Firefly fanfic // Onboard
Title: Onboard
Author: Miss Courtadoo
Rating: PG / T
Pairings: Mal/Inara, Simon/Kaylee, River/Jayne
Length: 3521 words
Genre: Romance, Humor
Summary: After all the hardships the crew of Serenity has endured, they’ll finally be together as one happy family. The perfect mix of crew humor and relationship angst.
Warnings: Set five years after “Serenity” the movie. Serious spoilers.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Firefly or Serenity. Though Joss likes fanfiction - so boo ya.
ONBOARD
Post-Serenity
“You just rest easy, Zoe.” said the voice of the captain. “I can’t have my best man out for too long.”
But she didn’t hear him. She was already feeling the full blast from the medications given by the doctor. Just because she collapsed in the kitchen didn’t mean she was necessarily sick... Even thought the shot he’d administered had not only eased the convulsions in her stomach that had made her nauseous earlier, but it also made her sleepy. Not that she was complaining... She’d been throwing up for days, just kept it to herself as she often did. She only went to Simon at Mal’s insistence. He said she was making herself sick over her mourning for Wash. And it was probably true, she had made herself sick. But anything to keep her food down was welcome, even and especially if it included sleep.
The past few weeks had become almost downright unbearable. She was now alone; no companion, no warm body beside her at night. She would never see that goofy smile, hear his stupid jokes, feel his loving arms around her - he was gone. He had left her alone, and that left Zoe with many sleepless nights. When she did sleep, she often dreamt of her late husband, only to wake up in tears or in glistening sweat. She decided it was better to sit up awake than to sleep to nightmares.
But for now, thanks to Mal and Simon, she would enjoy dreamless sleep, something she’d been deprived of since the last time she’d been with her husband.
When Zoe finally did wake up, there were smiling faces all around. Kaylee stood by Simon, holding Zoe’s hand gently in her own, Jayne and River off in the distance, Mal on the other side of Simon, wearing a smile that told her something was happening.
“What’s going on?” she asked in a still groggy voice. As she tried to sit up, her head began to spin. She felt Simon’s hand on her shoulder gently, easing her onto her back once more.
“Easy there, Zoe. You’ll be restin’ up good for the next little while.” Mal said.
“A new member of the ship is soon coming onboard.” River piped out, only to have Jayne look crossly at her for almost ruining the surprise.
“What?” Zoe asked, looking at the captain intently. “I get sick this once and you decide to replace me?”
Mal took hold of her hand and leaned in closer. “There’s no one in the ‘verse that could take your place, Zoe, and that’s the truth. Ain’t no one getting replaced. You’re just gonna be takin’ it easy for a few months until everything’s ready.”
“Everything? What is everyone going on about?” Zoe said in frustration.
Kaylee patted her hand, and with a tearful smile said, “You’re going to have a baby, Zoe.”
Her breath caught and she closed her eyes.
“Simon checked and the baby’s fine. I guess the last time you and... well, I guess it worked then, didn’t it?”
Zoe couldn’t fight the burning behind her eyes lids, and she couldn’t stop the tears from leaking out. When she did open her eyes, she squeezed Kaylee’s hand and they both smiled.
Zoe knew that Wash would never really leave her. She knew it all along.
---
FIVE YEAR LATER
As Captain Mal Reynolds made his way down the corridor, he eyed the cockpit nervously.
I don’t like that kid alone in there. No tellin’ what he’s capable of just yet. It is Wash’s son, after all.
But before Mal could take another step, he paused. An disturbing sound was trickling through the airwaves, coming from Jayne’s bunk. While he was scared out of his mind to even imagine what was happening, he knew he had to inspect the situation. The door was open a crack, he saw, which was not a good sign. Mal skillfully and quietly made his way down.
He finally recognized the sound: it was a female’s voice. There were only three females on the ship. Zoe wouldn’t go anywhere near Jayne’s bunk even if it meant her life, Kaylee was married to Simon and was loyal to a fault, and that left only one other; River.
“Simon will be along soon. He won’t be too happy about this.”
“Ah, that boy’s got to get over it.” Came Jayne’s mumbled reply. After a moments silence, Mal could practically hear River purring.
“I like your lips. They feel good on my skin.”
“Mmm, hmm.”
Mal then raised an eyebrow at the words as his eyes captured the scene. Sounded like Mal wasn’t going to be alone in the special hell. Both River and Jayne were fully clothed, but he was covering her tiny body with his massive one, ravishing her face, neck and shoulders in kisses.
