Dark satin sheets pooled around his waist as he sat up. "Our time was far too short," he remarked, pouting slightly as he got up and helped his client dress.

"I am sure you say that to all you bed," she sighed as she wrapped the long fabric around her shoulders. "Please stay with me," she whispered reaching out to him. "Please, Simon? My late husband left me a fortune and you are the only one-"

"Shh, bao bei." He soothed as he pulled her closer and kissed her once more on her trembling lips. "Your offer is tempting, but this life is not for me."

"Fay-fay d'pian," she grumbled as he escorted her to the door and then she sighed heavily. "Will you choose me again?"

"Dang ran," he smiled as he ran his hand through her blonde tresses. "You bring me such joy."

"Oh, Simon," she whispered, smiling, taking one last glance at him before reluctantly leaving his side.

He chuckled to himself as he closed the shuttle door and prepared to take off. He had just enough time to meet up with his next scheduled appointment.

He took the shuttle up and entered atmo with relative ease. Leaning over the console, he pushed down on a button and spoke. "Serenity this is Shuttle Osiris, permission to dock."

"Hey there Simon!" A cheerful voice rang back, and he recognized it immediately as Wash their trusty pilot. "We've been looking forward to your visit."

"I am sure the Captain is thrilled," Simon replied dryly as he continued to navigate the shuttle.

"He's just shiny, Simon." Another voice rang in and Simon smiled.

"Afternoon Kaylee," Simon stated as he glanced over the console, estimating his time. "I am five minutes out."

"We'll be waitin' for you." Wash replied quickly. "I'll let Inara know you're ETA."

"Thank you Wash," Simon responded as he ended the open communication with Serenity and began the sequence to land.

~

As soon as Simon had landed and he completed the latching sequence he heard a knock at the door. "Cheeng jeen," he called out, swiveling in his chair just in time to see Inara enter.

"Simon, bao bei," Inara smiled as she crossed over to him and Simon stood up to greet her.

"Inara," he grinned as she looked him up and down, admiring his toned body.

"Was you last appointment so unforgettable that you have forgotten to dress?" She questioned, her eyebrow rising slightly.

Simon's grin widened as he stretched, giving her an even better view. "You know, a Companion doesn't kiss and tell."

Inara laughed and playfully hit him on the shoulder. "Kaylee is dying to see you."

"I have that affect on women," he smiled as Inara hit him once more and he laughed, pulling her into his embrace and kissing her reverently on the lips.

Inara sighed as they parted. "We miss you."

Simon groaned and turned away from her. "Me too," he whispered so softly that Inara was unable to hear him. "Certain members of the crew were more than happy to see me go." He added harshly, a frown marring his features.

"If that makes it easier to stay away," she replied dryly. "You can go on believing that."

"Inara," Simon sighed as he pulled on a pair of black silk pants and a blue dragon jacket. "You know I-" he began as he buttoned up the jacket and adjusted the cuffs of the jacket.

"I know." She stated as she reached out and caressed his face. "I know."

"What bitter crosses we bear," he whispered as he leaned into her touch and then pulled her closer. "Can a Companion be loved in return?" He questioned, not expecting her to answer. "Can we ever be real- seen for who we are?" He continued, "as soon as we step out of those doors we are no longer Inara Serra and Simon Tam- we are Companions."

"Simon," she sighed, wrapping her arms around him.

"Our world is nothing but lies and images- they see and hear what they want to." Simon groaned. "You are the only one to see me as I am."

"You have let the mask slip before," Inara stated as she kissed the tip of his nose. "And then you ran away."

"I had no choice," he shrugged as he kissed her. "No more of this dreary conversation, I hear Kaylee is dying to see me."

~

"Don't see why ya makin' a big fuss about 'im," Jayne shrugged as he continued to sharpen his knife. "He's just a ruttin' companion."

"He's a gentleman, unlike you unruly folks." Kaylee chirped. "Besides he's shiny like 'Nara."

"Why thank you Kaylee," Simon smiled as he entered the common room with Inara at his side.

"Simon!" Kaylee grinned as she shot up from her seat and crossed over to him. "You look so swai."

"And you look more beautiful than the stars," he smiled as he held her hand and than raised it to his mouth, kissing it softly as he gazed into her eyes.

