Ursa Major, Ursa Minor was conceived of at 12:19AM on May 3, 2007.

Firey and all characters related are 2003, 2005 by FOX Studios and Joss Whedon. The characters described within are not my own save those unrecognizable in the Firey verse. All other products or endorsements I may make are of my own creative use. I own no part of their respective companies
not even stocks.

Dedicated to my faithful readers
those who commented each chapter and those who simply read this. Without you guys, I never would have nished this.

Chapter One Pickin

What was that?

River tilted her head to the left and listened. Port paneling just disconnected from the hull. Nothing dangerous. Mal glanced across at the young woman piloting Serenity. Really? Hm. Nothing dangerous? Hm, River repeated. Mal sighed and stood from the pilot seat. Huh, he responded. River grinned at their exchange and absently checked the rear sensors to see if they were being followed. Mal rested his hands on her shoulders and looked over the top of her head to see what she was looking at. Alliance keeping their word, for once? It seems that way, said River. No one is following us. Good, Mal gave one of her shoulders a light, fatherly squeeze and he turned swiftly on his heel. Let me know if anything does show up. River, her eyes still trained on the black expanse of space in front of her, nodded in the armative. Yes sir, she acknowledged. Mal left the bridge. River listened to his thundering boot steps and noted how they led toward the portside shuttle that for the time being still served as Inaras bunk. She smiled winsomely out at the stars.

They were heading for Persephone a week later. Badger had waved them with a job opportunity but was unreasonably reticent when it came to the details of the actual work theyd be doing for him. Unreasonably so because the cockney git could barely keep his trap closed normally. And hed invited them to tea. Jayne had perked up at that
Badger may have been a e e de piya
but he did have real sugar. And cake. And wood alcohol. Jayne was feeling that powerful need to get completely drunk o his ass. Maybe visit his favorite brothel. After all the sexin that was going on since they left the empty moon It was hard to hide that sort of thing on such a small ship as a Firey.

Especially from a mercenarya man who had trained himself to hear, see, and smell everything. Jayne wasnt just feelin the urge to get soused. Hed been hard up for weeks nowlifting weights, performing his own form of physical therapy to build his strength back up to his injured shoulder, and generally occupying himself with busy work. His bunk was spotless, his guns were gleaming, and he was more in shape than hed ever been. If everyone would jus stop gorram sexin a
the time! Jayne forced his chair back away from the dining table with an ugly
sounding scrape against the deck plating. He ground his teeth together. Problem? Blue eyes shot up from the hole they were boring into the stained wood and met Rivers wide gaze. What? he growled. River slid bare
footed through the room and eyed the knives he was sharpening. Well be on Persephone in approximately one hour, twenty
two minutes, and fteen seconds. Good. Twelve seconds. Jayne stopped grinding his teeth and shot her a meaningful look. River sat down across from his collection of weaponry and rested her chin on the knuckles of one hand. Badger is not to be trusted. Jayne calmed some more. For some reason River was the only one on the whole boat who would take the time to tell him what was what. It soothed him in ways he didnt want to dwell on. Since when could he be trusted in the rst place? he asked her. River picked at a scab on her arm. This is true, she admitted. Stop pickin. You get that from the Reavers? She hummed an armative but kept on picking at her scab. Jayne reached across the table and grabbed her hand. That wont never heal if you keep on pickin at it. Wont ever. Double negative creates a positive. Your grammar is deplorable. Jayne hued a sighreminding River of a grizzly bear she once saw at the zoo on Osiris. I dont know what dee
ploor
able means, but I could care less whether I spoke right or not. Long as I get my gorram point across. Which was: stop pickin at your scab. His hand is huge. Warm. River quit pickin but didnt let Jayne move his hand.

You have scabs as well. He let a grin color his face for a few seconds. River liked ithe hadnt smiled in a while and the expression lightened his eyes pleasantly. But I dont go an pick at em, now do I? River twisted her hand in his grasp and let her ngers it across his busted knuckles. She wiggled her ngernails in a threatening manner and Jaynes eyes narrowed in that way of his. Hey now, River
girl She skipped over the back of his hand and scratched the muscle of his forearm. She grinned impishly. One hour, sixteen minutes, and forty
seven seconds. Scabs forgotten, Jayne allowed his still narrowed eyes to slide around the features of Rivers face. Still a bit o time. Got a plan formin in that head a yourn? Rivers hand didnt move, but her eyes strayed all about his face. I might. But it will only work if I go along with you, Zo, and the captain when Badger gives us the job. Her hand is so gorram sma. So
. Gonna pretend yer from Dyton like ya did back when the capn was roped into that weird ass sword ght? River nodded. Something like that, she admitted. Only somethin? The sound of heavy, captain
like steps caused the pair to separate. You gonna land us, lil albatross? asked Mal. River tipped her head and looked at himthe cascade of her curled hair sliding against her bare shoulders in a way that Jayne just could not ignore. Yes, sir, she said. Mal nodded and made to leave the dining room but was stopped by Jayne. Hey, Mal, dontcha think Crazy should come with us when we go to Badgers? Not crazy, River pouted. Not anymore. He waved her o and continued to stare at Mal. The captain pursed his lips and nodded. Sounds good. We throw Badger o balance with a 90 pound girl and he wont be so keen on pullin the wool over our eyes. River up and left the two menher ngernails automatically scraping against the healing cuts on her arms. Without looking up from oiling his whetstone, Jayne made a disapproving sound in the back of his throat. River
girl

Her hands icked up and she walked to the bridge like someone was holding a gun to her back. Mal gave Jayne a befuddled look. What was that all about? he asked. Jayne merely rasped Binky across the slick stone and shrugged.

Chapter Two Badger

Mal was watching them. After that eerie
ass exchange in the mess he felt like he should pay a bit more attention to what his mercenary and his pilot did together. The summer season had settled onto the Eavesdown docks and everyone was dressed accordinglythough sometime during their prep, Jayne had dropped his sunglasses over Rivers eyes and mumbled something about the sun bein too gorram bright out and he insisted on her wearing them while he plopped his cowboy hat on to shade his own eyes. But your eyes are more susceptible to the bright UV rays. Huh? You have blue eyes, River explained, as if this made perfect sense. She slid his sunglasses up into her hair and tried to catch those blue eyes of his. So? Jaynes eyebrows tried to meet in the middle of his forehead and he avoided her gaze by checking Boos clip even though he had already done this three times before hed even walked into the hold. Your pupils contract at a faster rate than mine wouldit puts more strain on your eyes. Jayne grunted, suddenly understanding. Dont matter none, I got a hat on to shade me. River poked him in the chest. Double negative again, Jayne Cobb. Mal watched the exchange beneath his lashes under the pretense of adjusting his gun belt and rolling his sleeves up his forearms. He was going for sneaky, but Zo caught him anyway. Sir? He nearly jumped clean out of his skin. Hou zi de pigu, Zo! he shouted. River and Jayne abandoned their argument at this. Nonplussed, Zo strapped her mares leg to her thigh and raised a brow at her captain. Simon, Kaylee, and Inara just said theyd be meeting us at the Xu Hou* bar when we nished. Its right by the docks. Mal just nodded and walked down the rampignoring the confused looks on River and Jaynes faces. River snapped out of it quick enough to elbow Jayne in the stomach, grab his forearm, and drag him after Mal. Zos eyebrow rose slightly.

Jayne had to keep himself from bolting in shock when River attached herself to his side right before they walked into Badgers place. He glanced down at one of her tiny hands clutching so hard on his bicep that her already pale knuckles had turned as white as one of Simons fancy
ass shirts. Well look who we ave ere! Badger drawled as his hired goons set an extra place at his tiny dining table. He leered at River. I remember you, sweetheart. His grin was far from charmingno matter how hard he tried. River curled into Jayne further. Remember you, too, she drawled in perfect mimicry of his cockney twang. As Jayne tried to sit in the chair hed been oered, River swiftly maneuvered herself to sit in his lap and slid her borrowed sunglasses up into her hair. She picked eagerly at the cake and oered Jayne a handful. Remember something else, she saidher put
on accent slowly drifting into her normal tone and cadence. I remember I didnt like you. Jayne grinned at Badgers stricken face and let River shove cake in his mouth. Mal cleared his throat. Whats the job, Badger? The little man squirmed in his chair as River and Jayne continued to trade bits of food o the table. River grabbed a handful of sugar cubes and dumped them in their teacups. Mal cleared his throat to bring Badgers attention back to him and his rst mate who was much better at hiding her surprise at Rivers antics. Badger? You said youd have some work for us? The smarmy man shook himself away from the spectacle Jayne and River were making and cleared his throattrying to refocus. Y
yeah. On Londinium. Its an inside jobmore o that fancy dress go s
you seem to attract, Captain Reynolds. I got four invites this time round. Why the fancy le s
, though? Mal asked, idly wondering how in the ery depths of hell he was going to force Jayne into a monkey suit. Badger nervously eyed Jayne and River as they ate and drank all of his tea and cakes. Clients particular. Shes asking for you and yours personallyheard about what you done with the signal and got it into her head that you lot could do what she needed. She? said Zo. Badger cleared his throat again and ddled with his apple peeler. Donnamy cousin. Jayne snorted into his tea. Ya mean someone out there is related to your sorry ass? Badger aimed a look at the merc that would have been intimidating had it not melted away seconds later at the sight of the slip of a girl on said mercs lap. She was holding a switchblade and poking at the rest of the cake with the pointthe action reminded Badger of a bored child stabbing at roadkill.

She aint proud of it, Badger grudgingly admitted. But she does take advantage of our blood relation from time and again to get me to hire the likes of you for odd jobs. My cousins got the thief s eye but lacks the thievery skills to take what she nds protable. Mal drank some of the tea in front of him and fought the urge to cough it right back up. Badger slid the four invites across the table for Zo to grab. Donnall give you the particulars when she waves you later. By the way, when I say fancy I dont just mean a sharp cut suit or a slinky dress. You and your lot have to look completely respectable when you rob this place blind. He paused and looked directly at Jayne. Means the goatees gotta go, my friend, he motioned to his own face and mocked a sorrowful expression. Jaynes face hardened to stone. Mal cut a hand through the air as if the action could dissuade his hired muscle from snapping across the table and gouging Badgers eyes out with a teaspoon. Badger, yer cuts gonna have to be ve percent if we gotta get all dolled up for a job. No argument here. Cousin Donnas planning on compensatin me anyhow, he jerked his head at his goons, which gave Mal the distinct feeling that theyd best be getting gone. He stood from his chair and motioned for the others. On their way out, the captain sidestepped closer to Jayne and grabbed him hard by the back of the neck. What in the sphincter hell were you doin back there? Jayne grimaced. Just following Crazys lead, Capn. Mal glanced at River. She was grinning from ear to ear. Zo seemed to be sharing the younger womans amusement, and Mal couldnt be angry when he saw his rst mate smile for the rst time in weeks. You even own a suit, Jayne? The taller man let out a gut
busting laugh.

Chapter Three Shave and a Haircut, Two Bits

I cant aord this go se, Mal. I sent my last cut to my ma Mal looked up from the row of shoes hed been eyeing. You can pay me back after this job, he said. Jayne resisted the urge to tug on the collared shirt as the seamstress cute little thing, she is
adjusted the hem of his pant cus. Youre a tough shape to t, Mr. Cobb, she said as she buttoned up his dark red waistcoat and tied his bowtie for him. The jacket is going to take a while. Anyplace he can get a shave while we wait? Mal asked. Jayne paled. The seamstress gave that sweet dimpled grin again and nodded. Sure is. Next vendor down can clean him up. Cant I change back into my own gorram clothes? Jayne whined. Both turned to look at himuncomfortable and grumpy and liable to completely ruin what he was wearing without meaning to. Probably a better idea if you do, said Mal. Jayne started stripping without any regards to his captain or the nice lady who had been trying to nd clothing to accommodate his frame. Mal groaned and covered his eyes with one hand. Jayne! Remember that rule Ive got for you?! He could hear the mercenary unzip his trousers. Which one? The not bein naked one! Gorramit, Jayne! The sound of cloth againthis time soft cotton and a noisier zipper. Ya aint lookin! Sides, we aint on Serenity. Mal risked a look. Jayne was adjusting his gun belt against the side of his cargo cut
os and trying to pull on his sleeveless black shirt at the same time. Yeah, this is gonna go real shiny, Mal grumbled.

River and Zo were relaxing at the bar playing a game of tall card with Inara and Kayleehaving already picked out the dresses theyd be wearing and now waiting impatiently for the captain and Jayne to return. Simon made a comment about dressing up the untrained man
ape gone wrong thing in a monkey suit and snickered at the irony. River, still considering her cards and what chore she

would ante, punched her brother in the hip as he passed her. I feel like a gorram teenager, came from the front entrance. Mal laughed. Lil albatross? he called out. River abandoned her cards and stood at attention. Yessir? Head up to the ship and get er warmed up for take
o. She dropped her cards and ran o to Serenity without even a glance at Jayne who was holding both hands over his mouth. Mal was still laughing when he dragged Jayne over to the chair River had vacated. He plopped a glass of whiskey in front of his merc. Sit down, you big moron. Jest don feel right, Jayne growled through his hands. Kaylee leaned in real close to examine the big man. Jayne, you get a haircut? Inara leaned in as well. And is it styled? You tryin to look sly, Jayne? Zo teased. His hands dropped away from his mouth and he snarled at her. I aint sly, Zo! And I sure as shit aint tryin to look like I am! Kaylee gasped, dove halfway across his lap, and involuntarily grabbed Jaynes bare cheeks. Ni de ruo shuai! Inaras jaw dropped. Jayne? He was scowling and shoving at Kaylees hands. Dont you say nothin, Nara. I was just It just Kaylees right. You do look Inara was blushing. You do look very handsome. Jayne stood abruptly and rubbed at his bare chin. Zo didnt think shed ever seen him turn that red beforeshe took pity on him and lightly touched his arm. Calm down, Jayne. Mal nally nished his laughing t. Yeah, stow it. This works perfect for our job. You look half
respectable. No oned expect you to be a part of robbin some fancy shindig. Now all we gotta do is work on your talk. Inara grinned suddenly, feeling a project coming on. I can help with that, Mal. Jayne knocked back the glass of whiskey in one go and scowled. Simon was hanging backthat stupeed expression opening his mouth while the ngers of his right hand uttered across his face in that nervous way of his. My brain is just not processing right now. This is Jayne Cobb, right?

Course its gorram me! Ye soo, doc, ya aint gotta make it sound like Im nothin. Inara intervened. Stop dropping the gs in your words. Jayne, successfully diverted from busting Simons head open, looked down on the smaller woman. Ya mean I should start talkin Talking like ya I mean, you? Inara grinned. Shi, she nodded. Jayne sat back down and sighed roughly. As he tried to relax, River returned from her preliminary warm up of Serenity and stopped halfway to the table to gape at the mercenarys change in appearance. Her heart beat painfully in her chest to the point where she considered asking Simon who stood beside her to check and see what was wrong with her. Jayne was speaking again. Well, Nara, I listen to the way you talkall fancily with big words and such. That ainisnt me, but I was born with the know
how to adapt. Kaylee punched his arm. Ya sure do know how ta weld real good! Even on my girl. Him?! Simon gawked. Sure, bao bei! Jayne helped me out with a coolant leak a few months back and now hes got that part of the engine workin smooth as butter. Never seen a better weld job. I aint needed to touch it for nothin since, Kaylee said. River moved away from her brother her heart racing against her breast and leaned down to look crookedly at Jaynes smooth face. This is also as smooth as butter Knock it o, River
girl, Jayne lightly swatted her questing hand away. He cleared his throat and glanced around at the creweveryone was staring at him. Does everyone gotta be buggin me right now? he groused. Simon, Zo and Kaylee left the bareach of them mumbling something about working on something somewhere else on the ship far away from Jayne. River lingered. Strange, she admitted. What is, little witch? asked Mal. She made a contemplative face, ran her ngertip along Jaynes shaven chin, and disappeared herself back to the ship with her heart still pounding restlessly. Guai yi, Jayne murmured. What was that all about? he asked his captain. Mal shrugged. Huh. Inara sat beside Jayne at the table. How long do I have to change Jayne here into a gentleman? she asked Mal. Two days.

