DISCLAIMER: Don't own it, never did, never will--just having fun playing.

A/N: You should really read the first part of this story, if you haven't already. All chapters are interlinked. Chapter 1 Adult Only!, or an alternate beginning at Chapter 2 PG13

Part 2, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5

As always, thanks to kispexi2 for betaing this for me! Thanks to rhian_morwenna for making sure I got the medical stuff right! And thanks to woodsong_1978 for the final polishing! *g*

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Chapter 6 Mal's reaction

Mal looked stunned. "Are you sure? I thought she just…I mean, it's always taken longer to be sure she wasn't pregnant. How can you be sure she is so quickly?"

"Yes, Mal, I'm sure. She came into the infirmary while you were gone, and told me the procedure had succeeded. We did the proper medical tests, and she's pregnant." Simon smiled gently at Mal.

"River's pregnant. We're gonna be parents. I can't hardly believe it. We're gonna be parents, Simon!" The longer Mal talked, the more excited he became, until he suddenly reached up and pulled Simon down for a long, tender kiss. Unfortunately, he then tried to pull Simon into a hug using his injured arm. "Ow! Gorram it! Wish I hadn't been shot!"

"So do I, love. Maybe you'll remember this the next time?" Simon couldn't resist teasing Mal just a bit as he cuddled against Mal's side.

"Bì zuǐ. What happens now?"

"Now we spend the next nine months waiting, just like every other parent-to-be. And you try not to be over-protective. I've been given orders to handle you if you are," Simon grinned when Mal frowned at him.

"Does Kaylee know?"

"I don't know. River and I were on our way to tell her when the call came that you were injured. River assisted me in surgery, but then joined Kaylee. I haven't had a chance to talk to them, but I wouldn't be surprised if River has told her. Why?"

Mal shrugged lightly. "No reason really. Just curious."

"Guess we'll find out tomorrow. Why don't you try to get some sleep now? Your body needs it."

"Yeah, I'm not sure I'll be able to, though. Too busy thinkin' 'bout havin' a baby. Can you imagine? Us as parents. Who'd've ever thought, huh?"

"Yes, it is rather amazing," Simon smiled happily. "But we have time to get used to the idea. Right now you need to stop thinking and sleep. Let me see what I can do about that." He sat up and began gently caressing Mal's forehead, slowly working his way down to Mal's chest. "Relax, Mal. Feel my hands. Listen to my voice. Don't think. Relax. Feel. Listen."

As Simon caressed him and talked quietly, Mal slowly relaxed. He was almost asleep when he murmured, "Wŏ ài nĭ."

Simon leaned down and kissed Mal gently as he responded, "I love you, too," before joining his husband in sleep.

Chapter 7 River gives Kaylee the news

After assisting Simon with Mal's surgery, River joined Kaylee in the common room. They snuggled quietly for a while as River relaxed. She didn't usually assist Simon. Inara had become quite a competent nurse in the years since rejoining the crew, and usually assisted as she had at Becca's birth. Today, however, Simon had needed River's ability to anticipate what needed to be done, and done quickly. Once he'd determined that Mal's injuries were not life-threatening, she'd stayed with him rather than switch nurses in the middle of surgery. She was glad to have done it, but she was a bundle of nerves by the time surgery was finished. So many emotions, so close to the surface, made it harder for her to control her mind. Sitting with Kaylee always restored her equilibrium; it was one of the things that had drawn her to the mechanic in the first place.

Once Simon assured everyone that Mal was fine, and they all peeked in the infirmary to see both men sleeping quietly, everyone dispersed. Kaylee went to keep an eye on Serenity's engines, and River followed. She sat quietly for a time, letting the soothing sounds of the ship surround her and calm her mind. Eventually, though, she called, "Kaylee?"

"Yeah, sweetie?"

"Come? Sit?"

Kaylee came and sat, brushing the hair off River's forehead, as she asked, "Ya feeling better, now?"

"Yes. You and Serenity soothe me. Need to tell you…"

"What d'ya need to tell me, băo bèi?"

"Procedure worked. I'm pregnant."

"Oh. Ain't it awful soon to be sure?"

"No. Went to Simon. Took test. Positive."

"Oh. Well, how d'ya feel? Happy?"

"Yes, very happy. Simon is happy, too. How are you?"

"Stunned, I think. I know we been plannin' this, but now it's real, ain't it? You have a new life growin' in you! One that you'll give to Mal and Simon after it's born. It's a lot to absorb. But, I'm happy for you and them, really I am! Is there anythin' I can do for you?"

"Want pickles and ice cream."

"What? River, sweetie, we're out in the black! And I ain't sure we got any ice cream on board. Might be able to find pickles, but…"

"Kaylee?"

"Hmm?"

"April Fool!" River grinned at her lover.

"Oh, you!" Kaylee slapped River lightly on the arm before leaning in to kiss her soundly.

One thing led to another, and soon anyone caring to listen would have heard the sounds of sighs and moans added to the sounds of Serenity's engines as the ship continued traveling through the black.

Chapter 8