"Shhh-" she whispered, appearing out of nowhere. "Planning is key. Secrets. Shh- don't speak."

I felt a small ache in my neck, spreading up and over my head. "Mei-mei?" I questioned, not understanding a word, a headache forming as I tried once more to comprehend her mumbled speech.

"Treasure hunting," she grinned as she jumped up and ran away from me. I quickly followed her only to come to an abrupt stop in the cargo bay.

"Don't see why we can't." Mal shrugged a small smirk forming on his lips.

"Oh." Inara paused, her brow wrinkly slightly. "Then I shall send a wave to announce our arrival."

"You do that now." He smirked once more, his hand pulling slightly on his suspenders. She quirked an eyebrow and turned away.

"Our arrival?" I repeated stepping forward as Mal swiveled toward me.

"Don't you have some work to do?" He questioned as he glanced over at River wandering the bay.

"Not at the moment," I replied as I frowned slightly.

"He's da capt'n," River pointed out the obvious as she came to a stop between us. "Now he's da capt'n of a pirate ship- treasure hunting is our game."

"Ain't you fixed her yet?" he groaned. "You better be on your best behavior when we land. Dong ma?"

"Where are we landing?" I questioned, feeling lost.

"Treasure," he smirked and River smiled. Dang-ran!

"Told you so," River sang as she flashed a brilliant smile and turned away.

I sighed, rubbing my hand over my brow. The real question was; what were we hunting?

~

"Did ya hear?" Kaylee questioned her voice light and airy as she entered the infirmary. She stood at the door a moment before she crossed over to me, wrapping her arms around my chest.

"Hear what, bao bei?" I replied as I pulled her closer to me, burying my head into the crook of her neck. I inhaled deeply, pausing only a moment to categorize every last detail in my mind, the smell of her hair, the soft touch of her skin, the touch of grease and oil that colored her skin.

"We're goin' to see 'Nara's kin." She smiled up at me as she leaned in to kiss me.

"Are we now?" I questioned as I kissed her softly.

"Yep," she grinned as she eagerly returned the kiss.

Every second we have been together, I can't help but think of all the time we wasted- I don't know how I could have survived if we had lost her too.

She's my home, the only sunshine in the bleak outer rim.

"Sounds shiny," I whispered in response as her eyes lit up with even more love and admiration.

"You're learning real good," she laughed as she rubbed her hands against my back and then pulled me in for another kiss.

A loud cough reverberated in the small room and we jumped apart. I felt my cheeks flush as I turned to see Zoe smiling at us.

"Tzao-gao," Kaylee mumbled more to herself as she turned away from Zoe. "Jen dao mei."

I felt a flash of anger once more at our current situation and I couldn't help but feel guilty that we could move on and she wouldn't be able to as she had once hoped. "Zoe," I smiled. "Did you need something?"

"The Captain just wanted me to tell you that we'll be landing on Treasure soon enough and that you might as well get ready, dong ma?"

"Yes, of course," I replied as she nodded and turned away.

"Oh, I should get all fancy up'ed." Kaylee grinned. "Don't want 'Nara's kin to think badly of us."

"I don't see how they could," I offered as I squeezed her hand. "You radiate beauty."

"Shiny," Kaylee grinned, blushing. "Well, doc, you getting mighty good with that there fancy talk."

I laughed and kissed her once more. "Go get ready, I'll see to River."

"You do that," she smiled as she quickly retreated down the hallway and I turned the corner and ran smack into Jayne.

"Ow," Jayne cried. "Don't you watch where you goin'? 'Spect you should with all that gorramed teaching of yours."

"I'm not the one hiding in the shadows," I corrected as I walked away from him and back into the infirmary.

"Hey, I was a talkin' to you."

"Shumma?" I asked as I turned back to him.

He scratched his chin and then leaned back against the wall. "I need me them shots so my John Thomas don't ruttin' fall off."

I stared at him briefly. "Huh?" I found myself gasping, not fully understanding what shots he wanted.

"Ya know, them fancy shots for ruttin'," he explained a little further and I nodded.

"Ah, Preisoprovalin." I nodded as I turned to the drawer where I kept a large supply. "I thought you bought your own." I added as I took out a few booster shots.

"There was so much tasty on that one moon that I used up my supply," He shrugged. "We ain't been anywhere to get more, since we been runnin' a bit."

"And you plan to use more when we land?" I questioned as he grinned in reply.

"As long as I ain't contradictin' the Treasure run, I do."

"Dang-ran," I mused as I handed him a few doses, and he smiled in response.

"Thank ya, kindly, doc." He grunted and quickly left.

"Ready," River smiled as she suddenly appeared and I turned to her. "He only needed one." She stated as she looked around the infirmary.

"One?" I repeated, looking at my sister with amusement.

"It's complicated," she shrugged as she tugged on my hand and I followed her.

~

The first thing I noticed when we descended the ship was the overpowering smell of roses- no, not overpowering. It was more of a shock to the system; you don't realize how much you miss faint scents in the air until they were gone.

The recycled air on Serenity was never light and refreshing as this was- no faint scent of morning dew and roses ever infiltrated the system. Smoke, grime, grease, maybe- hints of roses, no. Inara's incense normally didn't leave her shuttle, but it wasn't the same as the real scents.

Inara quickly took the lead and escorted us to the rose garden where her relatives were waiting for us. Instantly I felt their heated gazes on me;, they were judging us.

Like I once did the first time I stepped onto Serenity. If they were as quick to judge as I was, then we were in for an interesting trip.

Ran and Lianna Saito, and their daughter, Jameson.

The introductions were quick and I barely had time to refocus my attention on the task at hand. I felt myself falling back into the persona that I once was, the person I was trying hard to escape.

It was fairly obvious that the Saito's were rich and maybe even more so then my parents were. I tensed slightly at the linear progression to my family, how it used to be, how it will never be.

It was like stepping back in time, everything was in its place, structured, rich. I sucked in a quick breath as I stepped into the parlor room; it mirrored the one from my youth in almost every aspect. It reeked of everything that I ran away from- I once thought that I'd want to come back to this, but now I was not so sure.

