These characters do not belong to me. These characters are all from Joss Whedon and his show Firefly, I am just borrowing them and Playing with ideas that pop into my head. I make no money doing this, but have a hell of a lot of fun. I hope you enjoy it.

This is the third episode in my version of the continuing saga of Firefly. It takes place about three and a half months after the movie Serenity and the majority takes place 6 weeks after my story ALIVE. It might be a little confusing. It's going to be a little like the 'Out of Gas' episode, except for the most part you won't know who it is happening to until later and all the flashbacks are at the beginning.

Four Weeks ago:

A tall white church stands at the edge of a town on a dusty, backwater moon. The preacher and his wife stand before a happy couple at the alter. Through the windows you can see the sun setting. The couple place around each other's necks a necklace with a ring on it.

The Preacher smiles and looks at the couple before speaking. "You may now kiss your bride." The man grabs the young woman and kisses her. They thank the preacher and run out of the church towards a waiting land mule. The Preacher turns to his wife and kisses her. "They remind me of us when we first got married." They watch the young couple disappear over the horizon.

Two weeks ago:

Two women sit in two different rooms at the same hospital. One is nervous and unsure of the wait and the other is in calm disbelief. The doors open and doctors enter the rooms.

The nervous woman asks, "Is there anything wrong?", while the calm woman remains silent.

The doctor's look at their paperwork before speaking. "Good news. You are pregnant."

The nervous one's jaw drop's but she calmly close's it, thanks the doctor and leaves the room.

The calm woman yells, "Zen me?" and then faint's to the floor.

One week ago:

He lead her out into the night to sit beside a tree and look at the stars. On the ground is a blanket and a picnic basket. He pulls out foods and fruits and a small box. The food is fresh and rare and she is so surprised she doesn't notice he has gotten down onto one knee. He opens the box and inside is an old white gold engagement ring with a large princess cut diamond in the place setting.

He looks up at her and asks one question, "Will you marry me?". She doesn't speak instead she jumps into his arms and kisses him.

"Is that a yes?" He asks.

"Yes, but honey…I'm pregnant."

The man doesn't speak and seems to go into shock. Blinking twice he kisses her lifting her off the ground and twirls her.

Current Day

"Mal, why are you being so stubborn? All Jayne wants us to do is stop for a few days." Inara walks swiftly behind Mal as he tries to walk away from her.

"It's out of our way. Besides didn't you tell me you have an appointment you can't miss." Mal turns to face her.

"I told you that was canceled. We have time to…to…" Before she could finish speaking Inara faints and Mal just barely catches her.

"Inara? Inara wake up? Inara honey." Mal becomes frantic when she does not wake up. "SIMON? SIMON WHERE ARE YOU?" He carries Inara into the infirmary and lays her on the table just as Simon walks in.

"What's wrong?" The young doctor's voice was filled with concern.

"I don't know, she just fainted and won't wake up." Mal looks worried as he paces the small room.

Simon starts to check her vitals when Inara's eyes flutter open. "Are you ok? No don't sit up, rest for a minute. Have you eaten today?"

Inara shakes her head yes before speaking. "I'm fine really, there's nothing wrong with me."

"You fainted! What do you mean there's nothing wrong with you. Did you tell him that you get sick every morning? And you can barely eat because the smell makes you nauseous. Something is definitely wrong with you." Mal ranted.

"Oh my God. Inara, you're…are you…" Simon stuttered.

"I'm just experiencing a small stomach flu right?" Inara interrupts. "I'll be fine with some rest, right?"

"Yes, uh I'm sure that's all you'll need. Should be fine in a couple of days."

Inara calmly leaves the infirmary and a stunned Mal behind. She rushes up to her shuttle. On the catwalk she stops and leans against the railing. Looking down she notices the couple kissing each other in the corner. They haven't noticed her yet. The man pulls away and eyes the woman. Inara can hear them as they talk quietly.

"Wo men he shi ke yi gao su ta men?" He asks.

"Hen kuai, wo xu nuo." She kisses his jaw line as she speaks.

"Why not today? Half the Gorram ship knows about us."

"Yes well half the gorram ship only knows we are fooling around. They don't know we got married."

Inara gasps and quickly goes into her shuttle, just as Mal walks into the hold. He quickly stomps up the stairs and barges into her shuttle.

"Mal I know things have changed between us but this is still my shuttle." Inara says facing the wall.

Mal stands just inside the doorway fuming. "What's wrong with you Inara? It's not just a small stomach flu. This has been going on for nearly a month now. You're nauseous every morning, exhausted all the time. Your emotions are off the charts. And what worries me the most is that you're canceling appointments. You never do that! I thought this one was important, that you had to have it to keep your license."

"Things have changed." Inara spoke quietly, sighing she continued. "I'm fine Mal, really! Just a little under the weather."

Mal walked up behind her and made her turn around. He saw the silent tears and wiped them away. "Tell me what's wrong Inara? Did something happen with the guild?"

"No everything's fine with them. The transition went smoothly. My status has been changed. I am now truly just a companion to my clients. Someone to counsel with and take to events. I am allowed to offer my services as a masseuse, and not in the intimate way. I don't have to have physicals anymore so the appointment was canceled." Inara looks up at Mal with tears in her eyes. "Why won't you stop on Jayne's planet?"

"Is that why you are upset? Because I won't stop for Jayne. If that's all it will take to make you happy again we will stop. It's easy enough to change course. We could be there in a day or two. Will that make you happy?"

"Yes."

"I'll tell Wash to set course then." Mal turned to leave the shuttle but when he got to the door he stopped and looked back. "Are you ill, Inara? Is it serious?"

