Happy Anniversary, Baby Ch. 5
Mal hadn't slept all night, even when River had tried to coax him away from the cargo bay, he had stayed. The others had left for the day, blissfully ignorant to the past night's happenings. Saying things like, "It's good Zoe's gettin out." and "She really needs a break from everything." He just hoped she didn't try to get a permanent one. Only River had offered to stay behind, and he had refused that as well. It's nothin against you, bao bei. He thought, willing River to hear him.
It was sometime after noon, when Zoe finally returned to the ship, she was greeted by a captain who didn't look pleased. She parked the mule, and got out, mentally preparing herself for a argument. She and Mal didn't have many, but when they did. . .Wuh de tyen. She stood in front of him now, waiting, but was caught completely off gaurd when he pulled her into a bear hug. "Oh, gosh Zoe." he said, holding onto her like she would disappear. "Why'd you say those things, and run off like that?" She hugged him back, trying to calm him down. "I wasn't trying to scare you, sir. I just had some things I needed to handle. . ."
After a few moments, he let her go. "What things? I was so worried, Wash's stuff was gone. I thought you had. . ." His voice hitched in his throat. She hadn't seen him this upset since the war, and she immediatley felt bad. "I didn't want anyone to interfere, thinkin I wasn't capable of handling this myself." He shook his head, "Nobody woulda thought it." She smiled, "You did, sir." "Yeah, but I'm the captain, I have a license to worry bout my crew." He said, a smile coming to his face. "What would I do without my best friend?" She laughed, "Probably lose your mind sir."
They walked to the kitchen, where Zoe made some coffee. She set the two cups on the table, one for her, and one for Mal. "So. . .you gonna tell me what you was doin out there all night?" She sat quietly, collecting her thoughts. "Saying goodbye." was her reply. Mal nodded sipping his coffee, and savoring the taste of it. "You mind I ask why now?" She shook her head no.
Zoe beckoned him to her bunk, and produced a small box from under her bed. She handed it to him, saying, "I got a package in the mail." She said, smiling, but the tears in her eyes were shining. Mal gave her a quizzical look, and opened the box. He gasped, "My oh, my." He gave a small chuckle. "I had forgotten bout this completely. Looks like were gonna have a party. . ." He said, a mischevious sparkle in his eyes.