There is a part 3 to this as well, called Waking Up, but it's really just a bit of gratuitous smut,and doesn't have to be included in the story for the story's sake. Just wanted to showcase Jayne's...tender side. You're welcome to read it at my live journal page, here: http://www.livejournal.com/users/cynnamon37/

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly' are the property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.

No infringement of copyright is intended.

Repercussions

“Hey, Doc, good to see you up and about! How’re you feeling?” Wash looked up from his breakfast and greeted Simon when he appeared at the door to the galley. Six heads turned toward the doctor, and he grimaced a little self-consciously as he limped to the table. Most mornings no one would have been eating this late, but here they all were today, grouped around the table. He managed a weak smile in Wash’s general direction. The walk from the infirmary had been more difficult than he’d expected, and his leg was throbbing in protest.

“Better. Still a little sore, but-“

“Yeah, takes a while to get over being shot. But you’ll get used to it.” Mal grinned at him over his coffee cup. Simon noted that the bruises on the captain’s face were already fading. The man was an amazingly quick healer.

“Well, I suppose that’s true, but I rather hope…not… to be getting used to this,” he gestured towards the wound, his tone ironic. He leaned his weight on his good leg.

Book stood up and urged the doctor into a chair. “Here, Simon, have a seat. I’ll get you a plate,” he smiled down at the younger man and went to the stove to dish up a bowl of protein mush.

Simon sat. He looked around the table, noticing the two empty chairs.

“Would you like a cup of tea, Simon? Or perhaps some coffee?” The Shepherd placed the bowl in front of him and waited, a friendly hand on his shoulder.

“Tea would be wonderful, thank you, Shepherd.” He said politely. River reached over and patted his hand, beaming at him. Was it his imagin