Cold Blooded
Rated: PG
Category: Drabble, Mal/Inara UST.
Spoilers: None per se. Perhaps the "Those Left Behind" comics. Set during Inara's departure for the training house.
Summary: Sometimes the only way to fight fire is with more fire. The same is true of ice.
Note: Written in response to the LJ prompt of 'Cold' on whedonland. (And it won! Squee!)
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Kaylee hugged her tearfully.
Wash sincerely wished her well with an apologetic look.
Zoe offered her trademark nod of respect and a sad smile.
Jayne grumbled about her being crazy but clumsily hugged her anyway.
Book asked if she was certain, then embraced her warmly.
Simon did the same in his stiff, formal way.
River kissed her cheek.
Mal watched from the outside, and in the end he only remarked on the weather.
Inara's answer was too quiet for the others to hear, but it would haunt Mal many a night.
It's alright, captain. I always did like the cold.