The traditional obligatory offering to Boss Joss. Love his work, got bored, and decided to run with it!

This is a story co-written with a very good friend of mine, aka DeanWinchester here at FF.net. Action adventure, some family drama, and humor. Simon/Kaylee and Mal/Inara galore! Jayne/OC as well. Also, River getting to be a teenage girl in later chapters!

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They cruised along the wide open plains before them for a long while, huddle together in the cramped little vehicle as it creaked and buoyed under the added and unfamiliar extra passenger weight. River sat nonchalantly on her side, while Kaylee hugged closely against Simon’s shoulder, her eyes squinting in the dusty rush of air whirling past them. All the while, Kaylee’s ingenuity, and not a small bit of improvised praying from all present, kept them flying across the landscape towards the coordinates that Jayne had left for them to meet up at his family’s ranch.

Inara sat beside Mal, leaning into him as the wind blew roughly through her hair and clothes at the end of the front seat. A soft arm had found its way instinctively around his for anchor and support, but she dare not move it, out of a slight irrational fear of falling off the speeding hauler.

Before they reached an hour in their travels, with the sun looming just over the horizon as it set, Inara caught the smallest of shadows at the edge of the sky. “There,” she pointed out, yelling over the harsh noise of the mule as Zoe sped them along.

The small shape grew in the distance as they hurtled towards what now resembled a small assembly of farmhouses in the shape of a small village. Inara had heard tell of how large the Cobb’s land actually was; Jayne had been hesitant to mention any particulars with regard to his kin, but had only let slip that all living members of the Cobb family – which comprised of his mother, father, and siblings – all lived within the massive worn down ranch compound, which had included all the land encompassing the entire town

But unfortunately, considering the bargain price that they’d bought the land so many generations back, the ranch itself was beginning to grow a bit big for the income that they were raking in. They had been forced to loan out the land to local ranch owners who were considerably better off and in need of the extra space for their thriving herds.

As they neared the compound, the small farmhouses began to show the smallest hint of light strung between them. A large tent was erected at the center of a grassy knoll located off to the side of the town itself.

“What’s going on?” Inara asked out loud, lifting a hand to brush her wildly flying bangs from her eyes.

Kaylee’s eyes brightened in excitement. “Looks like a party,” she commented, a grin quickly forming on her face.

The tent was filled with an array of people, bustling around as they vied for spots in line near a large wood-laden spit fire, while the rest busied themselves with conversations and dancing at a small wooden platform with a trio of guitar and fiddle players. A large, makeshift banner was draped across the front of the tent, which, as they got nearer still, boldly read:

Happy Birthday and Welcome Home, Jayne Cobb!

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The power of Jayne Cobb's return was amazing to the folks around here. Growing up, he had been a lively kid who seemed too sweet if anything. But despite his old habits and new ones he still found a happy medium around his mama. On his head, Jayne had the typical orange snow cap that his mother had knitted him while away in space.

Currently, he was holding his mothers arm as they managed to dance. She had coaxed him into it claiming it would help an ailing woman feel better. Jayne knew better, but he wasn't going to stub out her dreams for the night. As the song came to a happy close, he stopped and held onto his mother with a large smile. He heard the sound of something approaching. Detaching himself from her for a minute he watched the crew pull up. An inward alarm sounded as he knew they had read the banner.

"Aw fuck..." He muttered, figuring he was out of earshot for his mother.

Not for his father, though. Clayton Sr. came to Jayne's side swatting him upside his head. "Watch your mouth, Jayney." He muttered looking out as the guests came. "Get your brothers. We'll go say hi." Clayton said smiling. Jayne flinched some glaring at his father.

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Mal felt like he was back in Canton all over again. With a sigh he watched as the people moved about having a good time. "Anyone else scared?" He asked looking around. Zoe gave him a nod and shut the mule down. Moving, she climbed out and stretched her limbs.

Mal kept in his spot his arm around Inara. He finally let her go after a few moments, sliding out Zoe's side and smoothing out his shirt and pants. Boy this was certainly interesting.

Simon let go of Kaylee the minute he saw the sign "That’s why he was moping!" He exclaimed nodding. Finally he looked to Kaylee smiling. "This is better than Mal said."

Finally, Jayne rounded up his brothers: Clayton Jr., Buck and Jack. They followed behind Jayne as they went towards the mule with their father. Jayne looked like he was sulking as Clayton Sr. tipped his hat to the group.

"Howdy...you came just in time for little Jayney here’s birthday party." He said, nudging his son.

Mal straightened up as the men approached, noting that one was Jayne himself. "Jayney?" He questioned, looking at the merc, who just stood glaring.

The sight of the small gang who Inara could only assume to be the four burly Cobb brothers was more than enough to give anyone a fright, and she was no exception. For the slightest of moments, she envisioned a brood of men, equal in manners and disposition as their resident mercenary, but as her Companion-trained wits returned to her, she observed that the three others who had accompanied Jayne and his father seemed very different from the only Cobb man that she was familiar with.

As she carefully made her way off the mule, she fell into step and stood on the other side of Mal, opposite Zoe, stopping herself as she felt the urge to reach over and take Mal’s hand. Instead, her fingers intertwined in front of her, and she put on her most charming smile.

“That’s very kind of you, Mr. Cobb,” Inara let out gracefully, taking in the homegrown vision of a town that she could not believe had spawned Jayne.

Clayton gave one of the females a slow nod. "Thank you, ma'am." He said giving her a slow smile.

River jumped from the mule, wandering behind Zoe as they met up with Clayton Cobb and his four sons. Her eyes traced over the brother grouped before her, studying their posture, getting an intuitive feel for each one of them. She heard cheering from the crowd back at the party, and her eyes drifted off to the crowd as the musicians once more picked up their instruments.

