Freya was on her feet. Just. Not too steady, and Simon was standing by waiting to catch her if she fell, while Mal was conspicuously leaning against the counter, close but not so close that she could tell he was concerned.

“How is it?” the young doctor asked.

“Simon, I’m upright. I think that’s pretty damn good!” She smiled, then put a hand out quickly onto the medbed to steady herself.

“Okay, now you’ve proved you’re capable of actually using what your feet were meant for, don’t you think you oughta sit down?” Mal asked, concentrating on not showing his anxiety.

She looked over at him, and grinned. He felt himself grow a little warm, and wondered if he were actually blushing. She could make him feel all manner of uncomfortable, just by turning those brown eyes on him …

“The captain’s right, Freya,” Simon agreed. “That’s enough for one day. Lie down.”

“He said sit,” Freya pointed out, not moving.

“And I said lie down. I'm the doctor around here,” Simon said firmly. “And in this infirmary, my word is law, not his.”

Mal lifted an eyebrow at him, but the young man ignored it.

“Hey, Frey!” Jayne called, leaning in through the door. “Looks like you’re gettin’ better.”

“That I am,” she said, smiling at the big man.

“Good. Having everyone mopin’ around here was getting on my –“

“Jayne.” Mal’s voice cut across him. “Go find something to do.”

“Just being friendly,” Jayne grumbled, pushing away from the door frame. “If’n anyone wants me, I’ll be in my bunk.”

“I am constantly surprised that man has any strength to do any work,” Simon muttered. “The amount of time he spends in his bunk.”

“Frey, you gonna do what the doctor ordered you to?” Mal asked, ignoring him, instead watching Freya intently.

“I … um … don’t think I can,” she admitted, giving a shaky smile.

Both Mal and Simon immediately moved forward, each taking an elbow and her weight so she could hitch her buttocks on the bed. Mal lifted her legs up gently, swinging them round so she was lying flat.