AN: It's been ages since last I wrote new chapters of fics so quickly. Your comments really keeps my spirit up!

*** Examination ***

Simon was rummaging through the infirmary, trying not to make it look as he was just keeping himself busy. He had half-circles under his eyes from staying up the whole night, going through the aspect of emotions from letting the news completely sink in. He was very nervous about seeing Kaylee today.

It was always tricky to find the right things to say. If his heart could speak its business, he knew he would have had no troubles, but his head, when it came to girls, particulary this girl, there was enough confusion to compete with Rivers head at times. When he saw her, would it be allright to kiss her? Was kissing her yesterday allright by her? Did she believe his actions yesterday were about the baby and not her? Would the captain throw him into an airlock for getting his mechanic pregnant?

The last part for some reason didn't scare him as much as the others. He believed it to be a possible punishment, but he was more worried about where he and Kaylee were. Mal could do whatever he wanted and falling out with Kaylee would still scare him more.

He was so deep in thought and inner rambling that he jumped at seeing Kaylee observing him from the doorway.

- Hey, he said, approaching her. - You feeling allright?

She was smiling, something that wasn't a rarity in her case, but it still made his head spin. He was right by her, his eyes was peering into hers. He was drowning in those eyes. And it felt like the most natural thing in the 'verse to lean in for a kiss, so he did. She tasted like strawberries. He knew very well there hadn't been any of those on board for a very long time, but she still tasted like strawberries. He heard himself sigh as they parted, which made him blush.

- I.. ah... um... I'd like to examine you.

- Examine me, Kaylee asked, letting out a giggle.

- The baby.... to see if.... you're teasing me, aren't you?

- A little bit, she admitted