Kaylee excitedly hopped over the ledge of the mule behind Simon and his sister, latching onto her sweetheart’s arm as the music started up once more in the distance. “You didn’t tell us it was you birthday, Jayne!” she let out with a wide, shining grin. River didn’t say much; her eyes, however, were inextricably locked onto the dancing going on in the tent over Jayne’s shoulder.

Jayne watched as Kaylee excitedly spoke of his birthday. "Yeah its my birthday. You wasn't supposed to know."

Simon felt a smile creeping over his face. Big time. Finally his eyes went to River who was eyeing the dancing people like Jayne eyed whores. "You wanna dance River?" Simon asked.

Jayne cleared his throat. "The hell she is! I don't want her killing my sisters."

Clayton lifted his hand out grabbing Jayne's ear. "Jayne Cobb you be nice to them! They're your friends." He said twisting his second younger sons ear. "The girl can dance if she wants to and your gonna be nice."

Jayne who was attempting to keep a shred of dignity winced. "Ow ow. Alright daddy. She can go dance. Just let go." He said swatting his hand away and stumbling back into Buck's arms.

Jack who was enjoying his father not getting on his case as much let out a laugh. That earned a punch in the shoulder from Jayne who got one from Buck. Finally, Buck received one from Clayton Jr. The Cobb men certainly were entertaining.

Mal couldn't help but smile a bit. "Well now this is just the best day of my life. Shall we party?" He asked the group.

Zoe headed forward with just the subtlest of smiles. "Already ahead of ya, captain."

At Mal’s suggestion, River made no qualms about wandering out to the crowd of dancing townspeople on her own, eyes darting around to study the musicians as well as the dance that was occurring in front of her.

From behind Mal and Inara, Kaylee’s smile grew, as if that were possible. “Aye, Cap’n,” she let out wistfully, taking a step towards the tent when she was suddenly halted by her attachment to Simon’s arm. “Come on, Simon!” Kaylee insisted, tugging the boy along as she followed River towards the party.

Simon disappeared into the crowds with Kaylee. He was gonna have to learn how to move like his little sister did on those dance floors. But he figured he'd do just fine. This wouldn't be as bad as he thought. It'd actually be a bit entertaining.

When the others had wandered off, Mal’s voice broke the silence as he glanced down at Inara with a gentle nod. "Care to accompany me?"

Inara smiled up at him tentatively, their dozens of conversations regarding discretion returning to her tenfold. “Being a might forward, aren’t we?” she teased, a slender eyebrow arching at Mal.

Mal shrugged with a smile. "Didn't you hear? It's Jayne's birthday. We're supposed to have fun." He nodded towards the party. "Come on; I'll show you how us common non fancy folk dance. Maybe you'll learn a thing or two."

Lifting a hand, she slowly reached out, trailing down the captain’s sleeve to finally slip her fingers around his in a delicate hold. “Lead the way, ai ren,” Inara said softly, taking a step closer to hook against Mal’s side.

He gave her a wink, leading her towards the groups of people. This would make for an interesting evening.

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Charlotte Cobb was standing beside her mother, taking in the pleasantries of the evening from beside the spit fire. The eldest of the daughters, and third overall among the Cobb children, she’d always taken it upon herself to act as a second matriarch of sorts. Glancing over at the mule which had landed off to the side of the party area, Charlie, as she was known to her siblings, noticed the small group of strangers which had added to the crowd assembled.

“Seems Jayne’s brought his friends along after all,” she said quietly, her velvety drawl fading with the playful smirk she sent towards her younger brother in the distance. She crossed her arms, looking back at her mother, who was busy taking over their ranch-hands’ job of cutting into the large side of beef strewn out over the hard slab table in front of her. “Momma, now you know that you’re not supposed to be workin’…”

“This is my son’s birthday, Charlotte May, and I will do what I damn please to help make this evenin’ enjoyable,” Jane Cobb interrupted her eldest daughter, whipping her head around to glare hard at the younger woman. “Is that understood?”

There was a moment of eye contact between the two, but Charlie was the first to break, chuckling softly as she shook her head. “Alright, but Daddy’s not gonna like it,” Charlie warned, not sounding all that terribly worried.

Jane forked a large slice of the beef onto a passerby’s plate, grinning wide and amiably. “You just leave your daddy to me,” the older woman insisted, her smile never faltering, “And we’ll see just what he has to say about it.” Jane returned her attention to the slab of meat before her, tearing into it mercilessly with the large carving knife in her hand. Charlie smirked at her mother’s indignant nature.

When she saw that Jane was no longer paying attention to her, Charlie slyly pulled a small flask from the waistband of her skirt and took a quick sip of it, and moments later, concealed it once more beneath the cloth folds. With a sigh, she stepped out into the crowd to resume playing hostess for her mother.

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Jayne stood with his brothers and father still. Finally Clayton Sr. wandered off looking to find his wife. Buck was approached by his pregnant wife for some quality time listening to him kick near the food. Clayton Jr. got roped into playing games with his kids. That left Jack and Jayne standing shoulder to shoulder watching the crowds.

"You hear who ma invited?" Jayne gave his brother a grunt at the question, shaking his head. "She been gettin' close to Aria. She asked her to come tonight." At that Jayne's face went pale.

"Why didn't you tell me? You gorramn asshole!" He bellowed breaking away to dissapear into the crowd. Oh how this was going to be bad.

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The hours wore on as the crew enjoyed themselves at the Cobb family’s shindig. The ale hadn’t run dry and the music hadn’t stopped since they had arrived. Kaylee sat with Simon on the grassy knoll beside the tent, grinning like a child as she dug into a plate of the tender beef, along with a hefty pile of some of the town homegrown fruits and vegetables.

