Hot Seat
Rated: PG
Category: Gen, Double Drabble, Mal/Zoë Friendship, Dark-ish.
Spoilers: None.
Summary: Mal Loses His Cool.
Note: Written in response to the LJ prompt of 'Chair' on firefly100
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It was just a chair.
A simple wooden chair.
Straight back, four legs: just the usual. Minus that oddly-shaped star carved in each arm.
No one would've known it was on board if its crate hadn't broken open. That happened sometimes, though, and the Shepherd was ready to repair the damage.
He never got the chance.
No one understood when Mal threw the chair against a wall and then out the cargo bay door with a curse so foul it made even Jayne look away.
No one except the one who'd cut him free of just such a carved chair one midnight hour.
When Mal finished his fit, the cargo bay was nearly empty.
It had been full a moment before.
Now, only one soul remained, and she stood her ground.
Zoe arched an eyebrow at her captain and spoke plainly.
"You done?"
Mal nodded. "I'm done."
"Good. Then help me get these crates stowed for take off, since you scared everyone else away."
Mal started the work, not speaking. Zoe did the same. After a minute, Mal spoke under his breath.
"Zoe?"
Zoe set her crate down and turned to Mal.
"Yes?"
"Just… well, thanks."
"Don't mention it, sir."