It's that time again...

[voiceofserenity]

There are few things in the 'verse Kaylee can't stand. One of them, obviously, is that wonderful little group made up of people like Early and Niska. Another is insults to her ship. Possibly the biggest thing on the list, though, is seeing sad and lonely people, mostly because she knows there isn't much she can do to help outside of offering a

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[echoofaperson]

For Tom, the sight of the sign drew a tiny smile to his lips, unplanned, and though it was merely a curl of his lips, entirely genuine.

For Iniss, the further reminder of human sentimentality was enough for him to take control of Tom's eyes long enough to roll them, the two expressions clashing oddly on the teenager's face.

< What is WRONG with your species? >

< I think it's perfectly alright. It's sweet, we're all far from home. >

< Idiots. You're all permanently brain damaged. The food is bad enough without adding syrup. >

[voiceofserenity]

It was an odd combination indeed, but not one that Kaylee was unfamiliar with. Many crew members had both reactions without having two beings in their bodies.

"Won't bite, if you want one," she promised.

[echoofaperson]

"I-"

< Don't. Even. Think. About. It. >

< It's just a hug, they're not contagious. >

< To humans, perhaps, don't get me involved in your useless sentiment. What good does the gesture do? I refuse to be any part of this. No. >

It was very apparent from an outsider's perspective that the teenager was at war with himself, expressions shifting too rapidly to follow and eyes unfocused as he turned inwards towards the debate.

His voice was soft when he spoke again, smile lingering. "I wish I could."

[voiceofserenity]

He wasn't the first person to turn one of the hugs down, and Kaylee was fairly sure he wouldn't be the last. Some people just weren't ready for it, or weren't sure how to proceed, and a lot of the time they just needed to figure it out on their own.

"Offer stands, if you change your mind. Even if the sign ain't out."

[echoofaperson]

"Thanks. I might take you up on that, later. It's nice of you, to do this."

< Gag me, now. You're practically OOZING, that's disgusting. Are you humans always this emotional? It's just a hug, it's not like she's offering warm blankets and cocoa. >

< Shut up, Iniss. Just leave me alone. >

< Gladly. Just leave before you turn into a pile of useless mush. >

[voiceofserenity]

Kaylee shrugged, settling back against the table. "Gotta keep spirits up somehow, and hugs seem to do the trick shiny. Not much I can do outside of mechanic work, but I can at least offer a smile 'n friendly face, yeah?"

[echoofaperson]

"Yeah, they do. And sometimes a friendly face is all that you need in the world to keep it from falling to pieces." He smiled at her, soft and reserved, feeling Iniss tug like a puppet master on his limbs. The Yeerk was losing patience "I have to go, miss. Thank you. Maybe later, when I can, I'll look for you."

[voiceofserenity]

With an understanding nod (even if she didn't really understand), Kaylee gave Tom's arm a pat and settled back onto her bench. "Normally between Engineerin' and the ship bay, so those'd be the places to look if you're huntin' me down. Take care til then, yeah?"