I felt a soft touch against my back. It was just a simple, loving touch that helped me guide me back to reality. I turned my head slightly and offered her a weak smile.

"Bao bei," I whispered as her hand traveled around my waist and then her hand strayed away, and I immediately felt lost. She squeezed my hand briefly, flashing me a brilliant smile before she dropped her hand away when Mrs. Saito approached us.

The disapproving look in her eyes hurt, almost like I was staring in my mother's eyes. She made no qualms about letting us know how little she thought of Kaylee. And I was instantly glad that Kaylee would most likely never meet my mother and have to witness this same unjust behavior.

"Mrs. Saito," I soothed and she smiled in return.

"Please, call me Lianna," she smiled all too sweetly.

"Lianna," I acknowledged as I glanced over at Kaylee, wanting more then anything to take her out of this place, out of this world. She was too good for this.

Mrs. Saito beamed and began talking about Treasure and not so subtly she kept hinting at the fact that I should talk with Jameson.

Jameson.

My thoughts wandered and I shifted slightly to gaze at her; she was beautiful. She had a rare exotic beauty to her features, much like her cousin Inara. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, making her even more radiant. And her attention seemed to be focused on something, or someone else.

She seemed oblivious to everything around her and she didn't even answer Mal's or Zoe's questions. Odd.

She seemed very educated, trained, and poised, like any young lady in society. I followed her gaze and froze- Jayne?!

"Lao tyen boo," I clasped a hand to my mouth unable to stop my exclamation. I quickly reassessed my blunder, but Lianna was still talking a mile a minute and Kaylee simply looked bored, her gaze drifting to the others as well. River, on the other hand, smiled brilliantly.

"It's going to hurt," she added softly.

I blinked quickly and returned my gaze to Jameson, but the scene was no different than the minute before. Jameson was fascinated by our Jayne Cobb.

I stifled a laugh as I turned my attention fully back to the conversation and I nodded appropriately as Lianna continued on about Jameson's lessons and awards. She was in for a rude awakening.

~

I was instantly relieved when Lianna suggested that we should freshen up before dinner, which only meant that she thought we weren't clean enough to sit at her table. My mother used the same tactics. Some things never change.

Kaylee, River, and I followed her down the hall as she continued talking to us, telling us the history of miscellaneous objects that adorned the walls.

River shot me a glance of annoyance when Lianna recounted a false history, probably made up by her husband. "No mei-mei," I hissed quickly and she scrunched up her face and rolled her eyes in reply.

"We have a number of guest rooms," she began as we stopped in the foyer of two adjacent hallways. "You may choose which rooms you would like, but the girls are to stay in the room to my right-"

"Did she just call us 'girls'?" Zoe drawled as she took her place beside me.

I bit my lip, trying not to laugh at Lianna's immediate repulsed look that flashed over her face. Her brow wrinkled slightly and she pursed her lips together.

"I reckon she did," Mal slurred as he pushed past Zoe and towered over Lianna. "Are these our rooms?" He questioned pointing to the hallway to the left with his gun as Lianna paled visibly. "Jamie said our rooms were to the left."

"Jameson," she corrected, tensing slightly. "And yes your rooms are to the left."

"Sie-sie," he smiled as he nodded his head.

"Dinner will be in an hour," she replied tersely as she left us to our own means.

We stayed in our places until she disappeared around the corner. I glanced over at Kaylee and then I finally let out a laugh I was holding back and soon we were all chuckling as we picked our rooms.

~

I sat down on the bed feeling tired from the day's events. I had forgotten how draining it was to be formal and polite. I fell back on the bed and closed my eyes, willing my body to relax.

There was a knock at my door and I groaned. "Shumma?"

"It's just me, Bao bei."

"Kaylee," I sighed, smiling to myself. "Cheeng jeen," I called out, not even attempting to move from my spot on the warm, inviting bed.

"Now doc," she grinned as she opened the door and closed it behind her. "Thought you were supposed to clean up."

"I'm good," I smiled as I reached out to her and she eagerly took my hand and climbed into bed with me. She wrapped her arms around me and held me tight, tucking her head under my chin. "Bao bei?" I questioned as she whimpered softly.

"Do you miss this?" She whispered as her fingers made small circles on my chest.

"I thought I would," I replied honestly as I interlaced my fingers with hers.

"And now?" She questioned as she looked up at me, her eyes bright with tears.

"No-" I managed to reply before her lips attacked mine. I quickly wrapped my arms around her and pulled her taut against me.

"Time to go," the captain's voice yelled through the closed door and we froze. "Dong Ma?"

"Shr ah," I called back and I kissed her once more before we pulled apart.

"Kuh ooh duh lao bao jurn," Kaylee grumbled as she combed her hand through her tousled hair.

I laughed as I kissed her brow and ran my fingers through her hair. "Radiant."

She blushed and flashed a bright smile. "You ain't bad yourself."

"Don't let them get to you," I sighed as I pulled her into my arms and held her tight. "They can't hold a candle to you."

"Shiny," she grinned, a marked sadness in her eyes. "Really?"

"Really," I promised with another quick kiss and I offered her my arm. "May I escort you to dinner?"

"Shr ah," she nodded and we ventured back out to the hallway with the others.

~

Dinner was formal and elegant, just like I expected it to be. River and I fell back into the routine of fancy dinners easily, and I felt a pang of embarrassment for the rest of the crew. Besides Inara, the others never had any formal training- and Jayne, wo de ma had no manners whatsoever.

I tried to keep my comments to a minimum, but it was hard to do. He was the only one not even trying to fit in.

Which in a way, I admired. He was who he was, and he didn't care what anyone else thought. I don't even know if it even occurred to him to even think it.

I almost wished I was as free as him, no restraints, to be the person I was meant to be, and not who I was born to be.

I glanced over at Kaylee as she savored another ripe strawberry. She was my saving grace, and just maybe, Jameson was Jayne's.

