Rejection

"I love it."

Never had any sweeter words left Inara's mouth. He had expected rejection and a certain amount of frustration from her when he'd decided what he was going to say to her, but this reaction was far from that. This reaction was the response he got her only in his lonely and pathetic dreams.

Yeah. It was exactly like that.

Except not.

Except that this was real.

"You do?" he asked weakly. He could tell by her smile and the twinkle in her eyes that he'd let his surprise show a little too much.

"Yes, Mal. It's a great idea. I was thinking along the same lines myself." She paused to tuck her hair behind her ears. "Kaylee is a dear," she went on, "and always makes an effort to make the crews' birthdays' special. She deserves it."

"So you'll take her then? Planetside for a little visit?"

"I will."

"It won't get in the way of your plans?"

She frowned slightly at that but answered, "no."

"Good. That's good."

"Yes."

His gaze dropped to the floor and he shoved his hands deep into his pockets. Even then, he could feel her eyes on him.

"Is there something else?" she asked.

"I…uh…no. That's all."

She stared at him. "Then why are you still here?"

"Could I maybehaps come, too?"

Though she stood and pointed towards the door, she smiled softly. "Out!"

He grinned and pulled at his suspenders as he back away.

Ah, there the rejection was! That was more like it.

"Well. Fine," he muttered quietly. He took a last lingering look at her and then turned.

Time to make his magnificent exit.

...