Disclaimer: Do not own Firefly - *sob*.

A/N: Set during the events of Trash, and afterwards.

Chapter Six

It had been torture just staying hidden… Not being there to help. Simon had never imagined a day would come when he would be eager to aid in crime… But as long as it was by Mal's side, he didn't give a damn what he was doing.

But Mal had a point - if Saffron, or whatever her name was - caught sight of them, she might be able to turn them in. So Simon and River huddled up in Simon's room.

"We're going to be quiet as mice, okay?" Simon told River softly.

She nodded, and put a finger to her lips.

"Stay away from the trap, though," River commented somberly.

"Oh - a mousetrap?" Simon said, after a moment. "That actually makes some sense," he muttered, pleased, to himself.

Simon felt jittery with anticipation. What if Mal was caught - or killed?

It wasn't until River sat up, brightly, that Simon's heart began to soar.

"Chickens come home to roost," River said, and hopped up. "Time for apples." She fixed Simon with a piercing look, and shook her head fondly.

"Go get your Captain."

Simon opened his mouth to protest… then decided not to bother.

He walked through the halls, making his way to the cargo bay - when he literally ran into Mal.

"Oh - excuse me," Mal drawled.

Simon struggled to not hyperventilate. Mal was standing, completely naked, pressed against him, his hands on Simon's hips.

"Job went well," Mal added, and paused, as if waiting for something.

"That's - good," Simon managed to say. Tianna, he could feel Mal's body against him, feel the heat - and the gentle pressure of his soft cock against his own.

"Nothing else to say?" Mal prompted.

Simon shook his head quickly.

"No wondering' why I'm naked?"

"I - suppose - the question has crossed my mind."

"Well?"

"All right, Mal, I will indulge you," Simon snapped, his nerves rather frayed. He was fighting his own body, willing himself to not stand to attention… But every moment that passed by, it was getting harder and harder - literally.

"Why are you naked?"

"I was sunbathing," Mal said, his voice the essence of honesty. "Warm weather, they got on this planet."

"I see." Simon's voice rose slightly.

Sensing that Simon's brain might be about to implode, Mal stepped back. He watched Simon - who couldn't resist a glance down. The moment he did, Simon's eyes widened.

"You - you…"

"It loves it when I'm naked," Mal shrugged. "But the feel of your silky pants - that may have helped." He stepped around Simon, then leaned back to whisper in his ear - "Silk feels shiny down there, doesn't it?"

Mal walked off, whistling.

Simon stood absolutely still for another minute, trying to get his body and his mind under control.

The next time Simon saw the Captain, it was - quite thankfully - when Mal was fully clothed.

They were at dinner, and Simon avoided Mal's eyes.

Mal made a point to pass every dish Simon's way, purposefully touching his hands every time.

"I got a little something special for dessert," Kaylee told them, her face shining brightly. She went and brought out a loaf of something… "Zucchini bread, made by a real baker," Kaylee said proudly. "We even got a little pot of cream to put on top - and everyone gets one cherry to go with it. No more than one, though - I'm saving the rest to make a pie with River tomorrow."

River nodded excitedly.

"That's very kind of you, dear," Book said warmly.

"Looks delicious," Wash added.

Kaylee served up the plates, and then it was time to eat.

Simon bit into the bread, and was instantly treated to a wash of flavors and spice.

"This is amazing," he sighed. "But I'm sorry, I've never liked cherries much - anyone want mine?"

Mal plucked it from Simon's hand, and popped it into his mouth. After a moment, he spit out the pit and with two fingers, took the stem from his mouth.

Everyone stared at the stem - it was tied in a knot.

"Did you do that with your tongue?" Kaylee asked, quite impressed.

"Mmm hmm," Mal agreed, before fixing Simon with an intent look. "Thank you for your cherry, Doc. It was superb."

Jayne snorted, and Zoe rolled her eyes.

"Not the only thing he does with his tongue!" River declared, a wide smile on her face.

Simon just gaped at his sister. Kaylee dropped her fork.

"We can't seem to get through a dinner without at least ten inappropriate comments," Wash said, shaking his head. "All right! I'll take care of the next eight."

The tension was calmed, but Simon's blush took a while to fade.

"Captain, I'd like to talk to you - regarding your conduct with the Doctor."

Mal sighed and turned to look at the Shepherd.

"Speak your piece."

"You are being a tease, Captain."

Mal blinked, not sure if he'd heard that right.

"Say again, Preacher?"

"There is a special place in hell for those who torment their loved ones," Book said darkly. "You have been very unkind to Simon in the last few weeks."

"So…" Mal waved a hand. "Preacher - are you telling me to go sex up the Doc?"

"Those were not my words," Book chided. "But resolving certain tensions, making certain declarations… Would go a long way towards better emotional and mental health on both of your parts - and result in better harmony on the ship."

"I've known plenty of preachers who don't look kindly on men loving men."

"The Lord believes in love in many forms." Book answered. "That is, I believe, what you feel for the Doctor."

Mal just looked at him for a minute.

"I think so," he said, his voice rough with emotion.

"Then say something," Book said kindly, laying a hand on Mal's arm. "Before you truly do drive the lad crazy with anxiety."