Ai ya tian ah Inara cursed. She grabbed the whiskey Jayne had been pouring for himself and drained the glass. That isnt much time! she complained with a cough.

Chapter Four Inara Higgins

Gorramit!

The sound of a wide palm slapping a at surface echoed throughout the entire ship. Inara held up her own hands in a placating gesture. Hey, take it easy, Jayne. Aint no way Ill be able to keep up this ruttin act. Not with that attitude. He grumbled again. Look, Donna said that planetary custom demands that the tallest men are to be honored before everyone else. You have to make yourself seem honorable. Jayne looked oended, I can be honorable, he whined. Inara looked dubiousraised that eyebrow of hers in an expression she usually saved for Mal. Jaynes oended expression deepened. Yall may not think much of me, but my folks do. I got sisters and brothers and when I was still back home I took care of them. I still try to with the coin I send em. I been tryin to do whats right. Inara schooled her expression back to normal and sighed. Im sorry, Jayne. He calmed down and smiled reassuringly at the companion. Hell, dont pologize. Its my job to act all dis
honorable and whatnot. Cant assume yall would think Im anythin else when I don exactly make it a point to say otherwise, Jayne waved his hand through the airpushing her unwanted apology away. Inara cast her eyes down at the tableher manuals of etiquette were strewn about and open to pages shed thought Jayne would need to learn. He was doing pretty well with the manners part much to her surprise but was struggling with keeping his accent from sounding so gru. Hed been reading the same sentence out loud over and over againtrying to talk like a real Core bred be
dan. Try it again, she ordered. Jayne groaned and picked up the book againso focused that he didnt notice when River slid bare
footed into the mess. He began to read aloud. A man makes inferiors his superiors by heat; self control is the rule. Anger is an uncontrollable feeling that betrays what you are when you are not yourself. Anger is that powerful internal force that blows out the light of reason. Know this to be the enemy: it is anger, born of desire.* Inara smiled at him and clapped her hands together. You did it, Jayne!

No screw
ups this time? he asked. Inara was beaming. None. It sounded perfect. River dropped into the chair beside Inara and pierced Jayne with a pleased expression. He sounded like Simon. Oh sweet Buddha, Jayne groaned and dropped his forehead against the table with a resounding crac
. Inara winced for him. That isnt bad at all, Jayneat least not for this job. If you try and mimic Simon you may be able to keep in character. What are we pilfering? River asked, trying to ease Jaynes discomfort. Inara shrugged. Earth
That
Was artifactsseveral, actually. Mostly art pieces. Though she did list three weapons that might interest the two of you. The deadly pair leaned in closer. One is she wracked her brains for the names, Its an M60** machine gun. The other two are anXM
26 shotgun and something called a TMP. She said that once Mal came through with the artwork you could do as you pleased with the guns. River and Jayne looked at one another and Inara swore she could see an excited conversation pass between their eyes. I call the M60, Jayne announced. The TMP is mine, River challenged. They eyeball
argued over the last one. In sudden agreement, they held out their sts, pumped them in the air three times, and then formed two dierent shapes with their ngers. Ha! I triumph! Scissors cut paper to bits and the XM
26 is mine for the taking! River exclaimed. Jayne pouted. That aint fair! You could have read me. Best two out of three. She beat him every time.

Mal had his pre
job meeting while they orbited Londiniumawaiting landing clearance from the local dock. So its gonna be me, Zo, Jayne, and River goin in to meet with Donna. Once we make contact with her, shell direct us to the goods. Well need a distraction at about half
past so no one notices anything missing. Now Doc, Kaylee
girl, Im countin on the pair of you to be ready with the mule at quarter past. Me an Zo are gonna sneak out the back, hand o the goods to you two, and head back to the ship while everyone is occupied in the ballroom.

Everyone nodded Now Ill need one hell of a distraction
thatd be you and Jayne, lil albatross. What? asked Jayne. Hell, I dunno
dance, ght, sing, arm wrestle
I dont care. As long as everyone is payin attention to the pair of you at the top of the hour and not me an Zo as we vamoose. s gonna be rough, Mal, Jayne argued. When isnt it? Mal challenged. Jayne shrugged. River was staring at him. We must come up with a plan beforehand. Jayne slumped in his favorite chair and rubbed his thumb beneath his lower lip
still expecting the feel of his beard against his skin but surprising himself yet again. I feel gorram naked River blushed. That could work, she murmured. Jaynes eyes narrowed, then widened suddenly. I meant my face! he all but shouted. Inara, ever the peacemaker, cut in. Do you know any dances, Jayne? Thank Buddha hes so easily distracted I know a couple. My ma made me learn. Rivers cheeks colored again as yet another commonality was brought to focus between her and the big mercenary. Do you remember the names of the dances? Inara asked. He rubbed at the skin beneath his lower lip again and cast his eyes to the slowly moving stars just beyond the ships hull. Uh The waltz, something called a jive, and a go s, what was it again? Tango, said River. Inara approved. That would indeed be a distracting dance. So would a jive. River nodded. Jive rst. Tango later. When everyone is watching only us. This is gonna be real embarrassing, Jayne predicted.
*Ralph Waldo Emerson **Animal Mothers weapon of choice in Stanley Kubricks Fu
Metal Jacket.

Chapter Five Muscle Memory

Kaylee lent River her cortex radio for her and Jaynes dance practice. They had cleared up Jaynes weight lifting area and set the radio on a crate. Neither of them wore shoesonly because Jayne had said something to River about being afraid to step on her toes. On the catwalk above them, everyone in the crew was gathered with bags of protein snapsready to watch the show. Waltz rst, said River. Jayne sagged with relief. S the one I know best. He mentally counted out the beat to the song, took Rivers right hand and dropped his left to her waist. He managed to refrain from stepping on her delicate little feet. Just like riding a bike, said River. Huh? Earththatwas saying. Muscle memory retains everything youve ever done. Including dance. Muscle memory, I get that. Jaynes hand twitched against her waist. Jaynes large hand Warm, big How would it feel on the rest of me? River blushedsomething she had been doing ever since shed seen Jayne cleanshaven. So we dont have ta work on the waltz none. Any. Any. Whatever. Lets work on the jive. He let her go and ddled with the radio to nd a more upbeat song. As he loped across the oor back to Rivers side, he tried to remember what the hell went with the lifts and throwsjust about all he could remember about the jive. River grabbed one of his hands and smiled. Dont worry about the steps. S an important part of the whole dancing thing, isnt it? She winked at him. Like riding a bike, remember?

How bout a horse? Hm, same thing. River suddenly broke out in a few twisty steps and Jayne twirled her with one arm, brought her back to his chest, and swung her between his legs then back up into the air and against his chest again. She laughed and it was like everything came back to him. He laughed along with her and just let his muscle memory take control of the situation. On the catwalk, Simon dropped his protein snaps in surprise.

An hour later, Jayne and River were completely exhausted and they still had to review the tango. Im hungry, Jayne complained. And sweaty. He narrowed his eyes at her. You arent exactly fresh as a daisy yourself, River
girl. River pouted and pinched his chin. Ow! Food. Right. They limped up to the mess barefooted Jayne complained about the feeling of the grating on his heels and raided the pantry for anything that didnt require preparation. They sat at the table and shared a can of peaches between them. Much to Rivers amusement it had a dent in it from when she dropped it on Jaynes head. Mal found them hunched over the can in the middle of a fork ght. How goes the practice? he asked. Jayne swallowed his mouthful before speaking something he hadnt done since he left home. Fine. One dance left. Takes me a while to remember the gorram steps. Didnt think dancin was in your repertoire, said Mal. Jayne smiled. Didnt ask, did ya? He never does, River mumbled around a peach slice.

Mal frowned. Jayne made his I dont really care face and speared another peach. Ma said aint no son of mine gonna live like a poor Rim bred hun da
when he can get hisself cultured in at least one way, said River. Jayne won a high school competition, she said with a wink for Mal. Jayne glanced sideways at her
peach halfway to his open mouth. Ma had good intentions, River grinned and bit half of the dripping fruit o his fork. Jayne decided to change the subject. Why you always stealin my food? Rivers grin widened. Its fun to tease you. He ate his remaining bit of peach and cracked his toes beneath the table.

Only Inara was present to watch the tango practice. Kaylee had Simon down in the engine room and Mal and Zo were up on the bridge relaxing. She picked out the music and helped Jayne count the beat out loud before he started leading River through the rst steps of the tango. Once again, muscle memory took hold and the mercenary lead the little assassin across the cold metal oor with the passion of a conditioned ballroom dancer. Inara held her breath as they glided eortlessly to the rhythm of the music. River only had to correct Jayne three times on his steps, but between that it was like watching something ethereal. The connection between the pair was so much more noticeable when they danced like this and Inara was grateful that she was able to witness it. River was her friend and as much as she would deny it out loud so was Jayne. Both deserved happiness. And if they couldnt see what was happening right before their eyes, then perhaps they would need a push. Just a nudge in the right direction. Towards each other. Inara nodded to herself. She could do that. She was in the business of making people happy.

Chapter Six Strangers In Mirrors

River adjusted the thin straps of her gown and looked down for about the millionth time in surprise of her cleavage. Shed bought the dress when Mal had dragged Jayne o to the tailors using Zos input for guidance. River didnt much like the idea of wearing heeled shoes much less shoes at all on a job, but Zo had reassured her that, as a dancer, shed do ne. Inara was smiling at her through the mirror. You look lovely, mei mei. River smiled. Thank you. The dress was a midthigh number of dark red with swishy bits here and there on the hem and waistline. Inara had just nished with her hair and makeup, and River didnt quite recognize herself. There is a stranger in the mirror, she commented. Not a stranger, said Inara, just someone who has been hiding for far too long. River cocked her head to the side and listened. She could hear the others in the cargo bayZo and Mal were soaking up praises from Kaylee and Simon. Jayne is sti
in hiding. I should go meet the others. The party starts soon. Inara nodded. Ill go and drag Jayne out of his bunk. River grinned.

Jayne? You have to come outMal said he really needed your backup on this job, Inara received no answer. Is it about the tuxedo? Jayne, theyre just clothes. Gorramit! The hatch to his bunk opened and Inara peered down inside to see the mercenary standing there with an untied bowtie clenched in one large hand. I cant tie it, he admitted. Inara held back an amused laugh and motioned for him to get his pi gu up the ladder. Youre going to have to kneel down for me to do this. Youre too tall. Jayne scowled but dropped to his knees anyway. Inara expertly tucked the fabric beneath his collar and knotted it in seconds. There. No more excuses. Now come on.

He whined practically the entire walk down to the cargo bay. Inara, halfway down the steps, suddenly grinned and let out a laugh. I feel like Henry Higgins, she commented. Who? Jayne growled. Kaylee let out a wolf
whistle and clapped. Lookit you! Jayne cringed. Dont Say anything. Im having a hard enough time as it is to keep up this upper crust Core go s, he suddenly got a glazed look in his eye. I just have to keep thinking about that M60 and how shes going to sound when she tears a few new holes in some things. River gave a shiver as his joy washed over her. His glazed expression and incredible appearance didnt help her imagination any. Especially when she wondered what his cheeks would feel like against hers now that they were smooth Or what they would have felt like with his goatee. Her own cheeks were hot. Do you really need any more guns, Jayne? Mal asked, ddling with his cravat for the hundredth time. Jayne looked at that captain dryly. Is Moony here seven dierent types of beautiful when shes dolled up like she is now? Shee yoo, Cap, I thought you knew how my brain worked by now. River was blushing rea
y hard now. She wasnt the only one, thoughKaylee and Inara were ushed on her behalf, and Zo was allowing her lips to curve into a secret smile. Mal gawped. Apparently I dont quite know how your brain works, ya big hun dan. Dont we have to be there on time or something? Jayne grumbled. He ran his hand over his eyes in an attempt to wipe his mind of the immediate smutty thoughts that came at the sight of River in a sexy red dress. He got rid of most, but that left legs legs legs legs, River legs, sexy River legs River had a feeling that ush to her cheeks would remain for the entirety of the night.

Mal was preoccupied with nding Donna in the crowded ballroom and didnt notice the way Zo slyly watched Jayne and River even as she walked directly beside him with her long arm looped through his. The mercenary had a large hand resting gently on the small of Rivers backhis ngers practically spanned the spread of exposed esh entirely. But it wasnt really Jaynes hand that Zo was watching. It was Rivers reaction to it. Zos keen eyes caught the slight tremor the younger woman gave when Jayne rst laid his hand on her so free of hesitationthen the raised goose bumps that remained with his warm touch River liked it.

Zo knew that the girl may not have known it then, but she would realize it later. She liked Jayne touching her that way. And by the look on the mercenarys clean face, he liked the touch as well. A light tune sprouted up from the band and River twirled in Jaynes arms to start dancing. Zo was still surprised to see the mercenary take to his feet so well. He seemed to be naturally oash when it came to the ner things in life Then again, he does move like a cat on the prowl when were on jobs she mused. She idly watched as River beamed a smile up at the large man leading her across the dance oorher mind half on nding Donna and half on the dancing pair. Captain Reynolds. Zo whirled at the softly accented voice that came from behind her. Mal took Donnas outstretched hand and bowed curtly to her knuckles. Lady Donna. She was not a plain woman. Mal had gured that the wave had been overly attering to herseeing as she was related to a low
level weasel. But her hair was a wavy brunette piled stylishly in a knot on the left side of her head. She wore a sensible gown that showed o what she had to oer and stood atop a pair of spike
heeled shoes. Shes nowhere near as gorgeous as Inara, though. Mal risked a glance at Zo and amended his thought to include her. Zo certainly was a stunner. Donna got right down to business. Things go down at 1900. That would be fteen minutes from now. Everything is located in the east wing and there is a back door that your mule can be parked at without being noticed. Once you get back to Persephone my cousin will collect what I hired you for. Im assuming you are wearing mikes? Zo tugged lightly on one of her long silver earring and gave a sly smile. They can hear everything around me. Mal risked a look back at the dance oor where River and Jayne were gliding to a new, slower tune. That dont look like my mercenary he marveled. Jayne looked like he actually belonged among the crowds of Londinium natives that pranced about the dance oor without purpose. And River He hadnt seen the girl smile like that in Had he ever seen her smile like that? Good, said Donna, The clock will chime for 1900just before that, head toward the east wing to start gathering everything up. When the clock chimes for 1930 you two will have to be out of here and your distraction, she pointed a well
manicured nger at Jayne and River as they started up a jive, will simply leave when the party ends. Zo and Mal nodded. They certainly are distracting, said Donna. Indeed, there was a crowd gathered to watch the big man twirl the little woman around the ballroom oor with a grin and an occasional wink. Spectators were clapping in time with the music and the few that had joined in with the style were slowly stopping to join the observers.

Thats them, said Mal
not really liking that grin Jayne was sporting. They make a handsome couple, Donna added
nudging Mal lightly in the ribs with her elbow. The captain opened his mouth to say something to the contrary, but Zos hand tightened around his bicep. That they do, she said. And Mal could see by that look in her eyes that she absolutely meant it.

Chapter Seven I Could Have Danced All Night

River was on cloud nine. Shed never been there before, but this had to be what it was like. Jayne was twirling her about like a feather against a gale force wind. She was uttering, laughing, and actually enjoying herself for once. It was the rst time shed danced without a care since Jiangyin Right before Simon was kidnapped by the hill folk and then shed followed and was very nearly burnt at the stake. It was also the rst time shed danced with someone shed felt so comfortable with. Jayne laughed and made River icker across the oor again. Her feet were already hurting, but she could care less. This was the most fun shed had on any job. The clock struck 1900, but all eyes were on River and Jayne. Perfect. Now we just have to keep this up until 2200!

