"The Di Yu Huo Sai Ma," Simon gasped as he glanced back toward the cargo bay, as the reasoning she was on the ship manifested in his mind. "Is Jameson going to attempt to ride-"

"Why not?" Kaylee interrupted as she continued to drag him down the hallway, away from Jameson's and Jayne's prying eyes, hoping to give them some private time to talk. "Think it's mighty sweet of her," she continued her voice light and airy, full of hope. "Helpin' her pa 'n all."

"The race isn't safe for her to ride, she's fong luh to even attempt it," he grumbled as Kaylee suddenly stopped and he slammed into her.

"Whatcha sayin' doc?" She practically growled, lapsing to his professional title. He gasped, giving her his full attention, knowing that she only called him doc when she was pissed. Her eyes narrowed as she tapped her finger against his chest. "You don't think she's good enough for your fancy race?"

"I just don't think- it's not safe for a-" Simon replied trying to form his thoughts into a better explanation, and failing miserably.

"A girl?" Kaylee quipped, taking offence.

"More than half of the riders never finish the Di Yu Huo Sai Ma," Simon added quickly and Kaylee frowned at the remark.

"That don't mean that our Jameson won't!" Kaylee grumbled, pouting slightly as she rested her hand on his chest, her earlier anger fading as quickly as it formed.

"I know, bao bei," he sighed softly as he wrapped his arms around her. "I'm just worried that more than one person on this ship would be deeply affected if something should happen-"

"Jayne," Kaylee gasped, her hand clasping over her mouth as her eyes widened. "Oh!"

"I'm sure she is a worthy opponent, a fine rider," Simon whispered as he placed a small kiss to her brow, running a hand down her back. "She's probably too good for this race."

"Shr ah," she whispered in agreement as she lifted her chin to look up at him. "Guess that's why her pa hired us, we gonna help her win."

"That's what I'm afraid of," He groaned as he shook his head, his thoughts racing at what the future may entail.

"Jameson said she gots a plan, I reckon it must be-" her voice trailed off as she caught sight of River watching them from afar. "Damn good."

River flashed her a small knowing smile and nodded before she ran off toward the cockpit.

"Dang ran," Simon smiled as he squeezed her hand. He pulled her into his embrace and kissed her lightly on the lips. "As long as you are by my side, I'm sure everything will work out- in time."

Kaylee nodded and wrapped her arms around him, taking a second to hold on to each other.

He pulled away slightly, winking at her as he started to lead her back down the hallway.

"The engine room?" she giggled as she followed him. "Whatcha gonna do in there?"

He grinned as they stepped into the room. "Checking on the engine."

"Kinda thought that was my job," Kaylee grinned as she let go of his hand and leaned against the railing.

He flashed her a grin as he ran his fingers down her chest, unbuttoning one of the few buttons on her jumpsuit. "Not the engine I was thinking about."

Kaylee flushed and closed her eyes as he leaned in and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer to him. "Simon," she drawled as he nipped at her neck.

"Kaylee," he murmured against her skin as she snaked her hands up his sweater. "Bao bei."

"Hmmm," she purred as he kissed her, his fingers dipping underneath her jumpsuit.

"Tian xiz shou you de ren dou gai si," a voice snapped and they flew apart, gasping at the Captain. "What I tell ya two about ruttin' in the engine room?"

Simon flushed as he looked away from Mal and Kaylee cleared her throat. "Serenity's shiny Cap'n- no worries."

"Huh," Mal gasped, briefly looking away and gazing off into space, his thoughts on other things. "The Doc's needed elsewhere and you keep us flyin', dong ma?"

They both nodded in reply, taking their orders in stride. Simon kissed Kaylee on the cheek and headed back to the infirmary, glaring briefly at Mal as he passed him, knowing well that there was no one needing his work at the moment.

"Just 'cause you ain't happy don't mean ya gotta take it out on us." Kaylee snapped as she watched Simon disappear down the hall and glanced back at Mal. "Everythin' 's just shiny," she grumbled as she turned back to her work and Mal turned to leave. "Kuh ooh duh lao bao jurn."

"Heard that lil' Kaylee." Mal shouted back to her as he continued his way back to the cockpit.

Kaylee sighed and returned back to her work, her body still tingling from Simon's caress. "Gorramed stupid rules."

The end.

Translations:
Bao bei- Darling
Dang ran- Of course
Dong Ma- Do you understand
fong luh- Crazy
Kuh ooh duh lao bao jurn- Horrible old tyrant
Shr ah- yes
Tian xiz shou you de ren dou gai si- Fuck everyone in the universe to death