Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me, just writing for fun.

All right, I know it’s not long but I’m still finishing up school and working a ridiculous amount! The two day best friend birthday drinking fest didn’t help much either, but what can you do? There is a surprise! Hope you like it and now that I take my final today, posts will be coming much faster! Please comment and hope to post soon!!!!!

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This was certainly goin' ta be good-Mal thought to himself as he took the seat next to Inara at the Frye's dining table. The spread before them could have fed an army. Grace Frye must have been cooking since dawn. But it wasn't just the food, Mal was watching Simon with quiet amusement.

They had ascended the stairs to the second floor, John Frye leading, but they could have just followed their noses. It was impressive; freshly baked bread, red bean dumplings, an assortment of vegetables, and a large goose as the center piece. Though it wasn’t a large space, the Frye’s had made their apartment over the shop tidy and inviting. Kaylee introduced everyone quickly, for fear they might all perish on the spot, being so close to a home cooked meal and not devouring it the second they saw it. She blushed a bit when introducing Simon to her father, but he never even wavered, politely shaking Simon’s hand and then motioned for them to sit.

It was a tight squeeze, they all barely fit. Everyone strategically placed themselves so that Simon had to sit next to Kaylee’s father. Simon knew by the slight grin on his sister’s face, and scowled right back at her.

Just as they were about to start passing around the food River quietly whispered, “Burning.”

“Oh, my pie!”

Grace Frye jumped out of her seat and bustled into the kitchen. They were waiting patiently, well Jayne was fidgeting, but mostly waiting patiently. Simon just wanted to start eating so that he wouldn’t have to speak.

"Just in time," Grace commented as she returned from the