Title: Revelations Rating: PG Synopsis: Kaylee and Simon’s announcement is not met with the congratulations they’d hoped for and it causes another unexpected revelation.

Timeline: 5 months after wedding, 4 months after All good things must come to an end

Notes: Next part of a series beginning with : And So It Begins, Kiss Me, Coming Together, Tell Me, What’s Proper?, Tears , Peekaboo, Impatient, Waking Up is Hard to Do, The Talk, I See You, Exhaustion, Moving Day, Celebration, Surprise , Vacation, Reunion, Manipulation, Baby Talk, A First Time for Everything, The Way It Is, A Special Day, Girl Talk, The Gift, Breaking It In, Making Plans, Friends and Enemies, Where I Belong , Private Time , All good things must come to an end, Moving On, Questions and Answers, The Secrets That We Keep, Revelations

Disclaimer: This story is not meant to infringe on the copyright of any person or company related to the trademarked characters and situations depicted in the Serenity movie or Firefly series. I make no money from this. Only done for fun – and a desperate craving to have more stories told about this wonderful ‘verse Joss Whedon created.

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“Badger’s people finally come through?” Mal looked over River’s shoulder to the Cortex screen beneath her fingers.

“As much as he ever intended to help us, yes.”

Zoe stood to one side, arms folded across her chest. “His own private battle cruiser isn’t going to be easy to access, Sir.”

“We’ll find a way.” Mal glanced down at River. “Your feelings lil’ Albatross?”

“Never listened to them before.”

Mal winced, knowing she was referring to her warnings about trusting Badger. If he’d heeded them, Kaylee and Inara wouldn’t have been attacked, their lives turned upside down due to the unnecessary trauma.

“Well, I want to know now.”

“Won’t get to him.”

Mal frowned and rolled his eyes.

River turned to Mal, her face expressionless. “It’s not time.”

~*~

Kaylee paused as she walked by the infirmary. She was still a bit dizzy and she felt very weak. Even loosing what was left of her dinner from last night hadn’t really made her feel any better. She wanted to go back to bed but she was too curious as to why her husband was up so early.

Simon had been locked in there for a long time with Inara. Kaylee knew he didn’t think anyone had seen him usher the graceful woman into the room, but Kaylee had been awake, and it wasn’t like him to be secretive. Even the blinds had been drawn down over the windows, and the door was shut. He only tended to do that when he was performing a physical.

With a sigh, Kaylee returned to their room and lay back down, waiting for Simon to return so she could ask him what he’d been doing up so early in the morning – and if Inara was ok.

~*~

Simon looked up from his datapad with an unreadable expression. “Well, this confirms it.”

Inara nodded with a sigh. It really wasn’t news to her but she needed to know. She’d waited just about as long as she could. Mal, of anyone, would begin to notice soon. If he hadn’t already. “I wanted to be sure.”

Simon nodded. “Does –“

“Not yet,” Inara shook her head as she shifted uncomfortably in the exam chair. She needed to talk to Simon about running a few other tests as well, but she didn’t want to discuss it, not now.

Simon nodded, truly unsure what to say. “There are a few other tests I would like to run. Some supplements I would like to give you.”

Inara nodded, her hands folded in her lap.

Simon was concerned that Inara didn’t appear to be happy about this news. Apparently the women on this ship felt it necessary to hide these things from their men. He would never understand the species. Ever. “If you need anything, please come to me.”

Inara smiled kindly and slid off the exam chair. “Thank you, Simon.”

As she turned to leave, Simon took a step forward. “There are a few things I need to start purchasing for Kaylee. I can just –“

“Yes, I understand.” She turned and met his concerned expression. “Thank you for your silence in this matter.”

Simon nodded as Inara pulled open the door and swept gracefully out of the room. Turning back to his equipment, he began cleaning and sterilizing, making notes in Inara’s chart – he kept one on every crew member – before returning to Kaylee.

~*~

Kaylee rolled over when Simon returned to their room. “Sweetie?”

Simon looked toward the bed and winced. “I’m sorry, bao bei, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Kaylee yawned and clutched her towel as Simon sat down and brushed his hand across her forehead. When he looked down at the towel she held, his eyes narrowed in concern. “Still sick?”

“Am hopin’ it ends soon.”

A small smiled tugged at Simon’s lips. “Pregnancy affects women in different ways.” He lay down beside her and pulled her gently into his arms, rubbing his hands soothingly over her back. “I can give you some more bendectin if you like. It’s completely safe for the baby.”

Kaylee relaxed into his arms, yawning. “Naw, the worst is done, well, for now. Was just keepin’ the towel nearby in case I couldn’t get to the sink.”

Simon nodded and kissed her temple. They lay there for a few moments in silence before Simon slid his hand down to her barely rounded belly. Just the thought of their baby growing inside her filled him with more joy than he ever thought possible. He’d been so afraid of bringing a child onto a ship, but now, his every waking moment was filled with thoughts of this baby; a perfect little combination of himself and Kaylee. The fear was gone, replaced by an overwhelming excitement and eagerness to meet this little one.

