Disclaimer: Whedon and associated owned. No financial gain on my part.

Jayne liked how Jazmine fussed over them. Him. Familiar, like having Mom or a sister around. Good cook, always trying to make sure everybody had something they liked, least ways once in a while. The thought started to ravel on its own, and he followed it unwilling. Something was up though, not sure what. Just a little .. not quite all there was to it. Not much in a fight, but better than nothing. Kept her head and used it. Still didn’t know what she saw in the captain, but if she kept Mal off his back he was all for it. Gettin’ a touch waddly now. Like Zoe.

Zoe was gettin’ unsettlin’ large. Didn’t do to make jokes in ear shot of her. Not if you was fond of your man parts.

Didn’t like the idea of all them kids underfoot. Ain’t right to be raised like that on a little ship. Kids need room to tear ass around. Accidents just waiting to happen. Zoe’d purely go berserk if anything happened to one of hers. Wouldn’t want to be on the business end of that one.

Only a matter of time ‘fore Kaylee started in with the breeding. Dozens of little Simons running around knowing everything at you. Enough to shrivel your cod.

Maybe it was time to start thinkin’ about jumping ship. Best berth and cut he’d found so far, though. When they had work, that was. Been steadier lately. Shanty seemed to be good luck, mostly. Could almost forgive her the bees.

“Where we gonna put em all any ways?” he wondered out loud. Conversation at the table stopped. Implements paused in mid shovel. Zoe’s eyebrow raised, waiting for clarification.

“Beg pardon?” asked Mal.

“I said where we gonna put ‘em all?” repeated Jayne.

Simon looked around. “Who?”

“All the kids comin’. Gonna get ruttin’ crowded, this keeps up.” Jayne continued.

“He’s right.” admitted Jazmine.

“We’ll make room.” said Mal.

“Ship’s still not that big.” countered Jayne.

“We’ll stop dirt side and let ‘em run around.” Mal said, with a look that indicated further