Wow, thankyou everyone for the shiny reviews!!! Your comments brightened my day.

Chapter 3 – “Bright copper kettles”

Finally leaving the store, the Captain and Companion continued their walk past the seemingly never-ending stretch of shops. Since their conversation inside the store, Inara and Mal were now more relaxed in each others presence.

Passing by a rather ill taken care of store, Inara paused grimacing, as Mal squashed his face against the window, ignoring its dirt, to try and determine what was inside.

Laughing lightly, Inara, put her hand on his shoulder. “You know, you could always do something different, and actually go inside.”

Moving back from the window and turning to look at her, Mal squinted slightly from the light of the sun which was now shining almost directly into his eyes. “Go inside? Nah, I was just looking.”

“Hell, I don’t mind. It’s not like I haven’t done this before what with Kaylee and Zoe on the ship. Okay I take that back. I don’t remember ever seeing Zoe in a dress…” Realizing he was getting slightly off subject, he quickly assured her “I’ll even wait for you”

Inara purses her lips, why did everything with this man prove to be so difficult? Sighing she spoke, “Mal it’s obvious that you want to have a look. Let’s go inside. Really, I don’t mind.”

Off his skeptical look, she continued “Really. I’ll even wait.” she smiled as she repeated his earlier words.

The corners of Mal’s mouth began to turn upwards, against his will. Scratching his head he voiced his concerns. “Yeah, but I got to see you dress up all pretty-like. Doesn’t seem fair…” He trailed off.

Inara tilted her head slightly, considering his response. “Well okay then. If the only reason you won’t go in is because of my feeling uncomfortable or bored, then…” She glanced around looking for inspiration.

The corners of Inara’s lips, turned upwards into a smile as an idea struck her. Gesturing to a sign in the store window, she said “I think, I may have found our solution”

“Target practis