I've Always Been The Tower

011: [Voice] And all that's best of dark and bright

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:33:59 GMT

[Private to those Inara has befriended//hackable]

[For once, she'd rather not be seen]

I hesitate to even send this but I know if it were one of you, I would wish to know.

Recently, something unfortunate has occurred and I've been struck blind. I'm not certain yet as to whether this is permanent or temporary. Naturally I hope for the latter. At the moment, I'm reveling in the familiarity of my apartment.

[ooc: This is a result of the souls curse and staring into Anna's soul. This is temporary although Inara doesn't know that yet. If you've spoken to Inara at all, consider this private to you]

All you need is love

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:57:28 GMT

Roleplay Love Meme

010: [Video/Voice] Isn't this intersting

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:05:11 GMT

[Inara is sitting with the device on a table. She's got a pot of tea beside her and she's wearing a loose, fairly casual dressing gown of sorts.]

The city seems particularly busy today. It's a nice distraction.

[ooc:4th wall her! Anything goes]

009: [Action/Video] She hates being a damsel

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:06:08 GMT

[The pumpkin patch seems like a good idea. Inara walks about, picking pumpkins to paint and pile up in her apartment. She thinks one would make a lovely background for Serenity's logo and might make her feel a bit more at home. She's got a smallish one underneath her arm and is considering a bigger one when she hears a noise behind her. Inara turns, curiosity on her face. The curiosity turns to a bit of fear when she catches a flash of something in the shadows.]

...No

[It's a quiet whisper of a protest, as if by saying it louder it would somehow make it more true. The shadows spew forth a Reaver and Inara drops the pumpkin, peddling backwards several feet. She's never actually seen a Reaver but she knows without doubt what it is. Everyone in the 'verse knows what a Reaver looks like. A scream gets trapped in her throat and her next word comes out strangled]

HELP!

[Inara has no recourse or defense against something like this. She tries but herself defenses are geared more toward getting rid of an over zealous client or stalker as opposed to a Reaver. The video goes askew as it hits the ground and shows only flashes of Inara struggling, punctuated by screams.]

[ooc: Inara would very much like to be saved. You can find out what a Reaver is here. They're a Firefly verse specific beast and very vicious but still, essentially a very angry, insane human.]

008: [Video/Voice] Feeling a bit foolish

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:05:54 GMT

[The video shows Inara in her apartment this time. She's seated in front of a low table with a pot of tea to one side. She's wearing some sort of draped fabric thing that leaves one shoulder bare and her hair is still damp and curling a bit.]

I feel a bit foolish in asking this question but I hate to miss the opportunity to attend a party. I would hate showing up dressed inappropriately even more. In the interest of educating myself, perhaps someone could explain to me precisely what 'Halloween' is. I'm afraid we didn't celebrate such a thing in my culture.

[ooc: I have no idea if they have Halloween in firefly verse or not but it amused me to think that she might not know what it is so have at it explaining to her]

007: [Video/Voice] Truth or Dare

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:21:09 GMT

[The video shows Inara in her apartment. She's got a glass of red wine and she's curled up in a chair. There are several books stacked to one side of her.]

I've grown a bit bored with reading so I thought perhaps I'd offer to play a game that the girls at the guild used to enjoy.

Truth or Dare

If you'd like to play offer a truth or ask for a dare. You may request the same of me.

[ooc: Yes she's cursed. Yes she hates me.]

006: [Action] She'd never considered Jazz Star as a profession before...

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:57:07 GMT

[Inara had never really considered singing for people until she came to The City. Now three people have mentioned to her that she ought to and all day she has been obsessed with the idea of it. She's practiced in her apartment and in the bathtub. She can't go anywhere without dressing for the occasion and she loves having an occasion. Tonight is no different. She arrives at the Blue Light, surprised at the nerves but also at the adrenaline thrumming through her blood. This was exciting and really unlike anything she's ever done before. When she takes the stage, her hands are shaking so badly that she's certain she's going to pass out up there. The first notes of the music start and Inara is a rockstar]

never know how much i love you
never know how much i care
when you put your arms around me
I give you fever that's so hard to bare

[ooc:Yup! Inara's affected by the curse and trying her hand at being a ~~rock~~jazz star]

005: [Voice/Video] In hopes that things have settled down a bit

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 04:12:52 GMT

[The last few days have been disturbing to say the least. Inara has spent them locked in her apartment because they've reminded her a bit too much of Reavers in general. She'd rather not experience any of that ever.]

