Beaumonde, Maidenhead Bar.

[badinlatin]

Beaumonde. Home to...well, pretty much everything, in very large amounts, all mixed together like so much debris from a storm of neon lights and rice cake vendors.

Mal'd never admit it to anyone that didn't know him, but he really does like coming to The Maidenhead. Except for the fact that the management makes Mal and his crew lock up their weapons with these go se key cards before walking down the center staircase. Simon and Kaylee first down the stairs, as they had no guns to stow, then Wash and Zoe are hand in hand while Mal and Jayne keep an eye out for the latest contacts for the last bit of business for the Lilac job.

Mal casts an eye to Wash and Zoe, who had been also scoping the bar for anyone seeming familiar, but Mal waves a hand in dismissal.

"Sir," Zoe offers in response to this, "You sure you don't want to---?"

"Go," is the more assertive cutoff. "Go get yourselves a nice romantic meal." Apparently this is more than enough motivation for Wash, who leads Zoe away from Mal and Jayne.

Comments

[swinging-cod.livejournal.com]

Jayne ain't afraid of nothin'. Nohow.

'Cept the gun that is currently pointed in the general direction of his kneecap.

He essays a gentle tone. Don't really work much.

"H-hey. You mind givin' me that gorram boom-stick you got, River?"

[badinlatin]

River's lowering her gun, so Mal lowers his, holsters it, and races to where River has a gun accidentally? pointed at Jayne.

Mal stops about a yard and a half ahead of River and holds out his hand expectantly, with just a dash of hope.

[river_meimei]

Shaking harder, now.

"Mal...?"

A glance at Jayne, halfway between confused and horrified, and then back at Mal.

Her fingers have loosened on the gun, and the barrel drifts, the target moving from Jayne's kneecap to his shin.

[swinging-cod.livejournal.com]

Very carefully, Jayne sidles away from the gun.

Now it's pointing at his toes.

"Just give the Cap'n the gun, girlie."

[badinlatin]

Just one...more...second.

Mal leans forward quickly and takes the gun from River's hand, easing the safety back on and tucking it with one hand at the small of his back.

He doesn't attempt to touch River, to guide her away, but he is standing closer to her at the moment.

[river_meimei]

"Mal?"

She barely notices the gun being wrenched from her grasp.

"Mal, I didn't--"

A swift glance at Jayne, and back. Tears are standing in her eyes.

"They changed, the faces weren't mine -- oh God, I can hear them --"

[badinlatin]

"Shhh," Mal offers quietly, quickly. They really did need to leave.

An arm around the shoulder, strong and guiding. "We gotta go, lil' one."

Some of the ones that were moving have progressed to the attempts of getting off the floor.

[swinging-cod.livejournal.com]

"What, no hand up for the injured?" Jayne snorts and stumbles to his feet.

"If I can't get my johnson workin' right after this, Stabby, I'm comin' after you."

[river_meimei]

River's eyes are closed. A tear leaks out, then another. She's trembling.

She doesn't give any sign that she's heard Jayne.

A stumbling step, and another; on the third, she nearly trips over a sprawled body. All her usual grace is gone.

Her lips shape an occasional word, but nothing is audible.

[badinlatin]

A sigh escapes him, and with a soft whoosh Mal picks up River in one sweep.

...You find someone to carry you.

Mal starts up the stairs with Jayne alongside and River in his arms, making good time before any outside security patrols venture inside.

[fantys-prettier.livejournal.com]

Mingo and Fanty are scuttling away.

". . . n't know."

"Just get the fuck out of here. Tamade. Mucked it up all; she's crazy truly."

"Well." Smug again. "Good to know at least I's got a more aesthetically pleasing mug than you have."

"Fanty."

"Yeah?"

"Shut up."