And in that moment I understood the attraction, the need that she felt. It was the same feeling I had toward Kaylee. I couldn't help but smile and I studied Jameson as she blushed and fidgeted beside Jayne. She did fancy him something fierce, I just wondered if she realized it yet.

"It's going to hurt," River repeated softly as she glanced over at Jameson. "You have to hurt before it comes true," she continued on as she bit into an apple with a loud crunch. "If it didn't, you wouldn't realize it if it left."

"Now, River," Kaylee smiled. "It doesn't always have to hurt."

"It hurt you." River stated and Kaylee's smile disappeared as she glanced up at me. "It always hurts if it's true."

Kaylee and I stared at each other briefly as we comprehended River's words for the first time. I felt ill, and I just wanted to reassure her- to show her that she would never hurt like that again.

"Like you do now," she whispered as she sighed and left the room, following the others into the parlor for the after-dinner entertainment.

"Kaylee?" I whispered, wondering if what River said was true.

"It ain't nuthin'," she replied quickly as she squeezed my hand. "It's just you and I are so different. Here you sat so prim and proper and I-"

"It doesn't matter to me," I groaned as she shook her head.

"Fay-fay d'pian," She snapped and I stared at her, my mouth dropping open slightly.

"Shumma?" I questioned feeling confused and I grabbed her hand, needing to feel her close to me. "Bao bei."

She sighed and closed her eyes. "Simon."

"Tomorrow," I began as I offered her a smile, kissing her hand. "At the festival, we'll sneak away- just the two of us."

~

The night passed far too quickly for my taste. I felt tired and hopelessly alone for the first time in months. Kaylee didn't sleep by my side as she had in the past two months- as long as she wasn't needed to work on the engine or any other part of Serenity, she was with me. We were making up for lost time, not wanting to come to a point where we regretted that we didn't have more time together, like Zoe.

I smiled weakly as I ran my hand over the empty bed space. She claimed it wasn't proper to be sleeping together, and maybe she was right, but I missed her.

"Don't let the space bugs bite," she had whispered right before we parted for the night. I laughed and kissed her before she pulled away.

"Space bugs," I sighed as I sat up and started to prepare for the day.

I stepped out into the hall and smacked into Mal. Gorramit.

I groaned and stepped back. I studied him briefly and I realized he was getting ready to go somewhere- somewhere where he needed ammunition, lots of it. I opened my mouth to say something, but he raised his hand in dismissal.

"Gwon nee ju jee du shu," he grumbled as he looked around the empty hallway. "Zoe, Jayne," he called and the two appeared from out of nowhere and then disappeared around the corner.

I heard a door opening as I watched them leave and I glanced over to see River smiling up at me. "Treasure hunting," River announced and then she slammed the door.

"Dang-ran," I sighed as I rubbed my eyes. This was going to be a long day.

~

Kaylee was even more quiet and reserved at breakfast; she smiled frequently, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. She was hurting and I had no idea how to make her feel more at ease. She wasn't meant for this life, too many rules, it pushed her into a corner. She was meant for bigger and brighter things.

After breakfast we retired to the parlor room, until it was time to head to the festival. River paced up and down the room, she kept looking at Kaylee and then back at me. After another puzzled glance, she turned to me and sighed, sitting down beside me. "Fix it," she urged as she stared at me and then glanced over at Kaylee standing in the archway.

"I'm trying mei-mei," I whispered as I rubbed the back of my neck.

"There's always dancing." She grinned as she jumped up and twirled around, dancing to music no one heard.

Kaylee laughed at River, her eyes brightening for the first time today. I instantly smiled at her, stood up and crossed over to her. I held out my hand to her, "Can you move your feet?" I questioned as she flashed me a brilliant smile.

"Why, Dr. Tam, are you asking me to dance?" She blushed as she took my hand and I escorted her to the middle of the room and we started to dance a slow waltz. It was fong luh, but it was just what we needed to lighten the mood.

River stopped suddenly and we barely stopped in time before we collided into her. "River?" I questioned as she looked intently at the archway.

"There you are." Inara smiled as Jameson joined her. "It's time to go."

~

We followed Jameson into town, stopping briefly to meet one of her best friends Harlan. He was swai and every bit the proper gentleman, but he seemed a little wary of River, and I felt like he was checking me out.

The streets were crowded with laughter and music, River was starting to bounce with excitement, I know she wanted to run off and dance.

"There's dancing," River stated to me as she grabbed my hands and started pulling me toward the crowd by the stage. "There's dancing and flowers, and we don't want to be the in way."

"The way of what?" I asked as I reached over to Kaylee and pulled her along with me. I was more than happy to separate from the rest, to be free of constraints.

"The taming," River laughed as she glanced over at Jameson and smiled.

I wondered briefly at her comment and thought it best not to worry about it, not now. I pulled Kaylee closer to me as we were sucked into the crowd of people.

The music was loud and merry, the people around us danced and it was the most freeing event I'd ever been too. I laughed as I watched River jump onto the stage and began to dance with the others, picking up the difficult routine with ease. She's always loved to dance.

"Shiny," Kaylee laughed as she wrapped her arms around me and we began to dance to the beat of the music.

~

Eventually we made it back to the main group. Jameson was surrounded by her friends and they seemed perfectly happy to gossip about the crew. Kaylee and River chimed in every once in a while, but I seemed to hold most of the conversation.

Cider was overflowing and it was easy to mislead them and hold their attentions without telling them anything at all.

I watched River intently as she talked with Jameson. Their voices were too mingled in with everyone else to figure out what they were saying. But, from the look on Jameson's face, I could only assume that she was talking in riddles once more

"Ni how, ladies! How are you this fine evening?" Harlan greeted the group as he sat down beside Jameson and started to speak with her in hushed tones and we continued with our own conversation.

"I'm no whore!" Jameson blurted out and the conversation ceased at our table, all eyes were on her. She took a deep breath and then smiled weakly.

"Sounds like your conversation is a lot more interesting than ours," Kaylee commented with a light laugh. "Mind sharing?"

