Note: May contain spoilers for some episodes…and some of the comments might not make sense if you haven’t already seen them.

This is intended to be a stand-alone story – however, it will connect with future stories to dig into the pasts of each and every character. Eventually. :)

HOME ON SERENITY - Part One

Kaylee was attempting to sob quietly. Zoe rested a hand on her back to comfort her, but she couldn’t think of a thing to say. Soothing wasn’t a part of her military training.

“Why does she have to go?” Kaylee asked between hiccups, dabbing her eyes with a blanket from her cot.

Zoe smiled a little, “You’ve always told her she should leave and settle down with one of her rich suitors.”

“But she doesn’t have one at the moment! Sh-she’s just leaving us!” Kaylee cried even harder and Zoe sighed. There was no use trying to explain Inara’s decision to leave Serenity. In truth, it had been a shock to everyone, including the beautiful companion.

Both women were startled when Jayne appeared in the doorway of the engine room. “Duìbùqî. River’s headed this way… Skippin’, or somethin’ else crazy-like. Case you don’t want her around none.” He shuffled his feet slightly then met the teary eyes of the mechanic, “Ni meí shì bà Kaylee?” She was surprised into silence, the sobs stopped immediately. Jayne wasn’t known for his genuine concern.

“I’m fine, Jayne. Um, thanks.” She looked like she wanted to say more but didn’t. When he’d left the hall, she glanced at Zoe in confusion.

“Mèimei, the captain does trust him – on occasion. Can’t be all that bad. Besides – he’s had a soft spot for you ever since that Fed put a bullet in you. Fear can make a man act all kinds of strange.” She was thrilled that the hired gun had shocked the young woman out of her depression. It was starting to get on her nerves – and she hadn’t had a free minute alone with her man all day. Wash was confined to the helm, keeping an eye out for the Alliance, as Persephone would be crawling with them. The Shepherd was with him though, saying “Another pair of eyes couldn’t hurt.”

Kaylee felt a involuntary twinge at the memory of the gun shot wound, but then moved to other thoughts – Jayne carrying her to the engine room, Jayne setting her on his shoulders for hoop games in the cargo bay, Jayne mentioning his father’s views on hard work, Jayne thrilled over a stupid – but rather cunning - hat from his mother… Maybe there was a mighty big soft spot under that rough – and none too bright – exterior.

“Yes. Soft…” the musical voice came from the doorway as River entered the room and sat at the foot of Kaylee’s bed.

“Mind if I go see about my husband?” Zoe asked smoothly, already in a brisk pace towards the door – and the helm.

The young mechanic wiped her eyes and smiled, nodding quickly, “Sure.” Then she looked back at River, “What’s soft? Jayne?” River tipped her head innocently to the side and played with the edge of the blanket.

“There you are,” Simon said a little too loudly, revealing his latest frustration with the ghostlike girl. She seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye. “Is she bothering you?” he asked Kaylee quietly.

“Of course not. And it seems she’s taken some sort of likin’ to Jayne – called him ‘soft’.” She noticed a slight look of horror in Simon’s expression as he glanced back at his sister.

“Well, he is something of an enigma… He takes orders from the captain – which implies some semblance of respect…or a lack of intelligence.” They both smiled at that. “I’m quite sure the first isn’t entirely the case, and perhaps not the second. Complexities of character are seldom found is singularly stupid creatures…”

The doctor and Kaylee both were lost in thought at the concept of Jayne as intelligent and didn’t hear River add in a whisper – “When the presents were taken away, he made his own Christmas. No one said it was wrong to take theirs.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the kitchen, Mal moved quickly to the coffee, hoping to make it to the cargo hold without encountering Inara. Nuòu, he thought. Which was true – he was acting like a coward. He’d attempted to make a serious statement to her the other day, but she had cut him off and announced that she’d be remaining on Persephone. The captain didn’t doubt that the lovely lady had known what he was about to say – even if he wasn’t entirely sure himself. He filled his tin cup and turned quickly, nearly spilling the hot tea that Inara had just served herself. She gave him her characteristic half smile, but her large expressive eyes betrayed deeper emotion. Not trusting himself to speak, Mal gave a quick nod and tried to exit the kitchen.

