Negotiating Boundaries

by Amilyn

On a small ship, with a small crew, there are always lines to be carefully watched. Drabbles. No content to warn for.

2. Tea and Favors

Somewhat Useful

Tea and Favors

by Amy L. Hull amilynh at comcast dot net

Firefly drabble for Spilleta42, who requested Inara and tea

ooo

River appeared silently, barefoot, head tilted, and blurted, "I made you tea."

At Inara's open hand, River folded onto the floor like a closing lotus flower and set the makeshift tray down. Their eyes met over the unmatched cups. River gulped. Inara sipped.

River's eyes flitted away. "It's not very good. Sources disagree about water temperature, time for steeping leaves, whether to strain...and there weren't any leaves so I used ground-up protein."

Inara swallowed carefully. "It's the intent that matters."

"I came to ask...to help Simon."

"Yes?" Inara sipped the tea.

"He wants to have sex with Kaylee."