Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. (Except for Allan. He's mine) I’m just playing. No money being made.

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This story takes place four and a half years after Serenity (BDM) and has the established couples of Simon/Kaylee, Mal/Inara, Zoë/Allan and Jayne/River. Follows after Birthday and Recollections.

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A/N:

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Thanks again Rebecca (Woonsocket) for the beta.

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The Bash

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Chapter Eight

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Zoë rarely showed emotion to anyone other than her 'family' and then only rarely. When Alisha saw how stiff her sister was standing next to Allan's bedside, she knew that Zoë was holding everything in.

"Sissy?" Alisha asked softly.

Zoë sniffled once and turned to face her sister. A single tear was on her cheek, "Hey Mei-mei."

In two long strides, Alisha entered the room and pulled Zoë into a hug. The older woman resisted for a moment and then relaxed a little bit. Zoë began to sob silently.

"It's okay, Sissy," Alisha comforted.

"Just... Just when things are goin' good..."

"The old Serenity bad luck kicks in," Mal said quietly from the doorway. "How's he doin' Zoë?"

"A little better, Sir," Zoë sniffled, "they took him offa' the respirator a few hours ago."

Mal put his hand on Zoë's shoulder reassuringly, "He'll be fine. Allan's too damn scared a you to up and die."

Zoë snorted and a slight smile curled the corner of her lips, "Reckon you're right about that."

"Zoë?" Inara asked from the doorway.

"C'mon in 'Nara."

Inara looked at her friend closely and scowled slightly, "When is the last time you slept?"

Zoë looked sheepish, "A... while."

"Alisha, take your sister downstairs for a proper meal, then make sure she gets some rest," Inara ordered, "Mal and I will stay with Allan."

"But..."

"No buts Zoë," Mal interjected, "you look like you're gonna fall over. Couple o' hours is all we're askin."

"If any..."

Mal handed his first mate a com unit. "We'll call you."

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Over the next few hours, the entire crew came for short vis