"Mal it's nothing like that. I'm fine really."

"No you're not Inara. If you were fine you wouldn't be throwing up and exhausted all the gorramtime. What's wrong Inara?"

"Mal…I can't…I'm not ready…to tell anyone yet. Not even you." The tears began to fall from her eyes again as she looked at Mal. "I promise you Mal, I am not sick or dying. And I will tell you. I will. Just not right now."

Mal dropped his head before whispering. "Alright Inara. I'll see you at dinner then." Mal left quickly not really noticing where he went. He almost knocked River off her feet when he bumped into her unexpectedly. "Sorry River. Didn't see ya there."

"If the Captain had been watching where his own feet led him he would have seen me. But all is well. Jayne will be very happy. It is very important to him." River responded before dancing away across the walkway to Inara's shuttle.

Mal ignored her comments as he headed to the bridge. Lost in his own thoughts again.

--

"Ok bao bei what's going on?" Wash had woken up late to see Zoe looking at him intently. "You've been all outta sorts lately."

"I've been meaning to tell you something. For weeks now. I just wasn't sure how'd you react." Zoe told him cautiously.

"Lamby toes, whatever it is you can tell me." Wash kissed her softly.

"Well I know we talked about this a lot. And I didn't plan this it just sorta happened. I can't believe I didn't realize it earlier, or how long I've ignored it." Zoe rambled on.

"You're starting to scare me. What is it? Did you and…Mal. Did you two hook up while I was gone?" Wash asked seriously, his face dropping.

Zoe just laughed, loudly and so hard she almost couldn't breathe. Looking at his face she tried to speak. "No…ah…We never. We'd never. No. Wash…Wo huai yun. Nearly 5 months."

"But how?" Wash stared at her. "HOW?"

"Well when a man and a woman love each other they…" Zoe started but got a pillow to the face.

"I know that part. But you're not even showing. I mean yeah your breasts are bigger but your stomach…well it's got a little bump but it's little. Ah hell who cares how it happened. My warrior woman is pregnant." Wash pulled down the covers and started rubbing her stomach. "How's my little girl doin this morning? You're going to be a strong warrior woman just like your mother."

"Who says it's going to be a girl? What if it's a boy?" Zoe laughed again. "So you're not upset? I mean you were so set against it for so long."

"I'm ecstatic. I can't wait to tell everyone. Can we tell them at dinner?"

"Of course. How do you think they'll take it?"

"What you mean is how is Mal gonna take his first mate being knocked up. Oh this could go badly." Wash laughed evilly until Zoe joined in. "But the look on his face will be worth it."

"This is going to be one interesting meal."

--

River lightly tapped on Inara's doorway. "Inara may I come in?"

"Of course, mei mei. What can I help you with?" Inara was sitting quietly on her couch cross-stitching. She looked up at River but didn't stop.

River walked around the room slowly making her way towards the couch she didn't speak again until she was sitting beside Inara. "Why didn't you tell Mal?"

"It's not my secret to tell." Inara said calmly.

River laughed and shook her head. "No, not about me and Jayne." River looked at Inara closely. "I meant your pregnancy. Why are you afraid to tell him?"

"You know?" Inara gasped. Setting down her needle work she turned to face River. "Of course you know. You're a reader." Inara examined her hands a moment before asking. "Does anyone else know?"

"Simon knows but he believes in privacy." River played with the shawl laying on the couch silently for a few moments before speaking again. "Why haven't you said anything Inara?"

"I'm afraid of so many things River. I'm afraid of Mal will react, that he'll reject me, that I won't be a good mother, of this environment. There are very few things I am not afraid of. We've just come together. I don't want to lose him."

"Inara, you will not lose Mal. He will be shocked, of course, but he'll get over it. Just be patient."

"Do you have any idea how hard that is? It's Mal for Buddha's sake. He tries every ounce of patience I have." Inara lowered her head before continuing. "I will tell him tonight. Better sooner then later right. Thanks River, I'll see you at dinner."

River got up and left the shuttle, leaving Inara to practice the many way's she could tell Mal. She smiled to herself knowing that Inara wouldn't use a single one of the well thought out, delicate lines. River slowly made her way to the kitchen. Kaylee was buzzing around making dinner. Simon was trying to help but just kept getting in the way.

River walked up behind Simon and whispered in his ear. "You're getting in the way papa bear. Maybe you should let mama bear finish making this special surprise dinner on her own." Moving around him she smiled big and hugged him. "Congratulations."

"What do you mean?" Simon asked her.

"You know what I mean. Papa bear's gonna marry Mama bear then along will come a baby bear."

"This mean you know we're engaged an pregnant? An that we planned on telling everyone tonight?" Kaylee asked overhearing their conversation. When River nodded Kaylee turned to face her pointing a wooden spoon, covered in some kind of food, at River with one hand while the other rested on her hip. "How'd you find out?"

"It's been buzzing around in Simon's head for the past week. Extremely loud too since it's almost all he thinks about. Course he's worried what Mal will say, what I'll think of it and how I'll react. Oh he's excited too. Excited you said yes and that he'll be a father." River smiled wide.

"Didya really think all that?" Kaylee turned to Simon. "That's so sweet."

"Worrying is sweet?" Simon asked surprised.

"Course it is. Shows you care. Not that I don' know it already." Kaylee leaned in and kissed him softly.

"Don't spoil the food." River said leaving the two behind her as she skipped away down the hallway to Jayne's room. She opened the hatch and slid down the ladder into his room. River danced and twirled around the room, obviously happy.

