Duplicity
Pairing Mal/other
Rating pg
feedback: Yes please deementedb@aol.com
Archive: fine with me.
Disclaimers: Characters are not mine, just moving them around to my liking
Spoilers: little reference to Ariel
Summary: A betrayal from the past finally catches up. Chapter 6: summary. Zoe plots to break up Mal and Bella
Chapter 6
11yrs ago
Bella and Zoe were more careful around each other now, Bella no longer automatically included Zoe in her plans, Mal was aware of the tension between the two women but was at a loss on what to do about it, neither wanted to hear him plead the other's case.
One night Zoe asked Mal to go to the bar she knew a big card game was going on at, Bella was playing and Mal thought at least they would be in the same place, maybe Zoe was thawing, he agreed to go. Once they were there Zoe started drinking, egging Mal on to join her, claiming he was getting domesticated. He matched her drink for drink, Zoe knew exactly how much to let him drink, mysteriously a button or two was undone on her blouse, her hair was let loose, touches, looks and a hasty retreat back to Zoe's room. Though pleasantly tipsy, she had used timing, keeping an eye on Bella's chips, making sure Bella noticed her touching Mal, she only hoped she could keep Mal awake and interested long enough for Bella to catch them.
Mal had protested mildly when Zoe came on to him, he said it would hurt Bella, Zoe pleaded that Bella need never know, that she needed him and Mal finally succumbed. Zoe had left the door ajar, had started music playing to hide approaching footsteps. She led Mal through a marathon session of sex, urging him on loudly, she knew her goal was accomplished when Bella pushed the door open, shouting at Mal, who quickly dressed and followed her next door. Sobering up considerably, Zoe smiled as she heard the shouting from next door. Bella was history she was sure.
The next day Zoe went next door to get Mal; they were going to go check out a possible job. Bella answered the door, opening it wide to show Zoe that Mal was not there. Zoe demanded to know where he was, a smug smile and a shrug was all Bella offered, Zoe stormed off.
Later that day Zoe ran into Mal walking down the street.
"Mal, you're not avoiding me, are you?" she asked.
"Look Zoe, you know last night was wrong, okay it wasn't wrong wrong, just first I'm accusing Bella and then she catch's us red handed. I tried to tell her it weren't nothin, but I never would have accepted that kinda excuse from her. She just fits so good in my life, so do you, just not in the same way." He stammered.
Zoe just stared at him for a while "So, is that a yes or a no?" She asked worriedly.
"No, look I told her it wouldn't happen again, she could trust me and I would trust her. You two are just gonna have to work it out cause I can't do without either of you."
Zoe tried to hide her anger, instead she left him. What the hell did she have to do to wrench him away, the next thing she knew he would be trying to talk her into buying property instead of a ship. She had not followed this man across the verse working her ass off to become a ranch hand. She needed more excitement in her life and she knew Mal did too, he was just momentarily distracted and he would thank her once he realized what could have happened. This was war and if there was anything Zoe knew about it was war.
She set a plan. She watched and used anything she could that Bella did against her, subtly of coarse, she kept her relationship with Mal close, yet all but ignored Bella. She learned more about the games and players Bella was around, knew almost to the credit how much she won or lost, how much she spent on expenses, how much she gave to Mal. What she didn't know was how much she had stashed and where she stashed it, but she meant to find out.
Luck was on her side about a month later, Mal had secured a temporary bodyguard job escorting an infamous man's wife and two daughters to another planet to keep them out of harms way while the man settled some scores. The job kept Mall off planet for two weeks; Zoe stepped up her surveillance of Bella. One night while Bella was tied up in a game, Zoe broke into her room searching for the money stash she knew had to be there. It took her the better part of an hour though the room was small, a loose floorboard under the bed held what accounted to the gamblers savings, Zoe had always though Bella too generous with her money but obviously she had a cushion, a good sized cushion Zoe thought. She put everything back in plenty of time to avoid getting caught.
She had also recently received a wave from a comrade that had served with them at Serenity Valley, she was on the other side of the planet having hard times as many were, she had asked about the work situation, she and her husband were both without work. Zoe decided to visit.
