Notes and disclaimers with Part 1.

******

"As Dreams Are Made On" Part 2

by HawkMoth (3/15/2003)

******

Devastated, her heart aching, Inara watched him go. If he left now, it would mean they were lost to each other forever. There would never be another chance to break down the barriers, to make things right. She would have to leave Serenity, face the universe on her own for the rest of her life, and leave Mal alone in the darkness.

She could never do that to him again. "Mal, don't--"

He stopped halfway through the door and glanced over his shoulder, his face shadowed. "Don't what?"

Her voice almost failed her. "Don't go."

"You asking me to stay?"

"Yes." His eyes narrowed, in doubt and disbelief. "Please," she added tremulously.

He took a slow pace forward and closed the hatch; then stood there, his hand gripping the locking mechanism. "You'd best think real careful before you answer my next question," he said softly. "You asking me to stay the night?"

Her breath caught in her throat. Was that what she was asking him? She didn't know--she only knew that at this moment she couldn't bear the thought of either of them being alone. "I--I... don't want--" The intensity of his look unnerved her, and she lowered her head. "I don't want you to go," she whispered.

Without a word, he triggered the lock. Then in two swift steps, he was in front of her, down on one knee. He put a hand on her chin and gently raised her head so she would look at him. "I will tell you true, Inara--if you want me to stay, I won't be responsible for what might happen. Do you comprehend what I'm saying?"

His eyes were as dark as they had been in her dream. But not haunted--just dark and deep with longing, backlit by hope and not a little fear. Inara sat mesmerized before him, trembling as he reached up with gentle fingers to stroke her cheek. If he stayed, she knew he would touch her that way all over--as if she were fine porcelain that might break under too much pressure.

"Inara... I