The young doctor stuck his head cautiously through the infirmary door, shocked at the scened laid out before him. The Companion, bloodied and disheveled, sat sleeping at the captain's side, head resting on his chest and fingers absently caressing the newly stiched wound as she dreamed. His captain didn't stir, and Simon noticed with some concern that he was still too pale for his liking. Still he stayed frozen in the doorway, unsure of whether he should interrupt the strange scene.

"S'going on?" A warm set of arms encircled him from behind, as Kaylee stood on her tiptoes to look over his shoulder. "Ai ya," she breathed softly, and Simon nodded wordlessly.

"It's cute!" she giggled, before he nudged her pointly in the ribs. "We should let them be though."

"I need to make sure he's stable."

"Can't it wait?" Kaylee kissed his cheek. "Look at that, you don't wanna go spoilin' that now, do ya?"

Simon sighed heavily. "Regretfully bao-bei, I have to. I doubt that either of them would be too pleased with me if I let him die."

The pretty mechanic untangled herself with another quick peck. "You're the best renegade doctor in the 'verse, Simon Tam."

He watched her bounce away with a smile. He thanked the 'verse or whatever higher powers were looking out for him that Kaywinnet Lee Fry was finally a part of his life. She made him feel something that he had never fully felt in his life...happy.

Trying to be as quiet as possible, the doctor crept into the infirmary, stealthily checking the IVs and machines that were hooked into the captain. Checking a readout, he cursed shortly before he ever had a chance to catch himself.

"Simon?" Inara raised her head and blinked groggily. Realizing what a compromising position she was in, she snapped back to full conciousness, hand flying to her mussed hair. The other, Simon noticed with a faint smile, remained locked in Mal's.

"I'm sorry-" she began, but he cut her off with a wave of his hand.

"It's fine." he said, hoping his voice didn't betray him.

"How is he?"