"Why you so happy?" Jayne asked looking up from his bed where he was polishing Vera.

"The cap'n changed course. He's taking you home like you asked." River moved to the bed and straddled Jayne's lap. "We can tell them tonight after all."

"Ya mean it. We can tell'em. What made ya change yer mind? I mean this morning' you was sayin no real adament like." Jayne set the gun to the side and began running his hands up her back.

"Well everyone else is telling their news tonight. I wasn't sure this morning that today was the right day, but after talking to the others I know it's right." River shivered as his hands ran down her spine.

Jayne's face lit up into a huge smile. "Ma's gonna love ya. She might kick me to the next moon when she finds out how young ya are but she's shore gonna love ya."

"She's going to be very happy to see you. Jayne's been a bad boy, not going home for many years." River playfully hit his arm. "They've missed you."

"I missed 'em too. Life I lead ain't something I want them bein part of. Look what happen at Haven and the uthers when we was hidding from that 'lliance fella. If he'd known bout them…if we'd stayed there even once I probably wouldn't have a family left." Jayne was quiet a moment before continuing. "Well cept for you and our youngin. Oh an the crew of Serenity, I suppose they're my family too."

"You know about the baby? How can you know without me knowing you know?"

"Probably cause your brains too full with everyone else's secrets an worries. I figered it out bout two weeks ago. Knew ya weren't on anythin and we wasn't usin anything. When ya didn have your…womanly…time I figered you must be pregnant." Jayne hugged her close. "An I'm very happy about it. It's the reason I been harpin on the cap'n to get me home. Can't tell Ma I'm havin a youngin in a wave."

"Wo ai ni zhang fu." River kissed him softly on the mouth before pulling back. She smelled the air and looked at him tentatively. "Food's almost ready, are you?"

"I been ready since we got back on the boat. Don' know how they'll take it but I'ma ready." Pulling her necklace out from under her shirt he fingered the ring on it. "Think we can go armored though? Sorry I lost mine."

"Yes. Lets." Jumping off his lap she pulled a small box from beside his bed where it had been stuffed in a hole. "You never lost yours. I took your ring and made it into something special for you. Look."

River opened the box and inside was his thick silver wedding band. On top was an engraving that looked like Vera crossed over a deadly knife. On each side of the engraving was script one side read Jayne and the other side read River. Jayne didn't say a word but River could see a tear in his eye threatening to spill. Without a word he undid the necklace and pulled off the small silver band. Reaching into yet another hidding place he pulled out a small box as well.

"I had one made special for you too. An I might've added a few words to the one round your neck. Cept I carved it myself."

River looked at her band and engraved on top were the words "River n Jayne Forever". Tears did start to spill from her eyes but before she could speak he opened the box in his hands.

"I had a jeweler make it special. It's a silver gold band with 7 jewels on it. The two red ones on tha outside shaped like hearts are rubies, to represent your passion. An the four tiny white ones are diamons to show your beautiful light. And the big one in the middle is an emerald fur everything that makes you you and everything about ya I love. S'probably why it's the biggest, since I don't not like anything about ya."

River launched herself into his arms. "I love them." She held him tight before kissing him. Pulling back she held out her hand. "Put them on me please."

Carefully Jayne slid on the silver band followed by the jeweled one. Without a word he held his hand out to her and she slid the larger silver band on his finger. She interlocked their fingers and they both just stared. When Mal's voice came over the speaker they jumped.

"Chow's on folks. Come and eat."

River walked over to the ladder and looked at Jayne. "You ready."

"As I'll ever be." He laughed quietly before following her. "Firin' squad here I come."

--

Everyone at the dinner table was unnaturally quiet. Mal looked around at the serious faces. He had never in his memory sat down at this table to eat without some jokes or jibes being passed around. Hell he had expected someone to react or say something when River and Jayne walked in. The two where holding hands and practically flashing the rings on their fingers. Halfway through his meal he threw down his napkins causing everyone to jump.

"Alright what's going on here? Ya'll been too damn quiet for my liking. Is there something I should know." Mal glared at everyone.

Kaylee was the first to speak. Putting her hand on the table she flashed the ring Simon had given her and smiled. "Well we've got some really shiney news."

"I asked Kaylee to marry me and she said yes." Simon looked at Kaylee before smiling.

"Oh and…I'm pregnant."

Everyone else at the table smiled and congratulated the young couple. When they noticed Mal hadn't said a word they all turned to look at him.

Mal looked dumbfounded, but finally noticing the stares he spoke. "You're pregnant? Uh congrats?"

Taking advantage of this moment. Wash said quietly. "Zoe's pregnant too."

"Shu muh? Come again I think my hearing is going." Mal asked.

"More congratulations are in order sir. Wash and I are pregnant." Zoe said louder.

Kaylee screamed with joy and jumped out of her seat to give Zoe and Wash a big hug. "Congratulations. I've been waiting so long fur you two to give me a niece or nephew."

Jayne, who was sitting next to Wash gave him a strong slap on the back before saying, "Didn' know ya had it in ya little man. Way ta go."

"Uh thanks." Wash eyed Jayne.

"No wait hold up a second. Zoe you can't be pregnant. You…just…can't." Mal jumped from his seat and started to pace.

"Why can't she be pregnant Mal? What's wrong with being pregnant?" Inara asked looking up at him irritated

"There's nothing wrong with being pregnant." Mal said quickly seeing he had struck a bad note with Inara.

"Well good. Because we're pregnant too." Inara told him. She sat there waiting for him to speak, but was shocked when he fell to the floor.

"Did the cap'n just faint?" Kaylee asked.

