Not sure where this came from - I woke up this morning and there it was. Seemed sweet, and the three of them make the perfect family unit within Serenity. No betas, written in under an hour, after 3 cuba libres. I can't be sure this is even worthwhile, but it just kinda poured out.

Standard disclaimers apply. What else is new?

*******

Simon is sitting sideways on River's bunk, back against the bulkhead and legs stretched out in front of him, feet up on a chair he's pulled next to the bed. He's not entirely sure that he's ever had a "movie night" before, but this isn't too bad.

River had dragged Kaylee down to the passenger dorms and announced they were having "family time", just the three of them. Simon had managed to find some type of munchies - protein bars and powdered milk - while the ladies had located Kaylee's tools and "borrowed" a video screen from the bridge. The vid they end up watching is the only one the girls can agree on. River picks it for the thrilling heroics, often jumping off the bed to twirl around the room and mimic the action. Kaylee loves it for the grand romance, grabbing the remote to replay especially steamy scenes while shooting significant glances towards Simon.

Simon finally pauses the movie when he hears the light snoring, glancing down at the other two members of the audience. River is stretched out to his right with her head in his lap, Kaylee's nimble fingers still embedded in her hair while River sleeps peacefully. Kaylee has also nodded off, head on Simon's left shoulder and one arm around his waist, drooling a bit while her hand possessively clutches the tail of his shirt.

The door to the bunk slides open with a small squeak. Mal and Inara stand in the doorway; parents come to check on their often wayward children. Inara takes in the scene and cracks a smile. "Seems you have quite the handful." she says quietly. "We just came to see if anyone needed something."

"Yeah. Been a mite quiet down here. Everything shiny?" Mal looks somewhat uncomfortable, and Simon knows Inara had to prod the captain into coming down.

"We're fine." He puts aside the remote, and leans over until his face is resting against Kaylee's hair, one arm going around her shoulders, the other hand going to River to stroke her cheek. River sighs and shifts towards his touch; Kaylee sleepily mutters her approval into his chest. "I have everything I need right here."

Inara nods in understanding and turns to leave, ushering Mal along. "You're a very lucky man, Simon."

"I know."