Kaylee stood on the catwalk outside shuttle one and watched the hover skim out of the cargo bay into the bright sunshine of Boros. She glanced down … Simon was staring after them. She sighed. Still worrying about the Cap taking his sister on jobs, even though she’d proved herself more’n capable, even since Miranda.

Miranda. Lost two of my best friends. I miss ‘em so much. Wash more’n the Preacher, I admit, but … it still hurts. When does it stop hurting?

“Kaylee?” Inara stepped elegantly to her side. “Have they gone?”

“Just now.”

“He’s still not happy.”

“What?” Kaylee realised her friend was looking down. “Oh, Simon. No. He argued with the Cap again, but it don’t make no difference. Don’t know why he tries.”

“Because he’s Simon. And he worries about his sister.”

“Yeah, I know.” She tried not to sound resentful.

“Ah.”

Kaylee turned on her. “Ah … what?”

“Nothing. Just a simple exhalation of breath.”

“I ain’t jealous.”

“No, of course not.” Inara’s voice was soothing, placatory.

“’Nara, we’ve only been together a few months, and … I just …”

“Get anxious.”

“No. Well, yeah, but the trouble is he’s getting anxious enough for the both of us.”

“River’s getting better. Since Miranda, she’s … improving.”

“Little bit.”

“A lot. And Simon will get to realise that.”

Kaylee sighed. Ain't like he’s not in my bed at night. Or odd times during the day, come to that. It’s just …

“I miss my happy Kaylee,” Inara said, hugging her friend.

“She ain't gone,” Kaylee insisted, wrapping her arms around the other woman, breathing in the Freesia scent she was wearing. “Just maybe a bit lost.”

“I think we all are, honey.”

Kaylee let go, and wiped her nose on her sleeve. “So, how’d your talk with the Cap go?”

Inara smiled. “He fell asleep.”

Kaylee’s jaw would have fallen to her knees if it could. “You mean you …”

“No.” Inara sighed. “He just fell asleep. On my couch. Fully dressed.”

“Oh.” Kaylee shook her head. “