Ok, a couple of things I forget to mention last time. When someone mentioned Mal could fly the ship in Serenity, I agree. But he couldn't the year or so earlier when this is set, that is my story and I am sticking to it. Oh, and any time something unexplainable and/or inconsistent happens in my story, just remember, my Beta did it. : P

Lady Scribe of Avandel, I know I am frustrating. I don't have an excuse. But I will post more regularly and hopefully your frustration will not prevent you from continuing to review, as I do love seeing what you guys all have to say.

Thanks y'all, and don't forget to review at the end of this chapter, I like to know people are still reading.

Waking up suddenly, Inara sat up.

Another dream, she thought miserably, at least this one ended well…

Her mind turned mischievously to the wonderful night she had with Mal, even if it wasn't real.

She heard snoring beside her. Lying next to her, half naked, was Captain Reynolds.

A squeak of surprise escaped her lips, and Inara scolded herself for her behaviour.

Looking around her, she saw that she was in Mal's bunk. She panicked.

Hopping off the bed quickly, she found her clothes in a pile in the corner.

So unprofessional, her mind argued, you are a Companion.

But as she pulled on her gown and laced her slippers, she watched Mal sleeping.

He is so beautiful, she thought carelessly, before shaking herself and moving toward the ladder.

'Inara?"

She cringed as she heard Mal's voice behind her. Turning around, she saw he was rubbing his eyes.

"I'm not exactly sure what happened last night…it all seems so…I gotta tell you, I thought I was dreaming…"

Inara felt a pang in her chest as she saw him lying there, thoroughly confused and waiting for answers.

"Mal, I respect you greatly-"

Mal interrupted her;

"No you don't."

Inara paused.

"Well, I think highly of you-"

"Now let's not say things we don't mean."

Mal cut her off, talking smoothly as he stepped out of bed unashamedly, letting the sheet drop to the floor. Inara fought the instinct to look down and failed. As she hastily heightened her gaze once more, Mal grinned.

"Inara, let's not play games. I know you feel uncomfortable, so I'm gonna let you leave now, and I won't say another word if that's what you want."

Turning around, he began to pull on his shirt.

"Thank you Mal."

Inara kept her composure, but inside she was crying; hard. As she turned back toward the ladder, she felt strong hands grip her waist.

As he began kissing her neck, Inara fell back into Mal's firm grip.

"Too slow."

Turning her to face him, Mal pulled her chin up so her eyes met his.

"I hope you don't still want to leave?"

Inara stood still for a moment.

"I wanted to leave?"

Grinning, Mal began unlacing the back of her gown.

"Good answer."

As Mal helped Inara exit his shuttle, Kaylee exited the Bridge, but stepped back behind a wall when she saw what was happening. After she watched them finish saying goodbye, she whistled quietly under her breath.

"Zhan dou de he ma tuan!" she whispered.

Translations:

fighting hippopotami unite: zhan dou de he ma tuan