A/N: Sorry, guys. Midterms. Here's something, though.
Chapter 14:
"You look well," Inara said to Mal.
"So do you," said Mal. "Though, I suppose you've always taken care of yourself."
"You seem to be managing pretty okay for yourself also."
"What were you expecting?" asked Mal.
"Truth be told, I didn't know what to expect... or what I wanted to find." She took in a deep breath before turning to address Kate, who was still standing beside them. "You see, he's always been full of surprises. You think you've finally figured him out, and then he does something to make you see him in a totally different light."
"I've noticed that also," said Kate. "Today, for instance."
"Day's not over yet," said Mal. Kate gave him a strange look.
"By the way, I had an interesting talk with Martha," said Inara. "She's very... passionate."
"That she is," said Mal.
"I was quite surprised when I stopped by your home to find myself meeting your mother."
"In Castle's defense," said Kate, misunderstanding Inara's meaning. "She doesn't technically live with him anymore." But even Kate could feel the tension between the two people who stood before her. "I'm going to head out; you two have fun getting reacquainted."
"Fun isn't even the word," said Inara. "It was nice to meet you Detective Beckett."
"You, too," said Kate. "Bye, Castle."
"G'night, Beckett."
This was the first time Mal and Inara had been alone together in a very long time.
"So," said Mal.
"So," said Inara.
"When's the last time you ate?" he asked.
"Not for a while now," she said. "But food's been the last thing on my mind."
"Well, I'm beginning to feel a bit peckish," said Mal. "We'll have dinner back at my place, then. What do you say?"
"Will Martha be there?" she asked.
"Probably," he said, and then added, "She'll grow on you."
"I have nothing against her," she said. "She seems to care about you a great deal." Mal began to lead Inara out of the station. As they walked toward the exit, Inara said, "But explain to me how she's your mother again...?"
After what felt like a very long car ride, even longer than how a ride in New York usually feels, Mal and Inara made it back to Mal's apartment.
They entered through the front door and saw both Martha and Alexis chatting by the kitchen counter.
"Hey guys," said Mal.
"Oh good," said Martha, glancing at Mal and Inara. "You found each other." Mal and Inara exchanged glances.
"Is there any dinner left?" asked Mal.
"Just who do you think your daughter is?" said Alexis, immediately removing food from the refrigerator.
The four sat around the table to eat. "So," Alexis said to her father. "Inara told me earlier that you two used to live near each other?"
"Did she now?" said Mal.
"It's true, isn't it?" said Inara.
"Well," said Mal. "Yes, but-"
"And look at you now," she continued. "Who would have guessed that you'd become a famous novelist? I certainly didn't."
"And are you still pursuing your line of work?" asked Mal.
"Why, yes, in fact," Inara said. "I've been working on expanding my clientèle, and, might I say, I still come highly recommended."
"I bet."
"What do you do for a living?" asked Alexis, curious.
"I'm a-" began Inara.
"She's a social worker," interrupted Mal, knowing that Inara's profession, though quite an old one, was not as accepted in this time period.
"Oh," said Alexis. "That's really interesting. You must help a lot of people."
"She just loves giving back," Mal added, a grin plastered to his face.
"Now, that's enough, Richard," said Martha.
"Quite," said Inara.
"You know," said Alexis. "I've been thinking of doing that too when I'm older."
"Over my dead body!" said Mal, turning quickly to Alexis.
"Sheesh, dad!" said Alexis. "Get a grip."
"Sorry," he said. Inara just laughed.