"And here we are folks, Persephone," Captain Malcom Reynolds called over the loud speaker. River had just done her first successful landing but Mal was still a bit jumpy. He left the bridge and walked down to the hold where everyone had gathered, some to go shopping, some to go job searching, and Inara to leave. Mal had almost forgotten that Inara would be leaving Serenity today.

She stood looking as beautiful as ever with many bags with her. It pained him greatly to see her looking so determined to leave.

"Captain, could you come back here for a second?" Kaylee called from the engine room. Mal was forced to go check out what she had called him for.

"What is it?" he asked, hoping to draw out the time so as not to see Inara leave but at the same time wanting to say goodbye.

She smiled, "Well, we need to replace the catalyzer. It had two dents and I'd rather have us not have to replace it in space."

"Oh, sure. Here has some money. You and the doctor can go together. He could use some fresh air. River will be fine."

"The doctor has a name you know."

Mal grinned obnoxiously. "I like referring to him as the doctor but if you want, I can call him Simon."

"Thanks Cap'n," Kaylee said smiling. Mal however, was distracted, looking towards the door. Kaylee snorted and Mal turned to look at her.

"What?"

She smiled. "Go to her. She doesn't really want to leave."

The captain opened his mouth a few times before glaring at her and running from the engine room. He was on the balcony over looking the hold when he saw her, half of her bags already off of the ship. Mal ran down the stairs as she carried the last of her baggage outside.

"Inara!" he shouted but the outside noise was too loud. He ran as fast as he could, ignoring his crewmates and grabbed her arm. She dropped one of her bags and spun around, an unreadable expression on her face.

"Inara, don't leave," Mal said, still holding her arm.

Inara looked incredulous. "And why shouldn't I-"

Mal cut her off with a kiss holding her arm and cupping her cheek. She tensed for a second but then relaxed and gripped his collar. Finally they pulled apart and he said, "I lost you once. I am not about to lose you again. Please don't leave."

Inara smiled, a true smile like she hadn't smiled in a long time. "I thought you'd never ask."

Then pulling him towards her with his collar, she kissed him again, forgetting her baggage and any inclination she had to leave.