Even Roses Have Thorns, Chapter Thirty-Three
Monday, January 29, 2007
Kaylee tries to make amends; Simon has a decision to make, a bad night, and an audience; Mal and Inara almost have a moment, but manage to ruin it in the nick of time. Canon pairings; NC17 for adult situations (implied only). 3.5K words.
CATEGORY: FICTION TIMES READ: 3136 RATING: 9.0 (NC17) SERIES: FIREFLY
Even Roses Have Thorns
Chapter Thirty-Three: Primum non nocere (the first thing is to do no harm – from the Hippocratic oath) Part II
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, , , , *** *** *** Kaylee was surprised not to find River in the infirmary – but then, Inara’s lady doctor was there, and River always left Simon alone for that. Kaylee decided to check the passenger dorms. She knocked on Simon’s door; it seemed very like River to retreat there if she couldn’t be with her brother. “River?” “Hey Kaylee.” River opened the screen enough for Kaylee to slip in. “I brought them things you asked for, sweetie.” The girls sat together on Simon’s bed. “Paper and fresh coloured pencils, some charcoals.” “I didn’t –” River began. “I know. But I saw them, and I thought that you might like them.” “Thank you, Kaylee.” “It’s not a present so much as an apology for being a meiyong de pofu.” “No, no. Kaylee. I’m not mad. We’re not mad.” “Ya should be.” Kaylee’s face had lost all of its regained sunshine. “I shoulda – I was –” “Terrified, miserable, guilt-ridden?” Kaylee nodded, and River drew her into a hug. “I’m glad you haven’t seen so much bad that you can handle it well. That’s a quality to cherish in my brother’s bao bei. We know it, even if you don’t.” Kaylee managed to hold back her tears. She spoke, to distract herself. “How’d you get to be so wise?” Kaylee handed over another package. River carefully took the proffered box, “Seen too much bad.” She opened it. “These are perfect.” Kaylee looked a little uncertain. “I don’t know, but you did say not ripe. The seller was push
Next chapter: More treatments for Simon, but he finally gets to leave the infirmary; Mal and Inara go all truthsome on each other.
The way you ended the chapter was damn near painful, in the best way possible. Yes another 'so close, yet so far' moment for those two star-crossed lovers.
"Mal and Inara go all truthsome on each other."
And about time those two stopped dancing around each other with hidden meanings and half truths! THAT should make for very interesting reading.
Loved the moment between Ceres and River, and the thought processes of Ceres's mind and abilities.
The moments with Simon and Kaylee were brilliantly bittersweet.
Can't wait for Simon's little vacation aways from the infirmanry. Even he must hate that room by now.
Again, brilliant.
I'm glad Simon decided to go with the surgery (I pretty much figured he would, but you never know when he might decide to be difficult). Being able to at least move around and lift/carry/touch things will probably help him immeasurably.
I'm liking River more and more now. I know I was harsh on her interfering before, and now she's showing how to do it the right way. She's not telling anyone what to do or manipulating them. Instead, she just gives Simon a small nudge to do what he obviously wants to do anyway. Much better, and it seems to be paying off.
Still...brilliant stuff here, girlfan! Definitely loving the balance of angst, joy and the in-between...especially the Silee parts. These two really need this to help develop and define their relationship for the future:D
BEB
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