This is the short, but sweet ending. A very special thank you to Riona for writing a GREAT review. More people need to leave really well-thought-out reviews.
Without further ado: The conclusion.

I don't owe Firefly, or any of the characters (particularly Simon, sigh).

The two of them kissed right through the end of the movie. As the credits started and the lights began to come back up, the pair of them stopped and looked at each other. Each amazed that the moment had happened.

River got up and left the row first, and the two of them followed. Outside, she voiced her complaints: "There weren't any horses."

"River, honey, I'm sorry. Thought f'certain there would be." Kaylee swung Simon's hand back and forth as they walked. "Tell y'what though, there's a little store on the corner up there, we'll find you something to make up for it."

They followed River into the store who immediately found the toy aisle, which had a full shelf of model horses. She picked out a small, dark one that fit in her hand. As Kaylee paid for the tiny horse, she saw some strawberry-flavored lip balm and picked up one for herself.

The three walked back to the ship; River, galloping her horse in front of her, and Kaylee licking her strawberry-flavored lips.

"You know that by licking your lips, you're negating the effects of the lip balm, right?" Simon said in his most medical tone.

She smiled and gave him a quick peck. "Tastes good, huh?"

He blushed.

When they arrived, River showed her horse to Wash, Zoe and anyone else who would pay attention.

"Thank you," Simon said, squeezing Kaylee's hand. "You didn't have to do this."

"Didn't cost but a lil' bit," she said. "Not a problem."

"Not just for that, for the whole afternoon." He smiled.

Kaylee smiled back. "Even less of a problem."

At that moment, River decided it would be a good idea to charge down the corridor with her horse, neighing. Simon followed.

Kaylee saw the look she got from Inara.

"I think you have a story to tell me, mei mei." The gleam in Inara's eyes revealed she already knew.

"Sure do."

Simon found his sister standing quietly outside his quarters.

"You gonna thank me?"

"What?"

She gave him that "you're a boob" look again. "You gonna thank me?"

So, R&R, please and thank you.
Thanks to the reviewers, the favorite-ers, and the subscribers. (hug)

far from the home I love