So here it is, a brand spanking new chapter...tried to take your comments on board, but i am kind of in a rythm now, and i have a kind of plot figured out. Hope i don't disappoint too much.


Malcolm Reynolds stood speechless in the Dining Room, his mind telling him it wasn't true and his heart saying it sure better be. After all, it was probably just a dream.

Inara held her breath, but not for too long. As she fidgeted with her silk gown she stopped for a moment and decided she would be courageous, bold, honest…even if she did feel like she might vomit.

Forget it, she told herself, it's just going to be a dream anyway.

"I mean it Mal. No more playing with me, no more pretending we are any less than completely lusting after one another. Kiss me Mal, like you know you've wanted to since the moment we met."

Mal laughed. Inara smiled nervously, her mind screaming within her to run away now before it was too late. Mal stopped laughing and spoke up.

"I'm gonna wake up any second I know it."

But that didn't stop him kissing her so fiercely she thought she may faint. It was her turn to speak up.

"Mal…Mal… I love you…"

"Inara could you not talk right now I'm trying to enjoy the moment."

Inara stepped back, shocked and blushing.

"I'm kidding gorram it. I love you too. Just kiss me."

Smiling, Inara grabbed his face and kissed him.

"Captain Reynolds, did you ever think we would get our act together? Because to be honest I always assumed…"

But before she could finish Mal kissed her, several times over, and pushed her back toward the wall, caressing her face and whispering sweet nothings in her ear.

"Mal…Mal...You're tickling me!…MAL!"

Inara pushed him away. Her face red and her skirt around her thighs, she tried to calm down.

"Slow down dong ma? I-"

But before she could say anything else, Mal had begun nuzzling her neck and she fell back against the wall.

"No fair…"she grumbled.

Grabbing her hand, Mal pulled her toward the door and, checking to see if there was anybody in the corridor, pulled her toward the empty shuttle.

"Uh uh!" Inara stopped. "I am not making love to you on crates and a dusty floor!"

Mal looked offended.

"Why does it matter where as long as we are together?"

Hoping his tact had worked he started tugging on Inara's hand. Unfortunately she looked less than impressed.

"Captain Reynolds, I understand it may have been a while since you…well, since you loved a woman…but that shuttle is not an option. Let's go to mine."

Mal looked confused. "Ok, first of all, it has not been that long."

Inara's eyebrows rose.

'And second of all I am not going to show you my affection in the place where you have loved thousands-"

The eyebrows narrowed.

"Hundreds?"

Inara tilted her head to one side. "Guess again Mal."

"Many other men. And women for that matter."

He mentally congratulated himself on the save.

"So are you saying you doubt my affection for you Captain Reynolds?"

Inara leant against the wall. Mal felt sweat on the back of his neck.

Malcolm Reynolds you gorram stupid fool.

"Malcolm Reynolds you sha gua. I love you. I may have served clients in that shuttle but you will be the first person I have loved there."

Mal stood mesmerized for a moment in her smile but then shook himself. "That may be so Inara, but I would still feel better if we used my bunk."

Inara's smile dropped. "Mal, I-"

Saying no would be so much easier if he would just stop kissing me.

As he pulled away and went to remove his hands from around her waist, Inara felt her knees give way. Catching her, Mal tried to stifle a chuckle.

"What?" Inara was defensive as she regained her footing.

"It's just…I make you weak at the knees!" He poked her stomach playfully.

"Mal! I do not…I lost my footing."

Zoe rounded the corner but stepped back, choosing instead to remain hidden, muttering under her breath, "What the xiao ji?"


So...another chapter for you….hope you like it, still more to come though.

Chinese translation: sha gua- fool