"Simon."

Uh-oh. Busted. Simon froze at the sound of Inara's voice and slowly turned around, praying that Kaylee wasn't with her. He was relieved to see that the Companion was alone. "Hi, Inara. I was just heading back to the ship."

Inara gave him a knowing smile as she glanced at the shop he had just emerged from. "You got a present for Kaylee." It was a statement, not a question.

"Uh, yeah." Simon admitted, sure that his face was turning the same shade of crimson as Inara's lips and fingernails. "Just a little something to let her know I'm thinking about her when we're not together. Not that we aren't together most of the time, or-"

"She already told me that you two haven't had sex in three days." Inara cut off his rambling.

"She tells you that kind of thing?" Simon asked.

Inara laughed. "Don't look so surprised, she tells me a lot of things. Like you never tell Mal or Jayne anything."

Simon waited for a moment, just long enough for her to realize what she'd just said. "Are you feeling all right, Inara? Have you hit your head, maybe?"

"Not funny." Inara told him, although she was on the verge of laughing herself. Simon would probably kiss and tell to her, or even River, before he'd say anything to Mal or Jayne.

"No, I'm really very concerned." Simon teased. "Do you have a fever?"

"Now you know how the rest of us feel when you say something foolish." Inara pointed out, winking at him. "Why don't you go find Kaylee? I'll see if I can't keep Mal and the others occupied."

__________________

Inara's plan to keep Mal distracted, whatever it was, didn't work. Their latest job, as well as it had gone, had required the efforts of the entire crew, before and after. The payoff had been enormous, and as a result they'd been able to stock up on much needed supplies, including food, engine parts, and medical supplies. Simon was especially grateful for that last part.

Still, despite the positive outcome, he couldn't help but feel a little resentful of the lack of quality time he'd had wit