Mal slid a crate full of weaponry across the slick stone oor
Zo was just a few feet behind him with about three paintings underneath each arm. He could practically hear her mental cursing about the heels she was wearing. On the patio outside, Kaylee and Simon were loading up the rst run of loot on the mule. There were two more loads to do after this one. Jayne had better appreciate these guns, Mal whispered harshly. Kaylee, who was decked out in her darker coveralls and had her hair tucked under one of Jaynes hats, grinned so hard against the night sky that her captain swore her face started glowing like Serenity during a full burn. Him and River are splittin em up together. Nara said they had a game of rock, paper, scissors over the last one. Some kinda shotgun. Simon helped Mal tie down the bulky crate. Great, he murmured sarcastically. More guns. Kaylee shrugged as she helped Zo load the paintings. One of ems even biggern Vera! Again. Great. I think its shiny fer Donna to let us keep the guns, Kaylee added. Gotta say, Zo smirked, itll sure cheer Jayne up after havin to get all fancied. Hes even crankier than normal cause of all this.

The music ended and applause took its place. River curtsied delicately beside Jayne, her hand still clasped in his. The tall mercenary bowed as well and smiled genially at the host of the partya man of similar stature with graying hair and smile lines deep as ditches. Wonderful performance, young sir! Jayne tilted his head, Thank you, sir. I would ask for a dance with your partner here, but she appears to need to rest her feet. Jayne couldnt agree more. True. Why dont we rest a bit, Vera? Rivers surprised expression was momentary, but she nodded regardless. That sounds like a wonderful idea. Jayne snagged two utes of champagne from a passing waiter and handed her one as they followed the host to one of the free tables. He pulled out a chair for River and sat in the empty one beside her. River drained her glass of champagne. Sir Whilton, James and I were planning on performing a tango later. We are practicing for a ballroom tournament thats being held on Osiris this upcoming weekend and we were hoping to use your party as an opportunity to stretch our leg muscles, so to speak. Sir Whilton smiled in approval. Why, absolutely. Rest your feetIll ask the band to prepare an appropriate piece of music to play for you. Thank you, Sir Whilton, Jayne saluted the old man with his champagne ute. Whilton saluted in return and vanished through the crowd to talk to the musicians. Howre the feet? Jayne asked, nally downing his entire drink. They hurt, River admitted, but it is immaterial. The clock chimed once to indicate the passing of the half hour. Jayne smiled. The others should be done by now. River grinned widely and dropped her aching feet onto Jaynes thigh. I have decided something. Absently, he pulled her heels o and began to rub the arches of her feet. Hmm? Whats that? I will let you use the XM
26 on every other job. His grin widened.

Sir Whilton leaned over Jaynes shoulder and clapped the younger man on the back. Son, your song starts as soon as you signal the conductor. Thank you, sir, Jayne nodded and squeezed both of Rivers feet in one hand. Are you ready, Vera? River tugged her shoes on and kissed Jaynes cheek. Im ready, James. Still in character though that kiss nearly broke it, Jayne helped River to her feet and removed his tailored jacketleaving him in his crisp white shirt and dark red waistcoat. After reviewing the tango with River just before disembarking he found the less restricted he was with unfamiliar clothing, the smoother he moved. River moves like her name no matter what shes wearin. A thin pale hand alighted on his shoulder just as he thought this. You move like a big cat, she whispered. Jayne blushed. He shook it o and clicked his ngers at the conductor. This is gonna be hard The answering grin was downright sinful. As the music swelled to its proper starting point, River and Jayne took their very close positions and draped their hands onto each other in a half
lazy, half
promising manner. And suddenly, Jaynes musing about the dance being hard was not too far o the mark. He was half
thankful and half
regretful as the restricting material of his trousers trapper his inevitable erection in one of the most uncomfortable positions. It was painful, but at least no one would really be able to see it. River executed a complicated, clingy move that pressed her entire body against his and Jayne swore his heart gave out. Her right leg hooked around to rest tightly against the middle of his backside and she pushed up with her opposite foot to press hard on his groin. Oh, go se. Remembering the steps, he dipped her low and dropped his forehead between her breastshis labored breath blew hotly across the dark red fabric and he could see the distinct outline of her nipples. She shivered against him and had to focus herself on the dance. They both prowled across the polished oor as the tango became a sort of mating dancethey ashed their colors, aunted their assets, and held one another so close that it was a wonder neither of them suocated. All in all, it was such an arousing display that Sir Whilton and his entire guest party forgot entirely about the tour they were going to take later of the mansion. The song ended far too soon for Jaynes liking and left him and River breathing erratically beneath Sir Whiltons old
fashioned chandelier.

The onlookers applaudeda few broke out of their sti
upper
lip
edness long enough to give a few wolf whistles. Sir Whilton himself was clapping his hands together enthusiastically and grinning from ear to ear with a hot red ush burning his cheeks. I say, if the pair of you do that for your tournament dance, you will win hands down. Jayne forced himself to smile and fought the urge to excuse himself to the mens room to take care of his problem. Unbeknownst to him, River was ghting the same temptation. Their only other option was Do you think we could have a few bottles of champagne to celebrate? they both asked. Sir Whilton laughed heartily.

Mal nished stowing their recently acquired cargo and bellowed for someone to check the time. Inara popped out of her shuttle and gave him her very best calm
the
he
down stare. Its 2245, Mal. Theyre not back yet? He stared at her as she descended the stairs. She was wearing his favorite dressthe teal one with long sleeves and a pattern on the front that reminded him of one of his mothers quilts. No, he managed to squeak out, havent seen hide nor hair of those two since we left em in the ballroom. Inara stopped in front of him. Were they having fun? she asked with her pixie grin. Well Yeah. So, whats the problem? Mal scratched the back of his neck free of the constricting cravat. Well, nothin per say, but I wanna get the hell o this rock and get rid of my cargo. As soon as the words left his mouth he heard singing coming from the direction of the gangplank. Loud singing. Drun singing. we took from the rich an we gave ta the poor! Stood upta th man an we gave im what for! River and Jayne were stumbling together two open bottles of champagne between them singing at the tops of their lungs. Somewhere along the way back from Sir Whiltons estate Rivers hair had fallen out of its up
do and Jaynes entire outt had been put into disarray. His shirt was undone to the middle of his chest, his bowtie hung limply out of his pants pocket, and his neatly combed hair was pointing out in every direction. He was carrying Rivers heels and another bottle of champagne in his free hand. River was dragging him toward the ship with hersher tiny ngers were yanking on one side of his

waistcoat. Mal gave his best impression of a ycatcher. Captain! River shouted. She waved her bottle of champagne at him and tugged on Jayne again as he tried to remember how to shut the airlock with both hands full. River? Are you drunk? Mal asked. River giggled and sagged against Jayne once the hydraulics in the doors kicked in. Maybe a little, she admitted. Jayne somehow snagged her bottle away from her loose hand and held it out for Mal to take. His extreme drunkenness seemed to lessen a bit as soon as the Londinium crowd noise was cut o by Serenitys bulkhead. She aint that drunk, Mal. Wes just foolin around. Lettin Whilton think we were some kind fancied Core ballroom dancers
he liked us so much he didnt even notice that you n Zo were long gone. River nodded enthusiastically. Yep. We can leave slowly for once. Mal let out a gushing, relieved sigh. Fine. Jayne, you go make this girl a cup of coee and sober up a bit so we can get back to the black. Jayne grinned lopsidedly and saluted Mal with the hand holding Rivers shoes and the champagne bottle. Sure thing, Cap. He shoved both open bottles into Mals hands as he strode purposefully to the galley with River who was laughing under one arm. Mal looked ummoxed for a moment, but it passed when Inara took one of the bottles from him. She took a swig, smiled, and held out her free hand. Care to dance? Mal grinned and took a drink as well. Why not? They swayed together to absent music and drank champagne straight from the bottle even after River had her coee and piloted them out of the world.

Chapter Eight Morning After

Back in his ghting fairies T
shirt and his cut
o cargos, Jayne felt a bit more like himself. Minus the goatee. Something he was lamenting over in front of the mirror in his bunk. Hair grows back. Jayne leapt near to the point of hitting the top of his head on the ceiling and clutched at his heart. Wo de ma he ta de feng kuang de wai sheng dou! River, hanging upside
down from the top rung of the ladder, giggled and crossed her arms. Scared you. Jayne smacked her dangling hair. Coulda ruttin killed me. I purt near jumped clean through the gorram bulkhead! Could have. Your head is hard enough. Oh, its on, girlie. River only had half a second to think about what Jayne just thought before she felt ngers digging into her ribcage. Then they wiggled. A peal of uncontrolled laughter escaped and she tried to curl into herself to escape Jaynes unrelenting tickling ngertips, but Jayne had three sisters and two brothers at home and he knew this game better than anyone. He fought his own grin and tugged River o the ladder and into his bunk.

Mal woke up with a bit of a hangover to howling laughter. Inara groaned at the sound and curled further into his bare back. Wha? was Mals eloquent observation to the laughter. Inaras curved hands twisted and wound their way around his middle. Sounds like River is having some fun, she whispered. Hm. The laughter turned maniacal and was joined by a deeper laugh and a few broken curses from That Jayne?

Stop! Stop! he crab walked on the oor in a desperate attempt to escape Rivers experienced ngers. But River was like a cat at the cream and he couldnt get away from her. Chuo zi! he yelped. Jayne held his hands up in the universal sign of time out and tried to catch his breath. River stoppedbreathing just as hard. They were both grinning wide enough to light the room. Morning, River hued. Jayne shook his head and tried very hard to not look at her heaving bosomthe gentle curve of her breasts was revealed by the low
cut blouse she wore and it was a mite distracting to a fellow like Jayneespecially when hed missed out on female contact for such a long time. Even more so after that heated tango they had preformed last night. Mornin he managed to croak out. Its your turn to make breakfast, River said. That why you had to scare the ever
lovin
hell outta me? Yep. Jayne stood and held a hand out for her to take. Alright then, xuan ni. But youre gonna help me out. River blushing at the sudden pet name hed decided to give her took his hand and let him propel her up o the oor and into the air to land on his hip in a move theyd used in the jive dances last night. You rst, he nudged her rump up the ladder and rolled his eyes at her bare feet. Once Jayne climbed out of his bunk, River grabbed his hand and dragged him to the kitchen. We can make pancakes, Jayne suggested. River turned her head and gave him a grin. Or a reasonable facsimile of pancakes. A wha? As close as we can get with what we have. Why didnt you just say that in the rst place, xuan ni? More fun to use big words. Jayne snorted.

Kaylee and Simon were already in the messSimon was already making coee and heading toward

the stove with what looked like purpose in his eyes. Simon, we dont want stomach aches today, said River. Simon stuck out his lower lip. Ive gotten better at it, he denied. Liar. Simon looked up from measuring out the coee to see his sister dangling from Jaynes back with her arms around his neck. Mei mei, what are you? River hopped o Jaynes back and skipped into the pantry. Were making pancakes, she called out. Jayne scooted around Simon and dug out a mixing bowl and frying pan. We picked up some of that mix crap last stop. Find that and some powdered milk, kay xuan ni? Simon raised an eyebrow at the pet name and Kaylee giggled. Two cans of powdered milk were launched out of the pantry and caught by Jayne. He pried one open and dumped it into the mixing bowl. The box of pancake mix hit him in the side of the head. Gorramit, River
girl! She giggled. Despite his vehement dislike of Jayne, Simon couldnt help but admit that the big mercenary did bring out the best in his sister. She certainly was more playful with Jaynemore together, even. He still watched the pair of them as he poured cups of coee for himself and Kaylee. Zo descended into the mess with a yawn and eyed the coee machine. Mornin everyone. A chorus of good morning followed her greeting. She pointed to the coee pot suspiciously, Kaylee, you didnt make the coee, did you? Kaylee smiled. No, Zo. Simon banned me after the last time. He made it. Zo smiled a bit and poured herself a cup. The one thing he dont screw up in the kitchen. Hey! River helped Jayne with the water to mix ratio and snorted at her brothers exclamation. Its true, Simon. Medical school should have taught you how to boil water correctly as well as make good coee. Jayne whisked the batter smooth and grinned sideways. Kaylee aint that good a cook with protein neither.

Either Whatever, xuan ni. If either Neither Stop it! If neither one of them can cook, how the di yu are they gonna fair later in life? Zos smile widened. One of themll have ta learn. River handed Jayne a small measuring cup to dish the batter into the frying pan, I vote Kaylee. Cooking is a skill that Simon will never be able to learn, she idly watched Jayne cook. Zo sat in her usual chair and watched the pair interact. This was quickly becoming a habit for her as of late. When do we ip them? River asked. Jayne gestured at the pan with a spatula. See those bubbles? That means the bottoms are a nice golden brown. He ipped the three cakes in the frying pan with a practiced ick of the wrist. Turn the oven on warm, xuan ni, and stick a baking sheet in there for when thesere done. Gonna make a bunch. River did as he asked and ignored the gaping face her brother was giving both of them. You are very good at this, huan ren, River said with an elbow dig to his ribs. Kaylee slapped a hand across her grin and tried incredibly hard to smother her giggle. Jayne made a face at Rivers pet name for him and plopped the three nished pancakes into the warm oven. It was about that time that the captain and Inara nally wandered into the kitchen to the smell of semi
real food cooking. You done giggling for the day, Jayne? Mal asked. Nah, I still got a few in me, Jayne retorted dryly and ipped another trio of pancakes. Mal poured himself a cup of coee and got Inara a cup ready for her tea. Youre awfully cheery this mornin. River turned from helping Jayne to beam her full smile at her captain. Thats because we had good crime last night. Our mark suspected nothing, I got to dance, and no one was injured. Fer once, Jayne snorted. No one stabbed, shot, punched, or kicked, River continued. Kaylee slid into her usual chair and rested her chin on the heels of her hands. Was the dancin fun?

River put more pancakes in the warm oven and nodded. Jayne is a very good dance partner. Mal snorted into his coee. He also has very good hands. Silence. Jayne was too focused on cooking to notice the various speculative and horried looks he was receiving from the crew. We got any of that syrup leftover, River
girl?

Traveling in Serenitys blind spot, Lady Donna examined an old wanted beacon for the tenth time. The photo was old and the bounty had been removed, but that
as the young woman shed seen dancing with the large man as a part of Captain Reynolds distraction. She had dug deep into the records to nd thisdeep enough to discover that it wasnt the Alliance that had put out the bounty, but the Blue Sun Corporation. The Alliances puppeteer. Donna ran a delicately manicured ngernail across River Tams name and grinned. Shed get more from Blue Sun for this girl than from fencing the artifacts shed had Reynolds steal. Smile still in place, she waved the CEO.

Chapter Nine Stretching

River dragged Jayne forcibly out of the kitchen where he was disassembling and cleaning the newest additions to his collection of artillery and into the hold where their dancing area had been set up previously. My leg muscles must be stretched, said River. Jayne let her move him into position and stayed where she placed him as she turned the cortex radio on. He recognized the song as the one they danced the tango to at Sir Whiltons mansion. Ya wanna tango? River grabbed his hands and placed them around her waist. Tango, waltz, ballet Let muscle memory take control. How bout somethin simple, then? He picked her up and dropped her so that her feet gripped the tops of his boots. He swayed back and forth. Just as a warm up, he said as he held River closer to his body. River smiled and wound her hands up around Jaynes neckletting her ngers play with the shortened hairs there. The song was too fast for what he was doing, but River wasnt complaining. She would just start the song over again when they nished warming up.

