The beginning of some Jayne and Kaylee goodness. PG-13ish here, but NC-17 in later chapters. Several chapters to follow, so if you like it, let me know, and I'll post them! Feedback is appreciated, it's my first fanfic, so be nice!

Special thanks to Mordsith for the beta!

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“I’m just sayin’!” Jayne rolled his eyes at Kaylee as he poured another cup of…well, of something resembling coffee. “Mal don’t treat you same as the rest of us. Babies ya. Lets you say things he’d throw the rest of us out for.”

“That ain’t so Jayne!” Kaylee’s voice rose dangerously. “Cap’n treats me same as everybody else! Don’t need no babyin’!” This conversation was hitting on one of Kaylee’s secret fears—that Mal saw her not as a crew member, but someone who needed protecting. That she was nothing more than a little girl to him, and everybody else on the ship.

“You fire a gun when I’m not lookin’? You able to knock a man out?” Jayne was oblivious to any emotion. “Why you hollerin’ Kaylee? Just speakin’ truth at ya is all.”

“What the hell is all the ruckus?” Mal walked in to see little Kaylee standing toe to toe with Jayne, fully believing that she was the only crewmember he’d allow to do it.

“Kaylee’s shriekin’ like a pig in shit Mal.” Jayne bit the heel off a loaf of bread, and continued on with his mouth full. “Don’t like me callin’ her the baby.”

“I hate you Jayne Cobb!” Beside herself, Kaylee stormed from the room in tears.

Mal frowned at Jayne, and looked after Kaylee, wondering which issue to address first. He settled for following his mechanic, mumbling curses under his breath.

Jayne set his feet up on the table and sipped his coffee.

Kaylee threw herself into her hammock, sulking. Serenity’s engine room was quite possibly her favorite place on the ship, but today, it held no solace for her. She hadn’t been having her best day ever, and Jayne’s usual brash manner just sent her over the top. She’d been doing some thinki