Mal went up to the bridge and looked around. He remembered all the times he had caught Wash playing with his dinosaurs or worse Zoe and Wash making out. The dinosaurs were still there and he dare not move them. Zoe still hadn't been able to face entering the bridge and he knew she would have to deal with this in her own way. Even though he frowned upon ship board romances he knew they loved each other despite their differences.
He sat in the pilot's chair and looked around. All trace of Wash's death happening there gone only the memories painful memories remained.
He never heard Inara enter the bridge he was lost in thought about Wash.
Inara: So when do you think you will be flying again?
He turned around almost surprised to see her. They had not argued at all since she returned to the ship and he didn't push asking her about her plans. He was happy and grateful she was there. She didn't get many injuries so she took charge of the ship and other matters while Mal was in the medical centre.
Mal: Hopefully soon if Kaylee would keep working on the engine and repairs and not the Doc.
Inara laughed a little she could see Mal was uncomfortable talking about the new relationship between Kaylee and the Doc.
Inara: She's happy Mal
Mal: Oh yes I can see that she is all shiny but it is creating a few problems on my ship. I got Jayne ranting at me about it all the time.
Inara: Oh you know Jayne he is always complaining about something
Mal: Well the other day he was going to use Vera on the Doc it's that serious. He was lifting weights the other day and he found a pair of tighty whiteys on his bench and they sure weren't his. I really can't imagine Jayne wearing tighty whiteys, can you?
Inara laughed
Inara: Oh Mal I don't feel like imagining Jayne's undergarments or lack of them. Are you sure they were Simons?
Mal looked at Inara he knew if they weren't Jayne or Simons they she was implying they were his.
Mal: Nara I've worn some peculiar items in my time even women's clothes but never tighty whiteys.
Inara: Oh Mal I mean it is your own business what undergarments you wear they is no need to be ashamed
Mal: Nara they aren't mine I'll take my pants off right now and show you.
Mal started unbuckling his belt
Inara: I believe you Captain no need for the strip show well not now anyway. It has been awhile since Kaylee has been with anyone intimately so I guess she making up for lost time. If what happened on Miranda and with Wash and Shepherd Book thought us anything it is that time is precious and we should make the most of it.
Mal: I'm happy for Kaylee i am but with her and Doc getting naked and having relations all over my ship someone is going to get hurt.
Inara: I will speak with Kaylee
Inara turned to leave the bridge when Mal got up from his seat and turned.
Mal: Nara you are right about what happened on Miranda and with Wash and Book teaching us that time is precious and we should make the most of it.
Inara froze and turned around to face Mal. Her heart skipped a beat. Was this finally their moment?
Mal: Thats why I'm going to try and wear tighty whiteys.
With that Mal left the bridge with his usual smirk