"No I did not. My legs just stopped working." Mal tried to get to his feet but was unable to. Simon got out of his chair to help him. Inara was beside him as well and together the two sat him back in his seat. "This why you been sick and moody lately?" He asked Inara. She nodded silently before taking her seat.

"Do you need to go to the infirmary? Are you going to be ok?" Simon asked

"Quit fussing over me I'm just a little overwhelmed. Seems like everyone on board is pregnant." Mal was about to say more but heard River laughing. "And what's so funny lil albatross?"

"I'm not sure you want to know Captain Daddy." She laughed again Jayne joining her.

"And what exactly is it I don't want to know?" He asked.

"That everyone on board is pregnant, at least all the females are." River told him pointedly laying a hand on her stomach.

Jayne reached around her back to cover her hand with his. "He might not wanna know ya married me too." He reached out with his other hand to caress her jaw before kissing her.

"NIN SHI SHEN ME?"Simon screamed before beginning to sputter. "You. Jayne. Married. Pregnant." Without another word Simon fell to the floor.

"Simon!" Kaylee screamed as she ran to his side. Pulling his head onto her lap she looked at the others and smiled. "He's ok. I think he just fainted. See he's comin' round now. Bao bei are you ok?"

"I think I'm going insane. I swear I just heard River tell me she is married to and pregnant by Jayne."

"No di xiong what you heard is real. Jayne and I have been married for a month."

"So this the reason you so hell-fire intent on going home?" Mal asked.

"This ain't the kinda thing ya tell your Ma in a letter or wave as you pass by." Jayne said matter-of-factly, before turning a frown on Mal. "U shore are taking this well Mal. I 'spected a little more outrage an yellin."

"I've known you two been grappling for over a month now. And when you two came strutting in here rings flashing on your left hands I figured ya married the girl. Just the fact that you married her shows me how serious you are about her. Plus she accepted your sorry ass. Must mean she like you too." Mal pointed out. "Then there's the fact I just found out my mei mei is pregnant, my first mate is pregnant, and that I'm gonna be a father. All this after two of my crew come back from the dead. Could be I'm still in shock. Might be in shock for another month or two."

"You may be shocked but I'm outraged." Simon fumed sitting down in his seat again. Turning to Mal he started yelling. "You've known about them for how long and didn't think it necessary to tell me. I had a right to know. I mean…JAYNE. He's an ape."

"Simon!" Kaylee gasped slapping him on the shoulder. "You be nice."

"Yes Simon. There is nothing wrong with my husband. Wo ai ta bing qie ta ai wo." River turned to Jayne and kissed him on the lips. Which he returned fully.

"Book you been awful quiet. Not going to tell me you're pregnant too." Mal turned to face Book.

Book chuckled softly. "No Mal I'm not pregnant. It's just a lot to take in. Quite a shock to find our River is married to Jayne. Even more of a shock to learn all our girls are expecting. But this is definitely a blessing."

"Yes we are blessed four times over." Wash commented.

"Uh huh." Mal looked around the table at everyone's reactions. His gaze settled on the deadly couple at the end of the table. "How long til we reach Jayne's home, albatross?"

"We should be coming up on Rosetta in 21 hours 35 minutes and 22 seconds." River said leaning against Jayne's chest.

"Good. That gives us a little while to get adjusted to…well everything." Mal pointedly looked at Jayne and River when he spoke the last words.

Simon looked at the couple and got noticeably paler. "If everyone will excuse me I'll be in my bunk."

Kaylee got up with him. "We'll be in our bunk."

The rest of the crew watched them leave with sympathetic looks on there faces. Simon had just found out his little sister was not only sexually active, but married and pregnant. And all with a big, uncivilized merc. It was a lot for an overprotective brother to take in. Half the crew couldn't believe it themselves.

Kaylee followed Simon down the ladder to their bunk. Simon flopped backwards onto their bed huffing. Kaylee walked around the room letting Simon steam for a moment. She ran her hands over their shared belongings. It still amazed her they were living in the same bunk and sharing the same space. Luckily she had convinced the Captain to get bigger beds put in all the bunks. Although the space was more limited with the larger bed and Simon now sharing the bunk she wouldn't give it up for anything. Simon huffed loudly pulling her out of her own thoughts.

--

"Bao bei what's wrong?" Kaylee asked.

"What's wrong? What's wrong? What isn't wrong?" Simon sat up to stare at her. "River, my sweet young innocent sister is sexually active with that…that…that APE. Not only that but she's pregnant. She's only 18. She can't be pregnant." Simon was silent a moment before yelling. "And she married him. I always thought I'd at least be there when she got married. Hopefully to a nice man who'd understand her, take care of her and make her happy like she deserves."

"Simon yur being a yu bun duh mang mu lu zi. Anyone with eyes in their head could see how happy she is. Don'cha see how much better she's been. She's talking more normal ev'ryday. She smiles and plays and I can't member her last fit." She leaned against the wall playing with one of her tools. "So maybe Jayne ain't the man you would have chosen from River, but from what I saw he loves her. Even kissed her on the mouth and held her all affectionate like. Jayne protects the people he loves. Now I know River ain't like normal girls but she is 18. That makes her n adult, capable of making her own decisions. She chose Jayne."

"Ugh." Simon flopped back on the bed.

"What's wrong now?" Kaylee asked. Coming to sit on the bed beside him Kaylee playfully poked him in the side.

"Mental image of that Ape and my mei mei together. Not something I like picturing." Simon grabbed a pillow and slammed it over his face. He mumbled something that Kaylee couldn't understand him.

