Mal-Inara. "Is this a wedding or not?"

[badinlatin]

After the conversation he had with Kaylee, Mal's had a list of questions rolling around in his head.

This may be why he's knocking on the hatch to Inara's shuttle instead of walking straight in.

Comments

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"Mal? Mal, please talk to me."

Have I ruined everything?

[badinlatin]

"I just--

It's just a word, Inara. 'S a word I grew up with, and I don't want to give up the idea o' maybe...in the future, y'know, callin' ya lăo pó.

"It's just a symbol."

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

She gives him a searching look with a small smile on her face. "It's more than just a symbol to you, Mal. It's part of what you believe, part of who you are."

Just say it. You know what you need to do.

She strokes his fingers gently with hers, then gives them a small squeeze. "It would make me extraordinarly proud for you to call me lăo pó."

[badinlatin]

"Yeah?"

Mal smiles, almost to himself. This lasts only until Mal remembers, "Kaylee told me to ask - is there anythin'...exchanged? Durin' the thing itself?"

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"No, nothing is exchanged. It's a very simple ceremony, just the presentations and the san san ku do - that's where we each take 3 sips of sake from three different cups. That's it."

[badinlatin]

"Ah." Flat. Not upset, just...thinking.

"Guess the clothes bit is up next, in'it?"

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

Inara smiles, relieved. "Yes, it is. And I might have a few ideas for robes for you right over there." She gestures towards the table, where several sheets of paper covered in sketches are lying.

[badinlatin]

Mal Fears, in case anyone was wondering.

The first one he lays eyes on resembles Kaylee's ball gown.

"Iamnotwearingthatone."

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

Inara giggles. "That is just an idea and not one of my favorites, you'll be pleased to know." She walks over and pulls out a different sheet. "What do you think of this one?"

[badinlatin]

Mal scratches the back of his neck.

"...I get to think about it some, yes?"

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"Yes, we have some time. And you don't have to use these, they were just ideas." She shifts a bit.

[badinlatin]

"They're fine, just...it's somethin' to think on. I mean, this is all stuff you understand and all, and I don't got no frame o' reference for it all. So I'm gonna mull it over some.

"I suppose I should be happy I get to wear clothes."

The first really strong smile of the night.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

Inara smiles back. "Oh, come now. I distinctly remember you being naked in public once and looking very comfortable doing it." She pauses, her finger to her lips, pretending to ponder. "However, it was the desert and fairly warm there..."

[badinlatin]

"Ha. Ha. Ha. And that weren't public. 'S just the crew."

Family ain't public.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

She raises her eyebrows. "Are you sure about that? I thought I saw a few ships flying about. I think they were slowing down as well. Not that I can blame them." She winks at him.

[badinlatin]

Inara manages to rise a flush to Mal's face, but only slightly. He's getting better.

"So...do we gotta get these robes made, or what?"

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

She loves seeing him blush. It makes him look years younger.

"As soon as you decide what you want, I will call a lovely woman I know who will whip them up for you. Does that sound alright?"

[badinlatin]

"Sounds fine, baobei."

Admittedly, Mal is concerned on how much that will cost, but he doesn't say anything about it.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"Good. She's wonderful, very talented with a needle." She gives him a look - she knows him too well not to know what he's thinking. "And don't worry about the cost. It's the Companion's part to pay for her promised's clothing."

[badinlatin]

"Yes ma'am."

A thought occurs to him, leaving him a bit wide eyed.

"I should call Ma."

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"Yes, I do think this is something she would want to hear about." She looks disconcerted for a moment. "Do you think she'll be happy about this? What is her opinion on Companions, exactly?"

[badinlatin]

Running a fist across his chin, scratching his neck, Mal shrugs.

"Honest, I don't know. I know she liked ya when we were there last." A small blink of amusement. "She'd be wantin' to hear that I'm tyin' myself to someone."

She wants grandkids. No ruttin' way.
for awhile?

...

"I can't call 'er."

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"I'm glad. I liked her a lot too." She looks relieved.

"Why can't you call her? I thought you straightened everything out when we went there."

[badinlatin]

Mal levels his eyes at Inara.

"Denton."

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

Inara sucks in a breath. "Yes, Denton. I'd forgotten, I'm sorry."

She takes his hand again. "Would you like me to send her a wave? I guess I'm the next best person to tell her."