It's that time again...

[voiceofserenity.livejournal.com]

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 friendly smile and shoulder to lean on.

Or, in this case, offering free hugs.

Once again, Kaylee has settled herself down at one of the tables in the Mess Hall with her 'Free Hugs!' sign. Even if hugs aren't wanted, the mechanic is also perfectly willing to lend an ear for a nice chat or just some company for a little while. Anything to boost morale.

Comments

hrrrngh tags have been sporadic sorry

[voiceofserenity.livejournal.com]

"Oh, no, it's shiny," Kaylee replied, shaking her head. "Not somethin' you get offered every day, but I know where to go if I ever need one." She was more curious about the second part of that statement, though. "Not a lot of humans? You do work with animals, or...?"

No problem.

[8wings.livejournal.com]

"Always up to scratch a friendly back."

She hadn't mentioned that, had she? Apparently not. "No, I mean that I'm not human. I can pass, but my race is the Living People, from Fle. The Vizsnunishne are multispecies mercenaries, but there were only a few humans signed in. And, well, I was stranded on Earth before I came here, for hundreds of days, and I really had a hard time."

She held out her arms hopefully.

[voiceofserenity.livejournal.com]

That. Suddenly explained a lot. If she had mentioned it before, Kaylee was fairly sure she would have remembered, but there had been a lot going on around the ship lately, and maybe she wasn't paying as much attention as she thought she was.

"Well, you got a whole ship load of people to help you out now," Kaylee promised, stepping forward to give her a comforting hug.

[8wings.livejournal.com]

Anwei hugged back, deliberately not squeezing as hard as she could - she only did that with people she was certain could take the strain. But to be hugged, to be touched again - she'd missed this. So much.

"Thank you," she muttered into Kaylee's shoulder. "It's just - I was stranded, and then I was here and I thought I was rescued, but everything's worse instead of better."

No crying, she told herself firmly. You start crying now and you'll never stop. Cry later.

[voiceofserenity.livejournal.com]

She seemed a lot happier for the hug, and Kaylee couldn't help but feel better herself. It was nice, being able to help people through a tough time. Even if that help was as simple as a little hug.

"Can't say everybody's taken it the same," she replied, "but everybody does take it hard. Might be worse in a lot of ways, but you also get the option of meetin' new people 'n seein' things you might never've seen before. Not a fair trade off, maybe, but it's enough that might keep you goin' til you find a good place for yourself."

[8wings.livejournal.com]

Simple help is the best, Anwei had learned. The little things, the small kindnesses, carried more weight than most people could ever bring themselves to believe.

"Yes, I - I need to keep going. I'll remember that. Thank you again - and let me know next time you put out your sign, we can share the work!"

[voiceofserenity.livejournal.com]

"Not always easy, but if you keep it in mind 'M sure you'll do just shiny," Kaylee promised. As far as her post went, though... "'M always willin' to share the work, 'specially if there's somebody wants to help. Next time I pull it out you'll be the first to know."

[8wings.livejournal.com]

"Thank you, I'll start my back-scratch finger-limbering exercises now." She wiggled her fingers in demonstration. "And if I have trouble with getting help in Engineering, may I call you?"

[voiceofserenity.livejournal.com]

Kaylee nodded. "Best way's over the Omnicoms, yeah, 'n they're pretty easy to use. You got one, right?"

[8wings.livejournal.com]

"Yes, that and the comm ring," she said, holding up one hand to show both. Actually, there was a question that Kaylee could probably answer, if she was in Engineering.

"Do you know how long the recording cycle is for the ring, and what depth it scans to?"

[voiceofserenity.livejournal.com]

Kaylee shook her head, somewhat surprised at the fact that she...didn't quite know the answer to that question.

"Can't say I do, off the top of my head. I don't work with the rings all that often..."

[8wings.livejournal.com]

"Sorry, it's the office worker in me," Anwei said. "Reporting functions are always at the front of my mind. I'll find someone to ask."

"But I should let you get back to your hugging. Thanks again - and I hope to see you in Engineering soon."

[voiceofserenity.livejournal.com]

"Understandable. Got a doctor on my crew, back home. He's the same way for a lot of things."

Kaylee gave Anwei a bright smile. "Don't doubt you will. It's my second home down there."

[8wings.livejournal.com]

"Right. And if your arms get tired, I'll help out," Anwei called as she moved away.