The crew was gathered in the cargo bay, waiting for the woman who they all considered both sister and a mother. In their own ways, they all showed signs of worry these last few days; Kaylee wasn't cheerful, Zoe was as tense as a lamb surrounded by a pack of wolves, Wash wasn't saying anything funny, Book spent all of his time praying, Jayne didn't clean Vera or said anything crude about the situation and River was always anxious.

As soon as Inara appeared outside with Mal's arm around her waist along with Simon in tow, Kaylee bolted like a thunder in their direction.

"Welcome back, Inara! Missed ya a lot." said, giving her 'big-sis' a bear hug along with a kiss on the cheek.

"It's good to be back, meimei." Inara gave her a tired smile.

"Hey! Ain't I noticeable here??" said Mal in mock offence, struggling to keep that grin off his face.

"Aww! Missed ya a lot too, Cap. Was extra worried about 'Nara here is all. I love my capt'n" She kissed him on the cheek too; she always missed that father-figure when he wasn't aboard.

"Thanks Simon, I knew you'd patch her up good."

Everyone laughed when she kissed Simon almost on the mouth, making him turn 10 shades of red in record time.

"Mommy's back!" broke River out of nowhere "Still healing, still tired - but fixed. Been missed loads loved by loads." she hugged Inara tightly earning a kiss of the forehead from her.

"I missed you too sweetie."

"Serenity missed you, Inara, welcome back!" Grinned wash as he gave her a brother-ly hug.

That evening, they head special dinner with real food in honour of Inara. She always knew this was her family and even if there was a bit of teasing with her and Mal's relationship, she could tell they've been expecting this for quite sometime.

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They settled in Inara's shuttle since she'd probably be more comfortable in her bed than in Mal's but promised to change the mattress meaning the beginning of her new life with him. She was still a bit uncomfortable due to her recent operation so Mal lend her a shirt and sweatpants of his; she had to fold up the pants several times so that she won't fall in them.

Mal gave a chuckle; she looked so cute in his clothes! She seemed like a teddy bear from earth-that-was begging for cuddling.

"What's so funny?” she asked with irritation, she knew it had to do with her new appearance.

"Nothing. It's just that I'm getting used to this new, cute look is all."

"Cute, huh? Nice try captain."

"You don't thrust me, Miss Serra?" he asked in mock offence.

She giggled when he was chasing her around the shuttle and before she could breath, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed. After he laid her on the bed delicately, he went around lying down as well. At first they just stared at each other across the bed, expressing the recent fear they've been through and all the unsaid things before that - it was incredible how these two souls could communicate just by looking at each other. There was just no need for words to mess things up as they always do. At last Mal extended his arm to caress her cheek with that smile she knew her heart now depended on.

"Come 'ere you." he grinned smugly as he pulled her to him and nestled her on his chest and pulled up the covers. She felt so right in his arms - they fitted like a jigsaw puzzle, he felt like he was holding the most important thing in his life. He won't be sane without her anymore. She was his home. The one who kept Serenity soothed. The home he lost time ago was given back to him because he never felt so at peace before.

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In two days time, Inara returned to her usual self. Mal still fussed over her at times and the crew still made her rest along the day even when she told them she was fine.

Simon scheduled her to the infirmary frequently - much to Mal's joy, checking on how she was healing and that everything was ok. He gave her some medicine to help her, other than that...it was smooth as oil.

Mal entered the galley with a smug grin on his face that morning.

"We got a job people."

"Really? Do I get to shoot? What's the coin?"

"Okay Jayne, I know you're giddy but let me talk if you wanna know and yes, the fellow's called Jonan and the coin's 400,000 platinum. He's quite nice, even gave me the first half but better safe then sorry - even so when he won't be the one paying us when we reach Persephone. Vera's comin'."

"Did he tell you what it is that we're carryin', sir?"

"Not our business, Zoe. But I know it's alliance high-tech something and there's many small boxes in 3 big ones."

At that Inara snapped her head up "Mal don't do this..."

"We gotta eat and fly 'Nara this seemed the most dignifying job out of the other two."

"And 'dignifying' means money to you, doesn't it?"

"Sure as hell!" jumped Jayne Inara just stood up gracefully and floated out of the room leaving Mal with a glare.

"So people, this is what we gotta do..."

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Mal entered the shuttle, finding Inara brushing her satin-wavy hair.

"I only took out what's best 'Nara."

"Sure you did." she was full of sarcasm

"What's got you so riled up? Gorramn it! I gotta get coin for fuel, food, engine parts, medics -"

"It's not that!"

"Then what the hell is it?"

"I' can't tell you! Just don't do it."

All the ship was hearing them and everyone sighed, some things never change.

"Well, that's just not enough 'Nara!"

"FINE!"

"GREAT!"

With that, he stomped out of the room. Inara couldn't tell him until she was sure; she had to confirm what she thought before acting.

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Comment if you want it continued in part two! Mind you, there will be more reaction to Inara's return in the next part =)