badinlatin | Mal-Inara. "Is this a wedding or not?"

We were brave like soldiers
"You have to try. If I have to try, you have to try."
I couldn't tell you but I'm telling you now
"Talkin' on it's a start, I would think."
Just let me hold you while you're falling apart.
A long, awkward silence. "I've killed. For all different kinds o' reasons, even. You can't...We can't be in the past anymore, you know."

We.

"I know." Fresh tears fall onto their hands. She still can't look up at him.

Mal raises his hand from on top of hers, using it to gently move her head to his shoulder.

She turns her face to his shoulder and sobs, letting all of the feelings she's kept locked up for so long escape. His shirt quickly grows damp, but she doesn't move, just clutches his hand as she cries.

Mal is very happy right now.

Does that seem right to you?

She told him something. Finally.

For her to have at last spoken of it...his heart's not as heavy, anymore.

He can hope that it'll feel the same way for her, eventually.

Her sobs gradually calm down into an occasional hiccup and she raises her head, wiping her face. She squeezes Mal's hand, unsure of what to say.

Slowly...very slowly, Mal lets the corners of his mouth twitch themselves into a smile.

"Think ya might want to think on somethin' happy for a spell? At least...somethin' I hope is happy, for ya."

Inara smiles down at their hands. It's a watery smile, but a smile nonetheless.

"And what would that be?"

"The details, o' course. Pretty stuff. Always thought womenfolk liked to plan wedd--ceremonies."

Yup. That part didn't go away.

Inara looks up at this. "Yes, there are lots of details for the...ceremony." She winces, knowing how badly that came out. "I..I want you to know that I am committed to this, to you. I'm just...the word 'wedding' is very frightening to me."

"Okay."

Mal swallows and for a second, he drifts off in his own thoughts as to why he's so attached to this.

"Mal? Mal, please talk to me."

Have I ruined everything?

"I just--

It's just a word, Inara. 'S a word I grew up with, and I don't want to give up the idea o' maybe...in the future, y'know, callin' ya lăo pó.

"It's just a symbol."

She gives him a searching look with a small smile on her face. "It's more than just a symbol to you, Mal. It's part of what you believe, part of who you are."

Just say it. You know what you need to do.

She strokes his fingers gently with hers, then gives them a small squeeze. "It would make me extraordinarly proud for you to call me lăo pó."

"Yeah?"

Mal smiles, almost to himself. This lasts only until Mal remembers, "Kaylee told me to ask - is there anythin'...exchanged? Durin' the thing itself?"

"No, nothing is exchanged. It's a very simple ceremony, just the presentations and the san san ku do - that's where we each take 3 sips of sake from three different cups. That's it."

"Ah." Flat. Not upset, just...thinking.

"Guess the clothes bit is up next, in'it?"

Inara smiles, relieved. "Yes, it is. And I might have a few ideas for robes for you right over there." She gestures towards the table, where several sheets of paper covered in sketches are lying.

Mal Fears, in case anyone was wondering.

The first one he lays eyes on resembles Kaylee's ball gown.

"Iamnotwearingthatone."

Inara giggles. "That is just an idea and not one of my favorites, you'll be pleased to know." She walks over and pulls out a different sheet. "What do you think of this one?"

Mal scratches the back of his neck.

"...I get to think about it some, yes?"

"Yes, we have some time. And you don't have to use these, they were just ideas." She shifts a bit.

"They're fine, just...it's somethin' to think on. I mean, this is all stuff you understand and all, and I don't got no frame o' reference for it all. So I'm gonna mull it over some.

"I suppose I should be happy I get to wear clothes."

The first really strong smile of the night.

Inara smiles back. "Oh, come now. I distinctly remember you being naked in public once and looking very comfortable doing it." She pauses, her finger to her lips, pretending to ponder. "However, it was the desert and fairly warm there..."

"Ha. Ha. Ha. And that weren't public. 'S just the crew."

Family ain't public.

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