Sharla and Dax Ramsey were just hanging on, Zoe brought lunch with her and couldn't help but notice how thin Sharla had become. Zoe liked the closeness of the couple and asked to speak to Sharla alone. Without actually saying that Bella had 'stolen' Mal from her, Zoe explained that she had to get Mal away from her, if Sharla let her 'borrow' her husband for a few days....
Sharla had always believed that Mal and Zoe belonged together; she and her husband could use the money Zoe was offering for transport to a planet where they hopefully could find work. The plan was for Dax to get close to Bella, in a friendly non-threatening way; in a way that Sharla could take pictures that would look like they were together and more acquainted than they were.
Over the course of a few days they had pictures of Dax helping Bella to her seat, of them laughing together, Bella's hand on his arm (Dax was an extremely charming and funny man), one where his hand appeared to be on the small of her back. Dax joined Bella (coincidentally) at a diner, and in a shop. There were enough pictures of the two of them together to think they were spending time.
Zoe thought they needed more, with Sharla and Dax's permission, Zoe hit Dax a few times in the face, enough to split a lip, bloody his nose and give him the start of a black eye. They dirtied him up and waited for Bella to start towards home. Zoe hoped with Bella's nurturing nature she would take this new acquaintance home to clean him up. Her prayers were answered when Dax stumbled across Bella's path, Bella was appalled at what had happened to him- Dax claimed he was robbed, she helped him to her room.
After entering her room, Dax feigned dizziness, almost falling to the floor, having never closed the door before this happened, Zoe got a picture of Bella's arm around him as she tried to keep him on his feet, soon Dax was on the bed, Bella had begun to clean up his injuries, Zoe waited and when the angle was right took a couple of shots showing Bella leaning over Dax in her bed. Dax had the presence to pose his hands to seem that their relationship was different. Satisfied that she had what she needed, she only had to wait for Mal to get back in a day or two and then for Dax and Sharla to get off the planet before she started telling Mal of Bella's betrayal. She would this time actually have people who had seen Dax and Bella together. Later she would produce the pictures telling Mal that someone from the bar who had been there when Bella demanded to know if anyone had seen her with another man, had thought to get proof this time.
Her plan worked perfectly, apparently two weeks off world had renewed his wanderlust, he was ready to move on, his plan was to convince Bella to go with them, once they saved enough money for a ship he could take her to anyplace she wanted in the verse to play. Bella had readily agreed, seeing it as a sort of commitment on Mal's part. Zoe was not happy about the arrangement but thought she still might have a chance to leave Bella behind. She told Mal of what she saw, said not to believe her if he didn't want, she would find proof, but not to let Bella know.
"She's after something Mal, I know it, you used to trust me, trust me now" She pleaded,
He finally agreed if Zoe promised to stop suspecting Bella if she found no proof.
Zoe made plans to leave the planet. She secured two passages on a transport ship, whether Mal was with her or not she had to move on. If he didn't go with her they could split the money they had saved. If he did go with her she would eventually have to explain the loss of money she had given to Sharla and Dax. It would all happen within a matter of days.
Bella had been feeling off, her game was off; her cooking was off, her body felt tired though she felt like she had been sleeping more frequently. She attributed it to her relationship with Mal, things had been rocky at times but she thought he was a good man, and she loved him. She knew he was not the kind of man that was comfortable saying the words but she felt he told her in deed. She had thought she would lose him for sure when Zoe started getting possessive, she knew catching them in bed had been orchestrated and though it had hurt it also had helped Mal understand that the physical act had nothing to do with the feelings per se. He had no proof that she had been unfaithful and she hadn't, but she had walked in on him and his so called best friend and he had insisted it wasn't anything for 'them' to worry about. He realized how much it had hurt her and promised it would not happen again. Mal did not make idle promises, so she was hopeful for the future.
He wanted to leave the planet and had asked her along, she had agreed hoping Zoe would eventually accept her or go her own way. The day before they were set to leave, she had been packing; she didn't have much she wanted to take. Zoe and Mal had gotten a last minute job, Mal had said he had to take what he could and that they would be back that evening. Bella decided to make a special dinner for their last night on Callebo, it would be like a peace offering. She reached under the bed, removed the floorboard and took some money; she would have to remember to pack the money before Mal got back. He knew she had savings but had no idea how much. Some things a girl had to keep to herself, no matter how much in love.
