DISCLAIMER: Don't own it, never did, never will, just having fun playing. A/N: Thanks as always to my awesome beta reader, "kispexi2"! Couldn't do it without you!

Translations can be found by hovering the mouse over the Chinese.

Old Flame

Commitment

It was no secret that Mal and Simon were lovers, and had been for three years. That kind of long-term relationship couldn't be kept quiet on a ship as small as Serenity. However, when they were in company, they usually maintained a professional distance and demeanor. So when they entered the galley one morning, Mal's arm blatantly thrown across Simon's shoulders and Simon's arm just as obviously around Mal's waist, everyone knew something was up.

Noticing that the entire crew, except Wash, was gathered around the table, Mal stopped by the comm. "Wash, put her on auto and join us in the galley."

"Captain?"

"That's an order, Wash."

"Aye, aye, sir. On my way."

Grinning at each other, Mal and Simon continued to the stove where they poured themselves some coffee and waited patiently for Wash to join them. Everyone else exchanged puzzled glances, except for River, who wore a secret smile, and Jayne, who shook his head, grunted and continued eating after taking one look at the captain and doctor.

As he came through the door, Wash asked, "What's up, Cap?"

"I've got somethin' to say, I'm only gonna say it the one time, and I didn't wanna listen to your complaints about missin' out again. Have a seat."

Wash sat down next to Zoë, giving her a quizzical glance. She just shook her head slightly, and nodded significantly towards Mal and Simon.

Clearing his throat, Mal said, "Now that we're all here, and I've got your attention, Simon and I want to tell you all that…well…" He paused to look at Simon, who hugged him briefly, then turned back to the rest of his crew as he continued, "we've decided to get hitched."

Simon looked at him indignantly and cried, "Hitched?!" but no one noticed in the flurry of activity that followed the announcement. Mal just winked at him before facing their friends, who each expressed their congratulations in their own way.

"Oh, Cap'n! Simon! That's so shiny!" Kaylee bounced up from her seat and ran to give each man a hug.

"Happy for you, gē ge. 'Bout time, Captain."

"Congratulations, Sir. Doc."

"Never thought I'd see the day. Welcome to the ranks, Mal, Simon."

"That's wonderful news, Mal. Simon. I'm so happy for you both."

"Can't figure why anyone'd ever want ta commit to one person forever, but whatever. Congratulations."

"Congratulations, Captain. Doctor. This day has been a long time coming."

***

Once the hugs and handshakes were over, everyone scattered to their various duties, leaving Mal and Simon alone in the galley for their breakfast.

"That wasn't so bad, now was it, love?" Simon asked as he finished his coffee. "Although I still can't believe you said hitched! What's the matter with married? It's a perfectly good word."

"Yeah, it is. Just didn' feel like usin' it," Mal answered with a smirk. "Did you see the look on Jayne's face?" he continued with a grin.

"Yes. He did look a bit confused didn't he? Think he'll ever find someone to make him change his mind about commitment?"

"Hard to say. Have to be someone special to compete with Vera. Now, we need to decide, when and where we gonna do this?"

"I don't know. When will this job be finished? Maybe …"

"Excuse me, Simon. Mal," Inara interrupted as she walked back into the galley. "If you'd like, I'd be happy to make all the arrangements."

"You would?" they asked in unison.

"It would be an honor."

Mal and Simon exchanged a look, and Simon said, "Thank you, Inara. We would be grateful."

"Yeah, don't have the first idea how to go about it. Thanks."

"Leave it to me then. I know a place on Sihnon. Do you want me to see if it's available in, say, a couple of weeks?"

"That should be fine. Simon?"

"Yes, yes, that's fine. Thank you, again."

Inara nodded serenely. "I'll go get started then. Enjoy your breakfast," she said as she left the room.

