Angelle's mine, but the rest belongs to Mr. Whedon.

------------------------------------------

Time...the thing which we all are a slave to and over a length of it, all wounds heal. Sadly, I didn't have that. For all of ten minutes, I paced in that room, thinking how easy it would be to just let him go and return to doing what I did best, being alone and on my own. Like I said for ten minutes, though truth be told, I cried for half that and then, thought of how stupid I was for letting him walk out, and so that ten minutes was actually maybe three.

Grabbing my revolvers from the table and my hunting knife, I tossed the long dark coat over my jeans and shirt, smiling as I saw my knee point through. When this apology thing was over, I really needed to get new jeans.

As I walked down the stairs, Lou was waiting for me, her lips curled in her trademark smile. "You going after him, aren't you?"

"Can't let his ass get killed. Dad would have a fit."

"Don't think that's the reason, Swamp girl. He's a handsome devil, bit like your daddy and a bit like those gators you love so much. Loves the right people and will fight with every last ounce in him for what he believes is right."

"Ya, think that's our problem. One of us is a loner and the other..."

She tisked me before I could finish. "Stop being so tough, Angelle Marcs. You are no more a loner than your daddy. He's been moping about letting that crazy bitch, Patience go for years now. Don't be stupid and be like him. I saw the way that man looked at you and you at him. Bloody well get your ass over to his ship and tell him."

"Yes, Ma'am." I nodded, knowing one, arguing with her was stupid and two, well, she was right.

"Party's tomorrow night at seven. I'll get your invites to you somehow."

"I'll be dragging him back here, Lou. Let's just hope Mal doesn't jump the gun and go get her now." I grabbed for the door, but turned throwing a kiss to my aunt. "Love you, Lou and thanks."

******

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