This one is Mal and Simon. Possibly slash, possibly innocent. Read into it what you like.

Abracadabra

"Mal!"

Mal ignored the loud screeching from behind him, intent on hobbling his way down the corridor. Away from that gorram infirmary and to the relative comfort of his own bunk. Those gos se medical beds were the most rutting uncomfortable things he'd ever had the displeasure of being forced to lie on.

"Mal, wait." The screeching got closer and he sighed in irritation to himself. Couldn't Simon just leave him be for more than five god damn minutes? He spun to face the doctor who pulled up short in surprise. "Mal.. What are you doing?"

"Goin' to bed."

"The infirmary is that way." Simon glanced back over his shoulder. As if Mal didn't know. Idiot doctor and he had to resist the urge to roll his eyes at Simon's blatant stupidity.

"Goin' to my own bed."

Simon frowned his disapproval. As if Simon had the right to disapprove of anything that Mal – the captain - did. "You shouldn't be leaving the infirmary yet, your injuries aren't nearly healed enough and you still need care."

"I'm fine."

"You're shaking." Simon's voice was too soft as he looked Mal over.

"Been in there for near a week. Ain't never had to stay in there this long before."

"You're lucky I let you up at all. What Niska did to you is-"

"Fine. Is fine."

"Mal! I didn't just wave my arms, say abracadabra and make it all better. You still need to be in there."

"I ain't listin' to this."

Simon opened his mouth again, Mal could already hear the protests in his head and he'd had enough. Didn't need Simon's shrill voice ringing through his skull anymore.

His fist collided with Simon's jaw and Mal was already walking away as Simon hit the floor.

"What the hell are you doin' in here, doc?" His words were muffled into the mattress that he'd collapsed on when he'd made it to his bunk. He'd not been down more than a few minutes before the sounds of someone else climbing down the ladder stirred him. Big surprise to hear Simon's voice.

"You won't let me treat you in the infirmary, then I'll have to do it here."

"I don't need anything." He tried to bat Simon away, so tired his arm felt like led. Simon caught his hand easily.

"Mal, there isn't anyone else here and I am your doctor. You don't need to-"

"Chur ni-duh."

Simon sighed. "I'm going to give you a smoother to help you sleep. You can stay down here but I'm staying as well until you fall asleep."

Mal knew the tone. Simon wouldn't go away and Mal didn't have the energy to force him. Boy just kept coming back like a gorram pest. Always there watching. Protecting.

He felt the pinch of the needle in his arm. Simon wasn't letting go of his hand. The bunk stayed silent for a few minutes and Mal could feel the drugs pulling him blessedly under. There was just one thing he had to say to his ben tian sheng de doctor:

"Thank you."

He opened his eyes enough to catch Simon's grateful smile.

"You're welcome."