Companion by Saestina (PG-13)

[creedcascade.livejournal.com]

Fandom: FIREFLY
Pairing: Mal/Simon, Inara
Author on LJ: saestina
Author Website: unknown

Why this must be read:

One of the problems with writing Mal/Simon as a pairing is coming to terms with their relationships with Inara and Kaylee (no matter how strange). Saestina examines and tells the story of Mal and Simon's growing relationship through Inara's point of view. It is believable, bittersweet and heartwarming, all at the same time. It really is about finding happiness, even if it means settling for something/someone you didn't think you wanted or needed. Great third person point of view, that encompasses the whole crew.

Mal’s only half-conscious when the doctor finishes patching him up, and Inara’s halfway out the door when he moans. She pauses in the doorway, thinking of turning back to him, stroking a hand through his hair and laying her lips to his hot forehead. But the fear that grips her at the idea is like a physical being, pinning her arms to her sides, holding her back.

Instead, she watches as Simon moves from where he’s tidying up his supplies to sit at Mal’s side, taking one of the captain’s hands in his own in a demonstration of his most excellent bedside manner.

“Would it ruin my very manly image if I asked for some more pain meds?” the captain asks weakly.

“Yes,” Simon replies, and Inara sees him stroke one thumb across the back of Mal’s hand before she turns and leaves.

COMPANION