BLUE SUN ROOM FAN FICTION - ROMANCE

WANMEI

Cruel Summer (Chapter 2)
Sunday, July 30, 2006

The crew visits Kaylee’s family on Harvest. Kaylee shows Simon that there’s more to life outside Serenity’s walls than he could ever have thought. (PG)


CATEGORY: FICTION    TIMES READ: 3569    RATING: 9    SERIES: FIREFLY

Disclaimer: Firefly and all related elements belong to Joss Whedon.

Thanks to FrellingBlonde for the beta!

Missed chapter 1? No problem! Click here to read it!


Chapter 2: Shindig


Kaylee grinned as she entered her and Simon’s bedroom, the curls Inara had put in her hair bouncing around her angelic face. She stopped just inside the doorway, slipping the door shut behind her as her eyes settled on the young doctor. He was in the process of tying the tie around his neck. Glancing up, Simon noticed Kaylee standing behind him, her reflection in the mirror before him. He smiled lightly and turned to face her, finishing tying the knot properly.

“You look amazing,” Simon breathed. “You are so incredibly meili.”

Kaylee blushed and stepped forward a little, reaching out to settle her hands on Simon’s shoulders.

“It’s all thanks to ‘Nara,” Kaylee said bashfully.

“Inara only helped to exemplify what’s already there,” Simon said softly. “You’re beautiful, Kaylee, believe me.”

She decided to stop arguing with him and accepted his compliment. Smiling brightly she glanced down, her gaze raking over his body, a soft giggle escaping her. Simon’s eyebrows furrowed and he wondered what the matter was. He was just about to ask as Kaylee spoke up.

“Ya didn’t have to dress up so much,” she said brightly. “It’s just a good old fashioned family shindig. My ma and pa, my brothers and a few friends. Nothin’ fancy like you’re used to.”

“That’s what this is about, my outfit?” Simon asked. “Well it was either this or nothing.”

Kaylee’s lips curled into a coy, mischievous grin.

“I kinda like the second idea,” she said, a seductive purr to her voice.

Simon rolled his eyes and a playful smile crept onto his lips.

“If you manage to last through the evening then maybe I can do something about that idea…” He trailed off.

“You are such a tease, Simon Tam,” Kaylee said, pouting playfully.

“But you love me anyway, and I love you,” Simon replied.

“Well o’course I love you!” Kaylee squeaked happily.

“Alright, now that we have that settled, why don’t you finish getting ready and let me finish so we can get going?” He suggested.

Kaylee nodded enthusiastically and stepped away from Simon. She went to their closet and pulled open the doors. She quickly found the outfit she was going to wear: a simple, short brown skirt and a long sleeved pink silk top. With that she had a pair of matching brown flipflops. Glancing over her shoulder she saw that Simon was engrossed in buttoning his vest and so she quickly stripped off the coveralls she wore and changed into the outfit she had for the evening.

Walking over to the mirror beside Simon, Kaylee made sure not a hair was out of place and that her makeup hadn’t smudged. Pleased with how she looked she stepped back and sat on the bed, looking up at Simon as he finished getting ready for the night’s festivities. At first his insatiable need to be perfect and proper for every occasion had puzzled and somewhat annoyed her, but she’d grown to adore the quality in him. It was amusing and endearing, if nothing else.

Finishing up with his suit, Simon turned to face Kaylee. He stepped toward her and gallantly reached out a hand to help her up. When she took it he tugged very lightly to stand her up, pulling her flush against his body. Kaylee gasped softly in surprise at the swiftness with which she was pulled to her feet. Her arms came to wrap quickly around Simon’s waist, steadying her where she stood. She leaned her head forward against Simon’s chest, her eyes closing for a moment as she inhaled the scent, something akin to cinnamon mixed with a note that was distinctly Simon, so clean and purely male, that clung to him. She relaxed into his embrace, only then feeling that his arms had crept around her to hold her close, and sighed contently. She was beyond happy there in his arms and didn’t feel at all like moving, but she knew they would have to soon. There was partying to be had, after all.

