thegirl20: (Inara/Kaylee: Hug)
[personal profile] thegirl20
Title: Falling
Author: Angie
Fandom: Firefly
Pairing: Inara/Kaylee
Summary: Inara kisses someone else during 'Our Mrs Reynolds'
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 2,222 (bizarrely enough)
A/N: This is a different take on 'Our Mrs Reynolds'. An AU version of that ep, if you will. As such, it contains the same storyline and some of the same dialogue.

With the captain out of commission, she made her way quickly to the bridge. Upon entering she was somewhat startled to see nothing but a pair of legs sticking out from under the control panel. She had expected to find the dopey pilot, instead it was the young mechanic. No matter, she was flexible. She quickly forced her eyes to well up and dipped her head, covering her mouth with her hand.

Kaylee sat up, wiping her hands on a rag and smiling widely. The smile faded quickly.

“Oh, Saffron hey now…you alright? The cap’n didn’t upset ya again, did he?”

She said nothing, but allowed a muffled sob to escape. Kaylee immediately got to her feet, approaching without hesitation and wrapping her arms around the crying woman. Saffron smiled, this one was going to be easy. Kaylee drew back and tried to get a look at Saffron’s face.

“What’d he say? You shouldn’t pay heed to him, he’s kinda a lug sometimes but he means well.”

Saffron shrugged and shook her head.

“He’s a very noble man. But he doesn’t want me. I can understand it. Why would he want me when there are so many beautiful women on his ship already?”

Kaylee laughed, surprised.

“Oh honey, he don’t want none of us! He’s…well, that’d be like doin’ stuff with my brother…and I ain’t from one a those kinda planets!”

Saffron looked down at the ground.

“But he is a worldly man. I know nothing much of anything. I wouldn’t be able to please him. He has been with women before…and I…I…”

“Oh…oh right. Well…uh, there ain’t all that much to it. You got some parts that are pretty much built to fit together. Feels nice too, most a the time anyways.”

Saffron kept her head bowed and looked up at Kaylee, her eyes still wet with tears.

“Perhaps…if someone could show me. Someone gentle, so that I might please him more.”

Her eyes drifted to Kaylee’s lips, her own lips parted and moist. Kaylee took a step back, removing her hands from Saffron’s body and holding them up, almost in surrender.

“Right…uh, listen…that’d be…I mean, you’re real pretty…I’m sure it’d be…well, kinda weird, but nice and all. It’s just that I can’t cuz I’m…well, I’ve got someone that’d be right upset if I started goin’ around kissin’ other people.”

Saffron quickly looked at the ground again, willing the blood to move to her cheeks in a display of embarrassment.

“Oh, I’m truly sorry. Of course, you and the doctor. I should have realised. I apologise for my forwardness.”

Kaylee’s laugh tickled her ears and she glanced up, surprised at the reaction.

“Simon? Dear Lord, it ain’t Simon. That boy is more clueless than you about where his parts oughta be goin’!”

Saffron was furious at herself for misreading the situation, but she couldn’t allow that to show. She kept her eyes on Kaylee, adopting a curious expression.

“Again, I’m sorry for being so forthright…but if I might ask…who…”

Kaylee looked at Saffron for a long time, wondering if she should continue the conversation. Finally she decided that the poor girl needed some understanding of the situation on board Serenity. She moved closer to the poor waif and lowered her voice to a whisper.

“OK, well this ain’t exactly common knowledge, but Inara and me…we’re…well, she’d be the one who wouldn’t be pleased if I was to kiss you.”

“The companion?”

The surprise sapped all of the meekness and pretence out of Saffron’s voice. Kaylee looked at her strangely, the change in tone throwing her. Again, she stepped back from Saffron.

“Yeah. Look, I got stuff to tend to down in the engine room. Maybe you oughta talk to somebody else about this. The shepherd’s a real good listener.”

Saffron realised her mistake quickly and knew that Kaylee was suspicious. She really had no other choice. She lunged forward, grabbing Kaylee’s arms and forcing her back against the wall. When Kaylee’s mouth opened in protest, Saffron leaned in and crushed their lips together. Kaylee squirmed against her hold and tried in vain to break the kiss but Saffron held on until she felt the girl weaken. She pulled away, leaving Kaylee leaning heavily against the wall. Kaylee’s eyes drooped and she slid down until she was prone on the floor.