He could feel Kaylee smile against his chest as he nuzzled the top of her head with his cheek. She shifted closer to him and pressed his hand to her abdomen.

“’Nara ok?”

Simon tensed ever so slightly which caused Kaylee to lift her head, eyes narrowed in concern.

Simon forced a smile to his face. “You know I can’t discuss my patients with you.”

Kaylee frowned, her eyes searching his. “I know but –“

Simon placed a finger on her lips. “Why don’t you speak to Inara about it?”

Kaylee sighed and returned her head to his chest. She knew better than to argue ethics with her husband. “I’ll do that.”

Simon hugged her tight, and flattened his hand on her belly again, wanting to feel the little life fluttering within. It was still too early though. They wouldn’t feel anything for another month or more. “So – when do you want to tell the crew?”

Kaylee’s smile returned and her eyes brightened. “Tired of keeping the secret, sweetie?”

Simon rubbed his hand over her little bulge. “Well, we’re not going to be able to keep the secret much longer. You’re almost four months along now. We need to get you some new clothes too.”

“Not afraid the Cap’n’s gonna toss ya out the airlock?” Kaylee giggled as she reminded him of his old fears.

“Not with my crazy sister who could crash the ship into the nearest moon, and my crazy wife who could disable said ship.” His eyes twinkled as he bent to kiss her forehead.

Kaylee’s fingers found her way to his ribs and started to mercilessly tickle him. “And don’t you forget it!”

When he caught her hands and rolled them over, pinning her gently beneath him, he stared into her lovely wide eyes. His heart fluttered against his ribs with love for this beautiful woman and their baby. He tilted his head and brushed his lips against hers.

Slowly, the kiss deepened and Simon released her arms, rolling off her and pulling her against him.

“God, I love you Kaylee.” He closed his eyes and held her tight, keeping one arm wrapped around her shoulders, his other hand protectively covering the little life inside her.

Kaylee sighed and snuggled closer, feeling safe and loved in his strong embrace. “We’ll tell ‘em at lunch.”

~*~

When Simon and Kaylee finally made it into the galley, everyone was already there. Mal and Inara were arguing about something while Zoe and River sat quietly eating their lunch. Jayne, as was his usual habit, simply stared at the bickering couple with an amused grin.

Simon guided Kaylee to a chair and kissed her cheek, before going to get two bowls from the cabinet.

“I just don’t think this is the right time to be going after him.”

“Ya been arguin’ ‘bout this for month’s ‘Nara, ya ain’t gonna change his mind.” Jayne muttered around a mouth-full of food.

“I think he should,” Simon said as he spooned a good portion of food into Kaylee’s bowl. When she frowned at him, he set his jaw and refused to look away until she took a bite.

“Shen me?”

Simon swallowed nervously. Well, it was time to tell the crew. He glanced down at River, whose eyes were curiously averted. She had to know already, though he hadn’t said anything.

“Simon, you –“

“Kaylee and I have an announcement to make.” He took his wife’s hand and squeezed it tightly.

Zoe glanced slowly up at the couple seated at the end of the table. Her eyes flickered for a moment but she said nothing. Everyone else turned their attention toward Simon and Kaylee.

Inara smiled tentatively, thanking the Gods they were making this announcement now. It would make hers all that much easier.

“We –“ Simon glanced down into Kaylee’s smiling face, “are going to have a baby.”

Jayne leaned back in his chair, a smug smile passing across his face as he waited for the fireworks to begin. He looked at Mal, at the man who had insisted all those months ago that no babies were allowed on his ship without his prior consent.

Everyone was silent for a moment before Inara broke the silence and glided over to Kaylee, enveloping her in a big hug. “Congratulation’s mei mei.” She pressed a kiss to the younger girl’s temple as Mal stood.

The expression on his face was nearly unreadable, save for the angry flicker in his eyes.

“Congratulations,” Zoe said to Simon and Kaylee as Mal opened his mouth. She hoped she’d deter him from saying something he didn’t truly mean.

It didn’t work.

Mal stood slowly and leaned his hands on the table. “What’d I tell you two about bringin’ a kid onto my boat?”

Kaylee’s bottom lip began to tremble and Simon stood quickly, anger welling in his eyes. “It’s not your decision, Captain.”

“An I think you’re wrong –“

Inara pushed herself to her feet, glaring at the Captain. Her hands trembled and there were tears in her eyes. “Bi zui, Mal! It is not your decision. They are married. And they are going to have a family. Why can’t you be happy for them?”

Mal turned on her, his moth agape. “Now, listen here, ‘Nara – ”

“You ben tian sheng de yi dui rou!” Inara gestured at Kaylee, whose tears had begun to fall. “Look at her. Can’t you at least pretend to be happy for them!” She turned on her heel and hurried out of the room as a fresh wave of nausea rose like bile in her throat.