Pulling away slowly, Kaylee looked up at Simon, her hands on his hips. He looked ready for some sort of a ball, the social event of the season, not a small gathering of friends and family. She pursed her lips and decided that he was overdressed and it mildly irked her after all. Reaching up she swiftly loosened his tie and was slipping it up over his head before he could protest. She got it off and tossed it aside, grinning up at him.

“What are you doing?” Simon asked curiously.

“Makin’ sure ya fit in with the rest o’ the family!” Kaylee replied innocently.

Simon looked at her mildly incredulously for a moment before sighing and giving in, dropping his hands to his sides. He watched Kaylee as she helped him shrug out of his jacket, leaving him in his shirt and vest. He groaned a little as he shifted around to get the layer off, his ribs giving an agonizing twinge after his fall the previous night. Kaylee looked up at him sympathetically for a moment. She decided the vest had to go, too, and quickly unbuttoned it. Simon was amazed at just how quickly she’d done it. He smiled wryly and watched as she began to unbutton his shirt. He reached up swiftly, stopping her at the third button.

“Is naked your idea of fitting in?!” Simon exclaimed in surprise.

Kaylee only giggled.

“I wasn’t undressin’ ya completely, just undoin’ a few buttons,” she replied softly. “Relax, honey, let go a little. You don’t have to worry about bein’ all proper tonight. All you gotta worry about is havin’ fun!”

“I’m sure that will happen pretty definitely,” Simon said with a chuckle.

“Good! If you plan on havin’ fun, that’s one less thing for me to worry about!” Kaylee said brightly. “Now come on, let’s get goin’! We don’t wanna miss anything!”

Simon relented, realizing she had a point. It wouldn’t do for them to miss anything. He nodded and reached out, taking Kaylee’s hand in his and heading toward the door. Opening it he let her out ahead of him, always the perfect gentleman, and followed along closely on her heels.

They reached the back door quickly and stepped off the back porch, both glancing around. There were tables laden with food and drinks by the porch, chairs all over the place, a local group of musicians perched at one corner of the yard and plenty of dancing space in between spread out before them. Kaylee grinned brightly, waving to a few old friends, tugging Simon firmly along as she went to greet them. He stood by awkwardly as she was engulfed by their attention, feeling something like a third wheel. He was just about to excuse himself and go get a drink when Kaylee turned back and grasped his arm, pulling him toward her old friends.

“Simon, I want ya to meet Mina, Jessie and Ray, three o’ the best friends a girl could ever have,” she said warmly. “And I want you three to meet Simon.”

The three girls stepped forward, all taking their turn in shaking Simon’s hand and exchanging pleasantries. They were pleasant enough, he decided, but nowhere near as amazing as Kaylee was to him. That was love, he decided. Nobody else could ever seem even remotely right. He smiled softly and looked down at Kaylee, deciding to give her a few minutes to mingle and catch up with her friends.

“Why don’t I go get us something to drink?” He suggested. “I’ll be back soon.”

With that, Simon leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Kaylee’s lips. She inhaled sharply as pleasant tingles shot through her body and watched Simon through half-closed eyes as he walked away. Drawing herself back up to her full height and alertness, she turned back to her friends, all of whom were giggling and whispering amongst each other.

In the meanwhile, as Kaylee caught up with her old friends, Simon made his way across the lawn toward the drinks table. He was intercepted half way there by Kaylee’s father. The older man looked the doctor up and down, not having had much of a chance to talk to him since the crew had arrived on Harvest the day prior. He’d wanted to talk to Simon, to see what made the doc tick, and especially to make sure that he was treating his little girl with all the love and respect she deserved, but for precisely those reasons, Kaylee had refused to leave Simon alone with her father. She didn’t want all sorts of questions, awkward or otherwise, jeopardizing her newfound bliss with the doctor.

“Slow down there, son,” Ephraim Frye said coolly. “Lil’ Kaylee’s busyin’ herself with the other girl folk, you best give her some time. ‘Sides, I was hopin’ I could talk to you.”

Simon paused mid step and shifted slightly uncomfortably, crossing his arms over his chest and looking up at Kaylee’s father who was a good head taller than him and quite a bit more muscular. He met the man’s gaze and stood rooted to the spot, glancing over to Kaylee for a moment before glancing back. At that same moment, Kaylee’s mother joined them, turning her hazel eyes on Simon and smiling softly.

