Mal drummed the surface of the table with his fingers, staring blankly at the design.

Jist wave her already...

He immediately shook off the thought and stopped drumming the table. That thought kept popping in his head and it seemed to be happening more often lately. And yet, every time it came to him, he shook it off. He still had a hope that maybe one day, she’ll come back.

If he waved her, he might come off as ‘the desperate type’...

“Cap’n, are you listenin’ to me?”

Mal snapped out of his own little world and looked up. Kaylee was leaning over the table. The oil smudges on her face accented her glower towards Mal. He swallowed and said, “I’m sorry. What were you saying?”

“I was askin’ if we had enough money to replace the synthesizers for Serenity’s engine. They’re worn down and about broke.”

“Oh. Well, this job should have enough to pay for new parts. You can go crazy at our next port.”

“Cap’n, are you alright?”

“I’m fine, Kaylee,” said Mal, getting up, “I’m going to go see how much longer ‘til we hit atmo...”

Before Kaylee could speak another word, Mal was down the hall, his boots leaving heavy echoes. Kaylee let out a sigh and looked over at Simon, who was just entering the kitchen. “Cap’n been zonin’ out again. Wasn’t even listenin’ when I was tellin’ him ‘bout Serenity’s engine troubles.”

Simon looked down the hall towards the cockpit. “Is it Inara?”

“What else could it be,” asked Kaylee in a sarcastic tone, “It’s like he’s tryin’ to forget everythin’ that isn’t her an’ it’s gettin’ worse.”

“I can understand where he’s coming from...”

Kaylee looked up at Simon. “You do?”

“Of course. When you’re stuck fixated on one star, you want to forget everything else around you.”

“Oh,” said Kaylee, her eyes growing wider and her cheeks getting a bit redder. “Yeah, I guess I know how that feels...”

Sitting out dances on the wall Trying to forget everything that isn't you I'm not going home alone Cause I don't do too well on my own