"You gave us all a fright, little one." Mal stood next to River. He felt the urge to hold her hand like he would do for Kaylee, but he held back.

Her smile was slow and lazy. "Stomach wound, dangerous. Simon fixed me, he always fixes me."

Simon smiled. "That's right, mei, mei." Then his expression grew dark. "I prefer to you stay fixed now, okay. I don't know if my heart can take another scare like that."

"Always the worrier." River held her brother's hand.

"He may be, but as the Captain on this ship I order people to stop getting shot. Or getting knocked unconscious. Or stabbed. Or scraped. Or kidnapped. Or tortured. Or…"

Kaylee approached Mal and wrapped her arms around his arm. "I think we get the idea, Cap'n." Everyone chuckled.

He looked down at her and smiled. He gave her a soft kiss on the forehead and she rested her head against his shoulder.

"Good, just so long as we're clear. I want the doctor to be bored."

Simon smirked and then winked at Kaylee.

"I'm sure the little albatross needs her rest. Being shot takes a lot out of ya."

River's eyes were already drooping.

Everyone, even the good doctor left River to her rest. Zoe entered the infirmary quietly. She sat on the far side of the room and watched as River slept. After a few minutes River turned toward her and opened her eyes.

"A simple equation of death and loss and pain. No parent should out live their child."

"Thank you, River, for saving me and my baby girl."

River smiled, her eyes drooping slightly. "Pragmatic solution." Then she was asleep.

Simon didn't even bother to change. He crawled into his own bed for the first time in weeks. He hadn't wanted to wake Kaylee by crawling in with her and he wasn't sure if he could make it down the ladder without killing himself he was so tired. Being held hostage, fixing his sister, giving her blood and the monitoring her for the following twelve hours had taken everything he had.

He tossed his arm over his eyes and waited for sleep to take him.

"Simon?" It was Kaylee.

"Hmm?"

He felt her weight on the bed. She was taking off his shoes. She massaged his feet slightly as she pulled off his socks. He couldn't move as she slid up his body. He wished he had the energy to make love to her but he couldn't do anything but lie there.

"You're such a good man, Simon Tam," she whispered curling in against him.

He adjusted to her warmth, shifting and draping his arm over her, pulling her close. She made a pleasant noise to let him know she was comfortable. She smelled like engine grease. Her hair felt like silk against his cheek. His eyes and limbs grew heavy. He was drifting far away holding on to his beloved Kaylee.

"I love you," he murmured.

Kaylee's eyes popped open. "What?" she gasped.

She was answered by Simon's snores.

"What is that smell?" Jayne was wandering through the corridors following his nose.

"Jayne, what in the ruttin' hell are you doing?" Zoe raised an eyebrow as she watched him sniffing the air.

"You can't smell that?" he snapped. "It smells like food."

Zoe took a reluctant sniff of the air. "I'll be damned." She headed for the kitchen with Jayne close behind where they found Coral at the stove cooking fresh eggs.

Coral smiled. "I thought y'all could use a decent meal after the day you had yesterday."

"Mighty thoughtful," Jayne grunted. He loomed over her shoulder and the food.

"I thought maybe I was still dreamin'," Mal said strutting into the kitchen. "How'd you get in here anyhow?"

"Your mechanic let me in about an hour ago. Never did catch her name. She kept mutterin' and shakin' her socket wrench."

"Has anyone looked in on River?" Mal asked.

"About twenty minutes ago; she was still sleeping," Zoe replied. She didn't mention that she had woken up there herself. She had a hitch in her neck from sleeping in the sitting up position all night long.

"We should keep an eye on her and let the good doctor rest. He had a long day yesterday," Mal instructed.

"Breakfast is…woe!" Coral nearly fell over from Jayne pushing in toward the food with his plate ready.

"Sorry, that one has no manners." Mal steadied Coral until she was secure on her own two feet.

Coral chuckled and everyone lined up for grub. Mal headed toward the engine room until he heard two female voices carrying down the hall.

"Inara, you're actin' strange," Kaylee said.