“Don’t let this big old bear scare ya,” Delia Frye said politely, turning to Ephraim. “You be nice to the boy. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to our little girl.”

Simon blushed slightly at the comment, while Ephraim surveyed him with a scrutinizing gaze.

“We’ll see about that,” he said lightly.

Delia swatted her husband affectionately on the shoulder to shush him before turning her kind eyes back to Simon.

“Why don’t you tell us all about how you and Kaylee met, dear?” She suggested.

Nodding, Simon began telling the long and not exactly pleasant tale of the Alliance, of River and what they’d done to her. Delia seemed completely enthralled by the story, whereas Ephraim managed a stoic expression which unnerved Simon more than even anger would have. He finished telling the story, throwing in a few compliments, a few highlights and moments in which Kaylee had kept him going when nothing else could have. It didn’t hurt to enhance the tale, he figured.

“That sounds just like my little girl,” Delia said proudly. “Always the kind-hearted one. That’s such a tragic story, but I’m sure you feel it was worth it for the happy ending, don’t you?”

“Of course,” Simon replied.

“Worth it or not, all I wanna know is do you love my little girl?” Ephraim interjected. “Do you plan on keepin’ her? Because if you ever get it into your mind to hurt her in any way, I swear to you that you’ll wish you’d never crossed her path.”

Simon’s mouth opened and closed in shock a few times. He went from feeling nervous to downright terrified in less than a second. He glanced over at Kaylee’s mother, who looked equally shocked that her husband would say what was on his mind in such a threatening manner. She put a hand over her mouth to keep from expressing what she had on her mind as Simon floundered, looking for the words. He finally found what he wanted to say.

“Mr. Frye, I assure you that if I ever hurt Kaylee I would punish myself more gravely than you could ever think to bring justice to the situation,” he croaked. “I love Kaylee with all my heart, more than I ever thought I could love anyone in the world. She means more to me than anything I’ve ever known. Losing her or hurting her would make life empty, it would make it not worth living anymore. I promise you that for as long as she’ll have me, I’ll love her and cherish her like she deserves to be loved and cherished. I’ll keep her safe, I’ll keep her smiling. I will do whatever it takes to make her happy, I will give her whatever her heart desires. I will be the man that she’s always dreamed of, I will take care of her. I promise you, Mr. and Mrs. Frye that Kaylee is in good hands with me and that I would never hurt her.”

By then, tears had welled in Delia’s eyes. Ephraim seemed a little more impressed, but still not quite pacified.

“What exactly are your intentions with my girl?” He asked. “Do you intend on marryin’ her?”

Honestly? Simon hadn’t really considered that in a long while. Of course he’d thought about it, but with thoughts of asking Kaylee to marry him came doubts. He didn’t have much, if anything, to give her. All he had was himself, his love to give. He didn’t know if she’d want that, if it was enough, and he didn’t know if he could face the rejection if it wasn’t. He sighed and ran a nervous hand through his hair, finally steeling his resolve. He’d take the rejection if it came to that, but he wouldn’t know until he tried.

“Yes,” he replied. “I’ve thought on it a lot and I do plan on proposing. With your permission, your blessing, I’d like to take Kaylee’s hand in marriage.”

Both Ephraim and Delia Frye studied Simon. Tears welled in Delia’s eyes whereas Ephraim’s expression softened several degrees. Simon looked apprehensive, wondering what their response would be to his admission. He swallowed thickly, his eyes darting over to Kaylee and her friends again. She looked happy, completely absorbed in her conversation with the other three, paying no attention whatsoever to him. Shaking off his distraction, he turned his attention back to the Fryes, waiting for the verdict.

“Any boy who wears his heart on his sleeve and bears his soul all honestly like that is perfect for my girl,” Delia commented quietly.

She glanced over at Ephraim emphatically, hoping he would agree.

“You’re a sap, boy,” the older man said evenly. “But you got my attention. You sound noble and respectable enough, and you sure look the part. You have my blessin’, boy, but mark my words, I’ll be watchin’ you over the next couple of weeks. You best keep to your word and take care o’ my little girl like ya said you would.”