I trust everyone is well and made it through the last few days in one piece.

[She winces a bit at her unfortunate choice of words.]

Consider this a sort of check up. If I know you, please stop the tea room and have a cup with me. Assure me that you're well. If I don't know you, then perhaps you could stop by the tea room and we could become acquainted.

004 [Video] Even caffeinated Inara dislikes voice only posts

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:22:41 GMT

[The video shows a rather excitable Inara. Normally she is the picture of stillness. Right now she can't sit still at all. Her fingers are tapping her leg, gesticulating as she talks. The smile on her face is a bit too bright to be normal and her speech...well that normal, smooth, calm has become a babble.]

I was having my...perhaps fifth cup of tea today when I realized, I've not met most of the residents of our city. As it's apparent that I'm going to be here a bit I thought it might be prudent to introduce myself. After all, it is only civilized and if we haven't our civility then much of what we do is pointless.

Where was I? Yes...Inara Serra. I've only arrived in the last few weeks, which explains why I've yet to meet most of you. It is a pleasure to meet you all. I've stationed myself at the cafe with a pot of tea. Should anyone wish to come by and visit, I would be delighted. Or if you merely wish to converse via our communication devices. I do prefer video communication as I find voice only so impersonal.

[ooc: Today I've affected Inara with the caffeinated curse. Have fun with her. This is likely the chattiest and most hyper she will be for a good while.]

003: I've always enjoyed lists

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:07:37 GMT

Things I miss about Serenity:

The hum of her walls and floors at night
The way it is never absolutely quiet
The view from any portal.
The freedom
The possibility
Her crew
The way I didn't have to be anyone in particular within her walls.

Concerns at the moment:

Mal isn't showing up to rescue me.
Kaylee
Health
Income
River

[Inara is affected with list!curse for today. She may be writing many of them. This post will be updated as she does]

002: [Voice/Video] But Buddhists don't go to confession

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:51:12 GMT

[There's a moment when the video shows the camera panning about wildly as Inara turns the device on and situates it. She's not entirely sure why she's driven to do this particularly since she's aware it's not particularly wise or of her own volition. However, she is obviously still intent on the action. She clears her throat once she's got the camera settled. Her hands are folded in her lap and she's wearing a simple (for her) Oriental embroidered caftan. Her hair falls over her face for a moment before she looks up and arranges it properly. If she's going to confess there's little sense in trying to hide it or be ashamed about it. Even though she is. Very deeply ashamed.]

I didn't fall. As he so aptly pointed out, I am a very graceful creature. The last time I fell, I was ten and I skinned my knee. I didn't bump my head like Wash and I didn't kiss her. Ever.

It's not that's I've an aversion to kissing women you understand. It was her and she was never the one I wanted to kiss. Which is the problem naturally.

[She takes a deep breath, obviously steadying herself for something to come]

I kissed him. Admittedly I thought he was dead and while I'd love to lie and say the kiss was one of gratitude...it wasn't. Not entirely. I had wanted to kiss him for a very long time.

[Another pause before she continues]

And I didn't leave Serenity because I was entirely too close to Kaylee. He could have asked me to stay and I would have.

[Transmission ends and Inara cuts the feed off]

(ooc:Yes she's cursed. Yes she hates me passionately)

002 [Network/Visual] directed at [Unknown LJ tag]

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 23:55:51 GMT

[Inara has found a place to live, she's rested and despite the fact she is wearing the same clothes she arrived in, she's feeling a bit better about this whole situation which means of course she must find a job. She has intentions of stopping by the tea shop but she wants to speak with Chuck Bass first. She fiddles with the communication device until she is fairly certain she's got the jest of the deal then clears her throat]

Pardon me, I'm looking for a Mr. Bass. My name is Inara Serra. I've just arrived and I was fortunate enough that Miss Waldorf mentioned your name.

01 [Video]

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:02:04 GMT

[There is a reason Inara doesn't like horses, that reason would be the spill she just took from the back of one. She sits up and arranges her hair, pushing it off her face and trying to right it in some semblance of the half up-right style she'd arranged it in that morning. That's when she realizes she's sitting on the ground next to a carousel. There is no horse in sight nor is there any sign of her client. She picks up the device on the ground next to her and fiddles with it before realizing it's already turned on. A moment later she realizes it's likely video. That realization gets her off her pigu and on her feet, smoothing the skirt of her riding habit down. The habit looks like a dress, in fact it is a dress with additional undergarments and cut for extra movement.]

