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

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A new story line to recharge my Muse. Set outside my “Allanverse.” Just to see what happens. Set about a year and a half post Serenity. Story line has the standard pairings of Mal/Inara, Simon/Kaylee. Also has River/Jayne. Zoë/Maxine

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A/N: I know it's going kinda slow right now but I promise that things will get exciting again soon.

Warning This story line from here on out will include 'gasp' fem slash (Like you didn't see it coming). It won't be graphic but I know some are offended by any depiction of homosexuality. If you don't like this kind of thing... Stop reading right now.

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New Blood

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Chapter Nine

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Zoë awoke slowly, luxuriating in the warmth next to her. Carefully she rolled over and looked at the woman sharing her bed.

Zoë and Maxine had fallen asleep in each others arms. Zoë could tell Maxine had wanted more this first night together but knew Zoë wasn't quite ready to go the whole way yet. Max had respected those boundaries. This was a big step for the first mate.

Gazing down at Maxine's pale skin in the dim light of the cabin, Zoë thought back over what had happened these last two weeks.

Being shot and nearly killed by Badger and his goons, Maxine saving her life... twice. Distrust of this new woman who had entered their lives. Trust earned after Maxine had helped the crew defeat two agents after River. Trust had turned to attraction to affection to...

“No,” Zoë thought to herself, “Not the L word... not yet.”

Maxine mumbled something in her sleep and reached out. Her eyes snapped open and found Zoë sitting up in bed and gazing at her.

“Everything okay?” Maxine said, voice rough with sleep.

“Just shiny,” Zoë replied as she leaned down and kissed Max's cheek. The redhead grinned.

Maxine hitched herself up in the bed, “Sleep well?”

Zoë nodded, “Best I have in a long time... thank you.”

A grin on her face and twinkle in Ma