Laughing she hit him lightly on the stomach. "I can't hear you with the pillow over your face."

Removing it from his face Simon huffed. "I said as long as it makes her happy then I'm happy for her."

Kaylee smiled and curled up next to him laying her head on his chest. "You're a good big brother Simon."

Wrapping his arm around her back he kissed her head gently. "Guess I'm more upset I wasn't able to be there at her wedding then the fact she had one."

"Well. I was thinking that maybe we could get married on Rosetta. And maybe River n Jayne could get married again in fronta all of us." Kaylee stammered.

"I think that's a wonderful idea, bao bei." Simon kissed her softly at first. Slowly the kiss deepened until Kaylee was straddling his hips. "You think anyone will miss us if we don't come out of our bunk til tomorrow."

--

The rest of the crew continued eating once Kaylee and River had left the room. Every once in a while the others would turn and stare at the deadly couple. River laughed after noticing them staring for the fifth time and poked Jayne in the ribs. "Waz that fore?" River just pointed at the others and Jayne turned from her to see Book, Wash and Zoe staring at them. "What ya'll staring at?"

"You!" Zoe told him. "Can't quite believe what our eyes are seein."

"You looking all lovey dovey. It's almost sweet. I might even say shuai." Wash had a huge smile on his face as he looked at the couple.

"I ain't sweet." Jayne grumbled.

"Course not. Nothing sweet bout a big scary merc holding hands with his wife an rubbing her belly." Mal said in his mock serious voice. "Nothing sweet about that."

"Darn right." Jayne grumbled while River just laughed.

"Come on zhang fu." River stood up and pulled on Jayne's arm until he reluctantly stood up to.

"Where we goin'?" Jayne asked with a grin.

"I need to move the rest of my things." River smiled devilishly. "Now we'll share your bunk. And I'll be close at all hours. We won't have to sneak around. I won't have to get up extra early. You won't have to be up early! And we'll have lots more time for…playing." River said quietly in his ear.

"Mmm, this might take all day Cap'n. Ton's to move and rearrange and such." Jayne smiled as he let her lead him away. "Probably be in our bunk til tomorrow."

"That slip of a girl has him wrapped around her finger." Mal laughed.

"Miraculous things happen everyday Mal." Book began clearing up the table carrying the dishes and food into the kitchen area.

"Don't think I'll count Jayne being domesticated as a miracle. Hell I doubt he ain't still the Big scary Merc we all know and could grow to like." Mal began eating again, talking around his food. "He just maybe ain't all that scary round his woman. I can pretty much guarantee he'll still fight with Simon and be a lu zi."

"Mal must you talk with your mouth full." Inara scolded lightly.

"Well seeing as how River's gonna be…busy all day I'll just mosey on up to the Bridge an see how we're flying." Wash said. "Leave ya'll to quietly trade barbs."

Zoe just laughs loudly. Together she and Wash walk to the bridge.

"I think I'll excuse myself as well." Book said follow Wash and Zoe into the hallway.

"Mal how do you feel about me being pregnant?" Inara asked after a few moments of silence.

Mal didn't say anything for a minute. After seemingly gathering his thoughts he turned to Inara and held her hand. "I really don't know how I feel about this."

"You think it might be someone else's, don't you!" Inara said beginning to cry.

"I didn't say that and I don't think that." Mal reached out and wiped away her tears. "As far as I recall you ain't had an appointment since before you left Serenity. N'all the time you were off you were teaching weren't ya?"

When Inara just nodded he continued. "The only thing that has me spinning is I thought we were being safe. I can't figure it out."

"But Mal, there was a time we weren't safe. Well one space of time." Inara told him.

"Ahhh." Mal closed his eyes remembering. "What a wonderful time that was."

"So are you going to be ok? I know you never really planned on this. I never planned on this. But I'm three months pregnant and I need you. I can't change it and I don't want to." Inara had tears streaming down her face.

Mal picked her up off her seat and pulled her onto his lap. "No tears now. I'm here for you always. You and the baby. You might even say I'm happy." Mal kissed her softly. "Life throws you twists and turns. Some of them bad, some good. An maybe wasn't planning on this but it's here and I'm thinking it could be one of the good ones. Wo xian yao nin yong yuan."

Inara fell asleep in Mal's arms. Not wanting to wake her he carefully carried her to her shuttle. Laying her on the bed he climbed on beside her and held her close to him. Eventually falling asleep himself.

--

Book was cooking breakfast when slowly the crew joined him in the galley. Everyone had eaten separately the night before, fixing themselves small meals to take back to their rooms. Simon and Kaylee were the first ones to wander in. Kaylee moved to help Book while Simon started setting the table. River and Jayne wandered in a few minutes later. Simon glared at Jayne silently a moment before moving to get the plates. Jayne, with a nudge from River, moved to help him. Jayne grabbed the condiments and placed them n the table waiting for Simon to face him.

"Look I ain't gunna hurt her. She's safe with me." Jayne told him gruffly.

The rest of the crew came stumbling in but when they noticed Jayne and Simon talking they made sure to move quietly. Zoe, Wash and Mal moved to grab a cup of coffee while Inara silently prepared her tea. Kaylee and River were still helping Book make the food, but it was almost done. All eyes were on Jayne and Simon.

"Can you actually promise me that? Can you promise to put River's life and welfare above everything else?" Simon asked.

"Look I'd kill for her, die for her, give all the money in the verse for her. Hell I'd sell every last one a my weapons if it meant keeping her safe. I luv that girl with all my heart. Bu yao wen na." Jayne growled at Simon hands planted firmly on the table as he leaned partially across it.