Rodney?

[The first order of business is to determine if her client is here as well.]

I'm not quite certain what this about but if you're looking for ransom, you won't receive it. The guild doesn't deal with kidnappers in any capacity. If you've kidnapped me because of any connection to Captain Malcolm Reynolds, I can assure that I haven't had contact with him for months.

[As she speaks to the device she begins walking toward a fountain, assuming it will be the center of whatever city she's found herself in. Oddly enough she doesn't feel as though she's hit her head.]

[ooc: if this is wrong someone please correct me!]

Do not go gentle into that good night, [Old age should burn and rage at close of day;]

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 03:39:31 GMT

[Benjamin Button: I was thinking how nothing lasts, and what a shame that is.
Daisy: Some things last. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button]

Placed in shakeitup_pf verse. Based on rp and Morena's revelation of Inara's secret at a con last year

The shop is quiet, empty for the moment. It gives her a chance to sit on a chaise stuffed in the corner of the tea shop. She’s got a pot of hot, green tea and Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnets. She’s read this volume so many times that the pages are worn thin and she can whisper the words without the aid of the page. More than seven hundred years had passed between this woman’s death and Inara’s time, yet so much of her remains. Perhaps it’s morbidity or simply logical, but Inara has begun to think about the things that last.

Human lives are fleeting and fragile, taken in so many ways. Unlike Browning, Inara is certain she hasn’t scribed anything worthy of seven hundred years remembrance. She never mastered the art of poetry and she’s never made Picasso envious of her skill with a paint brush. It’s a concern that brings a wrinkle to her forehead—despite wrinkles no longer being something she worries about. She’s not going to last long enough to see any damage done. The simple truth of the matter is outside of a pretty face and impeccable manners Inara isn’t certain she’s done anything of note. Certainly nothing that will last.

“Hey Pretty Lady. Kennedy Conspiracy or the Hoffa Cover up?”

He pulls her out of her thoughts and even coaxes a smile from her. “Both a bit before my time I’m afraid. You might have to explain the one about Hoffa again. I think I drifted off to sleep during your last attempt,” she teases him.

“Riveting stuff. You must have been exhausted,” he says as he sits down in the chair next to her. He’s got a bottle of water that he rolls between his hands.

“I’m certain,” she assures him. He has no idea the levels of exhaustion she muddles through every day. She’s kept it secret from everyone, including him. However, it’s a secret that is getting hard to keep with him constantly nearby. She takes a sip of tea, contemplating him for a moment; a man from five hundred years in her past and in so many ways, unlike anyone she’s ever met.
“Priestly, if we were both to return to our own worlds, would you remember me?”
“You mean like alien abductions?”
She smiles again, a surprise to herself and ducks her head. “I believe we’ve already discussed the existence of aliens and the likelihood of abduction but perhaps something like that.”
He watches her just a moment to long and she knows her question has piqued his interest. He’ll figure it out eventually and she can’t quite bring herself to be chastised for leading him into that.
“Yeah.” He nods, biting his bottom lip. “No matter what happens to us, I’d remember you.”

And maybe that’s enough to know that she’ll be remembered by a select few; those in the past and Kaylee from her future. Mal and perhaps Zoe. Either way it will have to be enough. She hasn’t got long enough to make it anymore.

for on_thecouch

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:02:30 GMT

[Out of Time]

She doesn’t have any more contacts.

She doesn’t have any more contacts.

For some reason that new found knowledge rings in her head like the deep trill of a gong beat over and over again. She is running of time. Mal is running out of time and Inara doesn’t have any more contacts. She’s tried every avenue and been forced to realize they were dead ends. She hasn’t been a companion for almost four years and her reputation has withered until it is merely a husk of its former self. Her fingers tremble as she flips through her address book on the cortex. There isn’t a single one she can turn to and while Zoe, Jayne, Kaylee and Simon have done everything they can, it is not enough.

