Mal and Inara’s relationship was blossoming like a rose. They still bickered over stupid things but at least he no longer called her ‘whore’ and she didn’t call him ‘petty thief.’ Their affair was quite discreet at first, with stolen kisses at Louise’s house. Then it continued on the ship, often when they’re washing dishes in the galley or happened to be alone in a hallway. Followed by love notes appearing mysteriously in random hiding places. Despite Kaylee’s urge to squeal every time she saw them makes big eyes at each other at dinner, the crew decided to avoid bursting their bubble.

For Mal and Inara those stolen moments were promises of sweet dreams to come. When they slept, every kiss was a pledge of a never ending love. River obviously knew; but never said anything because even she noticed how Inara’s smile shone and that there was a new hop in Mal’s step. River also noticed how miserable Mal looked when he and Inara bickered, especially when Inara’s feelings so obviously had been crushed like glass by his careless words.

But today Mal had decided that the games would stop. He and Inara could no longer try to hide what they felt for each other anymore.

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

Mal smiled up at the beautiful woman who had become as important as air for him, she was sleeping on top of him as usual and her weight was like that of a comfortable thick blanket. Over the past 3 months, he had come to really know her and the more he learned about her the more he was sure she was his better half. She was beautiful, intelligent, loyal, brave and her heart was as big as the universe. It had not taken him long to learn that she loved chocolate and cuddling; and that every time they made love, the day would turn out just shiny. It constantly amazed Mal how much love a person could give and be given. He loved Inara more than life and at the same time he knew she loved him the same way. He also knew that everyone on the crew could tell she loved them like her real family.

The pair were now on ho