"Shiny." She sighed, her smile brightening.

"Ain't that sweet." Jayne groaned as he stared at Simon. "You wanna kiss my hand too, all gentlemen like?"

"I see things have not changed since I left." Simon commented, winking at Kaylee.

"He's just testy we ain't hit a whorehouse in a bit," Kaylee teased as Jayne growled in response. "And 'Nara won't service the crew-"

"Kaylee," Jayne hissed as he stood up and started gathering his things.

"And Simon won't touch ya neither!" Kaylee laughed, winking at Simon.

"Now Kaylee," Simon grinned as he ran his fingers over her arm. "He only has to ask nicely."

Jayne snorted and turned to leave as Kaylee snorted, giggling over Jayne's outraged face. "He ain't as sly as the Capt'n."

Simon sucked in a quick breath at her comment, but quickly composed his features. "The Captain has no say-"

"No say in what?" Mal questioned as he entered the common area, stopping as he spotted Simon and Inara.

"Nothing that concerns you," Inara replied quickly as she glanced between Simon and Mal.

"Captain," Simon acknowledged briefly before turning his attention back to Kaylee.

"Simon," Mal nodded as he glanced between Inara and Simon. "Ah, if it ain't a whore reunion."

Simon glared at Mal, "good thing you're here to join us."

"Now Capt'n," Kaylee sighed as she took hold of Simon's hand and squeezed it, offering her condolence. "Simon 'n 'Nara are resp'ctable companions- even more resp'ctable than us-"

"Shame Book ain't here to give us a sermon." Mal interrupted as he crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze centered on Simon.

"I know you have a problem with our profession," Simon growled. "But there is no need for this-"

"Simon," Inara interrupted as she reached out to touch his shoulder. "Join me for tea."

"Dang ran," Simon smiled as he gladly turned away from Mal's insults, ignoring Kaylee's pleas to the Captain.

~

Simon paced the small length of the shuttle as Inara prepared their tea. "I knew this was a mistake, I should go."

"Mal is-" Inara began as Simon stopped and glared at her.

"I hope you're not going to defend him!" Simon snapped as she gave him a pointed look and then patted the seat beside her. "Inara, I'm sorry."

"Sit," she replied softly as she poured a cup of tea and he sat down beside her. "He is hurting just as much as you are."

Simon blinked, crossing his arms over his chest in a defensive manner. "You do not-"

"Don't I?" She smiled as she handed him a cup a tea. "I am a companion- we learn to read every emotion, even those that we hide from even ourselves."

He groaned and looked away.

"You love him," she whispered softly as she reached out and touched his hand.

"As do you," he whispered in reply as he turned back to her, squeezing her hand.

"He just has a habit of getting under your skin," she sighed, unable to deny his statement for there was no reason to lie to a fellow companion.

Simon laughed bitterly, putting his cup of tea down. "That's an understatement," he groaned. "He hates everything that we are and he is everything that I never thought I wanted, needed-"

Inara gasped, almost startled at the heartbreaking sound of his voice. She had always known that he had harbored feelings for the Captain; she just didn't realize how much he loved him. "Simon, you love him."

He looked up at her, confused at the change in her voice. "Yes?"

"Oh, bao bei-" she whispered as she put aside her cup of tea and slid closer to him, wrapping her arms around him. "More so than I ever have."

"Shumma?" He questioned as he wrapped his arms around her, welcoming her love and comfort.

"Oh, Simon," She sighed as she kissed him, her hands framing his face. "You love him."

"Make me forget?" He asked as he kissed her in reply, letting down his guard even more.

~

Mal entered once more without knocking, it was such a stupid rule to begin with. He froze, suddenly wishing that he had. His eyes locked on the smooth skin that peeked out of the many layers of satin sheets. He felt flushed and he found it hard to breathe.

He couldn't move, he couldn't speak, all he could do was stare and wish that he was sharing the warm embrace.

"Didn't anyone ever teach you that it's impolite to stare?" Simon questioned harshly, breaking Mal's concentration and his eyes snapped to Simon's.

"Ain't this against Guild law?" He grumbled as he quickly shifted his focus away from the couple in the bed.

"Offering a friend the comfort of one's bed is not," Inara supplied as she ran her fingers down Simon's arms, causing Mal to focus on her finger tips and who she was touching.

