Mal Love Bots for Sale! (4/?)

Word Count: 1,063 per Word

Rating: NC-17

Author’s Note: For damiarvn, srichard, obsidianagirl. All whom I just adore.

Summary: First a little more confusion, then the question will be answered. Is it Mal in River’s bed at night or is it the Bot! Short chapter to get us to the good stuff!

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After watching Mal and River flirting all day long, Simon was determined to make one last attempt to keep Mal from River’s bed.

After spending some quality time with Kaylee in her bunk, Simon took up vigil in the common room.

After a few hours, Simon could feel his energy level dragging. In desperation, he went to the kitchen in search of a cup of coffee. He abhorred what passed for coffee out here in the black, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

A half-hour after he returned to his surveillance, Mal walked in.

Smugly satisfied, Simon stood to block his way.

“Doc.”

“Out in the cargo bay, I don’t want River to accidentally overhear this conversation.” Simon gestured for the Captain to precede him.

Mal turned and walked into the cargo bay. Leaning against a crate, he looked Simon up and down.

“I got to give you credit for trying.”

“Trying what?”

“Keeping me away from River. Too bad you sleep rather soundly. Leaving your door open didn’t help at all.”

Simon felt his rage start to simmer below the surface.

“Sleeping in front of her door was a decent idea, but I just stepped over you. Now last night, that rudimentary alarm you rigged up would have been good, if you hadn’t left the wire out in the open. I just taped it up and the wire never moved as her door slide open.”

Simon just gapped in stunned rage at Mal’s arrogance.

“You bastard. How can you live with yourself? She’s just a little girl.”

“You know, I’m getting right tired of reminding you that she’s of age to do anything she pleases, and there’s not a thing one you can do about it.”

“I could have her declared legally insane.” Simon