Malcolm Reynolds heard the familiar patter of feet and turned to see the familiar thump of braids against Melia Washburne's back as she sat on the floor.
"Hewwo," she said, crossing her legs. Everyone on Serenity was part of Melia's family, and no one would soon forget the sight of Jayne giving her piggyback rides.
Mal nodded and continued his work as Melia watched. The questions were bubbling behind those big green eyes. There was a twist to her mouth, and soon she would start...
"Whewe do babies come fwom?"
"Mothers."
"Whewe do mommies get dem?"
"Fathers."
"Whewe do dey get dem?"
"Born with them."
"I see..."
"Nah, but your mother would kill me if you did."
"Oh."
This made her quiet and big-eyed for a few minutes, but then her mouth twisted again.
"Yes?"
"What happens when you go in space?"
"You die."
"Why?"
"No air."
"Why do you need aiw?"
"Ask Simon."
"Because he's a doctow?"
"No, because you bug me enough already." Melia giggled.
"I wike bugging you. Simon awways gis me wong ansuhs. And nothin' Wiher says makes much sense."
"Ask 'Nara, then."
"Otay!" After a few seconds of silence, Melia's mouth twisted yet again. "Maw?"
"Yeees?"
"You gonna mawwy 'Nawa?"
Mal stared at innocent-eyed Melia for a few seconds before she became a giggling imp.
"That's it!" he said, standing up with his best Evil face.
"Maw!"
Melia giggled as Mal slung her under his arm and pounded against his chest as he carried her off.
"Hewp! Hewp! Mommy! Kaywee! Riher! Simon! 'Nawa! Jayne!"
"Off the ship with you!"
"Mommy wiww kiww you!"
"I'm the captain!"
"Mommy! Hewp! Maw's gone cwazy again!"
Mal set her on the table.
"Now... Give me one good reason not to throw you off!"
"I wuv you!"
He pushed her braids back.
"I love you too."