Hank was staring out at the storm, feeling the Firefly rock slightly on her supports. A flash of lightning illuminated the interior of the bridge, and he shivered.

“We are okay, aren’t we?” Zoe asked, coming up behind him.

“Sure we are.”

“Can you sound a bit more confident?”

He twisted in his seat and looked up at her. “Zo, this boat’s been through wars. I don’t think a little wind and thunder’s gonna hurt her.” He flinched as a roll of vibration seemed to rattle the console.

“No?”

“She’s spaceworthy,” he explained as he turned back, running an experienced eye over the panels. “The wind can’t get in where atmo can’t get out, but … I'm just a bit worried something might … well, that we might roll over. It’s not like Serenity’s that small.”

“Her belly’s on the ground, isn’t it?” Zoe put her hand on his shoulder.

“Yes, but –“

“Then she’ll be fine. She’s a good ship.”

“You’ve got to say that. You’re first mate.”

“And you’re the pilot. I've seen you having words with folks who dared say bad things about her.” She leaned over, running her hands down his chest, breathing onto his neck. “Can’t say you haven’t.”

“No, well …” He paused. “What are you doing?”

She'd begun unbuttoning his shirt. “Not sure. What does it look like I'm doing?”

“We can’t.” He clamped his hands over hers.

“Why not?”

“Because if anyone … if Mal found out he’d … I don’t wanna get keelhauled.”

She bit his earlobe. “He’s in the house.”

Hank twisted enough to look her straight in the eye. “What’s gotten into you?”

Another flash lit her face, the slightly hooded expression, the swelling of her lips. “Find storms … erotic.”

“Really?”

Taking advantage of his indecision, she kissed him. “Really.”

-

“Tall!” Freya announced, laying down her cards.

“Gorram it!” Mal glared at the revealed faces. “How’d you do that?” Then his eyes narrowed. “You peeking?”

“No. Just better at cards than you.” She sat back and folded her arms. “Pay up.”

“Look, th