Simon had claimed he was resting his feet, but she could sense that he was well past his partying quota for one lifetime. It had taken some coaxing, but Kaylee had finally gotten the young doctor to dance with her. He was an awful good dancer at that, she mused.

“You sure you don’t want none, Simon?” she asked him suddenly, offering the plate for the third time that night. “Or you trying to fatten me up or somethin’?” She chuckled at her own teasing, picking a berry off the plate and popping it into her mouth with a smirk to the boy.

Simon was leaning back on the ground. His elbow bent holding him up as he watched Kaylee devour her food. "No. Quite alright. You're doing just fine." He said smiling. He tilted his head and laughed as she mentioned fattening her up. "Yeah you know me. Gonna sell you at market maybe." He rolled his eyes and lay back finally completely on the hill. He let out a long sigh and put his hands under his head looking up at the sky.

It looked different down there and he was glad to be on a planet that didn't shake and rattle beneath his feet or try to kill him. "Alright give me a piece." He said openning his mouth from where he lay. He could see Jayne in the distance with a mug looking like someone shot his dog. "Why's he so upset? Its his birthday."

“You Core boys…” Kaylee smirked down at Simon as he reclined back on the grass underneath them. Placing the tray of food down beside her, she grabbed another berry, pinching it between two fingers as she lowered it into his mouth. Pulling her hand back quickly, Kaylee leaned forward on an elbow to kiss him quickly. She pulled back, a Chesire grin on her face, mere inches from his own.

Simon smiled as she lowered the fruit then jerked it back he frowned. The kiss made up for it though. With a laugh he shook his head. "Well we core boys simply can't get enough of our big time space mechanics." He said grabbing her by the waist and rolling with her.

Kaylee giggled softly as she was rolled on top of Simon. “Well I’d hope not,” she rubbed her nose against his teasingly. Finally finding a comfortable spot, she rested against his chest softly, forgetting about the once-unforgettable food off to the side. Sighing, she spooned into him, gazing up at the clear starry night. Tonight was certainly one to remember.

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River’s feet flew across the dance floor, not having stopped for quite some time. She’d always felt the most at home when she was dancing, the most at peace. There was something about her that seemed…well, a little less crazy, to put it plainly. It was easy to see for anyone watching the young girl. The several young eligible men in attendance at the party had all requested to dance with her; some she had accepted, others ignored. She had no preference for any of the boys. The only thing she was concerned with was letting the music flow around her. She felt free and unconfined here; the people were generous and warm.

Jack had departed from beating on his big brother Buck and hit the dance floor. He saw one of Jayne's little friends still kicking it up out there. He'd make nice. Stepping out, he offered his arm. "You wanna accompany me miss?" Jack asked smiling.

River had been spinning a bit on her own when Jack had stepped in front of her. She came to a halt, staring at his arm for a moment. “Puffed yourself up for the bigger boys,” she muttered quietly. “Ain’t no honesty in stories, Jacky-boy.” She glanced up at the young man, the childhood nickname rolling of her tongue like she’d said it a million times. In her mind’s eye, if only for a moment, River caught a glimpse of Jack with his brothers as older teens, telling them all quite a story about a girl. Shaking it off as if nothing had happened, a sweet little smile fell onto her lips and she hooked into his arms. “Alright,” she shrugged innocently.

Jack warily watched as River used his nickname and spoke of something he hadn't admitted to in years. "What?" He asked in slight disbelief. When she agreed to dance he went along with her. The whole time though Jack was amazed at the knowledge this girl had. She seemed to know things that Jack never spoke a word about except to brag about. Never to tell the truth about. As the dance continued he found himself wondering. "How'd you know?" He asked into her ear.

“Handsome boy like you doesn’t need to make stuff up to look good to other people,” River said girlishly. Although, truth be told it seemed to be just another tactic to avoid answering his question. How did one go about revealing that her brain chemistry was scientifically altered by the government to make her superhuman? Or that even before the Academy, she’d had quite a give for intuition?

A quiet smile lit up her features as she danced gracefully with him. She observed that Jack, though fairly decent in terms of skill, was still no exception to the rule that most men were not particularly light on their feet. But for some reason, it was as if River could make any man that danced with her looked better than they normally would on the dance floor. She had the added advantage of having a sort of mystique of a stranger to fall back on.

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Aria Dennison leaned a shoulder up against the tent, smiling out at the people dancing around as the band played on. She didn’t really have much love for large get-together’s like this. That was her father’s agenda, not hers. As the only daughter, and her younger brother the rightful heir to her father’s ranch, Aria never felt the responsibility to schmooze, even as a child, which often left her running around with the more normal kids around town.

At the thought, she was reminded for the umpteenth time that evening that she’d yet to run into the man of the hour. She exhaled quietly, an obligatory smile on her naturally graceful features. It had been far too long in her opinion since that damn boy had been home. She couldn’t deny that she’d missed him something terrible. But of course she’d never admit that aloud. Jayne knew where she stood, and if he was going to be a horse’s ass whenever they spoke than that was his prerogative.

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Jack was amazed at how much this girl knew. It was like she knew exactly what he was feeling. Ain't nobody ever known that. They all thought Jack was screwing up on purpose. Like a game. They just didn't get it. He gave her a smile and the song ended. He stopped taking a breath and looked around. His eyes fell on Aria and he turned a sickly color.

"We got some trouble. My brother ain't around is he?" He asked making sure Jayne wasn't in sight. He couldn't have this turning into something. He knew about Jayne and his grudges. They were legendary and scary.

