TITLE: "SECRETS"

AUTHOR: Alison M. DOBELL

FANDOM: "FIREFLY"

PAIRING: Kaylee/Simon. Mal. River.

RATING: PG-13.

STATUS: SEQUEL to "WATCHING"

ARCHIVE: Yes. Just let me know where.

FEEDBACK: Welcomed.

EMAIL: AlisonMDobell@aol.com

WEBSITE: http://carlajane.50megs.com/Ali00.html

SUMMARY: "Kaylee and Simon spend some time on Baltimore.

River informs the Captain of something they have in common."

The usual disclaimers apply. The characters and 'Firefly'

are the property and gift of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.

No infringement of copyright is intended.

"SECRETS"

A "Firefly" story

Written by Alison M. DOBELL

* * * * *

Kaylee couldn't understand it, she really couldn't. She knew Simon liked her, had even felt a rush of something a time or two along with more than a few sparks, but it was as if there was an iron lid fastening down his emotions so nothing could leak out. What in the nine hells was he afraid of? That she would hurt him? They were walking around a bazaar on Baltimore. Inara had a client here and the Captain had figured it was far enough off the Alliance trade routes to be safe to stop and replenish their food stocks. Kaylee had been surprised and excited when after a brief recon with Zoe and Jayne the Captain had returned and given them permission to stretch their legs. Simon had been hesitant, fearful even, but after assurances that it was safe had relented. Then to Simon's confusion River had promptly changed her mind and stated she didn't want to go planetside after all.

Maybe that was all it was. The fact that River was back on Serenity and Kaylee had dragged Simon out to explore. Shepherd Book smiled across at the mechanic, his muted amusement like some secret they both shared that Simon was unaware of. Then Jayne caught up with them and he and the Shepherd wandered off leaving Kaylee and Simon to browse and talk. Or more accurately, Kaylee to talk and Simon to pretend he was lis