DISCLAIMER: Don't own it, never did, just having fun playing.

A/N: This is primarily a Mal/Simon story, although some short stories that deal with minor plot points that involve other characters will be written as companion pieces. There are a couple of NC-17 chapters, but most of the story is PG-13.

A huge thanks to kispexi2 for betaing this, my first multi-chapter effort! Wouldn't want to do it without you!

For translations of the Chinese hover the mouse over the word or phrase, and the meaning should appear. If it doesn't, please let me know so I can try to fix it.

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Family--Part 1, Chapter 2 Simon asks Zoë a question.

Mal and Simon left their bunk, hand-in-hand, ready to face the day and their crewmates. Simon was wearing the new silk vest Mal had given him for their fifth wedding anniversary, and Mal had on the new suspenders that were Simon's gift to him. They figured they were in for some good-natured ribbing, and maybe even a party, due to the nature of the day, but together they could face anything.

Just before they stepped into the dining area, it began. There was a banner stretched across the doorway with the words "Happy Anniversary!" written on it in Chinese and English. It looked like Kaylee and River had done most of the work, but it also looked like they'd had some 'help'. Sure enough, there was the sound of a squeal and tromping feet coming from the kitchen before four-year old Edward 'Eddie' Alleyne Washburn launched himself into Mal's arms. "Unca Cap! Unca Doc! Looka what I he'p'd make!" he shouted as he pointed at the banner.

Mal smiled at him and asked, "Didja now? What part did you do?" He carried Eddie closer to the banner while they continued to discuss Eddie's help. Simon watched them in silence, smiling at the picture of Mal carrying their 'nephew'. He'd always thought Mal would make a wonderful father, and seeing him with Eddie the last four years had just reinforced that belief. Mal turned with a smile and held out his arm for Simon to j