Based on: "Hands down" by Dashboard Confessional

Summary: They get away.

He took a deep breath. Maybe for luck, maybe to work up the nerve, or maybe because he knew that the second she turned around she'd leave him breathless…again. Sure enough the second she swung around in the pilot's chair to face him, he lost the ability to function. It was a common occurrence, happening whenever he was in her presence.

"Hey…" he managed awkwardly.

"Hi. Just ask."

She gave him an encouraging smile.

"Wanna get outta here?"

"You know I do."

With that, she got up and they left the bridge. It was no secret that they were together. Mal had the shiner from Simon to prove it. Luckily, they managed to slip out of the ship without anything more than a look from Zoe and her typical, "Be careful, sir." Whether she was talking about going out planet-side or the wrath of an angry older brother, he wasn't sure.

That's how they ended up in the café. They were intertwined on a couch towards the back. The place wasn't very popular, so there were only three guys in there other than them playing pool and drinking. An old stereo crackled in the background with old tunes. The only source of light came from flickering candles and River (according to Mal).

There was something wild about it. They had basically snuck away from the ship to be together. It was rebellious and romantic and even though they were just lying there, their hearts raced. It took everything to hold back from moving on to more than just kissing and innocent touching.

Her steady breathing on his neck lulled them both. He felt like the air he shared with her was blessed. He swore that he could feel her smooth legs against his, even though he had on his thick tan pants. It was great to be together and do nothing at all.

"You know, my hopes are so high that you're kiss might kill me..." he began.

She gave him a typical River look that simply said What?

"I think it will. 'Cause if Simon catches you kissin' me…" he paused she gave him another look. "Fine, catches me kissin' you then I'm a dead man."

"True. That's why we're here."

"It is. So darlin', why don't you kill me?"

She smiled and complied with a deep kiss that made the three guys playing pool whistle and carry on. Mal promptly kissed her again, making sure to give the guys the finger, you know the one, while doing so.

"My heart is yours," he whispered onto her mouth. "Do whatever you want with it."

"I think I'll wear it as jewelry so everyone knows."

"Morbidly romantic," he laughed.

She sighed and leaned against his shoulder. "Let's not get busted."

"I conjure that'd be the best. Zoe ain't gonna tell. It's seems weird sneakin' 'round with you when it's my gorram boat!"

"We won't have to forever. Simon will see."

"I hope I can when he's through with me."

She laughed. They both enjoyed the chance to be away. On the ship they couldn't spend any time together at all.

Zoe isn't bad. She just shakes her head muttering, "Be careful, sir."

Kaylee squeals prattling on and on about how "shiny it is" that they're "together" and even mentions something about double dating with Simon nine times out of ten.

Simon, well, the last time he caught them he punched Mal. If River hadn't led Mal away, calming him with kisses, Simon would have several broken bones.

Jayne is Jayne. He saw them together once in the cargo bay. They didn't know that he was working out and had retreated there to avoid Kaylee. He watched them kiss for a bit. Then he laughed and whistled. "Wow Mal. Yer gonna choke on her tongue! Don't mind me. Keep on with her sexin', I don't mind. Did you get some? And don't this shoot the shipboard romance rule down?" Then he laughed more and River had to lead him away once again.

River moved closer to Mal. They didn't talk. Soon the place was completely empty except for the bartender. She was almost asleep. The way her chest would rise and fall against him was simply mystifying for him. He kissed the top of her head, accidentally rousing her.

"Hey there darlin', didn't mean to wake you or anything."

She responded with another kiss. This one was softer and sweeter than the others. She settled in against his side on her back so she could look up at the ceiling. The stereo was still playing some old song that was rather catchy. He looked over at her profile, which was perfectly lit by the dim candlelight. She twirled her hair in her fingers. He kissed the top of her head again, allowing himself to inhale the flowery scent. She smiled and nuzzled into his shirt.

"Closin' time!" the bartender shouted harshly, making them both jump.

"What time is it?" Mal called back.

"2 in the AM, sonny!" he snapped.

"It's so late!" River exclaimed.

"Yeah, now scram!"

Mal swore at him in Chinese and they darted out of the bar just before he had pulled his gun on them. Mal held her hand and they ran as fast as they could with the bartender's cry in the distance, "Yeah! Serves ya right ta be runnin'!"

They laughed and then slowed down. She leaned against him and he wrapped his arms around her waist. It had just rained, so the street was wet. They had almost slipped more than once, fueling their laughter.

"Hands down, this is the best day I can ever remember…" River sighed.

"Glad to hear it."

They got to the ship. He got the door open and slid in first to see if the coast was clear. He reopened the door and let her in. They silently made their way to her room.

"We should be off to bed," Mal whispered.

She nodded and wrapped her arms around his waist. He smiled down at her. She stood on her tip toes and kissed him again, hard.

"I love you," he declared breathlessly.

"I love you too," she smiled. He sighed as he watched her go into her room for the night thinking:

She meant it.

The end

Thanks for reading! Reviews are the best hands down! (Yes I know I already did a Dashboard Confessional one, but this is happier and I love this song!)