He was glaring at the inside of his cup, did it a lot as of late. The liquid was deep amber, like a thinned out tree sap, glimmered in light if it was poured in bonafide glass. Also smelled as sharp as it tasted. Zoe had given it to him once, few years back when they had had a good run and some pocket change. She had slipped him the white ceramic bottle nonchalantly, no Happy Birthday or anything, just the bottle and a quick wisp of a smile.

“Mind if I have a have a little?”

He tilted his chin up, a tad foggy eyed and surprised to see Inara there. “Didn’t think a woman of your standing drank such strong spirits.”

“I have been known to partake.” Sitting down next to him, she set a crystal lowball glass on the table and met his eyes to measure his drunkenness. “Just a little.”

For a man that had had a few, his hand was steady as he poured her just enough to fill a whiskey glass. “Nice cup, gotta collection?”

“Thank you.” She tipped the glass to him, the drink glittering and dancing gold in the crystal “And you’d be surprised.”

“No doubt, many facets to you.”

“Hmm.” She took a sip. “Didn’t know you had a bottle of Amber Sun.”

“It’s my super secret cache, dust it off once in awhile.” He explained in a low voice.

“Does it help with the pain?” She eyed the sling his left arm was in.

“Feels brand new.” He flashed a brief, dry smile before returning to his sullen expression he had mastered so well.

“The word around Serenity is you got shot, Captain.” She supplied, curious as to his reaction.

His brows twitched and furrowed. “Been shot worse.”

“I don’t doubt that a second.” She took another sip, still trying to reach through the fogginess of his eyes and get to what was behind it.

“How are those new daughters you just procured?” He brought his cup to his lips and let it burn down his throat.

“Now that they have the medication they needed they’re doing much better.” She announced. “Hannah opened her eyes.”

“Good. Talk?”

“Yes, however Simon spent some time with her an