“I think you’ll live,” Simon pronounced, putting the last weave tenderly on Kaylee’s injuries. “I imagine you’ve got one hell of a headache, but … there’s nothing that won’t heal.”

“Thank you.” She smiled shakily at him. “What about you?” She took hold of his hand, looking at the grazes and cuts on his knuckles.

“I’ll be fine. Self-medication is a doctor’s prerogative.” His lips twitched.

“And the rest?” she asked astutely. “You’re favourin’ your side.”

“I’ll be okay, Kaylee.”

“Long as you are. Can’t have my rescuer getting bad on me.”

He smiled. “I’ll get you a soother, then you need to sleep for a couple of hours.”

“I don’t think I can.”

“Try. Please. For me.” He put his hand on her cheek, and was immensely relieved when she didn’t pull away.

“I’ll try,” she agreed.

He turned to the cupboard, seeing River slink into the infirmary. As he measured the correct dose into a hypo, he said, “Where were you?”

His sister shrugged, lifting herself back onto the stool next to Jayne‘s bed. “I had something to do.”

Freya lifted her head and stared at the young woman, her brows drawn together.

“What happened to Kaylee?” River asked, almost off-hand.

“She was attacked.” Simon didn’t look at his sister, just went back to his wife, administering the soother with a steady hand.

“I hope you dealt with them.”

“I did.”

“Good.” She looked over at Freya, who was still staring, and shook her head, just a little.

“Well, I’m going to get Kaylee back to our room. Are you staying put a while?”

“I’ll be here,” Freya promised quickly. “River will keep me company. Won’t you?”

“Jayne needs me,” River said softly.

As he lifted Kaylee down from the counter, Simon took a quick glance at the two women gazing at each other. Something was going on here, he could feel it like a fog in the air, but he was too concerned with his wife to worry about that right now. “I’ll be back in a minute,” he said as he helped Kaylee out of the door.

“We’ll be fine,” Freya assured