Disclaimer: Joss is boss.
Author's Notes: My first Firefly fanfic, bwee!
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Thinking of lasts often makes him think of firsts.
There's a big going away party, and lots of crying on Kaylee's part, and Inara sheds tears as well. Mal doesn't, and after it's all over, Inara finds him privately.
She's always been more comfortable with silences than he has, so he ends up speaking first.
"Got your things packed, then?"
He's not even looking at her, still checking his guns over like he was when she came into the room. The inspection is somewhat more slapdash than usual.
Inara nods, realizing afterwards that he can't see her.
More silence, and right where she's sure he's about to make another meaningless pass, she heads him off. "Mal…"
"Yeah?"
Inara looks at him for a moment, and then swallows. "Nothing. Just…goodbye." Her voice maybe wavers for a second, like a candle right before it goes out.
She's already halfway to her room when Mal speaks to the empty room. "Goodbye, 'Nara."