"It was just-" She began, her mouth slightly parted as if she was thinking of something to say.

"A bawdy joke that I won't allow Jamie to share in the company of such lovely ladies," Harlan added quickly, a smirk tugging at his lips. He was lying, and I couldn't help but wonder what they were speaking about. "She's such a bad girl." He continued as he slapped her hand.

The girls started up another conversation as I watched Jameson intently, something was going on. She leaned forward and was talking with Harlan in a hushed tone. Something was definitely going on.

For the rest of the evening, Kaylee and I pulled ourselves away from Jameson's group of friends to spend a little time alone. Which wasn't too hard to do with everyone drinking, no one really took notice of us holding hands and dancing together.

As the night went on, the festivities grew. The children were ushered off to bed and the cider and beer started to flow more freely, no glass was left empty.

Everyone was dancing and the music seemed even louder, River danced with every available person and I stayed close to Kaylee.

After what seemed like hours of dancing, Kaylee and I sat down and rested. I poured Kaylee one last drink as River sat down beside us, her face flushed with exertion.

"Have fun mei-mei?" Kaylee asked as she reached over and tucked a strand of her hair behind River's ear.

"Must remember the music, it's too silent in the black." She whispered as she leaned against Kaylee. "Must dance to remember."

"Ain't always silent, mei-mei," Kaylee smiled. "There's always shiny music if you listen hard enough-"

"Serenity sings to you," River agreed and Kaylee grinned in response.

"Mei-mei," I soothed, "would you care for something to drink?"

"No, Simon." She replied as she shook her head. She turned her head to the side and then laughed. "But, Jameson would."

I paused and glanced up to see Jameson scan the crowd. She smiled as she caught my gaze and crossed over to us. Sure enough, she wanted one last cider for the night.

Jameson sat down at our table and we shared a few amusing stories about our days on Serenity, but Kaylee and I still kept stories about the others to ourselves. It was still to fresh of a wound to share with her. Maybe one day.

Jameson didn't seem to notice and she continued on with a few stories about herself and Treasure. We talked for a few more hours, until the music had completely dwindled and we were one of the last people there.

~

Kaylee started to head to her room, when I pulled her back against me. "No, bao bei, not tonight."

"Shumma?" She questioned her brow wrinkling slightly as I pulled her back into my room and shut the door behind us.

"Shh," I whispered as I pressed her back against the door and kissed her. Her lips parted and I slipped my tongue in between them. Her tongue grazed mine, sending waves of pleasure straight to my groin.

She moaned softly as she wrapped her arms around me, pulling me closer, deepening our kiss. She tasted like cider and strawberries, and I craved more.

I needed more.

"Simon," she panted as I rubbed my fingers down the bodice of her dress. "Need you."

I groaned and pulled away, only to lead her to the bed. "Shr ah," I agreed as her fingers weaved into my vest and began taking it off.

"Shr ah," she echoed as I began to unlace her bodice, suddenly wishing we were back on Serenity and that she was only wearing her overalls and t-shirt, instead of the complicated dresses that Inara had given to her.

"Kaylee," I gasped as her fingers brushed over my chest and then pulled me closer to her. We tumbled onto the bed, laughing and kissing as we continued to discard our clothing.

I gasped for air as we parted and her hands continued to roam over my chest, traveling down to my ji ba. I groaned and bucked up into her hands, my body on fire with need.

She grinned, biting her lower lip as she straddled my hips. "Wu de tyen ah," she moaned as she guided my ji ba into her ji bai.

I gasped, stilling my motion for a second, just enjoying the heat of her around me, constricting and relaxing, making me harder.

"Wu de tyen ah," I repeated with reverence as we found the familiar pattern of our lovemaking.

~

"Ching-wah tsao duh liou mahng!"

My eyes snapped open as the exclamation permeated my dreams and I glanced over to the door, and I was shocked to see Mal standing in my room. "Liou coe shway duh biao-tze huh hoe-tze fuh ur-tze." He hissed as I tried to entangle myself from a still sleeping Kaylee.

"Is there something you needed?" I grumbled as I attempted to cover Kaylee and I with the discarded bedding.

"What if someone walked in on you two ruttin'?" He demanded as he stared at me and I made no attempt to move from the bed, feeling slightly underdressed.

"They would have knocked." I insisted as he glared at me. "Like any civilized person."

"Fei hua." He growled. "Ain't there civilized rules about this?" He questioned as he gestured wildly at us.

I groaned as I felt Kaylee beginning to stir in her sleep. "Why are you here?" I inquired, sidestepping his question.

"Mornin' Capt'n," Kaylee whispered as she looked up at him, she yawned and sat up behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist.

"Mornin' Kaylee." He nodded and then pursed his lips together, looking away. "I need a word with Simon, dong ma?"

Kaylee glanced at me, her eyes tinged with worry. "She'll find out later-" I began as Mal groaned and turned away once more, muttering something under his breath.

"It's ok," Kaylee whispered as she attempted to get up from the bed. "I know when I ain't wanted, the Capt'n wants a word."

"I want you here," I insisted as she stopped her movements and looked up to Mal for reassurance. And in that moment I hated that in the end she would follow his command first; he was the captain and I owed him. We owed him.

"Kaylee, now," Mal groaned and Kaylee wrapped the sheet around her and began gathering her clothes. "Jayne's little infatuation is getting in the way."

"It's sweet- shiny even." Kaylee smiled as Mal shot her a deadly glare. "Aw, capt'n it's just a harmless-"

"Ain't you suppose to be going?" Mal growled and Kaylee sighed, making her way out of the room.

"That wasn't called for," I snapped and he just stared blankly at me.

"Is this the angry face?" He inquired and I rolled my eyes in annoyance.

"Shumma?" I groaned. "What's so important that you couldn't wait until a decent hour to-"

"Like I said, "Jayne's little infatuation is getting in the way."

"Oh, you mean for the run?" I questioned and he nodded.

"I need you to keep Jameson preoccupied, keep her mind off Jayne- flirt with her."