River caught Jack’s discomfort, and she spun around to face the woman who’d caught the boy’s attention. Her eyes narrowed as River studied her curiously, unsure why she was all that important. Though apparently, Jayne had some kind of issues with her. So that was why Jayne had been acting all strange for the last few days. River had sensed that he was more than a little apprehensive about coming back home. She’d decided to keep it quiet thought, mostly for the sake of their work out sessions. Getting the man all riled up would have only done more harm than good in terms of the whole crew. Shrugging it off, she tugged Jack back toward the center of the tent, knowing that perhaps it would be best if the younger Cobb boy was out of the line of fire, if Jayne ended up seeing her.

Jack's eyes switched from his moving brother towards Aria. This was so going to be the worst party. "Let's just keep dancing." He said stepping towards River and taking her into his arms. Another song kicked up and Jack was moving. Out of the corner of his eye on the dance floor he could see Clayton Jr. with his wife and Buck with his own. They were enjoying themselves. It was rare Clayton Jr. and his wife had time away from their kids. Buck had one on the way so he had to soak up the fun while he still could. Jack's eyes searched for his father as he danced. Wanting to know where all his family was incase Jayne came at him in a blind rage. He knew what his brother was capable was. The men in this family knew his real job.

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For the better part of an hour, Inara had danced, laughed, and genuinely enjoyed herself with the captain. They paused for a few moments to catch their breath, making their way to the fringes of the dancing crowd. With a bright smile, she leaned against him as they both broke out into quiet laughter. She sighed and leaned against his shoulder gratefully, her arm having been permanently attached to his since arriving. Dancing with Mal would go up on her ever increasing list of things that she would never regret doing the rest of her life. Here at the party, with the crowd of boisterous townsfolk, she didn’t feel like she had to watch her every movement to keep up her veil of propriety around Mal.

It was liberating, not having to hide from the crew. Hell, they all knew anyway, she was well aware of the process of gossiping around Serenity; it had been that for a great deal of the time, she had exclusive access to that inner circle. But now, being the topic of discussion instead, Inara felt all too keenly the eyes of her friends on the two of them when they were all cramped together on the ship. Eyes studying the partygoers around them, she managed to sneak a light kiss against Mal’s upper arms as she rested a cheek against it.

Mal had been enjoying himself a lot tonight. It was one of the few times the crew wasn't depending on him to guide them through some big storm. Even Zoe had managed to have some fun. She ended up on the dance floor with a large gentleman whom Mal hadn't the pleasure of meeting yet. It was pleasing him to watch his second mate getting out there and having fun. It had been so long since he saw her actually smile and like something. She was liking the party, and Mal was extremely happy about this. He held onto Inara quietly as they laughed about their recent dancing adventures. Mal was used to small town customs and the dancing. He had been around enough of it growing up to enjoy it all.

Mrs. Cobb, far too busy with the festivities, had missed the opportunity to introduce herself to her son’s guests. But with a stern insistence of Clayton Sr., she’d given up her post at the buffet table and was now making her way swiftly across the party towards the man she’d been told was Captain Reynolds himself.

“Captain Malcolm Reynolds?” Mrs. Cobb’s voice rang out behind them, already knowing that this was the man she was speaking to. The older woman thrust a hand at Mal’s, capturing it in a forceful, yet friendly handshake. “Jane Cobb.”

Finally he felt another presence watching as Jayne's mother approached. He extended his hand, shaking hers. He smiled brightly at her introduction. "I see where our Jayne gets his name now." Mal nodded, trying his damndest to hide his grin. This was getting better by the minute.

Jayne’s mother, noticing that the captain had noticed the coincidence, wiped her hands casually with a smirk. “Mr. Cobb had our first born child named after him, then both his brothers got namesakes in our brood; Buck and then Charlie. Way I figured, it was about time that my side got some recognition for all that work, am I right?”

This story had obviously been prepared years earlier, to the older woman’s delight, it seemed. “So I tells my husband, ‘Clayton Cobb, the very next child we have better be named after me or so help me…” she faded off with a smirk. “Shoulda seen the jaw drop on that man when that little boy showed up. But I think the names just right for my boy, it suits him.” She looked out with a musing smile as she caught sight of Jayne and Mattie speaking off in the dark grass hill.

"That's what a strong woman does, ma'am,” Mal grinned charmingly. “I agree completely with you. Sounds like my mama a bit, God rest her soul.”

Jane smiled loudly at the encouragement, offering a gentler hand shake to Inara as well. “Missus Reynolds, I take it?” She smirked, having noticed how cozy the two had been up to know.

Inara nearly choked on a thin laugh. “Inara Serra,” she corrected the woman gracefully, an uncharacteristic shade of pink fanning out across her face.

"Oh no she ain't my missues. Least I don't think so. I have the tendency to get drunk at these shindigs and end up hitched. Aiming to not let that happen again." He took a step closer to listen closely to what she had to say.

With Mal’s reminder of Saffron, Inara glanced up at him with a half-serious glare. “See that it doesn’t,” she agreed, a smirk peeking out just barely.

“Ah. Well, it’s a pleasure to meet the both of ya,” she nodded. “Welcome to our home! I must admit, Captain, it was s a right bit of generosity, you bringing our Jayney home for his birthday and all.”

"Well thank you ma'am, but to tell you the truth Jayne ain't never told me it was his birthday. He asked me to take him here for another reason. This birthday business was a surprise to us when we arrived. Its lovely to see where Jayne comes from though."

Inara nodded in agreement at the captain’s surprise. “It certainly wasn’t what I’d imagined,” she admitted to Mrs. Cobb as she glanced around the party once more, occasionally catching sight of the rest of the Cobb clan.

“My Jayney was raised good and proper,” Mrs. Cobb insisted with a grin, her chest puffing up with pride. “You know, all that money he makes on your shipping jobs and such, he just sends right on back here to the family. S’much as I tell him not to. He’s a good boy, but he just can’t seem to find it in himself to keep any of his own hard earned wages.” She chuckled, her voice filled with all the love and admiration one can have for a son that takes care of his parents.

