Hello. Iverik here. Just a reminder: This story uses characters created by someone other than me.
Facing the Black
"Aachoo!" Kaylee sniffled.
"Very brave," River said, hanging upside-down from the bunk's ladder, "sacrificed herself to save the crew." Kaylee smiled at the notion of her sacrificing herself. River sighed. "Comfort. Health. Hair," she said, as if instructing a somewhat slow child.
Kaylee fingered her hair. It had been cut rather short by Inara before she left. Adhesives designed to patch spaceships simply did not let go.
"Do you think Simon likes it?"
River beamed. "Simon likes everything about you."
"Really?"
"Sure. Even when he's being a boob."
They shared a laugh.
Inara returned several days later. Kaylee was at her door immediately. When Inara stepped out, she held no flower. "Your hair looks nice," she said.
"Um, thanks..." Kaylee struggled to keep the disappointment out of her voice. Suddenly, Inara gave her a stage wink and held up a finger in the classic "wait" gesture. Kaylee's hopes soared.
It seemed to take forever for Inara to say hello to Simon and River. A slow hour passed, and then another. Twice Kaylee's feet took her near the shuttle, only to have her conscience drive her away.
It was after dinner. At long last, it was time. Kaylee was practically bouncing with excitement. Inara hid a grin as she ushered Kaylee into her shuttle. Kaylee stopped short. "Ohhhhhhhhhh!"
The shuttle was home to a mound of flowers. Kaylee eagerly ran over to them, examining them in awe.
"My last client was rather affectionate," Inara explained, "as you can see."
"They're so beautiful..."
"See any Simon would like?"
"I'm looking." Kaylee's eyes roved over the wondrous array of flowers.
"Just remember that some of these flowers may have additional meanings to Simon. Osirans are famous for their flower-messages. I think he'd appreciate a gentle scent..." Inara droned on.
"This one. It's perfect." Kaylee scooped up an intricate red blossom.
"Excellent. I promised to bring most of these to Petaline, but the absence of one or two flowers will hardly be missed..."
In her bunk, Kaylee admired the flower. For a moment, she hesitated. 'Maybe I should keep this'n for myself," she thought. It was the most beautiful flower she'd ever seen. But then, Simon was the most beautiful man she'd ever seen, and had given such a nice present.
With only the slightest of sighs, her mind was made up. It was almost her shift.
Smiling nervously, Kaylee stepped onto the bridge. "Evening," she said.
"Wha-? Oh. Kaylee. Hi." Simon smiled as awkwardly as usual.
"I gotcha somethin'." Kaylee smiled, almost awkwardly.
"What is it?"
"Close your eyes." As Simon did, Kaylee brought the flower out from behind her back. Holding it close to his face, she told him to open his eyes.
Simon gasped. He looked at the flower, then at Kaylee, and then back again.
"It's beautiful," he stammered. He stood up. And then he kissed her passionately. Kaylee's eyes widened at its intensity- then closed as she melted into it.