He then cleared his throat. Loudly.
Jayne and River pulled apart instantly, only to look in shock at the captain, who was staring intently at Jayne.
“You shouldn’t be cross with him.” said River simply. “It’s my fault, I seduced him.”
Mal would have smiled, but he wasn’t the smiling type. “Don’t you go defending him, girl. He knows my rules about relationships on this ship.”
Jayne raised an eyebrow at Mal. “And what about Simon and Kaylee? You let them run off and get hitched.”
“No, they did that behind my back, there’s a difference.” Mal retorted. “See River, you don’t need all this love business, it only causes trouble. Which is why it’s against the rules.”
She looked at him quizzically for a moment before speaking. “Why is falling in love against the rules?” She questioned. “You did it.”
This time, Mal did smile.
“Simon! I caught River with Jayne!”
Jayne had covered his ears to dull the sound of Mal’s shouting and the captain only smirked as he made his way out.
“Gorramit, Mal!” Jayne growled. “What’d you go and do that for? Now that boy’s gonna tear me apart!”
Mal raised an eyebrow at Jayne over his shoulder, and the mercenary only shrugged.
“Well, he’ll try.”
Suddenly, not Simon, but Zoe stuck her head in the doorway. “Caught in the act, Captain?”
“The very act.” he nodded.. “And what did I tell you about leavin that kid alone in the-”
“Right on it, Captain.” And then she was gone. There was some cursing coming from Jayne that Mal had decided to ignore, and as Mal stepped out of Jayne’s bunk, he was met by a very pregnant Kaylee.
“What were they doin’, Cap’n?” she asked anxiously. “Were they doin’ the dirty?”
Mal shrugged. “Just kissin, is all.”
Kaylee then smiled. “I think they’re so darn cute together, I don’t know why Simon’s so uppity about it.”
“Because she’s my gorram sister!”
Simon let out a slew of Chinese swear words as he made his way for the handle of Jayne’s quarters.
“Kaylee, would you please go see to the love birds? I need a word with your husband.”
Simon was now glaring at Mal for standing between him and the man he was supposedly going to tear apart. Before Mal could even say anything, there were desperate cries from River.
“You have to help him understand that I am my own woman now, Kaylee. A legal adult throughout the ‘verse.”
“Like hell you are!” Simon shouted.
“I can still kill you with my brain, Simon Tam!” River yelled, then the door was slammed shut.
“Listen here, Simon-”
“No, you listen. You are not going to stop me this time, Mal. That’s my sister!” he growled.
Mal crossed his arms across his chest and raised an eyebrow at him. “And that’s my mercenary.”
“And he’s corrupting my little sister!”
“Seems to me that she ain’t so little anymore, Doc. And she plain as day told me that she was the one doin’ the corruptin.” Mal said.
Simon viciously took hold of Mal’s collar. “How dare you say that about River.” he hissed.
“I can say what I want because this is my ship.” Mal said pointedly, eyeing Simon’s hands, at which he immediately withdrew. “And you know how I feel about violence on my ship.”
Simon raised an eye brow. “You love it?”
Mal only shook his head. “I will do whatever it takes for a job, because that’s what we do. But when there’s obvious intent to draw blood or break bones directed towards my crew on my ship, I gotta draw the line somewhere.” Simon opened his mouth to speak, but Mal cut him off. “Then again, you didn’t do much for minding my rules when you ran off and married my mechanic either.”
“It’s all my time on this damn ship that’s warped my thinking!” Simon countered.
Mal only sighed in frustration, running a hand through his hair. “Okay, Doc. Don’t go talkin like you’re gonna leave. I need my medic and my mech for Serenity, and you ain’t really got no place else to call home but this ship. And I know you ain’t keen on listenin to what I say, but I’m just sayin you better listen now.” When Simon raised his eye brows in impatience, Mal continued.
“Do not go after Jayne, he’s only one part of this. I can understand that she’s your sister and you’re just lookin out for you and yours, but here on this ship, we’re family. And to my knowledge, families don’t normally run around tryin to kill each other. Do what you will with Jayne; you can use big words, you can threaten, confuse the hell out of him, just don’t try to hurt him physically. It will only end badly for the both of you. And that’s all I’m sayin.”
As Mal turned towards the cockpit, Simon stopped him. “So is that what you suggest?”
“No, my suggestion would be to leave them alone. You got yours, I only figgered it’s time River got hers. Besides, I made no move to stop you and Kaylee, and I’m takin the same stand in this situation.”
