Serenity settled itself on Ita Moon, it's engines slowly coming to a halt. Kaylee squealed in excitement, knowing that the small village they landed in was known for it's leather working. She had some very interesting ideas on how to spend the 250 credits she had leftover from the produce job.

Simon knew nothing of her plans, just that she wanted to go planet side on her own for a couple hours and that she'd be back soon. He didn't object, knowing that Jayne would be gone with the rest of the crew, leaving River, Inara, and himself on the ship.

As the mule took off, River turned to her brother and giggled incessantly.

"You're in so much trouble when she gets back!"

"What? Mei mei, I haven't done anything wrong."

"Don't have to do something wrong to be punished." Simon continued to look completely clueless, making River roll her eyes and walk away complaining to herself about how he was such a boob.

Simon turned to Inara who was lost in her own thoughts.

"Do you have any idea what my crazy sister is talking about?"

Inara looked up at him sharply, knocked out of her reverie. "Hmm? Oh, no. Your sister is always content with being cryptic and mysterious with her predictions." She smiled gently and made her way back to her shuttle. Simon failed to notice the slight scent of Mal still clinging to Inara's skin.

He just sighed and went to the wash room, his load of laundry just ending it's dry cycle. He pulled out the clean clothes, bringing them to his bunk. He pulled out a pair of pants, some dark colored boxers and a sweater to wear for the day, then took the closen clothing and a fresh towel to the shower room.

*****

"Ooh! I like these!" Kaylee was alone in a very special leather shop, her hands sliding over a suede set of wristcuffs. They were black suede, lined with soft, tan rabbit fur. She put them in her basket, already brimming with leather straps and metal hooks and clasps.

The woman who ran the store was smiling at Kaylee affectionately. It