Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me, just writing for fun.

All right, I know it’s not long but I’m still finishing up school and working a ridiculous amount! The two day best friend birthday drinking fest didn’t help much either, but what can you do? There is a surprise! Hope you like it and now that I take my final today, posts will be coming much faster! Please comment and hope to post soon!!!!! ________________________________________________________________

This was certainly goin' ta be good-Mal thought to himself as he took the seat next to Inara at the Frye's dining table. The spread before them could have fed an army. Grace Frye must have been cooking since dawn. But it wasn't just the food, Mal was watching Simon with quiet amusement. They had ascended the stairs to the second floor, John Frye leading, but they could have just followed their noses. It was impressive; freshly baked bread, red bean dumplings, an assortment of vegetables, and a large goose as the center piece. Though it wasn’t a large space, the Frye’s had made their apartment over the shop tidy and inviting. Kaylee introduced everyone quickly, for fear they might all perish on the spot, being so close to a home cooked meal and not devouring it the second they saw it. She blushed a bit when introducing Simon to her father, but he never even wavered, politely shaking Simon’s hand and then motioned for them to sit. It was a tight squeeze, they all barely fit. Everyone strategically placed themselves so that Simon had to sit next to Kaylee’s father. Simon knew by the slight grin on his sister’s face, and scowled right back at her. Just as they were about to start passing around the food River quietly whispered, “Burning.” “Oh, my pie!” Grace Frye jumped out of her seat and bustled into the kitchen. They were waiting patiently, well Jayne was fidgeting, but mostly waiting patiently. Simon just wanted to start eating so that he wouldn’t have to speak. "Just in time," Grace commented as she returned from the kitchen," Well, let's not be shy, dig in." This elicited a chuckle from every one as they all eagerly began to dish up plates. Kaylee’s smile hadn’t left her face, even while she was filling it. Simon couldn’t help but find himself smiling at her, her joy. The dinner passed with relative ease, there was wine and beer passed liberally, though Simon barely drank. He knew he became a little too forthcoming when he drank and didn't want to let anything slip in front of Kaylee's parents. Grace led most of the conversation. She told stories of Kaylee’s childhood, having the whole table laughing, even Kaylee’s father cracked a smile or two through out the meal, though never speaking a word. Simon thought that last night must have been a good sign. Nearing the end of dinner, Kaylee laid down her chopsticks in defeat. “Mama, I just can’t stop eatin’, it’s all so good.” “That’s because of the baby.” The table conversation ceased instantly. Jayne nearly spit his mouthful across the table, Inara inhaled deeply, Zoe covered her mouth, stifling shocked laughter from coming out, and Mal looked down at his plate, not quite sure whether to burst out laughing or begin a tirade. Kaylee and Simon just looked at each other with wide eyes, not even noticing anyone else around them, while Kaylee’s parents simply looked at who uttered the explanation to Kaylee’s hunger. All eyes turned to a giggling River, who was completely drunk! “Well, this was a lovely dinner, “ Inara complimented Grace, quickly standing to retrieve River from the table, “ We all do hope to come visit again. Thank you so much.” Mal stood up, as well as Zoe, but Jayne remained seated. “Wait, we don’t get no pie?” “Jayne.” Zoe sent Jayne a death stare and he knew if he didn’t remove himself from the table that second she truly might shoot him, right then and there. Jayne grabbed the drumstick on his plate and rose to leave. Inara ushered a still giggling River out the door and down the stairs, followed closely by the rest. Simon and Kaylee were still staring at each other, and then the dream of the mystery man with the exceedingly enormous gun shooting at him flooded into his brain. Turning to face Kaylee’s father, Simon began to stutter, “Sir, I-” He was interrupted by Kaylee’s outburst of laughter. Simon really couldn’t see the humor in this situation. She began laughing so hard that tears were streaming down her face. Grace Frye just leaned over and hugged her daughter, joining with her own excitement. Simon leaned back in his chair perplexed. He stiffened when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Simon looked at John Frye with a mix of fear and bewilderment. “That’s al’right son, I never understood them none neither.”