Into the Unknown

Chapter 1

By Belasera

Rated NC-17 for the series

A vague disclaimer is nobody’s friend: All recognizable characters, etc. belong not to me, but to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and Fox, and no money is being made here. The story, however, is mine.

Archiving: Sure, just tell me where it is so I can send my baby care packages with funny hats.

And there was a prologue posted, if you missed it.

For my Big Damn Hero

Life with Jayne isn’t all roses. In fact, there’s never any roses at all…

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Kaylee peeped her head into the infirmary, where Simon was busy doin’ his doctor work.

“Yoo-hoo”

He glanced up at her.

“I was hopin’ you had a minute. Um, I need…”

This would be the third time she asked Simon for a contraceptive shot. The first time had been painfully embarrassing for her, as she stammered out her request. But Simon had been professional about it, of course, and understanding. Still it wasn’t easy for her to ask, felt like a betrayal of sorts since she’d never really explained to him why she chose Jayne. Wasn’t even sure he’d care to hear it. Wasn’t sure he cared at all.

Simon waved away her timid explanation.

“I know, I have it ready for you. I was going to come and find you, actually. The contraceptives don’t work if they are not injected regularly.”

Kaylee nodded and hopped up on the med bed as Simon prepared the shot.

“You know, Simon, I feel like maybe I owe you an apology.”

“You don’t, Kaylee.”

“Well, it’s just…I liked you lots, Simon, still do. I’m sorry if I hurt you in any way, when I…”

“Really, you don’t have to explain. I like you too, Kaylee. Very much. But River needs so much of my attention that I doubt I could have ever spared enough for you.”

He laid his hand on her arm.

“Not that I didn’t want to.”

Kaylee smiled up at him.

“Thanks.”

………………………………………………………………………………………

Jayne was working out in the cargo bay when the sound of Kaylee’s voice caught his attention. He toweled off and walked towards the infir