Saffron took hold of the unconscious girl’s hands and dragged her off the bridge and dumped her unceremoniously at the top of the stairs. Looking down at the innocent young face, Saffron sighed.

“Goes to show, you never can tell.”

*****

Inara stepped out of the second shuttle, confused as to why the cortex wasn’t responding. She almost collided with Saffron who appeared to be in a hurry. The new Mrs Reynolds turned away abruptly, averting her gaze from Inara’s.

“Are you lost?”

“I’m sorry…I thought the other shuttle was yours.”

“It is, I was on the cortex and my screen shorted. This one’s out too.”

“Looking for customers?”

Inara prickled slightly at the question.

“What were you looking for?”

“I don’t mean to be rude…a companion’s life is so glamorous and strange…I wish I had the skill for such a trade…”

“You’d like to please your new…husband.”

Inara spat the word out, disgusted at the fact she had to say it at all.

“Oh, he wants none a me. It doesn’t please him to look at me. I’m not beautiful, not like you.”

Inara’s intense and irrational dislike of the woman made her want to agree, but she relented and gave the required response.

“You’re very pretty.”

Saffron shifted uncomfortably and looked up at Inara from under her eyelashes.

“That’s what Kaylee said. She tried to show me how I should be, with a man. But I’m not sure I could ever bring myself to do those things. I wouldn’t be good at them.”

Saffron had trouble suppressing her smile as she saw Inara’s mask crack for a second before falling firmly back into place.

“You were…with Kaylee?”

The enquiry almost sounded disinterested. Almost.

“She’s a lovely girl. Kind hearted, taking the time to help me out. Not many would take an inexperienced girl like me to their bed and lie with me.”

Inara’s eyes hardened and she smiled coldly.

“No, I don’t suppose they would. And I know that Kaylee didn’t. So how about we stop the lying right now?”

Saffron raised an eyebrow, no sign left of her earlier shy and retiring persona.

“Jealous?”

Again, a crack appeared in the perfection as shock fleeted across Inara’s features. She had no time to respond before Saffron’s fist was heading towards her face. She held up her arms to block the blow, ducking down to avoid a high kick and landing on her knees. Saffron ran to the second shuttle and went inside. Inara hurriedly got to her feet. She knew Kaylee had been planning to do some work on the bridge so she headed there, her heart thundering in her chest.

*****

Upon reaching the bridge, Inara sighted Kaylee’s body sprawled out at the top of the stairs.

“Kaylee.”

The words was meant to be a shout but came out no louder than a whisper. Her legs felt shaky and unstable as they carried her, on instinct more than conscious thought, to where Kaylee was lying. She fell to her knees upon reaching the top of the stairs, her shaking hand going to Kaylee’s neck.

“Kaylee? Baby?”

A few interminable seconds passed before she finally located a strong, steady pulse. She released a breath she could remember taking.

“Run-tse duh fwo-tzoo.”

She swept some hair off Kaylee’s forehead and leaned down, pressing her lips against Kaylee’s, their warmth further reassuring her. She heard footsteps at the end of the corridor, she pulled away and stood.

“Get the doctor, Kaylee’s hurt!”

Someone yelled an answer but she couldn’t quite make it out as her head was starting to feel strangely heavy. She swayed slightly and leaned on the railing for support. A strange taste pricked her tongue and she licked her lips. The flavour was familiar to her. She’d been warned about it in training, when learning about women of ill-repute and unscrupulous clients. The ‘goodnight kiss’.

Her heart sank as the fog fell over her eyes.

“No…Kaylee…you didn’t…”

No more words came before the darkness claimed her and she collapsed, landing on top of Kaylee.

*****

The first thing Kaylee became aware of was the sharp smell of the infirmary. She had never really been keen on it. She was more used to dirt and grime than disinfectant and cleanliness. But since her shooting incident she had really hated it. Sometimes she couldn’t even stand to be near Simon if he’d been fixing someone up because he smelled too much like the infirmary. So the smell didn’t really inspire her to open her eyes.

The second thing she was aware of was the sound of voices. Voices arguing. Specifically the captain’s voice. He seemed to be arguing with everyone. Some stuff about narcotics and kissing and taking advantage.

Shepherd Book’s authoritative voice finally broke through the mugginess in her head.

