Disclaimer: Nothing is mine, just writing for fun.

Here’s the conclusion, hope you like it. PG-13 for some words and situations. Please comment!!Thanks to every one who read this little series and if you want suggest a name for it!

They had been drinking for awhile and Mal was beginning to think this night might end very well! After announcing at dinner that they would be taking a few days off in Three Hills, every one was all smiles. He did feel a little sorry for the joke they had been playing on Simon and Kaylee, but thought that the downtime would make up for it. Deep down, he hoped it would appease Inara’s anger, but he wasn’t really ready to admit that to her himself. His late night walk around the ship had led him to the kitchen and a nice cup of coffee when Inara floated in with a bottle. She told him that it was very kind of him to let the crew have a few days to themselves and wondered if he would like to share a drink. Her smile let him know that she knew this was his way of making things up with Kaylee and Simon. Not one to pass up some fine liquor, Mal and Inara toasted to “the happy couple”. More toasts ensued till Mal was almost seeing double. He reached out and took Inara’s hand as they were laughing, causing a light blush to color her cheeks. Her smile was encouraging, so Mal decided to make his move. He stood up from his chair and pulled her against his chest , rubbing small circles with his thumb on the wrist of the hand he grabbed just moments ago. Inara leaned into him and tilted her head up. “Come to my shuttle.”

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"Oh Mal, don't be upset, it happens to all men." He was sitting on the edge of the bed, his back turned to her as she reclined stretched out on her side, head resting on her palm. She was wearing that sweet pink confection of a nightgown, the one that skimmed her thighs, slit on the sides, and plunged deeply on the neckline. Mal stole a glimpse back at Inara , then shook his head and thought this really shouldn’t be a problem. “Well, it doesn’t to me!” Inara pushed herself up and crawled over to rest on her knees behind him, hands sliding up his arms and then grasping his shoulders, her lips brushing against his ear as she comfortingly whispered,” Maybe we’ve been a bit overanxious about this moment.” “No, I’ve-” “Or drank too much.” “No, no. That ain‘t never been-” Inara kissed his temple, shutting him up effectively, and then rested her chin by the crook of his neck, whispering, “Or maybe some terrifying space monkeys came and stole your erection.” “There were no...huh?” Inara pushed Mal to the side as she quickly climbed off the bed and began gathering Mal’s clothes. “It’s not so much fun being toyed with, is it?” “Whaddya...you...you drugged me!” She smiled sweetly while replying, “Let’s not be dramatic Mal. Besides, it wears off in a day or two.” Mal got up and headed straight for Inara, but she hastily pushed his things at him then turned to open her shuttle door. “Maybe when you grow up a little more I will invite you back to my shuttle, but for now, Good Night!” Inara leaned against the wall , arms crossed over her chest and watched with satisfaction as Mal stormed out.

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“How long has he been eating out of cans?”, Simon asked Kaylee quietly. “Maybe a week now? He won’t eat or drink nothing that he don’t make himself.” They had been sitting at the end of the dining table sharing a quiet lunch, just the two of them, when Mal entered, ignoring them both as he grabbed a can and fork, then walked right back out towards the cockpit. Suddenly, out of nowhere, River came up and collected both Kaylee and Simon’s plates and began washing them. “Mei mei, we can clean those”, Simon protested as he got up from the table. River just shook her head and smiled. “No, I want to.” Simon gave her a puzzled look, but dismissed it as just one of her whims. She had been quite helpful as of late, which he didn’t mind at all, except when she had cleaned his room and folded all his underwear into perfectly symmetrical squares. He wasn’t really comfortable with her touching them. Kaylee walked over and kissed River’s cheek. “Thanks, honey.” She then took hold of Simon’s hand and pulled him along the hallway to the stairs leading down to the passenger dorms. River finished washing the dishes and decided to clean the rest of the kitchen, since it was Kaylee’s job this week and she was still trying to “apologize”. Mal came back in to throw away his can and wash his fork as she was alphabetizing the pantry. River began to giggle. “Wouldya stop that! Every gorram time I come around ya! What is so funny?” “Space monkeys.” River then collapsed on the floor in a puddle of laughter.