How Do You Tell A Woman?
Summary: Why didn't Mal come out and say he loved Inara during "Hearts of Gold?"
Malcolm Reynolds's POV; Malcolm/Inara
How do you tell a woman to stay? How do you tell her that you need her? For respectability's sake.
How do you tell a woman that it isn't weakness to cry? That your shoulder's available anytime? As her captain.
How do you tell a woman that you're in pain if she's in pain? That if you or anyone else hurts her it nearly kills you? She's a member of the crew.
How do you tell a woman that you do respect her? That her career doesn't define her as a woman? She's thoughtful, caring, and one of your best friends.
How do you tell a woman that you love her? That Serenity may be your home, but she's your heart? Serenity's lifeless without her.
How do you tell a woman all that after you've made love with her best friend? That despite that friendship you bedded the self-proclaimed whore? There are some things that just can't be said after that.