Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, many people richer than me. I own naught. Tell ya what, I ever make any money from fanfic, I'll send you all a check.

Comments: This started out as one little scene to help Kaylee get over a few issues, it turned into something bigger and I'm not even sure if it's done.

Rated: PG-13 overall at the moment, not really for this part, though.

***

"So there we were," The two voices giggled through the engine room and Simon stopped just outside to listen. "flush up against the wall, when in walks the Captain."

His face reddened at Kaylee's words. River's voice was soft and muffled, he couldn't hear what she said, but there were more giggles. There was a change in the air next to him and he turned to see Mal as Kaylee's voice carried out again.

"And that's how I got the job."

Mal nodded at Simon.

"True story, Doc."

"Cap'n?" Kaylee rushed, red faced, to the door. A non descript engine part in her hand, several streaks of grease on her coveralls. Her eyes flickered towards Simon, but didn't linger. "We're nearly finished in here."

"Simon?" River's face joined Kaylee. She looked from one to the other. "You're not very timely."

"River, it's... uh... it's time for your meds." He stumbled over the words, not looking either of the girls in the eye.

The color drained from Kaylee's face.

"Oh, surely it ain't gonna hurt her to stay a bit longer. We'll be done soon." She gestured futilely at the engine behind her. "I just got a few parts to tinker with is all."

"You go on, Doctor." Mal watched Simon lead River away, he turned to Kaylee. "You got some mighty fine notions, sometimes, but encouraging that girl to skip her medicine is not one of them."

She blushed.

"I didn't mean... it's just." Her brain tried to think up something to cover and threw out the first thing it thought of. "Sometimes it gets lonely here."

"You?" Mal raised his eyebrows, his disbelief obvious. "Lonely in the engine room?"

"Yes." She nodded, quick and de