"Well, that was…unexpected," Simon commented. "Yeah. Who'd'a thunk? Guess we know for sure there's no hard feelin's, huh?" "I didn't think there were, but yes, I guess we do. You about finished? We should ask Book…" "Ask me what, son?" Book asked as he walked in from the opposite end of the galley. Mal jumped, startled. "Āi yā! What is this?! Our day for constant interruptions?" "Mal." Simon admonished quietly as he laid a hand briefly on Mal's arm. "I'm sorry, Captain…" "No, no. It's all right. Shouldn't have yelled. Just wasn't expectin' you to be there right then." Mal waved his hand in the air in apology. "Truthfully, Shepherd, we did want to speak to you. About performin' the ceremony. If you're willin' that is, seein's I'm a non-believer." "Oh, I think I can overlook that under the circumstances. I'd be honored. Do you want me to perform the standard service, or would you prefer to write your own vows?" "Oh…ahh…" Mal stammered. "A traditional, non-denominational service would be fine. Thank you, Book," Simon answered, looking at Mal in bewilderment. "As you wish." Book bowed his head in acknowledgment before leaving the room. Simon continued to stare at him until finally Mal couldn't take it any longer. "What?" he asked. "You were stammering. Why?" "Well, uh, thing is I might not mind writin'…but not sure I'd want to say anythin' I wrote in front of other people." "Oh, Mal, that's …" Simon hugged him. "Tell you what. We can each write some vows, and when the time comes, if we want to say them in front of the others, okay. But if not, we can say them privately. How does that sound?" "Sounds like a plan." Mal gave Simon a lingering kiss. When they broke apart, he said, "Well, I've got captainy things to do, so…" "Yes, and I have doctory things to do, as well." Simon smiled and continued as he took their dishes to the sink, "See you at lunch?" "Probably." Mal walked up behind Simon, wrapping him in his arms. "All right. Go." Simon placed his hands on Mal's. "Don't wanna." Mal leaned down to nibble at Simon's neck. Simon laughed, turned around, brought his hands up to Mal's face, and held him as they kissed. When they stopped to catch their breath, Simon said, "I love you, Mal. Now, go." He pushed lightly on Mal's chest until Mal stepped away. "Slave driver," Mal grumbled with a smile. "And don't you forget it." Simon smiled back as he watched Mal leave the room, headed for the bridge.

*** "He's happy, gē ge," River stated calmly as she walked into the galley, startling Simon, who dropped the cup he was holding. "Āi yā! Mal was right. This is our morning to be interrupted," Simon complained as he cleaned up the broken cup. "Didn't interrupt. Waited 'til he left." "So you were eavesdropping. What have I told you about doing that?" "That I wouldn't hear anything good about myself," she replied in a sing-song voice. "Weren't talking about me, though." She gave Simon a cheeky grin. He sighed and asked, "Was there something special you wanted, mèi mèi?" "No. Glad you're happy. Time to move on. Put somebody else first. Not me." "Move on? I'm not going anywhere." "Not physically. Metaphorically. Time to leave behind childhood things. Childish dreams. Me." "Mèi mèi, no! I will never leave you behind! I will always love you, be here for you." Simon held River in a tight hug. "It's all right, Simon. Way it should be. Not scared. Or sad. Happy. Love you both. Besides, have Kaylee." She pulled out of his embrace and kissed his cheek before giving him a saucy smile and running off to the engine room, leaving behind a slightly befuddled brother.

*** Bracing his hands on the doorframe, Mal popped his head into the bridge. "Hey, Wash, know where Zoë is?" "Yeah, she's down in the cargo bay. Said she was gonna make sure the shipment was stowed properly." "Thanks. We on course for the drop at Beaumonde?" "Yeah. Should be there this time tomorrow." "Great. Keep your ears open for any jobs might take us closer to Sihnon. Gotta be there in a couple of weeks, might as well get paid for it." He turned to leave. "Sure thing. Hey, Mal?" "Yeah?" He turned back. "Just wanted to say congratulations again. You two are good together, and I'm sure he's happy you're finally making an honest man of him." Wash smiled, as if at a private joke. "Thanks." Mal smiled as well. "Now do what I pay you to do and fly this boat." "Aye, aye, Cap'n." Wash tossed Mal a cocky salute, and turned to watch the black. "Gorram crew, always mockin' me," Mal mumbled as he headed for the cargo bay. "I heard that, Captain!" Wash called out. "You were supposed to!" Mal grinned as he continued on his way.

*** After River left the galley, and Simon heard Mal go down to the cargo bay, he went to the bridge to speak with Wash. "Hey, Simon! So, hitched, huh? Took him long enough." "Not really. Soon as I asked, he said yes." "Figured it was somethin' like that. Same thing happened with Zoë and me. Those two are so self-reliant, getting them to admit they need someone else is hard enough. Forget waiting for them to ask the important questions." Wash grinned at Simon in sympathy. "That's true. Hey, wait a minute! Technically you're the one who should have done the asking anyway!" "Well, if you're going to dwell on technicalities…" They laughed companionably. "Wash, I wanted to ask you… I know we're not best friends or anything… but, uh, we are friends, right?" "I like to think so." "Me too. So, uh, anyway, uh," Simon hesitated, scratching behind his ear. "I was wondering, uh, would you stand up with me at the ceremony? Best man, and all that?" "I'd be honored, Simon. Thank you." "No, thank you. Well, uh, I'd better get down to the infirmary. Thanks, again." "Sure thing, Simon. Oh, hey, I've got to start thinking about some jokes to tell…" Simon groaned as he left the bridge. What have I set myself up for?

