We've reached the end. Thanks for reading and reviewing everyone!

This is the final chapter.

Enjoy!!

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Chapter 12

"Yes or no?" Mal repeated. "I still don't have an answer to my question Inara. And you standin' there, not even lookin' at me isn't helpin' any."

Inara's mind was racing. How had he put it together? She finally looked at Mal, but decided to put some distance between them. She walked over to her sofa and gestured that he take a seat.

"Tea?" she asked with hope in her voice. She needed to buy some time.

Mal raised an eyebrow. "You're seriously askin' me if I want any tea? Tea? Have you known me to be some one who indulges in that particular beverage?"

"Mal I'm just asking so I can make you more comfortable."

He raised his hand to stop her mid-sentence. "Remember that talk we once had about wiles? This," he gestured to the space around them, and between them, "is you tryin' to use those wiles on me again. And I ain't interested."

He stepped forward and invaded her personal space. "So I'll be askin' you again. Did you kiss me Inara?"

"So what if I did? What would that mean Mal? Would it make a difference to the way things are now?"

"Would it?!" Mal exploded. "Ai Yah Tien Ah would it?! I reckon it just might!"

"How? What difference would it make? Would we suddenly become a couple?"

Mal scoffed, more embarrassed by having the words spoken out loud, than actually being offended by them.

"Would we hold hands and be happy forever and ever?" she continued, stepping back and sitting down on the sofa.

Mal backed away too, exasperated, and moved to lean against the bedpost. "Sarcasm, just what's needed!"

"I'm being serious Mal! You and I, we're different creatures. We come from different worlds. I'm a companion, something you can't seem to get your head wrapped around. Before Serenity, I spent my time at ball's and gala's. I devoted time to art and study. I travelled the universe. I met with dignitaries and royalty. And you…"

"I'm the lowly thief, livin' his life on the raggedy edge, avoidin' the trappings of the life you seem to be talkin' about."

Inara looked chastised. "I didn't mean that I think any less of you Mal. My time onboard this ship has meant the world to me."

"And you wouldn't consider stayin'?"

"Why? This would never work."

"What exactly are you sayin' would never work? See, I would like to be clear on exactly what we're talkin' about here."

"Mal, please."

"Gorammit!"

"Yes! I did! What's the big deal Mal?" Inara shifted uncomfortably on the sofa. "Really Captain, I don't see why you're making such an issue about this. I kiss people for a living, remember?"

Mal swallowed and sighed in disappointment. "You know, never thought I'd see the day when you actually used your whorin' as an excuse."

Mal saw her react to what he said, but she remained wilful and silent.

"Well, seein' as you're not interested in gettin' this here situation out in the open, I'm gonna lay it all out here for ya Inara." Mal took a deep breath for courage. "For some unexplained reason I have feelins for ya. Strong ones that won't go away, no matter how much distance I put between us. I can't define it yet; I just know that it's in my blood and its drivin' me crazy."

Mal made an amused face. "They've been with me since the day I met you. Maybe just after, but it feels like forever. So I guess it was since the day we met," he ended wryly.

Inara's hands fisted in an effort to stem the various emotions that flooded her being at the same time. Elation, pleasure, anxiety, a sort of nervous tension, but most importantly, a sense of hope.

Mal watched the different feelings flit across over her face. He couldn't identify them though. A long while had passed and still she didn't say anything.

"It would be nice if you didn't keep lookin' at me like I'm some nut escaped from the bughouse."

"Why is Saffron here? And why have you been so hasty in getting me off this ship?"

"You're askin' me about Saffron? Yao Nu, Feng Le!"

Inara just raised an eyebrow and waited patiently.

Mal walked towards her, but seemed to change his mind and sat down on the opposite end of the sofa. "We were out in the black and found her stranded on a stolen shuttle, driftin' not far from alliance cruisers. We picked her up and promised her safe passage to Persephone."

"Safe passage?!" Inara asked outraged. "Have you forgotten everything she's done to this crew?

"Forget that she conned me into marryin' her? All the while plotting to steal my boat from right under me? I don't think so!"

"Wouldn't be the first time," said Inara, rolling her eyes.

Biting his tongue, Mal said through clenched teeth, "But she was onboard when we got the distress call from Mei-Li. There wasn't time to leave her. So she agreed to help us get you, in exchange for safe passage."

"Oh."

Mal, expecting Inara to argue, was about to continue his tirade but was deflated with her simple 'oh'. There was silence for a while.

"When Saffron was onboard Serenity the first time, and she told me she had poisoned you, the only thing I really remember was blind panic. In that moment, the thought of this ship without you, the thought of the universe," she smiled as she said that, "without you, was for a moment, too heavy to bear. When I saw you lying on the floor of your room, and I realised you were still alive, the greatest sense of relief I have ever felt swept through me. And in that moment, I kissed you."