"Flirt with her?" I gasped. "Are you fong luh?"

"She's in the way, she's going to get hurt-"

"Tsai boo shr," I stated firmly. "No."

"Serenity has become a home for you and your sister." Mal continued. "I hate to find a new doctor and all."

"Is that a threat?" I gasped, standing up.

He laughed, "Hard to take you serious like when you're naked as a baby."

I groaned and pulled my pants back on. "No."

"It's a shame, Kaylee so sweet on you, she'd really hate to see you go." He continued on a smile playing at his lips.

"No," I insisted once more and he groaned.

"It's what's best for Serenity, we don't need no fancy talking lady on this ship- can't you see that nothing good can come out of this?"

I paused, knowing that he will press this until I agree.

"You do this, dong ma?" He stated. "And I'll lay off you and Kaylee and all this nonsense."

"Love isn't nonsense," I corrected him and he stared at me briefly.

"It is when it clouds the brain," he shrugged and waited patiently for my answer.

"Fine," I sighed as he grinned in response.

"Good," He nodded as he turned away. "Always nice talking business with ya, doc."

I groaned as he left and sat there pondering my new assignment. I glanced up as Kaylee came back in. "Bao bei."

"Bao bei?" She questioned softly, concern laced in her voice. She crossed over to me and I sighed, pulling her close and lying back down on the bed.

I held her close and for a moment I just relaxed in her arms. After a short pause I explained the captain's wishes and I frowned slightly when she agreed it was okay to pursue his plan.

Deep down, I had wanted her to object. Then I'd have more of a reason to refuse it.

~

"It's all shiny," Kaylee whispered once more at breakfast trying to reassure me as she glanced over at Jameson. "The capt'n thinks it best-"

"For who?" I whispered in reply as I squeezed her hand, hoping our voices wouldn't carry over.

"That fresh orange juice?" Jayne's loud, obnoxious voice boomed, interrupting my thoughts.

"It is!" Kaylee replied in earnest, holding up her cup, her smile sparkling once more. "I've already had two glasses full!"

"Well, hell. Pour me some!" He demanded, slipping into the seat beside Jameson and reaching for the pitcher. I groaned and snatched it away from his hands. "Hey!"

"When you learn some manners," I warned him as I poured another glass for Kaylee instead. "Then you may have some juice."

Jayne glared at me, but it didn't phase me as it once did. "What the go se do manners have t'do with gittin’ some juice?"

I rolled my eyes and I was even more annoyed when I noticed that Jameson was smiling, amused with his actions.

"It's all right, Simon," She interrupted with a laugh. "This isn't a formal table this morning. Just breakfast."

"Here. Have mine." She offered, setting her glass in front of Jayne. My mouth dropped in shock and I glanced at Inara's paling face. This was getting way out of hand.

Inara gave me a faint nod, trying to compose herself. It was rare to find the lovely companion in such a state, and it was even more noticeable when she set her utensils down in a loud clatter and stood up.

"Jameson, when you get a moment," she stated, forcing a smile. "I'd like to speak to-"

"Mmm," Jameson replied noncommittally as she continued to gaze at Jayne.

Inara glanced at me and I shrugged in reply. We both knew what was at stake.

After another short pause, Inara rested her hand on Jameson's chair. "You seem to be done with your breakfast, so now is as good a time as any."

Jameson grimaced slightly and then smiled, turning to the rest of us. "If y'all excuse me," she said politely as she stood to follow Inara out of the room.

As they left I glared back at Jayne, who seemed even more oblivious to the actions that just took place. "You could have at least thanked her for giving you her juice. It's the proper thing to do, you know. Thank people."

"Why?" He argued. “I didn't ask her t'give it t'me," he shrugged and went about pouring himself another glass.

"Chun zi," I grumbled as Jayne glared at me.

"Hun dan," he grunted as he made to stand up.

"Now boys," Kaylee jumped up. "Ain't no need to get your pants up in a twitter."

"He started it," Jayne accused as I stared at him.

"No, the Capt'n did," she mumbled as I shot a glance toward her, and I immediately knew she was right.

I sighed. "Better table manners tend to make a better impression or any manners at all-" I rambled on as I felt Kaylee reach over and grab my hand.

"Let's go check on mei-mei," she whispered and I nodded.

"Don't go leavin' on my account." Jayne called out as we left the room and we walked slowly back to our room.

"She's in love with him," I groaned as I shut the door. "How can she love-"

"Love don't care," she shrugged looking away from me. "Same goes for us, just in reverse."

"Bao bei," I sighed, shaking my head. "This is different."

"Ain't make no difference," she stated as she squared her shoulders. "Same gorramed principle."

"Maybe," I sighed as she frowned.

"Just go do the gorramed job," she whimpered. "I'm gonna stay here for a bit."

"Kaylee," I groaned.

"No, the Capt'n thinks this it's what's best, we have to put Serenity first," She stated firmly as she pressed a kiss to my lips and opened the door for me. "Now get." She ordered pushing me out of the door.

"What's best," I repeated as I took a deep breath and went in search for Jameson.

I was mildly surprised that she was out under the pagoda in the rain. "Hiding?" I questioned as I joined her.

She jumped slightly at the intrusion and turned to me. "Pardon?"

I indicated the structure around us. "I asked if you were hiding. For what other reason would you be out here in the rain, all by yourself?"

"I'm out of the rain," she laughed lightly. "And you're here now, so I'm not by myself."

Dang-ran. I paused, staring at her for a moment. She was definitely not like any of the ladies I knew back on Osiris. It was almost refreshing- I smiled and shook my head. "You're not-" I paused slightly, trying to find the right words to express my thoughts, "what a person would expect, Jameson Saito."

"Oh?" She began as she turned her attention back to the garden. "And what did you expect?"

"I suppose I thought you'd be like any one of the women I knew back on Osiris." I explained as I moved up beside her, and we both watched the rain fall. "Prim and proper and-"

"Dull?" she offered and then laughed. "Sorry to disappoint you, doctor. But if I allowed myself to be dull, then what manner of life would be worth living? Everything around me is boring, mundane. I take what I can get, and find the excitement wherever it may lie. Soon, Mom will insist I marry someone proper and influential, and then my life will be over."