“If you think I should leave them alone, then why the hell did you call me down here in the first place?” Simon muttered angrily.
Mal shrugged. “Just thought you’d like to know. You said it yourself, she’s your gorram sister.” Then with a smirk, Mal left Simon to his own thoughts and entered the cock pit.
Zoe was sitting in Wash’s old chair, holding her five year old son Charlie on her lap. Mal walked up to the two stiffly, leaned over and very seriously looked at the boy.
“What did I tell you about this room?”
“I’m not allowed in without mommy.” he said begrudgingly. “But I was just playin with the dinosaurs, Captain.”
Mal raised an eye brow, then smiled and ruffled the boys hair. “I’m only messin with you, Charlie.” Turning to the boys mother, he said, “River’s a mite pre-occupied at the moment, would you mind getting us landed, Zoe?”
She gently put her son on the floor and the boy spread out with the toys in a corner. “Too anxious to pilot yourself, Captain?”she asked with a smile.
Mal felt his heart fill with a sense of fear along relief when he looked out and saw the planet come into view. “Perhaps.”
---
Three months.
It had been three months since she’d left Serenity. Since she’d bid goodbye to the crew. To Kaylee, to Zoe, to Charlie.
To Mal.
His name was still as fresh on her mind as his kiss was on her lips. The first kiss he had ever given her was to be the last kiss she’d ever receive as an official Companion. It was finally done, her life as a mistress. She’d given up the life only life she’d ever known to become a lowly petty thief.
It had been three months ago, yet she remembered it so vividly in her mind, the last day with the crew. Kaylee was an emotional basket case, with her pregnancy and hearing of Inara’s announcement of resigning as a Companion with the intention of joining ranks with the rest of them. It was a long process to have her Companion rights annulled, making her a citizen.
It had been three months since she’d seen Captian Mal Reynolds, but it was never long before she thought of him, relived the moment when he kissed her, held her in his arms and whispered goodbye. She remembered so well the day, everyone on the dock wishing her well, wishing three months time came quickly so that she would be back aboard, where everyone knew she belonged.
“It’s not going to be the same without you.” Mal had said, looking down intently at Inara, his voice low and grumbled in account of the nosy crew behind him. “Serenity just ain’t the same when you’re gone.”
“I’ll be back soon enough.” she said with a smile. There were no tears on her part. Inara was happy. She felt like for the first time, she was doing something right, something she wanted. “It’s only three months.”
“You’ll be sorely missed.” he said, looking away nervously. “Little Kaylee, of course. And Charlie’s rather fond of you.”
“I’ll miss them, too.” she whispered, looking at them endearingly. Then her gaze changed and rested on him. “What about you, Mal?”
He then locked with her eyes, every emotion flickering within them to give Inara hope. “What about me?”
She timidly took a step forward without looking away, and barely whispered, “Will you miss me?”
Mal’s response was taking her in his arms and holding her close against his body. Inara replied in a similar fashion, wrapping her arms around him, reveling in the warmth he gave. He pulled back a moment to place a gentle kiss the side of her head, letting his lips linger on her skin.
“I always miss you.”
She then remembered the crew was still watching behind them, and for appearances sake, she pulled away. She placed a hand on his furrowed brow, and smiled as she turned. “I’ll be back soon enough.”
She took a step, but Mal caught her hand. When she looked into his face, a lump grew in her throat and nervousness in the pit of her stomach. He pulled her back into his arms and whispered a few Chinese sentiments. Then he tilted her chin up, and lowered his lips over hers in a gentle kiss.
It almost caught Inara by surprise... almost. She’d felt a growing bond between them, from the lack of arguments and the excess of quiet conversation. She’d assumed he was feeling something, perhaps lustful or inappropriate, which explained why he was fighting it so. But she never expected it to be so... sweet.
That’s the only way to describe his kiss. Sweet, affectionate and hopeful, nothing like she had anticipated. Perhaps she was waiting for rough and demanding kisses like his exterior, or lustful and insistent like her clients, but never this careful adornment of kisses. It was almost like...
Love?
She almost sighed in reluctance when he finally pulled away, every emotion, all the conflicts and open admiration that battled within him was now evident in his eyes. She looked at him quizzically, searching for something in him that would help her understand, but he never let her get that far.
“Three months then.” he whispered, his breath on her lips causing her own breath to catch in her throat. “Good bye, Inara.” He turned then and marched past the crew, onto the ship, and it would be three months until she would see him again...