"I didn't realize that whores needed comfort." Mal snorted as his gaze locked with Simon's.

"Get out!" Simon yelled, breaking what little composure he had left.

"Last I saw, this here little shuttle is mine," Mal shot back, glaring at Simon. "Just like yours."

"Not as long as I pay the absurd amount of rent for it," Simon growled as Inara wrapped her arms around him, preventing him from moving off the bed.

"What do you want?" Inara questioned as she glared at Mal.

Mal stared back at her, not wanting to admit now that he was coming to apologize for his earlier actions.

"Just leave, you are not welcomed here." Simon interceded. "Dong ma?"

"Are you givin' me orders boy?" He snapped. "I think it's best if you leave Serenity and never come back." He growled, waiting for either to challenge him.

"I don't follow orders very well, unless I am being paid for my time." Simon challenged as he sat up, pulling away from Inara's embrace.

"Dang ran," Mal gasped as he dug into his pockets and pulled out a coin and tossed it at Simon. "There. Now get the ruttin' hell off my ship."

"You forget that we have the luxury of choosing our clients," Simon snapped as he threw the coin back at Mal. "I would never choose you."

Mal gasped at the flippant comment and watched dumbfounded as Simon quickly gathered his clothes and left the shuttle.

"If you truly loved him," she whispered. "You would accept him."

"Accept him?" Mal growled. "He's a ruttin' companion."

Inara sighed and glanced to the door. "He wanted to be a doctor," she whispered softly. "But his father had other plans for him."

Mal starred at her, unable to grasp the new information. "His father?" He repeated his voice laced with confusion.

"Like most companions he didn't initiate his teaching, his father did." She explained as she pulled on her robe and tied it, sparing only an instant to look at him.

"Most companion?" He questioned, his brow knitted in confusion. "Companions choose-"

"Our training begins at a young age, not all chose this profession." Inara smiled hesitantly. "Our parents do."

"You?" He gasped, a new light dawning in his eyes as she looked away.

"Would it make a difference in your eyes?" She inquired her voice dropping to a whisper.

"Yes."

"It shouldn't," Inara sighed softly as she placed her hands on Mal's. "I chose this profession," she stated firmly, lying as she glanced up at him. "Simon did not," she added truthfully, giving him what he needed to choose between the two of them.

"So?" Mal shrugged as he stared back at her.

"I like to think that he means more to you than that," She smiled as she reached up and touched his lips. "Ask about his sister."

"His sister?" He repeated. "He has a sister?"

"Ask him," she smiled as she pushed him out of the shuttle and shut the door behind her.

She choked back a sob as she closed the door, there was no going back. All she wanted was to make the two men of her life happy for once, even if it meant that she would be alone.

~

Mal stepped into Simon's shuttle before he realized that he had moved. He was momentarily surprised to find Simon sleeping. He glanced over at the clock and realized more time had passed then he thought.

"Simon," he whispered as he watched entranced as the muscles in Simon's back twitched and than relaxed back into sleep. Mal wanted to reach out and touch the skin that peeked out from underneath the piles of satin sheets. "Simon," he repeated as he sat down on the bed and hesitantly touched his skin.

Simon sighed softly as Mal's fingers searched out the skin within reach. Mal's breathing hitched slightly as his fingers brushed up against Simon's pee goo.

Simon squirmed underneath him and than moved out of reach. Mal felt the heat of his glare before he looked up at him. "Simon."

"Captain." He relied dryly, sitting up and starring at him. "You were not invited."

"I-" Mal began as he glanced down at his hands.

"Were curious?" Simon supplied as he continued to stare at him. "You are not-"

"Tell me about your sister," Mal suggested as Simon gasped in surprise at his comment.

"My sister?" He questioned, his mouth opening slightly and then shutting it. "How do you know about-"

"A little birdie told me," he chuckled as Simon finally smiled in return, relaxing.

"River," he whispered. "She can be such a little brat, but I love her." His smile faded and he looked down at the bed. "My parents sent her to a new school."

"That's good, ain't it?" Mal questioned slightly confused as Simon shook his head.

"I suppose it is, but I can't help but worry about her. Ever since my father-" Simon's voice trailed off as he glanced up at Mal. "Why are you here?"

