Title: Pirate Children

Rating: PG (a little bit of Firefly swearing)

Setting: approximately 15 years post-BDM, AU

Pairings: mostly M/I, references to Z/W, S/K, Jayne/Vera

Summary: “Well, it’s not my fault the boat started floating away from the dock when you tried to get out,” Serra is defending as grandmother and grandchildren reenter the household before lunch. “It’s just a pant leg. Don’t be such a Baby Abey.”

Author's Note: More time with the crew (which I'm nervous about) and a bit of resolution on the mother-daughter front. Thanks for the great feedback!

Part 3

“Well, it’s not my fault the boat started floating away from the dock when you tried to get out,” Serra is defending as grandmother and grandchildren reenter the household before lunch. “It’s just a pant leg. Don’t be such a Baby Abey.” “Hey. We don’t use that nickname anymore,” Abram fires back, shaking his wet shoe and pant leg. “Not since you slugged Kacey for using it, at least.” “Ah, bi zui, Mei-Mei. I was five.” Oh yes, her children have returned, bickering and all. Inara, from her place in the laundry room with Umm Hafi, can hear their conversation as they enter through the kitchen door. Their entrance that way is a surprise; Zuri Serra almost always uses the side door, not the kitchen door. “I’m going to go get cleaned up for lunch, lao lao,” Abram says, his voice passing close to the door. Inara stops mid-fold. “Did he just?” Umm Hafi nods, a smile on her face. She has spent half of the morning in the presence of Inara’s often delightful children and the other half in a ritual she used to share with Inara in her childhood, folding laundry and discussing life. “Did you?” “No. She must have. Or they’ve come up with it on their own.” “I wonder where Mama and Daddy are,” Serra says to her grandmother. “They must be somewhere around her,” Zuri answers. They’re still in the kitchen. “Mei-Mei, in here!” Inara calls, rising and opening the laundry door. “Hey you,” Serra giggles and hugs her. “Hello, bao bai. Did you have fun in the park?” “Oh yeah,” Serra grins. “We bumped into Ally, Lolly, and Kacey by the pond. They’re coming to lunch tomorrow. And then lao lao went on a boat ride with us. Abram did the rowing, since he’s the strong one.” Inara is torn between being happy her daughter had such a good time and angry her mother took the children without her permission. And then she remembers the boats in the pond, and nostalgia enters the equation. “I used to love the boats when I was your age, Mei-Mei. My daddy took me out on them all the time.” Serra smiles at that. “Where’s my Daddy?” “Helping Leo fix the security system. He should be in the foyer. Why don’t you go find him, then get washed up for lunch?” “Alright, Mama.” She pulls away and heads toward the door, calling, “Malcolm! Oh, Malcolm!” “That one is full of energy,” Umm Hafi laughs as she slips out of the laundry room to help the other two kitchen staff get lunch on the table. Inara sighs, “She’s full of something.” “We had a very nice time at the park,” Zuri says to her daughter once they’re left relatively alone. They’re only a few feet apart, but the distance feels so much greater. “You should have asked. They’re my children.” “I didn’t want to disturb you; you were still asleep when the children came down for breakfast. I wanted to show them around.” “It’s fine if they spend time with you, but…” “Is it?” Zuri interrupts. “Excuse me?” “Is it fine if they spend time with me, Inara?” “That’s the only reason we’re here, Mother.” “I want to be a part of their lives, Inara. I want to spend time with them, without the ice that hangs over the room whenever we’re together. I’m sorry I took them without asking you, but they had a good time and returned unscathed, save Abram’s shoe. I failed you, Inara, in so many ways. I know that. I won’t fail them.” The room is silent, charged with the emotion of Zuri Serra’s admissions, of