FIC SERIES TITLE = Pivotal Moments

This four-part story is the result of a collaboration with my dear friend and soon to be roommate, Mike. The writing game is not new to Mike. It is to me. We’ve both been into Firefly for nearly a year now and both are huge fans of the fanfic. Mike doesn’t have an LJ account (yet), but has read over my shoulder for a long time. Anyway, this is a result of mutual brainstorming and rewrite sessions. We hope you enjoy.

Dedicated to Squish. Thanks for bugging me to write until I actually did it. Thanks also for your great beta work and the inspiration your own writing is. It’s been a treat working on this with you.

Jaylee. Set approximately three and a half years post BDM.

Flashbacks in Italics.

Background: After Miranda, Kaylee and Simon were involved seriously for approximately eighteen months. Their relationship, though not horrible, had been unable to live up to the build-up they had both given it in their minds. They parted peacefully and had remained very good friends. Nine months prior to this story, Kaylee’s long-time friendship with Jayne had taken a very sudden romantic turn. They fell quickly and easily into a relationship that has been humming along since….

Chapter One: Anniversaries

“So, you all packed an’ ready?” Jayne casts a sideways glance at Zoe as she throws a handful of spice into the soup pot and stirs it. She freezes, stiffens. His question startled her. They have been working on this meal together in silence for the better part of an hour, neither one being much for small talk and both being fairly preoccupied with their own thoughts surrounding their evening plans. Jayne quickly looks back down at the vegetables he was chopping for a salad.

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Zoe answers honestly; she doesn’t look up from the pot, “This part hasn’t gotten any easier.”

Zoe has been preparing for a two-week leave. She calls it ‘leave’ as it’s going to be far from a vacation. She is going to visit Wash’s p