Three months of agonizing torture, wondering what would await her back on Serenity. Never before had she been overwhelmed by such emotions. Normally when it came to men, she was led by a begging in the pit of her stomach for release, but this was something different. It was her heart that was leading her. This was emotional, not physical. This was something she wanted more than anything; she knew she wanted Mal.
---
“Hello, Inara.”
She spun around at the sound of his voice, and Mal’s heart melted. She looked even more beautiful than he remembered. And with that smile... she had no idea how she owned him, heart and soul.
“Mal! I... I didn’t see the ship... I thought you had... forgotten,” she stammered nervously, looking around for the ship.
“They gave you the wrong Port Number.” he smirked. “I asked around till I found you.”
“Well, I’m glad you did, I was beginning to wonder...” she paused, and looked at him smiling smugly as he often did. “You look good, Mal.”
He only smiled. “You look good, too.”
After gazing at each other for a few quiet moments, she closed the distance between them with tiny steps and wrapped her arms around his neck. He held her close, relishing the feel of her body in his arms, wanting to memorize every curve, every scent, every emotion she caused within him. And it only caused his heart to skip a beat when she whispered, “I missed you, Mal.”
He loved the way she said his name, like there was nothing in ‘verse more precious. He wondered if it were possible that she really feel like that for him... only because he knew that’s exactly how he felt for her.
“I missed you too, Inara.” Mal chuckled as he pulled back to look down at her, her beautiful eyes tugging at his heart. He knew he couldn’t deny her anything, so once again, he lost all resolve and kissed her.
This time she fervently responded, and that made it all the more difficult. He just needed to taste her once more, so he would know that she was there, she was real, she was safe. And for his own selfish reasons, he just wanted to hold her, to kiss her, to love her. But he didn’t want to scare her, and he didn’t want her to think that he was just another male, led by his lower regions and nothing else. He didn’t want her to think he was just like her clients, that he just wanted her for sex. He wanted her because he loved her, and he wanted her to know that, which is why he pulled away.
She let out a shaky laugh, resting her forehead on his. “What are we doing, Mal?”
“What? Can’t a captain tell a member of his crew he missed ‘em?” he chuckled.
Her eyes fell. “Is that all I am to you? Another member of the crew?” she asked timidly.
Mal shook his head with a smile. “Darlin, I thought that’s what all this kissin’ was for. I was hopin’ to help you understand that.”
Inara then smiled and leaned in closer. “Understand what?”
Cheek to cheek they stood, and his voice was a breath on her ear when he whispered, “That you are so much more to me.”
Inara closed her eyes and cherished the thought. Then they moved towards the ship as Zoe started the engines.
“Everything in your room is just the same as you left it, ready and waiting for you, but I reckon that’s gonna change with you not bein’ a Companion now.” She nodded, and squeezed his hand. “You go make your greetings to everyone; Kaylee’s been missin you somethin terrible.” Mal said, giving her a gentle shove.
“What about...” she stammered, turning around to face him. “I mean, I wanted to talk about... well, us.”
Mal smiled and cupped her face with his hand. “You go get unpacked and comfortable, and we’ll talk later on tonight.”
“I could wait for you in your... room?” she said in a sultry voice that had never before been directed towards Mal.
“Now see, that’s what we need to be discussin’. I’ve already got a spot in the special hell reserved, I don’t need you makin it worse.”
Her brow narrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means I”ll not be takin advantage of you, Inara. I’m in this because... well, I care about you. And... you’re... well, important to me and... oh gorramit, woman! You know what I’m sayin?”
“You mean to say...” Inara said with large eyes, understanding hitting her full force.
“I mean to say I’ll I’m gonna say for now. We’ll talk more later on. I promise.”
She looked up at him with nothing less than admiration in her eyes. Then she kissed him quickly on the cheek. “Thank you, Mal. And It’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said.”
Then she disappeared into the ship. Mal made his way to the cockpit with a smile on his face that wouldn’t go away. Zoe didn’t seem to notice.
“Inara safely onboard, sir?”
“Onboard. You got your son buckled in tight?”
“Right on it, Captain.”
Mal couldn’t suppress the feeling that was pulsing through his body. Inara, Serenity, his crew - all of them made him feel this way. It’s the reason he loved his job so.
“Everyone onboard?” he asked over the intercom.
He waited a moment before he heard Zoe’s voice, “Onboard.”