I couldn't help but sigh, this was going all wrong. I understood where she was coming from and this felt off. I leaned my shoulder against the pillar beside her. "I used to think in the same way. Only, it was my duty to live a proper life. Funny how it just never quite turns out the way you expect it to."

She reached her hand out into the rain and caught a few drops on her fingertips. "I've been curious about that- how you and your sister ended up on Serenity, I mean. All of the talking we did yesterday, and you never really said-"

"It's, uh, complicated," I replied as I crossed my arms over my chest, not wanting to go into any details over my past.

She smiled and pulled her hand back and looked over at me. "I've been hearing that a lot lately. Apparently, the entire crew of Serenity is complicated."

I smiled at the simple truth of the matter. "Something like that."

"Well, it's nice to meet some complicated people once in a while," she replied with a quick nod as she gazed out into the garden.

Silence fell between us and I watched as she simply closed her eyes as if to listen to the sound of the rain, the rumbled of thunder- she didn't want to speak to me.

"I, uh, the ball tonight," I began, feeling unsure of myself and hating myself for interrupting her peaceful mood. "I was wondering if you might save me a few dances?"

She opened her eyes and turned to stare at me, confusion in her eyes. "Did my mother put you up to this?"

"No, I just-"

"What about Kaylee? Shouldn’t you be dancing with her?"

Gorramit!

I opened my mouth to respond and then promptly closed it, not knowing how to respond to her question. Nah mei guan-shee. This wasn't about Kaylee.

"There's nothing lower, in my opinion, then a guy who can't be constant to a woman."

Her statement bit into me; this was all wrong, she was wrong about us, about me. I shook my head. "No, it isn't like that. Please, believe that? Kaylee is-"

Everything to me.

I sighed and looked away. I can't do this; this wasn't me- what gives Mal the right to do this to her, to Jayne?

I glanced up in time to see Mal and Jayne walking toward the house. I hated this, this feeling, this task. At that moment, I didn't care about the damn run or the cargo we were taking.

"Well, I'd better head back inside," I stated quickly, needing to find Mal. "Your father requested that I sit in on one of his games." I offered as an excuse.

"Don't let him take your money," she commented her gaze still trained on Mal and Jayne. "Daddy cheats."

I chuckled at her comment; she was more surprising than I thought. "I'll keep that in mind," I replied as I left her to her peace, not intending to go to the game, but to intercept Mal and Jayne.

~

"Captain," I called out to Mal and Jayne as they entered the house. "A word."

"Ain't you suppose to be minding the girl?" He questioned, stopping beside me as Jayne continued past us.

"River's fine," I replied with a tight smile, knowing he was referring to Jameson.

"I ain't referring to your sister," he groaned as he glanced around us. "And you know it."

"I will not go any further with your crude plan," I stated. "She knows about Kaylee and I, it won't work. You'll have to find some other hun dan to do your-"

"Are you ordering me?" He questioned as he straightened up and loomed even more over me, trying to intimidate me.

"Those tactics won't work anymore, dong ma?" I growled. "This is far beyond your control- she's going to be in the way. There's no one in the 'verse that can stop her."

"Is that so?" He stammered, not liking what he was hearing, but I was beyond caring.

"Reckon so," I shrugged and walked away from him and the yu bun duh plan.

~

I watched Kaylee and Jameson from across the room. I was still weary of her and her family. Jameson seemed liked the only one to truly embrace our little troupe of fugitives. Guess it didn't hurt that she was totally fascinated and seemingly over her head in lust with Jayne.

"Hey," Kaylee grinned as she suddenly appeared before me and I smiled in response. "Where were you?" She questioned as she sat down beside me.

"Just thinking," I replied as I glanced back over at Jameson and her mother.

She laughed as she reached over and touched my hand briefly before she withdrew it. "Don't think too much, doc." She smiled as she sat down beside me, glancing ever so often at Jameson. "She's gonna hurt."

I sighed, wondering how much of River has rubbed off on us. "I believe so."

~

The dance was a formal affair and I made it a point to drag out my formal attire that I haven't worn in years. I guess deep down I had still hoped that one day I'd be welcomed back into my family, back into that life. I know now that won't be a possibility, especially not after Miranda.

I sighed and glanced at myself in the mirror. I looked just as I had before, but I felt awkward- it was a lie.

I tightened my tie once more, and went to check on River and Kaylee when Inara stopped me in the hallway and led me to the parlor.

She instructed me to stay here and wait. She stepped back and gazed at me with an appraising look, "Very swai."

"Dou hsieh," I replied graciously. "You look breathtaking as always," I added and she smiled a true smile in return.

"Shr ah," she laughed lightly. "But, you have not seen your bao bei."

I was about to question her response when she looked behind me and motioned for me to turn around. Curious, I turned around and froze.

"Kaylee," I gasped as I stepped closer to her.

"Evenin', Simon," Kaylee whispered, a smile gracing her face.

"You look, wow-" I stammered as I studied her, trying to find the words to say, my mouth opening slightly.

"That good?" She purred as she crossed over to me, running her fingers over my suit jacket.

"Yes, very." I smiled as I lifted and kissed her hands, causing her to blush and look even more radiant.

"Jameson wanted me to look special tonight," she began as she ran her fingers over the blue brocade fabric.

"You always look special to me," I replied as I cupped her face, you are my home, my light, my love.

"Shiny," she smiled, touching her hand to mine, holding it in place.

"We should go," Inara suggested. "The others are waiting for us at the dance hall."

I nodded and offered my arm to Kaylee. "May I escort you?"

"Yes," she sighed, her voice almost breathless as she took my arm.

It was a fairly short trip, and I couldn't keep my eyes off her. I was proud to have her on my arm and I couldn't care less about everything else.

River was mingling, dancing with everyone. Inara had escaped to visit with another client. Mal and Zoe were off to the side-

Odd.

