Characters/Pairings: Mal/Inara, Simon/Kaylee, and some Wash/Zoe but mostly Mal/Inara Rating: eventually R/NC-17 Spoilers: everything’s free range Disclaimer: if I owned it do you think I would be writing this? Notes: Ok this is set after the BDM but Wash is alive if it really bugs you I will dedicate a chapter explaining why Wash is alive but only by request because I’m lazy. Oh I’m also going to need a Bata so if your offer sounds good I might consider you NOW on with the story

“Can’t run forever or else you will end up where you started”

And so there she was back on Persephone in an illustrious Companion House at morning prayers reflecting on the past year. After she left Serenity her life had quieted down considerably. She no longer had to worry about fugitives, the Alliance, or thieves and smugglers. She now had a steady client base and was quite proud of the reputation she had built up. No more remote planets and sparse clientele. She was disputably the best Companion on the planet. Yet, Inara still wasn’t happy. She had all she could want in life but she still wasn’t happy. She wasn’t happy with this mundane, safe, life, she missed the adventure, the excitement, she missed her friends, her freedom, but most of all she missed…Mal. She missed him so much it hurt. Inara would always look up what ships were at the docks praying to see the familiar name. Then if Serenity was at the docks she would spend her time praying that she would get a wave or a visit from one of the crew. Mostly it was Kaylee or Zoe with Wash sometimes all three. They would tell her how everyone is doing and their latest adventures or what she liked to call them ‘completely stupid, foolish exploits of an overconfident, cocky, Ching-wah tsao duh liou mahng’ but that’s just her. Right now Serenity’s at Eavesdown Docks and Kaylee already said that she was coming. Inara couldn’t wait for morning prayers to be over, then she would meet Kaylee in a small café half way between the House and the docks. Finally morning prayers were over; she went to her sure to dress to go out. When Inara arrived at the café she was surprised to see the whole crew except Mal and Jayne. “Wow this is quite a surprise,” Inara said as Kaylee got up to hug her. “Well I just thought you’d like to see the whole crew agene,” Kaylee said gesturing at everybody. They each greeted Inara as she sat down at the table she happened to notes how much closer Kaylee sat to Simon, then she remembered something about their relationship from a letter she received from Kaylee. She could also see that River was doing a lot better, she looked more whole. Inara could also see that Wash and Zoe hadn’t changed at all, that brought a smile to her face knowing that some thing in this ‘verse changes. “So what have you all been up to?” Inara asked. “Well we actually got a reputable job, we’re transported some supplied to one of the outer planets. Actually got good pay too,” Kaylee informed. “That’s good,” Inara said politely. “Just tell her,” River complained after taking an exceptionally long sip of tea, “Tell me what?” Inara asked. “River!” Simon admonished. “Why dance around a subject when you should just dive in? That’s what dad always said,” River stated. “Tell me what?” Inara insisted growing impatient. “He’s-out-looking-for-another-Companion-for-Serenity,” Kaylee said in a rush. “Shumma?” Inara questioned dumbfounded. “He said that it’s too hard to get docking clearance and good jobs without a Companion” Zoe finally chipped in. With a strained voice Inara replied, “Well that is expected Companions are an essential if you want docking and reputable jobs.” “Inara we don’t want no one else but you,” Kaylee wined. “We don’t have a say in what the Captain does,” Zoe stated Why did you tell me this?” Inara asked “We want you back and no one else. The Cap’n has been in a strut since you left,” Kaylee elaborated. “I can’t do anything about that. He has the right to chose anybody he wants,” Inara said quietly. “What are his chances of actually getting a Companion?” Wash asked. “Pretty good I’d say, if they are young and seeking adventure,” Inara admitted. “I…I have a client waiting,” She added not able to bare it any more. Inara got up. “Can’t run forever,” River said to her as she started to leave. “Or else you will end up where you started,” Inara finished for her. Then she left.

A/N: So tell me what you think, next time Mal is going to appear then things really start to get interesting…I hope

Translations in order of appearance: Frog-riding bastard. What?