Disclaimer: Joss owns 'em.

I know I'm an idiot sometimes. Both of us are continually acting as if we regret the decision made after lives were threatened, and lives were lost. Neither of us actually do. She gets so angry when I go off on a job, afraid I'll be hurt, afraid I'll be killed. After Miranda, we're all starting to realize how life can just choose to leave you behind. But there's nothing I can do, my life is all I know. Regardless, I think I'm better off with her around. I think I'd suffocate without her. She's my air.

*****

I can be such an idiot sometimes. Acting as if I should have left as soon as the situation warranted it. I've received plenty waves from plenty clients. All of whom I've denied. I know he appreciates the gesture, but he won't say so. He doesn't know much it takes, my life is all I know. But I'm learning. He occasionally makes me wish I'd never thought to buy this shuttle, never met him. But I think I'd suffocate without him. He's my air.

*****

Mal opened his eyes, having made his decision, and climbed out of bed. He grabbed his shirt and threw it on, leaving it unbuttoned. He climbed out of his bunk and headed towards Inara's shuttle. At the same time Inara eyes flashed open, she'd tried to sleep, but she'd failed. She rose from her bed and grabbed a robe from the chair to the right of her. She slipped the cool silk over her shoulders and left the shuttle, heading towards Mal's bunk.

Mal rubbed his hand through his hair, trying to make it look decent. Inara pulled the tie off of her dark curls and placed it in the singular pocket in her robe. She breathed deep and looked straight forward, surprised to see Mal, standing not two feet away, his eyes wide opened, apparently not expecting to see her either.

They caught each other's eyes, and both understood each's intentions. Mal took the first step forward, and instantaneously, the gap between them was closed. Mal's hands grazed Inara's cheek, and she basked in his touch. She stood up tal