Disclaimer: Belongs to Joss

Pairing: M/I

Spoiler: Minor ones for Objects In Space and Serenity the Movie

http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=13380>Part 1 - Shattered

Something’s Gotta Give: Part 2 - Nothin ’ Left To Lose

By

Lattelady

Captain Malcolm Reynolds’s footsteps echoed through his quiet ship. The usually empty cargo bay had a pile of crated furniture and a number of large trunks tucked into one corner. It was late and the rest of the crew was asleep, even Wash had closed down the helm for the night, but no matter how tired Mal’s body was, nervous energy kept him from sittin’ in one spot long enough to close his eyes.

‘He’…no he corrected in his head…‘they was headed for a life changin’ event early the next mornin when Serenity made a quick stop on a mountainous moon so’s one of the crew could leave, never to return.’

“Damn,” he muttered under his breath and climbed the stairs to the catwalk. “T’was ‘Nara’s decision, can’t conjure why I feel so gorramn guilty ‘bout it.” But he did, and Kaylee wasn’t helpin matters none with her dirty looks and cryin’. The girl had taken it into her head that he was somehow responsible for the Companion’s sudden need to move on to greener pastures.

“Mal,” Inara stood facing him at the other end of the walk. “I…ah…wanted to…ah…”

“Evenin’ ’Nara,” he tried to sound casual-like, but it was hard when he knew it was her last night on his boat. It was a good thing he hadn’t let him own self warm to her any, t’otherwise tomorrow would be a right painful day.

“I wanted to thank you for this detour. I realize Sheydra’s Training House isn’t exactly on the way to New Melbourne where you’d been headed.” The wave had come two days earlier, with an offer of employment and it was exactly what Inara needed. She knew her days as an active Companion were over. This way she could continue in the Guild, but as a teacher. Mal wouldn’t know the changes he’d wrought in her life. It was a small th