And just like that, the mystery was solved. Mal looked at Inara with critically. "So, it was out of relief? Nothing else?"

"Of course it was out of relief. But it was also out of something else. And I don't even know if I have the ability to put into words what that may be."

"You could try."

"I- care about you Mal. You drive me crazy more often than not, but being away from Serenity, and you this past few months has been hard. I can live without you, I can live without the danger and the peril, but I don't know if I want to anymore."

Mal scooted over and slowly, keeping his eyes locked with hers, traced his finger from her jaw line to her chin, and back again. Inara's stomach trembled in response, and she closed her eyes for a minute.

"And I don't know if want to be runnin' afoul without you there to lecture me about it," he said softly.

"We seem to be at an impasse Captain. I won't stay on Serenity and not be a contributing member of this family."

Mal dropped his hand and grimaced. He known this was going to come up.

"I don't want you with other men. It's too hard."

"It's my job Mal. And I won't give it up."

"You could teach. Like you're doing now," he argued.

"You know that's not sustainable. Teaching takes time. I would need to be at an academy for that. And Serenity won't ever be docked long enough-"

"Then we'll stay on planet's longer. Hell, Kaylee will love that!"

Even as he said it, he knew it would never be possible. With the alliance always on their tales, staying in one place too long was endangering the lives of his entire crew. Was he willing to lose Inara because of his pride?

"I don't rightly know if I could live with it."

Inara nodded. Greatly saddened by his response, but grateful for his honesty.

"I understand that. But being a companion is about the connection you make with someone. A connection which hopefully enables them to be better people after our time together. At least that's what it means to me. All the clients I see are special to me in various ways, but they are just my job. Like any job. You hope to do the best that you can. But then you move on," Inara finished sincerely. "You would be more than my job."

"I would like to ask you to stay." Mal said this slowly, as if he was still working out what he wanted to say. "I'm a selfish bein' Inara. And I can't rightly guarantee that I won't wanna punch out the lights of any man that touches you."

"Mal-" Inara began exasperated.

"But I will try to curb my manly impulses. For you. Because of you."

Inara nodded. Knowing how much asking meant to him. "I'll think about it."

Mal grinned then. "That's all I ask." He seemed to remember something and then asked, "How was it by the way?" At Inara's blank stare he said, "our first kiss."

Inara rolled her eyes but a smile crooked the corners of her mouth before radiating to her eyes. "Cold."

Mal leaned in and Inara felt his warm breath whisper across her face. "How about I try to do a little better?"

Inara put her hands on his chest in an attempt to ward him off, but changed her mind and clutched at the lapels of his shirt instead. He smelled so good. She had known many men who spent hours on their appearance, and yet none of them ever smelled as good to her as Mal did.

"You sure?" Mal asked once.

In response, Inara pulled him in and crushed her lips to his. He knew what he was doing, that was for sure. Heat exploded in Inara's belly as Mal's tongue ran across her bottom lip.

"Inara, is Mal with you? We're approaching Persephone and I need him on deck. You might wanna get your luggage down to the cargo bay. We're docking soon." Wash's voice came over the internal intercom.

Inara pulled her lips from Mal's and drew in a deep breath. Her chest was heaving like she had run a marathon. "He was just here Wash," she said loudly, trying to sound normal and at the same time stop Mal from claiming her lips again. He settled for reigning kisses from her jaw line to the nape of her neck. It was hard to think straight. "He was en route to you I think."

"Gotcha 'Nara," he said before there was silence again.

"Mal-" he kissed her again. Just as deeply, just as passionately. And then little kisses, soft and slow. Inara couldn't remember what she was about to say.

"Duty calls," Mal said. Planting one fleeting kiss on her lips.

Inara blinked frantically and then he was gone. "What was that about?"

Mal stuck his head back into the shuttle and said with a wolfy grin. "Just letting you know what you'd be missin' out on if you decided to leave."

Inara rolled her eyes and snorted ungraciously. But she had to admit. That kiss had had her flawed. She deliberated for a minute, and then, mind made up, headed to the cargo bay.

Activity was evident everywhere. Jayne was securing the pressure seals and communicating with Wash as Serenity came to a smooth landing.

"Docked and ready people. Welcome to the alliance patrolled Persephone." came Wash's voice.

Walking down the stairs, Kaylee practically crashed into her.

"Hey, where's your bags and stuff?"

"Kaylee, I-"

"Comin' through Princess." said Saffron. Despite her words, she stopped on the landing and looked at Inara expectantly.

Inara looked at Kaylee and said, "I'll meet you down there in a second Kaylee."

Kaylee looked from one to the other, a confused look in her eyes. "Alright then. But ya best be hurryin' before all the best transpo off this world is snagged. Saw lots of traffic comin' in."

Watching her go, Saffron said, "So, you coming or going?"

"I'd say that's none of your business."

"Staying it is then."