She stops on one page, fingers knitting together in her lap. The silence fathers in her, pooling and spreading outward to her fingertips and her toes. It is how she knows this is the right decision. Mal would argue, he would argue until he dropped dead but then Mal would argue about most of the decisions she makes. She takes a deep breath, presses her fingertip to the screen and counts the beats of her heart while the call connects.

“Atherton, we’ve business to discuss.”

“Bao Bei, I’d begun to wonder if you were ever going to call.”

For couples_therapy

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 07:24:30 GMT

[Rush]

Not really binding at all. It’s just a silly, cute bit of fluffy stuff that came about when I was way too tired and chatting on aim

“But Mooooooom, you can barely even tell time up here! It’s always dark!” The little boy had huge brown eyes and a mop of bronzey-brown hair that flopped across his forehead.

“I can tell time perfectly well,” Inara informed him. “And it is quite past your bed time.” She couldn’t help the slight smile that crept across her lips despite the desire to maintain a firm countenance. Some of her companion skills had slipped over the years.

“Awww, come on, Mom. Just five more minutes,” Mal cajoled on the little boy’s behalf. He had a roguish grin on his lips that he assumed (rightly) was charming. However, it was half an hour past Book’s bed time and Mal’s charm wasn’t sufficient to bail either one of them out.

As evidenced by Inara’s eyebrow arching delicately and yet somehow threateningly (and one day Mal would figure out how she managed that) over one eye.

“Da-shiang bao-tza shr duh lah doo-tze,” Mal muttered under his breath and set the little boy on his feet. “S’time for bed. I’ll be in to read you a story in a minute.”

“One story,” Inara specified. “And it will not be the albatross story.”

Book’s favorite ‘bed time’ story and Mal’s favorite to read to him was Rime of the Ancient Mariner, a poem that could take a good half hour or more to read, depending on how animated Mal’s rendition of it was.

They both watched as the little boy ran to his bunk, bare feet ringing out on the metal grating of the ship. Mal looked to Inara, a grin that he wore a good deal now still lingering on his lips.

“Best go read to him,” he said as he started off in the direction the child had gone.

“Indeed,” Inara smiled. She leaned over and pressed a kiss to the hollow just below Mal’s ear. “Do be quick. I think it’s well past our bedtime,” she whispered, slipping away before his arms could encircle her.

All these years, a whole marriage and child later, she could still leave him standing dumbfounded in the middle of Serenity’s cargo hold.

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 04:47:12 GMT

47.2 - What do you want?
Co-written by cpttightpants and only_fell.

Mal and Inara's wedding plans
(Done in a series of messages on the Cortex over a period of several days for obvious reasons)

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

Our weddin'. Open to opinions... ain't doin' it in a church though. Don't like churches. And I ain't gettin' dressed up either. What you see is what you're gettin'. Dong ma?

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

We'd never agree on a church anyway. On that note, I'm going to assume Buddhist temple is out. I thought perhaps I could take some of your pants and one of your favorite shirts to a tailor and perhaps have them made to that pattern in a slightly nicer fabric.

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

Can you see me in a Buddhist temple? I'm findin' the idea of it downright highlarious. What's wrong with the great outdoors?

What kind of fabric? Ain't wearin' no silks and satins.

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

You did look quite fetching in the guild house temple with your robe. There's nothing wrong with it provided the weather cooperates.

A nice heavy cotton with a high thread count.

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

Ain't gettin' married in a Buddhist temple so that's the end of that. Maybe we should be gettin' hitched on a rim planet. Some of 'em's got some pretty stable weather that we don't gotta worry about.

Cotton I can do. No suits.

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

I could live with a rim planet. I want a hotel room with a real bathtub for the wedding night.

I wouldn't put you in a suit, Mal. It encourages you to challenge other men to sword fights you have little chance of winning.

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

Those cost s healthy piece of coin.

Hey! Way I remember it, I won that fight.

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

And we've made quite a bit of coin lately.

If I recall correctly, you were stabbed as well.

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

Why do you need a hotel and a bath when you got a perfectly good shuttle and me?

Well I ain't gettin' all knee deep into the details. What matters is who's comin' out on top in the end.

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

Because I want a bathtub, room service for breakfast in the morning and a real room. I'll let you watch me in the tub. I might even let you join me.

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

...well if you're puttin' it that way. Conjure we can spend perfectly good coin on a hotel.

The rim ain't got all those high society type places you're used to. And I got warrants out for my arrest in half the Verse.