"'Cause," Mal replied as he reached out and touched Simon's hand.

Simon flinched and pulled away. "Why are you here?" Simon repeated, his heart skipping a beat.

"I want you," Mal admitted as he pushed Simon back onto the bed, his lips barely touching Simon. "Kiss me."

Simon gasped, sending warm air against Mal's lips and than arched up slightly brushing his lips across Mal's. "No." Simon replied harshly and tried to push him away.

"You want me." Mal stated as he moved his hips against Simon's, rubbing their erections together.

"Not like this," Simon groaned and tried once more to move away from Mal.

"What's your ruttin' problem?" Mal growled as he pulled away.

"Mal," Simon sighed and Mal blinked at the use of his name. "What changed? Why did you come here?"

"Inara said-" he began as he noticed Simon flinching slightly. "What does it matter? I'm here ain't I?"

"We were fighting-"

"Ain't like we haven't before," Mal insisted as Simon sighed.

"You do realize this is the first civil discussion we've had," Simon added with a soft chuckle.

"Swai," Mal whispered and Simon stared at him, his mouth opening slightly in shock. "You're beautiful Simon."

"Who are you and where is the Captain?" Simon questioned as he shifted closer to Mal. "What did Inara tell you? What secret did she spill? It's the only rational explanation for this sudden change in development."

"Why are we still talkin'?" Mal asked sharply as he leaned over once more and kissed Simon roughly, his teeth dragging against Simon's lips.

"Tianna," Simon gasped as he pulled Mal closer and then just as quickly was pushing him away.

"Gorramit, Simon." Mal hissed. "Stop bein' a ruttin' tease and fuck me."

"No, Captain." Simon snapped.

"Fine." Mal groaned. "She said you didn't choose to be a companion-"

"Oh," Simon sighed as he rubbed his hands together, contemplating his words. "It's true. Our training begins at a young age- we do not choose the profession, our parents do." Simon glanced at Mal, his eyes haunted. "Does it make a difference?"

"Yes," Mal agreed quickly and Simon frowned.

"It shouldn't." He whispered, shaking his head.

"That's what she said, but it does. Don't you see?" Mal questioned, as he stared at Simon.

"Yes," Simon sighed. "Did she tell you that it was the same for her? That her father sold her to the Guild, just like mine did?"

"Shumma?" Mal gasped as he dropped his gaze to the floor.

"Oh, Mal." Simon exhaled as he took Mal's face into his hands, forcing Mal to look at him. "We, like many, did not choose this life, but we have come to accept it. It's what we've been taught, it's what we know-" Simon's voice faltered slightly. "We learn to deceive just as easily."

"Simon?" Mal questioned, searching for the reasoning behind his words.

"Inara and I love you," Simon whispered. "She took the decision away from you- she gave you only one option."

"You," Mal grunted his feelings in turmoil.

"Would you have honestly chosen me, if you knew the circumstances?" Simon asked, his heart aching at the thought. "She stayed; she's still one of the crew. I left."

"Why?" Mal inquired as he pressed his hands against Simon's.

"I had to," Simon replied honestly. "I couldn't stand to be in the same room with you-"

"Why?"

"I wanted you." He continued, closing his eyes briefly. "It was so hard being so near and not being able to-"

Mal cut him off with a chaste kiss. "This?" He questioned as he pressed Simon back onto the bed.

"Yes," Simon gasped as Mal nipped at his lower lip. "That and more."

"More?" Mal groaned as he ran his hands down Simon's chest, fingers teasing at the hardened nipples.

"Mal," Simon hissed in reply and arched up slightly, needing more contact. His own fingers grabbed onto Mal's arms pulling him closer. "This is a bad idea-"

"Why are you still talking?" Mal questioned once more as he pulled himself up and kissed Simon. "Bi zuie."

Simon grinned, wrapping his arms around he man he loved. He let his training come through and made certain that Malcolm Reynolds would never forget him and never let him go ever again.

the end

Translations:

Bao bei: Darling
Bi zuie: Shut up
Cheeng jeen: Come in
Dang ran: Of course
Fay-fay d’pian: Big fat lie
Pee goo: Rear end.
Shumma: What
Sly: gay
Swai: Handsome
Tianna: oh God