Inara glanced up at Mal once more with an incredulous smile. Seemed that Mrs. Cobb had a lot of love for her son, but wasn’t exactly in the loop when it came to his occupational duties, or tendency for casual spending. Even if he did send money his folks’ way, it sure as hell wasn’t everything. Inara hated to even dwell on the things…and company…that Jayne spent his “hard earned wages” on.

Mal was dazzled by Jayne's mother. She thought so highly of her son. She didn't know the works of his jobs, but she knew he made money. Mal knew Jayne gave his family his share of the loot after cutting out pieces for himself. He wasn't no fool. “Yes its true Jayne is quite the little bleeding heart. Always lendin a hand." No reason to break a mothers heart and tell her that her son was a cold blooded mercenary who would kill you for your share of the money than just steal it from you. Maybe now was a good time to tell her about the Canton lie?

"Didn't you hear? You're boy took a big ole box of money from some big wigs up on Canton and he just dropped it out so that the workers could get some decent pay. Jayne the modern day robin hood I always say." He said smiling politely. "They even gave him a song and a statue. It's a sight I tell ya. You raised one fine man, Mrs. Cobb and I'm just happy to be here with you all nice folks. Its like home really." Yeah he was better with elderly women he could speak better to them.

If it was possible, Mrs. Cobb’s smile broadened at Mal’s story. “See what I mean? Tried and true blue. That’s my boy.”

Inara held back her inevitable laughter out of sheer politeness for the matriarch, nodding to humor her. “Words we hear all too often to describe Jayne,” she agreed with a not entirely believable tone.

Mrs. Cobb obviously missed the sarcasm. She cast a welcoming glance at Mal. “You folks’ll be staying with the family tonight, won’t you? We’d be glad to have you all if you’d like. Children’ve been outta the nest for years, ‘cept for my girls. It’d be kinda nice to have a full house again.” Inara could tell that the woman was serious, but wasn’t entirely sure if Mal would actually take the Cobb’s up on the offer.

Mal couldn't think of a better place to stay. He gave Mrs. Cobb a warm smile and slung an arm around Inara's shoulder. "I think that would be for the best." He nodded heavily. "Good idea Mrs. Cobb. But you gotta promise to teach me how you got that meat to taste the way you did. I tell you that you are one smart lady. One of the brightest I ever run into. I run into a lot of bright people. Hells you brighter than Inara here and she’s a real high society type. You could take the cake in intelligence,"

He looked to Inara with a big grin. "How's that sound 'Nara? Staying in the house and sharing beds. So it'll be the crew, the girls and Jayne. Jack too right? He ain't married I didn't see a woman with him." He asked looking around.

Jane Cobb shook her head vehemently. “Nah nah, my Jacky-boy doesn’t have a sweetheart. But a handsome one like him, shouldn’t be too hard to attract himself a nice, honest girl.” As if on queue, Mrs. Cobb suddenly caught sight of her youngest son, arm in arm with the young dark-haired girl that had arrived with Captain Reynolds crew. “Better watch out captain,” she nodded toward the dance floor with a grin, “Looks like he might have his eye on one of your own.”

Inara stared at Mal long and hard, on the verge of chewing him out for the suggestive tone in his voice. “I suppose we could…” she said tentatively, her hidden smirk peaking through once more, the loving, yet critical look that she reserved for Mal alone.

“Then it’s settled!” Mrs. Cobb exclaimed as they both agreed to stay. “You just let your folk know, and I’ll just be off to settle things for ya.” With a pat to the captain’s arm, Jane waved goodbye as she hurried herself up towards the farmhouse, ecstatic that she was finally of some use around here.

Inara watched the older woman scurry off, studying her curiously. “That couldn’t have been Jayne mother. She’s just so…” she searched for the right words to describe Mrs. Cobb as her head slowly cocked to one side. “…maternal.”

Mal looked towards Inara with a smile. "I like her. She's like my own mother. Jayne ain't exactly the cuddliest man on the planet but I see where he gets a lot of his mannerisms. Maybe not from her, but some from his father as well. It's funny I didn't think Jayne had a home. Knew he had a mama, but never knew this is where the big merc grew up. Guess it wasn't his childhood that made him how he is now. Guess it was the outside world. Or maybe our dear ole friends the Alliance." Mal said, smiling bitterly.

Inara smirked as Mal mentioned his own mother. She only knew the vaguest of details about the man’s childhood, or much of his past, for that matter. It was something that they just didn’t touch upon in normal conversation.

Shaking his head, Mal cleared it off, though. "So I'm thinking maybe we can convince Zoe to sleep with River. Simon and Kaylee ain't separating worth a damn. Jayne gots his old room and maybe Jack can sleep with him. That leaves you and me... All alone." He said smiling at her. "Can you stoop to that tonight?"

His suggestion surprised Inara, to say the least. “I don’t have a problem with it,” she insisted, throwing up her hands innocently. Taking a step around to stand directly in front of Mal, she met his eyes challengingly. “Question is, are you willing to quit our little charade and out ourselves in public?”

Mal watched as she danced around him finally ending up in front of him. He looked down at her smiling to the bait. "I hate to break it to you, but I think they already know." He said lifting an arm out to wrap around her waist and draw her closer. "If they haven't then they're just dumb and deaf. Zoe knows and I think Kaylee and her little snoopy ways know. So that means Simon knows. River always knows before I even do. Jayne would be the only one who might have not figured it out. His eye for romance is kind of blind really." He conceded with a thoughtful gaze to each of his crew.

Looking back down at her, he finally smiled. "But if that’s what you want its what you're gonna get. I'd be damn happy to do that if you like."

