It was a lazy day for Kaylee Frye onboard the ship Serenity. For once the engine was running smoothly with no real glitches to work out and she'd already finished her other chores. So she was spending her time in the catwalks above the cargo room, letting her feet hang over the edge and swinging them idly while thinking about the upcoming day.

About a week ago, the crew had received a wave from their friend and Mal's old war buddy Monty. He'd invited the crew to a big party that was to be a reunion for some of the veterans of the Independent Army. There was going to be a big bonfire and alcohol and dancing and just a general fun time. The crew all voted unanimously that they wanted to go and so it was decided.

Kaylee was particularly excited because she figured it'd be a chance to have a fun time with the handsome doctor, Simon. But whenever the subject had come up in conversation, he'd always bring up his sister River and express concern of having to watch over her to make sure nothing bad happened to her. Kaylee was losing hope he'd ever ask her to the dance and she was far too shy to ask him herself. So she was stuck in quite an unpleasant pickle just a day before the dance.

"Hey there Kaylee, want some company?" asked a voice behind her. She turned around to find the captain behind her sipping on a cup of coffee. Kaylee offered up a friendly smile and scooted over. Mal sat down beside her and the two sat in silence for a few moments while Mal finished his coffee and Kaylee kept pondering about the doctor.

"Something on your mind mei-mei?" Mal asked.

"Nothin much Cap'n, just thinking about the shindig tomorrow."

"Thinking bout what you're gonna wear?"

"Not exactly Cap'n." Kaylee said with a small hint of sadness in her voice.

"What's up then?"

"I'm just a bit upset cause I ain't got no one to go with yet. Wash is going with Zoe and Jayne's gonna be too busy trying to get in the skirts of all the other pretties there."

"What about Simon? I figured he'd be at the top of your list."