Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me, just writing for fun.

A little interaction before the revenge, and an apology. Next installment will have revenge and maybe some “alone time”.

Inara rapped demurely on Simon’s door, “Kaylee?” “Come in”, Kaylee answered, sounding a bit despondent. Inara slid the door open to find Kaylee sitting crossed legged on Simon’s bed, elbows on her knees, her hands holding up her sagging head. Inara’s anger began to boil again. She had never seen Kaylee so pathetic. “Are you moping mei mei?” Kaylee let out a big sigh, “No...just frustrated is all.” Inara sat gently on the bed next to Kaylee and pushed a lock of hair back behind her ear that had fallen in front of her face. “Are you going to tell me what’s bothering you?” “It’s just.. well, everything’s been goin’ all wrong , Serenity keeps breaking all over the place. Maybe I’ve been a bit distracted. Not paying enough attention to her, but even “that” hasn’t been happenin’! All day long Simon and I are running circles around each other and never gettin’ “it” done. And this time, it ain’t even our own fault! Mostly his fault last time.” Kaylee leaned her head against Inara’s shoulder. Inara responded by reaching her arm across and pulling her a bit closer, keeping the tiny smile on face from the last remark hidden. “Don’t worry. Karma has a way of setting things right. I have a feeling this little kink will work itself out. Now, River’s a bit occupied plotting a new course to Three Hills, everyone else is in town, Serenity seems to be working just fine at the moment, why don’t you come to my shuttle? We could have some tea, maybe brush your hair? I really am pleased to have you all to myself for a little bit. That is, of course, unless you want to stay here and-” “No”, Kaylee perked up quickly, ”That sounds shiny.” Flashing Inara a bright smile, they both got up from the bed and headed out the door.

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Pulling the brush through Kaylee’s hair gave the girl some much needed relaxation. It also gave Inara some time to formulate a scheme. The cruel, albeit hilarious joke ( though Inara would never confess it aloud), had taken a toll on Kaylee. The little mechanic always took the world upon her shoulders when things went wrong. Inara liked being the one to lift that weight off. She missed the girl time that they used to share. “This is nice,” Kaylee mused as Inara laid the brush down and ran her fingers through her hair then kissed the crown of her head. “I’m so glad you came up.” “Me too.” Kaylee beamed as she pushed herself up off the floor. They both startled a little when there was a knock at the door. “Yes?”, Inara questioned as River entered the shuttle. “Nav controls are not quite right.” Kaylee sighed, but she didn’t seem as perturbed as before. “All right, River, I’ll take care of it.” After Kaylee left, River looked down sullenly at her feet and clasped her hands, wringing them a bit nervously. “I’m sorry.” “I believe I am not the one you should be apologizing to, but never mind that now , sweetie. “ She came over to hold River’s hands in her own. “We don’t want to hurt Simon and Kaylee’s feelings by letting them know they were being spied on. And I believe you were lead astray. That man can be very convincing. Maybe you could do something nice for them, as an apology, without having to say it.” River looked up at Inara with a huge smile on her face. “Now why don’t you go and help Kaylee, I have some things to do.” As River exited she called back with a giggle,” You’re evil Inara.” She smiled as she began to rummage through her things.