“So Freya’s attracted to Mal?”

River nodded. “Very much.”

Simon looked thoughtful. “And Jayne’s offering … does this end with her having a conversation with him through the airlock?”

“No.”

“Pity.” He winced as she poked him with her pen. Rubbing at the spot on his arm, he said, “Come on. You can’t stop there. Not now.”

…

Freya waited until she heard the hatch slam closed, then her shoulders sagged. Gorram nosy, opinionated crew. Maybe she needed to be more forceful, perhaps threaten them with the old airlock just a bit –

“You okay?”

“What is this, Osiris Central Port?” she asked, throwing her hands into the air and turning around.

Mal Reynolds gazed at her. “Sorry. You just looked … sad.”

“Not sad. Just … bemused. This room‘s getting more traffic tonight than it does during the day!”

“I just came for a drink.”

She took a deep breath. “No, I’m sorry. And there’s some tea brewed if you’d like some.”

“Shiny.” He walked behind the counter, but didn’t take his eyes off her. “Maddy is … she likes men.”

Freya froze. “Really.”

“I heard. I wasn’t eavesdropping, not really, just happened to … Truth is, she’s never been faithful to me, not in all the years we’ve been wed. It’s not been serious, and I don’t think she’d ever leave me, but she … your man isn’t the first, and likely not to be the last.”

She looked at him, at the melancholy air he was projecting. “Then why do you stay with her?”

He shrugged. “She’s my wife.”

“Do you love her?”

“I did. Once. But Shadow ain’t really into divorce. And she’s a good wife in all other aspects.”

“So do you … stray?”

“Not a single time. Never wanted to. Not ‘til now.”

“Mr Reynolds –”

“Please. Call me Mal. I’d like to hear you say it. Even if it‘s just the once.”

There was a pause. Then … “Mal.”

He smiled, his face lighting up. “See? Was that so bad?”

“This isn’t right.”

“Never said it was.”

Their eyes locked, then she turned away. “No. Not happening,” she said, almost