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

OMG, this took me forever( took some inspration from Serenity novelization ). I wrote myself into a corner, but I think I’ve kicked the corner’s ass. There’s more to come. I hope to post soon and appreciate all the wonderful comments I have received. Please comment and Happy Holidays!!!! ________________________________________________________________

They had left the infirmary after determining the results of her pregnancy test. Kaylee led an emotionally worn out Simon back to their room. She had just slipped off her shoes and was about to undress when he turned her around to face him. This was usually a playful move on his part but tonight his eyes were filled with trepidation. “Marry me.” It was more of a statement than a question. Kaylee looked at him, stunned. Her mouth refused to answer. “Kaylee, I just asked you to marry me.” Kaylee glanced down at the floor and muttered, “I know.” Simon was completely mystified. “And?” “Are ya askin’ ‘cause I’m gonna have a baby, or do ya really wanna marry me?” Simon had a feeling that she would respond to him this way. He had been going over in his head what he would say. “Kaylee, do you know why I chose Serenity?” Kaylee tilted her head and waited for him to continue. “You. I could’ve chosen any number of ships, all just as...” he smiled a little as he chose his words carefully, “disreputable as Serenity, but you drew me in. I think I began to fall in love with you that very day and-” Kaylee interrupted Simon by kissing him full on the lips. She pressed herself against him, deepening the kiss and Simon lost all thoughts of his orchestrated speech. “Say it again,” Kaylee whispered as their lips parted. “Marry me?” “No.” “No?” She gave him a quick kiss and smiled at him encouragingly. “No. The other one.” It finally dawned on him and his eyes lit up. “Oh...I love you.” “Okay, now ask.” Instead Simon kissed Kaylee thoroughly as he directed her to their bed. Laying her down gently, he pulled back to smile down into her lovely face. “Are ya gonna ask me?” “Maybe later.”

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The rumbling of Serenity landing awoke River from her drunken slumber. Inara stirred as well, patting River's shoulder as a pathetic groan escaped her mouth. After the room stopped spinning River sat up, but discovered that that was a big mistake. The pounding became intense, her head was swimming, Inara’s waking thoughts were slamming against her own. Everything was rushing all around her. River’s mouth began to salivate as her stomach turned. “I’m going to throw up.” Inara sprung into action, she was not going to lose another good rug! A well placed bucket that she had scrounged from the cargo bay the night before was sitting on the nightstand next to her. "Bucket!" River leaned over and expelled the last of the contents left in her stomach just as Inara thrust the bucket in front of her. River then fell back onto the bed and whimpered as a dull thudding replaced the more intense pounding that she had woken up to. Inara gingerly slid off the bed, trying her best not to spill the contents of the bucket. She left the still whimpering River on her bed and exited the shuttle, heading towards the disposal chute.

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Inara turned to face Mal as he came up behind her. The freshly dumped bucket still smelled of vomit, causing Mal to gag slightly. "I see River's up." "Yes, Mal, but she's in no condition for a diatribe." "Just let her know that she's gonna have to set some time aside for me and her to have a nice little chat about last night." "I am not your secretary." "No, but ya are her friend. Oh, and while you're at it, ya can tell the happy couple that they're next on my list!" "Mal..." Mal put a hand up to quiet her. “Ya know what, I’ll do it myself.” Mal stormed down the hallway to the stairs leading to the passenger dorms, muttering about kids having kids. Inara followed, exasperated, still with bucket in hand.

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Simon had left Kaylee sleeping peacefully in their bed. He had a preliminary knowledge of pregnancy, gestation periods and of course first hand knowledge of delivery, but it was rudimentary. He wanted to look over the test results more accurately than he had the night before, as well as beginning more tests and determining a due date. Busy work always seemed to calm him and it distracted him from thinking about the impending confrontation with Mal and dealing with his sister. He felt a little guilty leaving her with Inara but had decided it was too early for her to be up anyways. He had just pulled up a new text off the cortex when he heard pounding footsteps making their way down the back staircase. Simon quickly exited the infirmary and met Mal at the foot of the stairs. “Just the man I wanted to see.” “Captain.” Simon was sure Mal was going to deck him. “Where’s Kaylee?” Inara was trailing behind Mal with sensible concern plastered across her face. She placed her hand on Mal’s shoulder, trying to diffuse the situation. “Mal...” He shrugged her hand off and spat back without ever taking his eyes off of Simon, “Don’t you start.” “She’s asleep. She needs her rest.” “So, she really is then?” “Yes.” "Gorram it." "Thank you. You're elation is awe-inspiring." Simon figured if he was going to get hit, he might as well get a few good ones in. That’s it- Mal thought to himself as the anger began to build in his mind. His pilot was a lush and his mechanic was pregnant by the ship’s medic. Mal smiled with derision as he replied to Simon, “Happy felicitations.” He then swung. Simon had anticipated this and ducked, causing Mal to almost fall face first. Inara gasped behind Mal, but Simon stood his ground. Mal was a might impressed by Simon’s reflex, the boy was getting better at violence, or at least not getting hit so much. "Sir, we're runnin' late." All eyes turned to Zoe as she entered from the cargo bay. The insistence in her voice reminded Mal that they had work to do. “We’ll finish this later.” “Can’t wait.” Mal strode past Simon, fuming. Zoe gave Simon a wink as she turned to follow him. Inara closed the distance between her and Simon. “That man is going to have a heart attack.” Simon shook his head. “No, unfortunately he is too healthy for that, but I do believe his head might explode one of these days.” Inara looked at Simon with a conspirator’s smile.

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