Simon nodded and glanced past Ephraim toward the drinks table. With a wave of his hand, Kaylee’s father dismissed the young doctor and Simon gratefully slipped away, quickly reaching for two cups. He filled them both with cider, a strong one too, if he wasn’t mistaken, and set the bottle down. Picking up both cups he turned around and made his way back over to Kaylee who seemed to have calmed a little from the initial hype she’d gotten upon seeing her friends.

He smiled when he reached her and held out a glass of cider for her. She took it with a smile as he took a sip of his own cider and stood up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. She’d already had a few drinks with her friends in the time he’d been gone, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. Instead she brought her glass up to her lips and sipped the cider, turning her shining eyes up at Simon.

“Thanks, sweetie,” she said warmly. “What took ya so long?”

Pulling his glass away from his lips, Simon glanced over to Delia and Ephraim, who’d gone over to talk to Mal and Inara.

“I stopped to talk with your parents,” he replied.

Kaylee’s face fell a little.

“Aw, honey, they didn’t hassle ya or nothin’, did they?” She asked softly.

Deciding he didn’t want to start anything, Simon shook his head and smiled warmly.

“Of course not,” he replied. “They’re very nice people. Of course I couldn’t have expected anything else, what with you as their daughter. Children certainly are a map of their parents.”

Smiling brightly once again, Kaylee leaned into Simon, an arm wrapping around his waist while her cheek rested against his chest. She glanced over at her friends and dismissed them with a friendly wave of her hand. She’d have plenty more time to spend with them, but at that moment, she wanted to be alone with Simon for a spell.

Watching Kaylee’s friends walk away, Simon glanced down at her. He leaned in to gently brush his lips over hers in a soft kiss, enjoying the shiver he felt run through her at the gesture. He rubbed her back gently with the hand he’d wound around her as he pulled away to take another sip of the cider he held. It was strong and he was already beginning to feel a little fuzzy, but it was pleasant.

“They seem like nice girls,” Simon commented.

“Depends on what you mean by nice,” Kaylee said with a giggle.

Simon smiled wryly as her implication hit him. He watched Kaylee as she took a long swig of the cider he’d brought her. She glowed in the warm lantern lighting of the yard around them and seemed even more beautiful than he could have imagined she would have.

He thought about just how lucky he was. It still saddened him to think that it took a tragedy like Miranda to bring them together. Despite that fact, he was happy that they’d found each other and stood together in the face of adversity. He smiled softly as he reflected on their relationship and all of its elements.

At the beginning he and Kaylee had been much more physical about their relationship than they were at the present. They’d been together spur the moment, they’d rutted on each other uninhibited, but each time Simon was left feeling like there was something missing. It was that feeling which had led him and Kaylee to have a deep, heartfelt discussion about where their relationship was going. Sure, they both loved the physical aspect, they couldn’t keep their hands off of each other, but at the same time they were both intrinsically aware of the fact that without something more to hold them together, one day they would drift apart.

So, all of that being said, they’d vowed to take things slowly. Kaylee had been hesitant to accept Simon’s suggestion of abstaining from making love, but she saw in his eyes how much he needed to take it slow with her. To a certain degree, she agreed with him. They needed depth. She accepted him at long last when he’d told her that he didn’t just want sex from her. He wanted, needed to show her how much he loved her deeply, emotionally, before he could show her through physical union all that she meant to him.

Over the course of the next week, Simon had watched Kaylee, had seen the level of self restraint in her eyes that it took her to keep from just pushing him up against the wall like she’d done in the past. He deeply appreciated her efforts and rewarded her with plenty of gentle, loving pampering every evening. Then, when the captain had announced their shore leave on Harvest, Simon had come to an agreement with Kaylee. On the last day of their shore leave, he’d finally take her again. He’d make love to her slowly, gently, and show her for the first time how much she truly meant to him. Everything after that was going to be like it was before their truce.

Grinning at the thought, Simon focused his attention back down on Kaylee. Her eyes were getting glassy from the cider and her tanned skin was flushed. He imagined he looked something akin to that. Feeling utterly relaxed, Simon slipped his arm from around Kaylee and reached out, taking her glass from her. He stepped away for a moment to settle both his and her glasses down on a bench not too far off. Returning to Kaylee’s side, Simon offered her a hand. The band had just struck up a tune that caught his attention.

