Keeping On: Part 8 - Mail Call

Disclaimer: Firefly, Serenity, and all related characters are copyright 2002-2005 Mutant Enemy, Inc., Universal Pictures, and 20th Century Fox. This is a work of fanfiction. No copyright infringement is intended.

***

The crew – now eight – had their first meal together and things were strained at best. Inara barely spoke a word to anyone and Kaylee did her best to keep the conversation going. Jayne seemed interested only in eating and Simon kept his attention on Kaylee and his sister. Mal and Zoe weren’t really talking and Lilah was struck by how awkward the situation was. She couldn't help but say as much.

“I used to think that no dinner could possibly be more awkward than the time I ended up eating with my old flight instructor while in the buff. Apparently I was wrong, because this tops it on a few different levels.”

The conversation stopped abruptly as the crew took in her words. River snorted and laughed and Jayne’s eyes took on a leering glint. The rest simply looked scandalized.

“You had dinner with your flight instructor? While you were naked?” Mal asked incredulously.

“I lost a bet.” Lilah said shortly, staring very intently at her food as she picked at it with her chopsticks.

“A big one, I’m guessing.” Zoe remarked.

“Oh, you’re not wrong.” She agreed and finally cracked a smile. “But other than the lack of clothing, it wasn’t so bad. I just couldn’t look him in the eyes after that. Or his wife’s eyes. She was there, too. But that’s a story for a different time – one better suited to a setting not at the dinner table.”

Jayne began to laugh, a deep rumble that sounded surprisingly pleasant, given his general attitude. “Guess it’s good to know that you’re a heathen like the rest of us.” He said. “Except maybe Inara.”

“Oh, I’m a heathen now?” Simon quipped. “I feel so very proud.”

The crew laughed and it was as though the ice had been thawed at least a little bit.

***

Retreating into the room