The morning after Mal was watching the beautiful creature in his arms sleeping; she looked like an angel lost in her world of dreams. He relished the fact that she was letting her walls crumble and bit by bit; he was finally getting to know the true Inara Serra. It wasn’t risky just for her either; the more he was getting to know her, the more his feelings were showing; and she was making him even more in love with her. Mal wanted to wake up like this everyday of his life. He wondered if she knew how he felt; knowing how good she was at reading people, she probably did. Maybe this knowledge was what made her trust him enough to sleep in his arms, Mal wondered entranced. If that was the case, it was more than worth it!

-----------

Inara woke up to find her face buried in Mal’s chest; she inhaled deeply absorbing his strong male scent. She found she enjoyed the feeling of waking up in his arms.

“Mornin’ sleeping beauty,” Mal said, smiling down at her as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

“Hello,” she smiled back. They gazed at each other for a few moments, neither wanting to discuss the events of last night

“Best go get breakfast ‘fore Jayne eats it all.” he chuckled as he nuzzled her cheek and sat up.

“No, I’m staying here,” she purred, snuggling further beneath the covers.

“All right then,” he said buttoning up his shirt. With a kiss on the tip of her nose, he was gone.

A tear slid down Inara’s soft cheek, he left so abruptly. As if she was going to attack him, maybe it’s because of last night, she should have kept her mouth shut cause now she was hurt and she wasn’t sure how much this wound take to heal.

----------------

A Few minutes later, Mal strolled down the halls holding a tray containing two mugs, one filled with coffee and one with hot chocolate and a plate full of fresh baked cookies. The crew teased him to no end – they seemed to get on well with Inara’s aunt, they’re going shopping today according to Kaylee. Louise didn’t tease him but he noticed the smile she had when s