“My apologies. You were victimized, as apparently was Kaylee, whom Inara found.”

“And then I fell. My head got hurt.”

Inara was hurt? Her voice sounded funny. Kaylee tried to open her eyes but they wouldn’t co-operate. The talk continued all around her.

“I don’t get any of this.”

“I only fell is all!”

Inara never spoke that way. Ever. She must be seriously hurt. Kaylee forced her eyes to open, blinking under the harsh white light of the infirmary.

“Hey, look who’s back.”

Wash loomed into view over her. Then Simon was there with a flashlight, pulling her eyelids up. She turned to see the captain in a similar state to herself.

“She kiss you too, cap’n?”

That sentence had sounded different in her head. She quickly looked around to gauge the reaction in the room. The captain looked strangely intrigued. Wash and Zoe looked amused. The Shepherd looked surprised. Simon looked embarrassed. Jayne was, thankfully, nowhere in sight. And Inara, well, Inara looked pissed off. And sort of drunk. She was propped up on a bed, her back against the wall, legs dangling.
Mal dragged his gaze away from Kaylee, shaking his head slowly.

“I don’t understand any a this. But we best get up to the bridge and see if Jayne got that door open yet.”

People started moving out of the room. Kaylee pulled herself into a sitting position, her head was still spinning a little.

“I don’t need to be examined. I’m comfy.”

Kaylee turned to see Simon backing away from Inara and heading out of the door, casting a final confused glance at both of them. Kaylee looked over at Inara, who was taking great interest in the ceiling.

“So…what happened to you?”

“Like I said, I fell.”

Inara had not yet met her eyes.

“Uh huh. Seems mighty silly not ta let Simon look at your head if it got hurt, like you said.”

“I’m fine. It was just a bump.”

“Look, ‘Nara, if she kissed you, you can say. I won’t be mad.”

Inara’s eyes suddenly locked on Kaylee’s.

“You won’t be mad? Well, that’s very big of you. Considering you’re freely admitting to kissing her, in a roomful of people no less.”

“I didn’t say I kissed her. I said she kissed me.”

Kaylee got to her feet and unsteadily made her way over to where Inara was sitting, clambering up beside her and resting her head on her shoulder. Inara made no move in response.

“She tried ta get me to kiss her. Was comin’ on pretty strong for a shy girl too. Then when I tried ta leave she grabbed me and kissed me. An’ that’s all I remember.”

Inara remained silent. After a moment, an arm came up and encircled Kaylee’s shoulders. Kaylee smiled.

“Now, did you really fall?”

“No.”

“Did she kiss you?”

“No.”

“So what happened?”

“I kissed you.”

Kaylee’s smile grew wider.

“You shoulda said that when everybody else was here.”

“Mal’s head would have exploded.”

“Probably.”

“We should go up and see what’s happening.”

Kaylee sighed, her body still wasn’t keen on excessive movement. She turned slightly so that her nose was against Inara’s cheek.

“So, you think it’s safe yet?”

“Is what safe yet?”

“This.”

Kaylee’s fingers touched Inara’s chin, turning her head around so that their lips could meet in a soft kiss. When they parted, they both waited a few seconds before deciding that they weren’t about to slip into unconsciousness again.

“I think we’re safe now.”

“Even if we ain’t. We can always just say you fell off the bed or somethin’.”

Inara grinned and pulled Kaylee to her, kissing her deeply. This time, a cough pulled them apart. They turned in unison to see Simon standing in the doorway.

“I…uh…Kaylee…the captain asked me to see if you were OK to come up and help Wash look at the circuitry. Saffron appears to have meddled with it somehow.”

Kaylee jumped off the bed.

“Right, sure, I’ll head up right now. I’m feelin’ much better.”

She brushed past Simon and out of the infirmary, leaving Inara and Simon to look at each other, awkwardly. Inara broke the silence.

“Uh…I fell?”

Date: 2006-02-11 08:54 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] stormkpr.livejournal.com
Beautiful, sweet, and lovely! I love when a great writer like you takes an episode and uses it for inspiration. Great take on "Our Mrs Reynolds" and Inara/Kaylee. Very well written.