"Where's Jayne?" I questioned as I glanced around.

"The Capt'n thought it best if he stayed at home," Kaylee shrugged. "Can't get into any trouble there."

"I'm betting he didn't expect Jameson to stay at home too." I commented as Kaylee laughed.

"Reckon he didn't." She smiled as I twirled her in my arms. We danced a few more songs before the music came to a screeching halt.

Raised voices were heard before a man ran out of the dance hall. "Who was that?" I questioned as we stopped to watch the scene unfold.

"Alin Danvers," Inara supplied as she stepped up beside us. "He's sweet on Jameson, but she does not see the same thing in him."

"I can see why," I stated, frowning. Maybe Jayne was what she needed after all.

~

There was a lull in the conversation as Jameson joined us for breakfast. All eyes were trained on her, and I couldn't help but study her.

She had no idea what she was getting herself into.

I glanced across the table to see River staring at her, flashing a bright smile. Jameson immediately blushed.

Inara broke the strained silence, and commented to Jameson, "We missed you at the dance last night, Jameson."

"Yes, I wasn't feeling well," She replied softly, taking a quick sip of juice. "Something I ate at the picnic."

"Funny how none of the rest of us were ill," River remarked cheerfully from across the table and I stared at her.

"Yeah. Ha. Funny." Jameson snorted as she stared back at my sister and River turned her head to the side, clearly listening to something no one else could.

Lao-tyen boo! Not now.

"Oh, you like me just fine," River stated and I dropped my utensils quickly, panicking slightly as I stood up.

"Mei-mei, why don't we go for a walk in the gardens? It's a beautiful morning out-" I suggested as I placed my linen napkin on the table and started to cross over to her, not in the mood to discuss this.

"I'm not done with breakfast," she argued and I frowned.

"River. Please." I stated once more and she studied me briefly. Now, mei-mei, I urged with my thoughts, hoping she wouldn't fight with me.

River smiled sweetly to the rest of the table, excusing herself as she stood up and followed after me.

It wasn't until we were safely out in the garden and far away from the house when I could breath easily again. River shrugged and continued on her way, before finally sitting by the pond.

I sighed with relief as Kaylee's arms wrapped around me. "It's all shiny," she smiled as she rubbed her hand against the side of my face.

"They will see soon enough," River stated softly, running her hand over the water.

"See what, mei-mei?" I questioned, feeling tired and worn from this little visit. I wanted to go back to the safety of Serenity.

"Soon." She whispered, almost eerily as Kaylee tightened her hold on me.

We only had a few minutes to ourselves when I head Jameson calling out to me. I turned to her, my brow furrowing as she came to a stop before us.

"What is it, Jameson? Why are you running?" I questioned as I noticed River staring back at the house, her face paling. Something was up.

"Where are they?" She demanded, her chest heaving slightly with the extra exertion.

"Who?" I questioned, playing dumb.

"Jayne, Mal and Zoe. I know they went to do a job or something of the sort – you have to tell me where, Simon!" She pleaded and I glanced back at River and Kaylee.

I paused for a second, still unsure if we could trust her. "I really don't know-"

“Gorramit! The Sheriff is here! Alin is claiming that you're all fugitives wanted by the Alliance and he means to get you arrested," She explained in a rush and I felt my body stiffen at the mention of the Alliance. "They're demanding interviews with everyone, and it won't be long before they'll begin searching for them. Now I know something is going on, and if you don't want to spend the rest of your life working in a Federal mine, you'll tell me where to find them!"

"The transport station," Kaylee told her quickly, not waiting for any further explanation. "Mal knew that the quarterly payments from the Alliance for the Danvers’ stock was coming in this morning. They went to take it."

"What are you going to do?" I asked, glancing toward the house, suddenly fearing the worst.

"She's going to ride," River replied for her. "Hard and fast, and then she'll understand what I've been telling her all along."

Jameson shook her head slightly and then ran off toward the barn. I turned back to River, who paled even more. "It's going to hurt."

"What is going to hurt, mei-mei?" I questioned as she closed her eyes, her hand drifting over her shoulder.

"Hot metal, tearing through her body." She whispered, her eyes fluttering open. "Bang."

"Oh, no!" Kaylee cried as she grabbed her abdomen, obviously remembering her own wound.

My thoughts raced, trying to comprehend the validity of my sister's premonition. Jameson was going to be shot; she was literally going to be in the way- Gorramit to hell, Mal was right.

"Simon!" River cried out and I turned to her with alarm. "Go now!"

I nodded as I turned to Kaylee. "Take River back to Serenity, they must not find her here."

"What about 'Nara?" She questioned looking back at the house.

"I will check on her if I can, go bao-bei," I whispered as I kissed her quickly. "I must get my bag and head to the station."

She nodded and took River's hand, "Be safe."

I smiled weakly as they turned and made their way back to the ship. I took a deep breath and made my way back into the house.

"Simon, you must get out of here," Inara whispered as she saw me sneaking back into my room.

"I need my bag," I stated as I slipped back into my room, Inara following me. "And you need to get back to the ship."

"So do you," she insisted and I frowned.

"I have to get to the station, Jameson is going to get shot." I stated quickly, her eyes widening with shock.

"Shumma?" She gasped, her hand covering her mouth.

"River-" I began, shaking my head. I didn't have time for this.

"Oh," she stammered, losing her composure. "Then you must go, I'll cover for you." I nodded as we heard voices coming from the hallway. "Go, though the window there-" she pointed in the direction of the window as she glanced back to the door.

"Sheh sheh," I smiled as I squeezed her hand and then turned to leave. I escaped through the window and I borrowed one of the sheriff's horses out front.

I rode hard and I made it in time to see Jameson being shot. I watched as the others pulled her back through the door, they were trapped inside and I was trapped out here.

Gorramit.

"Fancy meeting you here," A voice boomed from behind me and I turned to see Ran Saito.

I sucked in a quick breath. "Jameson's been shot, I need to get in there-"

His eyes glazed over slightly and he growled. "We'll get you in." He insisted and I blinked at the word we and looked behind him to notice that he had brought more to help out.

