Things ran smoothly aboard and abroad for Serenity
Things ran smoothly aboard and abroad for Serenity. Mal made a solid deal with badger, dumping the goods in his none-too-capable hands in exchange for cashy money, while securing their next venture all in the one visit. Mal had only been slightly surprised when Inara had not made appointments, and accepted generously her excuse of there being 'not enough time.' Many comments had been fighting to escape his mouth, centring on the theory that not many could go for a whole day, but he valiantly fought them back. He, Jayne and Zoe made their way back to the docks; Mal's pocket jingling and his gait light and confident. The doors of serenity opened to receive them and he stepped happily into the wide cargo bay. Madeline, River and Kaylee were calmly playing coits in the centre of the room. River glanced up and waved.
"Nice to see you too, little one," Mal came and sat beside her, "what's going on here?"
"Maddy and Kaylee are playing for the championship," River explained seriously. Mal widened his eyes.
"Well ain't that an interest," He muttered, watching Kaylee lining up the shot, tongue between her teeth. With a victorious glint in her eye she pulled her arm back and flung it at the pole. The front of the ring hit it and bounced backward.
"Gos se!" Kaylee exclaimed in disappointment. Madeline giggled at the outburst as Kaylee covered her mouth apologetically.
"Here was me thinkin' this was a friendly game," Mal whispered cheekily to River who grinned but gave him a reproachful look.
"She feels bad enough already," River whispered to him under the cover of Kaylee's apologies.
"Go on, you're turn," Mal reached over River and tapped Madeline's overhanging toes. She hopped off the crate and walked to the centre of the hold. She picked up the ring and scampered back to the throw line. She stood with the ring loosely by her side, head tilted as she examined the area. Without warning she flicked her wrist and the ring sailed through the air to land smoothly on the pole. Madeline jumped and clapped and ran back to River. Kaylee and River rushed in to praise her. Mal patted her back lightly before rising and heading up the stairs, musing.
Simon had been right that treating her with care and giving her freedom would help her; the girl had improved unbelievably in the past days. She would speak more often, walk happily without holding onto River and interact frequently with every crew member. Mal had even seen her start to smile for no reason. And, he mused; she's learning to use what they did to her, if that shot was anything to go by. Mal shook his head, half happy to see Madeline developing so well but wrought with helplessness as he saw River being left behind. He stopped for a moment, watching the three girls talk but noting the weariness in River's features. The girl embraced her little sister, squeezing her until Madeline protested playfully and wriggled out of her arms. Mal chuckled to himself.
"They're cute together, aren't they?" Inara's voice floated from behind him, "Like a family."
Mal watched her until she stood behind him, when he turned his attention back to the happy group.
"Very much so," he agreed. Inara smiled.
"I uh… came down to apologise," Inara said, trying to maintain her composure by not looking at Mal.
"No need, I wasn't holding a grudge," Mal told her gently. Inara smiled at her feet.
"Do you ever?"
"There have been instances," Mal grinned.
"I'm sure," Inara laughed. She sneaked a look at his face while he was focused on the small gathering below.
"You're right," She told him, causing him to look round, "I don't want to forget."
"That's some fine truth," Mal smiled genuinely, holding her gaze, "let me know if you ever need a refresher." Inara laughed.
"I'm good for the moment, thank you. I'm honestly not sure where to store that particular memory but…" she pulled away from the railing, "I'll keep your offer in mind." With a last smile she turned and headed back to her shuttle. Mal watched her go, the smile still playing about his lips
a/n hey sorry bout the short chapter, next one will be loooong, i promise