The crew was gathered in the cargo bay, waiting for the woman who they all considered both sister and a mother. In their own ways, they all showed signs of worry these last few days; Kaylee wasn't cheerful, Zoe was as tense as a lamb surrounded by a pack of wolves, Wash wasn't saying anything funny, Book spent all of his time praying, Jayne didn't clean Vera or said anything crude about the situation and River was always anxious.

As soon as Inara appeared outside with Mal's arm around her waist along with Simon in tow, Kaylee bolted like a thunder in their direction.

"Welcome back, Inara! Missed ya a lot." said, giving her 'big-sis' a bear hug along with a kiss on the cheek.

"It's good to be back, meimei." Inara gave her a tired smile.

"Hey! Ain't I noticeable here??" said Mal in mock offence, struggling to keep that grin off his face.

"Aww! Missed ya a lot too, Cap. Was extra worried about 'Nara here is all. I love my capt'n" She kissed him on the cheek too; she always missed that father-figure when he wasn't aboard.

"Thanks Simon, I knew you'd patch her up good."

Everyone laughed when she kissed Simon almost on the mouth, making him turn 10 shades of red in record time.

"Mommy's back!" broke River out of nowhere "Still healing, still tired - but fixed. Been missed loads loved by loads." she hugged Inara tightly earning a kiss of the forehead from her.

"I missed you too sweetie."

"Serenity missed you, Inara, welcome back!" Grinned wash as he gave her a brother-ly hug.

That evening, they head special dinner with real food in honour of Inara. She always knew this was her family and even if there was a bit of teasing with her and Mal's relationship, she could tell they've been expecting this for quite sometime.

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They settled in Inara's shuttle since she'd probably be more comfortable in her bed than in Mal's but promised to change the mattress meaning the beginning of her new life with him. She was still a bit uncomfortable due to her rece