“Would you care to join me in a dance?” He asked softly.

Giggling at his politeness, Kaylee nodded and took his hand.

“I’d be delighted, Dr. Tam,” she replied brightly. “Just one problem. I don’t know how to dance all fancy like to songs like this…”

Simon smiled softly as he pulled Kaylee closer, settling one hand on her hip, setting her hand on his shoulder, and clasping her other one in his. He was so close that one could not have slipped so much as a sheet of paper between him and Kaylee. She felt soothed and relaxed by the warmth of his body pressed against hers. Nudging her gently, Simon stepped with her, leading her.

“It’s easy,” he told her lightly. “You just have to be close to your partner, close enough to feel their heartbeat. Just follow that.”

Nodding lightly, Kaylee closed her eyes, trying to feel the music, to feel the rhythm of Simon’s heart. She stumbled clumsily a few times, following her own galloping heart. Blushing furiously she looked up into Simon’s eyes.

“Sorry,” she mumbled.

“Don’t be,” Simon said gently. “Just try again. Wan xi, baobei.”

Soothed a little by his words, Kaylee allowed herself to be led along. Soon she found herself catching on, the steps becoming natural rather than forced. Of course she was still nowhere near as good as Simon, but she was pleased enough by her progress. She leaned into him, supported by his hand on her hip, stuck in the perfect romantic moment. She found herself thankful that Simon had insisted they take it slow. If he hadn’t, she might never have had a moment like the one she was in with him.

The song wound down far too quickly for either of their likings, but even as the others dancing around them separated and cheered as a line dance rhythm was struck up, they stayed together in each other’s arms. Kaylee was perfectly comfortable right where she was and Simon would oblige her. He loved holding her warm, soft body against his. She fit so well in his arms.

Smiling softly, Simon looked around them. The couples dancing on every which side of them were trying furiously to avoid them and he decided it might be best to move out of the way. Prodding at Kaylee softly he snapped her out of her contented haze, urging her along with him as he moved toward the outskirts of the dance square. They narrowly escaped being bowled over by a pair of Kaylee’s friends and both laughed softly.

At that moment, dizziness overwhelmed Kaylee for a split second and she dropped onto the bench beside them, nearly sitting on her and Simon’s drinks in the process. She giggled as Simon quickly sat beside her, reaching up to cup her face in his hands. He met her gaze with a concerned one of his own and brushed a few strands of hair away from her features. His eyebrows furrowed as he looked over her.

“Are you alright?” He asked softly.

“I’m shiny, Simon, just a little shaky is all,” she said, still giggling.

“Shaky?” Simon said, raising an eyebrow. “Is that just your covert way of saying drunk?”

“Maybe,” Kaylee snickered.

Smiling wryly, Simon leaned in and pressed his forehead to hers, gently nuzzling her nose with his, teasing her softly. He was beginning to feel the cider too, but he knew he wouldn’t be nearly as affected. He was bigger than her and he’d had less to drink. He also hadn’t downed most of his cider in one gulp. Pressing his lips to Kaylee’s, Simon wrapped his arms around her and pressed her body to his, supporting her pleasantly relaxed form. He kissed her deeply for a long moment, drawing a soft moan from her, before letting go and pulling back to meet her eyes again.

“Why don’t we head up to our room?” Simon suggested.

“But it’s so early,” Kaylee said, pouting.

“It’s almost midnight,” he countered.

“Yeah, early!” Kaylee argued playfully.

“I’ll tell you what,” Simon said softly. “If we go upstairs and you decide you still want to come back in a little bit, we’ll come back. Otherwise we can just stay upstairs and relax.”

Kaylee seemed to consider his suggestion for a moment before relenting with a nod.

“Good,” Simon said lightly. “Come on then.”

He stood slowly and reached out, offering Kaylee a hand up. She took it and grasped on as firmly as she could, trying to pull herself up. Failing miserably she dropped back onto the bench much like before, giggling madly. Simon chuckled softly and shook his head. He knew she’d have a fearsome hangover the next day. Stooping down a bit, Simon wrapped one arm around Kaylee’s shoulders and the other under her knees. He picked her up easily, groaning as his ribs ached from the previous day’s adventures, and shifted her so she was comfortable. She squealed as he did so and wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging tightly to him as he headed toward the house.

