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

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."

And -- it helps, to hear her say that; the strange dreamlike sadness recedes further.

She's happy to be with you. She is.

Simon bends closer and drops a kiss between her shoulder blades, as he finishes the backrub. "Better?"

"Loads." The word comes out as a sigh. "I'll be nice in the mornin'. 'F that's okay."

"Dangran."

Absently, much more lightly, one hand is still stroking her back.

"Sleep well, ai ren."

"You gonna stay?"

He never actually answered, the first time.

"Yes," he murmurs. "I'm gonna stay."

Kaylee shifts a little, turning on her side to face him, reaching out to touch his cheek.

He turns in toward her, bends close and slides both arms around her, gathering her into a gentle hug.

She lets her head fall against his.

Mumbled: "Don't go nowhere."

He closes his eyes.

"I won't."

"This 's nice." Even more mumbled than before.

"Mm-hm."

He's starting to feel a little sleepy himself.

"I'm glad I came."

"Be gladder -- "

A massive yawn.

" -- in the mornin'."

Simon can't quite suppress a chuckle at that.

And then an echoing yawn.

"...if I'm going to sleep, I should at least take my shoes off."

Kaylee starts to giggle.

"What?"