Series: Make me a stone

Title: Chapter Four: Some residual heat

Author: Kispexi2

Rating: PG-13

Warning: Slashfic (Mal/Simon)

Spoilers: for the Serenity comics and the BDM

Many thanks once again to wedjateye for her brilliant betaing and support. For steering me away from exposition. For noticing everything.

And because there's been such a long interval between this chapter and the last, if you want to go back, earlier chapters can be found here:

Chapter'>http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=5390'>Chapter One

Chapter'>http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=5940'>Chapter Two

Chapter'>http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=6309'>Chapter Three

* * * * * *

MAKE ME A STONE

Chapter Four: Some residual heat

* * * * * *

Simon's sore.

And it's not just his head and bruised limbs.

“Forgave Jayne,” River reminds him, tapping a finger on the counter top and listening intently to the sound it makes.

“I expected it from him.” The words are out before Simon can stop them. Out and hanging there. Reminding him that once again the real problem is his expectations. He should have paid more attention at the temple, taken the lessons about desire being the root of suffering to heart. Inara still practices the old religion, he's sure. Perhaps he should speak to her.

“Hey, Simon. How ya feeling today?” Kaylee enters the infirmary with a bright smile, but her eyes are concerned. “You sure you oughta be going back to your own bunk so soon?”

Simon can't help but smile back. Kaylee is soft and warm and safe. Not a mean bone in her body. Unlike some.

“I'm much better, thank you. Thanks to all the excellent nursing I've received.”

Kaylee dips her head, but Simon still catches the flush of pleasure stealing across her cheeks. “Aw. T'weren't nothin'. It's not like I could fix you.”

“You wanted to,” Simon replies warmly. “And I appreciate that.”

Kaylee's brows draw together. “You mustn't oughta l