Jayne grunted, lowering the bar to his chest then raising it again, exhaling as he did so. His muscles strained, and the sweat stood out on his face as he pumped the weight, once, twice more, before even his body was screaming enough . He managed to get the bar back in its cradle and sit up, his arms trembling with the effort. He wasn’t stupid – he knew he shouldn’t be doing this without a spotter, not with the kind of weights he was using, but there wasn't anyone he could ask. Leastways, not someone who wouldn’t want to talk to him about … things.

“Can’t sleep?” Mal asked, having watched the big man for a good minute before speaking.

“Looks like I ain't the only one,” the mercenary pointed out, glancing up at the captain standing on the catwalk above.

“Not me,” Mal said, walking slowly down the stairs. “Frey’s finding it a bit difficult to drop off at the moment, with Ethan and all. She asked me to get her a soother from the infirmary.” He didn’t add that she’d suggested he go and speak to Jayne on the way, give the big ox a chance to talk.

“She okay?” Jayne asked, pausing as he pulled the towel from around his neck.

“Still getting used to it,” Mal admitted. “Ethan’s good, sleeps through the night, but she’s finding it trying with all the feeding and everything.”

“My Ma had the same with Matty,” Jayne offered. “Used to make my Pa sit up with the baby so she could get some sleep instead of worrying all night.” He wiped his hands and grinned. “Though I’m surprised, now you can get sexing again, that she still can’t sleep.” He paused then added, “If you like I’ll take a turn watching him.”

“Um, thanks,” Mal said, surprised. “I might take you up on that.” He perched his buttocks on a nearby crate. “And sex don’t come into it.” He paused, thinking for a moment. “Well, not much. Mainly she worries she won’t be a good mother.”

“Freya’ll be fine.” Jayne stood up and stretched. “Ain’t never seen one so good at taking the lost under her wing.”

Mal laughed. “Not sure s