Date: 2006-02-12 06:09 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] the-girl-20.livejournal.com
I love fics based on events in episodes too. This is one of the reasons I am thrilled that [livejournal.com profile] faithinthepoor is currently writing a series that interweaves with the episodes. I am anxiously awaiting the results :)

'Our Mrs Reynolds' is my fave episode and this scenario kept running through my head so I had to write it down. Glad you thought it worked.

Date: 2006-02-11 11:59 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] faithinthepoor.livejournal.com
OK selfish stuff first - I was freaking out about you writing about OMR knowing that I would eventually have to get to this episode and having flashbacks to dealing with Sunday in the Park with George so soon after you had written about it - so from an entirely self-serving point of view, I am pleased that this is sort of AU, cause I can live with that (and also with the fact that it is not the direction I was thinking of taking this) so my neurotic little self thanks you!

Kaylee/Inara sweetness and BrigYoSaff HoYay!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What's not to love???????????????????

I love Kaylee defending Mal, especially this He’s…well, that’d be like doin’ stuff with my brother…and I ain’t from one a those kinda planets! Tee hee hee hee (Sometimes I think that Simon and River might be from a planet a little like that). Kaylee is her adorable "I don't believe there is a power in the verse that can stop Kaylee being cheerful but sometimes just want to duck tape her mouth and dump her in the hold for a while" self yet still manages to sense that the is something not quite right about Saffron's requests. (I like that Saffron didn't read Kaylee correctly at all That boy is more clueless than you about where his parts oughta be goin’!” double tee hee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

but Inara and me…we’re…well, she’d be the one who wouldn’t be pleased if I was to kiss you Says it all without saying anything.

I love that it includes the (albeit slightly modified) HoYay scene in all it's glory. And Inara is completely rocking Inara spat the word out, disgusted at the fact she had to say it at all.
Inara’s intense and irrational dislike of the woman made her want to agree, but she relented and gave the required response.
And I am as in love with cracks in Inara's composure as you are (especially if they relate to Kaylee).

“Kaylee? Baby?” sigh “Run-tse duh fwo-tzoo.” hee!

Inara's pain at Kaylee's 'betrayal' as she slips into unconsciousness is poignant.

Naturally I adore everything from the moment Kaylee wakes up - lots of talking of falling and head hitting (Yay!!!) and a v nice make-up scene.







Date: 2006-02-12 06:20 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] the-girl-20.livejournal.com
I was freaking out about you writing about OMR - I did consider this before I posted it. But then I decided that it was AU enough not to interfere with anything you might write about the actual episode. I am glad that you agree.

Sometimes I think that Simon and River might be from a planet a little like that - I think that quite often.

I love that it includes the (albeit slightly modified) HoYay scene in all it's glory - I think it's probably your fault that this fic happened, with our numerous discussions of the HoYay scene. I got to thinking how Kaylee could be involved in it all and this happened.

And Inara is completely rocking - It's very easy to make Inara rock. She rocks all on her own. But I love writing her slightly bitchy side. It's fun!

Inara’s intense and irrational dislike of the woman made her want to agree, but she relented and gave the required response. - When I wrote the line that preceded this 'I'm not beautiful, not like you.' My immediate thought was 'Well, nobody is' and I so wanted Inara to say something like that, but I had to resist so I made my quandary into Inara's quandary. Let's face it, when you're played by Morena Baccarin, you're pretty much better looking that everybody.

“Run-tse duh fwo-tzoo.” - This line cracks me up in the episode. Every single time. I don't know if she's pronouncing it correctly, but even if she is, it's bloody hilarious sounding!

lots of talking of falling and head hitting (Yay!!!) - You can't have OMR fic without talk of falling and heads getting hurt. It's required.

I'm glad you liked this and I look forward to reading your take on the ep in question. And, going on what you've written in another comment that I'm going to respond to in a second, I'm guessing that your version will probably be much more angstatstic.

Date: 2006-02-12 11:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] faithinthepoor.livejournal.com
I did consider this before I posted it. As you should! If you going to ask/demand fics of me you can't then be going around messing with my head and making it difficult for me.

Sometimes I think that Simon and River might be from a planet a little like that - I think that quite often. HEE!!!!!!!!

I think it's probably your fault that this fic happened, with our numerous discussions of the HoYay scene. More than happy to take responsibility then - besides you can NEVER have enough discussions of the HoYay scene.

