Disclaimer: I do not own Buffy or Firefly. They are property of Joss Weadon and Fox. Just borrowing them :) Sorry for the delay, I have been focused on beta work and a few other stories.

After our brief kiss, exhaustion set in and Mal let me sleep in his cot. I could feel him watching over me as I drifted to sleep and it felt comforting. First time, since I slept with Spike the night my family threw me out of my house that I slept in peace.

Arguing is what woke me. I could hear Mal's angry whisper and through my sleepy haze identified the other voice as Simon. I cracked open my eyes and could see the two of them in a heated argument. "You both realize, you are not as quiet as you think." My voice caused both of them to stop and turn toward me.

"Bao Bei, sorry the rude Doctor woke you." Mal shot Simon a heated look which made me laugh.

"Miss me already Simon?" I couldn't help but tease him.

Simon looked flustered and the twinkle of amusement was back in Mal s eyes. "Yes well, you shouldn't of left med lab already."

I made a face at him. "I'm fine, just a bit tired."

"I should look you over, as climbing down here might have pulled your stitches." He really was concerned and it was sweet ,but no way.

"I'm fine Simon." I stood up from the cot, a little stiff but feeling much better. 'Gotta love slayer healing.' "You just want to get me naked." Simon blushed furiously and mumbled something before leaving Mal's room.

As soon as Simon was gone, Mal burst out laughing. "I enjoy watchin you make the young doc squirm. Nice change from me tormentin him."

I laugh a little then stretch a bit to see how healed I really am. "Happy to help." I gave him a wink. "I'm going to head to my quarters and get cleaned up."

A flash of disappointment passed over his face, but was gone so quickly I questioned if I really saw it. "Course, will check on you later." I bravely walked over to him, giving him a quick kiss on the lips before leaving. Climbing down to my bunk and went straight to shower. I pulled off the clothes and could see the wound had already healed up, a new pink scar to my collection. As I cleaned up and got dressed, my thoughts drifted to Mal and those two brief kisses.

I decided to stay in my quarters and keep to myself today. It would raise far too many red flags if I was up and about with the crew that quick after being shot. I heard a tap on my hatch and River popped her head down. I laughed. "Come in River." She grinned and jumping down, pulling the hatch closed behind her. She sat down beside me on my cot. She hadn't said a word, just was sitting beside me. "Miss me?"

She smiled and tilted her head staring at me. "You worried me."

"You know you and I can handle ourselves." I gave her a small smile. "Besides, somebody had to keep an eye on the Captain."

She gave me a sly smile. "You like him."

I was surprised, though I know I shouldn't be by her insight. "Yes, he I feel good with him. Safe."

River nodded. "He does that, keeps crew safe. Simon doesn't think so."

I laughed. "Well, your brother is overprotective." She laughed with me. "He has good reason." I ran my hand over her hair.

"Yes, he is scared. Doesn't know how to keep me safe..." River's voice was pained.

I silently agreed. "He doesn't know there is nothing to keep us safe, but us." River looked at me surprised by my words. I think she was happy someone finally understood her. "We will get things back the way they should."

River nodded, leaning back against the wall. "You hidin down here?"

I nodded. "Besides you and Mal, the crew would wonder why I was up and around already. Already had a run in with your brother."

Her eyes were wide. "Captain knows?"

"Yes, I told him about me last night, he deserved to at this point. We can trust him." I smiled at her.

"Everything will happen soon." River was staring off in a daze and I knew she had a slayer dream. I hadn't had one since I was here and wondered if it was because I really wasn't supposed to be here. "River?" She turned to look at me and I could see the fear in her eyes.

"They are coming. They will find us. No longer just me but you..." She looked concerned, scared.

"It's alright River, what have you seen?" I wanted to reassure her but slayer dreams were tricky. I needed to know it all.

"A man will come for me. Take me to alliance. They want the secret." River looked at me, her eyes innocent but were wise beyond her years.

"Secret?" I was lost, her words too cryptic. She shrugged and I knew that was all she knew. "Ok no worries, we will figure it out together."

She smiled, snuggling up against me and fell asleep. She reminded me of Dawn. It was comforting to have her here with me. I was fearful of what was coming. A man not a demon or vampire was coming and I am not a killer, but I will not let them harm her.