Title: Aint Nothin' in the Verse (Part 3)

Author: InaraxSerra (a.k.a Lauren)

Rating: R/NC-17 for sexual situations

Summary: Mal and Inara have a talk. Will Mal finally admit his feelings?

Disclaimer: "Serenity", "Firefly", and all of the characters do not belong to me.

A/N: Everyone who reviewed, thank you! Reviews are what keep me going! So keep on reviewing and I'll keep on writing!

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Inara moved gracefully across the shuttle, trying to act as nonchalant as possible. On the outside she looked as calm and collected as ever, which was the complete opposite of how she felt on the inside. Inara pressed a hand to her abdomen, trying to ease her nerves a bit. She did not know why she was reacting this way, but the tone in Mal's voice told her that what he had to say was something of importance. She carefully took a seat on the couch, looking up at Mal. "Well, what did you need to speak with me about?" She asked him, trying to keep her voice as steady as possible even with her heart thumping so loud in her chest she was sure he could hear it.

"W-well.." He stammered, deciding to take a seat as well. "First off..I never told you that..I really am happy you're decidin' to stay here on Serenity. I..missed having you around, Inara." It was then that a genuine smile spread across Inara's face, and Mal was once again struck by her beauty.

"Thank you Mal...really. It means a lot, and I must say that I missed you too. I did miss Serenity, and the rest of the crew, but I missed you, Mal." She glanced down at her hands nervously, unsure of whether she should continue or not. She started a bit when she saw one of Mal's hands slide over her own. It was calloused and rough, evidence of years of hard labor, and yet it felt like heaven against her soft skin. Inara finally forced her eyes up to meet his, and she was taken aback by what she saw there. She had never seen Mal so vulnerable, his eyes were clear, expressing such emotion. He cleared his throat, as if it would make the words any easier to form,