A/N: This takes place way down the line in a series of fics I’m working on. At the rate I’m writing, I’ll be collecting social security before this thing ever sees the light of day. Basically, this is a "day after" fic. Big thank you to Gilliebeans at LJ for her encouragement and help with word usage. You are the master, Devil woman. Also, little thanks to Blue Moon beer for the title inspiration.

_______________________________________________________________

"I'm goin' to town,” Jayne informed them as he shrugged on his coat.

“You can’t leave!” Inara couldn’t keep the slight edge of panic from tainting her voice. Glancing quickly at Mal standing beside her, she was not comforted by his similarly alarmed expression. If Jayne left, they would be alone. Too alone for comfort.

“Gonna hang with some folks that like fun," Jayne explained. He studied Mal and Inara before shaking his head in exasperation. "Good luck with the not speakin'!" He hopped into the mule and tore off.

Inara kept her gaze fixed on the rapidly disappearing mule feeling unaccountably angry at Jayne. She was vaguely mortifed that she had assigned last hope status to Jayne of all people but she desperately needed the buffer that his presence would have provided. If he stayed, she and Mal wouldn’t be alone and they could go about their separate business. She would have the much needed opportunity to retreat to her bed and sort out this mess that she had fallen into.

The mule finally disappeared from sight leaving them alone. Jayne wasn’t turning back. Inara had never felt so…nervous. Frightened. Last night, with Mal… In the span of one reckless night, her nonrelationship with Mal had changed. Drastically. Irrevocably. What was she supposed to do now?

Taking a deep breath, she mustered a smile and turned to face him but he was no longer by her side. Her smile faded as she walked up the ramp into Serenity only to see Mal disappear up the stairs toward his bunk. Disappointment mingled with a small amount of relief swept over her.