Hoban Washburn watched the stars streak by. They had already closed off most of the ship in preparation for what was to come. Kaylee was closed in the engine room and Mal sat in the co-pilot's seat. Wash had promised his wife something he was not looking forward to doing. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

He sighed. Might as well get it over with. "Promised the wife something."

He heard sigh from his captain, "About what?"

"Are you and Jia...you know...together?"

He looked over to see Mal shooting him daggers through his eyes.

Wash smiled innocently, "Promised I'd find out."

Mal sighed, "What difference would it make?"

Wash shrugged, "Wifey wants to know, hubby obeys."

"Why does everyone have to know?"

He shrugged again, "She doesn't want Jia getting hurt when you inevitably do something stupid."

He got another glare.

"Sir."

Mal leaned back and rubbed his face, "To tell you the truth Wash I don't know what we are. She's...I don't know Gorram it. When I do something stupid you'll know alright."

Wash laughed, "Of that I have no doubt."

"To change the subject, what's the kid's name?"

Wash smiled, "Zoey wants to name him after her dad, John James. I think we should just scare and confuse everyone and name him Jayne."

Mal laughed, "So his name will be John James."

Wash nodded, "Without a doubt."

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The night in Persephone had come and gone smoothly. Zoe and Jia walked outside in the late afternoon around Aunt Gwen's estate. Well, Jia walked and Zoe waddled.

"Nice house."

"Sure."

Zoe turned, "By the tone I assume you don't agree."

Jia shrugged, "My Aunt and me have never gotten along particularly well. She's the reason I took jobs away from Persephone. We talked last night and both agreed to be civil."

The taller woman smiled, "Does she know about Mal?"

Jia stopped and turned, "What about him?"

"Does she know about you and him?"

"There is no me and him Zoe."

Zoe walked away, "Sure."

Jia caught up, "By the tone I assume you don't believe me?"

Zoe stopped, "I'm not blind Jia. Wash may not see it but I do. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into."

"For the sake of argument, what am I getting myself into?"

"He's not the easiest man to get along with. I think you might be what he needs though."

"I guess it's a good thing I'm not..."

Jia broke off when Zoe doubled over in pain.

"What's wrong?"

"I think I'm in labor."

Jia supported Zoe into the house and screamed for Simon. Luckily he was near and came right away. They both took Zoe upstairs and got her situated. Jayne, Shepherd and River also gathered. Jia backed off and let Simon work.

Shepherd Book approached her, "We should inform the father."

"There's a vid screen downstairs. The problem is getting here. My Aunt's driver took her and my brother into the store today. He won't be back till very late tonight. There's another vehicle but I don't drive. Getting here isn't exactly easy to explain."

Shepherd remembered all the strange turns and shaded roads. Directions wouldn't be good enough.

He had an idea however, "I am able to drive if I have you for directions."

Jia nodded, "I'll go contact them." She left.

Jayne walked up "What am I supposed to do?"

Shepherd Book smiled at him. "Zoe will need your support."

Jayne looked at him like he was insane, "What the Gorram hell am I supposed to do?"

"Simon will be busy. River can not do what you can do. You are a familiar face and can be strong for her."

Zoe screamed in the back ground.

"I ain't ...that ain't in my job description. I don't get paid to be a nursemaid."

Shepherd Book put his hand on Jayne's shoulder, "It isn't about getting paid son. It's about being part of a family."

"Who says..."

Jia came back in, "We gotta go Shepherd."

Shepherd Book turned and followed her. Jayne looked around startled.

Simon turned, "I never thought I would say this, but I need your help Jayne."

Jayne moaned but went towards him, "What?"

"She needs something to focus on. I need you to hold her hand."

Zoe wasn't happy, "He doesn't..." She broke off when another contraction hit.

Simon yelled, "Get over here Jayne!"

Jayne hurried over and took Zoe's hand with a grimace. " I don't know..."

Another contraction hit and he was almost brought to his knees as Zoe squeezed his hand in bone crunching intensity.

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Serenity was almost to Persephone when they got the wave. Kaylee was sitting in the now open galley with the boys. There was no lightning strike that hit them, but some had come close. Wash hurried to the bridge when he heard the call.

Mal felt the ship take a hard burn and ran to the bridge with Kaylee behind him.

"What was that Wash?"

"I'm going to be a father."

"I'm well aware of that. What was the burn for? Celebration?"

"I'm going to be a father in the next few hours."

"Oh." Mal paused, "Ask next time. It's nice to play Captain once in a while."

Kaylee was jumping up and down and squeaking.

