Author: Gilove2dance Title: The Best Kept Secret Rayne_shippers October Chellenge Prompt: “Best Kept Secret”...could it have been anything more Rayne related? I laughed my head off. Disclaimer: Joss is bossWord Count: 592 Rating: G

A/N: Writin’ in an hour as I have no time thanks to midterms, assignments, essays, readings...why is university so bloody hard! Ai ya...

“Uh, Simon?” Wash sat down beside the doctor. “What are you doing?”

Simon jumped and almost cut himself. “I didn’t hear you come in,” he blushed and looked down at his work. “I’m whittling.”

“Did I know you could do that? Does anyone know you can do that?” Wash leaned over and picked up the rough piece of wood. A bird’s head was starting to emerge. “This is really good Simon. It seems you can carve more than just bullet out of injured people.”

“Thank you,” Simon smiled sheepishly. “Guess I just kept it secret because it’s not a skill that is of any importance out here in the black.”

“I guess you could say my dinos are my secret.” Wash chuckled at Simon’s look. “I know, I never could keep a secret.”

Simon nodded. “So now my secret’s out too.” Wash patted his arm. “But yours is so neat!”

“What’s neat?” Mal came into the galley, followed by the rest of the crew. They sat in their respective seats at the table.

“Well, Simon secretly knows how to carve! Look at this.” Wash handed Mal the bird. “My secret was my dinos but—”

“Everyone knows ‘bout them, dear.” Zoe leaned into him, smiling.

“I know.” Wash smiled back, his eyes crinkling. “Now I’m wondering what secret everyone else is keeping.”

“I have no secrets,” chuckled Zoe.

“Well, you do, but only I know them.” Wash leaned in to kiss her.

“And let’s keep it that way,” Mal jumped in.

“I gotta a secret no one knows,” bounced Kaylee. She looked at Simon. “I know I shoulda told you firs’ and all but I can’t wait no more...it’s so shiny!”

Simon smiled happily. “Oh, boa bei. I know already.” He took her hand. “I am a doctor.”

River giggled. “Two by two make three!”

“River’s right. I’m pregnant!” cried Kaylee.

The table erupted into cheers and shouts of congratulations. Mal was attempting to seem angry but his eyes twinkled, betraying his true emotion.

“And what ‘bout you, Cap’n?” asked Kaylee. “Any secrets hidden from us?”

Mal’s eyes flicked over to Inara. “Yep and they’re gonna stay that way.”

River snickered. “Some secrets aren’t so secret to others.” She flashed a smile when Inara and Mal both looked at each other and blushed.

“How about you River?” asked Wash.

“So many secrets. Some are mine, some aren’t. Those aren’t mine to tell.” River looked down.

“That’s okay, li’l witch,” Mal said.

"But Jayne has the best kept secret.” River glanced up at the mercenary and grinned evilly. “No one else knows it.”

Jayne glared at her. ‘Ya best be keepin’ it that way, crazy.”

“No, no. You gotta tell.” Mal started to grin too. “I’m captain an’ I wanna know!”

“Aww, hell no! Ain’t gonna like it none,” rumbled Jayne. “I told ya not to say anythin’ crazy. ‘S too early.”

River blushed. “Secrets hurt sometimes and want to be shouted out. Are you ashamed?”

Jayne reached out and took her hand. “No, girl. I will never be ashamed of ya. ‘S you who should be ashamed.”

Mal looked at their entwined hands. “Wait a second. Are you telling me that—”

“Not ashamed. Care so much,” River interrupted. She reached up with her other hand and stroked Jayne’s cheek.

Jayne smiled. “My secret is that me ‘n River are...well, we’re toget’er.” River got up and sat in his lap.

“That is the best kept secret ever!” cried Wash enthusiastically as Simon and Mal started shouting.

“Who woulda thought?” smiled Kaylee happily.