(no subject)

[simon_doctor]

Simon and Kaylee Tam are at a corner booth, with a late dinner.

Concentrating on studying has been ... difficult, over the past few days.

Comments

[gonna_live]

Her eyes are on him. Have been on him.

Now Kaylee touches the back of his hand, lightly, and then covers it, curling her fingers around so the tips press against his palm.

[simon_doctor]

His hand curls around her fingers.




"I should get back to work," he says softly, but makes no move to get up.

[gonna_live]

Her gaze is clear, and warm, and worried. "I want you to know I'm bein' good and not tryin' to convince you that a night off might help."

[simon_doctor]

That gets a smile; wan, but genuine.

"I appreciate it, xin gan."

[gonna_live]

For a moment she looks wistful -- but she won't.

Instead Kaylee resolves to come up with some decent kind of surprise for him when this is all over with.

Meanwhile: "And if you're gonna get back to work...reckon I should start."

[simon_doctor]

He pushes his chair back, gets to his feet with an unconscious sigh, and steps around the table to offer Kaylee his arm as she rises.

[gonna_live]

It wasn't so very long ago that Kaylee actually needed to hold on so she wouldn't lose her balance. She doesn't need to hold on now -- but needing to and wanting to are two very different things.

It makes her smile, and as she slips her arm in his, she looks up and says, "I can give you a back rub before bed, if you want." And with just a hint of solemnity: "All that hunchin' over is bad for your back."

[simon_doctor]

"Repetitive strain injury," he murmurs, half-automatic, half-joking.

And smiles at her again as they start towards the door. "That would be wonderful. Xiexie ni."

[gonna_live]

She can't fix everything, and she can't take care of River or Mal or Kitty like she

(should)

wants to, and she can't even necessarily make anything easier for them.

But she can take care of Simon.

Kaylee rests her head against his shoulder for just a moment as they walk.

(What she's feeling now isn't contentment. It isn't anywhere close.

But it's not fear, either. And after the last couple of months -- that's saying a whole hell of a lot.)