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

I thought perhaps you would.

I realize this but some of them have very nice hotels on them. I'm certain you can find one.

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

Ain't really fightin' fair with them promises.

You're lettin' me pick the hotel?

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

I believe the saying is 'all's fair in love and war'.

I have every bit of confidence in you. Would you prefer I pick it?

-Inara

***

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara

When did we start a war?

Sure I can get a good deal somewhere. Which planet?

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

Our relationship has always been a war and you wouldn't have it any other way.

Pelorum. It should be sufficient for both our needs.

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

Ain't a war. Just a battlefield. I know when I'm fightin' a war.

Well now that should do fine. Lucky you. Ain't got a warrant there. Just gotta avoid Alliance.

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

I'll trust your judgment on that as I've never been in a war.

I think, Captain Reynolds we should be able to avoid Alliance as I have no intention of letting you out of the room. That's what the room service is for.

-Inara

***

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

What happened with Miranda and the Reavers awhile back? Damn near close to war.

Can we have the honeymoon without the weddin'?

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

Close but we made it through. In fact, I'd say getting that close to the war is what brought us together at all.

No. We can't.

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

You wouldn't be with me if it weren't for a near death experience? What's that say about you?

Why not?

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

It says I'm every bit as stubborn as you. And you wouldn't have it any other way.

Because then it's not a honeymoon. It's a vacation and I'm only going to get one out of you. I'm insisting we save it for our honeymoon.

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

Think I like havin' lengthy discussions with you better over the Cortex.

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

Why is that?

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

Don't think it's more cordial?

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

A bit. I wonder why that is?

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

Not as much fun gettin' your ire up when I can't see it.

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

And I've no desire to insult or throw things at a screen.

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

Know what? Incense is a gorram yuchun waste of coin. And that tea you're always makin'? Waste of coin too.

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

You do realize I can still walk down the hall to the bridge in order to throw things at you and insult you, don't you?

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

I get your ire up?

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

It's not quite as effective in this format.

-Inara

**

To: I.Serra
From: M.Serenity
Subject: What do you want?

'Nara-

If you're givin' me five minutes I'll come say it to your face.

-Mal

**

To: M.Serenity
From: I.Serra
Subject: What do you want?

Mal,

Don't keep me waiting.

-Inara

For just_sayit

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 04:54:54 GMT

Mal's ego isn't fragile at all</small>

There are a few people I would take a bullet for. Very few

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:52:40 GMT

A select few I'd take a bullet for:

You see I've been shot and even with Simon's best work it left an atrocious scar.

*Mal
*Kaylee
*River
*Simon
*Zoe
*~~Jayne~~

There are a few people I'd like to put a bullet in:

*Niska
*Reavers
*Most Alliance
*Jayne ~~Just his leg, maybe his shoulder~~
*Occasionally Mal
*Everyone who has put a bullet in Mal. I don't have time for that kind of list and neither does anyone else.

For couples_therapy

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 03:39:59 GMT

[Find a small way to show your partner that you appreciate them.]

It was something she’d been considering for a while. That consideration had only gotten more thought and action when Mal expressed that he had a desire for such a thing. Actually executing that desire and turning it into something real had been more difficult and involved than she would have imagined. Perhaps if she hadn’t been trying to keep it a surprise it would have been easier but then Inara has never taken the easy way out of things.

She doesn’t make a big deal out of the presentation because Mal will have a difficult enough time dealing with it and she suspects he’ll want to do so in private. She lays the envelope containing the deed to 350 acres of cattle ranch on a border planet called Jiangyin and a letter on the pilot’s console on the bridge. Mal will have several hours alone to contemplate the gift.

Mal,

For that someday when you decide it’s something you might want. Until then there is a very capable foreman and crew who will report to me quarterly. There’s no time limit on this. The offer won’t expire. Even if we never set foot on the ranch, it’s an excellent investment.

wo ai ni,
Inara

For couples_therapy

Sat, 15 Nov 2008 01:46:11 GMT

[What do your friends think of your partner? Does their opinion of him matter to you?]

He’s a pirate, a rogue, a criminal. He’s a war hero, a knight, a good man. He’s a great big softie. He’s reckless, irresponsible, suicidal.

