Standard disclaimers apply. Firefly, Serenity, and the original characters are not mine. This was written for fun, not profit. Two new characters are mine, but Joss can have them if he wants because they really want to come out and play.

Archiving: Just let me know where.

Rating: PG13 for language and adult situation.

Pairings: Kaylee/Simon

KAYLEE’S BUNK INTERIOR

Kaylee and Simon are curled on her bunk. He has just made a startling revelation and is all but openly weeping. She sees how much pain he’s in and reaches out to touch his face softly, all loving compassion

KAYLEE: Sweetie. It's okay. Oh Simon, what happened to you?

SIMON: (Regaining some self-control. He looks over her shoulder – far away- as he speaks; only flicking his gaze to her eyes occasionally to reconnect with her.) When I started my internship at the hospital my work caught the attention of the chief of surgery. I worked really hard, and tried to stay on his radar screen. One night, after I was a resident, he invited me to dinner at his home to talk about my career. His daughter, Rebecca, was there. He and his wife made sure to leave us alone together for a while after dinner. It was obvious that he was trying to set us up. We made polite conversation and sized one another up. I thought of my career, realized I could do much worse, and took my cue. She did the same. (He pauses to wipe his eyes, his voice turns colder, formal, almost a whisper). I called on her the next day and asked her to the theater. A couple of months later, after the correct number and variety of dates, we consummated our relationship. A few months after that I asked her father for her hand in marriage, purchased an appropriately large diamond ring, and proposed over dinner at the most exclusive restaurant in town. (He pauses)

KAYLEE: But, but I thought you said you ain't been in love....

SIMON: I haven't been. I wasn't. Not in love. Not with her. She wasn't in love with me either. I don't expect someone like you to understand. (Angry look from Kaylee) We got along well, found each other attractive, and it was a good match for both of us. We’d have ended up like my parents.

KAYLEE: (Slightly pissed, but controlling herself, trying hard not to pull away from him) Whatdaya mean someone like me? You ain't got to be rich and fancy to marry someone you don't love to get ahead. Plenty a girls I went to school with married awful men just to get off that rock.

SIMON: (Tears running down his face, reaching out for her hand) Oh, God, xin gan please, I didn't mean it that way. I’m so sorry. I meant that an honest, open person like you wouldn't pledge to marry someone you didn't love.

KAYLEE: (Smiling, with tears in her eyes) Only 'cause I didn't have ta. I got Serenity. (Pause) What happened? Why didn't you get married?

SIMON: River. River happened. When we first started seeing each other I told her about what I was trying to do. Rebecca said she thought it was noble. I could tell the amount of time I spent was beginning to irritate her, but she never said anything, not until the night my father had to bail me out of the detention facility. I went to her apartment instead of home. She was sitting there, surrounded by wedding invitation sample books, when I walked in. She was cross with me because I was late. I told her what had happened. It was the first time I ever saw her really angry with me. It wasn't pretty. She told me I was a fool on a fool's errand, that I was risking my career and our social position. She told me I had to choose. I had to choose to marry her, or to find River. I chose. I think it actually surprised her when I turned and walked out the door.

KAYLEE: (Eyes huge) Does River know? She can't ever know ‘cause it would hurt her so much.

SIMON: Kaylee, don't you see? She probably already knows most of it, and I have to tell her everything. Kaylee, she rescued me. If it weren’t for River I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't know you. In a way River saved my life. What I did for her opened my eyes about the world I lived in. The lie I was living. When I walked out Rebecca’s door I thought I was making a huge sacrifice, but the truth is I haven’t missed her one bit since I saw River climb out of that cryo chamber. I feel terrible for what I must have put her through, but mostly I feel relieved, like I knew I was making a huge mistake. What kind of man does that make me?

Kaylee pulls Simon to her, guiding his head onto her shoulder and stroking his hair.

KAYLEE: (Tender, crying too) Oh honey, I love you. You ain’t a bad man. If you had loved each other and were meant to be together it woulda gone different. I am so sorry you had to go through that, but it's over now. I'm glad you told me. Makes me understand more why you been so afraid to get attached.

SIMON: I was afraid someday I’d have to choose again, and I knew I’d choose River. At least I thought I would before Early....

KAYLEE: (Not wanting him to have to finish the sentence, and completely sincere) You wouldn’t have to choose, Simon; I’d help you.

SIMON: I know.

Simon looks at her, tears running down his face, emotions completely bare. They fall back onto bed and he covers her with his body, kissing her deeply, desperately, she matches his intensity and the whole world goes away.

