The cat and the captain
It was no secret the captain didn't like May. The real secret was that he actually liked the fuzz ball. He was determined not to, but that thing was crafty. It started the first night on his ship. She showed up in his bunk and sprawled across his legs. He carried her out and to the hall, locked the door, double checked it, and went to bed. She came right back. He wasn't even sure how she'd gotten down there. Cats could jump, he knew, but that was a big leap.
After two weeks of the same game, he gave up and let her sleep on his ankles. He started to find her presence comforting and he slept better because of it. In the morning, he'd talk to her for a bit, then discreetly carry her to the bridge without anyone knowing. Not even River knew, or at least she didn't act like it. In any case, it was unknown he liked her and he wanted it that way. The last thing he wanted was to ruin his tough, captainy image.
He sat at the table, drinking his coffee, and looking over some paperwork. River appeared, holding the humming May, and sat her right in the captain's lap. It was like she set a grenade on him. He speedily moved her to the table, cursing in Chinese.
"River—!"
"Have to watch her for awhile, Captain."
"She's your cat! Remember? We went over this. You're the one that—"
"Going to the market with Simon and Kaylee. May is mischievous when left unattended. I'd put her in my room and close the door, but she doesn't like being confined or unaccompanied."
"Then have Zoe or Mr. Whiskers watch her. Jayne likes the fluffy—"
"Gone out drinking."
"Before noon?"
"It's Jayne, Captain."
"Well, I'm not watching her. I have captainy stuff to do."
"Liar. You're drinking coffee."
"I mean later…"
"Planning on napping."
He scowled. Gorram readers…
"Heard that."
"Stop it!" he snapped. "Point is, she's yours and I shouldn't have to watch her."
"She wants to be with Daddy while Mommy is out. Won't be trouble. Goodbye, Captain."
With that, she waltzed out and he stared at his furry friend. "Daddy?" he inquired. She purred, nuzzling against his rough palm. He smiled. "Let's go take a nap before Mommy gets back."
He picked her up gingerly and they headed to his bunk for a catnap.