Inara’s contemplation. “I knew he was sick,” Inara says quietly after long moments. “I’d always known. But neither of you trusted me enough to tell me until it was too late to say goodbye.” The confession seems off topic, but Zuri understands exactly what she means, who she means, and knows that this is extremely important to understanding their nearly three decade estrangement. “I’m too old to waste any more time being angry with you for the choices you’ve made in life, Inara. I was only a little younger than you are now when you came, and I was tired. These aren’t excuses; they’re facts. And too much time has passed for apologies to mean anything. I thought I was doing what was best for you, and your father couldn’t bear to see any pain in your eyes, your pity when you saw him. What’s happened has happened, and I know it will take awhile, but I’ve done much thinking. I want to be Abram and Serra’s grandmother.” Inara pauses and meets her mother’s eyes, brown like her own, like her children’s. “Then you should start by calling them Abe and Mei-Mei. He’s usually only Abram when he’s in trouble. And she sometimes forgets her name is Serra.” Zuri gives a watery smile. “I can’t promise you much, Mother. I can’t promise summers on Sihnon or frequent visits. Serenity can’t stay in one place too long, particularly in the Core, for a myriad of reasons, and neither can we. And I can’t promise that the pain I have will go away quickly, or ever. But for them, I’ll try. They love you: it’s in their eyes, their voices. We will visit as regularly as possible, and you are welcome to wave them whenever you want. But they can’t live in your world, and I don’t want you to have expectations that they will. Is that acceptable for you?” Zuri nods. “It is.” Another pause as the tension drains slowly from the room, the banging of kitchenware finally returning to their ears as lunch is moved into the dining room. “Your husband…” Inara stiffens, thinking her mother is about to ruin the brand-new armistice. “He’s not as bad as I expected. He seems an excellent father.” Inara smiles at that as the topic of conversation bursts through the door with Mei-Mei swinging upside down from one arm. “Awright, Mama, you take her. She’s gone land-crazy, I swear.” “What did you do?” Inara asks her younger child, lifting her off Mal’s arm and setting her upright. “I just called him Malcolm!” Mei-Mei objects. “And…” Mal prompts. “Cap’n Tightpants.” “And…” Mei-Mei tries to think this one over. “I said something else bad?” Mal glares at her. She giggles then. “Oh yeah! When he asked who I thought was in charge on Serenity I said, ‘Aunt River’.” Inara laughs. “Why did you say that, Mei-Mei?” “Uh, ‘cause she can kill us with her brain. I’m not taking that chance,” she says in all seriousness. “She does have a point, Mal,” Inara laughs even harder, then runs a hand over Serra’s head. “Only one braid this morning, Mei-Mei?” “I could only talk Abe into one. He was too impatient and cranky. I kept him up last night. He claims I kick.” “You do!” Mal cries. “I’ve had bruises from when I fall asleep when sittin’ with ya.” “Your brother did a nice job on your braid, Mei-Mei,” Zuri says, trying the endearment. Serra beams. “Yeah, he’s pretty good. Only the crew knows, though, so don’t tell anyone. It’ll ruin his image.” “Speaking of the crew, did you tell your mother who we saw at the park today?” “Ally!” “You did?” Mal asks. “By herself?” “With the other two children,” Zuri answers. “Miss Caramia was showing them around her former neighborhood, I understand. I invited them all to come to lunch tomorrow, and she’s accepted.” “Well this should be fun,” Inara comments, sarcasm evident. “I must warn you, it’s a rowdy bunch when all together.” “Hey!” Mal and Serra cry in unison, obviously taking offense. “That’s just Jayne,” Serra finishes, arms crossed over her chest. “Maybe they should leave him home.”