Simon bussed Kaylee on the cheek in the mess on his way to the inrmary for his weekly inventory check. He fully intended to do just that as he passed the cargo bay, but was distracted by the sight of his baby sister dancing with the man
ape
gone
wrong. Not in the friendly sort of way theyd danced the jive a few days ago, either. No, this was that tango that his sister had briey glossed over when he found her after they returned from Whiltons estate. The clinical, detached portion of his mind was impressed with the talent involved with the dance, but the brother in Simon was nearing a boiling point. His sister. His mei mei was pressed up against a man. Not just any man, but Jayne. Rivers step faltered for the rst time at the anger she felt roiling o her brother and Jayne was forced to catch her before the back of her head slammed into the hard deck plating. You alright, xuan ni? Whats the matter? River felt an odd echoa memory of Lilacat Jaynes concern and rolled her eyes around to nd

Simon. Simon? Jayne nearly dropped her. Liu kou shui de biao zi he hou zi de ben er zi! Simon snapped. Hey! Jayne protested and righted River on her own feet. My ma aint no whore! Simon barged down into the hold and violently unplugged the radio. He wanted nothing more than to slam his st into Jaynes face. He very nearly did just that as he came toe to toe with the mercenary. You dont touch my sister, you Rim bred pissant, the doctor seethed. River was swaying in the force of her brothers anger and pressed a hand against Jaynes side to keep her balance. Her touch kept him from saying what he really wanted to. Instead, Jayne very carefully bit the inside of his lower lip. He stared long and hard down at the smaller man without saying a word
blood lling his mouth instead of harsh insults. Kaylee saved him the trouble. Hun dan! What the hell is wrong with you, Simon? Werent you just tellin me earlier bout how Jayne here is helping bring River back to herself ? His mouth opened and closed like a sh gasping for air. And what is so wrong bout bein born on the Rim? S where I come from. S where the Capn and Zo come from. River felt like collapsing. Jayne seemed to sense it enough to swing her up into his arms and stomp o to the passenger dorms. He wanted no part of the upcoming argument. If Simon had a burr in his ass about him and River being so friendly thats what we are, right? Friends?
then he would just have to deal with it. River watched him as he gently set her down on her own bed, turned, and spat a mouthful of blood into her pullout sink. Her heart felt like someone had their hand wrapped tightly around it as Jayne rinsed his mouth out twice and turned to face her. Im sorry, she blurted. He looked surprised. Fer yer brother? River gave a tiny nod
her hair falling into her eyes. Absently, Jayne crossed the room and tucked her wild mane behind her ears. Dont need to do that. Hes just bein a big brother. He dont think of you as a He choked on the word.

Woman? River oered. He could see now that her eyes were shining. Right, Jayne whispered. A woman. River blinked once at the tone in Jaynes voiceallowing the tears that had been gathering on the lower lids of her eyes to roll down her cheeks. He brought a calloused thumb up and wiped them away with tenderness one would not have expected of him and pulled her into a hug with his free hand. Dont cry, he growled. I hate it when pretty ladies cry. Dui bu qi, River apologized into his T
shirt. Not realizing he was doing it, Jayne pressed his lips to the part of her hair. Cut that out, River. She twisted her ngers in the loose cotton and they snagged on Jaynes chest hair. Simon stomps steadily toward the downtrodden dame and her ne fellow, she murmured her alliterations into his breastbone. He mad? Anger still rolls over him like small drops of rain. Not as mad as before. Kaylee yelled at him. Jayne rubbed her back and looked uphis chin still propped against the crown of Rivers headas Simon opened the door. Come here to yell at me some more, Doc? Simon rested one wrist on the doorframe and waved the opposite in his best placating manner. The left side of his face was aming red and had the distinct pattern of an open palm. No, I came to Apologize For my behavior. Jayne raised an eyebrow at the elder Tam. Really? Simon bit his lower lip and noddedlooking everywhere in Rivers room except at Jayne. Mm Im, uh, sorry. Jayne shrugged and stood from Rivers bed. She held back a whine when his warmth left her and tried hard not to follow immediately after him. Aint me you should be apologizin to, Doc. Thatd be yer sister. Jayne squeezed Rivers shoulder as he left the room. River twisted her ngers together and pulled at the ends of her hair. Simon? Hes right, River. God, I cant believe it happened, but hes absolutely right, Simon took Jaynes place beside her and he tried to tuck his sister against him just as tightly as Jayne had. I am so sorry for upsetting you. Just bein my ge ge, River hugged him tightly and smiled sadly into his shoulder. But Simon, she forced him to meet her eyes. You have to know: I am no longer a little girl that needs protecting. Simon didnt look excited about the idea of his baby sister being grown up, but the stinging in his

cheek reminded him that sometimes he just needed a gorram slap to grow up in his own way.

Chapter Ten On The Run

Once again Serenity touched down on the Eavesdown docks to a boiling summer afternoon. By the early afternoon, Jayne nished loading the mule and how he managed to make everything t was anyones guessbut Mal wasnt complaining. In fact, he gave his merc a grin and slapped him genially on the shoulder. Good work. Youre gonna be the only one comin with me to get the coin seein as how the back seats are all used up. Jayne scrubbed a hand through his hair, making it stand up in a thousand dierent directions. Why me? You sure you dont want Zo goin with ya? I mean, she bein all second
in
command and whatnot. Im givin her the day o. Jayne shrugged and searched the pockets of his cargo shorts for his sunglasses. Riverbarefooted once againsnuck up behind the merc and goosed him in the most ticklish part of his ribs. Jayne yelped manfully and turned to give her a piece of his mindonly to be interrupted by the sneaky woman sliding his previously borrowed sunglasses onto his nose. Gotcha, River intoned. Gorram u sheng woman! Dont get shot, she warned, slapped his ass, and ounced o in the general direction of the engine room. Mal would have been laughing had it not been for that slap on Jaynes ass.

Badger was behaving a bit jumpier than usualsomething that should have tipped Mal o right away that something had gone awry in this whole thieving business of theirs. Especially when he was still on the edge even after he handed over their coin. Wheres the girl? Jayne automatically drew his pistol and leveled it at the lowlife. Best get that thought outta yer pea
brained head fore I mak
it come out with a bit o lead to yer rattlin brain pan. Badgers goons barely had the time to draw their own weapons before Mal pulled his and Jayne grabbed another from Buddha knows where. I can shoot just as good with either hand. Wanna test me?

Badger raised his hands and motioned for his hired muscle to disarm. Right, said Mal, whyre you so keen on my pilot all of a sudden? Badger slumped back into his usual chair and nervously picked at the lapel of his awful suit. Donna. Whats yer gorram cousin gotta do with the girl? Mal sneered. She waved me just before you lot arrived
said summat about an old bounty and how Blue Sun was still lookin for the chit and oerin up an impressive sum of cashy money. Told me to do what I wanted with the go s
you stole from Whilton. Jayne grit his teeth and pulled both hammers on his pistols. If n yer sayin somethin important, Id hurry it up a bit if I were you. Badger swallowed the uncomfortable lump in his throat. She told Blue Sun where the girl was. What ship she was on, where she was headed, and who she was with. Ta ma de, Mal swore. Why you tellin us this? Jayne asked, Badger waved his hands neutrally and put on his best innocent face. I dont want nothin to do with Blue Sun. And as much as I would love to deny it, Captain Reynolds, you are my best source of income. I let the big corporation take you out and I dont make no more of my own cashy money, dong ma? Mal holstered his piece and laid a hand on Jaynes forearm to get him to do the same. Fine, he said, how much time we got? Badger ddled with the gaudy amingo pin on his lapel and gnawed on his lip. Not much.

River, having nally had the chance to catch Kaylee who was still slightly peeved at her bao bei alone and with no chance of being interrupted by Simon, was in the middle of telling her friend just how conicting things were suddenly getting with Jayne when she felt the change in the air. She stopped talking and tilted her head to listen. Aw, come on, River! You were just gettin to a good part! River snaked a hand around Kaylees mouth to shut her up and she listened harder. There was something tickling unpleasantly on the edge of her perception. Someone doesnt belong

Kaylee pried Rivers hand away. Like what? We got a intruder? she whispered harshly. River shook her head negatively once, then stiened. They were on their way. Untouchable by even the Alliance. Those who could ignore a stand down in order to get back what they created. Two by two, hands of blue River whispered.

Jayne suddenly picked up his paceshouldering through the crowds of people like a juggernaut with Mal in his considerable wake. He only had Cassie and Boo with him and this felt like a Vera
type situation. He was unsettled, to say the least. Jayne, slow downyer legs are too gorram long Mal snarked. We need to get the fuc
outta the Core, Maland fast Mal started to jog and reined in his surprise at hearing Jayne curse in English. Any ideas on where to go, Jayne? The larger man glanced briey over his shoulder at the captain. Kerry. Its pretty far out on the Rim. Mal thought it over as they all but ran into the hold of Serenity. Aint yer folks from Kerry? he asked as he closed the airlock. Yeah. Mal hit the com. River, we need out of the world, ma shong. Apparently, his pilot had already been thinking just that as the engine had red up just after her name had nished echoing through the tiny ship. Before Jayne could rush o to wherever the hell he was going, Mal snagged the bigger man by the elbow. Hang on a second there, Jayne. Wave on Kerry dont work too good, Malso the folks are gonna get a big gorram surprise with the load of us dropping in the backyard. Mal removed his hand. That aint why Jayne For once, Jayne was able to read between the lines. He looked his captain in the eye and sighed. I dont want her to go through this shit again, Mal. I done had it up to my ears with seein her hurtin. Mal kept Jaynes steady gaze and thought back to the man he used to bethe dirty, crude mercenary who only thought of himself when he rst joined up. The man that stood before him was a clean still shaved even, decent, big damn hero. Mal had been so busy looking for aws in Jaynes character as of late that he completely missed the shiny bits. Jayne was denitely looking out for everyone now.

That glimmer of friendship that had always been a dwindling light in the background came to life as Mal realized this. He nodded and clapped Jayne on the shoulder. Come on, di di, we gotta go tell the rest whats goin on. Jayne seemed to sag with relief. Then he tensed again when the Mandarin had time to really sink in. Little brother? Damn, how much of an old crusty soldier are ya? Mal glared at Jayne good
naturedly and amended his friendly thoughts. Big damn hero, he may be, but Mal still didnt want Jayne anywhere near his pilot in any romantic or lustful situation. That girl was like a daughter to him. Hell, she didnt call him Captain Daddy for nothing.

Chapter Eleven Betrayal

Kerry was about a week out from Persephone. Once River had her course laid in, she sprinted down to the common area where everyone was already gathered and waiting for her. Without thinking, she gravitated toward Jayne and sat beside him on the sofaher thigh pressed tightly against his. She twisted her hair nervously until Jayne grabbed her hand to stop her. Inara sat beside the younger woman and grinned at Jaynes action. Mal cleared his throat, wanting to get down to business more than anything. We got a problem. Now we did get coin from that last job, but we also got double
crossed by Badgers cousin. Kaylee gasped. Apparently, she waved the Blue Sun Corp. and told them where River was, what ship she was yin, and who was with her. Two by two, River muttered and buried her face into Jaynes shoulder. He automatically wrapped his arm around her shoulder and squeezed. What do we do, Mal? Inara asked. The captain scratched the back of his neck. Well, Badger wasnt too gorram specic, but he was acting like Donna was just about to dock when we hauled ass outta there. Were headin to Kerry. Its pretty far out on the Rim and Jaynes got folk there. Simon spoke up. If Donna knows the names of the crew, then wouldnt she know that Jayne Cobbs home world would be an option of safety? Mal grinned. Well, she would if I had Jayne listed on our manifest as Jayne Cobb. Still unsafe, said River. Forgetting himself for a moment, Jayne leaned down and kissed the top of her head for the second time. Jayne didnt even notice that hed done it, but River felt her face heat up with practically all the available blood in her body. Needless to say, she turned an interesting shade of purplish
red. Mal ground his teeth and dropped their pay on the coee table. Besides all that seriously dangerous go se, we did get paid and everyone gets their ten percent. Ill be on the bridge doin captainy things. He left more because he didnt want to beat Jaynes head in because of the protectiveness he felt about River than because he really needed to do some captainy things.

Badger was xing his afternoon tea when a distinctively feminine cough made him turn around. Donna? She was alone, untouched by his thugs, and holding a gun on him. A regular occurrence for Badger these days. He was beginning to think he needed to hire new goons if this kept up. Where did they go? Donna asked. What, no hello, my favorite bakers dozen,* hows the life been treatin you? He saw her nger tighten around the trigger of her gun and raised his hands in surrender. Yee Soo, Don, calm down! Reynolds is my best source of income and if I let you take him out
Im not going to take him out you complete dai zi. Im only after the girl. Now whats that tall, big muscled fellow really go by? Because Roger Hamilton doesnt exist
and that means the only place they could have taken her would be his home planet. Badger mulled over his options for a moment. Go se Fine, he decided. I dunno where the hell he comes from, but its a Rim world for certain. Donna waved her gun about impatiently. A name? Badger sighed. Jayne Cobb. His names Jayne Cobb. Donna dropped her gun and smiled. Now see? That wasnt so hard. She left and Badger seriously debated whether or not waving Malcolm Reynolds would be benecial to his health. In the end, he just sighed harshly and went back to fencing the paintings hed just received. Donna knew just how to make it impossible for him to get any further business whatsoever
something Malcolm Reynolds couldnt do. Besides, how would Reynolds know hed said anything?

How you doin, xuan ni? River looked up from her drawing to see Jayne sprawled in the chair across from her. She vaguely heard the sound of guitar strings vibrating and tried to see where hed hidden it. Gonna answer me? River sucked in her lower lip and gnawed on it for a second. Im not sure how Im doing, she admitted.

Jayne leaned forward in his seat and set his best speculative gaze on her. His lower eyelids went up to half mast and he unconsciously mimicked her by chewing on his own lower lip. Rememberin stu or just feelin uneased? Bit of both He shook his head and knuckled her chin. Ya aint got a thing to worry about. Anyone comes along to hurt you and we can put the hurt right back on them. She leaned into his touch. Ya believe me? Jayne asked. His hand opened up and he let his palm drift into her hair. He could feel faint scars on her scalp and rubbed them with his ngertipshis eyes narrowing in the anger at what had been done to her. I do believe you, Jayne, Rivers eyes slid closed and she sighed as his ngers threaded further into her hair. It was a touch shed been missing for so longand one she quite enjoyed. Jayne had gone quiet. He didnt want to break the moment, but there had been another reason to coming to see River. Eyes still closed, River hummed. Your guitar Thought you might feel like dancin again. That ballet stu you like so much. Her smile was practically blinding. I do feel like dancing again, huan ren. Jayne released her and plucked his worn guitar o the oor. Slow or fast, xuan ni? River stood from her seat and moved to the empty oor around the table. Slow, please. Jaynes calloused ngertips picked out an easy owing chord that carried throughout the ship in its own sort of serenity. River let the notes wash over her and just danced lightlynot recognizing the tune. The form
tting dress she wore ared out at the waist like petals on a windblown ower as she twirled in a weightless circle and swayed to Jaynes music. Idly, River wondered just how much this man was hiding from everyone And how much they would discover upon their arrival at Kerry. She eased her movements and focused more on watching him play than dancing. Her eyes ate up every movement in his face and the exing of his forearms as he moved his ngers along the frets and strummed the strings in a well
practiced manner. She loved watching his arms do that. In fact, she had become so enthralled with watching him that her feet stopped moving. Jayne didnt notice. Neither of them noticed the small audience they had of Inara and Zo.

Neither of them had a name. Donna didnt really carejust so long as they handed over the promised cashy money once they had the Tam girl in their custody. What she did care about was

being double
crossed. The whole non
blinking thing that the two blue
gloved men did was just past unnerving territory and straight into creepifying land. They told her to meet them on Bernadette when they contacted her with the girl in their custody. Donna decided to make berth on the planet, hole up in a shiny hotel for a bit, and just plain wait. Bernadette was gorgeous during this season. She could sure as hell wait a week or two while those weird guys took what was theirs again.

Chapter Twelve Dreams?

A prickle of unease ran along Rivers spine as she leaned back in the pilots chair. Dozing in the co
pilots seat, Jayne snored just a bit louder as he turned to face her. Unease forgotten, River contemplated her sleeping friend. The almost permanent frowning of his brow was eased in his slumbersmoothing out his forehead nicely to the point where he either looked younger or more his actual age something River still wasnt sure about. The shadow of a beard was returning to his face and she couldnt quite decide whether she liked his face better with or without the goatee. River felt her unease drift away as another emotion replaced it. It was something that had been cropping up quite regularly for a while now. She couldnt quite place it, but it made her feel like her heart was ready to explode out of her chest. She hated the sensation and loved it at the same time. Her eyes traced the contours of Jaynes face and decided that her brother was wrong. Jayne was nothing like an ape. Rivers lips lifted slightly in a smile. For one, Jayne was entirely too handsome. Even when he was snoring. Her attention was drawn to his mouth at this thought, and naturally kissing was the rst thing that came to mind. Jayne His snores ended. River? Her heart leapt into her throat. Still here. Jayne rubbed the sleep from his jaw and pinned her with what Kaylee called bedroom eyes. How far from Kerry are we? he asked. Three more days, said River. She checked the cortex for any news feeds that may be important anything to keep her mind o those blue eyes of his. Jayne groaned and gave a stretch that made a loud pop in his shoulder. Rivers hyper
awareness of the merc practically screamed at the sounds he made. She wasnt ignorant to sexshed spent enough of her crazy
time getting feeds o Wash and Zo when they were at it in their bunk to know what sex was supposed to feel and sound like. If he groans again, I dont know what I
do she squirmed in her seat. Aint you been sleepin? Jayne asked herhis voice still husky with sleep.