As Bella was shopping she passed an expectant mother in the grocery and something clicked inside her, could that be what was off?
She felt for sure that it was, but went to find a Dr. for confirmation, she was already overjoyed, she couldn't wait to tell Mal.
Zoe gave Mal the pictures, she talked tough to him. "I'm tired of seeing you like this, you have no idea how she really is. I'm leaving late tonight; I have two passages to Persephone. You come with me or we split the money and go our own way. You have lost the dream and I'll be damned if I end up your ranch hand on some dirt farm. Here is your proof, go to her, she'll just deny it. This is not about me wanting you for myself you know that or at least you used to. Don't go back, I'll go pick up your things, they are already packed for tomorrow, we'll leave without the drama"
"Zoe, how can I not give her the chance to explain? Maybe the guy is payback for me and you"
Zoe grimaced, she knew he doubted too much now, she had him but couldn't show how relieved she was. She took a deep breath before delivering the final blow.
"Mal, didn't want to say this to you, but I think she's whoring on the side." Zoe said with feigned concern in her eye.
"What! No. There is no.." Mal reacted immediately,
Zoe cut him off
"You know how much she makes gambling, or near enough; I saw her with 20.000 credits hidden in that room. No way she made that way with cards. She spends more money than you and I combined and let's face it she cant be that good a card player. She wouldnta stayed here longer than to find the next transport out, she'd be playin casino's, not small planet bars" Zoe said trying to make her case.
"You know this as a fact?" Mal asked, his voice tight, wavering between anger and misery.
"Never saw her take money, but the two men I told you about weren't the only one's I seen her with" Zoe said with as much sympathy as she could muster.
"Yet you only mention two guys to me?" Anger seemed to be winning out
She sighed dramatically "You know what happened the first time, thought you'd just doubt me again. We've been through a lot together, can't really think of any other time you've doubted me. Just thought you'd catch on eventually, but I can't let this go on without trying to warn you again, I can't watch either, so I'm telling you straight, stay with her or go with me. It's your decision, just want you to have the information."
"But why? Why? Zoe. If she's whorin why would she want me around? Why play that
we have a somewhat normal life? She pursued me." He asked, clearly distraught
"I know she did. Mal. Besides what you think, you're a fairly good guy, not bad to look at, that kinda life's gotta be hard, maybe she ain't cut out for it, maybe she's looking for an out or just the chance to pretend her life is different. I don't know, and now I don't care. She's been lying to you. So what's it gonna be?"
Mal's face turned stony "Fine, go pick up my stuff. I'll be in that bar over there."
Zoe got her small bag and steeled herself to confront Bella to get Mal's bag. She knocked and listened, no one home, perfect. She went in and got Mal's bag, she looked around, the place already looked empty, abandoned. Bella's bags were also packed. She peeked down the hall and went back in and under the bed; she opened the loose floorboard and grabbed the cash. Now she could replace the money she had paid the Ramseys and make sure Bella couldn't follow anytime soon. She was a resourceful girl and Zoe had no doubt she would get by. She left quickly to join Mal and make sure he didn't backtrack.
Bella was beaming as she entered her room with the supplies for a grand dinner, she was about to take the groceries to the kitchen, she didn't notice Mal's bag was gone.
Bella started to worry, dinner was waiting in the kitchen and had been for three hours, Mal had said nothing about the job he was on. She knew half the jobs he and Zoe did were dangerous, some of those even illegal. She went next door to see if Zoe was there, the door was open, the room empty of any personal effects. Dread started creeping in as she went back to her room and finally noticed Mal's bag was gone. She sat on the bed for a long time thinking what could have gone wrong. Would he really abandon her without a word?
After staying up all night crying and cursing she made up her mind, she would go to the transport they were all to leave on today. If he was there an explanation would be in order. She would tell him about the baby, if that didn't persuade him to deal face to face with her nothing would. She felt better having a plan and even let the hope that she would find him and that he would be happy about her pregnancy, but being the practical girl that she was, she realized if she didn't find him he was more than likely gone and there would be no reason for her to stay on this planet. She finished packing and thanked God again for the cautionary nature she had that had caused her to save for a rainy day.
The feeling in her stomach couldn't be blamed on morning sickness when her floorboard safe turned up empty.
