"Okay," Kaylee grinned, pouring herself another mug of hot spiced cider. "Simon's back, y'all can start gettin' yerselves shitfaced again." Simon accepted a cup of egg nog from her as he sat down.

"Kaylee," Mal said, mildly shocked. "I ain't used to hearin' that language outta you."

River made a very serious face. "Our little girl is growing up, pa," she said, nearly managing to keep a straight face.

"I've heard worse outta you, lately," Mal grumbled. "What is with the women on this ship? Y'all been listenin' to Jayne too much?" He drained his cup of egg nog, and, feeling his head spin, decided to wait a few minutes before helping himself to another.

"Yeah, Mal," Jayne said, "I been holdin' lessons on how to swear like a sailor in the cargo hold every other Thursday. Somebody wanna fill me up?" He offered his empty mug, and Kate took it and filled it with egg nog. She got herself and Wash each a cup as well.

Taking a sip, she commented, "Wow, this is strong." She flushed a little, remembering how much rum she'd added and hoping Kaylee wouldn't figure her out.

"You're not wrong," Wash sputtered, nearly choking on the large gulp he'd attempted. "Good show, Kaylee."

Kaylee blinked. "I made it strong 'cause I know y'all complain when I don't, but it shouldn't oughta be that bad." She narrowed her eyes. "Who spiked it?"

Kate, Mal and Jayne all found something on the floor very interesting, all of a sudden.

"Cap'n!" Kaylee laughed. "You?"

"I figured it needed a little extra holiday cheer," he offered weakly.

"Jayne started it," River tattled, covering her mouth instantly. The words had slipped out without her meaning to say them. "I told him don't eat, but I didn't say don't taste, don't meddle. He meddled."

Kate's face was burning, though she couldn't tell how much of it was guilt and how much was drink. "I might have, er, Irished it up a little myself," she said, louder than she'd intended.

"Kate!" Kaylee giggled. "You know how much rum is in Granny's original recipe, don'tcha?"