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Shepherd Book and Jia waited at the docks.

She turned to her companion, "Shouldn't they be here by now?"

"You asked that ten minutes ago. My answer is the same. Have patience my dear."

"Never been good at that."

They looked up to see Serenity. It landed with a very unusual thump. Out walked an anxious Wash and an irate Mal.

"I don't give a good Gorram what the hell's going on. You do that again I'll kill you. Dong ma?"

Kaylee shut Serenity's cargo bay door and raced to the awaiting transport. Shepherd Book beat Wash to the driver's seat so Wash filed in back. Everyone else quickly got in and they took off.

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Jia raced up the stairs and Wash raced behind her. He burst into the room.

Zoe screamed, "Where the hell have you been?!"

Wash took the hand that Jayne had quickly dropped and went for the door. He met Mal, Jia, Kaylee, Shepherd and River downstairs. He was holding his hand.

"I think she broke somethin'"

Everyone but Shepherd wasn't paying attention. Shepherd Book had a proud smile on his face. Jayne grimaced and went out the door with a comment about getting air.

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John James Washburn was born an hour after his father arrived. There was much celebration that night at the news of a healthy five pound boy and a healthy mother. Mal insisted that everyone but the new parents return to Serenity for the night. Everyone was back the next day when Aunt Gwen's driver brought the new family back. By then Mal had delivered the cargo and they were soon on their way.

Zoe was resting with John and Wash. Jayne had still not come out of his room. Kaylee had returned to the engine room. Shepherd Book was praying for the new crew member. Simon was in the infirmary researching pediatrics. River was in her room relaxing after the emotions of the previous days had wiped her out. Jia was in the kitchen. Mal joined her.

He leaned against the doorway for a moment before coming in and closing the door behind him. She looked up and smiled at him.

"Hi."

He looked at her sideways, "Miss me?"

She thought about it, "Nope."

Mal walked over and put his arms around her middle, "Liar."

She put her arms around his neck., "I know."

He lowered his mouth to hers and it wasn't long before things got much more involved. Mal broke off.

"Maybe we should go somewhere else."

"Where would you suggest? Your room where no one would believe I was in there for an innocent purpose or mine where the walls are nothing but paper?"

Mal's smile dropped, "Fu de ma. I need to send everyone away for a bit don't I?"

Jia raised her eyebrow, "A bit?"

"The night you tease. Suppose I could find a job for us to do. But then Jayne would want to come along."

"How bout another vacation? Iso was nice last time."

He nodded slowly, "And with the new baby I think a vacation is in order. I will go change course." He patted her behind before leaving, "Good idea."

She smiled and shook her head at his back.

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Mal had everyone gathered in the galley again.

Zoe was confused, "Iso again sir?"

"The only place in the verse where we can all be by ourselves."

Kaylee spoke up, "I'll stay with the ship this time so Jia can go too."

Jayne spoke up, "I'm stayin too."

Everyone looked at him.

"What? Just need to do some tuning to my guns that's all. Been neglectin my ladies lately."

Mal shook his head, "Whatever. Two days to get there people. Start planning." With his pronouncement he left. Everyone scattered to the wind to plan their activities on Iso.

Jia had followed Mal towards the bridge. She shut the door behind her. He turned and half grinned.

"Good plan."

He embraced her and kissed her. He was pressing his body to hers when there was a knock on the door.

"Gorram it. Can't a man even seduce his cook on his own ship?"

She laughed, "See you later."

She went down the stairs to the other exit. Mal wrenched open the door. Wash was on the other side.

"Why was this locked?"

Mal brushed past him without answering. Wash looked around in confusion.

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They reached Iso with two more interrupted moments and no breakdown from Zoe yet. It seemed Jia had been right. She was an excellent mother. Wash had no trouble taking care of his new son. Even though to Zoe's dismay he had come up with the nick-name of Jesse James for their little boy. No matter how many disgusted looks she gave him he just grinned at her.

Simon said he was losing weight like all newborns do but not at a rate above normal. He was eating well. Because she wanted to get back to work quickly she wasn't nursing. John didn't seem to mind. Although he had Zoe's skin and hair color, he looked like his dad. The only other thing of Zoe's he got was his eyes. The mouth, nose and face were all Hoban Washburn.

River had seemed interested but not in a bad way. Zoe was still cautious, but not protective. She trusted River. River said John would be well and a good man. She had to admit her mind was put at ease by her statements.

They set down on Iso without the jolt they had on Persephone. The Washburns set out for one of the hotels. Simon told his sister he would take her camping. Shepherd was headed for the church. Neither Mal or Jia told anyone of their plans.