***

“We’re goin’ to lunch tomorrow?” Kaylee asks around the Serenity dinner table that night. “Shiny! Always wanted to see where ‘Nara was a little one. What do ya think the house is like?” “Large and empty,” Alistair Caramia says, passing a plate full of blue protein to Zoe beside her. “Only the mother and the staff live there anymore. Mrs. Serra’s a widow, and Inara is the youngest of the Serra children.” “How do you know all this?” Wash asks. Ally’s only been on Serenity for seven years and still seems to know more than those who lived with Inara for over fifteen. “Don’t you know, Dad? Ally knows everything,” Kacey teases, swiping a piece of fresh bread bought in the local market off of Leila Lee’s plate. She hits his hand with a fork until he drops it. “The Serras are a big family on Sihnon; our families have known each other in passing for several generations,” Ally explains. “Mrs. Serra had such pretty clothes,” Leila Lee gushes, “I bet the house is beautiful.” “Never said it wouldn’t be,” Ally smiles. “I’m sure it will be ridiculously beautiful.” “We get to get all dressed up and fanciful,” Kaylee beams. “Gorramnit,” Jayne groans, “I gotta get clean?” “You don’t have to come, Jayne,” Zoe says, “We’re all gonna have to be on our best behavior. Don’t wanna embarrass ‘Nara and the Captain.” “Stop looking at me, Mom. I can be good!” “Maybehaps Ally should give a refresher course on table manners after dinner,” the first mate continues after eying her son skeptically. “She’s been teaching us those since we were little, Aunt Zoe.” “Wasn’t talkin’ about the young ‘ens.” Her eyes go to Wash and Jayne, who look like they’re about to get into a food fight over the last piece of bread. “Oh, right. Proper-like,” Wash says, straightening up under his wife’s gaze. “Hear that Kacey? Manners.” “Lolly’s right, Dad: my manners are fine.” “Ya know, it’s kinda borin’, them four not bein’ ‘round,” Jayne says, munching on that last piece of bread. “Yes,” Simon says, obviously sarcastic, “No one’s thrown anything at anyone in two days. Whatever will we do for amusement.” “Broken teapots are their signs of affection,” River smiles, pushing away her plate and rising. “Teapots never broke at Inara’s house.” “What she said,” Ally laughs. “Alright, little ones, there are only two of you to clear the table again tonight, so you better get cracking.” “You’re the next youngest, Ally,” Leila Lee whines, “Why don’t you help?” “Hey, I’m on dish duty. I don’t have to touch those things ‘til they’re in the sink.” The rest of the adults push away from their table and return to their bunks or duties, leaving the two teens to their clearing. “We’re totally making Mei-Mei and Abe do this alone when they get back,” Leila Lee groans, dumping three plates in the sink. “For a week,” Kacey agrees. “It’s a mite weird, not having them here,” Lolly comments. “Yeah. We usually don’t spend more than half a day apart.” “Well, we got to see them this morning,” Lolly offers, giving a little shrug. “And we’ll see them tomorrow.” “We’ll be sick of them as soon as we hit the Black again,” Kacey laughs. Jayne has settled into the common area, pulling out his knife to spit shine. “Uck,” Leila Lee turns up her nose. “Yeah, he’s pretty disgusting. How’d I get named for him?” “Somethin’ about saving Uncle Wash’s life while Aunt Zoe was in labor with you. They used to tell the story all the time, but I can’t remember it now. Shouldn’t you know?” Kacey shrugs and drops the last load of plates and cups, tossing a wet rag to his “cousin”, who wipes the table quickly and then tosses it back. Leila Lee crosses to the comm and presses the button. “Alright, Ally, dishes are all yours. Kacey and I are headed to the cargo hold if anyone’s interested in horseshoes.” “Hey Sparky,” Jayne calls, using his nickname for the younger mechanical genius on board. She earned it when he found her stuck inside the mule trying to pry open one of the control panels. At age two. “Jayne! It’s bwoken!” Which it was. “I’m up for beatin’ you an’ lil’ Cobb in a game.” He puts his knife back and follows them out. He was fond of them as little critters, though they got a mite annoying with all the crying and the like, but he likes the teenagers aboard Serenity much better, since he doesn’t get in trouble for not censoring his mouth. He thinks if he’d ever been the settling type, he would have wanted kids like Leila Lee and Kacey: pretty strong, rather calm, smart enough. None of the drama the Reynolds kids bring to life, though the girl’s bringing a little more now that she’s crossed into adolescence. Not that he doesn’t like spending some time with Abe and Mei-Mei every now and again. Those two can make him laugh quicker than anything, the trouble they pull on their parents, and the boy’s pretty quick with a pistol when his mama’s not around, but it’s easier to stand the older two. He thinks maybe he’ll take to the youngest kid aboard Serenity once she’s a little older: she’s got nothing but fire in her. “We will beat you someday, Jayne,” Kacey says as the three nod to Ally entering the eating area. “Well, today ain’t that day, lil’ Cobb.”

