simon_doctor | (no subject)

(no subject)

They came to an agreement early on: since Kaylee's much busier than Simon right now, even if he helps, and since Simon will be much busier after they've moved, it only makes sense for him to do the bulk of their packing now and for her to do the bulk of the unpacking later.

This means careful documenting and labeling, while he's putting things into boxes; it'll save a lot of trouble in the unpacking, since he might not be there to remember where he put what. In short: making lists.

He's a bit confused by the pair of unfamiliar books he's just come across, though.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"What is it?"

"Nothing," he murmurs. "Just..."

A vague gesture, indicating the room. "It's been a long time."

Kaylee looks around.

"I forgot I hadn't shown this to you." Subdued. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay," he assures her, moving closer again and sliding an arm around her shoulders.

It's as much for his own comfort as for hers, he has to admit if he's being honest.

"You sure?" she asks, slipping her arms around his waist. "You don't look -- was this a surprise?"

"...yes." Soft. "It ... caught me off guard, that's all."

He can't remember the last time he saw that paper parasol. Can't even remember whether or not Kaylee still has it, in storage somewhere.

Her brow furrows. "...okay."

He moves toward the bed, drawing her along, and leans to turn down the quilt.

That dreamlike feeling is back, but it's less disquieting this time; it's almost comforting.

She sits on the foot of the bed, looking up.

"You gonna stay?"

Simon holds out a hand for one of hers, palm up.

Soft: "I was going to ask if you wanted me to."

Kaylee covers his with hers. "'Course."

His fingers curl around hers, and he sits down on the bed next to her.

Murmured: "I still owe you that backrub."

"And I'm lookin' forward to it." With a warm smile.

Simon leans in to kiss the corner of her mouth, lightly.

Very soft: "Lie down?"

On consideration, pausing to take her clothes off seems like a waste of energy.

Kaylee toes off her boots and pulls her feet up on the bed to shift into place. With a long sigh she settles face down, eyes closing.

He shifts into place beside her, his hip warm against the curve of her waist, and starts at her shoulders.

There's no reason his eyes should still be stinging, he tells himself. None.

Without opening her eyes: "Love you."

The thought is clear, and calm, and bleak: You were happier before you married me.

"Love you too, xin gan."

It's a whisper. He can keep a whisper steady.

"Mm." She shifts under his hands. "Still gonna be doin' this for me when we're old and gray?"

"Absolutely."

He's moving down her spine now, expertly finding the knots of tension and kneading them smooth.

"Could do this for a living." Kaylee has a smile in her voice. "If you ever get tired of the other."

"Mm." It's not quite a chuckle, but it sounds pleased. "Rather save it for you."

"Oh, so it's an all-for-me thing?" Kaylee aims a glance at him, and grins.

"All for you," he agrees.

(He's gotten it under control; he can meet her eyes without feeling the tears threaten again.)

"I think I'm okay with that." She lets her head fall back on the pillow. "Can live with it."