Despite the looming wealth and refinery around them, the way he so easily rebutted her words with playful banter kept the mood light and easy. It was enough to make her forget that this moment was a rarity in between the things they did, the lives they had that pulled them in all sorts of directions. The times they managed to be in each other’s presence was mostly saved for missions the entire crew of Serenity was pulled into and while Inara had made it clear to the others she wasn’t to be involved— when it involved Cassian, somehow she got roped in.

“I know you’re not, I’m just happy to see you again.”, she said softly and as they sat together. Although things were light around them, she was quick to note where his attention seemed to be. There would be no comments from her on it because she understood; moments of peace like this, uninterrupted were exceedingly rare even for her now.

At the table, a screen flipped forward allowing her to place the order for their drinks, and as they awaited those, she began to casually peruse the dinner menu. It was a bit of a strange feeling being so normal like this but as soon as he began his story, she turned to face him giving him a quizzical look—

One that clearly indicated she suspected he brought such ire on himself through one way or another.

“Oh? And why exactly did they threaten you so much? Mouthed off to them? Come now, I feel like you’re hiding something.” Still all smiles, she simply laughed as she returned her gaze back to the menu.