With Serenity back in the Black, it was time to get back to normal. Mal was happy that there was plenty to do that would allow him not to think too much on Inara. It would take time to get her out of his system, he knew that, but life goes on and she had made it clear that she did not want him around. Well, not clear exactly, as muddy as usual in fact, but there was little he could do but accept it. He heard Zoe yell that breakfast was ready for those who wanted it. He was not hungry and for some reason still nursing strained muscles and a massive bruise on his head, though he could not remember how. Apparently not the only one either. It was normal practice for the crew to sort out their own breakfasts, but most of them were still suffering from an over-abundance of Frye moonshine in their systems and he guessed they were still part of the hangover club. He could not blame them, that moonshine was lethal and a lot of Simon’s bachelor party was an entire mystery to him – probably why it was such a success.

“So?” said Karl to Jayne. They were not sitting at the table but in the seating area. Jayne toyed with his fried protein wearing a half-turned smile on his face.

“So what?”

“You’ve been walking around with a huge grin on your face for two days an’ not said a word.”

“Oh that,” he said flatly, not elaborating. Karl starred at him in disbelief and persevered.

“So you had a good time at the wedding?”

“Yes,” replied Jayne simply. Karl snorted.

“And afterwards…?”

“Don’t wanna talk about it.”

“Oh come on! I told you about Bane. It’s no different.”

“Like I said, I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“Knock you back, did she?” said Karl, knowing the opposite. He put down his spoon and patted him on the shoulder. “Never mind. I guess we all had her pegged wrong.” Jayne shook his head.

“Not wrong – just don’t wanna talk about it.” Jayne was getting annoyed that Karl kept pushing him. He really did not know why he was feeling all secretive about it, but he just was and could not exp