Disclainer: Ain't mine, no pay.

Thanks: To Jacqui for beating my commas into submission and to Rion for the best ideas.

Rating: This section is PG-13 - it goes downhill from here.

Feedback: Oh yes, kind readers. I grovel nicely, do tricks even. Praise or gripe, it's appreciated, especially if you like a particular bit.

The Birthday Gift

Chapter Two

Shortly after Serenity made landfall on Beaumonde, the ship was bustling with the excitement that always came with a chance to get off ship and let down after the stress of completing a job. Shares had been portioned out and everyone was flush with coin.

Inara had scheduled appointments with two of her regular clients but wanted to make sure that Kaylee would be able to find and enjoy her much awaited birthday present.

“Meet me in the cargo bay at 5:00,” she told Kaylee quietly, “and I can get you situated in your room at Mama Angelina’s place. It’s a great old boarding house with wonderful big rooms, big private baths and home cooking and I think you’ll just love it! One of my clients took me there some time ago and I thought it would be just what you need to perk you up.”

Watching the conversation from the other end of the bay, there was no doubt in Jayne’s mind that something was up. He’d sensed it before Serenity ever docked on Beaumonde. Years of experience had honed his perception and intuition. Yep, the girls were up to something and he wanted to know what.

First Kaylee had been all reclusive and sulky. Fair enough, women get like that, he figured.

But then all of a sudden, she seemed mighty bubbly and cheerful and she and Inara had taken to meaningful glances and giggling together. It was enough to make a man wonder, especially a horny man with a head full of all sorts of imaginings.

Since it had been a while since he and Kaylee had been able to hook up, Jayne had it in his mind to see if he couldn’t coax her into some time alone somewhere off the ship and out of Mal’s earshot. Maybe