***

Abram settles into a chair in the central courtyard, book in hand, watching his sister and cousin play in the grass as the sun sets. The book he’s borrowed from his grandfather’s library, which his grandmother’s permission, of course. It’s old and bilingual, Arabic and English. “What do you have there?” his grandmother asks, coming to stand next to the chair. “Ah, the Koran. Interesting. Have you ever read it?” “No, ma’am. I’ve heard of it, though, when we’re learning about different religions.” “Is there a predominant religion aboard your ship?” Zuri asks, making conversation. Abe shrugs. “Can’t say there’s just one. I guess Christianity’s pretty big. Serenity had its own Shepherd once. I’m named for him. So yeah, Christian or agnostic. Or atheist. Except Mei-Mei, Mama, and I. Well, mostly Mama and I. Mei-Mei just likes setting the incense on fire.” “And you are?” “Buddhist. Mostly.” “Yes, the religion of the Guild. I’d forgotten. That Koran has been in the Serra family for several generations. The first Serras who settled on Sihnon were Muslim.” “And now?” “There hasn’t been much religion practiced in this house for awhile. Your uncle dabbled in Islam after tracing our roots, but nothing really came of it.” Abe nods. “You should have the Koran. It’s only gathering dust here. Share it with your tutor; study it a little. That book caused many wars on Earth-That-Was.” “Thank you, lao lao,” Abe smiles, running a finger down the spine of the book. “Why aren’t you out there?” Zuri asks, nodding towards the little girls playing tag in the green grass, tripping and laughing. “Not a tag fan?” “Oh, no. I’m the tag champion,” Abe laughs. “It’s just… Mei-Mei doesn’t really have any friends her age. We’re all older that her, by a lot. I thought I’d let her have some alone time. And I don’t want to embarrass her in front of Sue Ling, because I always win at tag.” “I see.” They return to a comfortable silence, Abe cracking open the old book and beginning to read the English, occasionally looking up to watch the girls tumbling around. Zuri leaves him to his reading, joining her daughter and daughter-in-law on the other side of the courtyard. “Your girls seem to get along well,” she says to them. They look up from their conversation and invite her to join them on the wicker sofa. Jiang Li Serra is a kind, pretty woman of Sino heritage, just a little older than Inara, though more timid than Zuri’s daughter could ever be. Jiang Li passed on her timidity and nearly black Sino eyes to Sue Ling, though the sweet little girl has the Serra curls and a bright smile to melt the coldest hearts. Jiang Li and Inara seem to be getting on well enough, from what Zuri’s seen, and the matriarch is glad for that. The two Mrs. Serras spend much more time together than Zuri spends with either of her daughters. “Mei-Mei’s glad to have company her own age,” Inara says, “She sometimes feels left out on Serenity.” “So Abe’s told me. And Sue Ling has been begging for a younger sister, hasn’t she?” Jiang Li laughs. “Yes, and this is the closest she is going to get.” “Why don’t you let her sleep here tonight, let her get to know her cousins?” Zuri asks. “I don’t see why that would be a problem. She already has clothes here. She needs to be home before lunch, though. We have plans.” “Sounds wonderful. I’ll have three of my grandchildren in my home.” In yet another corner of the courtyard, Mal and Fahmy share saki and polite conversation, steering away from controversial subjects such as politics and law. The task is more difficult than it would seem, since Fahmy is a lawyer. “I wanted to thank you, Captain,” Fahmy finally says, stiff and formal. Mal wonders for a moment if all Core-born men are so awkward. “Please: Mal. We’re family-like. And for what?” “For bringing Inara home. She told me that you talked her into this. I’m sure without you, she never would’ve returned home.” “Well, her life’d also be a lot safer without me, so don’t thank me too much. And I ain’t never talked that woman into anything, just annoyed her ‘til she agreed to somethin’ to shut me up.” Mal pauses, purses his lips. “I don’t have to tell you, Fahmy, that the life we lead on Serenity ain’t exactly safe, nor legal, so it might be best if you don’t mention the ship with any of your ‘lliance buddies.” “I understand,” Fahmy answers. “I was wondering, Mal, if I might take Abram to meet a friend of mine tomorrow. An interesting man that I’m sure he would enjoy meeting; I’d take Serra as well but I’m sure she’d be bored.” “Doesn’t take much. She’s got the attention span of a gnat. Which I’m guessin’ is good in some ways, since she usually can’t see her evil plans through. And as long as it’s all right with ‘Nara, you can take Abe, I guess. Need him back by lunch, though, since the crew’s comin’ an’ then we’re leavin’ the world.” “Of course. Just a brief morning appointment. Inara mentioned that he is interested in being a doctor some day, and this friend of mine is one of the most influential doctors in the Great City. Can’t hurt to do a little networking.” There is an awkward lull in conversation, and then two little girls come running over calling for them. “Ba ba,” Sue Ling cries, breathless as she and Serra skid to a halt in front of them. “Grandma’s invited me to spend the night.” “She’s gonna share my room, Daddy,” Serra adds just as excitedly. “Well, I’m sure Bubba’ll enjoy a night to his lonesome, baby-mine.” Serra just giggles. Mal kind of feels sorry for his son. Not enough to intervene, of course.