"I suppose it would be useless to tell you to stay out of matters that don't concern you."

"Would be. Besides, don't pretend you aint happy. If it weren't for me, you two would still be in denial. I'll take the glare you just aimed at me as thanks enough." Saffron started walking down the stairs and called back to Inara, "be real nice if you name your first kid after me. Saffron Reynolds. Has a nice ring to it, and irony to boot."

Inara followed and smiled despite herself, "Chwee Ni Duh, not in this lifetime."

Saffron just snickered and looked at the group gathered in the cargo area.

"Well, it's been fun, as always. Thanks for the ride Mal." She planted a fast kiss on his unresponsive lips. "I hope we see each other again real soon."

Mal snorted. "Better not show up in my part of the verse again Saffron. Next time, I might be inclined to make time to drop you on some uninhabitable lump of rock."

"Duly noted Captain." Saffron turned to Jayne. "Shwei, it's been a surprising pleasure Mr. Cobb."

Jayne grinned lasciviously in return. "Piow Liang De Shao Ji, Nee Gu Wuo Hu Nee Shang Hao. Wuh Hwai Rong Nee Shung Kai Roo Hua."

Simon looked at Kaylee and mouthed, "Eww."

"I sure as hell second that," said Zoë.

Book covered River's ears and glared at Jayne.

Inara, do you need help getting your bags down?" asked Wash. "I could go get them for you. Or try to carry the lightest one while Jayne wrestles with the rest in his usual fashion."

Mal, who was standing next to Inara, turned to look at her but didn't say anything.

"The Princess is staying pilot boy. Didn't she tell you? Yi Lu Shwen Fohn!" And with a smile, Saffron left Serenity.

"Staying?" burst Kaylee with excitement.

"Yes. Urm, I've decided to stay with Serenity."

Kaylee leapt forward and grasped her friend in a quick hug. "For how long? This is great news Inara!"

"Indefinitely at this point." she said and looked at Mal.

"I'm confused."

"Don't worry about it Honey, I think I get it. I'll explain it to you later." Zoë whispered to her baffled husband.

"What changed your mind?" pressed Kaylee.

Mal silently took Inara's hand. She looked down at their hands and then linked their fingers tightly. The pair shared a look, a small smile and then looked back at the crew.

"They're in love," said River, who was standing beside Book, who had finally taken his hands from her ears.

Mal grimaced and Inara coughed.

"Captain's finally scorin' is what she's tryin' to say Kaylee."

This time, Wash grimaced at Jayne's crudeness and whispered to his wife. "No need. I think I get it."

"Jane!" Kaylee scolded. Then said, "Oh" as the picture set in. Her cheeks went pink. "Aww Captain. That's so sweet! You finally admitted you have feelins! Right smart of ya!"

"Kaylee darlin', seein' as I'm just feelin' kinda truthsome right now, I'll admit that yes I do. But you keep this up, and we'll be leaving Persephone without you."

Kaylee just beamed. "Aww, Jahn Captain!"

Mal rolled his eyes. "Aint gonna be any controllin' her now," he whispered for Inara only. She just laughed.

"Right crew, Go Hwong Tong. We have a couple hours here at most. Kaylee, see what you can rustle up in the way of spare parts. Simon, those medicines you've been pesterin' me about, see your way to acquirin' them. Shepard, I'll be mighty appreciative if you could see to helpin' the young Doctor acquire them - legally. Jayne, scout and see if there's any work that needs doin', Zoë, you're in charge."

"Got it Captain."

"What you gona be doin'?" Kaylee asked.

Mal turned to Inara, pulled her close and planted a smacking kiss on her lips.

Jayne leaned against a crate and made himself comfortable. "Looks like a Shi Sung Chung."

"Did I not give you an order Jayne?"

Jayne never moved a muscle.

"I'm goin' for a walk."

Wash laughed. "A walk? Mal, you don't walk!"

Mal thought he heard Book mutter, "as long as walkin's all you're doin' son."

Mal clapped him on the back. "A man can change can't he Shepard?"

He looked at dumbfounded expressions of his crew and laughed.

To Inara, he extended his hand. "Comin'?"

She laughed breathlessly for a second, and then took his hand. "Yes."

"Aww Captain," Kaylee gushed as she watched them pass her. "I do love happy endins.

THE END

Glossary:

Ai Yah Tien Ah – Merciless Hell

Yao Nu, Feng Le – Demon Woman, You're Crazy

Chwee Ni Duh – Screw You

Shwei – Handsome

Piow Liang De Shao Ji, Nee Gu Wuo Hu Nee Shang Hao. Wuh Hwai Rong Nee Shung Kai Roo Hua - Pretty lady, hire me for the night and I'll open you like a flower...

Jahn - Shiny

Yi Lu Shwen Fohn – Bon Voyage

Go Hwong Tong – Enough of this Nonsense

Shi Sung Chung – Good Show is About to Start