Taking a sip of tea, I curled up on a couch in the common area. Jayne was lifting weights in a corner and River was humming while twirling. All in all, a very peaceful day. I would love more days like this, but I knew it wouldn't last. Mal liked trouble too much. Well, more like trouble tended to follow Mal.
With a shake of my head I delved into one of the few books I brought with me. No more than a few minutes have passed when a loud crashing noise was heard from the kitchen. Sighing, I put my book away. Of course something had to happen. Making my way to the kitchen I noticed Jayne following me. We entered the kitchen to find Mal on the floor, covered in flour. I just stared at him while Jayne laughed. "Really Mal? What were you even trying to do?" I sighed, grabbing the broom by the door.
Standing up, Mal tried to dust himself off. "I was looking for coffee but all I could find was tea! You rearranged my kitchen too!" He scowled at the mess as Jayne took a seat, chuckling. "Mal. This is my kitchen so hush. Also you could have asked." I pulled coffee out of one of the lower cabinets while sweeping up the flour.
With a huff Mal started brewing the coffee as I cleaned. Jayne kept watch from the table, making a comment here and there. "There's nothing wrong with tea." I finally grumble. With a laugh Mal patted my head. "Of course not. Just not my thing, you know that!" He pointed out as Inara walked in.
"Coffee isn't as sophisticated as tea." She commented, grabbing some tea for herself and leaving. I laughed at the look on Jayne and Mal's face. "What's wrong with not being sophisticated?" Jayne grumbled as I shook my head, laughing. "Nothing at all." I patted his shoulder as I passed him to throw away some of the last of the spilt flour.
"Just 'cause I ain't all sophisticated don't mean..." Jayne trailed off, mumbling to himself. Mal grabbed his coffee and headed out of the kitchen, leaving me to a grumbling Jayne. I finished cleaning and sat beside him. "Jayne. Liking coffee doesn't mean you're not sophisticated." I smiled, nudging him out of his own world.
"Really?" He seemed surprised. "Yeah. I knew plenty who liked coffee. Tea is just more relaxing. Don't worry so much about it." I smiled, patting his shoulder as I got up. "Thanks Flora." I heard him gruffly mumble as I left. Smiling, I kept walking.
=+=
Dinner was loud, as usual. As it quieted down, I started cleaning. People filtered out until it was just Jayne and I. He was fairly quiet. I placed a mug of coffee and a piece of cake in front of him. He looked at me, seeming surprised. I put my finger up to my lips and winked. "Thought you could use a nice surprise after today. Just don't tell the others." I smiled, continuing to clean.
He gave out a chuckle and started to eat the cake. When he was finished, I picked up the plate and poured him more coffee. "Why are you so nice to me?" Jayne asked quietly as I started to wash the dishes. I stopped for a minute to think. Why was I so nice to him? "I don't really know." I shrugged, answering honestly. He was quiet for awhile before speaking up again.
"I'm glad you are." He said and I looked over at him to see him smiling. With a small smile I dried my hands off since the dishes were finished. "I am too." I patted him on the shoulder and started to walk off. He grabbed my wrist as I passed him. Turning to look at him, he dropped his hand. "Just wanted to say thanks." a light blush dusted his face as he scratched his cheek. "Don't worry about it." I smiled, walking out of the kitchen.
=+=
Laying on my bed, my mind began to wander. I missed my little star so much. Maybe I could call home tomorrow. I hope nothing to wild happens tomorrow. Jayne has been acting funny though. Something will probably happen knowing Mal. I hope not.
With a sigh I rolled to my side, looking at the picture on my nightstand of Thomas, Rosie, and I. I missed them both, but the pain of Thomas' passing has lessened with each day. I still miss him. Just not as much. Maybe, on day, I will find another man to love. Rosie comes first though. Always.