“Mal?”

How could he walk away from that soft voice? It wasn’t possible. He turned back and followed her gesture, joining her at the table. He opened his mouth to note the arrival time in Persephone, but she broke in immediately.

“Mal…” Her voice held the usual soft, hypnotic tone, but for just a moment he thought he heard a catch in her breath. “The others are upset with me,” she continued, “primarily Kaylee. I wouldn’t want to hurt her for anything – not for anything I could control. But this isn’t up to me.” The captain shot a gaze to her face, trying to understand if her words and her meaning were one and the same. She must have realized her blunder, for she hurried on – “I mean...”

Mal’s heart sank. She didn’t want to tell him she wasn’t interested. There was no question that Inara had made up her mind, and was graciously attempting to let him off the hook. But even though he’d occasionally back down from a fight – one he knew couldn’t be won – he wasn’t going to back down from this one.

“We’ve never really had much cause to settle things between us,” he hesitated to judge her reaction, and then pressed on before he lost his nerve. “Even though this ship ain’t near as pretty and fancy as what you’re used to – and deserve – we’ve done a right fine job of keeping out of the others’ way. Sometimes.” Inara couldn’t suppress a smile. She was touched by what he said and also a bit surprised.

“Mal, I was always in your way. An inconvenience.” The captain sat up straight at that, but she continued in the same level tone. “You never approved of my occupation, not from the start. And after knowing you for this past year, I cannot fault you for it. Besides Nandie…” Inara felt her throat constrict just slightly, and she sipped her tea to give her a moment. “Besides Nandie, you haven’t been with a woman that I’ve seen. I believe that even though a position as a companion is legal and prosperous, your moral character cannot tolerate it.”

Mal didn’t respond right away, and then rose for more coffee. He also brought the hot water back to the table and carefully filled her cup. The captain decided not to tell the entire truth behind his hesitations. Let her believe it was about morals. He cleared his throat a little overdramatically, successfully drawing a hint of a smile on Inara’s lips. His eyes settled there for too long and he had to shake his head to redirect his thoughts. Morals – sure.

“I don’t pretend to like what you do. But that’s nothin’ to do with how I feel about you.” The lovely lady was startled and her mouth opened just slightly. “Let me finish.” Inara nodded and Mal continued.

“Me and women – I don’t have the best of history. I met Zoe and we became family – you needed that to stay sane in the war. And out in the field she was more warrior than woman. Kaylee’s all grown up – that’s sure – but she’s just like a younger sister. And River is – well, River is worrisome, but I can’t be holdin’ that against her since somebody done cut up her brain. You though… You were difficult for me to trust and let onto my ship – even though you’re a beautiful woman Inara. Or maybe ‘cause you are. But I had to be thinkin’ of my crew too, and I knew havin’ you on board could prove profitable. No offense.”

She carefully sipped her tea – that wasn’t what she expected. And she was ever conscious that time was slipping by – how long till they landed on Persephone? Inara was torn – there was so much to say – and so little time. She decided to get to the point. “So you’ve mocked me in front of your crew, berated me incessantly and forced me to question my very being to make yourself more comfortable with the situation?”

The captain wasn’t in the least surprised by her rebuttal. Anything less would have been disappointing. “Yep, that ‘bout sums it up.” He wasn’t serious, but he enjoyed the fire coming into her eyes far better than the sadness there moments before. Unfortunately, Inara knew him a bit too well and recognized the diversion tactic.

“Come on, Mal…” she asked with one brow raised. “I do know you better than that.”

His lips curved into a slow smile and he responded softly. “I let go of those concerns about your occupation the day I allowed you onto my ship. I did all that other stuff ’cause – Bao bei - I’m in love with you.” He was amazed when the admission didn’t tear his heart from his chest. He’d never said those words to anyone before.