FIN
Feedback is good for the writers soul.
Author: Miss Courtadoo
Rating: PG / T
Pairings: Mal/Inara, Simon/Kaylee, River/Jayne
Length: 3521 words
Genre: Romance, Humor
Summary: After all the hardships the crew of Serenity has endured, they’ll finally be together as one happy family. The perfect mix of crew humor and relationship angst.
Warnings: Set five years after “Serenity” the movie. Serious spoilers.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything related to Firefly or Serenity. Though Joss likes fanfiction - so boo ya.
ONBOARD
Post-Serenity
“You just rest easy, Zoe.” said the voice of the captain. “I can’t have my best man out for too long.”
But she didn’t hear him. She was already feeling the full blast from the medications given by the doctor. Just because she collapsed in the kitchen didn’t mean she was necessarily sick... Even thought the shot he’d administered had not only eased the convulsions in her stomach that had made her nauseous earlier, but it also made her sleepy. Not that she was complaining... She’d been throwing up for days, just kept it to herself as she often did. She only went to Simon at Mal’s insistence. He said she was making herself sick over her mourning for Wash. And it was probably true, she had made herself sick. But anything to keep her food down was welcome, even and especially if it included sleep.
The past few weeks had become almost downright unbearable. She was now alone; no companion, no warm body beside her at night. She would never see that goofy smile, hear his stupid jokes, feel his loving arms around her - he was gone. He had left her alone, and that left Zoe with many sleepless nights. When she did sleep, she often dreamt of her late husband, only to wake up in tears or in glistening sweat. She decided it was better to sit up awake than to sleep to nightmares.
But for now, thanks to Mal and Simon, she would enjoy dreamless sleep, something she’d been deprived of since the last time she’d been with her husband.
When Zoe finally did wake up, there were smiling faces all around. Kaylee stood by Simon, holding Zoe’s hand gently in her own, Jayne and River off in the distance, Mal on the other side of Simon, wearing a smile that told her something was happening.
“What’s going on?” she asked in a still groggy voice. As she tried to sit up, her head began to spin. She felt Simon’s hand on her shoulder gently, easing her onto her back once more.
“Easy there, Zoe. You’ll be restin’ up good for the next little while.” Mal said.
“A new member of the ship is soon coming onboard.” River piped out, only to have Jayne look crossly at her for almost ruining the surprise.
“What?” Zoe asked, looking at the captain intently. “I get sick this once and you decide to replace me?”
Mal took hold of her hand and leaned in closer. “There’s no one in the ‘verse that could take your place, Zoe, and that’s the truth. Ain’t no one getting replaced. You’re just gonna be takin’ it easy for a few months until everything’s ready.”
“Everything? What is everyone going on about?” Zoe said in frustration.
Kaylee patted her hand, and with a tearful smile said, “You’re going to have a baby, Zoe.”
Her breath caught and she closed her eyes.
“Simon checked and the baby’s fine. I guess the last time you and... well, I guess it worked then, didn’t it?”
Zoe couldn’t fight the burning behind her eyes lids, and she couldn’t stop the tears from leaking out. When she did open her eyes, she squeezed Kaylee’s hand and they both smiled.
Zoe knew that Wash would never really leave her. She knew it all along.
---
FIVE YEAR LATER
As Captain Mal Reynolds made his way down the corridor, he eyed the cockpit nervously.
I don’t like that kid alone in there. No tellin’ what he’s capable of just yet. It is Wash’s son, after all.
But before Mal could take another step, he paused. An disturbing sound was trickling through the airwaves, coming from Jayne’s bunk. While he was scared out of his mind to even imagine what was happening, he knew he had to inspect the situation. The door was open a crack, he saw, which was not a good sign. Mal skillfully and quietly made his way down.
He finally recognized the sound: it was a female’s voice. There were only three females on the ship. Zoe wouldn’t go anywhere near Jayne’s bunk even if it meant her life, Kaylee was married to Simon and was loyal to a fault, and that left only one other; River.
“Simon will be along soon. He won’t be too happy about this.”
“Ah, that boy’s got to get over it.” Came Jayne’s mumbled reply. After a moments silence, Mal could practically hear River purring.
“I like your lips. They feel good on my skin.”
“Mmm, hmm.”
Mal then raised an eyebrow at the words as his eyes captured the scene. Sounded like Mal wasn’t going to be alone in the special hell. Both River and Jayne were fully clothed, but he was covering her tiny body with his massive one, ravishing her face, neck and shoulders in kisses.
