Mal bit down gently on Freya’s neck, sucking, knowing it was going to leave a mark. They were cuddled on the bed, the sheets thrown to the winds.

“Do you know how many hickeys I've had from you?” Freya asked, groaning slightly.

“Just making sure everyone knows you’re mine,” he said, slightly muffled. “’N’ you gave me one earlier.”

“Sometimes I walk around with more purple skin showing than normal colour.”

“So?” He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. “Anyone been complaining?”

“No. But Kaylee giggles once in a while.”

“Kaylee always giggles. And she ain’t one to talk. There’re been times she’s had hickeys in the most inappropriate places.”

Freya’s eyebrows raised. “And how would you know that?”

“I'm captain. I know these things.”

“Really.”

He laughed. “’Sides, one time she couldn’t sit down properly, and River let it slip.”

Freya smiled. “That girl …”

“Yeah.” He watched the happiness on his wife’s face be replaced by something sadder. “And she’ll be fine. Jayne’s watching out for her.”

“I know.”

“Talking of hickeys …” Mal went to work on her left breast.

“Ouch!”

“Sorry,” he said, kissing it. “Just … you’re mine and I want the ‘verse to know.”

“So you think I should go around bare-breasted?”

Mal pretended to consider. “Now that’s an idea.”

“I thought that was why you wore the wedding band.” She touched the gold ring on his finger, and while he was preoccupied bit him on the shoulder. “So you just think again.”

“Ow.”

“Sorry.” She licked his skin. “Hey, you taste nice.”

“So I should.” He looked down at her, the marks he’d just made on her skin showing pink. “How’d you feel about a tattoo?”

“Got one of those,” she pointed out. “So’ve you.”

“No. I mean, yes, but one for us.”

“Us?”

“Something we both have.” He touched the lovebite by her nipple.

“You’re thinking of a permanent hickey?”

“No.” He grinned. “Just something … so’s when I see it I know you ain't gonna ever leave me.”

She reached up to him.