Disclaimer: Firefly is the best gorram show ever to air in this part of the 'verse. It belongs to Joss Whedon.

The now of this story is about 6-7 years after "Objects in Space"

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Hope.

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NOW. TONIGHT.

Her head feels heavy against his chest, the weight pressing the clips of his suspenders into the muscle beneath. But she looks so beautiful, so peaceful, he doesn't have the heart to wake her. Holding her and watching her sleep is one of his greatest delights. He tries to shift into a more comfortable position and the movement makes her stir. Her eyelids flutter and the rhythm of her breathing changes. Mal freezes and holds his breath. Then she sighs and nestles further into the crook of his arm, her long dark curls tickling his skin. He tightens his embrace around her and drops a kiss onto the top of her head, still amazed by how much he loves her.

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SIX YEARS EARLIER.

Zoe carefully buttons up her shirt as Simon puts his stethoscope away. She is unusually quiet, even for Zoe.

“Thank you, Doctor,” she says, slipping down from the exam table. She's about to leave the infirmary when she turns back to look at him. She seems to want to say something but quite doesn't know how.

“It's all right, Zoe,” Simon says softly, understanding her hesitation. “I'm your physician. This consultation will remain confidential.”

She drops her solemn gaze to the floor and nods once in acknowledgment of the promise. “Thank you, Doctor.”

* * * * * * * *

“Gorramit, Zoe!” Mal exclaims. “Have you been listenin' to a single word of what I've been sayin'”

It's been another hard day when yet again the job didn't go smooth and Mal is feeling more than a mite tetchified.

“Sorry, Sir,” Zoe says placidly. “Wash and I were having a personal conversation...” She trails off at the thunderous look the Captain shoots her.

“See? See?! This is exactly what I didn't want. Split loyalties. You not listenin' to me.” He tosses a quick glare at Wash. “Where's th