Disclaimer: It still belongs to Joss Whedon. Yup.

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Simon stormed out of the galley area and strode quickly down the hallway towards the passenger dormitories. He'd had just about enough of Mal's attitude. The captain really had a way of ruffling the doctor's feathers, and this time Simon was so riled he was beginning to seriously consider disembarking Serenity with River at the next docks and not looking back.

Upon reaching his quarters, Simon slid the shoji doors firmly shut behind him and sat down heavily on the bed, putting his head in his hands. He couldn't understand why he let Mal get under his skin so much, but he was sick and tired of letting it happen.

When he heard footsteps in the corridor, Simon groaned. He knew those heavy footfalls anywhere. Mal's combat boots made a characteristic sound when they came in contact with the metal deck plates and Simon knew he was in for more of the captain’s ranting.

He looked up and was met with Mal's gaze when the shoji doors to his quarters slid open. Simon glared at Mal indignantly.

"I would appreciate it if you knocked the next time," Simon said snappishly.

"My ship, my rules," Mal offered. "And I don't appreciate you walkin' out on me when I'm talkin' to you."

"I don't appreciate your insinuations, captain," Simon shot back.

"Whether or not you appreciate 'em isn't my concern," Mal said firmly, arms crossed over his chest. "You're goin' to listen to them anyway."

Simon stood up and crossed the room towards Mal, who had shut the door behind him as not to disturb the rest of the ship's crew with their argument. Anger creased his features and he had to exercise an incredible level of self control to keep from punching Mal.

"You have no right to undermine me like that," Simon snapped.

"You know, doctor, I'm gettin' sick and tired of your attitude," Mal said, anger now creeping into his tone.

Mal stepped forward so he and Simon were barely an inch apart.