Bed and Wine: Part 16
By Kaynara
***
“We’re going for a ride.”
***
AN: Thanks to Grimlock for the consult.
It’s Joss’s ‘verse; I just borrow it.
***
Her hand stroked over his lips, slid up his face to brush his temple like a priest offering benediction. A child’s hand, soft and slender, rounded nails still shimmery-pink with Nara’s paints. From this child, they deemed it just to create another. Deadly weapon with its mama’s smile. And him? Dear God and Satan, what would the miserable babe take from him?
“Captain?”
He couldn’t speak just then, couldn’t even open his eyes beneath her probing fingertips. Ai ya, was she tryin’ to see into his soul?
“You...you gotta rest now, Little One. Gotta get well, dong ma?”
“Don’t go back.” She locked his eyes firmly in her gaze. “Promise.”
He gave a jerky nod before stumbling away from the table, through the infirmary doors and into the hall where he could breathe. Conversation ground to a hush when he reappeared. Impervious to their stares or at least choosing to ignore them, Mal leaned his head against the wall, fighting for control. Simon threw him a single, searching glance before returning to his sister’s side.
“Sir?” Zoe ventured after several moments silence.
“I--What’s everyone standin’ around for? Don’t y’all got works needs doin’? Or better yet, get to your bunks already. It’s late enough, and I can’t abide a useless crew come mornin’. Well? Get outta here!”
The others dispersed quickly, Kaylee to Simon’s side, Inara with a searing glance that made blatant her hurt. Mal just groaned, brushed past Zoe whose penetrating gaze followed him down the corridor.
Inara lingered at the end of the hall, waiting for him.
“Mal.” She touched a hand to his shoulder. “You don’t have to tell me what was said in there. Just know that I’m here, when you want to talk....”
He walked away before he could say something he’d regret come morning.
In his bunk, he looked longingly for something to break. Gorrammit, if everything on
Christ. When I think you can't get any better, or can't hit another emotional spot, there you go again.
Ow. Pain. Pain. Pain.
Mal destroying his room - telling the crew - Inara completely losing it. *sniffs*
That was really fantastic. One of your best chapters yet, I'd say. The pain is so real and so *there* and it never stops for them.
“I don’t wanna be a mama, Captain.”
Maybe Inara does and that's what triggered the panic attack?
Loving this! More soon please?
Jenn
Let me say this: I'M NOT WORTHY!!!! (bows a la Mike Myers-as-Wayne Campbell)
This is some dangerously good fic....sometimes I wonder if you're not Joss in disguise;) Plus I am jealous you used some ideas I was percolating for a fic series of my own, but I am just you stole them and used them so well ;)
Keep this up and I think you should getting a lovely call from the Joss-man himself asking for tips :)
BEB
I love your mastery of angst and your deliciously complex plot.
Another great/heartbreaking/hilarious/highlight of my day, chapter!
Taya
So lovely... and I really really loved seein' Inara get some comfort from Kaylee... so sweet.
Ah, I am beyond words..
heh, thats true regardin' most men painting nails *rolls eyes*
oh the mixture of angst and...and...lighter angst...and humour. Love Mal's note and Jayne's response ;)
Poor 'Nara and poor River. Ay-yi-yi what indeed do you have in store for us??
1.) You're Joss-level evil.
2.) How soon before the next chapter?
In the mean time, I'll cheer myself up with thoughts of Simon singing naked. *giggle*
I did get a big kick out of Jayne's note thought BWAHAHA!
*proudly displays her Kaynara fan club t-shirt*
~K
ubiquirk
I don't think the panic attacks need an explanation. They are what they are - a poor excuse that Mal shouldn't have to-and doesn't actually seem to believe.
Keep up the fantastic work. I am hooked!
poor little river though....
“I don’t wanna be a mama, Captain.” *tear*
*huggles river*
She willeed HIM away... I think maybe something similar to Inara happened as well... ai ya
Very good chapter, can't wait to see more!
Really love the fic, more please!
Very curious abou the reasons behind Inara's panic, hope you'll tell eventually! I get the feeling it's something about Mal that set it off, since I have assume she doesn't get these often, not in her line of work.
River/Mal baby. So interesting!
Update soon
Inara84
~Relic
This story takes so many twist and turns and I can't wait to see where you're gonna bring us next!! Keep it coming Kaynara.
b
Post Your Comments
You must log in to post comments.