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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She had woken with a start. The lack of warmth assured her that Mal was gone. Before she could stop them a burst of tears rolled down her cheek. She curled into a tiny ball of golden flesh as she cried every tear she had ever left unushed. Her sobs were loud enough to block the sound of the hatch opening. She was startled when a warm hand touched her shoulder and an equally warm voice spoke.

"Inara? Bao-bei, what's wrong?" He asked sitting down beside her. He lifted her body and cradled it against his as she continued to cry.

"Nothing." she sobbed.

"Don't sound like nothin'." he said kissing her hair.

"I just," she was ashamed to say what she was thinking. "thought you left. That maybe now that we-" her breath hitched "you were done." she cried against his chest.

"Never think that, dong ma? It will never be just about sex between us. We have so much more than that." he said kissing her face between his hands. Her tears turned to ones of joy as he continually touched his lips to her forehead, eyelids, and the tip of her nose. "Wait." he said. As he pulled away he saw the fear in her eyes. He laughed under his breath. "I brought you breakfast, see?" he grinned with that matter-of-factly smile of his.

"You're such an angel." she kissed his cheek. "Wu de tyen ah!" she said after taking her first bite. "Are these real eggs?"

"Shr ah." he laughed at his ability to make her so happy with the smallest gift, "I was saving them for a special occasion."

She looked up from her feast. "Why are you giving them to me. They probably cost you a small fortune." she said putting the plate in his lap.

"Because, bao-bei." he slid a dark tendril behind her ear and kissed the skin it had been hiding. "You're my special occasion."

"Zo, wake up." he nudged the woman laying across his chest. He took a moment to admire the goddess who was affectionately rubbing her soft cheek over his muscular pecs. "Zo, time to get up. 'Fore someone sees ya leavin'." This time he kissed and inhaled her hair. She turned into his embrace and looked up into his eyes.

She hotly kissed him on the lips before snuggling back against him. "I don't care."

He smiled. Jayne hadn't seen this beautiful woman so happy since they'd landed on maidenhead. Her voice brought him out of his silent reverie.

"Hey Jayne?" she asked.

"Hmm?"

"I thought you don't kiss your girls on the lips." she looked up into his eyes.

"Well, you ain't one of my girls Zo." he said peering down into her deep eyes.

"Oh." she said flatly, avoiding his gaze.

"No, Zo! I mean-" he recovered quickly. "You ain't like 'em. I use them for sexin' and see 'em next time we turn planet side. I ain't gonna use ya like a cheap whore. So do with me what ya want, but I just want you, Zo."

That's all it took before they were back in each other's arms, repeating the dance steps they had done the night before.

"Happy birthday, bao-bei." he said kissing her softly on the lips.

"Mmm. Morning." she gasped. "Is that breakfast for me?"

"Of course." he said setting the tray over her lap. "Ran into the captain this morning. He was in a good mood. Lent me some eggs from his stash. I think he was making breakfast for two."

"Ooh! Really Simon?" he nodded. "That's so shiny!" After a few moments of silence she continued. "I like the flowers. You pick 'em up planet side?" she asked.

"Mmhm. I know you love the pink ones. They're your birthday present." he said with a smile.

"Oh." She smiled back attempting to hide her disappointment. However, failing miserably. "That's so thoughtful. Sie-sie."

Kaylee's expressions were an open book to Simon. "Ok, ok. Don't look too disappointed. The real present is inside."

"Inside?" she looked at the flowers. "I don't wanna wreck 'em." she said brushing her fingertips over the velvety petals.

"Just be careful and it'll survive." he said, grinning.

"Which one?" when he pointed to the most closed flower and she gingerly pulled it from the crystal vase. She tentatively reached into the bud and pulled out her gift. "Oh, Simon!" she cried as he took it from her hand.

"Kaywinnit Lee Frye. Will you marry me?" he asked with the sweetest smile she had ever seen spreading across his swai face.

"Simon, of course I will." he placed the ring on her tiny finger and began kissing her reverently. Simon parted with her only to move the tray from her lap and place the flowers on the bedside table.

"I love you." he murmured, climbing into bed beside her. Claiming and capturing her lips within his.

"I love you too, Simon."

River had set the ship on auto and was on her way down to the galley for breakfast. As she passed through the crew dorms' corridor she covered her ears and walked somewhat hurriedly.

"I'll just eat breakfast alone."

TBC- Lunchtime. Kaylee's birthday.