It was one of the few, if any, indulgences Mal allowed himself planetside.

Not whores. That was Jayne's department.

And certainly not shopping. Not, at least, until he'd worn holes in the elbows of his shirts.

Nope, the one and only luxury Mal allowed himself was some quality time in one of the private bathhouses. For only a few coin, he could soak himself in steaming hot water for the full hour and luxuriate in being really and truly clean. Had he still some religion stuck away in a deep dark crevice, he might even say it cleansed his soul.

Kaylee had actually figured out a way to use recycled water to rig up some rudimentary pull-chain showers for Serenity, but he'd flatly turned her down on the matter. "Takes up too much space. 'sides, we've all gotten along fine with sponge baths up until now. 'cept mebbeso for Jayne."

Truth was, he actually liked anticipating getting that soak, and somehow an onboard shower would take away from the enjoyment of it all. Not that he'd tell Kaylee that. Girl'd just take it the wrong way.

Nope, this was the way to do it, as he settled himself onto the ledge in the tub, resting his head on the towel right at the edge. He'd just closed his eyes, when he heard the sound of the door being unlatched.

"Room's taken for another 45 minutes, friend." Not even opening his eyes as he reached for the pistol next to the towel.

"I...uhh, the doorman said...Mal???"

Mal's eyes snapped open. Inara.

So much for relaxing.

"Sorry, darlin'. I'm paid up for the hour. 'less you wanna share?"

He was expecting her to make some sorta offended retort and sail on out, leaving him in peace (or as much as he was likely to get when it came to her). But she just stood there, with the door open, looking indecisive. "It's just...the line to get in was so long. And I surely won't get another proper bath for weeks."

"In or out, bao-bei. And close the door. Yer lettin' all the healthful steam out."

Much to his surprise, she stepped in and shut the door behind her. Day was lookin' brighter and brighter.

"You sure you don't...well, why would you?"

"Miss Serra, I shall surely be planted six feet under the day I'll mind sharing a bath with a pretty girl."

He could hear a soft sound of silk-on-silk, which could only mean she'd untied her robe. He smiled to himself at the notion of finally gettin' a peek at her in her birthday suit.

"Mal, would you mind..."

"Toldya I didn't mind. Now hurry up, a'fore the hour's up."

"No. I meant...closing your eyes. Would you mind closing your eyes until I'm in the water?"

"You make it mighty difficult to be a gentleman, yanno. But for you...eyes closed."

Well, almost. The temptation was too powerful to resist completely, and so he peeked out fron almost-closed eyes. Was rewarded with the lovely sight of her backside and she slowly backed herself down into the tub and then an almost-view of her breasts as she turned around and sat down on the ledge opposite him.

She sighed appreciatively at the steam rising up from the water. "I haven't felt this clean in ages."

"Amen to that."

She laughed. "Hadn't thought you for the bathing beauty type."

"Man's gotta have some joys in his life. Even small ones. My Ma used to say that it's the little things that bring people joy."

"She was a wise woman."

"That she was."