"I'm not the one who's been in the engine room since before dawn," Inara argued.

"Simon didn't tell you that he loved you and then fall asleep, did he?" Kaylee barked.

"Maybe not, but Mal didn't…" she trailed off.

Mal smirked.

"Didn't what, Inara?" He could hear the curiosity in her voice.

"Nothing."

"Did something happen between you and the Captain?"

Silence. That sounded like his cue. Mal tromped forward. "Kaylee, you in there, girl?" he announced his presence.

"Hi, Cap'n," Kaylee beamed.

Mal's eyes drifted over to Inara. "Good morning, Inara," he greeted.

"Good morning," she replied formally.

He leaned in the doorway and filled the exit. "It seems Coral came this morning bearing gifts of the breakfast variety. Better get some before Jayne eats the entire kitchen."

"Oh," Kaylee ducked under the Captain's arm and hurried for the kitchen.

Inara stood frozen to her spot.

"Funny I can't recall a time I've ever seen you in the engine room." Mal studied her. She was back in one of her gold, formal dresses.

"I've been in here a few times," she replied.

His eyes traced over her. "You definitely don't look like you belong."

She squirmed under his intense gaze. "Aren't you concerned about getting breakfast for yourself," she asked.

"What about you?" he redirected.

"I'm not hungry."

"You sure? She's got real eggs and green peppers, I think. It's been so long since I seen one."

"I'm fine, thank you," she said curtly.

"Suit yourself." He turned around and walked away.

Inara stared after him feeling herself lose her calm. She took a deep breath and headed back toward her shuttle. She didn't feel like company.

Simon awoke to a strange smell. His eyes fluttered open. That had been the best night's sleep he had gotten for some time. He looked around to find a plate of what looked like real scrambled eggs and toast on a plate by his bed. He sat up stretching his sore muscles. He picked up the plate and tasted the food cautiously. He quickly discovered that they were the real thing and began to eat heartily.

Half way through his meal there was a knock on his door. "Yeah?"

Kaylee entered, closing the door behind her. "Hi," she said.

"Hi," he replied wondering why things felt awkward between them.

"Is it good?" Her eyes fell to his plate.

"It's great. Thank you for setting some aside for me."

She smiled. "Of course. It was a might tricky too, Jayne tried to grab it away."

Simon chuckled. "Then I owe you."

Kaylee's smile wavered.

"Are you okay?" He set his plate aside.

"Shiny! Why?" Her happiness seemed forced.

"No reason, you just seem a little…did I do something…bad?" he asked.

"Nah! Nothing." She sat down next to him. "You were pretty tired last night, huh?"

"Exhausted, I barely remember you coming to bed. I would've come to yours but it seemed so far away and I could barely move, plus I didn't want to you."

"It's okay." She didn't want to tell him that she hadn't been able to sleep until she was wrapped in his arms. She had gotten used to him lying next to her, waking up and seeing his face, kissing him.

"I'm glad you came to me, although I was disappointed you weren't here when I woke up." He leaned toward her to kiss her.

She pulled back and regretted it instantly. "I had a lot of work to do on Serenity." She stood up. "I should get back to it before the Captain goes lookin' for me." Then she was gone.

Simon sighed and raked his fingers through his hair. He couldn't think what he had done between last night and this morning, but it wasn't good.

Jayne looked both ways before entering the infirmary. She quietly stepped inside. River's head turned toward him. He froze and then approached her bedside.

"Here." He thrusted a plate of breakfast at her.

River managed to sit half way up and take the plate. She gave him a big grin.

Jayne scratched the back of his head and looked around the room. "There's an extra roll there too, since you're so fond of stealin' mine," he grunted.

River looked toward the door. "They're coming."

He looked from her to the door and back at her.

"Go, unless you want people to know," she warned.

"People to know what?" he snarled.

"That you were nice to me."

Without another word Jayne bolted from the infirmary and a few moments later Simon and Mal entered. They looked down at their hands full of food and drink for her while she ate from her own.

"Good morning, River," Simon greeted.

"Eggs, Simon!" She grinned.