It's very easy to make Inara rock. She rocks all on her own. But I love writing her slightly bitchy side. It's fun! I will keep that in mind - she's not doing a look of bitching in the fic that I am yet to finish - but then Serenity is a hard time for her (and everyone).

'I'm not beautiful, not like you.' My immediate thought was 'Well, nobody is' and I so wanted Inara to say something like that, but I had to resist so I made my quandary into Inara's quandary. Let's face it, when you're played by Morena Baccarin, you're pretty much better looking that everybody. As someone on TWOP once used to describe extreme beauty - So pretty they almost fall right of the edge again to ugly - except I think Morena has defied this and gone over the edge and remained gorgeous - she is near perfect.

I don't know if she's pronouncing it correctly I don't think it matters - it is mighty amusing as it is.

I'm glad you liked this and I look forward to reading your take on the ep in question. And, going on what you've written in another comment that I'm going to respond to in a second, I'm guessing that your version will probably be much more angstatstic. Of course I liked it! I have quite a few to get through before OMR - I am thinking it will be angstastic but my plans don't always work out, so we shall see.


Date: 2006-02-14 08:36 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] the-girl-20.livejournal.com
If you going to ask/demand fics of me you can't then be going around messing with my head and making it difficult for me. - You are right (of course) and I am mightily sorry for any head-messing that may have taken place. I will refrain from future head-messing.

you can NEVER have enough discussions of the HoYay scene. - Of course you can't. I'm sure we've got many discussions still to come.

the fic that I am yet to finish - Yeah...'bout that...ETA? Kidding. Take your time.

but then Serenity is a hard time for her (and everyone) - Yes it is. What with the love of her life getting shot and all.

Morena has defied this and gone over the edge and remained gorgeous - she is near perfect. - The bitch.

Date: 2006-02-15 01:03 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] faithinthepoor.livejournal.com
You are right (of course) and I am mightily sorry for any head-messing that may have taken place. I will refrain from future head-messing. Given how distressed you seem to be about what the future may hold in my little fic verse, I will go easy on you and give you free licence to mess with my head.

Of course you can't. I'm sure we've got many discussions still to come. Man I can not wait to get to OMR.

Yeah...'bout that...ETA? Kidding. Take your time. I am working on it but I have seriously cut, shredded and rehashed the four paragraphs that I have managed to produce (this is me so they are fairly long paragraphs - didn't want to make it seem like I'd done nothing!)

Yes it is. What with the love of her life getting shot and all. And that's only part of what she has to deal with.

Date: 2006-02-15 09:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] the-girl-20.livejournal.com
Given how distressed you seem to be about what the future may hold in my little fic verse, I will go easy on you and give you free licence to mess with my head. - Well, I will attempt not to mess with your head, but if it happens I won't feel so bad now that you've given me free license to do so.

I am working on it but I have seriously cut, shredded and rehashed the four paragraphs that I have managed to produce - I am very excited that paragraphs have been produced and are being worked on.

And that's only part of what she has to deal with. - *gets nervous again*

Date: 2006-02-16 01:21 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] faithinthepoor.livejournal.com
I am very excited that paragraphs have been produced and are being worked on. Well in that case I really should stop talking about it and go back to writing it!

Date: 2006-02-17 08:08 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] the-girl-20.livejournal.com
Well in that case I really should stop talking about it and go back to writing it! - In your own time. Patience is one of my many virtues.

Date: 2006-02-18 04:43 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] faithinthepoor.livejournal.com
In your own time. Patience is one of my many virtues. So does that mean you won't be turing into a lesbian??????

I adore your icon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still working on the Serenity fic but probably have to do the next B/L one now - will have to watch the ep though - currently so very, very tired that I can't be bothered to watched anything - I do have GA Live in Concert on though.

Date: 2006-02-19 12:18 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] the-girl-20.livejournal.com
So does that mean you won't be turning into a lesbian?????? - You came up with the goods, so I didn't have to.

Date: 2006-02-20 09:37 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] faithinthepoor.livejournal.com
You came up with the goods, so I didn't have to. Well in case there are lots of girls out there slashing their wrists over the thought that you are unavailable - lets just keep the part where I am to blame for your stanch heterosexuality between us shall we.

Date: 2006-02-21 09:42 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] the-girl-20.livejournal.com
Well in case there are lots of girls out there slashing their wrists over the thought that you are unavailable - They're just going to have to learn to live with it.

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