On the way inside the pair of them passed by the crew and Kaylee’s parents. Simon exchanged a few pleasantries and Kaylee waved on the way by before continuing on up the steps to the porch. Crossing the threshold with Kaylee in his arms, Simon smiled wryly. He knew that if things went in his favor he’d be doing the same with her as his wife in a few short months. The thought made his heart skip as he headed up the steps with Kaylee, carrying her into their bedroom.

Snapping out of his reverie, Simon settled Kaylee gently down on their bed, slipping his arms out from under her and sitting at her side. He reached out, gently brushing her hair back from her eyes and running his hand down over her cheek. Her eyes fluttered closed as his pleasantly warm palm settled on the side of her face, relaxing her effortlessly. She nuzzled into Simon’s hand and sighed contently.

“Still thinking about going back down to the party?” Simon asked.

“Not a chance,” Kaylee said breathily. “Feels too nice an’ comfy lyin’ here.”

Smiling softly, Simon slipped his hand down, massaging the crook of Kaylee’s neck and shoulder.

“Why don’t you let me get you out of those clothes?” He suggested gently. “You’ll be even more comfortable.”

Nodding slightly with a giggle, Kaylee stretched herself out on the bed, completely prone to Simon’s ministrations. Interrupting his gentle massaging, Simon’s hands settled at Kaylee’s hips.

“Arch up a bit for me,” he instructed.

As Kaylee did so, Simon’s hands slipped under her back and quickly slipped the zipper to her skirt down. The second his hands were clear she fell back into a relaxed position again, her eyes opening as she tipped her head to look at him.

“You’re too good to me, Simon Tam,” she murmured.

“Nothing is too good for you, xin gan,” he argued softly.

Continuing undressing her, Simon slipped her skirt down off of her hips, pulling it slowly down her legs. At her feet her managed to get it off and set it aside, slipping her flipflops off in the meantime. He paused at her feet, reaching out and spending a few minutes gently massaging each one, making her moan softly and try to pull her foot away when something tickled. He smiled and decided to stop teasing, moving back up to her waist. He reached out, lightly brushing her cheek to get her to open her eyes and focus her attention on him for a moment.

“Sit up so I can slip your shirt off,” Simon instructed.

“You’re gonna have to help me on that count,” Kaylee giggled.

Shaking his head with a wry smile, Simon reached out and grasped Kaylee’s hand firmly, pulling her into a sitting position and wrapping an arm around her waist to steady her. Once he was sure she was alright to support herself his hands found the hem of her shirt and he pulled up slowly. Kaylee giggled and twitched a little as his fingers gently tickled her ribcage. He paused for a moment to tease her on purpose before moving on, prompting her to raise her arms, and slipping the shirt completely off.

Setting it aside on the chair with her skirt, Simon reached around Kaylee and deftly unclasped her bra. She bit her lip as the cool room air hit her previously covered skin when Simon slipped it off of her and added it to the growing pile of her clothes. He tried to avoid letting his eyes linger on her body at all costs. If he did, he might be tempted to break his vow of abstinence. He didn’t want to rush things, not for any reason, and so he tried to stay objective. He fought to bring his physician’s detachment to the forefront of his mind. If he could look at the situation clinically, look at Kaylee for the time being as he looked at any other naked woman he was presented with, then he could keep himself in check.

That thought in mind, Simon cleared his throat and grasped for control, reaching for Kaylee’s light, lacy nightgown. Prompting her to keep her arms up he slowly slipped it on for her, smiling at the shiver that went through her body when the cool, silky fabric tickled the skin of her ribs. He made sure it was on comfortably before gently setting a hand on her shoulder and guiding her back to lie down. He leaned forward to press a kiss to her forehead.

“Why don’t you try and get some sleep?” Simon suggested.

“Naw, I don’t need sleep, I’m shiny,” Kaylee murmured, stifling a yawn.

“Okay, well, how about this,” Simon said softly. “I’ll go get ready for bed and we can snuggle when I come back?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Kaylee said with a light giggle.

