Title: “Tea?”

Author: Taya

Word Count: 738 (It’s only short folks)

Rating: PG

Spoilers: In this piece of fluff? No.

Pairing/Characters: Mal/Inara.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. If I did I would not be living off a student loan in uni accommodation with no heating!

A/N: I promised 2x2’s muse a little present and I think some light bickering and of course, ‘tea’ should just about cover it.

It’s light-ish and kind of fluffy.

Thanks to Kaynara who is unwittingly responsible for the plot bunny that dragged this in.

Cross Posted to Mal/Inara livejournal community

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"Tea?"

“Inara, I think it’s long past the time for me an’ you to be having this talk.” He looked at her meaningfully.

“Mal, I…” She hesitated, uncertain.

… No response.

Absolutely nothing.

“One of us needs to talk cupcake.”

“Right, I… Can you not call me that?” She looked at him; nose wrinkled slightly in disgust but getting nothing but a boyish smirk in response.

“What? You mean, while we’re tryin’ to be all serious?” Mal looked decidedly bemused. “How bout after?”

She paused, turning to face him fully. “How about never?”

He laughed, “Hell ‘nara there ain’t nothing wrong with a little nickname.”

“I don’t need a nickname Mal, and I certainly don’t need ‘Cupcake’. Now if you don’t mind, perhaps we could get back to the issue at hand.”

“I just think you could stand to loosen up a little, ‘sides, it’s cute.”

Inara glared in response. “Malcolm Reynolds, I am not trying to be ‘cute’ and I certainly do not need to ‘loosen-up’. I am simply composed.”

Rolling his eyes, Mal muttered under his breath, “That’s one word for it.”

“Excuse me?”

“You’re excused. What did you do?” came the infuriating reply.

“I think you’ll find Mal, that I did nothing. You are deliberately being contrary.”

“Hmm, yes, it is something of a skill. I try not to provoke you too often.”

“Then clearly you’re not trying hard enough.”

“Oh, I’m trying Cupcake, believe me.