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]

"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.