Joss Whedon, the rightful owner of Firefly, would probably never do this with these characters. But I would ... sorry Joss.

* * * *

INSPIRATION.

Cap'n's workin' late again, porin' over his papers. Plannin' and schemin' and tryin' to fix up new jobs. Oughta be in bed 'cos he looks real tired, but that ain't his way. Always puts Serenity an' the rest of us first. He's a real nice man, always lookin' out for us. Pretends he's mean an' grumpy but you know he'd do anythin' for you. Reminds me of my Daddy. Got that same air of dependable authority. 'Course, he's a sight more shuai than my Daddy ever was. Even when he's tired, like now. But specially when he smiles at you. He's got a way of lookin' right into you when he smiles that lights up a little fire somewhere deep inside you. Gives you a real warm glow. Makes you feel right proud that he cares for you... Only sometimes it makes me feel kinda sorry there ain't more to it than that. But I ain't stupid. I know he don't think of me like that. I don't make the air crackle like it does between him and 'Nara.

* * * *

Ain't a power in the 'verse that can stop Kaylee bein' cheerful. Not fancy ladies in their finery sneering at her shop-bought dress, not takin' a bullet to the stomach nor a tight-wound doctor who never seems to be able to say the right thing. Not even a great mountain of greasy plates. Just listen to her, singing away to herself as she sets about the washing up like it was one of life's greatest joys. She's so good to have around. Some of that cheeriness can't help but rub off on you. I ain't s'posed to have favourites, being the Captain an' all, but sometimes I just wanna pick her up an' squeeze her tight.

* * * *

I like bein' on my own with him. It's a real peaceful feelin'. Don't have to say nothin' – I just get on with workin', happy to know he's nearby. When other people're around I feel like he don't notice me. They're usually demandin' all his attention. Jayne he gotta keep on a tight leash and even Wash needs tellin' som