Disclainer: Ain't mine, no pay.

Thanks: To Jacqui for beating my commas into submission and to Rion for the best ideas.

Rating: This section is a wholesome G - it goes downhill from here.

Feedback: Oh yes, kind readers. I grovel nicely, do tricks even. Praise or gripe, it's appreciated, especially if you like a particular bit.

The Birthday Gift

Kaylee wasn’t her usual cheerful, playful self. Inara was the first one to notice. The little mechanic had been subdued during meals and was spending more than the usual amount of time alone, back in Serenity’s engine room, alternately tweaking the ship’s systems and reading in her hammock.

Jayne was, well, just Jayne, a merc on standby, by turns restless, funny and abrasive. When Kaylee got quiet and began to keep to herself, he figured that maybe she needed some space or was going through some sort of ‘female thing’ and decided to leave her alone for awhile.

After several days, concerned by the girl’s withdrawl, Inara finally decided it was time to check on Kaylee. From a cache of treats in her shuttle, she put together a small basket that gave off a delicious fragrance of fruit and chocolate, then gracefully made her way through Serenity’s corridors back to the engine room.

She knocked softly at the open hatchway and asked, “May I come in?”

Kaylee, all curled up in her hammock, looked up from the book she’d been reading.

“Oh, hey, ‘Nara.” Her voice sounded sad and she looked like she might have been crying, not her usual sunny, shiny self at all.

“We’ve missed you, mei-mei. I thought something yummy might help cheer you up.” Inara handed her the basket, but Kaylee didn’t even lift the embroidered napkin to see what goodies were underneath.

“Thanks.” Kaylee’s voice was soft and solemn.

This was certainly not the bubbly girl Inara knew and she asked. “Mei-mei, are you sick? You need to let Simon know if you are.”

Kaylee shook her head. “That ain’t it.” She sniffled softly.

“Did Ja