Title: Corresponding notes: part seventeen: Kaylee
Author: Bookaddict
Characters: Kaylee, Crew, OCs
Rating: PG13
Timeline: post helping the settlers
Disclaimer: Firefly and all its characters are the property of Joss Whedon
Word count: 2170
Comments: Because Ma started writing to Kaylee and River too I had to write this off-shoot from the
Letters series.
Previous chapters here. Thanks to
cantonheroine for the banner and icon. I'm a bit worried about this one because I changed the format slightly. I'm hoping it's still obvious whose writing to whom?
Dear Kaylee,
Your suggestions were wonderful, thank you. I’ve put them into practice and combined with some other things they are beginning to work. I find reciting the flight manual in my head works wonders as does thinking about Mattie. I also trace the wiring diagrams and find that very relaxing. I use that for my meditation exercises with Inara. It made her giggle like a girl when I told her.
We’ve left Breton far behind and have finished our work with the settlers. We’re now at Persephone and looking for jobs that earn coin. I hope we find something soon. The Captain is getting restless and is apt to do something reckless in consequence.
Zoë keeps a watchful eye on him always as does Jayne in a much more paranoid way. Zoë is calmer these days, more resigned I think, to her loss. She is still very sad and shows no inclination for male company, except for the crew, at all. But since the last visit at Ellen’s she does at least come out with us sometimes.
Yesterday she, Inara and I had a girls’ day in town. Inara took us to a beauty spa and I feel rejuvenated. Afterwards we had a meal and went window shopping. It was delightful and I enjoyed it so much. While we were at the spa, Fifi went to the dog groomer. I don’t think she liked it much Kaylee. She doesn’t care for being bathed.
Simon got your gift Kaylee, don’t worry. He’s been very busy inventorying the infirmary lately. Our stocks are low and he’s worried. I saw him writing with that confused frown on his face, so suspect that a letter is on its way to you now.
The dark corners sound promising my friend, but I have one concern. I’ve never really kissed anyone. Of course though I kiss Simon and sometimes you in a sisterly way, Mother and Father didn’t really encourage that sort of affection and kept me close. I never had a boyfriend or anything before. How does one do it? Do I tilt my head or he his? What do lips taste like and tongues? I don’t want to scare Mattie off.
Love your confused friend River
Dear River, There aint no right or wrong way to kiss someone dont worry so much girl. Just do what comes naturally things will work out. Mattie for all hes older hasn’t much experience either you can learn together. Dont force it is all I can say you don’t have to kiss till your ready remember. Lips all taste different and feel different too Simons got the softest lips I ever kissed I think. Though I suppose I shouldnt be telling you that. Tongues now theyre different again and you don’t have to use them at first either ifen you don’t want. My best advice is just relax your body knows what to do your brain too. Seeing youre a genius I don’t think youre gonna have a problem. If youre still worried though ask Inara Im sure shes got a book that explains it. But thats just mechanics River its the feelings thats wonderful youll see. I did get a letter from Simon and he liked my gift. Im so relieved I never quite know what to buy him. Things I think are shiny he dont always agree so I worry. I shouldnt cause its the thought that counts right? That’s what I think anyway. Ive finished at the mines and did real well outta it. I even found some parts in the dump and will send them to Jayne. Hes so funny about my lists I tease him about them some. Your girls’ day sounds like fun what sort of things did they do to you at the spa? I giggled at poor Fifi not liking her spa so much. I never did see a dog that liked being washed. Hows my girl doing? I miss the sound of the engine something awful sometimes. Look after yourself River and the others too. Love Kaylee
Dear Jayne, Hows my girl doing and Bud? Is he treating her right? Im sending some parts I found at the mine dump they’ll be good for emergency repairs. I put another list with them to say what they are. Dont grumble reading my lists wont hurt you and it helps to know what comes next dont you think? Dont be mean about the wedding itll be good for the Captain and Nara. I never thought theyd give in and tell each other what they feel. Your Ma aint the only one that likes the idea Im having such fun helping her with all the plans. Im organising the dancing so am making sure therell be plenty of dark corners for River and Mattie to kiss in maybe some other folks too. I finished my job at the mines and have got another at Booral. The lady at the picture house needs some help with the projectors and stuff all those machines are so old. Cause my leg wont bend enough to sit in the cart I ride over on one of the horses from the shop. Mr Thames leant him to me isnt he kind? I guess you know it’s a two hour ride over there I pass the time talking to and patting the horse his names Ned. Animals are good companions don’t you think? Im enjoying having the ones at your place around me I sorta envy River having Fifi you know. What do you think about taking your family for a fly in Serenity did River tell you? I bought real chocolate for Mattie and Ellen it was so delicious. Mr Thames ordered it for me as a surprise. I like looking after your family Jayne theyre doing a pretty good job looking after me you know. Your friend Kaylee
Kaylee, Your parts came and I got your list. I read more since you been gone than I have in my whole life. The boats flying fine Im keeping an eye on Bud. Yeah Moonbrain told me about your idea Ma and Mattie would like it. Captain says we can fly over the whole moon ifen they like. That trip to Booral aint that safe have you got protection? Jayne
Dear Kaylee,
Thank you for the kissing advice. I don’t feel such a boob now. I did ask Inara if she had a book I could study. She laughed when she gave it to me and said almost the same as you did. It’s a consensus. I shall let my body and mind dictate to me should the occasion occur.
