The Last Spartan – Chapter Twenty-Six

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“Mal, I need you to go to the study to be fitted for a tuxedo,” Inara said from the stair landing. Mal looked down at her, having been on the verge of descending the steps himself.

“Hello, Inara,” Mal said, smiling slightly. He hadn’t seen much of Inara since the hospital. He’d caught glimpses of her here and there, but hadn’t spoken to her.

“Hello,” Inara didn’t smile back. “The fitting? The tailors need to fit you, and the party is tomorrow evening.”

“Okay,” Mal said amiably, and started down the steps. Inara turned to precede him, but Mal called out to her.

“Inara, I wanted to apologize. For the things I said the other day. Both days,” he amended. “I. . .well, I ain’t got no excuse that’s good enough, so I’ll just say I ain’t got no excuse a tall. But I’m sorry I hurt you.”

“Don’t let it worry you, Mal,” Inara said, not quite stiffly. “I don’t. Not anymore.” Mal winced at that. He’d hoped that maybe he could at least mend the bridge between them, even if he couldn’t fix the damage he’d done to their budding relationship.

“Okay,” he agreed quietly. “Zoe and I will be going two days after the ball. Figured we’d take that last day to say goodbyes and such, maybe recover from the ho-down. Then hit the black first thing day after.”

“We’ll be sorry to see you go,” Inara said professionally. “I understand why you want to leave, and wish you the best.” Mal hid the grimace that threatened to hit his face. He’d never heard her so cold.

“Well, I admit it’s a nice place, and I’ve enjoyed being here,” Mal surprised her, and himself. “But I can’t live on another man’s charity, no matter how well meant. I know Jayne means it, but I got to make my own way, long as I can.”

“I understand, and so does he,” Inara nodded, walking slowly down the steps.

“Well, I’ll go and get fitted, then,” Mal said, as he hit the ground floor.

“Thank you.”