Firefly, Serenity, and all related proprietary characters are the intellectual property of Joss Whedon and corporations with whom I have no affiliation. Said property does not belong to me, and the fictional story below is of my own creation. (I don’t own ‘em, just like to play with ‘em!)

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Jayne lumbered into the kitchen the next morning, only half awake and starving for breakfast. So it was much to his dismay to find Mal waiting at the table, indicating that he should sit. No one else was up yet apparently, so Jayne grudgingly acquiesced. “What’s up, Mal?”

“How’d things go last night?” Jayne’s slightly confused expression prompted Mal to clarify his question. “You were supposed to see how the girls were doing? Sit with ‘em for a bit, make sure all was well?”

Gŏu shĭ, knew I forget something… “Umm… sorry, Mal. Kinda didn’t do it.”

Mal snapped to attention. “There better be a gorram good reason you didn’t, ‘cause you’re already on thin ice. Don’t think I’ve forgotten we need to be havin’ a conversation concerning li’l Albatross.”

But luck seemed to be on Jayne’s side today, as Inara glided into the kitchen. “Of course there is a good reason, Mal. I invited Zoë and Kaylee to my shuttle after putting River to bed. She seemed fine for the night, and I told Jayne it wasn’t necessary to join us if he didn’t want to.”

“Well… alright then. I’ll be on the bridge… captain-y things to do.” Mal shot Jayne a quick glare before retreating with his coffee.

Checking to make sure Mal was out of ear-shot, Jayne got up and wandered over to Inara, who was standing at the stove preparing tea. “What’d ya lie to him for? I passed out in my bunk on my way to check on ya… not on purpose mind you, did mean to come, but still.”

Inara turned to Jayne with a wan smile. “I have to start being nicer to my personal savior. Besides, I won’t let Mal make things any more tense or awkward over something so ridiculous.” Pouring the now prepared tea, Inara offer