Sorry for the delay ... life and all that other "reality" junk got in the way of my writing time. Enjoy and don't forget to leave feedback ...

***

Inara’s shuttle wasn’t particularly well hidden, but it was registered legally and that immediately spared it from any unwanted attention. The three of them getting back to it wasn’t the problem; deciding what to do next was.

Simon had fallen, more than sat on Inara’s bed once they were inside, the exertion from walking such a far distance with shaky balance and a bruised head taking more out of him then he wanted to admit. Kaylee helped him lay back, removing his shoes and trying to situate him comfortably. Noticing the cut on his head had again started to bleed she left him for a moment and then returned to his side with a basin of water and a rag.

Simon was groggy and nearly passed out again. Kaylee gently pushed him into a semi-sitting position and wedged herself between the head of the bed and his back, placing the wet rag against the injured skin. Slowly, she pulled him back against her, her arm resting lightly on his chest and her cheek pressed to the top of his head. She whispered to him, things he couldn’t understand, but it was soothing nonetheless. And the feel of the damp cloth against his skin felt wonderful.

Simon closed his eyes and rested there for a moment, delighting in the soft touch of Kaylee’s hand resting over his heart; the feel of her breath in his hair as she tried to comfort him. Barely realizing what he was doing, Simon reached his own hand up to cover hers and he squeezed her fingers gently as a form of thanks. Liking the way it felt, Simon kept his hand over hers and she didn’t protest.

Inara came from the shuttle’s cockpit sure that they hadn’t been followed or spotted. The sight in front of her brought tears to her eyes. Kaylee sat with her back to the shuttle’s wall one leg curled under her and the other stretched out beside Simon’s sleeping form. Rocking him gently, Kaylee had wrapped an arm around h