The front lawns, outside the dorms: Monday afternoon

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

Jack had gone for a run. A very long run, down to the beach and back, though about half way through he'd decided he was insane, because it was too damn hot, which was bad timing, because he still had to run back.

Luckily there was a hose he could soak his head with and a nice bit of lawn to stretch out on. Which was what he was doing right now, wearing nothing but a pair of very short shorts, lying on his back while he worked on his tan.

[ooc: and lo, the post was open!]

Comments

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"True," he agreed, smiling smugly. "But not with me. I have to ask, why the blush?"

[fantastic-torch.livejournal.com]

"It was the name of the game. Annette started it. Wasn't me, promise."

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

Lana shook her head. "If it hadn't been Annette it would have been someone else."

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"I was thinking of someone else." When she realized how that sounded, she added in a rush, "Not that there's anything wrong with you. It's my fault for not being able to concentrate! You're very attractive and friendly and charming."

[fantastic-torch.livejournal.com]

"That's right!" Johnny laughed. "Always someone else. I'm never the beginner of anything."

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

"Oh you don't fool me!" Lana replied. "I'd bet you're a big instigator. You just don't get caught as often as you should!"

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

Jack exerted every bit of willpower he had and didn't laugh. "Thank you," he said, rubbing a hand over his mouth to hide his smile. "But there's nothing to apologise for. This is not a Companion-Client relationship, this is two people talking. Thinking about someone else is fine. I was just curious."

[fantastic-torch.livejournal.com]

He waggled his brows, "Are you trying to tell me you'd like me to go shirtless, Lana?"

[lovelylana.livejournal.com]

She smiled innocently at him. "I'm sure you look just lovely shirtless. I do enjoy the shirtless days whenever they occur."

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"It's still a horrible thing to say to someone," Inara said, blushing for an entirely different reason now. "I really am very sorry."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"No, it's not. It really-- Inara." He very gently closed his hand over shoulder, because he was damned if he'd make another person feel bad today. "Honesty is better. I asked you a question, which was pretty rude, you have to admit. You answered it honestly. There's nothing to be sorry for. Besides," he laughed, "I think my ego can take it."

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

She smiled at him, not completely understanding what she saw in his eyes, "It does seem very healthy."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"There you go then," he said, giving her shoulder a little pat. "No saying you're sorry for being honest."

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"If you say so," she nodded, then decided to change the subject, "Are any of your friends still here?"

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"Yeah," he said, drawing away and leaning back on his hands to look up into the sky. "I guess they are."

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

Inara realized that she'd made another mis-step as soon as he pulled away. "Did I say something wrong?"

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

"Not you," he said absently, still watching the sky, then he snapped out of it and grinned at her. "No, you didn't. You really do care for other people, don't you? I mean, genuinely, not just because Companions are supposed to."

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"I suppose that's true," Inara said, "but I wouldn't want to be a Companion if I didn't care about people."

She took a deep breath and a chance, then added, "I'm a very good listener, if you want a stranger who won't pass judgment."

[anextimeagent.livejournal.com]

Jack looked at her for a long time, then smiled crookedly and leaned forward to kiss her cheek. "Thank you," he said softly. "But there's nothing to talk about."

Smirking, he stretched to his feet. "And I should probably get inside, I'm meeting a very pretty young man this afternoon, who wants to learn a thing or two. It was good to meet you, Inara."

[ambassadorinara.livejournal.com]

"You as well, Jack," she said, rising to her feet and wondering what it was about him that made her sad.