Title: Will Characters: Book, Kaylee Rating: PG Disclaimer: I do not own Warning: Not betaed Word Count: 575

Author's note: This is a short little piece to get myself warmed up for the Book fic-a-thon. The Shepherd isn't my strongest character, but practice makes perfect, no? Enjoy!

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Book grabbed the hat off the bed and twisted it in his hands for a moment. He wasn’t quite sure what he should do with it, but it was his gift and he intended to do it honor. Footsteps came up behind him as Kaylee enter the lounge, looking over a gun in her hand.

“Feels weird,” she said softly.

“The gun?” Book ventured.

“Everything,” she admitted. Book studied her for a moment, noting the absence of her usual chipper demeanor. It was understandable, considering the circumstances but one liked to think Kaylee’s positive attitude could weather any storm. This was a lot for anyone to attempt to handle though.

“Thinks have changed a great deal,” Book spoke. He watched her face fall for a moment. The shepherd set the hat down and pulled Kaylee into a comforting embrace as a sob broke out of her throat.

“He was a gorram fool,” Kaylee blubbered. Book just rubbed her back, letting her get her anger and hurt out. “What made him think I’d want his stupid ol’gun anyhow?” she asked. Book could feel his shirt getting damn with her tears but he paid it little mind.

“You don’t have to take it,” Shepherd offered, pulling back and looking her in the face.

“Wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world,” she said stubbornly, looking down at the piece in her palm for a moment before pulling her eyes away. They paused on the hat sitting on the couch. “What’re you gonna do with the hat, Shepherd?”

A thoughtful expression passed over Books features before reached for the item and placed it on his head. “I suppose I will do Jayne the most honor by wearing it,” Book replied.

“It’s a shiny hat, that fedora was my favorite of his. Made him look right hansom if you squinted and he smiled and wasn’t sayin’ nothing crude,” Kaylee laughed a moment, wiping the tears from her cheek. “Still don’t know what I’m gonna do with a gun,” she admitted.

“What did the letter say?” Book asked.

“Not much. Just ‘t’Kaylee I leave Bessie, t’take care o’her when I can’t’. Didn’t even know Jayne was worried ‘bout protectin’ me. It was right sweet of him, only I don’t make much use of myself with guns,” she said, holding the gun awkwardly.

“Well if you ever need her, she will be there,” Book said, resting a hand gently on her shoulder. Kaylee smiled up at him for a moment before fresh tears started to form.

“I’d rather have Jayne,” she whispered.

“We all would,” Book nodded. Kaylee pursed her lips together a moment attempting to smile at Book. It was a weak attempt, but he appreciated it none the less.

“I just came down here t’tell ya Cap’n wanted t’arrange a proper burial for Jayne. Thought you might have something you wanted t’add,” Kaylee said.

“I did, I will speak to the captain about that,” Book nodded. Kaylee turned to leave but paused, turning back to the Book.

“Shepherd?”

“Yes child?” Book replied.

“I know it’s an odd question t’ask a preacher, but would you mind showin’ me how t’use Bessie?” Kaylee asked, chewing on her lips for a moment. “Just seems like you know ‘bout guns and you and Jayne were close. You don’t gotta o’course.”

“I’d be happy to,” Book agreed. Kaylee gave him a faint smile before heading back towards her bunk to put the gun away.