A sob escaped Kaylee’s lips and Simon protectively draped an arm around her shoulder. But she would have none of it as she slowly stood and sent a withering glare in Mal’s direction. “Cao ni zuxian shi ba dai, Malcom Reynolds.” With those last scathing words, she hurried out of the room and toward the safety of her bunk.

“Saw that comin’,” Jayne drawled as he took another bite of his now cold lunch.

River stared at the table, silent tears crawling down her cheeks. She wasn’t sure if knowing was worse than not knowing. But some things, even she couldn’t see and that caused more pain than everything they had done to her at the Academy combined.

Zoe favored Mal with a withering glare. She didn’t bother to speak. The disapproving glare spoke volumes.

Simon’s hands clenched into fists as he grit out through clenched teeth, “we are keeping our baby, Captain. If you can’t accept that, put us off on the next planet we pass.” He turned and walked back to his bunk, hoping this new turn of events didn’t cause too much stress on Kaylee and their baby.

When River finally looked up, Mal was struck by how young and vulnerable she appeared. Tears streaked her face and she regarded him with such a sad look that he wondered, yet again, why he had had such a violent reaction to the news of the impending arrival.

River stopped beside him, her voice low and pained. “Because you know. Deep down. Locked away. You know what happened. And you’re afraid.”

Mal stared after her not understanding, or maybe not wanting to, as she walked out.

~*~

“We’ll leave bao bei, if he doesn’t want us here. If he can’t accept it.” Simon tried to comfort Kaylee as best he could. He knew his words were not something she wanted to hear. But they need to be said. Even in her distress, Simon had to make it clear that he would take care of her, wherever they were. He rocked her in his arms, tears of anger prickling his eyes. He protectively cradled her gently swelling belly in his hands. “I will make a home for us, somewhere. I promise you.”

“Don’t wanna leave, Simon,” Kaylee cried, wetting his shirt with her tears.

“I know. I know.” Simon pressed a kiss to her hair. “Maybe after he’s had time to think. After he’s talked with Inara –“

“’Nara ain’t gonna be able to change his mind ‘bout this. He’s stubborn. He ain’t wanted kids on his boat ever. Argued with Zoe and Wash over it too.” Kaylee snuggled against him and placed her hands over his, desperately wanting to feel their baby.

Simon stared at the far wall, a small smile spreading across his face. “Oh, I think she might.”

~*~

With a resigned sigh, Mal crept into the shuttle, feeling like a complete and utter ass. It was bad enough no one on his crew was talking to him, except Jayne. And that emotionless cad didn’t count. Not this time. He’d spent a good amount of time thinking, wondering, trying to understand why he had such a terrible reaction to the news. River confused him even more, but he knew he needed to make things right with Inara, before apologizing to Simon and Kaylee.

The door to the shuttle sat open, giving him some measure of hope that Inara would at least be willing to speak with him. But his heart sank into his gut when he stepped around the silk curtain hiding the aesthetically unpleasing door and found Inara sitting on the couch, staring at him as if she’d been waiting.

“Get out.”

Her cold, icy tone drove an emotional stake through his heart.

He held out his hands. “Inara, let me –“

“No.” Inara interrupted him and clutched the small piece of fabric she held in her lap even tighter. She was glad he refused to leave. It gave her some hope. “If you won’t leave, you are going to listen to me. And you are going to listen very carefully.”

Mal swallowed hard, the tone in her voice sending uncomfortable chills down his spine. He had a sudden feeling that he had just ruined the best thing that had ever happened to him. And he truly didn’t understand why. He stood still, waiting for Inara to begin.

She stood, clutching some unidentifiable piece of material in her hands, and walked slowly over to him. “Do you know what this is?” She held up the old and tattered piece of fabric.

Mal blinked. He’d never seen it before. It looked like an old baby blanket.

Inara smoothed the fabric reverently. “It used to be mine. It’s all I have left of my childhood.”

He suddenly understood. Or thought he did. “You were going to give it to –“

“Shut. Up. Mal.”

He closed his mouth as the tears slipped down her cheeks. He wanted to wipe them away. He wanted to say he was sorry – for everything. But her icy glare pinned him in place.

She moved to the bedside table and took a newer, softer blanket embroidered with bright, cheerful Chinese symbols. He’d never seen this either. It matched the wall hanging in Simon and Kaylee’s room perfectly. The one River had given them as a wedding gift.

Inara brushed her fingers across the soft fabric and then turned cold eyes on Mal again. “No, we were going to give this to Simon and Kaylee for their baby.” She walked toward him and placed it in his hands, closing his fingers around it.

Mal didn’t understand.

Inara clutched the tattered remnant of her childhood to her chest before meeting his eyes. “This blanket is for my baby.”

TBC

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Medical terms:

Bendectin – anti-nausea medication which combines an antihistamine with vitamin B6.

Chinese Translations:

Bi zui - shut up Ben tian sheng de yi dui rou - stupid inbred stack of meat Cao ni zuxian shi ba dai- fuck 18 generations of your ancestors!