Inara chuckled, well aware of everything that he was saying. Of course they all knew. But once they acknowledged it in public, the fundamental dynamic of the crew would be changed forever. That slight denial that they were all living in felt more like the norm than anything else; it kept them in familiar territory. She exhaled softly as Mal pulled her closer, her hands instinctively falling to his chest.

“You know what I want?” she asked softly, leaning forward ever so slowly to press her lips against his.

Mal stared down at her an eyebrow arched. "No I don't."

Before he could ask, she was leaning in answering his question with a kiss. She held the kiss for several moments, a smile quirking her mouth the entire time. After what she deemed to be the reasonably uncomfortable time, Inara pulled away, still pressed up against his body. She leered at Mal, glancing up at him mischievously.

They were still very close. It was something Mal would never grow tired of. "Well what?" He asked obviously not catching on. If Mal, being the captain, wasn't the brightest crayon in the box, then the whole crew had no hope. Staring down at her, it took him a moment and finally it dawned on him…sort of. Realization dawning in his eyes. "Ohhhh...." He said nodding and looking down at her. "Sorry 'bout that it's late. Don't process as fast as I should…” A thoroughly smug grin shone brightly on Inara’s features as Mal finally grasped what she was hinting at. “You wouldn’t…”

“I do believe that’s very inappropriate in front of company 'Nara, but I ain't got no qualms about turning in early."

Shaking her head with a hushed chuckle, she snatched the front of Mal’s shirt, tugging him away from the crowd and back towards the grouping of farm buildings nearby. “Bih zhway,” she laughed at him, tugging his mouth back to hers for a quick, but passionate kiss. Pulling back, she continued leading him towards privacy.

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Jayne was standing away from the crowds with a mug of ale in his hand. He looked down at the ground and then back up taking a long swig of his drink. The burly man was wearing his black and navy button down shirt. One it was his mother’s choice. She wanted him dressed nicely. T-shirts weren't gonna cut it for her baby’s coming home/birthday party. It was the way of Jane Cobb.

Sometimes Jayne hated coming home to his family. For one everyone else was doing so much better. He had Clayton Jr. who was his daddy's pride and joy with his big family and such. Then Buck who was starting his life out making good. Everyone loved Clayton Jr. he was always so funny and lively. Buck was sensitive and nice. Then there was Jack, who was a big screw up, but the baby of the boys so everyone loved him. Last was him. He killed guys for a living. He stole from people and lived as an outlaw. What exactly was great about that?

Mattie Cobb, actually born Matilda, had only just managed to locate her big brother Jayne amid the crowd of townspeople. A sunny grin growing on her face, she scooted her way behind the big oaf without being noticed. He seemed to be in such a sour mood that is wasn’t that difficult of a task, actually. Seeing that he wasn’t really paying much attention, she stepped up behind the burly Cobb boy, tugging at his shirt.

“Jayne Cobb, you better put a smile on your face this instant! I didn’t go setting all this up for ya to have you be all mopey at your own birthday party!” Mattie ordered with a cheeky grin.

The youngest of the siblings, yet still almost an adult, she had no patience for anyone who couldn’t be in a good mood during a celebration. And Jayne was the guest of honor, goodness sake! She placed the responsibility on herself to cheer him up, or die trying. As Jayne turned around, she nearly pounced on him, giving him an enthusiastic hug.

Jayne's eyes were set on the ground when Mattie come round screaming about something. Jayne having grown good at selective hearing watched her. Finally she was done and he just smiled shaking his head. "I was having fun. I wasn’t mopin’." He said catching the tinier girl as she flung herself at him.

“Sorry I wasn’t around before to say hi,” she muffled into his shoulder. Mattie pulled away, her smile not loosing an ounce of his magnitude. “But Momma had me running all over creation tryin’ to get stuff perfect for the party.”

He gave her a squeeze and took a step back. "I was just thinkin bout mama." He said looking out through the crowds. And the fact that Aria was coming to this party wasn't helping his mind frame. "She does tend to go overboard with parties. I remember Clayton's wedding party don't you? All them damn weird lookin' folks. Just too much ruttin' work." He said, nodding surely.

Finally he settled down a bit leaning in. If anyone knew what his mother was planning it'd be this little one. "You hear mama talk 'bout inviting Aria to the party did ya? Cause Jack said mama did and I'm having some trouble believing him since it's him and he has a bad reputation with that lying. It true? If so you're gonna have to get Clayton and Buck make them stand in front of me so that ole girl can't find me."

Mattie eyed her brother harshly. “Why you gotta be like that with her, anyhow?” she muttered, shoving his arm a bit. “You were sweet on her for how long, I mean, never saw her anyplace without you for as long as I can remember… and then all a sudden you can’t stand to even talk to her. Been how many years since you’ve been home…and you know she’s not married yet?” she finally let out with a smirk, as if she’d been holding that in since he mentioned the woman’s name. “Maybe she’s been waitin’ on ya, Jayne.”

Ever the obnoxiously optimistic young woman, Mattie really liked Aria for the most part. She’d never been mean to the family or anything, cept when it came to Jayne, of course. But she was only teasing him, Mattie could tell she had like her older brother right back. Whatever had caused their falling out was a mystery to her, and the girl figured that even they didn’t remember after all this time.

Jayne's eyes rolled obviously annoyed by his sisters antics. "I ain't marrying nobody, certainly not that she-devil." He protested blowing out a gust of air. "You have lost your mind." He said looking round at the people. "You watch your mouth there little Mattie or I'll take you right over my shoulder and hussle you down to the lake and toss you in. Clothes and all," He threatened with a half-hearted glare.

Mattie smacked Jayne in the arm as he cursed Aria bitterly. “You better be nice if she shows up, or I’ll never forgive you!” she threatened. She and her sister had spent too much time and energy on this damn party for Jayne to go mucking it up.