*** Mal met up with Zoë on the catwalk over the cargo bay. "Cargo all stored right and tight?" "Yes, Sir. Should be able to deliver it on Beaumonde, no problems." "Good to hear." "Sir? Uh…Mal?" "Yeah, Zo?" "Wanted to say congratulations again, Sir." "Thanks. About that…uh," Mal hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. "Sir?" "Uh…Would you stand up with me at the ceremony? Best man, and all that, even though you're not…" "I'd be honored, Sir." "Really? Uh…Thanks. Seems like everybody's honored today." "Sir?" "Oh, nothing." "I gotta give a speech, Sir?" "Huh? Oh, don't know. S'pose not, unless you wanna. Ask Inara. She's makin' the arrangements." "Sir?" "Yeah. Kick in the butt, ain't it?" "Maybe for you, Sir." "Huh? Oh, uh, well, I got captainy things to do, so…" "Yeah. I'm gonna go bother your pilot." Zoë walked up the stairs, trying to hide her smile from Mal. "Don't bother him too much, you hear?! He's supposed to be flyin' this boat!" Zoë waved her hand in acknowledgment as she turned the corner.

*** Two weeks later they were hours away from Sihnon. During the preceding weeks they had managed to complete a few jobs without injuries. They had also spent enough time on Persephone for Simon and Mal to find rings for each other. They had had them individually engraved, and neither knew yet what the other said. Simon and Inara had insisted on Mal buying a suit, telling him he could always sell it later if he wanted to. He had grumbled considerably, but when he saw the way Simon's eyes lit up when he put it on, he decided maybe it wasn't so bad after all--not that he told either of them that. Inara had selected a lodge near the Training House, and one of her friends had handled the day-to-day details. Upon their arrival, Inara planned to take Kaylee and River and make sure all the last minute details were taken care of. So far, everything seemed to be going smoothly. The previous night Mal had apologized to Simon for not being able to have a honeymoon. "We can't stop flying, need the coin. I'm sorry." "It's all right, Mal. As long as we're together, it doesn't matter. Although spending one night in a room with a real bed, and maybe a tub, would be wonderful." "Oh, I think we can arrange for one night," Mal had said before silencing Simon with a kiss. They were now in their bunk, gathering everything they would need for the ceremony, which was scheduled for a few hours after their arrival. "Nervous?" Simon asked. "Now why would I be nervous? Just because I'm gonna stand up in front of my crew in a gorram monkey suit, and swear eternal devotion to a man I've only known for five years doesn't mean I'm nervous." Simon laid a hand on Mal's arm as he said, "That's all right, then. I'll be standing next to a man who punched me twice the day he met me. Plus, there'll be a man watching who, I swear, would still rather kill me than talk to me. I'm not nervous, either." "Wash punched you? I never knew that!" Simon laughed and pulled Mal down for a kiss before asking, "What did you decide to do about the vows?" "Haven't decided yet. Probably won't know 'til the moment comes. I've got 'em written down, just don't know…What about you?" "Oh, I have them written down, too. I'll just follow your lead. Whatever you decide to do will be fine." Mal gathered Simon into his arms, and tipping his head so their foreheads touched, whispered, "Wŏ ài nĭ,Simon." "I love you, too, Mal," Simon whispered back before Mal claimed his lips for a passionate kiss.

*** It was now moments away from the ceremony. Mal and Zoë were in one room of the lodge, Simon and Wash were across the hall in another, all waiting for a knock on the door to signal the start of the proceedings. "Did you feel like this, Zoë, before you and Wash took your vows?" Mal asked, chewing on the side of a finger. Zoë slapped his hand away from his mouth, and straightened his tie as she replied, "Like what, Sir?" "Oh, I don't know. Like you were makin' a big mistake. That you weren't ready for what was comin'. That you should run far and run fast." "Oh. Like that. Yes, Mal, I did. Everybody does." "Really? Wonder why?" "Because commitment makes a big change in your life. Everything will be different from now on. You'll have to consider someone else's wants and needs when you have decisions to make." "Don't see how things'll be that different. Been sharin' a life with Simon for more'n three years now." "Yes. But before, you, or he, could have easily called it quits, just up and left. Now it won't be that easy. If either of you gets angry, you'll have to work things out together. You'll have to consider his opinions about things that affect your lives. And he'll have to consider yours. Bein' married's more of a partnership than bein' lovers. You'll find, though, that it's worth all the trouble and worry, because you'll have someone in your life that you can depend on to always be there, no matter what." She stepped back to look him over, making sure that his suit wasn't rumpled. "Can't say's I've ever heard you say so much, Zoë. When'd you get so wise?" "Day I married Wash." "Hmm. Well, hope that wasn't your best man's speech." "Nope. Gonna let Wash handle that. He's better with the jokes." Mal groaned just as there was a knock on the door. "Ready, Sir?" "As I'll ever be. You got the ring?" "Right here," Zoë said as she held up her right hand. She'd made a concession to the day and was wearing a slinky dress. With no pockets available, she had slipped the ring onto her index finger where it would be easily accessible. "Time to go, Sir," she said as she opened the door.

