zoe, please, what do you think?”

Zoe's hands were folded in front of her; she stared at them for a moment then looked at Mal. “Sir, I think you should listen. It can’t hurt to hear him out, even if you don’t go through with it.”

Mal sighed explosively and ran a hand through his hair. “Fine, I’ll listen, but don’t expect me to agree.”

Simon nodded. “Okay. Well, as a gift for getting accepted into MedAcad, my parents gave me a set of antique books. It’s a first edition collection of Twain's works from Earth-That-Was. I don’t know how much my parents paid for them, but a similar set from a later edition was just auctioned off for one hundred thousand credits. I can sneak into the house one night and walk out with no one the wiser.”

For a moment, dead silence met his statement; then Jayne slammed his mug on the table and stated decisively, “I’m in.”

Simon looked at Zoe, who was staring into space, hands still folded on the table. She met his gaze then turned to look back at Mal. “It’s a risk, sir, but I think we should take it. Simon’s right, that kind of money would keep us flyin’ for a good long while.”

Mal scowled at his first mate’s betrayal then leveled his glare at Kaylee. “Well, mei mei, what do you think?”

The mechanic chewed on the inside of her lip as she met the captain’s eyes. “Sorry, Cap’n,” she said apologetically, “but I gotta agree with Zoe. Serenity needs new parts that we just can’t afford now, and with the jobs we been gettin' lately, we’re not gonna be able to afford ‘em any time soon. We need that money.”

Mal’s scowl darkened further. Finally his gaze settled on the final member of the crew. “You agree with this yu ben idea, River?”

She cocked her head at him; she’d had a growth spurt the previous year, and her thin lanky frame made her seem more bird-like than ever. “I do, Captain. Those books belong to Simon, not them. Remuneration would guarantee continued survival.” She rolled her eyes at his blank look. “We need the money.”

"I know we need the money, but are you willin' to risk your brother like this?"

River folded her hands on the table in an uncanny imitation of Zoe. "Captain, we really need the money. The risk is worth it."

Mal slammed the flat of his hand on the table in anger. "Fine. We'll do the job. But I don't have to like it." He fixed a cold stare at his lover. "And I want this to be the smoothest job we ever pulled. No mistakes. I don't plan on losin' any more of my crew."

anybody wanna beta for me?

2006-09-12T00:23:04Z

I've got Chapter 2 done, but for once I would like to have it beta'd; anyone want the thankless job? *g*

Prodigal Son - chapter 1

2006-09-09T21:33:06Z

Title: Prodigal Son, chapter 1
Setting: Post BDM by several years
Rating: PG-13

Prodigal Son admin post

"You sure about this, liànrén? You don’t have to do this, is all I’m sayin’."

Simon stopped walking and turned to face his captain. "Yes, Mal, I do. It’s not really stealing, anyway – just retrieving something that belongs to me. And that’s the house."

"That’s the house?" Mal stared. He’d never really appreciated quite how privileged Simon’s upbringing had been. Sure, he was smart, rich, had fancy education and so forth – but that wasn’t a house. That was an estate.

Simon chuckled. "It’s just a house, Mal. Big, I’ll grant you, but bricks and mortar and slate, like any other." He took a deep breath. "And I’ve not been back through those doors in six years."

"Simon," Mal tried again, "You don’t have to go there. There’s other ways we can do this. Other places, other jobs..."

"No, Mal." Simon touched his face gently. "We’ve talked about this."

"No, we ain’t. You talked an’ I didn’t listen. I just don’t like the idea of you goin’ off in there on your own."

"I won’t be on my own. You’ll be right here." Simon smiled, then leaned in for a quick, hard kiss. "Give me twenty minutes. If I’m not back, get out of here, keep River hidden from them. I still don’t trust my family."

Mal kept hold of his hand and dragged him back until Simon met his gaze. "If you’re not back, I’m comin’ to get you. Ain’t leavin’ you behind this time."

Shadows darkened Simon’s eyes. "I’ll be back. You be careful."

"Always."

"Since when?"

"Since you gave me a reason to be." Mal squeezed his hand, and then let go. "Go, then. Sooner you’re gone, sooner you’re back, right?"

"Right, love. Just – be safe."

"You, too."

With one last look over his shoulder, Simon strode purposefully towards the house. Mal dropped back into the hedges with a sigh, watching him go.