River tugged nervously on her sleeve. No. He cleared his throat to rid it of the slight frog. Sbad for ya, sweetheart. Need to sleep. Ill watch the cortex
you take a gorram nap. Sweetheart River gnawed on her lower lip at the thought. Jayne stood from his seat and, without warning, lifted River by her waist and dropped her in his lap when he sat in her place. She was surrounded by his arms, muscle, scent, and warmth. The beating of his heart vibrated against her ear in a song as calming as the unknown song he played for her to dance to every night after dinner. Before she realized it, River had fallen asleep with Jayne all around her.

Her dreams were usuay fu of painful memories of the Academy. This was dierent. Ensconced in a pair of strong arms with a vital heartbeat drumming comfortingly in her ear, River was at peace. For the rst time i ages she felt nothing but serenity. She dreamed of dancing with Jayne. He wore his usual T
shirt and khakis and was letting her use the tops of his boots to dance atop. His hold was tight and welcoming and River pressed herself up against him to prolong the physicality of it a. Jayne was a ery physical man and River had been missing that aspect of life for so long that she craved his touch. A hand o her shoulder, a tickle to her ribs, the warm embrace of dance She nds herself staring boldly into his eyes in her dreamlosing herself in that sharp blue gaze in a way she was far to shy to do in the waking world. He may be part of a dream, but River can see what shes been missing in his eyes. The aection he has for her. Shed be lying if she said it wasnt there before Miranda. They stop dancing. What is it? he asks her. River sti holds his bright eyes with hers and lets a smile overtake her face. Jayne smiles as welooking much younger than normal. River resolves to remember to ask him about that when shes awake. Honey, te me whats on yer mind. You are on my mind, Jayne Cobb. I cant understand it sometimes. My heart hurts sometimes when your aroundjust the sight of you twists my insides. His large hand cups her cheek and she can feel his thumb brush her zygomatic arch. The touch is so vivid that sh onders if hes doing this to her in real life. That a bad thing? he asks her.

River leans into his hand. I have never felt these things before. She feels Jayne lean in closerhis breath was gliding across her brow like one of her Inaras expensive silk scarves. Low down uttery kinda feelin, huh? And there it was. The low rumble of Jaynes voice shivers through her bey and his opposite hand rests low on the sma of her back. River can feel the edges of his ngers almost on her backside. Her face heats up. Open your eyes, sweetheart. Hes speaking at least an octave lower than usual and River has to ght to open her now
heavy eyelids. Jaynes eyes are so very blue and River is so very aroused. She doesnt think its possible but it happens. Her clinical mind runs through the symptoms of rushing blood in her head and pressure between her thighs and the woman in her antonly feels the need to act upon it. So in her dream, River does. Eyes sti wide open, she kisses Jayne hotly on the mouth.

Chapter Thirteen Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

Simon made a disparaging remark about Jaynes home planet once Serenity was in orbit. For his trouble, he got slapped upside the back of his head by Kaylee and the girl hadnt spoken to him since. River shook her head at her brothers chronic podiatry and oral problem. There were times when she wondered if hed ever get his foot removed from his mouth. We got clearance yet? Mal asked from above Rivers shoulder. She shifted in her chair. Just now, Capn. Well be setting down in a town called Harmony. Mal made his approval face and nodded. Good, he said. He clapped her on the shoulder and resisted the urge to rue up her already tangled hair. Com me when were about to make land. He trotted o to nd Inara. River watched him leave with half an eye and busied herself with navigationthat dream she had just three nights ago was still quite fresh in her mind. Just sitting in the pilots seat was enough to make her body tremble at the feel of ithow gorram real it was. Several times since then she nearly asked Jayne what hed done to her. He would invariably get defensive if she did ask himthen shut her out for the rest of their trip to Kerry. So River kept her lip buttoned and just remembered. Warm hands gliding across muscle and catching slightly on fabric. A mouth that makes someone believe in God tracing patterns against skin. A tongue that conrms everything thrusting past inexperienced lips to tease th
palate. River shivered involuntarily and swallowed her moan. So very real

Mal was the rst one o ship when they landed. Unlike Persephone, Kerry was in the beginning of its fall season and a crisp breeze blew the captains hair about. Behind him, he heard Jaynes boots shue on the deck as he walked with leaden feet to join his captain. So, Mal clapped his hands together and promptly jammed them down into the pockets of his coat, who we seein rst? Jayne just pointed. Across the shipyard was a girl no older than Kaylee with hay
colored hair and Cobb
colored eyes. She shared Jaynes nose. Jayne Ulysses Cobb, is that you? she shouted and stomped toward Serenity. The box of fresh

tomatoes shed been carrying dropped to the dirt and she broke into a run. With the crew behind him, Jayne let his mei mei hug the living daylights out of him. Hey, Katie, he mumbled into her scalp. The girls all smiled at this. Katie hugged her ge g
one second longer and then punched him as hard as she could right in the jaw. The hell you think youre doin, waiting so gorram long to come back home? The boys all grinned and Kaylee looked like someone just told her that strawberries were extinct. Ow! Jayne shouted and clapped a hand on his smarting face. Jesus, Katie! Katie Cobb waved a hand at him. Thats nothin and you know it. We best get to the house fore Mas radar goes o and she comes here to give you a matchin side. You show up sooner an shell probably go easy on ya. She ran back to her tomatoes. Got a wagon just up the street here with Matty waitin on me. Yall best follow. Sullen, Jayne lifted his due and followed his sister to the wagon with the near
chortling crew of Serenity at his back. The only one not laughing was River. She quietly walked alongside Jayne and slid her skinny arm around his back as far as it would go. He took comfort in her touch. Katie glanced back at everyone and snortedsounding exactly like her brother. Ill let the prodigal son here make introductions when were all back at the house. Man hates repeatin hisself. They reached the wagon hitched up to a lovely old sorrel horse and a frisky
looking paint and Jayne once again picked River up by the waist as if she weighed about as much as a feather to set her in the back. His little brother stopped him. What in the depths of hell do you think youre doin? This wagon got free rides painted on the side? I see where he gets it now, Simon whispered in Kaylees ear. Matty! Katie snapped. She dumped her burden and River found herself beside the tomatoes in seconds. She blinked in surprise and quietly watched the ensuing conversationher mind half
overloading on stimuli. Matty, show yer big brother some respect or Ill pop you one. Jayne shot his sister a look that starkly reminded Simon of River. It was the youre
a
gorram
hypocrite face. Matty looked a bit more like his brother now that he was turned aroundthough his hair was longer and curled wildly atop his head in a way that made everyone take a second look at Jayne. He ignored it all like a pro and set to helping Zo up into the wagon with River.

Jayne? Oh, Mas gonna hit you so hard... Matty teased. The grin he gave rivaled his brothers teasing smile. Bi zui, Jayne groused. Mal and Simon hopped up without his help and aided their own ladies on the wagon. Jayne resigned himself to walking as they lled all the space in and Katie took the reins from Matty. Im serious, Matty continued, shes gonna be right sore you didnt write fore you decided to drop in. I mean, no warnin to clean up the house or nothin Shes gonna make the back of your scalp come o. Matty, shut up, Jayne growled. No warnin to make up the guest rooms or start supper. You are in big trouble, ge ge. Matty, Im warnin you. I count to ve an yer still talkin and yer gonna be talkin out the side of yer mouth! Jayne yelped. Matty grinned again and mimed zipping his lip. Mal stied the urge to giggle like a ve year old girl and buried his shaking face into Inaras hair.

The Cobbs owned a horse ranch just outside of town and it wasnt anything that anyone on crew had expected. The house was huge, the land was bigger, and at least sixty heads of horses dotted the elds. Jaynes mother was seated on a porch swing with a Bullmasti half in her lap. As soon as the wagon entered the gated perimeter, the dogs massive head lifted from his owners lap and he let out a deep, braying bark. Ma Cobb stood from her swing and absently thumped the dog lovingly on his side. She squinted out at the wagon full of people
not what she sent Katie to the market for and then shouted wordlessly. Followed by: JAYNE ULYSSES COBB! For a woman in her early sixties, she could move fast. She ran barefoot across the yard and launched herself at her son. Jayne caught her and lifted her completely o the ground. Hey, Ma. She let him go, slapped him hard against the back of his head, and turned to greet her guests with a familiar grin. Capn Reynolds, Miss Inara, Ms. Zo, Little Kaylee Good to nally put faces to the names, she smiled and turned the Tams. And you two must be Simon and River. Simon looked innitely intimidated, but River just smiled and nodded. We are, she said.

Ma Cobb nodded. My son says good things bout yall. Too bad he didnt write none about yall comin fer a visit, she added accusingly. The names Jane Cobb, but seein as how thatll be confusin while you visit, everyones to call me Ma. The two you rode in with are my youngest, Katie and Matty. My other progeny, Jenny, Carl, and Amber have all grown up and married
so they ain't in the house. There was a distinct glint in Ma Cobb's eye as she looked at Jayne. Mal leaned towards his rst mate and his ai re
and stage whispered, Jane?! Jaynes named after his ma he snorted. Both women gave him frigid looks. Now! Ma Cobb clapped her hands together. Everyone get inside and Ill get supper on. Jayne, yer helpin. The large group clambered inside the house and followed Jaynes lead as he removed his boots at the door. River could barely hold in her delight at being able to run around barefoot.

Whats the matter, boy? Jayne looked up from potatoes he was mashing. Huh? Ma Cobb slapped him against the back of his head again. What the hell is wrong with you? Whyd you drop by unannounced? Jayne rubbed his head. Some scary fellas are after the girl, Ma. Home was the only place I could think up to keep her safe. She glanced sideways at her son. You got a big ole soft spot fer that gal, dontcha? Jayne stopped mashing but didnt deny it. He could never lie to his mother. Spectin a ght, son? Big one. Thought as much. The sounds of laughter issued from the dining room
contrasting sharply with the thoughtful silence in the kitchen.

Chapter Fourteen Confession

Mal learned that the Bullmasti s name was Bruce when the dog climbed into his lap during an after
dinner drink out on the porch. Bruce thought he was a lap dog. Bruce weighed about as much as Jayne did. Ma Cobb sipped at her hot toddy and smiled at the picture the captain painted. Her sons were out bringing a few of the horses back in for the night and Katie was busy setting up the empty rooms in the house for their guests. So, Mal, what happened, exactly? Ma Cobb plopped down beside the captain and watched Bruces tail pummel the steps. What else, Mal groused and sipped at his beer. We got double
crossed by a client. Ma Cobb sighed and laid a mothering hand on the younger mans shoulder. Jayne said somethin about a high falutin shindig that he had to shave his goatee o for. You get paid fer that? Yep, Mal nodded. He mention the dancin he had to do? Mal asked. Jaynes mother grinned widely. I told that boy hed need those lessons one day. He dance with that pretty little brunette? River? Ma Cobb performed what Mal was beginning to call the Cobb Smack against the base of his skull. Course, River, who else? Jayne get his trackin skills from you, Ma? She grinned and smoothed the hair shed mussed on Mals head. Youre a sweet boy, Malcolm Reynolds. But dont think I wont put you to work while yer stayin here.

River managed to sneak barefoot through the pasture and watch in twilight as Jayne and Matty rounded up a few of the wilder horses. Jayne sat astride a sandy
coated mare with black mane and he looked like a proper cowboy with his gun slung low on his hip and his hat tilted up. He whistled through his teeth and helped his younger brother guide the herd right past River. She thought she got away with watching him, but he yanked on the mares reins and pulled to a stop. What the di yu are you doin out here, xuan ni? River didnt really have an answer to that besides one that she felt would embarrass her. So she buttoned her lip and stared resolutely at the disappearing tails of the herd.

Jayne sighed and nudged his horse a bit closer to her. He reached one arm down and dragged her up into his lap. There wasnt much free room on the saddle and the leather creaked at the added burden. River let out a squeak when Jayne banded one arm around her middle. Gonna answer me? he hued into her ear. River shuddered. Wanted to watch you, she admitted. Jayne clicked his tongue on the roof of his mouth and kicked to get the horse trotting again. Involuntarily, River reached down and grabbed his thighs. Ai ya, ta ma de Womans gonna ki
me. River blushed hotly as his quick thought swam into her brain and his arousal sailed along the base of her spine. I like watching you, she revealed. Her hands didnt leave his thighs. Jayne? He cleared his throat. Yeah, River? The night you watched the cortex for me so I could sleep I You were havin a good dream or somethin, Jayne interrupted. River tilted her chin to catch his eyes in the dwindling light. I have never had my own dream like tha before. Did you
Jayne blurted it out. I kissed ya, River. He literally felt the heat of her face as well as his own as she leaned further into him. I Jayne shifted on the saddle and slowed the horse down a bit. He was actually more red in the face than she was. Werent right, he said, doin that while you were asleep n all. River squeezed his thighs. Oh, go se Im in for it What about when Im awake? Jayne dropped his forehead against the top of Rivers head and he breathed in the smell of her. She leaned back against him as if she was trying to burrow inside him. His arm automatically tightened further around her belly and the st hed been making opened. His ngertips traced the seam of her dress and he felt River tremble at the light touch. My own feelings she murmured. Havent felt my own feelings Jayne felt her sigh contentedly. Ya havent felt your own feelings fer a while now, have you? Too long

The mare whinnied and shook her head in irritation, causing Jayne to break out of the semi
trance he was in. He looked up to see the porch lights just a few yards away. His teasing hand ceased its guitar play on Rivers side. You tired? he asked. She managed to pull herself back to the here and now and nodded against Jaynes chest. He kept a steadying hand on her waist when he dismounted then motioned for her to do the same. Instead of hopping to the dirt like hed hoped she would, River leapt into Jaynes arms with a giggle. Yer stayin in Ambers old room. Older sister, married to the blacksmith John Yan. Thats Amber. Her room is right next to yours. Jayne swallowed hard.

Matty was late getting back from the barn and rather peeved at the thoughtlessness of his big brother when hed left Sunshine the dun mare saddled and looking bored out on the front lawn. Well, he
as peeved until Kaylee came bounding outside to greet the animal. She may have been attached to that Simon fellow, but Matty didnt think looking ever hurt anyone. And Kaylee sure was a bit of shiny wrapped in pretty. He tugged on Sunshines reins to get her head out of the grass and drew Kaylees attention away from the horse. She smiled that supernova grin at himall dimples and sweetnessand rubbed her palm against Sunshines soft nose. Matty, right? she asked. Matty nodded and cursed under his breath as his hair opped into his Cobb blue eyes Ma always said that was the Cobb boys best weapon against the ladies. Yer Kaylee? If it was possible, her dimpled grin grew wider. Yep, she rubbed at Sunshines chin one last time before turning her honey brown eyes to Matty. You look tons like yer ge ge. Almost as tall as im, too, she paused. So, whats the mystery bout Jayne anyhow? Matty was thrown for a loop and decided to distract himself by taking all the gear o poor Sunshine. She chewed at her bit in irritation. Mystery? Whats mystifyin bout my big brother? Kaylee helped him remove the saddle. Well, I didnt know the fella could do much but shoot good, punch hard, and play a decent tune on the guitar till recent. Now here I nd he can dance real fancy
like. Matty snorted and shooed her hands away from helping him. Jaynes always been like that. Ma

made him take the dance lessons to get him more cultured an he just picked up the guitar on his own. In high school he tried to cover all that go s
up by joinin the football team. He nished getting the gear o the mare and brushed her sweaty sides with a leather
gloved hand. Pa died fore Jayne could nish his schoolin so the big ben da left for the Black. Said he could make us plenty o cashy money doin mercenary work. Did, too. Mas just mad she dont get to see him often enough. Kaylee got an awful thoughtful look on her face.

