Chapter 10

“He said all that?” Kaylee’s eyes held a disbelieving wonder as she hung on Inara’s every word.

“Word for word, mei mei.”

Kaylee buried her head in her hands. “Simon finally says somethin’ all poetical an I’m not there ta even hear it.”

Inara stood and took Kaylee’s hand. “Why don’t you come to my shuttle, get cleaned up and go see Simon. I’m – sure he could use your company right now. He was pretty upset when he walked out.”

“Prolly doesn’t even want to see me.”

“I’m fairly certain he does.”

Kaylee shrugged uncertainly at Inara but slipped out of the hammock anyway, her wish to put things right with Simon warring with her desire to slink into the darkest corner and do nothing but cry.

The two said very little as they made their way to Inara’s shuttle. The older woman slid the door open slowly, quietly and invited Kaylee to precede her.

When Kaylee stepped around the curtain hiding the door from the rest of the interior, her heart fluttered and she inhaled sharply.

Simon lay awkwardly on the couch, sound asleep, one arm thrown over his eyes, the other draped at his waist.

Kaylee turned to Inara, who simply smiled, her eyes dancing.

“I’ll be in the passenger dorms,” Inara whispered as she trailed the back of her hand down Kaylee’s damp cheek. “Stay here tonight. Work it out. He loves you.”

Kaylee bit her bottom lip and nodded, tears filling her eyes. She hugged Inara tightly and whispered, “I know.” Kaylee stood unmoving until Inara left, closing the door securely behind her. She stared at Simon for a long moment before walking to his side and kneeling beside the plush couch. As she stared down at him, she could see the barely visible streaks on his cheek. She reached out to brush her finger over one pale line, her heart twisting.

As soon as he felt her finger, Simon’s eyes snapped open. He sat up swiftly, blinking sleep out of his eyes. His heart lurched at the sight of Kaylee, red eyed and kneeling beside him. He looked around quickly, hoping Inara was now