DINING ROOM NEXT MORNING

Everyone is there except Simon and Kaylee. They are all sitting around the table with plans and plates of food around them, deep in conversation, discussing how they'll break into the detention facility where Tom is being held. Wash has schematics of the facility, as well as Serenity and the shuttles, which he is passing around. Mal is pacing around the table.

WASH: This is going to take everything we've got. We can even provide some additional distraction. We'll need to upgrade the handling and re-program the jammers. I need Kaylee....

Mal holds up a finger and smiles. He moves to the com. and presses the button.

KAYLEE’S BUNK

Kaylee and Simon are sound asleep, wrapped around each other, spooning.

MAL: (Over the com.) Kaylee, you there? KAYLEE: (Startled) Huh? (Hitting a com. button she’d wired in over her bunk) I'm here Cap'n.

MAL: (Over the com.) Sorry to wake you. It's only 6:30, but the rest of us have been up working on a plan and we need our mechanic.

Kaylee starts to sit up. Simon’s arms are around her waist; he’s kissing her exposed back and hip. She hits the com. again.

KAYLEE: Uh, gimme a few minutes, I'll be right there.

DINING ROOM

MAL: (Smooth and a little bit playful) Oh, and we seem to have misplaced the doctor. If you see him can you let him know we need him as well?

Simon's laughter can be heard over the com. before it cuts off.

People are eating and talking as Kaylee and Simon walk in hand in hand, looking happily rumpled, glowing. Simon is wearing yesterday’s clothes, but is freshly shaved. They grab some breakfast and sit together at the table, Simon pulling out her chair as usual. Everyone else is just pretending this is normal, except Jayne, who looks resentful.

WASH: Good morning you two. I trust you slept well. Kaylee, how do you feel about adding a little maneuverability to the shuttles?

KAYLEE: Got the new chips, just been waitin’ for time to install ‘em. Trouble is, if we get caught with Alliance tech. we’re humped. Gotta be real careful about how we use it.

WASH: I’m going to need you to re-program the jammers too. Shuttle Two and Serenity are the diversion. If we do this right, no one is going to see us coming. (Getting a bit silly) Too bad this isn’t a vid on the cortex, and we don’t have a cloaking device!

KAYLEE: You know that ain’t possible. That’s as crazy as travelin’ faster than light.

MAL: Focus.

WASH: Sorry Mal, just having a little fun. Inara’s friend…

INARA: (Very aware of Mal) He’s not a friend he’s a client.

WASH: Inara’s client got us the technical specs. on the facility. Tom is being held in a building adjacent to a large exercise yard in the minimum-security area. While they are dealing up front with Serenity I’ll drop straight in on Shuttle One, Jayne goes in through the window, grabs Tom, then we pop straight out again, flying into the sun. They won’t know what hit ‘em.

MAL: I guess, his bein’ a pacifist makes ‘em think he’s less of a threat. Hence the view room. They surely didn’t count on us. Jenny, I know you got strong beliefs about war, and killin’, and such. You okay with us takin’ up arms on behalf of your husband, ‘bout your part in it?

JENNY: I’ve been talking to Wash about this.

She looks at Wash, and then to Simon, seeing how they have both matured and hardened. They aren’t the men she knew in the world. It makes her a little sad.

JENNY: I realize the realities of life in the black can be as harsh as they are beautiful. It isn’t my world. My rules don’t apply.

SIMON: I’m sorry; I seem to have missed something. What is your part in this?

JENNY: They’re turning me in.

SIMON: WHAT?

Simon turns and looks at Mal, a look of confused anger on his face.

MAL: Not my idea, but the best one we’ve come up with so far. (He looks toward Jenny and nods)

JENNY: (Calm) It gives Serenity a legitimate reason for being inside the security net, and provides the necessary distraction.

SIMON: (Horrified) What if it goes wrong and you’re caught?

JENNY: (Resolute, matter of fact) Then I’ll be with Tom.

SIMON: Wash, why are you letting her do this?

WASH: (Kindly) Not exactly letting, but not preventing either. Simon, this is really no different from the risk you took on Ariel, or what everyone did to get Mal and me back. In fact, it’s probably less risky.

Simon starts to open his mouth to speak, but Jenny shoots him a look. He nods but looks a little grim. Kaylee reaches for his hand under the table and squeezes it. He looks at her and sighs.

Breakfast ends and everyone slowly starts to go about their business. Simon and Kaylee begin to clear the table and stack dishes in the sink. Mal goes to them.

MAL: Kitchen duty can wait. If you two’ll come with me...

