Mal-Kaylee, pre-Mal-Wash.

[badinlatin]

Mal is sitting on the walkway grating that connects the two main stairwells at the front end of the cargo bay, legs dangling, an empty cup to one's side.

He looks...occupied, so don't spook him.

Comments

[gonna_live]

Quietly: "Ain't been but a couple days, captain. And feeling awful makes it harder to be okay."

Cf. crying alone in the engine room.

[badinlatin]

More toying with his cane. He really doesn't like the thing.

"Not sure I know how to do this part, Kaylee."

[gonna_live]

"You're good at improvisin'. You know that."

Mal had to find something to believe in; Kaylee has never not believed in Mal.

"Just...maybe give it a little time, first. Let him get settled back in."

[badinlatin]

"I'll try."

It's the best Mal's got at the moment.

[gonna_live]

"It's gonna be fine, captain. You'll see." She leans in and kisses his cheek.

[badinlatin]

"I'll hold you to that, Kaylee."

Or alternatively, Mal will cling to that notion itself. It's gonna be fine.

He needs it to be.

Both legs swing over the edge.