simon_doctor | (no subject)

(no subject)

The door out of Milliways is the door into the cargo bay, right now. Simon steps through, followed closely by Zoe and Wash.

It's only a few steps to the intercom. Simon holds down the allcall, and says clearly: "Wash and Zoe are back. Repeat, Wash and Zoe are back."

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"...you know, you only have to say that once." Kaylee's leaning over the railing of the catwalk, grinning. "Unless you think it needs tweakin', in which case -- " And now she's clattering down the stairs. " -- I'll look at it when we don't got people back."

Zoe glances around the cargo bay, her expression mock-serious.

"Well, looks like the ship's still in one piece. This much of it, anyway."

Zoe's still holding Wash's hand; she doesn't let go even now.

But she does take a step forward, grinning and holding out her free arm as Kaylee approaches.

Even when they're docked, the deck plating hums with a barely perceptible vibration of machinery and electronics. Barely perceptible if you haven't spent the last week without it, anyway.

Wash finds himself smiling, unconscious and real. He doesn't let go of Zoe's hand, but his grip loosens, relaxing a little with the rest of him.

God, is it good to be home.

Kaylee's hugging Zoe, and beaming. "All of it. Promise." Beat. "And I'm not in charge any more."

:D!!!!!!!, says Kaylee's face.

"It's good to have you back," says Simon. It's quiet, but heartfelt.

"It's good to be back," Wash answers. He rolls his shoulders, swings both arms in a small arc to stretch them out, and breathes deep.

"So!" he continues once he's done, with an overbrightness that masks his anxiety. "Anybody mind if I get us off this rock, um, now?"

"Not a jot." Kaylee is grinning. "Figure you ought to find everything in order."

"There's consensus," River says, peering around some crates.

What? It's comfortable behind them.

Zoe glances over, and grins again.

"Hey, there. You plannin' t' come out an' say hi at any point?"

"I'll take it under consideration," River says solemnly.

Well, mock-solemnly.

The hi is in her voice and her smile, and it's clear.

Wash snickers.

"Shiny. Then I'll just take it under consideration to go upstairs, maybe repaint the walls and get rid of the lace, and get us moving."

He presses a quick kiss to Zoe's cheek, squeezes Kaylee's shoulder, and gives Simon and River a small wave before clambering up the stairs.

At some point, he's really going to need to get his cane back.

"The glitter is glued on," River informs him cheerfully, when he's halfway up the stairs.

There's no glitter. No lace, either.

But there should be.

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