Sweetheart – I’m in love with you…

Inara felt her heart skip a beat and she knew her face was flushed with feeling. But she was a level-headed woman, and their relationship was on unsteady ground. She had to control the situation – there couldn’t be much time till they landed…

“Mal.” She cleared her throat in preparation, “you’ve shared something with me. ‘Often give, often receive’ as the proverb goes… I have a brief story for you also.” And she began to tell her tale.

She was destined to be priestess of the house. Her entire life had been designed for such a position – by her mother, her sisters, her friends… No one had ever asked the young Elinara – as was her name then – what she desired. But their dreams had become her dreams and only one unexpected event robbed her of a certain and predictable future.

The Alliance general had requested an extraordinary companion – not simply in the “evening arts” but also in intelligence, eloquence and poise. Although all the ladies of the house fulfilled these qualities, Elinara was by far the most skilled, even at the somewhat tender age of 22. They attended various social functions, meetings, dinners and gambling establishments. She even developed a quick interest in the game of pool. The angles and technique involved challenged her mind and the diversity of the audience oddly put her at ease. Unfortunately, it was her brief conversation with a local liúmáng that caused the tides to turn. She later realized the general didn’t approve of his lady speaking with a petty thief. Thankfully, her training had been thorough and included hand-to-hand combat, which saved her life in that night. With the help of her house, Elinara was able to both absolve herself of any guilt in the death of the general and gather enough funds to leave. Her ‘family’ of course tried to talk her out of it – she’d done nothing wrong in saving her own life, and the courts kept her record clear of any charges – but she had to leave. The memory was too difficult to live with – and she developed restlessness unusual in companions. It was easier to keep moving, alter her environment, and hopefully one day find a home that called to her heart and not her head.

She’d finally found Serenity.

“Chûnrén”, but it was said with such deep feeling that Inara felt her heart jump as Mal continued. “By all accounts, you’re a legitimate business woman, graceful and none too shy to speak your meaning. And you’ve dealt with some of your own troubles in the past. Seems to me you shouldn’t have been quiet when I started callin’ you Ambassador.”

She hid a smile at this – she’d never admit that the intended derogatory term had the opposite effect. The captain couldn’t understand a companion’s life – full of performances and bending to another’s desires. Even those that were the best at their occupation still retained the human nature to crave some type of real interaction. The clients couldn’t provide it, but sometimes a mysterious, reserved and honorable ship captain could - and his crew. Inara had never been hurt by his comments – perhaps maybe at the very first – but after knowing him, she realized that any true disrespect would have been dealt more directly. And so the term had nearly become endearing to her. Not that Mal would ever know.

But she couldn’t comment, as he added, “Serenity needs all of us together. Nî bù dông ma? Serenity ain’t just a ship. It’s a home. Mine, Kaylee’s, Zoe’s, and the rest. Yours too, if you’re wantin’.”

Inara recognized the white flag he was offering, and wasn’t about to turn it down. Once upon a time she’d briefly considered Mal to be close-minded, self-absorbed, and domineering. She’d quickly learned that he protected strangers as well as friends, upheld an honor of the utmost admiration and despite a terse vocabulary, could speak with inspiration. Why would she want to leave the presence of such a man? “Then it seems I am home, captain. I am home…” The lovely woman saw the understanding in his eyes and quiet countenance.

“Perhaps you’d like to redirect the pilot to a lonelier or more desolate outreach of space?” she added. Eventually she’d have to detail more about her past and the years left unexplained - and why she had no intention of relinquishing her position as a companion. But that was for another day.

“Of course, Ambassador. Is there anything else you may desire?” Mal bowed dramatically, and then met her gaze. A moment of heat passed between them as each imagined the possibilities. Then Inara broke the moment and headed towards the hall, intending to tell Kaylee the news. She watched as Mal stood.

“Wash,” the captain spoke into the nearest intercom. “Let’s go. Everyone’s on board...” He actually grinned at Inara as he added – “Take us out of the World.” He knew the pilot would immediately divert to the outer planets. And soon they could certainly reach for the stars.

End of part one…