“They need some time.” Kaylee glared at Simon.

“Mnn?” He rolled over.

“Mal and Freya. They’ve been through the mill with Ethan, and I figure we need to give ‘em some space.”

Her husband tried to unglue his eyelids. “What? What time is it?”

Kaylee glanced at the clock and shrugged. “Early.”

“How early?”

“’Bout two.”

“Kaylee, that isn’t early! That’s very, very late!” He shook his head. “Couldn’t this wait until the morning?”

“It is morning.”

“Kaylee …” he pleaded.

“I got an idea.”

“Good. That’s good. Can I go back to sleep while you think about it?”

“And you’re gonna help.”

“Oh. Great. Can it be when I'm actually capable of physically functioning?”

“Course, sweetie.”

There was a pause.

“What are you doing?” he asked as he felt her hands moving southwards.

“Well, I'm kinda awake now.”

“I'm not.”

“I could fix that.”

“Kaylee, I said I just wanted to snuggle.”

“That was last night. This is this morning.”

“Not so’s you’d notice.”

Her hand was busy under the covers. “Oh, come on, don’t be a spoilsport.”

“Kaylee …” He shivered involuntarily and groaned a little.

“See? I said I’d wake you up!” she said triumphantly.

He gave in. “Shadow of a man …” he murmured, taking her into his arms.

“Nah,” his wife grinned. “That’s the Cap.”

---

“You’re going out.”

“What?”

Simon finished his examination and did Ethan’s little shirt back up before looking at the Captain. “You’re going out. It’s all arranged.”

Mal’s brows drew together. “Not sure I’m understanding you, doctor.”

“Kaylee’s idea, and I happen to think it’s a good one.” Once I’d woken up , he added silently. “There’s a picnic hamper all ready, and you’re under doctor’s orders not to come back until at least dusk.”

Mal’s face cleared and his eyes twinkled. “Doctor’s orders, huh?”

“That’s right. And I’ll make you stay out longer if you don’t bring Freya back with a smile on her face.”

“That’s the kind of orders I don’t mind taking from you.