Smiling, Simon nodded and stood slowly from the bed. Before going to change into his own pajamas, he grasped the blanket where it had been folded down earlier and he pulled it up over Kaylee. Tucking it comfortably around her he leaned in and brushed a gentle kiss over her lips before pulling back again. He left her bedside and slipped into the adjacent bathroom, quickly brushing his teeth and slipping into a pair of pajama bottoms.

Returning to the bedroom, Simon grinned at the sight before him. It was just as he’d expected. Kaylee was fast asleep, her mouth just slightly open, snoring lightly. Turning off the light, Simon closed the door behind him and headed for the bed. He crawled in beside Kaylee and gently draped an arm over her waist. He didn’t want to risk waking her so he didn’t pull her any closer. Instead he nuzzled into her neck gently and pressed a few light kisses to her collarbone, eliciting a few sleepy moans from her.

Closing his eyes, Simon let the full effect of the alcohol he’d consumed wash over him. He relaxed almost immediately, smiling at the thought of the day, and drifted off quickly, completely oblivious to anymore thoughts.

The next day would hold a whole new plethora of surprises and another opportunity for him to realize just how much the summer really had to offer.


Translations

Meili: Beautiful Wan xi: Relax Baobei: Sweetheart Xin gan: Darling


Tell me what you think!

COMMENTS

Sunday, July 30, 2006 4:19 PM

FRELLINGBLONDE


Awww, everything Simon said to Kaylee's parents was just perfect. And the end, with them all cuddled up...*melts*

Love this fic, I can't wait for more!

Sunday, July 30, 2006 4:21 PM

WANMEI


Just wait for the evil hangover of doom that Kaylee goes through in the morning. Hilarity enuses!

I'll have the next one up soon!

Sunday, July 30, 2006 7:15 PM

MANICGIRAFFE


Actually, I was hoping Simon would have a bit more backbone with Daddy, especially with being outright threatened and all. The boy has nothing to apologize for (except maybe that he kept her waiting for so long). Seems to me he should have defended himself more.

And Hangover Of Doom(tm) sounds like fun for Simon...

Monday, July 31, 2006 2:15 AM

TAMSIBLING


Shiny and fluffy! I can see Simon and Kaylee given into their passions and then taking a step back, but knowing Kaylee ... I think it would take an act of God to get her to refrain from sexin' that man for longer than a week or so ... still, I too, like the idea of them taking it slow and trying to find out more about one another.

And the hangover of doom, now that will be hi-larious!

Monday, July 31, 2006 5:20 AM

WANMEI


Thanks for your kind words, TamSibling! I'm glad you're liking the story! And oh yes, the hangover will be a blast. Nudity ensues, but on whose part is entirely your guess. ;)

Now then, ManicGiraffe. Believe me when I say that I want Simon to stop being a kiss-ass just as much as you, but for the purposes of this story, he's going to stay demure like he is. It just makes it more fun to screw around with the poor kid that way. :D

Monday, July 31, 2006 5:44 AM

LEIASKY


Bwahahaha. I love that Kaylee let Simon get all dressed up in his pretty fits and then started removing a few layers. This comment:

>“Is naked your idea of fitting in?!” Simon exclaimed in surprise.

made me laugh so loud I scared the cats.

I do wonder why, being on Kaylee's home planet, she didn't know the dances and Simon did. I'd have thought it'd be the other way around.

I do like the additional explanation that they had been intimate before and Simon wanted to slow things down. It makes more sense, and is a lot more believable, than if they had just never done it to begin with.

Liked this one a lot. Looking forward to the next.

Monday, July 31, 2006 5:48 AM

WANMEI


I really was just using the dance angle for fluff purposes and it wasn't meant to be analyzed like that, but if that doens't work as an explanation, just think that first of all, Kaylee's already drunk. That's GOTTA make it harder. Second of all, she's used to square dancing and line dancing (my interpretation anyway) so if they play a slower, less home-grown tune, she may not know the dance. And even if she DOES know most of the dances, she's so young, she may not have learned or been exposed to all of them yet.

I hope one of those explanations works. If not, I'll think of something else and I'll fix it. I just want it all to work for my readers out there!

Monday, July 31, 2006 6:01 AM

WANMEI


Hit review before I was done. My bad.

