Disclaimer:

All this lovely playground belongs to Joss(bless his heart for giving us such a great place to dream in), et al.

This takes place immediately after Heart of Gold. It stands alone, but I am writing more of the story.

She turned and walked towards her shuttle, not daring to look back. But, Inara had to turn again to reach the ramp that lead to the door. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him slowly straighten and rest his hands on the rail for a moment. She stopped at her door, unable to look away. Even in the dim light, she could see the color had drained from his face. He released a long, shuddering breath, turned away and slowly walked down the stairs, disappearing into the corridor below. Inara stepped through the shuttle door, tears flowing silently down her cheeks.

She stood inside the door for a long while before closing it. She half wanted Mal to come back and ask he not to leave, was grateful he did not. Her resolve to flee might have melted. She knew she was running scared.

She sat at her dressing table, let down her hair and absently began to brush the long, dark curls. Twenty-four hours ago, Inara twice passed by the parlor at the Heart of Gold as she went to the kitchen for water and then returned to the birthing room. She had seen Mal and Nandi, discussing the coming confrontation. Companions were highly trained to read body language and voice. She needed only a glimpse to know what was happening. A pang of jealousy shot through her heart. She pushed it away as she hurried by. They had not even noticed her.

Nandi was interested, Mal was uncomfortable, but not backing away. Inara would be happy for both of them if something more than discussion did happen. Nandi was a dear friend who had been through much hardship since leaving Sihnon. Mal would treat her well. And, Inara was very certain that he had not been with a woman in long time, despite Saffron throwing herself at him for days. She knew Nandi would be good for him. The madam of the Heart