Disclaimer: Go bother Joss and Mutant Enemy!

Yes, yes, to answer the question of my loyal readers and commenters- YES, I am going to make this a series, just for you. Be happy, you convinced me that I should.

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He sat in Wash's old chair, alone on the bridge, frustrated as Hell. He slammed his hand down on the console, his mind made up. He would have to go talk to her, much as he dreaded it, it was inevitable. Better he initiated the contact rather than have her come crashing down on him unawares.

He had been avoiding her since the incident at breakfast, and he realized he couldn't put it off any longer. He had to say his piece, get this load off his chest.

It was late, everyone had gone to sleep hours ago, but he knew she wasn't sleeping. He knew she was sitting in her bed, awake and fuming.

Silently, he moved through the ship, like a ghost. He stood outside the door for some time, then when he could stand it no longer, he entered her shuttle.

He had been right, she was awake, but she wasn't fuming. It was obvious that two seconds before he had come in, she had been crying.

"I don't remember giving you permission to come into my shuttle." she said, managing to keep her voice steady, "Nor am I in any mood to chat. Besides, shouldn't you be off molesting little children?"

"I wasn't lying when I said I hadn't touched her." he replied.

"Right, when you said that she slept in your bed, you meant just that?" she gave a derisive snort of laughter, "Like I'm going to believe that."

"On'y thing that went on was talkin' and sleepin'." he defended.

"I'm sure that when I tell Simon, he'll see it that way." she looked up at him, a sneering look on her face.

"You're not gonna tell Simon." Mal said quietly.

"Oh, really?" she asked, her voice dripping with venom.

"Really. Wanna know why?" he asked, but didn't wait for an answer, "It ain't your place. You don't have that right. Also, there ain't nothin' to tell."

"Whatever you say, captain. I wouldn't dare disobey a direct orde