He smiled back at her. "You're feeling better I see."

"Who brought the food, little one?" Mal asked setting his plate down.

She shoved a roll into her mouth and shrugged.

"You don't know?" He crossed his arms over his chest, studying her intently.

River continued to eat in silence.

"Well, doc, if everything is in order, I'm meetin' Coral back in the kitchen."

"If you need an extra man," Simon started.

"Nonsense. Who's gonna patch us up when we get back from his job. Last time I saw this guy he took my ear and killed me."

Simon stiffened. "Try not to do that again, if you can manage it."

"If I can manage." Mal headed out of the infirmary and toward the kitchen. He saw Jayne headed for his bunk. "Jayne! Kitchen."

Mal slowed his pace when he saw Inara and Coral talking animatedly at the table. Inara had a nearly empty plate in front of her and was drinking cider.

"Got hungry?" he asked entering the kitchen.

"Coral's cooking smelled so good I found my appetite."

"Excellent, why don't you finish up in your shuttle," Mal ordered.

"We talked about his last night. I'm coming with you and Coral here thinks it's a great idea."

Coral looked between the two of them.

"Coral, ain't the gorram Captain of this ship."

Inara stood up and approached Mal. "You need me whether you're willing to admit it or not. I can be of some use."

Mal's eyes narrowed. "Listen here you haired brain woman, you are not coming and that's final."

Inara started in again just as Jayne entered. He sat down next to Coral. "Did I miss anything?" he asked.

Coral looked over at him. "Are they married?" she asked curiously.

"Them? Nah, they just like ter yell at each other."

Coral smirked. "This is pretty normal?"

"This isn't even one of their better ones. It's always best when Mal starts yelling and flailing 'round a bit."

Mal was now yelling in Chinese and he was walking toward Inara as she stepped backwards.

"Now it's gettin' good," Jayne said pointing.

Coral turned her attention to the couple. "Things seem pretty…" Coral tilted her head.

"Hot?" Jayne put in.

"Exactly," Coral watched as Inara bumped into the table giving Mal the opportunity to close in on her. He towered over her and his glare would make anyone feel small. "How long do they carry on?"

"As long as they can keep finding things to argue about." Jayne leaned back in his chair. "Lately they seem to be able to find a lot."

"How many times are we going to have this argument?" Inara snapped.

"As many times as it takes for you to realize that I'm the Captain of this boat and you ain't goin' on this job unless everyone on Serenity dies, because you're pretty much the last to inherit Captainship," Mal yelled.

"River gets to be Captain before me?" she asked crossing her arms over her chest.

"Now you're upset about the line of succession. River, crazy as she is, seems to be less crazy than you."

Inara sighed. "Crazy? You wanna talk crazy…"

Mal interrupted, "Are you upset about me kissin' you last night, is that what this is about?"

There was a gasp and Inara and Mal turned away from each other to find that the entire crew and guest were watching their fight. Mal covered his face with his hand and Inara stared at the floor. Mal hadn't meant to say it but he was getting so angry.

Everyone was grinning and smirking as Mal and Inara tried to save face.

"All right Jayne, Coral and Zoe I want you to sit down at this table. Kaylee, I want you in the engine room fixin' something. Doc, check on your sister. Inara, I don't care where you go as long as it's far away from here."

Inara hesitated and finally did as she was told. She pushed passed Zoe and Kaylee.

"Now!" Mal barked.

Everyone did as they were told and Mal sat down next to Zoe.

"Kaylee?" Simon stepped inside the engine room.

"Hi, Simon," she said cheerfully.

"Did you bring River her breakfast?"

Kaylee shook her head. "She was still sleepin' last I knew."

"Oh, okay." He leaned in the doorway and looked her over. Her face was already smudged with grease and her hair was up with tendrils licking her cheeks. She turned away from him and started busing her self with something. "Kaylee, I can't help but think that I've done something to upset you."

"No, silly, what could you have done?" She didn't look at him.

"Kaylee?" He stepped into the room.