The lion advised that dark corners can be dangerous and cautioned me to always sit with my back to the wall so I could see danger coming. We all carefully didn’t tell either the Captain or Simon about the possibilities of dark corners or kissing.
We’re still on Persephone flying supplies in and out of the mines on the dark side of the moon. Its treacherous work Kaylee, many ships come to grief out there. The wind currents are odd, the dust is thick, the landing area awkward. I feel pride that the Captain thinks I’m a capable enough pilot to achieve it.
Since few ships will attempt the landing, we are in demand and are making good money. The concentration required tires me though, so on our off days I either rest or scour the book shops in the city. I am building up quite a library of manuals and treatises and am also buying some stories. I miss reading for enjoyment and look forward to beginning again. Are there any books you would like? I’d be happy to get them for you.
The spa was wonderful Kaylee. First we sat in the whirlpool and then had a massage. I haven’t had a massage since my dancing days; I’d forgotten how relaxing it is. I had my hair washed, brushed and braided; my toe and fingernails painted and my face made-up. I felt and looked like a real girl. Perhaps we could go again when you return? We could giggle together like old times. I do miss you my friend.
The job finishes soon, but our fame has spread so we move to the next moon and a similar engagement. Everyone is pleased. But Simon isn’t well. He’s coughing again and looking pale. Some days he can hardly catch his breath. He says it’s the dust from the mine irritating his lungs.
He isn’t required really for these mining jobs and I suggested he stay in a nearby town next time. But he won’t leave me. So I made my suggestion to the Captain, I’ve become quite Machiavellian, and he ordered my dear boob to stay in town.
Simon is upset with me. But Kaylee I’m just looking after him as he does me. Did I do the right thing?
Love River
Dear River, My party was wonderful! You all did a great job keeping it secret I had no idea. That morning Mattie asked me to come look at the hydraulics in the vault. Ellen came too for the ride. I never suspected a thing till everyone shouted surprise! It was wonderful to see and talk to you all I could hardly talk for the happy tears choking me. Aint that silly? Folks I know from round here came too and the lady I worked for at Booral. Ive never had such a time. I got presents from my family as well as yours, Ellen’s and Mattie’s. Really youre all my family Ill never forget this lovely birthday. The sexy lingerie you sent created a sensation just wait till Simon sees it. Hell stutter I know he will. The kitten is beautiful Ive called him Lion cause hes so brave travelling all that way by himself. Now that’s enough about me girl lets talk about your worries. Of course you did the right thing. Youre just caring for Simon like he does for you he just aint used to it is all. He likes being the big protective brother hell get over being angry just wait and see. He wouldnt like to die and leave you after all remind him. Any books you choose would be great I love the stories. Romance is probably my favourite but I like mysteries too. Solving puzzles and all is great fun I think. Theres a small library here and Ive been keeping them busy while I was laid up. Ive finished my job in Booral and am keeping Ellen company while we plan for the wedding. I cant wait to see you all and thank you again for my beautiful birthday. Love Kaylee
Dear Jayne, The kittens beautiful I called him Lion. He sleeps on the bed with me and follows me everywhere. The book you sent with him said he could be trained to walk on a harness and thats what Im gonna do. I don’t want to lose him in a crowd or something. His furs the softest Ive ever touched and hes so loving. Thank you for giving him to me. I bet the Captain had lots to say about that. But I aint gonna be talked out of giving up my kitten and will tell the man so. I see you sent a list with him so Mattie would know what to do. It looks like Ive rubbed off on you a bit. Ive finished the job at Booral and am resting a bit. Truth to tell I got a lot more tired than I expected and am glad to sit still for a little while. It sorta worries me a bit I don’t want to be too tired to tend to my girl. How is she by the way? Is Bud treating her ok? If you were at the mines dust would have got in the engines and thrusters theyll need to be cleaned. Mattie and Ellen are well and busy. Ellen has had the root cellar fixed and is happily filling it and Im helping. She sure is a good cook your Ma. Im having such fun going through all the lovely presents I got thank you again for my beautiful Lion. Your friend Kaylee
Kaylee, Captain said plenty about the kitten but I didnt listen glad you like him. Buds gone he didnt like all the cleaning cause of the dust. Mal dont want to get another mechanic so its me for now. I already cleaned the thrusters and engine its on your list girl. You know if I start writing lists too we aint never gonna get anything done. Moonbrain wants me to tell you she got shot. Shes awright but her arms numb and she cant write this time but will write as soon as her arms better. Im your assistant aint I? If you get tired you can order me round some. Thats the only time mind. Jayne