Disclaimers: Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy own all characters. I make no profit, but feedback is a wonderful form of payment.

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Goodbyes

After Mal made his announcement, stating clearly that he was the only one staying behind with Serenity, Simon glanced over at Kaylee. She had attempted to argue with Mal, to no avail. She looked so sad, and he knew she not only blamed herself for their predicament but also for Zoë's condition, even though no one blamed her. He had observed Wash, taking a moment before Mal gave his final orders to hug the mechanic and whisper reassurances in her ear.

Once they were dismissed, the doctor leaned over to River and said, "Please go back to your room. I'll be there soon. You should grab a few things that you wish to take with you. I have something I really need to do before we leave." His eyes darted away briefly to watch Kaylee leave to go pack a few of her things.

"Don't be a dolt," River sighed, a welcomed smirk on her lips. She could have said many things but teasing her brother about his conflicted feelings always amused her and tickled her fancy.

"Don't worry about me, mei mei," Simon answered and ran down the hall towards Kaylee's bunk. He caught sight of her just as she was opening her door and called out to her, quickly closing the distance between them. "Kaylee! Kaylee, wait a minute!"

The mechanic looked back at Simon and managed to offer him a smile, but it could not hide the sorrow and remorse in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Simon."

"Sorry? For what? You didn't do anything wrong."

"For Serenity's hiccup. For hurting Zoë. For ruining your…"

Simon placed a finger across her lips to silence her unnecessary apology. "Don’t say it."

"But…but," she stammered, her lips quivering beneath his finger, "you didn't getta try none of your birthday cake."

"It looked delicious, and you sure surprised me. You know that as soon as all nine of us reconvene, I'm going to insist that you bake me another