***

“What the - ?” Abe cries, “Renci de Fozu, Mei-Mei, you girls have your own bed!” “There’s a ghost,” Mei-Mei explains matter-of-factly, motioning for Sue Ling to join her on the bed beside Abe. “He’s trying to eat our heads.” “In other words… my bed’s comfier.” “Exactly. Come on, ‘Ling, Bubba doesn’t mind.” “Uh, yes, he does,” Abe says, though he’s already tucking his sister in beside him. He pats the empty space on the other side of him. “It’s okay, Sue Ling, I don’t bite.” The girl complies, crawling in next to Abe. He tucks her in as well. “You’re really ruining my image.” “We won’t tell, Abe,” Mei-Mei says sweetly. Sue Ling giggles. That could get really old, really quickly, those two constantly giggling when together. It’s worse than when Lolly and Mei-Mei engage in their girl talk, since a six year difference keeps the conversation at different levels. “Alright, Runt, when we get back to Serenity, you’re back in your own bunk no matter how much you whine and pout, dong ma? That pouting doesn’t work on me.” “Alright. ‘Night, Abram, I love you,” Mei-Mei sing-songs. “Love you, too, cousin.” Sue Ling and Abram return the sentiment, and they all fall asleep together. Umm Hafi finds them like that in the morning and laughs, going to retrieve Inara, who’s woken early this morning. She’s restless, ready to return home to Serenity. “Seems Abe has a soft spot for little girls,” Umm Hafi teases as she stands with Inara in the doorway, watching the sleeping children. “This is the second time in as many night’s I’ve seen him play living teddy bear.” “He has a soft spot for all girls,” Inara says, “And a way with them as well. Lots of little girlfriends in the different ports around the ‘verse.” “’Course he does; he’s a good catch.” “Stop talking,” Mei-Mei groans as she begins to wake, “Too much talking.” “So she wakes like you used to,” Umm Hafi says to Inara as the two women enter the room and begin to open the curtains and rouse the children. “ ‘Slow and ugly,’” they chorus, repeating what Umm Hafi used to say of her. “Fortunately, they trained that out of me at the Guild,” Inara smiles, using a gentle hand to wake little Sue Ling, smoothing her wild curls and lightly shaking her shoulder. She sees Umm Hafi move to wake Mei-Mei and warns, “Watch out: she kicks.” Sue Ling’s eyes open slowly and focus on her aunt. She’s confused for a moment, brow wrinkled, before she recognizes Inara. She rubs the sleep out of her eyes and sits up. She looks around the room and smiles. “What’s for breakfast, Umm Hafi?” “Whatever you want, child,” Umm Hafi grins at Sue Ling as Inara helps the girl off of the tall bed. The older woman still has no luck in rousing Serra. “Abe, time to get up,” Inara tells her son, kissing his forehead. “Uncle Fahmy’s coming for you in an hour.” Abe groans, stretches, and then opens his eyes. “’Morning, Mama. Do I have to get up?” “Yes, go get breakfast with Sue Ling. We’re still working on Mei-Mei.” “I’ll do it,” he grouses, rolling over and pinching his sister’s arm before scampering quickly off the bed before she can thwack him well. His actions have the desired effect, and Serra is so scandalized by the violation that she sits bolt upright. “Mama! Abe pinched me!” “That was a little extreme, Abram. What do you say?” “Sorry, Mei-Mei. Just trying to wake you up.” “Can he sit on the time-out step when we get home?” Mei-Mei asks, scootching over to her mama. “Oh, hi, Umm Hafi.” Abe takes Sue Ling to breakfast, and Umm Hafi follows to oversee breakfast preparation, while Inara continues to coax her youngest out of bed. “Baby, your brother hasn’t sat on the time-out step in years.” “See! He’s overdue.” “He has different punishments, now. Just like you will when you get older.” “I don’t wanna get older.” “You will some day, Mei-Mei. Sooner than I’d like.” “Nope. I’m like Peter Pan.” “So Kacey, Lolly, and Bubba are your Lost Boys?” “Nope. They’re too old. I need new Lost Boys.” “I’m sure you’ll find some. Now let’s get to breakfast. Your tummy’s rumbling, and Daddy may be right about the ship entering atmo.” “Not you, too!”