Night on planet side was so quiet compared to night in the Black. Despite the chirp of crickets and a few frogs, it was silence unlike the whirring of a mid
bulk transport ship engine, air circulation, and Mals snoring that all echoed throughout the Firey class ship. Jayne was out like a light as soon as he opped face
rst into his old bed. Home
smell and home
feel surrounded him in a blanket of comfort that even across the hall River burrowed herself into without thinking. She focused on only Jayne and fell asleep with him on her mind. And, without realizing it, him i her mind. Or the other way around.

Chapter Fifteen Dancing and Dancing

River nds herself back on Londinium in her swishy red dress
sans uncomfortable heels. Sir Whiltons baroom was empty, but the orchestra was playing even though they werent there. She twirls on the bas of her feet and lets her hair fa out of its styled look. Jayne watches in the shadows
his bowtie is missing and his tuxedo jacket is unbuttoned. He too is barefoot. Are you going to join me? River asks. The big man glides into the light and River can see the details of his body more clearly. His hands are shoved i his pockets and the coar of his shirt is unbuttoned to the middle of his breastbone. Depends on the dance, honey, Jayne says. River stops twirling and comes to stand directly in ont of him. She has to crane her neck to keep his eyes in hers. Metaphorical. Dance as old as time itself. He looks confused for a moment, so River trails a ngernail down the exposed skin of his chest. Dance with me, Jayne. Its not a question. He wraps his hands around her waist and lets his thumbs meet beneath her bey button. As always, the way h lis her o the oor seems completely eortless and River twitches in delight as she winds her arms around Jaynes neck. His head angles to the right and his lips nudge the side of her mouth. They breathe shared air for a moment. River crosses her ankles on the sma of Jaynes back and chases his lips with her tongue. Jayne wraps one hand i her hair and mashes his mouth to hers. Its a hard kiss fu of emotion that Jayne has long since given up on feeling. River unconsciously grinds her hips into his bey and Jaynes teeth snag on her lower lip. Whatre we doin? he mumbles against her lips. River pushes her hips against him again. Dancing. Jayne drops River just a few more inches so that their hips meet. Oh God Neither of them know who said that.

Ma Cobb walked down the hall to investigate the creak of a door hinge. It was the middle of the night and she didnt much care for being awakened at a late hour. Bruce, always by her side, grumbled as quietly as he could. Oh God Jane Cobb didnt need to hear it twice to recognize her sons deep voice. She aimed her ashlight to the last two rooms at the end of the hall and saw which door had opened. Ambers room. Jane shook her head with a grin and clicked her ngers at Bruce. Cmon, big boy, she whispered. Back to bed. That River girl sure knew how to go after what she wanted. Better be careful with my Jayne
boy, she mumbled as she burrowed beneath her comforter again. Bruce harrumphed in agreement and nudged his snout beneath the spare pillow.

He woke with extra weight thrown across his chest and a thin
ngered hand tangled in his hair. Jayne remembered falling asleep on his stomach, but somewhere in the night hed twisted and ended up on his back. And somehow River ended up curled up all on top of him. Some dream, too Didnt get ta nish it, though River was awake. He could tell by the hitch in her breath and the way her nger suddenly tightened against his scalp. Xuan ni? She buried her nose against his throat and breathed him in. River? You never answered me, she saidher voice much quieter than normal. Whatd ya ask me? River scooted up to speak directly into his ear. I asked if you would kiss me while Im awake. Jayne stopped breathing. River angled her face to meet his eyes. Will you kiss me now?

Automatically, Jaynes eyes darted to her lips. River waited impatiently as he argued with himself. Her belly was plastered against the muscles of his abdomenher shirt having ridden up and his disappeared to the oor somewhere in the middle of the night. Instead of letting him beat himself up over the issue, River growled and sucked his lower lip into her mouth. Jayne groaned and River nibbled at his esh. His arms tightened around her and he gave inhands twitching and then cupping her face to guide her mouth against his. He felt her smile. River swung one leg across his hips and she rested her weight gently on his growing erection. Her body acted on pure instincttilting and grinding lightly to prolong the contact that felt so good. Jayne involuntarily reciprocated the movement and deepened their kiss. A smile of his own started to develop when the hand she didnt have trapped in his hair reached across his chest and teased his nipple. Shit! Jayne hissed, jerked his head back and smacked it against the headboard with a crack. River giggled and rubbed the back of his head. Her laughter ended when she caught the look in his eye. She felt his large hand sneak up her belly and onto her bare breast beneath her sleep shirt. Deliberately, Jayne shifted his opposite hand to her hip to guide her light movement into a steadier pace. River swallowed shakily and dropped her forehead against his. Feels good, she admitted. So dierent Jayne rubbed his thumb across her tightening nipple. Whats dierent, baby? Her scientic thought process ltered through what was happening to her body and she settled on the obvious. Rising to climax she gasped, my own body. Not leeching o of anyone else. Two down to one. Jayne! Jayne Yeah, River, he was breathing just as hard, but his guiding arms werent tiring. I think I I her eyes opened wide and Jayne automatically sealed his lips across hers as they both rode that wave of light
headed pleasure. River whimpered against his tongue and her ngers tightened along Jaynes bare sides. Her thighs gripped his hips hard as she came. Jayne swallowed her outcry and forced back one of his own as she continued to rub cat
like against him to the point where he felt like the top of his head was coming o with his own orgasm. River slumped against Jaynes chest and breathed in his sweat and Jayne
smell. She didnt want to move. Jayne didnt feel like he was capable of movement. * The smell of cooking hash browns roused Mal and Inara before everyone else simply because of proximity to the kitchen. Ma Cobb and Katie were preparing breakfast while Matty set the table for

everyone. Mal grinned in that sideways way of his and pulled a chair out for Inara to sit in. Mornin, Ma, he greeted. Ma Cobb twisted at the hip to smile at the captain. Mornin, son. Inara. Bed comfy enough last night? Inara smiled and Mal slumped into the empty seat beside her. Quite comfortable. I havent slept that well in ages, Mrs. Cobb. Ma Cobb snorted and turned back to the hash browns and sausage links. Told yall to call me Ma, now how hard is that, honey? Inara smiled wider. Sorry Ma. Thats better. Matty, go kick yer brother into gear. We got a couple of buyers comin by later to pick out some horses. Matty started to whine about this chore when Kaylee and Simon descended into the dining room. He brushed past the pair and stomped as loudly as he could while heading up to his brothers room. Kaylee laughed out loud at his irritationreminded sharply of both Jayne and her own brother. Matty pounded on the door with a attened palm. Hey! Lard ass! Git up now before I come in there and tear yer ear o when I drag yer sorry pi gu outta bed! he shouted. Jayne groaned something unintelligible and Matty swore he heard what sounded like a giggle. A girl giggle. A River giggle Im countin to ve, Jayne
pain! More groaning. That was denitely River laughing. One! shit! Two!: Matty! Matty tugged on his hair in frustration. Mas gonna tan yer hide! Three! The door jerked open and Matty found himself face to throat with his big brotherfully clothed minus his boots and glaring. The younger man saw the murderous look in Jaynes eyes and focused on anything else to take the edge o. He settled on the racy shirt Jayne wore. Ma aint gonna like seein some pin
ups tits on you. Jayne looked down at his shirt. Theyre covered up! Is River in there?

Jayne blushed. River popped her head between his bicep and the doorframe and smiled at Matty. Im here. Soon to be there, she pointed at the door to the room she was supposed to be staying in. Jayne grabbed Matty by the back of the neck and shooed River on her way with a smacking kiss on the nose. River slapped his ass and disappeared into her room to change out of her sleep shirt. Lucky, Matty grumbled under his breath. Damn right, Jayne agreed. Tell Ma and Ill kill ya. Will not. Ill cut o one of yer ears. Ya love me too much. Ill tell everyone yer real name. Mattys Cobb blue eyes went wide. My lipsre sealed. Yer secrets safe with me. Aint a word about ya gonna leave my lips. Jayne smirked triumphantly. Thought so.

Number Two tilted his head at the read out he was getting and felt his superior join him. Blue gloved hands reached across the console and secured landing coordinates. Donna Tylers information was invaluable, said Number Two. Number One tilted his head in annoyance. She had contact with the subject. The issue should not even exist. Once River Tam is in our possession, we will terminate Donna Tyler. Number Two nally nods once in agreement. Then we have another issue. Jayne Ulysses Cobb. Thirty
one years old. Mercenary. Family owns a horse ranch on this planet. Number One rattles o this information o the top of his head. He then gives what one may consider a smile. On the cortex view screen, he keyed up the recording of the ght at Maidenhead. Two and One watched as River knocks men out left and right as she
atches Jayne help her out. The way she takes him down is far more personal and intimate than the wham
bam way she tossed everyone else. Two also gives a sort
of smile. Jayne Ulysses Cobb could prove useful in our research. One nods. Then we are agreed. The burn of atmo hit the hull of their shuttle as Kerry loomed closer.

Chapter Sixteen Blue Hands

The men including Simon were all out rounding up fteen specic horses that Jane Cobbs client picked out. The client happened to be CarlJaynes only big brotherwho decided to bring the whole family along to watch the fun that ensued of four grown men racing around a large pasture on horseback trying to rope the fteen most rambunctious horses out of the whole herd. Sandra, Carls wife, was not as amused as her husband shirking work yet again. Her young sons James and Walter were completely enthralled by the prospect of nally hanging out with their uncle Jayne. Uncle Jayne was too gorram busy to roughhouse with his nephews. He was busy chasing down a particularly stubborn colt that Carl had pointed out specica
y for him to track down. River, still grinning from earlier that morning and ignoring the questioning looks that Inara and Zo were shooting her way, was watching the round up with total concentration on Jayne. The fall air was not too hot nor too cold and if asked, Ma Cobb would say that it was a perfect day outside. Perfect days were meant to be ruined. Bruce, who had been lounging in an ungainly heap in the grass, shot up to all four legs and let out a rumbling growl. His hackles raised and his tail stood straight in the air at attention. River pried her eyes away from Jayne long enough to look at the big dog in curiositythen reeled back as if someone had slammed their st right in her nose. She hit the fence post with a frightening crack and stared sightlessly out at the sky. The women gathered around her in seconds and ooded her with questions. Carl grabbed his boys by their shirt collars and held them back as he whistled for his younger brothers attention. Jayne kicked Sunshine into a full gallop and yanked the mare to a halt beside the fence. River! Whats the matter? The last time this had happened, shed seen Reavers. The pit of Jaynes stomach dropped out. He jumped over the fence and gently shoved the women
folk out of the way to get to the assassin girl prone on the ground and ignored Bruces agitated snarling. River? he grabbed her face and forced her eyes to meet his. River! She gaspedhaving been holding her breath without realizing it. Two by two Jayne, theyre here. Two by two, hands of blue Shit! Jayne snarled and shoved her into Zos arms. Jayne! Zo protested. What are you

He unlatched the gate and lead Sunshine out of the pasture. Goin back to Serenity to weapon up. You keep both eyes on her, dong ma? Kaylee was getting that scared look in her eyes. Jayne? He swung a leg up on Sunshines saddle and settled himself quickly. Get Mal, Kaylee
girl. Tell im whats goin on, then get yerself inside the house. All yall get inside the house! He kicked his heels into Sunshines ribs and the mare took o at a breakneck pace towards Harmony.

Jayne checked the cortex after strapping Vera across his chest and loading himself with as many guns and grenades as possible. The M60, Rivers TMP, and their shared XM
26 were a heavier load than he was used to, but taking out those Blue Hand hun dans was enough of an incentive to suck it up. Juggling the large M60, Jayne tapped the screen and discovered a delightfully shitty nugget of information. Serenity was landlocked. Son of a bitch, he growled. He needed to get back fast. Sunshine wasnt going to make it with the added weight. That left the mule. Jayne quickly dragged his horse inside the ship and hitched her to the stair railing.

Simon was fervently wishing hed asked Jayne to teach him how to shoot properly ages ago. He and Kaylee were about matched in that area of life in the Black and it made him feel completely powerless. There was a rumble in the distance. Simon looked to River as she curled up further on the sofa beneath a knitted afghan and prayed that it was Jayne. Mal edged to one of the porch windows with his gun raised by his temple and dropped it after a moments scrutiny. Its the mule, he said. Didnt know Jayne knew how to drive it he added. Zo, mares leg at the ready, cleared her throat. I caught him readin the manual the other day, sir. Said he was bored. Yee soo. Hes comin in awful fast. Spect hes worried, sir.

They watched Jayne almost slam into the hitching post, lock the mule in place, and leap o the big machine with more weapons than theyd ever seen him carry. Zo whistled low. That the M60, sir? Mal raised an eyebrow. Im thinkin more on how that looks like his entire gorram arsenal. River piped up from beneath her blanket. It is. Ma Cobb came up from the basement with a shotgun in one hand what looked like an M16 in the other. Simon, git yer skinny pi gu in the basement with the others. River
honey She was interrupted by her son barging into the house. He tossed the TMP at River and she caught it smoothly, checked the slide, and turned the safety o. I must do this, Ma, River said. Simons face crumbled at the determined look in his mei meis eyes. He kissed her forehead before he did as Ma Cobb asked. Jayne noticed his mother and how she was armed and knew better than to tell her to go hide with the rest of the family in the basement. Got reloads? he asked her. She gave him the yer
stupid face and jerked a thumb at her back. On my belt, son. Jayne nodded. Spare a piece, Jayne? Mal asked. Jayne nodded again and handed his captain Betty and Jean. Without being asked, he hefted Nancy and Laura and dropped them into Zos arms. The XM
26 was checked, loaded, and given to River just as fast. Knife, River requested. Jayne plucked his secondary Bowie knife from his boot and gave it to her handle
rst. Were landlocked, Mal. The captain swore a blue streak. Matty came running out of the basement with a bandolier of ve aught six rounds across his chest and one of his mothers M16s at the ready. Jayne did not look happy at this. Git back in the basement. Matty hefted the machine rie and set his features into one Mal recognized from Jaynes repertoire of facial expressions. It was the dont
fuck
with
me
dong
ma face. Aint happenin, Jayne
pain. Way I see it, from what Capn Mal here told us this here crew is gonna need as many helpin hands as possible. I can shoot near as good as you, brother. Matty The younger mans brows furrowed. Im helpin you an yer girl here, Jayne.

River twitched and tightened her grip on her guns. Closer Aint got time for this, Matty, Jayne growled. Mal glanced out the window again. Land ski, comin up fast. Pretty gorram ashy Jayne abandoned his argument with his brother and joined Mal at the window. Quick as you please, the merc yanked the window open, brought Vera to the ready, and popped o two quick shots that hit the ski directly in the all important engine block. Zo watched in fascination as the ski dropped to a dead stop. Jayne was more furious than Mal had ever seen him. He ejected the spent cartridges and slammed his way outside. Im endin this right now, he growled. River followed on his heels and kicked the front door closed behind her before anyone else could follow.

The Blue Hands were completely unprepared for the two shots that took out their transportation. Their normally scotch
guarded appearance was marred by a cloud of gravel dust and trail dirt and Number One automatically removed a slender black device from his inside jacket pocket. Only to incapacitate, he informed his colleague. Number Two nodded his understanding and placed his body in a rst position. Jayne Ulysses Cobb, he called out through the settling dust. The report of the same Callahan that damaged their ski sounded and the bullet impacted Number Two in his vulnerable shin. He inched, but rose above the pain to remain standing. River Tam, he added. Automatic weapons re echoed through the valley. Number Two took ve bullets to the chest armor he wore but remained stationary. You are both bound by law, he continued. More gunre eruptedthis time from further away and lacking too little direction. Two was clipped once more by one of Zos shots and he groaned in agitation. You will come with us or your friends will suer the consequences. Jayne cleared the rim of debris rstthe Callahan in his left hand and an M60 at the ready in his right. Fuck you, he spat. Number Two sighed heavily but showed no signs of any sort of submission. Number One clicked the slim black device on to its lowest setting and simply waited.