*** In the room across the hall, a similar conversation was being held. "So, Simon, you nervous?" Wash asked as he paced the room. "Not particularly. Should I be?" Simon sat in an armchair, totally relaxed. "Most people are." "Really? Were you, when you and Zoë got married?" "Are you kidding?! Have you looked at my wife? She could kill me with her pinkie! And I had the gall to want to marry her? Wanted to run for the hills." "Why didn't you?" "Have you looked at my wife? The woman's drop-dead gorgeous. I was head-over-heels in love with her, still am, and wanted to spend the rest of my life with her, still do. Couldn't do that if I ran away." "So, why be nervous? If you knew that you wanted to be with her, no matter what, what was the point of being nervous?" "No point, I suppose. Just couldn't help it. You're really not nervous?" "No. Don't see the need. I've known Mal for five years, shared a bed with him for three. I know he can be a jiāo hún dàn" sometimes. But I also know he can be a jūn zi bùzì sī bái chī. I love him and want to spend the rest of my life with him. Being nervous now wouldn't change that, so…" He shrugged. "Hm. You're a better man than me." "No I'm not, just different. Some of it's probably that Core upbringing I can't seem to escape from. The rest is probably the training at MedAcad. Doesn't mean I don't have emotions, just means I can put them aside when necessary." There was a knock on the door. "Guess it's that time, Simon. You ready?" "As I'll ever be. Do you have the ring?" "Right here," Wash said as he patted his jacket pocket. Instead of his usual attire, he wore the suit he'd worn when he and Zoë had married. Wash opened the door to find Mal and Zoë stepping out of their room. Mal held out his hand for Simon, and Wash held out his arm for Zoë. With Mal and Simon leading the way, the two couples walked down the hall to the entrance of the room where the ceremony would be held. Hesitating momentarily, Mal and Simon smiled at each other, squeezed their joined hands, and stepped across the threshold--together.

