“You two took your time!” Kaylee stood on the ramp as they drew to a halt, one hand on her hip, the other shading her eyes from the sun.

“The kid weighs a rutting ton,” Jayne grumbled, letting Sephoria slide off his back to the floor.

“I ain’t so heavy as you, ‘n ‘sides, I didn’t ask you to carry me.”

Jayne’s cheeks grew rosy. He looked to Kaylee’s smirk then back to Sephoria. “Said you wouldn't mention that.” His voice was mid-way between anger and hurt.

“I think it’s sweet!” Kaylee laughed.

Jayne scowled and stalked off.

“So?” Kaylee took Sephoria’s arm, leading her out of the sun. “Where are the pretties?”

Sephoria’s hand went to her pocket and she breathed easy to feel the heavy bulk beneath her fingers. “They’re a surprise. You’ll see tomorrow!”

“I can’t wait! Quick, come and see the mess. ‘Nara and I spent all mornin’ decorating! It looks so festive.”

Sephoria grinned and glanced up to Kaylee. She stopped walking, her arm jerking free.

“What’s wrong, Seph?”

“Lee-Lee, have you been crying?”

“Of course not, Sweetie!”

“Your eyes are all red…”

“Oh… I - I’ve been up in ‘Nara’s shuttle. You know how that incense makes my allergies act up.”

Sephoria knew that Kaylee had no allergies, but she also knew if she’d talked to Inara things would be all right. Anta’nara was clever like that. She could sooth and comfort. She could come up with solutions and they always worked. She had a way of knowing people. Sephoria remembered Jayney telling her it was because of her ‘training’, but Unca’mal had made him stop talking and she had never found out what Anta’nara had trained as. “Yes,” Sephoria replied. “Do you feel better now?”

“Much better, Seph. I’m fine, really.”

Sephoria took Kaylee’s hand in her own, despite it being somewhat greasy. She liked the smell of Lee-Lee, a fresh, sweet smell; homely. It felt nice to be close to her.

“Did you use the paperchains?”

To be continued...