Disclaimer: Ain’t mine, didn’t get paid, just do it for love. Thanks to Joss ‘n crew for a all the magic, Jacqui for encouragement and great beta, and to you, kind readers. After all, I’m not just writin’ this stuff for myself.

Feedback, comments and encouragement all welcomed. You can comment down below or e-mail me at Lumenea@aol.com.

Setting: : Shortly after my series, “Quickies”. It’s hell when your characters get consciences.

TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE

“Kaylee, you’ve got to tell him.” The two women, one dark and elegant, one fair and fresh-faced, are reflected in the window of a drygoods shop. Above them, the sun is hot and harsh.

They continue to talk as they stroll together through the market.

“Oh, I know, ‘Nara. I been tryin’ to figure out what to say to him for two weeks and ain’t got it worked out yet. I just don’t wanna hurt him none. He’s a sweet fella, real swai and all, but…“

“I know, sweetie. You tried so hard and it isn’t as if he didn’t have every chance in the ‘Verse to speak up and make his feelings known.” Inara thinks of another man inept at expressing his emotions.

Kaylee stands very still for a minute, then tips her head and looks at her confidante. “That was part of the problem. When he did speak up, it kept comin’ out all manner of sideways, and I’d wind up feelin’ mad and frustrated. I just felt like I had to try so hard all the time and things still didn’t work right.”

“Don’t blame yourself, mei-mei. Some men can be incredibly dense when it comes to relating to a woman.”

“That’s only part of the problem, see? What if I tell him and he gets all mad or something an’ tells Mal?“ The girl sticks her hands in her pockets and scuffs her boots in the dust. “It’s already way too complicated…“

The mid-day sun is stifling. Inara notices a tea shop across the street and suggests. “Let’s go get something cool to drink and we can continue our conversation in a more comfortable setting.”

They make their way through the raucous crowd and