Ok here we go with chapter 2. What's going to happen to these two?

I don't own anything that you recognize.

Inara stopped short. She could have sworn that she heard someone call her name. Colton, her friend and escort for the evening, paused when she stopped, a concerned look on his face. He had seen her talking to some people while they were in that bar. Normally Companions of their stature wouldn't dare go into a place like that unless their clients wished to. But He had always been a bit curious about that sort of place, and some of the stories Inara had told showed she knew how to make her way in even the lowest of bars and clubs.

So he had convinced her to go with him. Colton teased her, saying that she knew he wouldn't last a minute by himself in there. She had finally consented, although he saw that it seemed to tear at her a bit. Now it was starting to all fall into place. "Inara," he said softly, "That was him, wasn't it?" She looked up at him, pain in her eyes. No one else but another Companion would have been able to read her that way. He saw clearly that it was worse than it had been in a long time. "Who, Colton? Who are you talking about?" she parried, trying to clear her face of any expression. He shook his head at her. "You don't play a player, Inara." He chided lightly, using a phrase she used often against her. "I know you've been hurting, dear. You saw him in there, didn't you? That's who was at that table."

She took a deep breath, and for a moment it appeared she would be successful in calming herself and pretending yet again. Then suddenly, she broke down. Inara started crying softly, and Colton pulled her close to let her cry on his shoulder for a moment. After she calmed herself, he pushed her back so as to look her in the eye and said "Go after him. Go find him." Inara looked at him like he grown another head. "Colton, what are you saying? I can't do that." He shook her gently. "Inara, you're in pain. Why are you doing this to yourself? You went out to travel, and you made a wonderful life for yourself. And then you came back without explaining to anyone why. But I knew why. You fell in love, and you ran from it."

Inara started to speak but he cut her off. "Inara, I know you. You have been a very successful Companion, and you are a wonderful woman. But you block everyone off. I know in our line of work you have to do that to some extent. But things are changing. People change. You've changed. The life of a Companion is not right for you anymore. You won't be happy." He looked off for a moment. "If you don't take this chance now, you will regret it. Trust me."

She stared for a long moment, and it was almost as if Colton could see the wheels turning. Then for the first time in a very long time he saw her eyes begin to light up. She kissed him gently on the cheek and whispered "I'll contact you about getting my things from the House." Then she gathered up her skirts and began running the direction they had come from. Colton watched her go, smiling at his friend finally working for her own happiness. He wished he had shown that same courage in his life.

Inara ran as fast as she could, eventually finding herself almost in front of the bar again. She looked at the doors right as Zoe and Jayne walked out. "Zoe!" She called out, rushing toward them. They were shocked to see their friend again. "What're you doing back here 'Nara?" Jayne asked, confused and thinking maybe he drank too much if he was gonna be hallucinatin'. "Where's Mal?" she sputtered out. Zoe shook her head and placed a hand on Inara's shoulder to steady her. "He walked out not long after you left. I hope he went back to Serenity. Come on, we're docked this way." The three walked together towards the docks, Inara refusing to answer any questions. She didn't want anyone to hear her feelings and thoughts until Mal heard them. It was his right.

They were almost back to the ship when Jayne yelled out in his coarse manner "Mal? What 'n the hell are you doin' leaned up on that light post?" They stopped short, Inara gasping when she saw in the flickering light the haunted look in his eyes. Zoe smacked Jayne's arm lightly, muttering "Come on, Cobb; help me get back on the ship. Cap'n and Inara need to talk."

While they walked away, Inara made her way over to where Mal was still leaning up against the post, as if it were the only thing tethering him to the ground. He watched her warily as she approached. They stood apart for some time, staring at each other. Finally, Mal hoarsely asked "What do you want, 'Nara?" She opened and closed her mouth several times, trying to form the words. But in the end, only one came out: "You"

Well, turns out I have an idea for a 3rd chapter as well. But let me hear what you all think first. Hit that little review button. It's so shiny and it's calling you. It really is.

And before anyone asks, YES that last bit I kinda ripped from "Castle". I had to, it just fit.