He then cleared his throat. Loudly.
Jayne and River pulled apart instantly, only to look in shock at the captain, who was staring intently at Jayne.
“You shouldn’t be cross with him.” said River simply. “It’s my fault, I seduced him.”
Mal would have smiled, but he wasn’t the smiling type. “Don’t you go defending him, girl. He knows my rules about relationships on this ship.”
Jayne raised an eyebrow at Mal. “And what about Simon and Kaylee? You let them run off and get hitched.”
“No, they did that behind my back, there’s a difference.” Mal retorted. “See River, you don’t need all this love business, it only causes trouble. Which is why it’s against the rules.”
She looked at him quizzically for a moment before speaking. “Why is falling in love against the rules?” She questioned. “You did it.”
This time, Mal did smile.
“Simon! I caught River with Jayne!”
Jayne had covered his ears to dull the sound of Mal’s shouting and the captain only smirked as he made his way out.
“Gorramit, Mal!” Jayne growled. “What’d you go and do that for? Now that boy’s gonna tear me apart!”
Mal raised an eyebrow at Jayne over his shoulder, and the mercenary only shrugged.
“Well, he’ll try.”
Suddenly, not Simon, but Zoe stuck her head in the doorway. “Caught in the act, Captain?”
“The very act.” he nodded.. “And what did I tell you about leavin that kid alone in the-”
“Right on it, Captain.” And then she was gone. There was some cursing coming from Jayne that Mal had decided to ignore, and as Mal stepped out of Jayne’s bunk, he was met by a very pregnant Kaylee.
“What were they doin’, Cap’n?” she asked anxiously. “Were they doin’ the dirty?”
Mal shrugged. “Just kissin, is all.”
Kaylee then smiled. “I think they’re so darn cute together, I don’t know why Simon’s so uppity about it.”
“Because she’s my gorram sister!”
Simon let out a slew of Chinese swear words as he made his way for the handle of Jayne’s quarters.
“Kaylee, would you please go see to the love birds? I need a word with your husband.”
Simon was now glaring at Mal for standing between him and the man he was supposedly going to tear apart. Before Mal could even say anything, there were desperate cries from River.
“You have to help him understand that I am my own woman now, Kaylee. A legal adult throughout the ‘verse.”
“Like hell you are!” Simon shouted.
“I can still kill you with my brain, Simon Tam!” River yelled, then the door was slammed shut.
“Listen here, Simon-”
“No, you listen. You are not going to stop me this time, Mal. That’s my sister!” he growled.
Mal crossed his arms across his chest and raised an eyebrow at him. “And that’s my mercenary.”
“And he’s corrupting my little sister!”
“Seems to me that she ain’t so little anymore, Doc. And she plain as day told me that she was the one doin’ the corruptin.” Mal said.
Simon viciously took hold of Mal’s collar. “How dare you say that about River.” he hissed.
“I can say what I want because this is my ship.” Mal said pointedly, eyeing Simon’s hands, at which he immediately withdrew. “And you know how I feel about violence on my ship.”
Simon raised an eye brow. “You love it?”
Mal only shook his head. “I will do whatever it takes for a job, because that’s what we do. But when there’s obvious intent to draw blood or break bones directed towards my crew on my ship, I gotta draw the line somewhere.” Simon opened his mouth to speak, but Mal cut him off. “Then again, you didn’t do much for minding my rules when you ran off and married my mechanic either.”
“It’s all my time on this damn ship that’s warped my thinking!” Simon countered.
Mal only sighed in frustration, running a hand through his hair. “Okay, Doc. Don’t go talkin like you’re gonna leave. I need my medic and my mech for Serenity, and you ain’t really got no place else to call home but this ship. And I know you ain’t keen on listenin to what I say, but I’m just sayin you better listen now.” When Simon raised his eye brows in impatience, Mal continued.
“Do not go after Jayne, he’s only one part of this. I can understand that she’s your sister and you’re just lookin out for you and yours, but here on this ship, we’re family. And to my knowledge, families don’t normally run around tryin to kill each other. Do what you will with Jayne; you can use big words, you can threaten, confuse the hell out of him, just don’t try to hurt him physically. It will only end badly for the both of you. And that’s all I’m sayin.”
As Mal turned towards the cockpit, Simon stopped him. “So is that what you suggest?”
“No, my suggestion would be to leave them alone. You got yours, I only figgered it’s time River got hers. Besides, I made no move to stop you and Kaylee, and I’m takin the same stand in this situation.”