"Wo shi at de ziong di! Shi wo de quan li wen nin! River was put through hell and I won't let her be hurt ever again!" Simon yelled back at Jayne slamming the plates onto the table. Simon glared silently at Jayne for a moment before sighing loudly. "But she said she loves you, and you keep saying you love her. So for her sake I will be supportive under two circumstances."

"Yeah waz that?" Jayne asked warily.

"One, you keep her safe and happy or I'll kill you." Simon smiled an almost sadistic smile. "And it will be a slow and extremely painful death."

"Kay, that's fair 'nough." Jayne shook his head in agreement. "And what's two?"

"You have to have another ceremony on Rosetta. With flowers, a church, and fancy outfits. One with all of us, all of her family, in attendance. And hopefully…" Simon looked at Kaylee for approval, when she smiled he continued. "Hopefully, you wouldn't mind sharing the day with Kaylee and me."

"So you askin' us to do a double wedding or somthin?" Jayne asked.

"Yes." Simon said.

Shrugging his shoulders Jayne replied. "Sure why not. I'm sure Ma'd love it to."

"Well ain't that something!" Mal was the first of the observers to speak. He walked over to his normal seat to put his cup down. "We're havin us a double wedding. And Jayne here's even gonna get all pretty for it." Mal smiled at Jayne's grimmace before moving to grab a container of food to set on the table. "Chow's ready people. Lets eat."

Everyone moved at once, each person grabbing a container of food to set on the table. Simon placed the egg's before him and realized the plates were still stacked in front of him. Blushing slightly he quickly passed them around the table. The crew sat around talking and joking about the upcoming weddings while they ate.

Halfway through the meal Wash asked Jayne very seriously, "So what kinda dress you planning on wearing, Jayne? You've always had a preference for the slinky kinda."

Jayne grabbed a roll throwing it at Wash. "Well yur wife's the pant wearer in the family. What kinda dress you wearin'?"

"Oh I was thinking an off the shoulder number, maybe something with a print to it." Wash answered very seriously. Everyone burst out laughing as they picture Wash wearing a dress with large floral print in bright colors. Laughing himself Wash tried to continue. "What? I think I'd look mighty pretty…in a…dress."

"Oh I'm sure you'd look all kinds of pretty, Wash." Mal actually had to wipe a tear from his eye. "But seriously now. I got an important question to ask the brides."

"We'd love it." River answered before he even asked the question.

"I think it'd be very shiney of ya cap'n." Kaylee said holding River's hand.

"Now hold on I hadn't even asked the question yet." Mal asked.

"You were gonna ask to be the one giving us away, right? Seeing as how you know we ain't got no one else to. An you're like our big brother an all." Kaylee said.

"Well yeah. How bout it girl's. You want this grumpy ole cap'n giving you away?"

"YES!" They said in unison.

"I know River's father can't be there for obvious reason's, but wouldn't you like your parents there Kaylee? I'm sure we could hold off on the ceremony until they came. Maybe your fathered like to give you away." Book said making everyone else go very quiet.

"I'm sure he'da love to have given me way, Shepherd." Kaylee gave a half smile, before continuing more quietly. "Ma and Pa died a couple of years back. Not too long after I joined Serenity."

"Oh dear, I'm very sorry I didn't know."

"Ain't your fault ya didn't know. I don talk bout it too much." Kaylee smiled at the crew with unshed tears in her eye's. "Crew of Serenity's my family now." Simon held her close to him in a sorta side hug.

Everyone was quiet for a moment giving Kaylee the time she needed. She quietly wiped her eyes and smiled again before turning back to Book. "You'll be the one marrying us won't you?"

"I'd be honored to." Book smiled back at her.

"We should be landing on Rosetta soon. Once we meet up with Jayne's mother we can start planning the weddings." Inara said starting a new subject.

"Speaking of landing. Now that I'm finished eating I'm gonna head up to the bridge to see about doing that. You coming, River." Wash stood up wiping his mouth and kissing his wife.

"I shall be there momentarily." River turned to kiss Jayne, hearing to groans.

"Don't think I'll ever get used to that." Mal grumbled.

"Mei mei, must you do that in front of me?" Simon asked.

"It's better'n what you and Kaylee do ALL over the ship!" River said pointedly before leaving the room.

--

Serenity landed half an hour later on the Cobb Farm. Located most centrally was a two story farmhouse, built with a mixture of steel and wood. To the right of the house was a large garden nearly overflowing with ripe fruits, vegetables and flowers. Then nearly a hundred feet away stood a large barn. They could see corrals on either side of the barn, with horses, cattle, pigs and sheep in them. Between the barn and the garden were three small houses. All were one story buildings that looked to have only a few rooms in them. To the right of the barn and it's corrals was a wide stretch of trees that formed a large half circle. They could see a large river running out from the tree's and down the land. To the left of the house were three more buildings, slightly spread out. They looked like little workshops. To the left of them was a well worn road leading off to what they suspected was town. Between the trees and the road was a fairly large area of open land, which is where they had landed Serenity.

The crew of Serenity stood and stared at the farm. Even Jayne looked at it in amazement.

"It's changed so much." He said looking around again. When he heard his name he turned to see a large group of people running out of the houses towards the ship. In the middle was a tall robust woman, hollering the loudest. Jayne dropped his bag and ran out to meet them. He picked the tall woman off the ground in a bear hug. Setting her on the ground he kissed her cheek and turned to the other's.

The crew of Serenity followed him at a slower pace taking in the sight Jayne made. They joined the large group of smiling Cobb's. Jayne was just giving out his last hug before he turned to see the crew standing there. River stood next to Kaylee and Simon, smiling shyly. He made his way through the crowd to stand next to River, grabbing her hand he began making the introductions.

