Funny how it always rains when you’re burying the dead Wash thought as he looked down at his dearly departed Paco’s grave. He looked around the Captain and Kaylee where here, it was good to have them in his time of bereavement. Most of all Wash was happy that Zoë was there. Their relationship was still new. He needed her strength to get pass this…this horrible time in his life. He took her hand hoping that her strength would some how transfer to him.

“I’m new to this…so I don’t know exactly what to say here.” Wash sniffed a bit.

Kaylee took Wash’s other hand. “Just say what’s in your heart.”

Wash cleared his throat, he tried to speak, but nothing came out. He took a deep breath to get all his emotions in check. “Paco was a good…Paco was a good mmm….” Wash paused a moment. He didn’t take lost too well. He looked into Zoë’s eyes for strength. She gave him a warm smile. “Paco…Paco and me have been together since I was 14. We use’d to chase all the ladies around…Paco was cunning. Some might say dashing. When Paco and I enter a room people took notice…” Wash paused a moment to reminisce about the departed. “Paco was my strength…made me a better man.”

“That was really pretty Wash.” Kaylee said warmly.

“Thanks.” Wash looked at Zoë. “Zoë would you say a few words about Paco?”

Zoë was taken by surprised. She couldn’t figure out for the life of her why Wash wanted her to say anything about Paco. She hated Paco, she was all too glad when he fell.

“I think he would like it, seeing how it was Paco who brought us together.” Wash said trying to fight back the emotions.

“I think it would be real shiny, Zoë. If you said a few words about Paco.” Mal said with a devilish grin. Mal knew Zoë’s distain for Paco. “I mean after all it was Paco who got you and Wash together.” Mal almost laughed, but he held it together.

“Thank you sir.” Zoë said stiffly. “So many words come to mind when I think of Paco. Paco was something fierce, a fiercesome force to be reckoned with. Yes. Paco. Paco, Paco will be missed by all.