(Untitled)

[ff_ambassador]

Lunchtime. Thank goodness. Inara is starving, her stomach occasionally making embarrassing grumbling noises as she makes her way to an open seat at the bar.

She quickly dives in to her soup and sandwich, people-watching between bites, her favorite relaxing activity at Milliways. Come say hi!

[ooc: Mun is at work, so apologies for slow tags! Need

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[bad_in_latin]

Mal comes down to the bar today later than he normally gets a start on his day at home. Being in Milliways again is enough motivation to relax a bit; enjoy himself.

He's down today to his white shirt and slacks, still carrying that rather unique black lacquer cane of his, and he asks the bar for pomegranate juice.

He hasn't seen anybody watching him.

[ff_ambassador]

Inara notices the older man as he approaches the bar, but doesn't give much thought to him. She takes another bite of her sandwich when she hears Mal's voice from down the bar.

She looks around, but doesn't see him. Hmm.

[bad_in_latin]

A fwip of black hair at Mal's periphery draws his attention.

And then, his breath.

So what if he's staring?

[ff_ambassador]

Inara catches the man staring at her, and she stares back, an eyebrow raised.

"I'm sorry, can I help you with something?"

[bad_in_latin]

She doesn't recognize him. That's okay, in a way -- the only person that has right off was River, and she's got an advantage.

It bothers the old man more, here.

"Inara."

It's all he's figured out how to say, so far.

[ff_ambassador]

There's something about this man that seems so familiar. And the voice...

"Yes," she replies slowly. "Have we met? I apologize if I'm forgetting."

[bad_in_latin]

Mal swallows, hand reaching forward to shake.

"Malcolm Reynolds. 'S nice to meet you."

[ff_ambassador]

Inara bites back a gasp, even as her hand is rising to meet his. Mal's. Mal's?

Her brain is whirling, thinking how she just saw Mal this morning, laid up in bed. She checked on him not an hour ago.

"I...how?" That's about all you are going to get from her at the moment.

[bad_in_latin]

"I wish I knew, and that's the truth of it. I haven't been to Milliways in...Well. Let's just say that about everyone is having your reaction when they see me as I am now."

[ff_ambassador]

"So you are from the future." Her hand is still in mid-air, not quite to his.

[bad_in_latin]

"I'm from my present," he tries to quirk a smile. "Just my year's 2551."

[ff_ambassador]

"Réncí de Fózŭ," she says. Then she shakes herself and really looks at the man in front of her.

"I'm so sorry...Mal. I shouldn't be acting so shocked - considering where we are. I'm being so rude." The slight hesitation before she says his name is the only outward appearance that she is still totally freaked out.

[bad_in_latin]

"It's alright. Really and honestly. Promise."

Mal knew -- knows, she's right here isn't she? This is the strangest thing ever -- Inara better than Mal knows nearly anyone else in his life.

"You're not the only person I've confused, here."

[ff_ambassador]

Inara nods fervently. "I'm sure of that."

"Would you like to sit down and join me? I'd love to talk to you...about what I can."

[bad_in_latin]

Very much yes.

"If I'm...not intruding."

Awkward.

[ff_ambassador]

Inara knows she is getting more relaxed if she sounds slightly exasperated. "Of course you aren't. Please sit down."

She notices the cane then - another familiar item. "Is..is that Wash's cane?" she asks tenatively.