They arrived separately at another hotel. Mal had made sure it was different from the one Zoe had picked.

They went up to the room together. As soon as the door closed they were kissing. Jia led him to the bed. He laid her down on top of the covers and joined her.

"Are you sure about this?"

In answer she brought her lips to his. He pressed her into the mattress. He kissed her neck and moved his hands up and down her body.

Jia's conscience had been telling her to tell him about his being her first. She couldn't fight it anymore.

"Mal."

"Yeah?"

"Before we do this I have to tell you something."

Mal really wasn't paying attention, "What's that?"

"I'm a virgin."

She knew he heard her because he froze. He lifted his head. "What was that?"

"I've never done this before."

He lifted his body and went to the side. "Please tell me this is a bad joke."

She shook her head.

He got up. "I ah..."

"It's not a big deal. It's nothing."

He backed towards the door, "I have to... you know...process this. I'll be right back."

"Mal please..."

"I'll be right back."

With that he backed out the door and was gone.

Jia spent the night waiting.

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Mal spent it in a bar not drinking. His thoughts weren't exactly complimentary to himself. He wasn't good enough. An innocent affair was out of the question. He grimaced at his mind's choice of words. What the hell was she doing being a ...virgin...anyway? She was twenty eight for God's sake.

No matter what she couldn't be his now. She was perfect, untouched. He might be a mean old man but he wasn't a monster. He wouldn't sully her with his baggage. She deserved much better.

He returned to his ship at noon to find her already there. Kaylee had told him she was in her room. He didn't check but had Wash take off. No one said much. They had all seen Jia's red eyes upon returning, even though she tried to hide them. They had all seen the stricken look on Mal's face.

The next two days was business. He avoided being in the same room as her. She didn't press the issue. He was incredibly insensitive and insulting to everyone. She avoided everyone.

He could no longer avoid her when he went down to his bunk and she was sitting on his bed. Thankfully, unlike his last visitor, she had her clothes on. She looked at him and stood.

"We really need to talk."

He looked down, "Yeah."

"Are you sorry I told you?"

"No, I'm glad you did." He moved so he wasn't between her and the door.

"I'm not."

He didn't look up.

"It's not a big deal."

"Yes it is Jia."

She didn't speak. Mal was glad. He had been thinking about what to say all day.

He finally looked up. He was stone faced, "I think you should save yourself for a man who wants to marry you. You know, someone who loves you."

He almost gave in as he could see her heart breaking in her eyes, "Oh."

She didn't cry. He was glad.

She shook her head, "You're right. I should go now."

She slowly made her way up the ladder and out of his bunk. Mal collapsed on the bed as he felt his chest cave in. Jia waited until she reached her room. Only then did she cry.

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Mal wasn't surprised when she came out the next morning. He was also not surprised by her announcement at breakfast.

"My aunt had a stroke. They don't know if she will recover."

She got sincere concern around the table. She never even heard it.

"I need to go home. I need to take care of her while my brother works and my sister goes to school." She looked at him, "I guess what I'm saying is I quit."

He never looked up, "You gotta do what you gotta do."

Jia got condolences and regrets she was leaving she barely heard. Mal left at the first opportunity. He went to the bridge and sat in the co-pilot's seat. He thought to himself that if he was doing the right thing, why did he feel worse then he ever had before.

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River, Kaylee and Zoe sat in Jia's room as she packed. River hid her head. Kaylee cried.

"I will miss you so much. I can't believe you are really going."

Zoe couldn't wait till they were alone, "You don't have to go."

"Yes I do Zoe. My Aunt needs me."

"Give us a break. No one believes that gosa."

Jia stopped packing for a moment,"You were wrong Zoe."

Zoe was confused, "About what?"

Jia turned to face her, "I did know what I was getting into. I decided it was too much to deal with. I turned him down."

Zoe inhaled sharply, "You did?"

"Yes," There was no hesitation in her voice. "I decided he couldn't offer me what I want."

Zoe didn't comment, she just turned and walked out. Kaylee and River followed at a slower pace.

Jia continued packing without a shadow of emotion on her face.

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They had headed back to Persephone after Iso. They arrived there two days later. Mal had acted no different from before Jia came. Jia had no emotion. Anytime anyone tried to talk to either of them they just walked away.

In the cargo bay everyone was there, even Mal. There were hugs all around, except a handshake from Mal. He wished her good luck. She left quietly. Mal told Wash to take off for Whitefall. Wash obeyed the command without comment. Everyone else went to their rooms.