"So this here's the crew. Down on the end is Book, he's our Shephard. Next at him in the Cap'n Mal. Then there's Inara. Wash our pilot, his wife Zoe, the first mate. Then there's Kaylee the mechanic. Simon the doctor. And this here's River." Jayne smiled before turning to face his mother. "My wife."

"JAYNE COBB! How dare you get married without me being there! I otta tan your hide." Ma Cobb stepped forward yelling but still wearing a smile.

"Now Ma, don be like that." Jayne looked worried. "We was planning on having another ceremony here. See Simon there is River's brother and he was a might pissy when we told him we was married. An he's engaged to Kaylee there. An they was plannin on getting hitched soon as possible. So's we decided to have a double weddin here on Rosetta."

"Well, alright then. Maybe I won be as mad at ya. Come on ya'll lets take this to a more comfortable position outta the sun." Ma Cobb led the large group around to the back of the house.

"When'd ya build this?" Jayne asked upon seeing a large covered porch.

"Bout a year ago. Farm's been havin' a good coupla years. Course we probably wouldn'ta been without that money ya sent us." Ma Cobb set herself in a beautifully carved rocking chair. "Carmen, hunny. Can you bring out the pitcher of lemonade an make another one?" A young woman only maybe 20 year's old stepped from the crowd and nodded as she moved towards the back door, grabbing a few of the younger girls on the way. "Carmen's a mite shy. Don't know where she got it from." Ma Cobb told them.

"You sure do have a nice spread here, Mrs. Cobb. Kinda reminds me of the one we had back on Shadow." Mal said sitting himself next to Ma Cobb and pulling Inara onto his lap. The rest of the crew took seats around him.

"Call me Ma, everyone does, spose its bound ta happen after 14 children. How long ya'll plannin on stayin?" She asked.

"Week or so." Mal said. "Gotta few jobs lined up, won't be ready for a few more weeks." Mal looked around the farm before turning back to Ma Cobb. "This is a mighty fine farm you have here Ma. Looks like you're doing well."

"Wasn't always this way. Took hard work and a good deal of luck to get us to where we are." Ma looked around herself with pride. "An it wasn't just me and Mr. Cobb, god rest his soul, doing the hard work. Each an everyone of my children helped this place grow. They each had their hand in somewhere helping us along. Some of em are good with animals, others with machinery, plants, weaving, building, brewing, sewing, an cookin. This farm looks after us an we look after it."

"That was so poetical! You sure have a way with words Ma." Kaylee beamed from beside Simon.

"Do all of your children live here with you? Well besides Jayne." Zoe asked.

"No but they live fairly nearby. Jayne's the only one so far ta leave Rosetta. But we always knew he'd be the one to go. Rosetta's just to small for him." Ma Cobb sighed slightly before looking at the group. "Well we'd better get started on these weddin plans. The boy's have gotta find some respectable clothin and the girls need dresses. We need flowers, an food, an we gotta tell the family. No church big nough for the family so we'll have to find a nice place or build a nice place for the ceremony. Much ta do in only a little time." Ma Cobb listed off the many chores and things they needed done before the weddings. She spent the rest of the day going over plans with the girls, after sending the men off to do chores.

--

Over the next few days it was nothing but chores and planning the wedding. Ma Cobb put the men and women to good use and repaid them in kind. Everyday they worked hard on the farm or in the garden, getting ready for the wedding or doing everyday things. And every night she packed another crate full of fruits, vegetables, meats, and dry goods. Even the conversations were centered on chores or the wedding. The only time it varied was when Simon asked about Matty.

"Ma? How's Matty doing? Is the dump lung still a problem?" Simon asked at dinner the eighth night.

"Matty? She's doing ok, damp lung comes an goes. Mostly comes an stays, rarely goes. We get doctors when we can, an use what herbs an medicines we know, but it just keeps coming back." Ma looks sad for a moment before turning a puzzled face to Simon. "How'd you know about our little Matty being sick?"

"I remembered from one of your letter's. Jayne likes to read them out loud." Simon smiled wistfully. "I think I can help her. I have the correct medicine on the ship. It should get rid of the damp lung and ensure it doesn't return."

When Ma Cobb just looked at him, Jayne spoke up. "He's a real good doc, Ma. Fixed me up more'n a few times. Top 3 percent his class."

"Alright. Sounds good to me." Ma Cobb said before turning the conversation back to the weddings.

After dinner Matty, Simon, Kaylee, Jayne and Ma Cobb went back to the ship, while the others clean up. Simon examined Matty. He prepared the medicine, a needle full of liquid, and injected it into Matty. "Ok Ma, these pills should be taken every day for a week with food. Then use this needle on the fleshy part of her arm and continue the pills for another week. Make sure you swab the arm and bandage it afterwards. Always the slight chance of infection. After that she should be free of damp lung for good. But if there are any complications make sure to wave us."

"Really?! That's great!" Matty squealed and wrapped her arms around Simon's neck giving him a bear hug before hopping off the table.

Ma Cobb just smiled warmly at the young Doctor. Grabbing Kaylee's hand she smiled more widely. "Alright boys, tomorrow's the big day. Now it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding so the girl's will be staying in the house and you boys will be staying out here. I'll send the other boys out and ya'll can have yourselves a party. But don't you think you can sleep in too late tomorrow. Wedding's at One an you better be there all chipper like."

"Ahh Ma we ain't gunna sleep past the weddin." Jayne grumbled.

