Fandom: FIREFLY
Pairing: Simon/Kaylee, Mal/Inara, Zoe/Wash
Length: ~2K words
Author on LJ: Presumably
keysmashAuthor Website: keysmash at AO3Why this must be read: Firefly is very much an ensemble show, and while I love me some good shipping, many of the best fics tend to be closer to gen, and even really shippy ones recognize the need for the group to be involved (at least peripherally). It's logical--Serenity is only so big a ship--as well as characteristic--the show is among many things about building a chosen family.
In "Mommes," we see a series of quiet moments on board. Some have romantic elements, some are laden with emotions, others are more functional. But smaller scenes like this build a world worth inhabiting, one that is honest and poetical and maybe even a bit optimistic. The crew finds a box of fabric, and several uses for it.
She tore a strip, just the right length. Simon nodded approvingly as she pressed it over the gauze, then took her hands away. Kaylee toyed with the cloth of his trousers where it folded around his knees. The wide weave had softened and faded with wear and age. Precise stitches bound a patch of luxurious and shiningly new fabric over his thigh.
Simon waved his hand through the air a few times, and the tape stayed in place. He nodded again. Kaylee stayed silent, following his arm with her eyes. He turned his hand, watching how the bandage moved with his wrist, and then covered her hands with his own. He took care with his right hand. Though Kaylee smiled, she didn't move her fingers beneath his.
"You know, I've seen you working on Serenity," he said, looking at their hands on his leg. He stroked her wrist with his good thumb, and then glanced up at her face. "You have good, steady hands. There's none I'd rather have."Mommes