Jaynes head was throbbing. He wanted to look to River to see if she was doing alright, but that would mean taking his attention o the Blue Hand freaks and he wasnt about to do that. A gust of fall wind cleared the concealing dust cloud enough that the backup support on the porch of the Cobb ranch found their proper targets and red. Through the pain in his skull, Jayne noticed a laser sight ickering on the Blue Hand hed nicked in the shin and barely had time to duck before the crack of a ve aught six round from an M16 his mothers or his brothers shot, Jayne never knew bored a hole in Number Twos forehead. Grey matter and blood exploded everywhere and Jayne automatically covered River with his body. Number One barely glanced at his fallen subordinate before he stepped closer and turned the setting up just a bit more. Jayne grimaced and tasted blood. His nose was bleeding. Through a haze of pain, Jayne lifted the M60. Number One snatched his own pistol out of some hidden pocket and aimed it at the house. I have no qualms about killing women or children, Jayne Cobb. Jayne felt something burst in his left ear and heard nothing but a thrumming liquid pulse on that side. He gasped in pain and felt River whimper beneath him sympathetically. Drop the machine gun. Another round from an M16 destroyed the remaining Blue Hands earironically his leftand the monster red his weapon directly at the source. From his good ear Jayne heard his little brother cry out in pain. River lurched from underneath him and nished the job Matty started. She unleashed an entire clip of rounds from her TMP without a blink and stood once Number One fell to the dirt with a squelch his head gone completely. Fury in her expression, the young woman dropped the empty semi
automatic pistol and proceeded to pump his corpse full of the deer slug rounds that were housed in the XM
26. Jayne watched his girl turn a monster into hamburger meat and ground his heel on the black device that was still trying to liquefy his brain. River felt something lift in herself as she looked down at the mangled body. She turned to look at Jayne and dropped to her knees beside himenveloping him in a hug all at once. They held onto one another for several moments and Jayne tried to lift River o the ground to head back inside. All the adrenaline his body had been running on evaporated in seconds and he stumbled. River tried to hold him up, but he was just too heavy for her. They both dropped back to the dirt and just sat there and held on for dear life.

Chapter Seventeen Recovery

He woke up in his bed and couldnt help the brief thought that it had all been a dream brought on by too much apple pie and home made whipped cream. The throbbing of his entire head told him otherwise. God Amighty he groaned. A hand dropped onto his shoulderone that was way too pale to belong to family and much to rened to be anyone but Simon. Dont strain, he warned. Right, Jayne growled. Cause I totally feel like gettin up and doin the foxtrot all afternoon. What the hell happened with my gorram ear? Simon grinned triumphantly. Top Three here just saved your hearing. Your eardrum burst, you have some bruising on your brain, and your sinus membranes need time to grow back. But youll be back to your ornery self in no time at. Jayne blinked wearily at himone of his pretty blue eyes looked an awful lot like Mals had not too long ago, blood vessels having burst along with his eardrum. I feel like someone used my head for Bruce to chew on, Jayne croaked. Bruce himself raised his massive head from the mattress beside the injured man and hued indignantly. Something nagged at Jaynes mind. Matty? Simon patted Jaynes shoulder reassuringly. Hes ne. You two will have matching scars in your shoulders now, the reassuring hand tightened. He blurted something out when I started anesthesia on him He aint dead, Im gonna ruttin ki
im Something about my mei mei leaving your room yesterday morning. Despite the pain that shot through him, Jayne raised his voice to the heavens. WALTZING MATILDA SAMUEL COBB! Im gonna ruttin murder you in yer sleep!

River, huddled underneath the afghan again this time in Zos lap and jerked to attention when Jaynes hoarse shout reverberated through the entire framework of the house. She literally climbed over the rst mates half
napping form and ran headlong up the stairs. River tossed Simon halfway across Jaynes room and grabbed a hold of Jayne with all her available

appendages. The force of her landing knocked the rest of Jaynes air clear from his lungs. Oof! Bruce jumped o the bed in annoyance and nudged at the back of Simons knee. The doctor rolled his eyes in exasperation and actually allowed the large dog to push him out of the room. Youre better, River whispered against the raspy stubble on Jaynes neck. He reached a hand around her back and rubbed the tension out of her spine. Gettin there, sweetheart, he rumbled. I was worried. Jayne shivered when her lips rubbed against his neck again. Aint gotta worry no more. Yer brother patched me up good as new. River raised her head a move Jayne pouted at and gave him a look. You have obviously not seen a mirror yet. Jaynes eyes widened in panic. Whatd he do to my gorram face? She trailed her ngers lightly beneath his left eye. Subconjunctival hemorrhage. Eye injury. Cannot be xed by Simons hands. Will heal on its own. Jayne calmed down and let his other hand joined the curious one on Rivers back. She was wearing the owing purple blouse he liked and one of Inaras skirtsthe o
white one with rues at the hem. The fabric of both were so smooth that his ngers snagged lightly on them. He pouted again and dipped those curious hands of his beneath the edge of her blouse to touch her skin. Smooth as the fabric Why dont my ngers snag on her skin none? River smiled again and dropped her face back into Jaynes neck. So whats wrong with my eye, woman? She tugged on his right earlobe with sharp little teeth. Blown blood vessel. Red where there was white. It does not look better in red. I like your blue eyes. Mm. My best feature, Jayne struggled to speak. It was pretty hard to concentrate with her doing all sorts of sinful
feeling things to his ear. In competition with your exor digitorum profundus and your brachioradialis. Jayne surprised her. Muscles in my forearm? She stopped moving against his ear. Jayne? He grinned. Hell, River, guns or muscles, I know em. Aint completely stupid. She nipped a bit harder at his jaw line. Not stupid.

Mm, he repeated.

Matilda?! Damn, I thought Jayne was bad enough, but Matilda? Mal snorted into his tea after River disappeared upstairs. Matty, his arm in a sling, shifted uncomfortably on the sofa and rubbed at his hair with his left hand. Katie, who had just nished crying her eyes out over the whole ordeal, latched on to her injured older brother like a leech. Mal laughed. He didnt notice the disapproving expressions on the faces of Serenitys women. What is it with yer ma and namin her boys with girls titles? Ma Cobb emerged from the kitchen where shed been cleaning weapons with Carl. She leveled the captain with an impressive glare and plastered the back of his head with an open palm. Ow! The hell?! Another smack. Ma! That one was fer swearin, ya gorram lunk. Swearin?! She pointed a gun
grease covered nger in Mals face. The rst was fer suggestin that I am a complete ben da
when it comes to the namin my of progeny. Mal looked appropriately scolded. Kaylee, who was watching over James and Walter with Jaynes sister
in
law, twisted her lips in an eort to keep from smiling. Zo didnt even bother trying to hide it. She grinned so hard that it hurt her face and her heartjust knowing that Wash wasnt physically in the room to enjoy this with her. She has a point, Capn. I think yer bein unfair. And you did swear, Zo wagged a nger at him. Beside her, Inara clapped a hand over her mouth to hide a laugh. So did she! Mal whined.

River was frustrated. She wanted to make Jayne feel better, but she could tell his head was burning with pain even when his throat emitted those happy noises she was beginning to catalogue. She knew a thing or two about head pain. Dark, quiet rooms and long naps usually took care of it. Or a big, hearty meal followed by a nap in a dark, quiet room. River pulled away from Jaynes neck, admired the hickey shed made for just a second, then spoke

very softly. You havent eaten since yesterday. That long? It took Simon some time to x you, huan ren. Mm. Aint too good lookin when one of my eyes is all bloodied up. River smoothed the back of her hand across his furrowing brow. You need nourishment. I could eat a whole gorram turkey, he admitted. River took his hand and crawled o him. I will take you to the kitchen. Do not stand too fast or your head will hurt worse. Jayne shifted on the bed and rolled to his side rst. Aint no arguments comin from me. Feel like I got someone doin the two
step on my noggin. She helped him slowly come to a stand and wrapped an arm around his back. Walk slowly, Jayne. I am, he whined. River buried her face into his ribs and breathed him injust relieved to have him up and around and grumbling. As she helped him navigate the staircase, she listened intently to the comforting noises that issued from his strong lungs and, especially, the deep thrum of his heart. The sound of him made her heart beat faster.

Chapter Eighteen Back To Black

Simon is napping in the guest room, were Rivers rst words as she returned with Jayne wrapped around her. Mal looked to his mercenary and grimaced. Matty, despite being upset about his ge g
blurting out his Christian name for all these new people to hear, grinned at the sight of Jayne clomping down the hardwood steps with that slip of a girl hanging onto him. Yah owe me fer that rst feller, Jayne
pain. Jayne grinned widely. That was you? Yep. Blam, is head looked like a watermelon explodin. Kaylee and Inara winced. Jaynes grin slowly dissipated as his stomach complained again. He intended to let River lead him to the kitchen, but the sight of Mal holding the back of his head got him going. What happened to you, Mal? Mal met his mercs eyes, winced at the bloody one, and sighed. Yer ma. I was impolitely commentin on how you an yer brother share girl names. Jayne bit back the normal response of Jayne aint a girl and tilted his head at the captain. Ma thought we was gonna be girls when we came into this world. Named us fore the doc could tell her she were wrong. Too excited, I guess. Mal sobered up and nodded. Makes a bit of sense now. Im hungry, Jayne announced. Ma Cobb peered out of the kitchen and smiled warmly at her boy. Made yer favorite, son. And an apple pie fer dessert. Jayne made a happy noise in the back of his throatthe expression on his face reminded River of the one he got when she started kissing on him. She blushed. Steak an eggs he rumbled. His mother nodded. Tables set. Theres an extra helpin fer Matty and River here. Dont worry none about Carls rodeo ponies, neither. I made him go round em up his own damn self. Thanks, Ma, Jayne smiled softly and kissed the top of her head on the way into the kitchen.

Ma Cobb made sure to have Katie go to market again for food. As her youngest left the house with Matty and Kaylee in tow, Ma Cobb grabbed her daughters hand and slipped a few extra bills into her hand with instructions to buy somethin nice fer Jayne and River. She was loathe to see her son leave again. Sure, his work paid well enough to keep the ranch running smoothly enough that she and her youngest children didnt have to work so hard, but shed much rather have him close by. Shed never say it out loud because she loved all her children, but Jayne was her best boy. Ma Cobb walked back to the porch where Jayne sat with River and Bruce. Youll be leavin soon, then? she asked. Jayne looked up at his mother, the orange hat shed knitted for him what felt like so long ago perched atop his head handsomely. His eye was healing nicely and he complained that his left ear was ringing somethin erce, but he was looking better and better. The tension shed seen in his shoulders was gone. He was smiling more. Hell, he even shaved last night. At her question, his smile left his face. Yeah, Ma. She reached down and aectionately rubbed his cheek. After a moment, she looked at River and smiled softly. Honey, would you mind goin inside fer a minute or two while I chat with my boy here? You can pack up that afghan youve been usin and give Bruce his supper. River nodded and gracefully left Jaynes sideclicking her ngers at Bruce to get him to follow her. Ma Cobb plopped down in the empty space and wrapped an arm around her sons relaxed shoulders. Well, you gotta promise me three things, son. One, stop sending so much moneyyou need some of that pay to get by yer own self and now that the ranch is doin so well were ne. Jayne bit his lip to stop the protest rising in his throat. Two, you take better care of yerself. Dont think I didnt notice all them new scars when you was gettin xed up by the doc. Jayne nodded. And three, you watch after that woman, Ma Cobb gestured toward River inside the house. Be good to her and do whats right. I seen the way you been lookin at each other and I gotta say it sharply reminds me of how me an yer pa used to be, she held up a nger, sensing the denial in his throat. Dont you dare tell me I aint seein what Im seein, cause Jayne
boy Im yer ma. I know everythin about you. Yeah, Ma.

You tell her whats goin on in yer heart, too. She may be able to read heads, but yer brain dont rule yer heart. Not least in the emotional sense. I know its hard, seein how young she is, but yer pa was about yer age when he swept me o my feet. And I think I was only 19 when that happened. Jayne dropped his head against his mothers and sighed. I miss him, he admitted. She tilted and kissed his cheek. I know, boy. I miss him, too. I love ya, Ma, Jayne said in a rough voice. I love you too, Jayne
boy, she hugged her big son and spoke into the earap on his hat. One more promise, okay? Promise me youll kiss that girl when you and me walk back inside. I promise, Ma. Good boy.

River sat on the oor beside Bruces food bowlher back braced against the wall and her eyes trained raptly on the big Bullmasti as he scarfed down his food like it was going out of style. Experimentally, she cleared her throat. Bruce stopped eating and gave her two bleary, sorrowful eyes. Can he understand me? she tried. His ear icked once and his tail began its near
endless wagging once again. River smiled and rubbed him between the eyes with her knuckles. I will miss you, Bruce. He leaned into her touch and pued a happy sigh through his nosespraying her blouse with dog slobber and dog snot. She laughed. Messy. Bruce went back to eating his supper. The sound of bare feet reached Rivers ears and she stood from her spot to greet Jayne and his mother. Jayne was looking more thoughtful than usual, but River vowed not to pry into his mind as he thought whatever her was thinking. It was one of the harder things shed had to do as Jaynes thoughts were usually loud, uncontrolled bursts that dripped into her head like water. Bruce is fed, she announced. Ma Cobb went to the fridge and pulled out three beersher eye half on Jayne as she searched for a bottle opener. Jayne gently took Rivers face in his big hands and kissed her as gently as he could. When he pulled away and accepted two of the beers from his ma, River trailed two confused ngers across her lips.

That had felt dierent than the others. More substantialnot that Jaynes other kisses werent substantial Ma Cobb was slugging back her beer with a grin.

Matty helped Katie stock the pantry of the ship their brother had been working on for so long and couldnt help but feel a twinge in his heart as they looked idly at their surroundings. S warm feelin in here, huh Katie? She nodded lightly and let her twin braids trail along her exed biceps as she lifted another three bags of our onto a higher shelf. Feels homey, she admitted. Think well see im again? Katie chewed on her lip and leaned against her brother for a moment. Hope so. Katie? Yeah, Matty? I dont want im to leave. She hugged himcareful of his injured arm. Me neither, Waltzing Matilda. For once, he didnt object to the use of his given name and that gorram Earth
That
Was song. Kaylee xed the wave in town, so we can talk to im whenever we can. Good. The siblings started unpacking canned items once again. * Zo, having stowed the ammunition, set to work on getting the mule hoisted out of the way. It was a two man job, and the former soldier was trying to gure out how to engineer the dilemma when Mal joined her. This here is Jaynes job, you know, Mal snarked. Zo raised one thin eyebrow and tossed a line of cable at him. He linked it through the winch and tried hard to ignore her expression. Jaynes gotta give his family a proper goodbye, sir. Fellas got a heap of folk gonna be missin his hide once were o this rock. Mal nodded quietly, his mind on his own family on Shadow. Where we headed, sir?

A slick grin crooked Mals lips. Back to Persephone. Gonna give Badger an earful, nd his cousin, make sure she dont work no more Any ideas on how to deal with the back
stabbing biao zi? Mm, Mal nodded and helped Zo secure the front end of the mule. I was kinda gonna go fer that y by the seat of my pants kinda plan. Zo crooked a grin at him and started the winches. Cause those always work so well, sir. Mal faked a pout. River on board yet? Zo asked. Mal resumed his grin. Yep. Little albatross is settin our course into the nav sat as we speak. Only crew were missin is Jayne and The heavy bulkhead door opened and the man in question set the locks on the ramp. He shut everything up behind him and hefted his due bag once Serenity was all closed up. We goin? he asked in passing. Back to Persephone, Mal informed. A frightening smile lit up the mercenarys face. Permission to scare the piss outta that Dyton
born hun dan? Mal snorted. Permission granted. Sharp pointy objects would work best, I think. Jayne laughed a bit. Good thing I got me an abundance of those. He tromped o to the bridge to bother River and left captain and rst mate to their duties. Which, at the moment, consisted mostly of drinking the beer Matty stocked them with.

