http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=11012>Part 1

http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=11178&nid=16105>From Bad to Worse: by RiverIsMyGoddess <---companion piece to this

~

“You did what?” Wash's shocked voice came out much louder then he'd been expecting. Zoe gave him a sharp look which clearly meant 'be quiet'. He continued with his voice much lower. “You can't ban Inara from a planet, or the ship. It won't even work.”

“No, it might not work. At least she'll tread lightly.”

“Or she'll go to Mal and demand an explanation.” Wash's amazement was evident as he pulled down his side of the bed sheets. They were in their bunk getting ready for bed and Zoe hadn't mentioned anything until Wash had wondered out loud why Inara hadn't joined everyone for dinner. “Or Mal will wonder where she was and go to her. You can't keep those two apart for very long.”

~

“Missed you at dinner.” Mal's footsteps had warned Inara of his presence so his words hadn't surprised her and she was able to respond with the right amount of annoyance in her voice.

“Still not knocking I see.” She was avoiding looking at him, curiosity about his home was almost too much for her.

“It just slows me down.”

“Yes and wouldn't that be a shame.” She snapped back sarcastically.

“So are you feeling okay?” His voice was genuinely concerned and it startled her.

“Yes, yes I'm fine.” A silence hung oppressively over them, and both prayed silently the other would speak. Both dying to remain in each other's presence.

“It's my home ya know.” Mal hadn't wanted to talk to anyone about it until just now. Part of him hoped that if he told Inara about it, he wouldn't be hurting about Claire. “Shadow, we're docked not 3 kilometers from my Momma's Ranch.”

She wasn't used to talking to Mal this way, she was much more comfortable when they were flippant. “Have you seen them yet?”

“No, she uhm... she died during the war. Killed actually. Hazard of havin' a successful business during a war.