As for Simon, he's core bred, he must have taken some dance lessons. I figure he'd know enough to get around. In any case, I meant for them to be dancing a waltz, not an organized dance like the ones in the episode by the same name. Kaylee would probably know all the organized ones, but something more core and classy like the waltz might be a bit over her head. That's my interpretation, in any case.

Once again, I hope I've made some sort of headway! The last thing I want is for little plot holes like that to take away from the story. If others find it too distracting, I'll go back and write some more details in.

Monday, July 31, 2006 9:37 AM

MANICGIRAFFE


Sorry to jump on it, it's just an issue in my head. It always annoyed me that through 15 episodes and a movie (supposedly covering about 8 months time), Simon never "grew". He's still awkward, passive, and relatively obnoxious (although I am a personal fan of subtle sarcasm, so I tend to like him). For being so smart, his adpatation skills are pretty poor. I like to see him show a spark of life, especially when dealing with one of his ladies (or family of one of his ladies).

But, demure for the purposes of mental torture? Now that I can get behind. Bring it on!

Monday, July 31, 2006 10:07 AM

WANMEI


I always thought about that, too, about how he never did really start to ease into the lifestyle even after so long. I mean, being on a ship with Jayne, you think the boy would grow a pair. But no, he's still demure, soft spoken, completely whipped Simon. Oh yeah, that's gonna be a fun mix later on in this story.

*grin*

Wednesday, August 2, 2006 4:31 AM

RIVERISMYGODDESS


“Shaky?” Simon said, raising an eyebrow. “Is that just your covert way of saying drunk?”
-BWAHAHAHAHA !!!

I really liked the dance scene, very fluffy and sweet, and Simon's confrontation with Kaylee's parents was good too.

He knew she’d have a fearsome hangover the next day.
-No one bothers to try preventative measures. My dad taught me a surefire way to avoid them, and I haven't had one since (unless I got too drunk to remember to do it)

Thursday, August 3, 2006 3:10 AM

BLACKBEANIE


Simon's speech to the Fryes was beautifully awesome.

Thursday, August 3, 2006 5:52 AM

WANMEI


Now that you mention it, RiMG, why DIDN'T I think of some kind of preventative measure? Huh. Ah well, so Kaylee's a little wrecked in the morning. Simon will take care of her. *grin*

And thank you, blackbeanie! I'm glad I did it justice!

Thursday, August 3, 2006 9:07 AM

YANLEI


Wonderful, meimei. I loved it. I love your Simon, you are so brilliant at portryaing him ^_^

Saturday, September 9, 2006 11:08 AM

BLUEEYEDBRIGADIER


I dunno, ManicGiraffe...I think Simon reacted about as well as I think a lot of men would dealing with their SO's parents, especially the father/father figure. I know I would all putzy if I had to sell myself to my GF's daddy dearest. Though I do agree Simon needs some personal adaptation;)

But this chapter was brilliant, Wanmei! Definitely loved the entire package of Kaylee and Simon bonding over booze and dances;)

BEB


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Caught in the Act
As she waits in the infirmary for Simon to join her for an evening out, Kaylee's curiosity gets the best of her.

Cruel Summer (Chapter 4)
The crew visits Kaylee’s family on Harvest. Kaylee shows Simon that there’s more to life outside Serenity’s walls than he could ever have thought. (PG13)

Cruel Summer (Chapter 3)
The crew visits Kaylee’s family on Harvest. Kaylee shows Simon that there’s more to life outside Serenity’s walls than he could ever have thought. (PG)

Cruel Summer (Chapter 2)
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Anticipation
Simon is feeling dominating and decides that it's Kaylee's turn to sumbit. Simon/Kaylee. (HARD NC17)

Cruel Summer (Chapter 1)
After the BDM, the crew decide they need some quiet time and go to visit Kaylee’s family on Harvest. Kaylee shows Simon that there’s more to life outside Serenity’s walls than he could ever have thought. Simon/Kaylee. (PG)

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Simon wakes Kaylee up in an unconventional way. (R)

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Sometimes all it takes to soothe an angered soul is a gentle kiss. Mal/Simon. (PG13)

What Defines Her?
Simon thinks about Kaylee and all that she means to him. (PG13)

Comfortable
Kaylee decides that maybe a little pain is worth the gain. Takes place just post the pilot, Serenity. (PG)