(no subject)

[flybywash]

Wash is in the kitchen, going through the food stores and making notes on an inventory sheet. He's humming, quiet and tuneless.

Somehow, both "marshmallows" and "strawberry preserves" have sneaked their way onto the list.

Call the second one an extremely early wedding gift.

Comments

[flybywash]

It's a little awkward with the crutches, but he hugs her back, carefully. "Grapes it is. You know what, let's even toss in some oranges. Celebrations through fresh fruit will not be denied."

He scribbles a note on the list, and smiles at Inara.

"It's good seeing you around again. How've you been, anyway?"

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"Oranges would be be wonderful." She gives him a last gentle squeeze then moves over to start the kettle.

"Good! Things are going well...and much better lately."

[flybywash]

"Can't say I'm gonna argue with that. We talking general better or specific, fun better?"

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

She smiles. "Definitely the specific better. Mal is actually sleeping at night, which is making my life much more enjoyable." She sobers for a moment. "Those nightmares were horrible."

[flybywash]

Wash's smile dims.

Considerably.

He tucks his stylus behind his ear and asks, "Nightmares?"

It'd be easy to say, hell, he's not surprised any of 'em would have nightmares after Miranda, but...that's not right. Kaylee gave them that tangerine.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

She sighs. "It was horrible. They started before Miranda, back when we were all locked out of the bar. He had horrible dreams about one of his best friends from his youth, David. And then he started having them when he was awake." She shudders slightly. "I don't really know all of it, but...you saw the effect they had."

"And he didn't just dream about David. There were others...many people close to him in the more recent nightmares." She looks at him closely, wondering if she should tell him specifically who the others were.

[flybywash]

Wash has frozen where he stands, all of the blood draining from his face.

"Oh God." It slips out without his even realizing he's said it.

(You're not real -- )

(Very unkind words from you, Mr. Washburne -- )

It's a struggle to hear anything else Inara says after that one sentence.

Yeah. He saw. And he knows, with the kind of intimacy he'd only wish on the barest handful of people in the 'verse.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

Inara takes in a breath as Wash turns white. She hurries over to him, taking his arm lightly.

"Wash, are you alright?"

[flybywash]

"'M fine."

He forces a ragged breath and runs the side of his hand over his forehead. It's clammy with cold sweat.

Mal'd even said it, hadn't he? Hallucinations. He just hadn't....

That was why?

"Sorry. Uh. I'm just -- " A weak smile. "Does sitting down sound like a good idea to you? I think I need to sit down."

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"Of course."

She stays behind him, watching carefully as he swings over to the table ands sits down heavily. She sits besides him, then touches his shoulder, bringing his attention back to her.

"Wash. Please tell me what's wrong. Is it something I said?"

[flybywash]

"It's nothing, I'm fine," Wash lies. "Just had a...." He waves a vague, still slightly shaky hand, then rubs at his eyes. "Thing. I'm shiny."

Slow, steady breaths.

"Think it might be a good idea if I talk to Mal. You know if he's gonna be up soon?"

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

She gives him a skeptical look, but lets it slide for the moment.
"He should be. I can go wake him if you'd like."

[flybywash]

Wash bites his lip.

On the one hand: nightmares. Mal's gonna need all the uninterrupted sleep he can get, and grumpy captains do not a fun time make.

On the other hand...nightmares.

"If you can manage it in a way that puts the blame on natural forces and not his pilot, sure." He musters up another smile, this one a little more genuine.

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

She gives him a small smile back. At least Mal should be able to find out what's wrong.

"I think I can manage something. Hot tea usually has a rousing effect and I can usually guilt him into making breakfast. Give me 15 minutes or so and he should be down."

[flybywash]

"Ah, bribery and guilt trips: the stable foundation of any good relationship." He grins. "Shiny. Thanks, Inara."

[ff-ambassador.livejournal.com]

"Of course. Just don't expect this everyday." She quirks her eyebrow at him and stands to leave. She reaches over and squeezes his shoulder gently, then walks out towards her shuttle.