Pairing Mal/other
Rating pg
feedback: Yes please deementedb@aol.com
Archive: fine with me.
Disclaimers: Characters are not mine, just moving them around to my liking
Spoilers: little reference to Ariel
Summary: A betrayal from the past finally catches up. Chapter 6: summary. Zoe plots to break up Mal and Bella
Chapter 6
11yrs ago
Bella and Zoe were more careful around each other now, Bella no longer automatically included Zoe in her plans, Mal was aware of the tension between the two women but was at a loss on what to do about it, neither wanted to hear him plead the other's case.
One night Zoe asked Mal to go to the bar she knew a big card game was going on at, Bella was playing and Mal thought at least they would be in the same place, maybe Zoe was thawing, he agreed to go. Once they were there Zoe started drinking, egging Mal on to join her, claiming he was getting domesticated. He matched her drink for drink, Zoe knew exactly how much to let him drink, mysteriously a button or two was undone on her blouse, her hair was let loose, touches, looks and a hasty retreat back to Zoe's room. Though pleasantly tipsy, she had used timing, keeping an eye on Bella's chips, making sure Bella noticed her touching Mal, she only hoped she could keep Mal awake and interested long enough for Bella to catch them.
Mal had protested mildly when Zoe came on to him, he said it would hurt Bella, Zoe pleaded that Bella need never know, that she needed him and Mal finally succumbed. Zoe had left the door ajar, had started music playing to hide approaching footsteps. She led Mal through a marathon session of sex, urging him on loudly, she knew her goal was accomplished when Bella pushed the door open, shouting at Mal, who quickly dressed and followed her next door. Sobering up considerably, Zoe smiled as she heard the shouting from next door. Bella was history she was sure.
The next day Zoe went next door to get Mal; they were going to go check out a possible job. Bella answered the door, opening it wide to show Zoe that Mal was not there. Zoe demanded to know where he was, a smug smile and a shrug was all Bella offered, Zoe stormed off.
Later that day Zoe ran into Mal walking down the street.
"Mal, you're not avoiding me, are you?" she asked.
"Look Zoe, you know last night was wrong, okay it wasn't wrong wrong, just first I'm accusing Bella and then she catch's us red handed. I tried to tell her it weren't nothin, but I never would have accepted that kinda excuse from her. She just fits so good in my life, so do you, just not in the same way." He stammered.
Zoe just stared at him for a while "So, is that a yes or a no?" She asked worriedly.
"No, look I told her it wouldn't happen again, she could trust me and I would trust her. You two are just gonna have to work it out cause I can't do without either of you."
Zoe tried to hide her anger, instead she left him. What the hell did she have to do to wrench him away, the next thing she knew he would be trying to talk her into buying property instead of a ship. She had not followed this man across the verse working her ass off to become a ranch hand. She needed more excitement in her life and she knew Mal did too, he was just momentarily distracted and he would thank her once he realized what could have happened. This was war and if there was anything Zoe knew about it was war.
She set a plan. She watched and used anything she could that Bella did against her, subtly of coarse, she kept her relationship with Mal close, yet all but ignored Bella. She learned more about the games and players Bella was around, knew almost to the credit how much she won or lost, how much she spent on expenses, how much she gave to Mal. What she didn't know was how much she had stashed and where she stashed it, but she meant to find out.
Luck was on her side about a month later, Mal had secured a temporary bodyguard job escorting an infamous man's wife and two daughters to another planet to keep them out of harms way while the man settled some scores. The job kept Mall off planet for two weeks; Zoe stepped up her surveillance of Bella. One night while Bella was tied up in a game, Zoe broke into her room searching for the money stash she knew had to be there. It took her the better part of an hour though the room was small, a loose floorboard under the bed held what accounted to the gamblers savings, Zoe had always though Bella too generous with her money but obviously she had a cushion, a good sized cushion Zoe thought. She put everything back in plenty of time to avoid getting caught.
She had also recently received a wave from a comrade that had served with them at Serenity Valley, she was on the other side of the planet having hard times as many were, she had asked about the work situation, she and her husband were both without work. Zoe decided to visit.
