Sleep Tight....(4) Please leave feedback*

Kaylee was so happy, as she skipped down the hallway to the engine room; she had spent another night in Simon’s bunk. As she entered the engine room she was stunned at the sight before her. Inside her hammock was this beautiful dress, it reminded her of something Inara would wear, it was all pretty an' stuff. It reminded her of when she was able to go to the shindig with Mal and wear that beautiful dress she saw on display. This dress, however, was more form fitting, the fabric had a Chinese pattern, the color was midnight blue with the patterns inlaid with gold fabric. Kaylee was afraid to touch it, in case she might spoil it.

"Happy Birthday."

"Simon!" Kaylee said with joy, "It's beautiful."

"Uh....what is? I haven't given you anything yet." said Simon, turning to see the dress in alarm.

"Wha....you mean you didn't buy me this pretty?" asked Kaylee confused.

"I...I...wish I did, but no." said Simon, still confused and wondering who got her such a pretty dress, expensive too, he thought to himself.

"Happy Birthday Kaylee." In walked Inara, laughing at their shocked glances. "I thought you guys could use a night out."

"You bought this for me?" asked Kaylee with the biggest smile

“I saw it and knew you would like it.”

"Thanks Inara." smiled Kaylee as she gave her a hug. "So, where should we go?" she asked, turning to face Simon.

"Ah, well, I don't know. I don't think it's a good idea to leave River by herself."

“She could stay with me, you know that she loves to use my calligraphy set. She’ll be okay.” Inara said reassuringly to Simon. Simon gently pulled Inara to the side.

“I don’t really know where to take her. I have never been on planet Kainar before.” Simon confided.

"Well, how about an opera to start the two on their lovely little evenin’?" interrupted Mal, as he came in the engine room.

"When will you grow up and stop listening to other people's conversations?" asked Inara, annoyed.

Mal smiled at her "Excellent notion. Except that I’m not playing.”

"Really, Capt'n?” Kaylee asked with a surprised look.

“Actually, I need the doc and you to meet with someone about a job. The job supplier seems to be a high-an-mighty dandy on this here planet. As I recall how my previous shindig went I would rather sit this one out.” Mal said with a smile. “What if they recognize me?" started Simon in protest.

It won't matter since this here planet supported the Independence. Believe me the last thing they want is Alliance landing here. So, go get dressed all fancied up, do you want to borrow the pants I used for the shindig?" asked Mal with amusement as they all started making their way to the dining room.

Few Hours Later....

"Wow, I can't believe that I'm going to see an opera." said Kaylee looking at Simon.

"The price is 30. The price is 30. The price is..."

"Simon."

"Huh? What?" said Simon as he looked at Kaylee.

"Don't worry so much. You'll do fine." said Kaylee, trying to boost him up.

"It's just I've never done this sort of negotiations before," he said cautiously. "Oh, it'll be over before you know it. So, how do I look?" Kaylee turned around so he could see the full effect of the dress. Simon watched and, not for the first time, saw how beautiful she looked. Inara did a good job picking out a dress that so perfectly matched Kaylee through color and spirit.

"Like a jewel." replied Simon with a smile.

After finding their seats on the balcony, Kaylee started to look around at the theater in awe.

"You know, I never had enough money to come to one of these shows."

"They're great." said Simon, trying to relax. "My parents used to bring me and River to the theater all the time, after River went to school I stopped going, it just didn't feel the same without her." Simon started to laugh a little, saying, "River used to translate the words, even though she knew I understood them, she did it just to annoy me. Sometimes she would even bring her notebook and would just sit and write the notes that the orchestra was playing." He kept smiling as he remembered and then looked so sad.

"Hey, she could get better." said Kaylee

"But she won't be the same; she'll never be the same River that I remember. Besides, what if I can't help her?" said Simon, "I mean I've been giving her different types of medicine, but her body can just break them down...." The lights went dim, and the music started. They forgot for a moment where they were and then looked at each other wondering what was keeping the supplier. "Sorry I'm late." said a gentleman sitting down next to his lady. "Here's the info...."

"The price is 30." said Simon all nervous.

"Okay.... so, we have a deal then?" asked the gentleman slipping the paper into Kaylee's hand as he gave it a kiss.

"Oh, sure" said Kaylee, flattered by his gentlemanly gesture. "How come you never kissed my hand, you being all proper?" Kaylee whispered to Simon.

"Well, I....We should watch the opera." was Simon's reply, as a few people were asking them to be quiet. Kaylee sighed and the gentleman smiled at them.

After the Opera.....

"Well, uh... I...."started Simon, Kaylee rolled her eyes. Why does he clam up every time he's nervous? She giggled to herself thinking how cute he looked.

"It was a pleasure to meet you." said the gentleman giving Kaylee another kiss on the hand.

"Thanks." said Kaylee all chipper.

"How do we contact...."

"Your lady has the information you need." he whispered, looking around cautiously, "Goodnight." With that, the gentleman walked away with his lady holding his arm.

"Well, we should probably get back to the ship." said Kaylee, holding Simon's arm as she saw the other lady do.

"Kaylee." said Simon as they were walking up to the port that was glowing with lights.

"Yeah." They stopped walking; Simon looked at her and then bowed and took her hand in his and gave it a tender kiss.....

"Kaylee!"

"Huh?" she blinked her eyes and saw the Capt'n.

"Oh, are you awake now, because I would'nt wanna disturb you from your nap time, except, oh, yeah, your my mechanic and the engine rooms a mess."

"Well, I told you we need a new compression...." she said sleepily.

"Just clean it up." Interrupted Mal, "When we get on Persephone, we'll see about the part, but till then can you please clean this up an' keep her running?"

"Yes, Capt'n," replied Kaylee. Mal left and Kaylee rubbed her eyes to help her wake up....