Muddy Memory

Rated: PG

Category: Gen, Mal/Zoë Friendship, Pre-Series, Young Mal Of A Sort.
Spoilers: Nothing Specific.
Summary: Oh, The Things We Do For Love…

Note: Written in response to the LJ prompt of 'Pie (Or Pi)' on ff_friday.

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Deep in Serenity Valley, before hostilities broke out there, the 57th Overlanders once had a furlough. They relaxed in shifts, but everyone got a chance to play, even taciturn Corporals and their too brash Sergeants.

Of course, those types generally chose to do their relaxing with a bottle, and tonight was no exception to that rule. Malcolm Reynolds and Zoë Alleyne cracked open their stock just after dusk, and by the time they were halfway through it, they were deep into very serious conversation.

"Stop hoggin the bottle," groused Zoë.

"Hey! I still outrank you. You should show me some respect," slurred Mal in response.

Zoë snorted. "Oh, sorry. Stop hoggin the bottle, sir."

"That's better," said Mal with a smirk. "Here."

He passed Zoë a large flask of amber liquid, which she took gratefully and immediately put to her lips. After a long swallow, she handed the bottle back to Mal, who likewise helped himself to a swig.

"Thanks," Zoë mumbled. "So, where were we?"

Mal made a face. "I was sayin that she'd made me a pie."

"That's right," said Zoë. "I remember now. Little Mindy Barter was trying to impress you for some reason or other. So, what kind was it?"

"We were six, Zo. What do you think?"

Zoë grinned wickedly. "Cherry?"

Mal's mouth fell open and he stared at his Corporal for a full minute before he answered her.

"You're sick."

Zoë laughed openly. "Yeah, probably."

"Anyway, it was a mud pie," muttered Mal.

"Really?" Zoë couldn't contain a rush of giggles.

Mal held up one hand as if he were taking an oath. "God as my witness."

"What'd you do with it?"

"Well, she was so proud, and… I was head over heels for this girl and…"

"Don't tell me you actually ate the thing," said Zoë, suddenly serious.

"Oh, yeah," said Mal with a wince. "I ate it. Every gorram bit of it. I swear I couldn't eat for a week after that."

Zoë roared with laughter, and Mal joined her.

They laughed until they cried, and it was the last time Serenity Valley ever heard such a thing.