Sharla and Dax Ramsey were just hanging on, Zoe brought lunch with her and couldn't help but notice how thin Sharla had become. Zoe liked the closeness of the couple and asked to speak to Sharla alone. Without actually saying that Bella had 'stolen' Mal from her, Zoe explained that she had to get Mal away from her, if Sharla let her 'borrow' her husband for a few days....
Sharla had always believed that Mal and Zoe belonged together; she and her husband could use the money Zoe was offering for transport to a planet where they hopefully could find work. The plan was for Dax to get close to Bella, in a friendly non-threatening way; in a way that Sharla could take pictures that would look like they were together and more acquainted than they were.
Over the course of a few days they had pictures of Dax helping Bella to her seat, of them laughing together, Bella's hand on his arm (Dax was an extremely charming and funny man), one where his hand appeared to be on the small of her back. Dax joined Bella (coincidentally) at a diner, and in a shop. There were enough pictures of the two of them together to think they were spending time.
Zoe thought they needed more, with Sharla and Dax's permission, Zoe hit Dax a few times in the face, enough to split a lip, bloody his nose and give him the start of a black eye. They dirtied him up and waited for Bella to start towards home. Zoe hoped with Bella's nurturing nature she would take this new acquaintance home to clean him up. Her prayers were answered when Dax stumbled across Bella's path, Bella was appalled at what had happened to him- Dax claimed he was robbed, she helped him to her room.
After entering her room, Dax feigned dizziness, almost falling to the floor, having never closed the door before this happened, Zoe got a picture of Bella's arm around him as she tried to keep him on his feet, soon Dax was on the bed, Bella had begun to clean up his injuries, Zoe waited and when the angle was right took a couple of shots showing Bella leaning over Dax in her bed. Dax had the presence to pose his hands to seem that their relationship was different. Satisfied that she had what she needed, she only had to wait for Mal to get back in a day or two and then for Dax and Sharla to get off the planet before she started telling Mal of Bella's betrayal. She would this time actually have people who had seen Dax and Bella together. Later she would produce the pictures telling Mal that someone from the bar who had been there when Bella demanded to know if anyone had seen her with another man, had thought to get proof this time.
Her plan worked perfectly, apparently two weeks off world had renewed his wanderlust, he was ready to move on, his plan was to convince Bella to go with them, once they saved enough money for a ship he could take her to anyplace she wanted in the verse to play. Bella had readily agreed, seeing it as a sort of commitment on Mal's part. Zoe was not happy about the arrangement but thought she still might have a chance to leave Bella behind. She told Mal of what she saw, said not to believe her if he didn't want, she would find proof, but not to let Bella know.
"She's after something Mal, I know it, you used to trust me, trust me now" She pleaded,
He finally agreed if Zoe promised to stop suspecting Bella if she found no proof.
Zoe made plans to leave the planet. She secured two passages on a transport ship, whether Mal was with her or not she had to move on. If he didn't go with her they could split the money they had saved. If he did go with her she would eventually have to explain the loss of money she had given to Sharla and Dax. It would all happen within a matter of days.
Bella had been feeling off, her game was off; her cooking was off, her body felt tired though she felt like she had been sleeping more frequently. She attributed it to her relationship with Mal, things had been rocky at times but she thought he was a good man, and she loved him. She knew he was not the kind of man that was comfortable saying the words but she felt he told her in deed. She had thought she would lose him for sure when Zoe started getting possessive, she knew catching them in bed had been orchestrated and though it had hurt it also had helped Mal understand that the physical act had nothing to do with the feelings per se. He had no proof that she had been unfaithful and she hadn't, but she had walked in on him and his so called best friend and he had insisted it wasn't anything for 'them' to worry about. He realized how much it had hurt her and promised it would not happen again. Mal did not make idle promises, so she was hopeful for the future.
He wanted to leave the planet and had asked her along, she had agreed hoping Zoe would eventually accept her or go her own way. The day before they were set to leave, she had been packing; she didn't have much she wanted to take. Zoe and Mal had gotten a last minute job, Mal had said he had to take what he could and that they would be back that evening. Bella decided to make a special dinner for their last night on Callebo, it would be like a peace offering. She reached under the bed, removed the floorboard and took some money; she would have to remember to pack the money before Mal got back. He knew she had savings but had no idea how much. Some things a girl had to keep to herself, no matter how much in love.