Jayne lifted his free hand up rubbing his arm where she whacked him. "Who ever got you to be so violent I know it sure as hell wasn't me. I bet it was Jack." Jayne almost let out a sigh as he returned his gaze to the partygoers. "You're too young to understand, Mat. Don't pay no attention to it. We just had a bit of a problem when we was younger. I wasn't sweet on her just so we's clear. She was sweet on me not the other way around." He sucked in a deep breath puffing his chest out. Typical Jayne Cobb fashion.

"She wasn't waitin on me," He insisted, watching Mattie. "Ain't nobody gonna wait this long for me, Mattie. That’s crazy." He said looking down into his mug.

“Of course they would, Jayne,” she insisted, planting a kiss on his cheek. “You were always my favorite, you know that?” Mattie smiled wide at him. It was the honest truth, though. Jayne was all gruff on the outside, of course, but there was never a moment when Mattie didn’t love her big brother. On the outside, he was like a big bear, but on the inside, just a big baby. She knew him too well.

And just like that she went from violent to sweetest girl ever. Jayne had to admit he couldn't resist his little sisters charms. He shook his head looking over at her. "Well you’re about the only one who would, Mattie. I know I'm your favorite cause I let you get away with everything." He said smirking big. "But I don't think Aria Dennison is gonna be waiting on Jayne Cobb, ya got another thing comin’. She's high society and we live on a rundown farm, Mattie. It's how this world works. Well..." He said rethinking it. Simon had been high society and little Kaylee certainly wasn't no big timer. "with the exception of the lovebirds in the grass out there. That's kind of just a weird circumstance." He answered waving his hand.

Mattie scoffed at her brother’s immaturity. Sometimes Jayne could be such a whiner. She crossed her arms, glancing out at the dancing crowd. At the corner of the tent, Mattie could have sworn she saw the woman in question, her waving, dirty blonde hair flowing down her back.

“Aw, well don’t be too sure of that, s’all I’m sayin’,” she winked at Jayne, throwing an arm around his waist to hug him. “You never know; people can surprise you sometimes.”

With that, she kissed his cheek again, pushing off to wander back towards the party. “Bye, Jayne,” Mattie waved goofily, backing away from the big guy.

"You dun lost your mind little one." He said shaking his head as his fleeing sister. Jayne lifted the rest of his mug slamming back the rest of his drink. He wiped his mouth on his sleeve and looked out at the people.

Jayne went back to the table getting himself a new mug. He turned putting his rear against the table using it as some support. He took a long sip watching the crowds. He spotted River with Jack and found himself siling. Least he knew if Jack made himself into an ass River could deck him or something. Plus he wasn't caring much about Jack's well being at this time.

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From across the tent, Aria glanced through the crowd, marginally enjoying herself. She smiled calmly, her eyes running through the dancing couples till the group parted, giving her a glimpse of a familiar face. She tensed up a bit as she watched Jayne, debating whether or not to even make a move. He didn’t seem all that happy to be here, frankly. She stepped away from her spot against the tent, rounding the crowd as she tried to keep her eyes on the man.

Chewing on her lower lip for a moment, she finally mustered up some semblance of courage, and she finally made her way all the way around the dance floor. She stared at the back of Jayne’s head for a few moments, slowly stepping up behind him as she put on her calmest face.

“Jayne Cobb,” she called out with a smirk. “My my, you are a sight.” There was something about the way Aria carried herself; no matter how suggestive the words that came out of her mouth, she always seemed ladylike and charming in manner.

Jayne lifting his mug to his lips stopped hearing a voice. It chilled him right down to his feet. He stiffened and glanced backwards. "Aria." He gave her a nod. He tried to keep his eyes away from her face. Jayne liked pretty women and Aria was one of the prettiest he had seen in a long time. He had seen a lot of women too they just never measured up no matter how good they dressed up to Aria. Only made him hate little Jack all the more.

"Heard you might be comin' by. You been spendin' time with my mama and brother again?" He asked looking down into his half empty mug before he took a rather long sip trying to keep his mind away from the girl who had stomped all over his heart years ago. Though Jayne would never admit it he had some issues with her, Jack and everything else in this town.

Aria eyed Jayne oddly, not quite sure what he meant by his pointed comment. “Your momma,” she corrected, meeting the larger man’s gaze without faltering.

Jayne didn’t seem fazed, though he was burning up inside. "Your daddy know you're here?" he asked, still staring out at the crowd.

“I’ve been helping ease dealings between my father and your family, actually…” she responded, stepping a bit closer so they could speak at a more normal level. “You know your folks; won’t talk with any of those business types.” Aria didn’t really tolerate those men, herself, really. The young woman never really fit in with her father’s society types. Sure, she could handle herself just fine in that setting, but to be honest, she preferred this company much more.

Jayne gave Aria a nod and looked back down into his mug, anything to keep from looking into her eyes. It was like he was being laughed at all over again. It wasn't a good setting, in his mind. "Yeah, I do. Probably cause they always end up trying to swindle her." He muttered sharply, lifting his head to stare at her finally.

Jayne looked so different; she could barely recognize the uncomfortable boy from their childhood. It had obviously been several years since she’d seen the Cobb boy- far too many, in her opinion. Suddenly, Aria realized she was watching him a bit harder than she should have been. “How’ve you been, Jayne?” she asked quietly, her expression softening quite a bit to show her sincerity.

Her question was a bit too close for comfort. Shutting his eyes a moment he shook his head a low chuckle coming from within. "Right." He looked up finally draining his mug and putting it behind him on the table. "Been doing just fine." Truth be told Jayne had never really been too sure on his feelings as of lately. It was like a big bundle or sex on the ship right now. What with Kaylee and Simon along with Mal and Inara. Mal didn't think Jayne knew, but he had ears and Kaylee talked too damn loud. Only ones not doing it was Zoe and River thank the heavens on that one.

