It was a beautiful day on Beaumonde and Inara decided to take Naomi shopping with her for pretties she lately was fussing about. Mal didn't agree at first but he knew that with that "Daddy...please?" whiny plea and that sad puppy look of a four year old, he was downright humped.

"Mommy...look at that one!" cooed Naomi as she saw a blue cotton dress with two butterflies on it, the dress was quite simple but is was also real pretty and Inara couldn't help but smile.

"You want to try it, sweetie?"

"Yes, please." Naomi grinned that 2000 watt grin which she inherited from her mama.

They went into the shop and the dress was perfect and they decided to buy it. Now it was for strawberry hunting for aunt Kaylee who was busy buying some parts for the ship.

"Thanks for the dress, mama" the girl gave her a kiss and she returned the favor.

"You're welcome, darling but it's getting late now so we just get the strawberries and get back home, okay?"

"Okay!" she squealed wanting to show everyone the five new dresses she got.

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When they arrived at the stand, Inara started to choose the berries when Naomi tugged her skirt a bit and pointed to a kitten which was obviously abandoned.

"Can we bring him to Serenity, mama?"

"I don't think daddy will keep it, honey. He said in the first place that no 'four-legged' is to enter Serenity unless it's his cargo."

"But he has no home!" She cried “And what's wrong with trying? If he says no, then I'll leave him but it's no harm in trying to find him a house." she reasoned.

The kitten was just across the street so it was safe to let her get him while she paid for the fruit. At least Inara thought so.

"All right. Get him while I pay these but don't say I didn't warn you." She said.

Naomi went to catch the kitten - and she did - she only had to let him go when she felt someone snake an arm around her neck pulling her to him. She tried to scream to her mommy but no voice came. Hell! She could hardly breath