Three weeks later....

Mina and Eleonora stood on the catwalk over the cargo bay. “So what’s the job today then?” Mina shouted down to Mal. He settled down a crate he was carrying and looked up, squinting at the light. “Just some honest business.” “As long as it’s honest.” “Oh, always.” He smiled, something the crew were seeing a lot more of lately. Eleonora shrieked as Jayne surprised her, hugging her from behind. She turned and placed her hands on his shoulders. “Try not to get yourself shot” She said, half joking. “Mina looked away as the couple kissed. She stared down at Mal who was making a face. They laughed silently then gazed at each other before turning away, awkward. Mal coughed. “C’mon Jayne, wanna get this done in time for lunch.” Jayne had a hand on either side of Eleonora’s face. “I’ll try..” He kissed her forehead then picked up Vera and headed down the stairs. Zoe hit the com, “Wash, baby, we won’t be but an hour or two.” “Be good.” A voice responded. The three of them walked down the ramp, Jayne carrying the crate now. Once Kaylee had closed Serenity up the two girls went off about their business, waiting for them to come back. After a few hours they returned victorious. “Job hasn’t gone that smooth in a while now.” Mal said as he entered the kitchen. Mina was sitting at the table, “Are you rich?” “Naw.. But it’s enough.. And no-one tried ta shoot us.” “That’s always a plus!” He sat down a few seats from her. “Now if only all of ’em could go that well..” “..You could retire and buy yourself a lil’ planet.. Marry,” She paused, “..willingly.” “Aw, don’t know ’bout that. But.. Well..” He chuckled at the idea of him in a rocking chair on the front porch with a load of overactive grandchildren. “..Suppose..” They sat in peaceful silence a moment before it was broken by Jayne and Eleonora giggling as they made their way down to his bunk. “Boy, those two sure have gotten cosy.. Never seen Jayne so.. Romantic-like…” “Aw, I think it’s sweet.. In only a mildly disturbing way.. They do seem to care for each other though.. That’s nice to find..” “How ‘bout you?” “Wha…?” “You got eyes for anyone aboard?.. Well there’s only really Simon..” “No.. I, uh.. Not Simon..” “Well I guess that’s good.. He’s an idiot.. With women anyways.” “And you’re so smooth?” “Hey! I’m charming..” “Oh really.. Well then,” She leaned over the table. “Charm me..” Her voice was joking but her eyes were serious. “Mina.. I, uh…” “See? Smooth..” His expression was a bit puzzled. “Were you jus’-” “Screwin’ round with you? Yeah, ’course..” She leaned back, her eyes looking down. “Oh, I gotta go.. Do.. Something’..” She pushed her chair back and hurried off down to her quarters. After a few seconds Mal followed her. He waited until they were at her room before trying to talk to her. He hopped through her door before she closed them. “Mina.. What just happened?” “Nothin’.. I’m sorry for jokin’ bout your wooing capabilities.” “But you were all.. And you..” “What?! What was I?..” Her voice was growing stern but it wavered. “Mina..” He spoke softly, slowly walking towards her. “..What’s wrong..?” “I.. I just..” Her voice was cracking more and more. Mal lay his hands on her shoulders then gently pulled her close to him. He held her closely, one hand around her and the other stroking her hair. “You’re fine..” He soothed. She pushed away from him. “This is all your fault, y’know..” “It usually is.. But what’d I do this time?” “You let me….” “Let you what?..” She stood in front of him and spoke softly, mostly out of embarrassment. “You let me fall in love with you, Mal..” She sighed and hung her head. “I’m sorry.. But-” He pushed the hair away from her face, then eyed her a moment before leaning in and kissing her. She stepped back and stared at him, shocked, before putting her arms around his neck and kissing him back.