*** "Friends, we are gathered in this place to celebrate the marriage of Malcolm Reynolds and Simon Tam. Marriage is an institution as old as recorded time, and is not to be entered into lightly or irreverently, but with certitude and joy. Do you…" "Preacher man!" "Yes, River?" Oh, no, now what? Simon wondered as he looked apologetically at Mal. "Have something to say." River approached them from her seat. "Traditional to give away bride, yes?" "It is. But…" "Yes, I know. Simon is not a bride. Is a husband. Still wish to give him away." Simon groaned inwardly. Don't do this to me mèi mèi. River took Simon's hand, which had been at his side, and placed it in Mal's as she continued, "Captain, I give you my brother. Take care of him. But know this, if you hurt him, I will hurt you." She gave Mal a steely look. Mal nodded his head and said, "Thank you, Albatross. I will. And if I ever hurt him, you have my permission to hurt me." River nodded in acknowledgment, then turned to Simon. "Simon, I give you to the captain. Worry about him now. Not me." "I'll try, River," Simon said, trying very hard not to blush. "All I ask." She leaned in and kissed Simon's cheek, then stood on tiptoe to kiss Mal's. Turning back to her seat she said, "Finished. You may proceed." "Ah, yes. Where were we?" Book smiled as he continued, "Do you, Malcolm, take Simon as your lawful husband. To have and to hold, from this day forth, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, so long as you both shall live?" Mal smiled as he looked into Simon's eyes and said, "I do." "And do you, Simon, take Malcolm as your lawful husband. To have and to hold, from this day forth, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, so long as you both shall live?" Simon smiled as he also said, "I do." "If I could have the rings, please? Thank you, Zoë, Wash. These rings are a symbol of your love for each other. A love that never ceases, but continues to encircle you from this moment forward. Malcolm, if you would take Simon's ring, and repeat after me." "Actually, Shepherd, if you don't mind, I have something I'd like to say." "Certainly, son." "Simon, you know I wasn't sure I'd be able to do this in front of our friends, but hey, if River can, so can I." Simon's smile grew wider, and Mal continued, "When you walked on my boat five years ago, I was an embittered man. I did everything I could to keep people from getting close to me. Tried to tell myself it was better that way. That if I didn't care, it wouldn't hurt when they left. But then you came along, with your fancy Core ways, and your dogged determination to make your sister better, and your impossibly blue eyes, and you made me care. You made me realize that caring about someone doesn't only bring pain. It also brings joy. And peace. Peace like I haven't known since before the war. I always said that once you've found serenity you never want to leave. Problem was, I thought I meant Serenity Valley, or even my ship. What I really meant, though, was you. You are, as it says on this ring, my serenity, and I never want to lose you." Mal slipped the ring on Simon's finger, then brought their hands to his lips and brushed a kiss across Simon's knuckles. Book cleared his throat then asked, "Simon?" "Hmm? Oh, yes, right." Simon picked up Mal's ring and said, "Mal, when I stepped on board Serenity five years ago, I had lost everything I'd ever known. My parents, my job, my faith in humanity. I didn't even know if I still had a sister. When our problems came to light, instead of kicking us off or turning us in, you allowed us to stay. To find a home. You kept us, me, safe. Safe from the Alliance, from Jayne…" "Hey!" Simon turned and winked quickly at Jayne before continuing, "from bounty hunters, from myself. Whenever I was at my lowest point, you were there encouraging me. You restored my faith in man's essential goodness, even if you didn't want to, and in the process I came to love you. I also realized that, in your arms, I have the one thing I'd never known. As it says on this ring, you are my safe harbor, and I never want to leave." Simon kissed the ring, placed it on Mal's finger, and reached up to caress Mal's cheek. "Yes, well, I couldn't have said it better myself," Book stated. "What has been joined this day, let no one pull asunder. You may seal your troth with a kiss." Mal pulled Simon into his arms, and Simon's arms went willingly around Mal's neck as they kissed each other, only breaking apart when Jayne yelled, "So, when's chow?"

*** Much later that evening, Mal and Simon were alone, relaxing in the large sunken tub in their room. The reception in their honor might still be going on, but they had managed to make their getaway a couple of hours earlier. They had already put the bed to good use, and were now luxuriating in water as hot as they could stand. Simon, sitting between Mal's legs, leaned back against Mal's chest and sighed. "That was a nice ceremony, wasn't it?" "Yeah, it was. Couldn't believe it when I looked up an' saw Monty. Never expected him to get this close to the Core." "Yes, it was nice of Zoë to let him know, and of Inara to arrange his transportation. We'll have to remember to thank her." "Yeah." Mal nibbled at Simon's neck. "I wanted to die of embarrassment when River gave me away." Mal chuckled as he began kissing Simon's shoulder. "You must admit, she has a point. She's a grown woman, and you need to stop worrying about her so much." "I know, but it's not easy." "Never thought it was." Mal began caressing Simon's arm. "She and Kaylee were having fun, weren't they?" "Never saw two girls have so much fun dancin'." Mal's hands began roaming across Simon's chest. "I've never seen Jayne eat so much. Hope he doesn't make himself sick." "The man can put it away. Wouldn't worry about it." Mal ran his foot up Simon's leg. "Wash's stories were pretty funny." "I was surprised at that my ownself." Mal nibbled at Simon's ear and jaw. "Are you trying to seduce me, husband?" "Mmm. Is it working?" Mal sucked on Simon's neck. "What do you think?" Simon took Mal's left hand with his, plunging it into the water. "I think it's time to get out of the water and back to the bed." "I think you might be right." Simon stood up, reaching down to help Mal stand as well. As they stepped out of the tub, Mal swooped down and picked Simon up his arms. "Mal! What are you doing?!" "Carryin' you to the bed." "I'm perfectly capable of walking there. Besides, we're all wet." "So?" "So I want to sleep on those sheets later. Put me down so we can dry off." "Spoilsport." Mal put Simon back on his feet and grabbed a towel. Simon grabbed one as well, and as they finished drying each other, he said, "Race you." He ran for the bed with Mal close behind him. He managed to reach the bed first, but Mal tackled him so that they ended up on it together, laughing. Mal looked down at Simon, his heart near to bursting with emotion. "Simon Tam, I will be grateful 'til the day I die that you chose my boat that day on Persephone. I hereby commit myself to you and your happiness for now and evermore." "As I commit myself to you and yours, Malcolm Reynolds. Now stop talking and make love to me." "Aye, aye, husband."