Standard disclaimers apply. Firefly, Serenity, and the original characters are not mine. This was written for fun, not profit. Two new characters are mine, but Joss can have them if he wants because they really want to come out and play.

Archiving: Just let me know where.

Rating: PG13 for language and adult situation.

Pairings: Kaylee/Simon

KAYLEE’S BUNK

INTERIOR

Kaylee and Simon are curled on her bunk. He has just made a startling revelation and is all but openly weeping. She sees how much pain he’s in and reaches out to touch his face softly, all loving compassion

KAYLEE: Sweetie. It's okay. Oh Simon, what happened to you?

SIMON: (Regaining some self-control. He looks over her shoulder – far away- as he speaks; only flicking his gaze to her eyes occasionally to reconnect with her.) When I started my internship at the hospital my work caught the attention of the chief of surgery. I worked really hard, and tried to stay on his radar screen. One night, after I was a resident, he invited me to dinner at his home to talk about my career. His daughter, Rebecca, was there. He and his wife made sure to leave us alone together for a while after dinner. It was obvious that he was trying to set us up. We made polite conversation and sized one another up. I thought of my career, realized I could do much worse, and took my cue. She did the same. (He pauses to wipe his eyes, his voice turns colder, formal, almost a whisper). I called on her the next day and asked her to the theater. A couple of months later, after the correct number and variety of dates, we consummated our relationship. A few months after that I asked her father for her hand in marriage, purchased an appropriately large diamond ring, and proposed over dinner at the most exclusive restaurant in town. (He pauses)

KAYLEE: But, but I thought you said you ain't been in love....

SIMON: I haven't been. I wasn't. Not in love. Not with her. She wasn't in love with me either. I don't expect someone like you to understand.