Harvesting
A little Mal/Inara drabble I wrote on request for browncoat_2x2 a while back. Thanks 2x2 for letting me re-post.
“Because we’re between jobs, it’s a day’s work, and it pays in coin. Ain’t no one makin’ you come along, Jayne.”
“I’ll go!” chirped Kaylee, bouncing by the side of the mule. “I know how to pack apples.”
“I’m sure you do,” Mal smiled at her from the driver’s seat as she climbed aboard.
“Simon?” Kaylee asked hopefully, but the doctor waved her off.
“I’m going to pass,” he smiled ruefully. “River and apples….not always a good mix.”
“Wish Zoe and Wash hadn’t already headed off,” Mal mused. “Won’t be happy to’ve missed a good day’s pay.”
“I’m sure they’ll live with their decision,” Book reassured him. “I might come along, though. Tended an orchard at the Abbey.”
“Sure,” Jayne grunted under his breath, “grew em, threw ‘em in the air, shot holes clean through the middle.”
“OK,” Mal frowned at Jayne then turned to Simon, “got my crew. Simon, make sure you lock her up tight when we leave, don’t want any---”
“I’ll come.” Inara stepped toward the mule.
“You… really?”
“Certainly.” Inara settled herself on the trailer beside Kaylee. “It’s beautiful scenery, and something about a harvest is always nourishing for the soul.” Book nodded his appreciation while Mal glanced quizzically over his shoulder.
“OK then.”
Mal started up the engine and they bounced down the ramp and toward the orchards in the distance.
“Nara,” Kaylee called, leaning close to be heard over the wind and engine noise, “you know it’s just apple pickin’, right?”
Inara nodded.
“Just…” Kaylee continued, “just a bunch a men up ladders, or packin' and haulin’ around crates. It’s hard work, and everyone’ll get, ya know, dirty and sweaty and all…”
Inara nodded again, this time gracing Kaylee with a telling smile. For a moment the girl’s eyes went wide, then she grinned and squeezed the Companion’s arm.
“Real sweaty,” she repeated. “Sometimes, it gets hot enough, pickers’ll take their shirts off.”
“I think I can manage to stay cool,” Inara laughed, indicating the straw hat she’d brought.
Before them, the early sun was making quick work of the lingering haze, promising a searing day. Mal gestured suddenly, pointed something out for Book, and Inara caught her breath as the slanting rays lit the hair on his forearm, exposed by his rolled-up shirtsleeves. Instinctively she followed the glow up to the side of his grinning face before quickly turning away.
“I can,” she repeated to herself, clutching the hat brim and willing her heart to return to its normal measure. "I will."
I think.