Just completed this read, and loved it. 

I've not watched Firefly in a while, but I thought you captured the essence of the characters quite well.  I know others were disappointed with who Mal chose, but it made sense. Zoe had her chance of loving Wash, and Mal should have his chance of loving Inara.  Doesn't mean they (Zoe and Mal) won't end up together.  As Wash's death proves, nothing is guaranteed (not that I want to see Inara die).  Just that they need the opportunity to work through it - Inara admitted that she's not exactly who they think, which could pose a problem for the couple long-term.

Also, when you go through the stuff Zoe and Mal have gone through together, that kind of love doesn't just die. Lie dormant, perhaps, but I feel they'll make their way back to each other.  Great job!

I noticed that he still held Zoe's hand. I was a little disappointed that he chose Inara, but that's life. I enjoyed reading this story.

Author's Response: I'm getting a lot of that.  You know, I was disappointed too.  I was thinking I would set out to write a Zoe/Mal fic and Inara butted in right away, I was really surprised, but got over it and wrote what you see.  I might have to do another story along those lines, though.  Thank you for reading.