The first two chapters are here: http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=14482

and three and four are here: http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=14503

***

Chapter Five: Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto (I am human, therefore nothing human is strange to me)

Simon woke instantly at the extra weight on his bed and sat up. River was sitting gently on the end of his bed. “Get dressed. Kaylee’s cooking breakfast. Don’t make it weird, and it won’t have to be. Offer to help. Here are your clothes.” She gestured to a pile of folder clothes next to her. Clearly she’d been in the room a few minutes before she’d woken him.

“Are you going to leave?”

“You’re not naked under there, don’t pretend.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ll turn around.” She stood up and did.

“River, this is…”

“You’re a doctor, stop acting like normal person.”

Simon rolled his eyes, but got up and started dressing. “What’s Kaylee making?”

“I suggested waffles. You should be able to mix batter without ruining it.”

“Do we have a waffle iron?”

He couldn’t see, but River rolled her eyes again. “Kaylee’s a mechanic, I’m sure that she has something that she can use.” Simon didn’t want to think too hard on that.

“Is this all for me?”

“No. I want waffles, too.” River turned around.

“River!” Simon exclaimed.

“You’re dressed, dumb ass.”

“Language, River.” Simon frowned at her.

“Didn’t think references to mammary glands would be appreciated this morning.”

“Right.” He sat on the bed to pull his shoes on, and River sat next to him.

“I’m sorry. Am I forgiven?” She asked softly.

“Yes. Please don’t call me that again.” She kissed his cheek.

“I love you, Simon.”

“I love you too. Let’s go make breakfast. Or watch, or whatever.”

***

When Mal filed in, everyone else was already in the dining area. Zoë, Jayne and Inara were sitting at the table, making light banter as River set the table. Kaylee was cooking, while Simon hovered nearby. Given the amount of