Alright, I confess. The last were my words. Opinions of Mal differ from person to person, from planet to planet and even across universes. At the guild all the young girls were convinced he was a dashing, romantic, handsome pirate come to whisk me away to a better life. He was the salvation they hoped they would one day attain.

Nandie…well she took him into her bed. I think that goes unsaid what she thought of him. I think she was quite taken with him at first sight but then he was there to rescue her. It carries a certain kind of allure all its own even if the knight in question is an insufferable pigu at times. And he was fully that and more during that trip.

Kaylee is the only real friend I have these days and she’s the one responsible for the “big softie” opinion. She’s right of course but she’s also biased. Her opinion of Mal could never be anything except good. He gave her the universe at a time when she thought she’d be stuck on some backwater planet.

All of that aside, if my friends opinions mattered to me, I never would have set foot on Serenity. It wasn’t a popular decision among those that knew me and it wasn’t one they could ever understand. However, I don’t regret any of my decisions; not Serenity and certainly never Mal. He may be and is all of the things that people think but he is mine as fully as the heart that beats in my chest belongs to me. That’s the only opinion that matters.

For makeyourlist

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:52:40 GMT

In relation to this post

[A list of acceptable anniversary presents since Mal seems to have issues in this department]

-Silk for a dress

-Incense

-Flowers

-Tea

-Chocolates

-Actual bound books

-Candles

-Jewelry

-Trinkets

-Wine

-Fresh fruit

For just_sayit

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 01:39:13 GMT

Mal is an idiot. No surprise there

couples_therapy

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 20:07:43 GMT

[What’s one mistake you keep making in your relationships?]

She measures time by the beat of her heart because she refuses to turn over the hourglass. It ran dry 4,850 heartbeats ago and he hasn’t knocked or barged through the door. She’s gone too far this time and his silence marks that. She turns to her back, eyes staring up at the ceiling and measures her breath. The ache that wrings through her body can be banished. She counts back from 100 and sends her mind someplace that isn’t cluttered with what if’s and regrets. 243 heartbeats later, she still aches and Malcolm hasn’t returned.

With a decidedly, unladylike growl of frustration she slips out of bed, grabs her wrap and forgoes slippers. She leaves the shuttle door open behind her as she traipses through the ship. The grate digs into the bottoms of her feet and the ring is a dull thud. She goes up on her toes in an attempt to silent her steps. She slows, her fingers trailing along the wall as she nears Mal’s bunk. The door makes a cling, echoing through the ship and she flinches. Her fingertips rest between the hatch and the wall, curling over the edges as she contemplates. Her eyes close and she listens to the tick of her heart again. Bare feet against the rungs are silent as she descends, feet finally coming to rest on the floor as her hands curl around the ladder frame, holding herself in place. Her gaze is fixed on her toes and her voice comes out haltingly.

“Mal, I apologize. I shouldn’t have said the things I did and I shouldn’t have banished you from the shuttle. I know sometimes I’m unfair in the way I deal with our disagreements but you should know it’s only a reflection of my feelings for you and the fear that manifests in me because of those feelings. I never want you to leave but you can’t come back if you don’t leave and I desperately need you to come back.”

A sound resembling a broken rotor ratchets through the room and Mal lifts his head from where he was apparently sleeping on his cot.

‘Nara, you say somethin’?”

Inara rolls her eyes and sighs insufferably. “Jayne is working out in the cargo hold and he sounds like a dying moose. I can’t even begin to sleep through his grunts and muttered curses. Perhaps you could go encourage him to have a bit more courtesy for others. Personally, I’d appreciate if he’d stop sweating, grunting and breathing in the vicinity of my shuttle.”

Her feet ring dully against the ladder as she climbs out of the bunk and heads back toward her shuttle. Mal smirks to himself and grabs his shirt from the foot of the bed to follow her.

“Gorram woman is head over heels in love with me.”

for [Unknown LJ tag]

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:48:28 GMT

[Things I can justify. Always]

-More incense. Mal comes in smelling like Buddha only knows what.

-Another set of silk sheets. Mal gets grease on them.

-Another new dress. It’s only a matter of time before Mal’s blood ends up on everything I own.

-Kicking Mal out of the shuttle. Were I to list the reasons for this it would encompass pages and pages.

-Getting Kaylee out of the engine room.

-A trip into the core. I need more incense, another set of silk sheets, a new dress and more tea.

-More time spent in prayer. Mal needs all the help he can get.