“If you think I should leave them alone, then why the hell did you call me down here in the first place?” Simon muttered angrily.
Mal shrugged. “Just thought you’d like to know. You said it yourself, she’s your gorram sister.” Then with a smirk, Mal left Simon to his own thoughts and entered the cock pit.
Zoe was sitting in Wash’s old chair, holding her five year old son Charlie on her lap. Mal walked up to the two stiffly, leaned over and very seriously looked at the boy.
“What did I tell you about this room?”
“I’m not allowed in without mommy.” he said begrudgingly. “But I was just playin with the dinosaurs, Captain.”
Mal raised an eye brow, then smiled and ruffled the boys hair. “I’m only messin with you, Charlie.” Turning to the boys mother, he said, “River’s a mite pre-occupied at the moment, would you mind getting us landed, Zoe?”
She gently put her son on the floor and the boy spread out with the toys in a corner. “Too anxious to pilot yourself, Captain?”she asked with a smile.
Mal felt his heart fill with a sense of fear along relief when he looked out and saw the planet come into view. “Perhaps.”
---
Three months.
It had been three months since she’d left Serenity. Since she’d bid goodbye to the crew. To Kaylee, to Zoe, to Charlie.
To Mal.
His name was still as fresh on her mind as his kiss was on her lips. The first kiss he had ever given her was to be the last kiss she’d ever receive as an official Companion. It was finally done, her life as a mistress. She’d given up the life only life she’d ever known to become a lowly petty thief.
It had been three months ago, yet she remembered it so vividly in her mind, the last day with the crew. Kaylee was an emotional basket case, with her pregnancy and hearing of Inara’s announcement of resigning as a Companion with the intention of joining ranks with the rest of them. It was a long process to have her Companion rights annulled, making her a citizen.
It had been three months since she’d seen Captian Mal Reynolds, but it was never long before she thought of him, relived the moment when he kissed her, held her in his arms and whispered goodbye. She remembered so well the day, everyone on the dock wishing her well, wishing three months time came quickly so that she would be back aboard, where everyone knew she belonged.
“It’s not going to be the same without you.” Mal had said, looking down intently at Inara, his voice low and grumbled in account of the nosy crew behind him. “Serenity just ain’t the same when you’re gone.”
“I’ll be back soon enough.” she said with a smile. There were no tears on her part. Inara was happy. She felt like for the first time, she was doing something right, something she wanted. “It’s only three months.”
“You’ll be sorely missed.” he said, looking away nervously. “Little Kaylee, of course. And Charlie’s rather fond of you.”
“I’ll miss them, too.” she whispered, looking at them endearingly. Then her gaze changed and rested on him. “What about you, Mal?”
He then locked with her eyes, every emotion flickering within them to give Inara hope. “What about me?”
She timidly took a step forward without looking away, and barely whispered, “Will you miss me?”
Mal’s response was taking her in his arms and holding her close against his body. Inara replied in a similar fashion, wrapping her arms around him, reveling in the warmth he gave. He pulled back a moment to place a gentle kiss the side of her head, letting his lips linger on her skin.
“I always miss you.”
She then remembered the crew was still watching behind them, and for appearances sake, she pulled away. She placed a hand on his furrowed brow, and smiled as she turned. “I’ll be back soon enough.”
She took a step, but Mal caught her hand. When she looked into his face, a lump grew in her throat and nervousness in the pit of her stomach. He pulled her back into his arms and whispered a few Chinese sentiments. Then he tilted her chin up, and lowered his lips over hers in a gentle kiss.
It almost caught Inara by surprise... almost. She’d felt a growing bond between them, from the lack of arguments and the excess of quiet conversation. She’d assumed he was feeling something, perhaps lustful or inappropriate, which explained why he was fighting it so. But she never expected it to be so... sweet.
That’s the only way to describe his kiss. Sweet, affectionate and hopeful, nothing like she had anticipated. Perhaps she was waiting for rough and demanding kisses like his exterior, or lustful and insistent like her clients, but never this careful adornment of kisses. It was almost like...
Love?
She almost sighed in reluctance when he finally pulled away, every emotion, all the conflicts and open admiration that battled within him was now evident in his eyes. She looked at him quizzically, searching for something in him that would help her understand, but he never let her get that far.
“Three months then.” he whispered, his breath on her lips causing her own breath to catch in her throat. “Good bye, Inara.” He turned then and marched past the crew, onto the ship, and it would be three months until she would see him again...
