Title: Aint Nothin' in the Verse (Part 2) Author: InaraxSerra (a.k.a Lauren) Rating: Still PG-13 here, folks. Summary: Now that Inara has decided to stay aboard Serenity, what does this mean for her and Mal? Mal/Inara and some Kaylee/Simon. Disclaimer: "Serenity", "Firefly", and all of the characters do not belong to me. A/N: Thank you guys for the kind reviews, it really inspires me to write on, so please keep reviewing! Hope you like this installment. * * *

"I swear, I aint ever seen two people so stubborn as those two." Kaylee flinched as Simon administered a regularly required immunization injection into her arm.

"Sorry." He apologized, pressing the gauze to her arm and reaching for a bandage. "Now who are we talking about?" He asked, glancing up at her.

"The Cap'n and Inara." Kaylee stated as if he should have known already. "I mean, innit crazy how right they are for eachother and they can't even see it?"

Placing a small bandage on her arm, Simon sat back and contemplated that. "I'm not so sure, Kaylee. Mal has never seemed the type to have a relationship." Kaylee sighed.

"He's just closed off, is all. That's why the Cap'n needs someone like Inara." Kaylee jutted her chin out in the stubborn way that Simon found utterly adorable. Simon stepped closer to her, lightly brushing her cheek with his fingers.

"Maybe it's up to Mal to decide what he needs." * * * Inara smiled with satisfaction. It was finally hers again. It had taken all day, but she had succeeded in making her shuttle what it used to be. Rich and colorful fabrics draped the walls, and the bed was neatly made. It felt like home again. It was home. Placing the last satin pillow on the couch, she took a seat, resting her tired legs, but she didn't mind. She felt accomplished. It was the last step to be permanently back on Serenity, and now she was. Worries still plagued her, though. She couldn't say that Mal was not a major reason she decided to stay. It was true that he wasn't the only reason. Inara did miss Serenity and the atmosphere of it. She missed spending time with Kaylee, having dinner with the crew. Those were all memories that influenced her, but Mal was the reason.

Never in all her years as a Companion, did a man ever undo her the way Mal could. Having him around made her forget all of her training, and just act on impulse, which could be a dangerous thing. She could not afford to be so unguarded around him, and at the same time she yearned to. She yearned to be able to completely let go, and give in to her deepest desires. To completely give herself to him, the way she had never given herself to a man before. If it happened with Mal, it would be different. Clients aren't lovers. It is merely a business arrangement. She did get pleasure out of it, but she knew with Mal it would be a complete loss of control.

Wearily running a hand through her hair, Inara tried to push those thoughts out of her head. It was no use worrying over something that wasn't a current issue. She knew there was something between her and Mal. She was trained in those kinds of things, and could see it plain as day. The one thing she was unsure of, was how Mal felt about her. It wasn't exactly something she could just come out and ask him. That was why she left Serenity in the first place. She realized that it was just going to eat away at her being around someone that she couldn't have, that made her forget who she was.

Standing up, Inara headed to the doors of her shuttle, she wanted to talk to Kaylee. She would be the one person to understand and listen to Inara's situation. When the door opened, Inara was startled to find herself face to face with Mal. "Mal.." She started, unconciously taking a step back. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you were out here. Can I help you with something?"

Mal cursed to himself, he had been standing outside Inara's shuttle for a while trying to gather his thoughts. He wasn't ready when he found himself face to face with Inara. "N-no..I was just..I wasn't..I was just comin' around to.." He lost his train of thought, looking into her endlessly dark eyes as she looked up at him. "I wanted to talk to you..."

"Alright." Inara glanced away slightly, feeling exposed under his intent gaze. "Come into my shuttle...we'll talk." * * *

Sorry it's so short, wanted to get Part 2 done tonight, and it's late. Hope you guys enjoy, the "big talk" is coming up next! Please review!