"Dou hsieh," I mumbled, unable to think of anything else to show my gratitude.

"There's a back entrance, hurry," He stated and I nodded in reply. I made a quick dash across the street, hoping I wouldn't get shot as I looked for the entrance.

"Good timing as always doc," Zoe smiled as I edged the back door open and she grabbed my bag as I rushed over to Jameson lying supine on the floor.

"Fainted," Mal shook his head as he reloaded his riffle shooting once more out the window.

"Jameson?" I called to her as her eyes fluttered opened and she looked up at me, and then stared blankly at the wall, shock setting in.

I glanced over at Jayne, watching us with more intensity than I'd ever noticed from him. This was more than a little infatuation.

"Is she gonna be ok, doc?" Jayne questioned as he continued to watch me assess the wound.

"Yes," I reassured him and he nodded and returned back to the fight.

"Back up," Mal noted and I glanced up to see that Ran Saito and the rest of the others had made their way out onto the street, staff laying enough cover to get us out of there and back to the house. "Move out." He ordered as Zoe took the lead and Jayne paused at my side, staring lovingly at her.

"Jayne," I began as he immediately picked her up in a quick swift movement. "Um good. We need to hurry."

With Jayne's help we managed to settle her back into her room. Jayne hovered over her as she lost consciousness once more. "Jayne," I stressed as he glared at me. "I need you to leave-"

"Ain't gonna do that," he insisted, standing guard over her frail body.

"I need to clean the wound and dress it," I snapped. "Just give me a few minutes with my patient and then you can come back."

"Gorramit, woman," Jayne grumbled and cast one last look at her. "Why she gotta be so impulsive?"

"Jayne," I sighed and he turned quickly and left, I knew he'd be close by, and I wondered briefly if she knew how lucky she was to have someone care so deeply for her.

"Jameson?" I called out to her as I administered a painkiller. Her eyes fluttered open and winced slightly. "I'm going to clean your wound." I announced as she stared off into the distance.

I took my things quickly out of my medical bag and silently went about cleaning the wound. She flinched every so often, but stayed silent through most of the process.

I closed the wound with the dermal mender and dressed it properly. I gave her a little something more for the pain and a little ivoprovalin.

She blinked up at me, her eyes clearing slightly.

"There you go. Good as new." I stated as she glared at the bandage and sighed as I put the shawl around her shoulders.

"You leaving now?" She asked softly as I adjusted the shawl to better benefit her.

"Yes." I nodded as I leaned over and packed up my instruments into my medical bag. "Your father wants us out of here within the hour." I explained quickly, sighing. "An Alliance ship is on its way."

She made a face at the news and shrugged a little, immediately wincing with pain as she did so. "Not like they can do much. Most of the galaxy's taken the law into their own hands since Miranda."

I froze, my hand hovering over my bag, and then I looked up at her. "You were shot because of us, Jameson. If we're still here when they land, there'll be another battle, and the captain doesn't want any more innocents caught in the crossfire."

She seemed to ponder the information in silence as I finished packing up everything and stood up from my seat.

"It was you, wasn't it?" She asked softly. And I gazed at her, a slight frown forming. "Miranda. The wave that appeared on the broadcasts. Somehow, I think the crew of Serenity is responsible for it, and that's why they want you so bad."

I didn't know how to answer her, or if I should. I knew my silence was enough of an answer for her. She knew.

She nodded and continued. "It makes sense. You're not just thieves then, you're… something else."

I sighed and reached out and touched her cheek. "Bao jone, Jameson." I whispered and I walked away.

It was amazing how so much had happened since we landed on Treasure. We now had allies with the Saito's, but at what cost?

~

Serenity was deathly quite as I restocked the infirmary with the small amount of supplies I was able to obtain before we were forced to leave.

"Hey, doc."

I glanced over to see Jayne, hulking at the door way. "Did you need something Jayne?" I questioned as he looked up at me and I was taken aback by the apparent loss in his eyes.

He was hurting more than I expected, Jameson had touched him in more ways than one. "Just returnin' some goods," he shrugged as he crossed over to me and handed back to me three out of the four booster shots I gave him earlier.

"Did you buy more?" I questioned slightly confused.

"Nah," he shrugged once more, turning away. "Figure won't need them no more."

"Jayne," I called after him but he walked away and hurried down to his room. I sighed as I put the booster shots away.

"He'll be okay," River whispered as she walked up to me, wrapping her arms around me. "Serenity's sad."

"She is?" I questioned as she nodded up at me, her eyes wide.

"Zoe and Jayne hurt. Mal and Inara deny. Kaylee and Simon love." She mused, looking down. "But not enough. Serenity needs Jameson, Jameson needs Serenity, she just doesn't know it yet."

The end.

Chinese translations:

Bao bei- Darling
Bao jone – Take care
Cheeng jeen- come in
Ching-wah tsao duh liou mahng- Frog-riding bastard.
Chun zi- moron
Dang-ran- Of course
Dong ma- Do you understand?
Dou hsieh – Thanks
Fay-fay d'pian-Big fat lie.
Fei hua- Bullshit.
fong luh- Crazy.
go se- Shit
Gorramit- Damn(it)
Gwon nee ju jee du shu- Mind your own business.
Hun dan- bastard
Jen dao mei- Just our luck.
Ji ba – Cock
Ji bai – pussy
Kuh ooh duh lao bao jurn- Horrible old tyrant
Lao tyen boo – Oh, lord
Liou coe shway duh biao-tze huh hoe-tze fuh ur-tze- Son of a drooling whore and a monkey
Mei-mei- sister
Nah mei guan-shee - that has nothing to do with it.
Ni how – Greetings
ruttin'- fuckin'
Shumma- what
Shr ah- yes
Sheh sheh – Thank you
swai- handsome
Tsai boo shr: "no way"
Tzao-gao- Oh shit!
Wu de tyen ah: Dear God in heaven
yu bun duh- stupid