"So, dealings huh? You're daddy trying to steal from my family now? Ain't enough he almost owns this town now he's gotta come 'round and hassle my folks?" He shook his head judgmentally.

“Well some things haven’t changed, that’s for sure,” she muttered, glancing up and down at Jayne. He certainly acted as gruff as he looked now. “My father’s business partners are the one’s that want own every inch of this gorram moon,” she insisted angrily. “I’m trying to make sure that your family doesn’t have their livelihood ripped out from under them! So if you’re gonna go insulting me, you better keep it to topics that don’t involve your folks!”

Slowly a chuckle came from Jayne. He rubbed his chest slightly shaking his head. "Right, ok. So how’ve you been?" He asked, obediently changing the subject as he watching her critically. "Been enjoying my little brother’s company lately?"

His question caught Aria off guard. “What are you…”

"You don't want an answer to that." He sucked in a deep breath and turned to the table. He lifted a finger. He needed another drink or he was going to have to cause himself a scene.

“You’ve been drinkin’ too much, Cobb,” she scoffed, crossing her arms as she stared him down.

He said looking towards the people still enjoying themselves. "Have I?" He asked laughing again. Swiping the mug from the barman, he took a long sip feeling his throat tightening. Why didn't she just go and fall off a ledge? Finally finishing his sip he rubbed his arm across his mouth.

"Listen up Aria, I came here for my mother to check on her health.”

Aria nodded understandingly. “And that was mighty nice of you, never said it wasn’t...”

But he kept rolling with the punches, interrupting her quickly. “I didn't come 'round, wishing that you'd pop up and we could just be best buddies again. Why don't ya go take a walk in space, gorramit!" He snapped bitterly.

She laughed sarcastically at his insults. Jayne’s threats had never held that much conviction when they were pointed at her. “If your momma ever heard some of the things you’ve said to me, she’d…” All of a sudden, Aria was silenced, her mouth falling wide open in shock as he simply spun and walked off with his new mug of ale.

“Oh no you don’t,” she growled, that gracefulness of hers flickering for a moment. “You don’t get to walk away from me, Jayne Cobb. Not this time!”

Jayne tried to keep going, but here she was. He turned to face her once more face flushed. "Oh no I don't what? What, Aria? Not this time? I left because I had to leave not because you, so princess, I wouldn't flatter yourself." He said waving his hand into the air. "I think I can and have the right to walk away. I'm not the one that gave it right up to my brother."

Aria rolled her eyes at the man. He was never gonna forgive her for Clayton, was he. “Jayne…”

Jayne had the tendency to put his foot in his mouth even during insults. Though sometimes, he just didn't care. Other times he would have stopped to correct that sentence, but he kept going. "What do you want exactly? I don't got nothing, alright? So if your intention is to use your pretty little business tactics to get whatever it is you’re aching for…”

As Jayne got right into her face, her brow furrowed furiously. "Business tactics? What in the hell are you talking about…"

"You know damn well what I'm talkin about! How bout you go try my brother with that talk o’ yours? I'm sure he'll give you another go around if you ask nicely." He hissed leaning in towards her.

But when he finished his thought, Aria’s gaze shot pure venom at Jayne. His brother? Who the hell did he think he was bringing up something like that for? It was the last straw. "Oh, you son of a bitch!" She lifted a palm, swinging a hefty backhand at his face.

Jayne was extremely experienced in hand to hand combat. He lifted his arm upwards and blocked it. Grabbing her wrist he put his foot behind her and shoved her by the wrist. Down she went. Jayne took a step back his face still red and his chest puffed up.

Aria knew that Jayne wouldn’t hit her; that man would never have it in his heart to hit a woman. But tripping and making a complete fool outta one was a completely different story. She toppled to the ground, restricted a bit in her skirt as she glowered at him. She growled out loud, completely infuriated by him at this point. That bull of a man would never be able to make this up to her.

"You ruined my life when I was a kid and I don't need you ruining this one. It's not your place anymore to call me out on my faults or try to get me to talk alright, Aria? You lost that right the day I left town. Don't expect nothing out me of because your gonna be sadly mistaken when I give you nothing. I'm going back to the black in a day or two and I don't need to be taking your memory with me so stay away or I'll make damn sure my folks don't negotiate with your daddy." And with that, he backed up and left.

Charlie had been inside the small storage shack just off to the side from where the two had been bickering. Quietly, she rifled through the bottles of liquor that some of the partygoers had requested with one hand as she chomped away on a small apple. Hearing the commotion going on outside, she quickly stepped outside to see what was going on. Just the sight of Aria getting dropped to her ass tickled Charlie some.

Not that she didn’t like the girl, Aria was nice enough, but the eldest Cobb daughter just found the “youngin’s” to be more than a little entertaining when they got all riled up like this With a sigh, she watched her younger brother storm off in a fit of typical Jayne rage. Her attention returned to Aria as the woman groaned.

“Ah, see you’ve gotten yourselves reacquainted.” Charlie leaned against the rickety doorframe. “Just like old times,” she commented straight-faced, taking another bite out of the apple.

Aria didn’t really respond to Charlie’s smart-aleck commentary as she struggled to her feet. She wasn’t gonna ask the other woman for any help getting up. Despite being considered a bit of a rich brat to the casual observer, everyone in town knew that she could hold her own. Brushing off her skirt a bit violently, she pushed back the long hair that had fallen in front of her face.

“Ass,” Aria glared at the back of Jayne’s head as he disappeared into the shadows of the farmhouses towering above them.

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To be continued! Please R&R!

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Chinese Translation: ai ren = sweetheart bih zhway = shut up