based on the world of Firefly by Joss Whedon

---------------------------------------------

Christmas had come and gone on Serenity for several years now, the crew sharing odd gifts and when the jobs were good, having a canned ham with all the trimmings. This year, though, Mal wanted it to be special, to be perfect, because this year would be Cat's first on his boat and her first period.

Kaylee had tried several times to talk to the woman who not six months back decided to join the crew minus her partner in crime, 'Ski. It had been nice to have her around, both in a fight and in his bed. Even her beast had seem to calm down, not heard from since the fight between her and Falcon. Damn, those memories weren't ones he longed to remember.

"Mal." Jayne stood behind him as he turned, the big man thrusting a brown paper wrapped package into his hand. "Mom says she hopes it's what you wanted."

"I'm sure she knew what I was going for. Make sure to tell her thank you next time you speak." The captain tucked it under his arm as Jayne nodded. "Did you get everything set up?"

"Most of it...Kaylee said somethin' 'bout poppin' corn and string, but you know her and her ideas."

"Where's Cat?"

"Her and River were workin' with those big blades of hers in the cargo bay. Not sure I want that girl knowing how to fight with somethin' that can cut me in half."

"She's better, Jayne. That little girl has been good for her." Kitty had basically become a part of the crew, at least until they figured out where else to put her. Kaylee's folks had said they would take her in, but River had really taken a shine to her and the little girl had really help River.

"I got her a bear." Jayne whispered under his breath as he broke Mal's thoughts. "Little girl like her needs a bear. Found it when we were on Whitefall last."

"That was good of you."

"It's not like I like her any. She gets under my feet all the time and eats all the candy, but being it's Christmas..." Jayne shuffled his feet a little befor