This is a re-edit of a VERY old series of Firefly drabbles that I wrote nearly two years ago. Recent circumstances have made me… reconsider the possibilities with this. So, here goes!
Disclaimer: JOSS IS THE BOSS!!! That is all.
Prompt: Cake
Despite there being an entirely decorated and wholesome mound of protein sitting on the table, Malcolm Reynolds couldn't seem to pay attention to the impromptu birthday celebration.
Kaylee jabbered on and on about making birthdays special, and doing it for Simon, but Mal was entirely focused on the candlelight. The way it sent flickering shadows over all the contours of her face. The way her eyes were crinkled in laughter. He was seated just right at the table, with her exactly across the cake from him, making it far easier to study her in the low light while maintaining his captainly interest in the cake itself.
The prospect of pseudo-chocolate icing had everyone itching to try the cake-creation except for Mal. The cake was long gone and unimportant, given the candlelit circumstances and the array of pure emotions running over Inara's face. And Mal couldn't seem to break away because Inara's emotions were rarely so pure, undiluted, and free. So, spacing out, he lapped up the display as much as he could.
Of course, he was jolted back into reality when he caught Jayne's wandering finger, making its way toward the cake as a seeming act of subterfuge. Mal slapped it away in a truly authoritative and overall captain-like manner.
And with that Inara grinned again. Her grinning laugh was infectous and Kaylee smilingly urged Simon to cut the first piece of his lovingly made cake. Of course, all happy, free moments come to an end at some point, so as the lights dimmed and the engine seemed to hiccup, Mal watched as Inara's mask set firmly into place. That was it for now, but the pure Inara would come out again sooner or later.
It'll end up being later, thought Mal as he ran through the ship to close the doors to the cargo bay. But even as he ran, he couldn't seem to shake off the sudden onset craving for a piece of chocolate cake.
Since these are drabbles, that's all you'll get for now. There isn't really much difference from the original story; same scene, same kind of lines. I just spread some parts out and extended them. I hope you enjoy, and please review! Next chapter will be up within a day!