"Careful you don't want to get anything on that nice shirt of yours," she muttered keeping her eyes on the engine.

"Kaylee." He reached for her pulling her so she's have to look at him. "Talk to me."

"Did you mean it?" she burst out.

Simon tilted his head. "Mean what?"

"What you said last night?"

Simon tried to remember all of his conversations with Kaylee last night. He had barely spoken when she came to bed. "What did I say last night?"

"You don't know?"

Simon's brow furrowed. "I…"

He saw the hurt in her eyes. "Kaylee, what did I say?"

"It's not important." She pulled away from him.

Simon, not knowing what else to do, headed for the door. "Son of a bitch," he muttered. "I said it, didn't I?" He turned around.

Kaylee peered up at him.

"I told you that I…" he stopped. He let out a long sigh. "This is why I don't…I can never seem to get a gorram thing right." He charged over to Kaylee with purpose. He whisked her into his arms and stared into her shimmering eyes. "Kaylee, I've never…you're…"

"Simon, you make this so much…"

"I love you, Kaylee."

Tears threatened to spill and her lip trembled. "Really?"

"With all of my heart." He leaned his forehead against hers.

"You do some things right." She kissed him.

Inara paced in her shuttle fuming with anger. "That arrogant," she muttered the rest in Chinese. She tired to take a calming breath. It didn't help. She walked over to her storage compartment and opened it looking for something. She froze. She carefully turned her attention to the compartment itself and not her items inside. A moment later she opened her shuttle door and peered out to the left at the other shuttle.

"Inara, I just wanted to…what are you doin'?" Mal's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"I'm not allowed to leave my shuttle now?" she snapped turning her focus on him. "Shouldn't you be planning crime?"

"Done. Easy enough. I just came to say I'm sorry about…" He seemed to lose his train of thought.

Inara's eyes narrowed. "Sorry about the kiss or sorry about telling everyone about it?"

Mal's gaze grew darker. "I don't know what the ruttin' hell I'm doin' anymore. Every time I get 'round you, I can't decide whether I want to choke the life out of you or…" he trailed off.

Inara studied him for a minute. "That's the problem isn't it?"

Mal tilted his head and crossed his arms over his chest. "I'm a whore, it doesn't matter if I haven't in months…or that I won't ever lead the life of a companion again…I'm a whore."

Mal flinched. "You're not…I never said…it was your job and now…"

"Don't worry about it, Captain," she snapped. "I understand now." She turned around and stormed back into her shuttle closing and locking the doors behind her.

Mal stood there dumbfounded trying to figure out where the hell he went wrong.

The next morning, Mal stood in front of his crew. "We'll be back in four hours. Any questions?" Mal's eyes flickered up to Inara's shuttle. He hadn't seen her since their argument right outside those doors. He hadn't the courage to go up there and tell her what he had really been thinking.

"Yeah, where would you like to be buried?" Simon asked. "Isn't this mission a little more risky than usual?"

"I appreciate the concern, doc, but we'll manage. We'll be in and out. It's a solid plan."

"I'll have the infirmary prepped just in case."

Mal nodded not wanting to talk or think about it anymore. He was still healing from his beating from the Operative.

"Zoe, prep the shuttle," he ordered.

Everyone departed.

Mal, Coral, Jayne and Zoe seemed to be holding their breath as they made there bumpy landing onto the moon. The shuttle quaked with the reentry force. Mal was standing, looking around the shuttle. He swore he heard something. He shook it off and turned his attention onto Zoe's driving.

They hit a large bump right before landing. There was the sound of something popping and the next thing he knew Inara was sprawled out on top of him and the large storage compartment was hanging open.

"This was not part of the plan," he growled.

Simon and Kaylee tucked River into her own bed. She quickly drifted off to sleep. Simon closed the door to River's room and they headed to the infirmary to set up just in case. They turned the corner and came face to face with anolder man with white hair and squinting eyes. He was standing in front of six armed men.

"Hello, Serenity crew members. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Adiele Niska." He smoothed his suit jacket. "Where is Malcolm Reynolds?"

To Be Continued...