"Are we gonna have a party too?" Kaylee asked excitedly as Ma Cobb led her and Matty out of the ship.

"Course! Probably gunna have a good deal more fun then the boys will." Ma Cobb was almost out of sight when she turned and hollered back at the men. "Don't you get your suits dirty or I'll tan your hides."

Ten minutes later all of Jayne's brother's and nephew's came trudging out to the ship blankets, sleeping bags and alcohol in hand. Wash, Mal and Book brought up the rear carrying a large crate between them filled with more food and alcohol. While the men dug in and started their party the women settled down in the living room. The women were covering every surface in the room some laying on others as they told jokes and shared stories. By midnight both groups were completely wasted, with the exception of the female crew of Serenity, and passed out on the respective floors. Inara, Zoe, Kaylee and River left the living room to sit in the kitchen and talk a while longer before going to bed themselves.

"Never thought I'd see the day Jayne was a married man." Zoe commented over her cup of tea.

"Never thought I'd see you a pregnant women. Always thought Wash'd be the one carrying the baby." Kaylee laughed.

"Or Inara pregnant. By Mal!" River added laughing.

"I thought I'd be an old woman before he even kissed me." Inara laughingly admitted.

"It finally looks like things are going our way." Zoe commented. "I've got Wash back and a baby on the way."

"I've finally got Simon after months of banging my head against the wall." Kaylee smiled.

"I'm still banging my head against a wall but at least it's showing cracks." Inara said.

"I'm getting better. I'm healing. And forgetting the pain." River said quietly before cracking a secret smile. "Never imagined it would be Jayne though. Hit me outta the ball park on that one."

"That's one of the two ways it usually goes." Inara said. "It's either there at the very beginning but hard to get started."

"Or it sneaks up on you and knocks you off your feet." Zoe smiled as she remembered her beginning with Wash.

All the women sat around the table quietly remembering until Ma Cobb came in and made them go to bed. "Come on now girls big day tomorrow. These girls are getting married." Ma Cobb smiled as she followed behind them up the stairs. "My boy Jayne's getting married."

--

The Wedding Day was a slow starter for all. The men grumblingly woke up around eleven to drag themselves to the river to bathe. The women woke up earlier to start getting ready. Luckily for the women there was indoor plumbing. They didn't have to bathe in the freezing cold water. They did have make-up, hair, cooking and preparations to do.

At fifteen minutes to one the men were standing in the middle of the yard by the gazebo they had constructed earlier in the week. Nervously they tugged and sweated in the fancy suits Ma Cobb had forced them into.

"Where did your Ma dig up all these monkey suits?" Mal asked pulling on the sleeves.

"She made them. Ma used to be a fancy seamstress on Persephone." Jayne's older brother Travis told them.

"How'd she end up on Rosetta?" Book asked.

"Met Pa an that was that." Jayne said.

"Well I better go get the brides." Mal said walking towards the house. "Everybody better get into place."

Meanwhile the girls were admiring River's and Kaylee's wedding dresses. Kaylee's dress had cap sleeves attached to a tight bodice with delicate flower vines down the front. The skirt of the dress was full and had a foot wide open space in front with light ruffles and a long overskirt in light purple. Kaylee twirled once before turning to look at River. River's dress had a tight bodice, with one shoulder strap, that went down to cut across her hips before turning into a flowing layered skirt. The sleeves of the dress were long and flowed as well, one connected to the strap and the other was an off the shoulder sleeve. Inara and Zoe had new dresses as well. Zoe's was slinky and silky while Inara's was velvety and flared around her.

River copied Kaylee's twirl before smiling widely and hugging her. "We're getting married today."

"Isn't it wonderful!" Kaylee beamed lighting up the room. "Everyone looks so shiney."

Ma Cobb smiled at the girls before shooing the other women from the room. "Alright ladies go take your places." Once they were gone Ma moved forward and hugged the girls. "Ya'll look beautiful."

"Now ain't that an understatement." Mal said from the doorway.

"You ain't looking to bad yourself Cap'n." Kaylee said rushing forward to hug him.

"You ready girls." Ma asked from the doorway. "It's time."

Everyone nodded before filing out of the room. Ma Cobb rushed forward to take her seat. Inara followed by Zoe lead the way down the flower strewn walkway. Mal walked behind them with Kaylee on his right and River on his left. Jayne and Simon waited nervously next to Book, but when they saw the girls their faces lit up. Even though the walkway was long it seemed to take only a few seconds. Everyone's faces where lit with joy as they watched the two couples get married. Before they knew it Jayne was kissing River and Simon was kissing Kaylee as Book pronounced them Man and Wife respectively.

The crowd of Cobbs hooped and hallered as the couples kissed, while Mal just smiled and watched Inara thoughtfully. Inara turned from smiling at the couples to return Mal's gaze. 'I wonder if that could ever be us?'

The End

TBC

Zen me - What?

Wo men he shi ke yi gao su ta men? - when can we tell them?

Hen kuai, wo xu nuo. - Soon, I promise.

Wo huai yun - I'm pregnant

mei mei - sister

Wo ai ni zhang fu - I love you husband

Shu muh - I'm sorry?

NIN SHI SHEN ME - You're What?

Bao bei - sweetheart

Wo ai ta bing qie ta ai wo - I love him and he loves me

yu bun duh mang mu lu zi - Stupid blind ass

Bu yao wen na - Don't ever question that

Wo shi at de ziong di! - I'm her brother!

Shi wo de quan li wen nin - It's my right to question you

Shuai - cute

Zhang fu - Husband

Wo xian yao nin yong yuan - I want you forever