Chapter Six: Experientia docet stultos (experience teaches fools)
*** *** ***
The first two chapters are here: http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=14482 three and four are here: http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=14503 and five is here: http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=14520
*** *** ***
Simon and Inara walked from the infirmary to the engine room together. Inara was always observant, ever watchful – it was her training. She could no more stop that than Simon could stop worrying about the health of the crew. Still, Simon’s stiffness told her that, among other things, he was aware of that… and not particularly enjoying the thought at the moment.
‘May as well break the ice,’ she thought. “Simon,” she said in a quiet but conversational tone, “there’s no need to feel so… like a zoo specimen. Serenity has an observant crew, all of us in our own way – you included. People will notice less if you stop acting suspicious around us.”
“I just don’t want to be the subject of rumours.” He looked toward her. “I’m not saying that Kaylee shouldn’t have spoken to you, I’m glad that she has you to confide in. But what you think of me isn’t really any of my business.”
Of course Simon would have guessed that Kaylee would go to her. “Ah, touché. Well, I don’t think anything bad about you, in case you’re curious. I don’t think anyone will, particularly.”
Simon’s eyebrow shot up to the far reaches of his forehead. “Yes they will, Inara. They already do.”
“Well, it’s not like Mal’s going to shoot you.”
Simon considered this. “I suppose as heart wounds go, this type isn’t generally fatal.” His serious tone was almost morose.
“Simon,” Inara made her voice gentle. “Do you have… anyone to confide in, as you would say?”
“Well, there’s River.”
“And you do talk?”
He looked away. “It’s actually rather more efficient than talking. I think sad thoughts, and River makes faces at me.” He paused, and caught Inara’s eye. “We’ve always been very close – no need
For the shippers, it's not all angst. I'm nearly sure. I really didn't expect them to do that.
Is shippers the right word?
I like your moment with Simon and River as well - especially Simon's comment to Inara that "talking" to River is more efficient - I think sad thoughts. She makes faces. - that was absolutely priceless!
"I'm sorry, honey."
"What for?"
"I was hoping you'd tell me since I'm apologizing..."
May I ask a favor? Don't let Kaylee off the hook! You've done an excellent job promoting how unreasonable she gets where Simon's opinion is concerned (which I find a greatd eparture from the standard "boobness" from Simon, and we have ample evidence of this behavior from the show). Have him beat her over the head with it a bit - relationships take two people working together, and Kaylee needs to own up to her half.
And it does sound like River is poking Simon in the direction Kaylee wanted, anyway. She makes a good point about trust: you can't earn it if the other person isn't willing to give. Maybe River should be over talking to Kaylee, too?
You can't take the sky from me
Not sure how I feel about Simon needing to apologize though. He and Kaylee need to get to neutral/friendly terms to rebuild and strengthen their relationship (making the upcoming apology necessary), but Kaylee has had a fugging monopoly of being the victim and she has begun to abuse it. I personally would have advised Simon to let Kaylee cool off and make another attempt at being civil and friendly towards her while letting Kaylee reflect on her own hang-ups;)
BEB
Simon, if these are folks he considers friends, needs to leave the boat.
Write more soon!
aaahh... i love a good fanfic debate! and i love the fics that spawn the debates! can't wait to see how it plays out.
“It’s actually rather more efficient than talking. I think sad thoughts, and River makes faces at me.”
ain’t too hard when you think of it as carin’ for a really big gun
"spreadin’ and sexin’!", - love the way these are listed seperately
“You didn’t even notice that I listed them alphabetically.”
“’Cause it’s your happy place?”
Post Your Comments
You must log in to post comments.