”A blessing then, for the those that’s left and gone to live other lives. Do you believe in such things?” River asked.

”Do you?” Kaylee asked back gently, touching River’s face.

River smiled a sad sort of smile. ”I do today, at least.” She said, nuzzling her cheek into Kaylee’s hand a little and closing her eyes a moment. ”We should go home now. We have berries we can eat.” She said, opening her eyes and meeting Kaylee’s curious gaze.

Kaylee felt like her heart skipped a beat almost, that look in her girlfriend’s eyes. River had a way of doin’ that sometimes. Sometimes Kaylee’d look into her eyes, and… she didn’t know how to say it exactly, but it was like… that everything that ever was or ever could be, might just be lookin’ right back at her in those eyes somehow. She swallowed a little and moved in to gently kiss River – only a short kiss, but one that made her smile.

She took River’s hand in hers then and they walked together back through the woods, leaving the bodies of the dead to be tended to later.

They were half way back when River spoke. ”I think I should build a bigger bathtub.” She said thoughtfully.

”You do, huh?” Kaylee replied, a little of a curious smile coming to her lips. ”Not that I’m complainin’, but why’s that exactly?” She asked.

”Proximity.” River replied simply.

Kaylee thought about that a few moments and promptly blushed a little. ”Proximity, huh?” She said a little shyly.

”I’d need your permission though. Do you think it’s a good idea?” River asked.

Kaylee considered that. ”Yeah… don’t see what it could hurt.” She said softly. ”I’ll help.” She offered.

River didn’t say anything back at first, but then, a few moments later. ”Kaylee… why do you suppose we fell in love?” She asked.

Kaylee was caught off guard by that, but thought about her answer seriously.

”Why does anybody?” She asked back softly some moments later.

———-

It was on into evening now.

They’d buried some of the bodies… River had spoken at each of the graves after they’d been laid to rest, so it took longer than it would’ve otherwise, not that Kaylee was about to object. Everyone deserved words said, when it was their time, if it could be managed… she believed that too.