Three months of agonizing torture, wondering what would await her back on Serenity. Never before had she been overwhelmed by such emotions. Normally when it came to men, she was led by a begging in the pit of her stomach for release, but this was something different. It was her heart that was leading her. This was emotional, not physical. This was something she wanted more than anything; she knew she wanted Mal.
---
“Hello, Inara.”
She spun around at the sound of his voice, and Mal’s heart melted. She looked even more beautiful than he remembered. And with that smile... she had no idea how she owned him, heart and soul.
“Mal! I... I didn’t see the ship... I thought you had... forgotten,” she stammered nervously, looking around for the ship.
“They gave you the wrong Port Number.” he smirked. “I asked around till I found you.”
“Well, I’m glad you did, I was beginning to wonder...” she paused, and looked at him smiling smugly as he often did. “You look good, Mal.”
He only smiled. “You look good, too.”
After gazing at each other for a few quiet moments, she closed the distance between them with tiny steps and wrapped her arms around his neck. He held her close, relishing the feel of her body in his arms, wanting to memorize every curve, every scent, every emotion she caused within him. And it only caused his heart to skip a beat when she whispered, “I missed you, Mal.”
He loved the way she said his name, like there was nothing in ‘verse more precious. He wondered if it were possible that she really feel like that for him... only because he knew that’s exactly how he felt for her.
“I missed you too, Inara.” Mal chuckled as he pulled back to look down at her, her beautiful eyes tugging at his heart. He knew he couldn’t deny her anything, so once again, he lost all resolve and kissed her.
This time she fervently responded, and that made it all the more difficult. He just needed to taste her once more, so he would know that she was there, she was real, she was safe. And for his own selfish reasons, he just wanted to hold her, to kiss her, to love her. But he didn’t want to scare her, and he didn’t want her to think that he was just another male, led by his lower regions and nothing else. He didn’t want her to think he was just like her clients, that he just wanted her for sex. He wanted her because he loved her, and he wanted her to know that, which is why he pulled away.
She let out a shaky laugh, resting her forehead on his. “What are we doing, Mal?”
“What? Can’t a captain tell a member of his crew he missed ‘em?” he chuckled.
Her eyes fell. “Is that all I am to you? Another member of the crew?” she asked timidly.
Mal shook his head with a smile. “Darlin, I thought that’s what all this kissin’ was for. I was hopin’ to help you understand that.”
Inara then smiled and leaned in closer. “Understand what?”
Cheek to cheek they stood, and his voice was a breath on her ear when he whispered, “That you are so much more to me.”
Inara closed her eyes and cherished the thought. Then they moved towards the ship as Zoe started the engines.
“Everything in your room is just the same as you left it, ready and waiting for you, but I reckon that’s gonna change with you not bein’ a Companion now.” She nodded, and squeezed his hand. “You go make your greetings to everyone; Kaylee’s been missin you somethin terrible.” Mal said, giving her a gentle shove.
“What about...” she stammered, turning around to face him. “I mean, I wanted to talk about... well, us.”
Mal smiled and cupped her face with his hand. “You go get unpacked and comfortable, and we’ll talk later on tonight.”
“I could wait for you in your... room?” she said in a sultry voice that had never before been directed towards Mal.
“Now see, that’s what we need to be discussin’. I’ve already got a spot in the special hell reserved, I don’t need you makin it worse.”
Her brow narrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means I”ll not be takin advantage of you, Inara. I’m in this because... well, I care about you. And... you’re... well, important to me and... oh gorramit, woman! You know what I’m sayin?”
“You mean to say...” Inara said with large eyes, understanding hitting her full force.
“I mean to say I’ll I’m gonna say for now. We’ll talk more later on. I promise.”
She looked up at him with nothing less than admiration in her eyes. Then she kissed him quickly on the cheek. “Thank you, Mal. And It’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said.”
Then she disappeared into the ship. Mal made his way to the cockpit with a smile on his face that wouldn’t go away. Zoe didn’t seem to notice.
“Inara safely onboard, sir?”
“Onboard. You got your son buckled in tight?”
“Right on it, Captain.”
Mal couldn’t suppress the feeling that was pulsing through his body. Inara, Serenity, his crew - all of them made him feel this way. It’s the reason he loved his job so.
“Everyone onboard?” he asked over the intercom.
He waited a moment before he heard Zoe’s voice, “Onboard.”
FIN
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