A/N: This fic was inspired by the conversation between Mal and Simon at the end of 'Safe'. It precedes 'Stargazing', my other Mal/Simon story.
Disclaimer: Joss is boss, these characters are not mine.
"Why did you come back for us?" asked Simon.
"You're on my crew," Mal replied in a measure tone.
"Yes, but you don't even like me. Why did you come back?"
Don't even like him?
Truth to say, Mal could conjure how the young doctor might reach such a conclusion. But just 'cause he teased the hell outta Simon and occasionally threatened to throw him out the airlock didn't mean he didn't like him. Hell, meant he liked him too much. Hadn't the boy ever had a school-yard crush of his own? Probably not, come to think of it. No doubt school was all about the learnin' for Mr Gifted here.
Those calm blue eyes were unrelenting, still waiting for an answer.
Bet the handsome doc ain't used to feelin' like people don't like him, was probably all kinds of popular back on Osiris. You could set things straight for him right now, Reynolds. Tell him it ain't a case of not likin' him, more a case of wantin' him, bad. Better yet, you could walk on over there, take him by the shoulders 'n kiss him right on that pretty mouth a' his. Answer his question for sure if'n you did that.
"You're on my crew," Mal repeated, this time with a liberal dose of sincerity – and just a dash of condescension. "Why we still talkin' 'bout this?"
A/N: Reviews are greatly appreciated!