Chapter 32: Say You'll Stay
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The siblings returned to the infirmary to continue their endless running of tests. Not that that made Oz angry. No he wish—, well he hoped that Simon could find a way to make his sister better. He just thought it would have been better had it not involved needles and medicine.
Psychics need barriers to get better, at least ones who haven't been dissected did. He was trying to get her to develop shields. But it was like her ability to do so had been ripped away. She could use his though, that was something. Just not enough, especially when he had to leave soon.
"Thinking about River?" Kaylee asked popping up from underneath the engine.
"Uh?" Oz looked down at the grease smudged face of the mechanic.
"You have the look." Kaylee grabbed a wrench before sliding back under the turning engine.
"The look?" Oz asked.
"The look that Wash gets whenever Zoe and Mal get work and he has to stay and pilot the ship. So I'm thinking you've got River on the mind unless you got a girl on White Marsh." Kaylee paused, "You don't right?"
Oz smirked, "Right."
"You're good for River, you know. I've never seen her this calm… in ever. But what will happen when you go?" The clanking from beneath the engine stopped for the moment, and Kaylee emerged again.
"I don't know." Oz replied. "She'll still have Simon."
"That's true, I guess… but I'll miss you too." Kaylee said sitting up.
"Ditto." Oz said.
"I mean it's been so nice to have someone my own age to talk to." Kaylee paused, "Well talk to as a friend and do friend things." Kaylee fingered the pink streaks that still shined through her hair. "Couldn't you stay here forever?"
Oz gave a sad frown, "Kaylee."
Kaylee got up from the floor and sat next to Oz, "Is there any way I can talk you into staying?"
Oz shook his head, "No. "
"Could you at least let me try?"
"Yea."