Disclaimer: Firefly and all the characters belong to Joss Whedon.

A/N: Book’s line to Inara in the episode "Serenity" as he brings her supper about being surprised by Mal’s concern always interested me as a M/I shipper. My take on how the scene in the kitchen might have gone down on that score. This is my first Firefly piece ever and English isn't my native language, so feedback and con crit would be shiny! (I'm also new to BSR, could someone tell me do normal html-tags work here for italics and bold text? Thanks!)

* * * * *

Jayne’s angry footfalls can still be heard in the distance as he stalks away from the kitchen. Everyone seems to take notice of the silence that ensues, except Mal who is eating his tomato as if nothing had happened.

“Zao gao, what’s got Jayne riled up now?” Wash breaks the quiet as he steps into the kitchen, looking puzzled. “Nearly bowled me over, stomping out like that.”

Mal ignores the question, determined not to bring Jayne back into the discussion. “Hope we ain’t headin’ towards anything that might pulverize us, with the pilot not on the bridge where he should be.” Realizing the uneasy way the passengers shift in their seats at this, he hurries to add, “Not that such scenario’s very likely. You’ve not a thing to worry about.”

The doctor, in particular, doesn’t seem too convinced by Mal’s reassurance.

“Everything’s under control, Captain. No pulverization, explosion, malfunction or other such nastiness in sight,” Wash confirms cheerily. “And case there were, I’m sure we’d notice it real soon. Just dropped by for quick bite.”

“That’s… terrific.” Mal pauses, regarding the passengers. “Again, not likely to happen.”

Kaylee, having gotten over her worst mortification, glances at Simon. “Sorry ‘bout that,” she says quietly, not quite looking at him in the eyes. “Jayne is, uh…”

“A repulsive fiend?” Wash supplies good-naturedly, seating himself on the chair vacated earlier by Jayne.

“Well, yeah… but he sorta grows on you!” Kaylee adds, before elaborating in more