Disclaimer: I own nothing but my thoughts; the rest belongs to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. (Correct me if I'm wrong)
Pairing: Inara/Kaylee- again can be seen as precursor, a moment or just simple friendship, read it as you will.
Rating: PG all is kosher
NB: Missing scene from the episode "The Train Job" it was just asking for it, not necessarily my version of 'it' but a general need for 'it-ness' nonetheless. (Set before the hair brushing scene and Mal's unwanted interruption)
Constructive criticism welcome and appreciated…general flaming and rudeness is not. Thank you.
Before
Kaylee clattered to a halt outside Inara's shuttle, running a hand over her hair checking that she was at least semi-presentable before raising a hand to knock on the metal door. She shuffled her feet nervously on the deck plates whilst she waited for permission to enter.
"Ching jinn" called the melodious voice from within. Kaylee grinned and momentarily squirmed in delight before pressing the door panel and watching the doors glide open. She stepped over the lip of the entrance and into Inara's domain. She hesitated in front of the, now closed, door for a moment, taking the time to allow her gaze to pan around the room, absorbing all the intricate little details. She was broken from her reverie by Inara appearing suddenly at her side and speaking quietly into her ear, hands lightly resting upon her arms.
"Are you going to stand Mei mei, or would you prefer to come in and join me for some tea? She asked softly with a hint of a smile, knowing that this was all part of their ritual; Kaylee would stand in the doorway in awe of her surroundings until Inara made further invitations for the mechanic to join her, as if she didn't truly believe what Inara was offering until it was reiterated. It never ceased to amaze the Companion that Kaylee could find such wonder in her environment and remain so optimistically cheerful despite all the things she'd seen and experienced since joining the crew of Serenity. In a way Inara was envious of the young woman, though she rarely showed it, nor allowed the idea to in anyway impinge upon her relationship with the mechanic.
She tugged her friend deeper into her shuttle by their clasped hands, depositing her on the sari adorned couch in the far corner. "Tea?" she queried, finally relinquishing her hold "The water should be about ready"
Kaylee grinned and nodded up to her "I'd like that" she uttered softly, sliding onto the floor in front of the couch when Inara turned her back, anxious not to soil Inara's beautiful things with the engine grease she was certain she must be adorned with.
Inara handed Kaylee the small tea cup and considered her friend for a moment "I could brush your hair if you like" she suggested tentatively, only to be rewarded with a genuine Kaylee smile
"You'd do that?"
"For you? Always" replied Inara setting her tea cup down and collecting a brush from her trunk before sliding onto the couch behind Kaylee with a gently rustle of silk and beginning to run the brush through the sandy brown locks, smiling at Kaylee's satisfied hum of "Shiny"