A/N: Okay, here it is - the long-anticipated final installment of "Dancin'." I really, really hope you like it, but considering the reaction to part 2, I have dusted off my armor. So, all comments are welcome and encouraged.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to, Kaynara for all the encouragement and the evil plot bunny that spawned this series. Oh, and the beta too.

If you need it, here's a link to the last chapter: http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=16147>Dancin'; - 2/3

***

Dancin’ – 3/3

***

She had lied to him. Again.

Inara idly wondered when lying to Mal had become her first and often, only, line of defense. As she heard the shuttle door close behind him and screamed out in frustration, she felt her abdomen constrict and knew that her assurance that she was fine had been false.

Sighing heavily, Inara sank slowly onto her couch, wincing as the movement again aggravated what she assumed was a bruised rib. She really didn’t want to bother Simon, especially now, as he was no doubt settling in for a night with Kaylee. But Inara knew she had no hope of getting any rest without treatment. And at the moment, the only thing Inara wanted to do was sleep.

Releasing another big breath, Inara rose and headed for the comm. unit on her wall. Collecting herself the best she could, she depressed the button and called, “Simon?”

***

Mal tromped through the ship, cursing and muttering under his breath the entire way. Both Jayne and Zoe tried to approach him, but with his head bent low, he simply ignored them, before reaching his bunk, hurriedly descending the ladder and then locking his hatch.

Standing in the middle of the small, utilitarian space, Mal wasn’t certain what he was feeling. He knew a good portion of it was rage, but not directed towards Inara. No, he was feeling all kinds of uncharitable towards the wang ba dan who had hurt her. His mind spinning as the image of her bruised and battered skin swam through his vision, Mal swung his arm low