He escorts them to the engine room. Those remaining in the dining room are dead silent.

ENGINE ROOM:

Kaylee and Simon stand close together, holding hands, looking ready to be yelled at. Mal stands opposite them, looking formal to cover for his nervousness. Simon’s earlier concern about Jenny is overcome by the fear that Mal’s implied consent to their previous night’s activities has been revoked.

MAL: You both know I have a problem with shipboard relationships. They tend to create unnecessary complications. But I ain't gonna yell at you, or order you not to see each other. Hell, I’da done that last night if I was gonna, and you both know it. We all know this's been a long time coming, and I truly believe that you care for each other. With all that's happened lately I'm startin' to think that maybe those who can find happiness with each other out here in the black oughta grab it and hold on. That bein' said, you both have important jobs on my ship, and I expect you to do ‘em. That means I don't want you buggin' Simon when he's doctorin', and I don't want you distractin' Kaylee when she's takin' care of the engine, which, I don't have to remind you, is what keeps us flyin’. You two run into a few bumps in the road, you work ‘em out in private. Dong ma? SIMON: We understand. Thank you.

KAYLEE: (Brightly) Guess I better get started on those shuttle mods. (Begins picking up tools and parts)

Mal starts toward the door, motioning for Simon to follow him. Simon waits for Mal to turn his back and kisses Kaylee quickly but thoroughly, then follows Mal.

DINING ROOM

Wash is the only person there. He’s begun the dishes.

MAL: I know you have some surgery to do, but I just want a quick word.

SIMON: (Waiting for the threat) Mmm.

MAL: I know you wouldna started this unless you intended to follow through. Kaylee means a lot to me and I don’t wanna see her hurt. I honestly can't think of a better man for her to be with. I guess this means you intend to stay on Serenity for a while.

SIMON: (Cautiously, more than a little surprised at this level of acceptance, but not wanting to reveal just how at home he feels) I'd like to stay as long as it works for all of us. I really can't say what the future holds. I've given up trying to predict. All I know is I can't imagine a future without Kaylee, and right now that includes Serenity.

MAL: Good, 'cause I don't want to have to replace my mechanic or my medic. ‘Course you do somethin’ stupid and hurt her, and we’ll have words. (Mal smiles as Simon makes a “saw that coming” face.) Don’t worry about Jenny. She’s a big girl who can take care of herself. I wouldna agreed to this plan if I weren’t sure she could pull it off. Good luck with the surgery. (Pats him on the back and leaves)

WASH: I did the dishes. I figured he was going to toss you out the air lock and you'd miss KP.

SIMON: (Bemused, staring after Mal) Either that or punch me.

WASH: I wanted you to know I did try to stop her. She and Mal worked the whole thing out in the wee hours of the morning, didn’t bother to include me, her brother, noooo. We had a bit of a talk, but it was futile. Have you ever tried to reason with my sister when she’s being stubborn? It’s like trying to reason with my mother, or Zoe... oh God I’m seeing a pattern here.

SIMON: (Not sure whether to be horrified or amused.) I’m not sure this is the right time to explore your Oedipal complex. Right now my job is to make sure Jenny’s in the best possible shape to get through this.

WASH: (Musing) Didn’t you ever wonder why Jocasta married her husband’s killer? You know, I put it down to a lack of communication. Now Zoë would never marry my killer…or, or would she?

Simon just smiles politely and shakes his head at Wash as he starts to leave, but Wash places a hand on his arm to stop him.

WASH: (Looking around to make sure they are alone, speaking conspiratorially) There is something you might want to know. (Simon looks wary, like he’s afraid he’s going to hear more about Wash’s taste in women) Uh, the bunks aren't exactly soundproof.

SIMON: (Puzzled, then stricken) Huh, oh, I'm so sorry. We just thought... Kaylee said she thought they must be because she's never, um, heard anything.

WASH: That would be because Zoë and I save loud for times when we are truly alone. The rest of the time we take advantage of the insulating qualities of pillows.

SIMON: (Embarrassed) What…um... how much did you hear?

WASH: Enough to know that a good time, or rather several good times, were had by all. Enthusiastic girl, our Kaylee. Don't worry though; we took full advantage of the situation (grinning). I gather you didn't get much sleep. You okay to operate on my sister?

SIMON: (Perhaps slightly distressed that their nocturnal activities had inspired others) Not a problem, surgery on little sleep is pretty normal.

Simon turns to leave again, and then turns back.

SIMON: Wash, what were you studying before you left college?

WASH: Paleontology, why?