Disclaimer: I don't own these characters.

Summary: This story is based off of CottonWoolFairy's set of vignette's called Sweet Nothings. I decided to put them all into the same story. It's about Mal and Inara. And all the many kisses the share in my little dream world. So here ya go.

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"Come in." he said from where he laid on his bed.

"Jayne, I- are you reading?" Zoe asked, nervously taking small steps into the dimly lit bunk.

"Yea, I'm readin'. Is that a problem fer ya?" he asked tossing his book on a shelf next to his head. He sat up to look at her. "There something ya needed?"

"Just to talk. Can I sit?" he nodded and swung his legs off the edge of the bed to allow her more space to sit. "I'm sorry for the other day."

"Aw hell, Zo. I know what you're goin' through. I lost me my best friend same as you." Zoe was astonished by his confession.

"Jayne, I just want to apolo-" she began.

"Wait, Zo. I have something to say." he turned to look at her. "I know your hurtin'. But I ain't him. An I cant be him for you but I can try to help you. If you'll help me feel something too." When her silence overwhelmed him he continued. "I ain't askin' for an answer now jus' let me know if ya need any-"

"Jayne?" Zoe interrupted.

"Yea?"

"Just make me feel, Jayne."

"Mal?" Inara asked the cold steel of the captain's bunk as she knocked.

"Come in." he yelled from down below. He watched from where he stood on the opposite end of the room as the slender woman descended the ladder.

Inara gasped when she reached the floor and took a look around. "Mal, it's just beautiful." The room was draped with fine silk linens. Candles placed on every flat surface, excluding the bed. Inara even noticed the bouquet of flowers from the galley's table; which were placed next to his bed. "Where did you get this stuff? It looks so-"

"Familiar?" he finished with a soft chuckle. "When you left for the house you left some things. Worn fabrics that I think once hung in your shuttle. And ya left a crate of fine smellin' candles in the cargo hold. I had some moved up here after you left." he confessed.

"It looks like the whole crates up here." she laughed.

"Probably is." he finally took time to take in her appearance. She wore a peach satin, thin-strapped nightgown that reached just above her ankles. Her long sleeved robe hung open. Long black tendrils flowed simply at her shoulders. And her eyes. Mal knew that they had to be the most beautiful thing he'd seen in his long life. "Ai ya, beo-bei." he breathed as he closed the gap between them.

"Mal." she whispered as he grabbed her hips and forced her to him. Within seconds they were clawing at each other's clothes. Her hand in his brown hair. His bunching the silk fabric covering her lower back. Their mouths fighting hungrily against one another, breaths mingling, tongues dancing. He picked her up suddenly. He smiled as a childish giggle escaped her lips. In one languid movement he swept her into his arms and carried her to his newly luxurious bed. He gently laid her down and kissed her with more passion than he'd ever shown another human being. All of a sudden Mal became still. Hovering over her staring into her beautiful deep eyes.

"Mal? What's wrong?" asked Inara in a shaky voice.

He inhaled deeply. "Nothing bao-bei. I've just never-" his breath hitched. "-never felt towards anyone the way I feel bout you."

"I know the feeling." she whispered airily before lifting her lips to his. It was surprising that it took them this long to finally be honest.

They spent the night exploring each other. Physically and spiritually. For the first time Inara knew how it felt to be loved by someone who wasn't paying for her love. And Mal finally knew what happiness truly was without worry about war, jobs, the crew, or protecting the woman he loved.

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TBC- NEXT! the morning after...