As Bella was shopping she passed an expectant mother in the grocery and something clicked inside her, could that be what was off?
She felt for sure that it was, but went to find a Dr. for confirmation, she was already overjoyed, she couldn't wait to tell Mal.
Zoe gave Mal the pictures, she talked tough to him. "I'm tired of seeing you like this, you have no idea how she really is. I'm leaving late tonight; I have two passages to Persephone. You come with me or we split the money and go our own way. You have lost the dream and I'll be damned if I end up your ranch hand on some dirt farm. Here is your proof, go to her, she'll just deny it. This is not about me wanting you for myself you know that or at least you used to. Don't go back, I'll go pick up your things, they are already packed for tomorrow, we'll leave without the drama"
"Zoe, how can I not give her the chance to explain? Maybe the guy is payback for me and you"
Zoe grimaced, she knew he doubted too much now, she had him but couldn't show how relieved she was. She took a deep breath before delivering the final blow.
"Mal, didn't want to say this to you, but I think she's whoring on the side." Zoe said with feigned concern in her eye.
"What! No. There is no.." Mal reacted immediately,
Zoe cut him off
"You know how much she makes gambling, or near enough; I saw her with 20.000 credits hidden in that room. No way she made that way with cards. She spends more money than you and I combined and let's face it she cant be that good a card player. She wouldnta stayed here longer than to find the next transport out, she'd be playin casino's, not small planet bars" Zoe said trying to make her case.
"You know this as a fact?" Mal asked, his voice tight, wavering between anger and misery.
"Never saw her take money, but the two men I told you about weren't the only one's I seen her with" Zoe said with as much sympathy as she could muster.
"Yet you only mention two guys to me?" Anger seemed to be winning out
She sighed dramatically "You know what happened the first time, thought you'd just doubt me again. We've been through a lot together, can't really think of any other time you've doubted me. Just thought you'd catch on eventually, but I can't let this go on without trying to warn you again, I can't watch either, so I'm telling you straight, stay with her or go with me. It's your decision, just want you to have the information."
"But why? Why? Zoe. If she's whorin why would she want me around? Why play that
we have a somewhat normal life? She pursued me." He asked, clearly distraught
"I know she did. Mal. Besides what you think, you're a fairly good guy, not bad to look at, that kinda life's gotta be hard, maybe she ain't cut out for it, maybe she's looking for an out or just the chance to pretend her life is different. I don't know, and now I don't care. She's been lying to you. So what's it gonna be?"
Mal's face turned stony "Fine, go pick up my stuff. I'll be in that bar over there."
Zoe got her small bag and steeled herself to confront Bella to get Mal's bag. She knocked and listened, no one home, perfect. She went in and got Mal's bag, she looked around, the place already looked empty, abandoned. Bella's bags were also packed. She peeked down the hall and went back in and under the bed; she opened the loose floorboard and grabbed the cash. Now she could replace the money she had paid the Ramseys and make sure Bella couldn't follow anytime soon. She was a resourceful girl and Zoe had no doubt she would get by. She left quickly to join Mal and make sure he didn't backtrack.
Bella was beaming as she entered her room with the supplies for a grand dinner, she was about to take the groceries to the kitchen, she didn't notice Mal's bag was gone.
Bella started to worry, dinner was waiting in the kitchen and had been for three hours, Mal had said nothing about the job he was on. She knew half the jobs he and Zoe did were dangerous, some of those even illegal. She went next door to see if Zoe was there, the door was open, the room empty of any personal effects. Dread started creeping in as she went back to her room and finally noticed Mal's bag was gone. She sat on the bed for a long time thinking what could have gone wrong. Would he really abandon her without a word?
After staying up all night crying and cursing she made up her mind, she would go to the transport they were all to leave on today. If he was there an explanation would be in order. She would tell him about the baby, if that didn't persuade him to deal face to face with her nothing would. She felt better having a plan and even let the hope that she would find him and that he would be happy about her pregnancy, but being the practical girl that she was, she realized if she didn't find him he was more than likely gone and there would be no reason for her to stay on this planet. She finished packing and thanked God again for the cautionary nature she had that had caused her to save for a rainy day.
The feeling in her stomach couldn't be blamed on morning sickness when her floorboard safe turned up empty.