Chapter Nineteen Christmas Comes Early

Jayne fell asleep in the pilots seat with River in his lap. It wasnt so much that he was tired More that a wave of exhaustion that grabbed him by the back of his neck and dragged him down into a deep slumber that River thought not even Mals surprised exhalation of bwah could wake him from. He was far too comfortable now. River kept running her ngers against his sideburnssoothing his headache and easing his body into a state of total relaxation that hed never felt before when leaving home. Earlier hed stamped onto the bridge, waited for River to nish setting the course to Persephone, then grabbed her out of the pilots seat and plopped her onto his lap. He kicked his feet onto a safe, button free space on the console and reclined the chair. After a moment of tension that was coming only from the merc, River shifted to lie sideways on top of him and gave him a scalp massage with her ngernails and words of nonsense to sooth him. His last thought before dropping o into the land of Nod was: Wonder what thatd feel like in the bath River smiled and continued to smooth out her huan rens frown lines. The deeper he fell into her spell, the more River herself started to feel a sort of bliss
runo. Which was why the pair of them were so irritated when Mal and Inara both opened the door to the bridge as loudly as possible. You two got cargo in the bay, Mal announced, Inara held tightly against his hip. An this couldnt wait fteen gorram minutes because? Jayne grumbled. Me an Nara need to use the wave in here. Shuttle, River groused and buried her face into Jaynes collarbone. She inhaled deeply. Need this one, little albatross. Go se, she whispered, but grabbed Jaynes hand from around her waist regardless. Cmon. Lets go open crates. They took their time leavingJayne complaining that his legs were still sleeping without the rest of him and River whining right along with him. As the door closed, Mal turned to Inara and smiled reassuringly at her. Sure you wanna do this? She smiled that pixie grin of hers and keyed up the Sihnon Companion Training Temple on the call list. Its still business. And teaching has always been most rewarding for me. Theyll send me candidates to choose from and Ill pick the person who needs me most. I have Jayne to thank for this idea.

Pretty rewardin, turning that manner
less goat into a gentleman. Even fer one night. Inara shook her head. Hes retained more of my lessons than you think. Just watch him. Mal nodded and kissed her cheek. Teachin mean you aint expelled from the Guild? Inara grinned and kissed him right back. Nope. In fact, my students at the Temple were hoping Id continue teaching. As were my superiors. Still makin people happy with this? Yes. Youve seen Jayne. He may have complained like a two year old while I was teaching him, but he was very happy to impress that Londinium Lord. And River. Mal grinned sideways and sat in the copilots seat while she made her wave.

Jayne had River draped across him piggy back style as he stomped down into the cargo bay. Dont see no gorram crates, he said. A thin nger released its grip on his shoulder and pointed delicately at a far corner at three dierent crates. Jayne perked up. Recognize those labels, he moved his hands from behind Rivers knees to beneath her bottom and ran across the distance. River squealed with laughter. He set her down as soon as they were by the crates and peered around for something. Crowbar? Automatically, River pointed to the stern of the vessel. Engine room. Pouting, Jayne removed Binky from the leather sheath on his hip and went to prying the cover o the rst crate. There were bottles inside. Jayne plucked one out and grinned at it. Cobb family recipe, he growled pleasantly. River took a bottle out to peer at. The label proclaimed Best Gorram Beer on the Rim and was simply designated Cobb Brew. Who is the brewer in your family? she asked. Amber, Jayne said, still grinning. Nough in here fer six months at most. River replaced the bottle she held with innite care, then pushed Jayne toward the next crate. More! Jaynes grin couldnt be removed. The next crate opened easier. Apples! Dark red with white centers, sweet more than tart

My sister Jenny owns an orchard. Didnt think on that while we were there. River grabbed an apple and munched into it. Other things to think on, she said around the fruit in her mouth. Jayne followed her example and opened the last crate with his treat clenched between his front teeth. Juice ran down his chin and onto his shirt, but he ignored it after getting a look at the hay packing that gently surrounded two separate boxes with Jayne and River written on them in Katies handwriting much easier to read than his Mas loopy cursive. River leaned in close and gently pulled the box with her name on it out of the hay. A pair of brand new dancing shoes laid atop wax
paper wrapped bars of vanilla scented soap and a genuine cotton bathrobe stared up at her with inanimate eyes. Jayne grinned and watched her pulled the dance slippers onthe crisscrossing ribbons fascinated him. River took another huge bite of her apple. Open yours! Feels like Christmasr somethin, he remarked as he opened his own gift from his baby sister. He pulled out a trio of sleeveless logo tees one of them proclaiming: big all over in Chinese, a new knife a black KA
BAR with an eight inch Tanto blade, and one very special button down shirt of deep blue with a note pinned to the collar that read: Burn that gorram stripey thing! Jayne snorted and admired his newest pointy object. Callin you Maria. River smiled and curled herself to sit on the oor beside the crate full of beer. What did you name the M60? Jayne chewed away at his apple and ngered the edge of one of his new shirts. Bertha. Read on the cortex bout this cannon one time. Built on Earth
That
Was fer a war. They named it Big Bertha. I gured, since she shoots like a gorram cannon, I oughta name her after it. They nished their apples in a sort of noisy silence. Jayne plopped down beside River on the oor and pulled her up against his side, stretching his jaw to either ght o a yawn or pop the pressure in his ear. Hearing better? she asked. Jayne shrugged and dropped his face into her hair. Gettin there. My eye lookin any better? River looked. She kissed his cheekbone soundly. Gettin there. Cn I kiss you again, River
girl? he whispered in her ear. Her toes curled as much as they could inside her ballet slippers. She arched herself so that their lips were barely touching. Gettin there, she repeated. Jaynes apple core fell from his free hand and his sticky ngers delved into her tangled hair.

Donna Tyler paced her living room for what felt like the billionth time. Blue Sun had contacted her just two days ago to conrm the suspicions that had been plaguing her mind ever since she returned to Londinium. The Blue Hands were inoperative. But that wasnt quite what the man said. Hed actually said: The Academy team currently sent out to nd and capture River Tam is now inoperative. Currently. So, she could use this to her advantage later. There was just one problem. A six foot some
odd all muscle problem named Cobb. If hed taken out the two Blue Hands Donna had been in contact with, that meant hed be coming after her. Thank God I moved last month and didnt te
the family. Badger did tend to have weak lips.

Chapter Twenty Hubba Hubba

Jayne stumbled against the door to the inrmary when River yanked his T
shirt out of his pants and bit his chin. Oh go se, he groaned and automatically tightened his grip on her thigh. His ngers curled inward beneath her skirt and had to force himself to keep moving. The passenger dorms were only so far away Twenty yards, River murmured. Her hand slid beneath his shirt and along his bare skin. Jayne stooped down, lifted River o the oor, and resumed his unsteady pace toward her quarters. Twenty yards aint nothin, said Jayne. He grinned and kissed her againchasing her giggles with his tongue and turning them into groans of pleasure when he caught them. River didnt even bother trying to point out his double negative this time. They tripped into her room and landed with a bang on the corner of her bed. Or rather, Jaynes back slammed into the corner of her bed. Ignoring the pain, Jayne tossed River onto the top sheet, closed the door, and returned to that place on Rivers neck that made her go all squirmy. He rested on his sidenot wanting to crush herand ran his hand across the curve of her hip as he kissed her. River was the one to take their little make
out session further. With her hands already buried beneath Jaynes T
shirt, she curled her ngers around the soft fabric, bunched it up in her sts, and tugged upward as hard as she could. Reexively, Jayne lifted his arms and allowed her to remove his shirt. River ung it across the room and pushed Jayne onto his back to stare at him properly. Mm, she said. Jayne crooked that grin at her that just oozed sex and worked one hand beneath her blouse. He dragged his other hand up her skirt and ran a teasing nger across her panty line. She was soaking. His hips gave an involuntary thrusteither at the fact she was so aroused by hi
, or because shed just made a hickey in the middle of his chest. River swung her leg across his hips to straddle him and Jayne let her swat his hands away so she could pull her blouse over her head. Nope No bra. Never wear one, River admitted and let Jayne look his ll of her pale breasts and dark nipples. After all, fairs fair. Shed been staring at his chest ever since his shirt landed on her lamp.

Fascinated by his musculature and how the scar shed given him was so thin and delicate looking considering the violence behind its creation. Yer so beautiful, he whispered. River could tell without reading him that he was too worried to speak any louderworried he might scare this moment away with his deep voice. River traced the strong lines in Jaynes face and lingered on the scar on his cheek. You are beautiful as well. He kissed her againmemorizing her taste and the feel of her lips as they moved and sucked against his. He could tell her body was strung about as tight as the e
string on his guitarnot just by the way her tongue slid against his or how her nails ran down his tattooed shoulder. Mostly, it was the pressure she was using with her hips. That same grinding motion from just two days ago when they were on Kerry. Belt Jayne broke their kiss long enough to suck in a lungful of air and toe his boots and socks o. River grinned widely at him with kiss
swollen lips and let her nimble ngers unbuckle his belt. The boots landed with thuds. The belt made that visceral noise it always did when he yanked it out of the loops of his pants. His belt buckle clanked against the wall and landed somewhere near his T
shirt. River unzipped the back of her skirt and tugged it o and Jayne took the opportunity to yank his trousers o. Both in their under things now, they stopped and took in an eyeful. Rivers panties were pinkto match her skirt. Pink with a little white bow just centered on the elastic band. It seemed fancy compared to the cheap white boxers Jayne wore, but that was the furthest thing from Rivers mind. She was beginning to feel a surge of doubt about what Inaras anatomy books said. Jayne understood her raised eyebrow and gaping mouth well enough to just shrug. Oh, Ill t, sweetheart. Rivers eyes darted up to histhen back to his John Thomas. She held up three ngers. This is all that ts when I.. I It was Jaynes turn to look surprised. Ya do that? If everyone would just stop gorram sexin all the time, River mimicked his voice from that thought he had so long ago and shrugged the move doing all sorts of interesting things with her breasts. You werent the only sexually frustrated one on this boat. Jayne ran a nger across her through her panties and twitched an eyebrow. Makes sense. Want these o ? River nodded shakily and closed her eyes at the feel of his ngers. Yes, please.

Take mine o, ai ren? Jayne asked as he eased on of her long legs freeuntangling the ribbons around her shin at the same time. He repeated the same gesture with her opposite leg and let her panties and new ballet slippers whisper to the oor. He was so focused on the task that he didnt notice when his own underwear was removed and forced to join his growing pile of clothing atop Rivers desk lamp. Jayne ipped River onto her back and draped her thighs across his shoulders. She gave a surprised yelp that was cut o when his mouth fastened on the middle of her left thigh. Shit, River swore. Jayne laughed and deliberately ran his tongue across her clitoris. She swore again and sted her hands in his hair. Didnt know you fer swearin like that, ai ren. River hissed and pushed his mouth back against her. Jayne indulged her with a grin and proceeded to give her another reason to love his mouth and ngers. Jayne pressed the at of his tongue against her clit and crooked his middle nger inside Rivers wet heat and felt that rst tell
tale uttering of her inner walls. Rivers breathing had gotten to the point where she was seeing spots of light. She barely noticed when Jayne shifted them again and gently lowered her against his John Thomas. When she felt him at her opening, the spots of light were replaced by Jaynes strained face. Jayne He let out a shaky breath and sat up a bit to change his angle. River cupped his face in her hands, kissed him hard, and dropped herself onto his hard length until she could feel him all the way inside her. She gasped and dropped her forehead against his. They shared another one of those soft kisses and just felt. Full and surrounded, warm and content Jayne pried his heavy eyelids open and set those baby blues on Rivers rapturous face as he ran his thumbs along the undersides of her breasts. Then he moved. His hips slid between her thighs and River mentally damned her own ngers for not feeling nearly as good. Jayne moved slow at rst to let her and himself get used to the rhythm and being a dancer River caught on fast. Jayne wrapped one hand in her wild hair and blanketed the other along her spine. This was so much better than River ever tried to picture. The movement, his hands, his lips, his John Thomas buried inside her woman
warmth. She felt stretched to the limit and it hurt and felt fantastic at the same time. Oh God, her eyes ew open when that feeling began again. Just like the very few times it happened before, it started at the top of her head and trickled down, down, down her spine beneath Jaynes large hand and nally to the most stimulated part of her body. Her inner muscles clamped along his length as he started a new thrust and River got to hear the most beautiful sound shed ever heard. Jayne whimpered. He automatically released her hair and moved that free hand to where their bodies were joined,

With each move backwards, Jayne pressed his thumb against her clitoris. Their eyes locked. River released her death grip on Jaynes shoulders to smooth the tension and sweat o his brow even as her spine shook with sensation and she struggled to keep up. They were both so close. Jayne sealed his mouth against hers and traded positions againracing them both to the nish line with pounding force. Both mued their panting and outcriesbreathing harshly through their noses as their mouths kept moving in time with their bodies. The white haze of orgasm blanked out Rivers mind seconds laterher whole body snapped and she tore herself away from Jaynes lips to bite down on the tendons of his neck to better mue her sudden scream. He cast his eyes up to the ceiling and crushed her against his body as he rode out her climax. She dragged her nails once down his back and felt the muscles in his buttocks tighten against her heels. He came just as hardgroaning into her hair and landing halfway on top of her when his arms gave out, River carefully dropped one leg from around Jaynes hips and gasped as her muscles twitched around his spent John Thomas in aftershocks. Jayne licked his dry lips and slid out of her. Gotta get under the sheets, ai ren, he whispered. They did just that without breaking skin
on
skin contact. Beneath her plain white sheets, River Tam curled up inside the warmth of Jayne Cobbs arms. She fell asleep with his lips pressed gently against her temple and a few murmured words that her exhausted mind didnt quite catch.

Chapter TwentyOne Take The Man Seriously

Dinner was a surprising aair. After Jayne and River dragged themselves out of Rivers quarters looking about as rued as they both felt wrinkled clothing and hickeys a
plenty to attest to what theyd been up to since Mal had kicked them o the bridge, they returned to the hold and picked up a few of Jenny and Ambers gifts. Seven beers and seven apples. Zo had made beef stew with the groceries Kaylee and Katie bought. She smiled up at the pair in greeting and raised an eyebrow at the beer. That more of the stu yer ma had in the ice box, Jayne? He nodded while he shed around the utensil drawer for a bottle cap remover and popped one open for her. Sure is. Zo accepted the beer with a short thank you and glanced slyly at Serenitys deadliest pair as they set the table with their apples and beer. She took a slow drink of the warm beer something you really got used to out in the black and cleared her throat in that authoritative rst mate manner of hers. Yer shirts inside
out, Jayne. An apple rolled across the oor as it fell from the mercs nerveless ngers. Mal stopped it from bruising any more than it already had and brushed it against his suspenders. He went to carve into the fruit with his pocket knife when he caught sight of Jayne and Riverboth looking guilty and bright red. Jayne, yer shirt on wrong
side out? he asked. Zo actually laughed.

Mal hadnt been surprised by the hanky panky between his mercenary and his pilotnot after what happened planet
side. It was a complication to be sure, but he didnt think hed seen either of them so at easeespecially with a ght coming up. At least theyd been quiet. Not like Kaylee and Simonsomething he would rather not hear since he felt like a big brother to that mechanic of his. He ate another slice of apple and impatiently checked the nav sat to see how far out they were from Persephone. Three days. Three days until they made land
fall and Mal set Jayne loose on Badger with that new knife of his. Mal grinned. His sister sure knows how to pick out weaponry, he mused. That KA
BAR was the perfect knife to scare years o even the toughest man.

Once again, the summer haze of the Eavesdown Docks ooded the cargo bay as Mal lowered the ramp. Behind his captain, Jayne deliberately made his steps heavy to announce his presence. You ready, Jayne? Yeah, Mal. Mal turned to see his hired gun wearing his new KA
BAR, Boo, and a sleeveless shirt hed never seen before. He squinted at the Chinese characters while Jayne slid his sunglasses on and tucked Cassie into the back of his pants. The captain busted out with laughter when his brain nished translating. Big all over?! Yer mei mei bought you that shirt? Jayne shrugged. Yeah, so? Hey, Zo gonna come with us? The rst mate joined them having just returned from Inaras shuttle. Her mass of curly hair was tamed into an ornate pull of braids that hung down to the middle of her shoulders. She too wore a sleeveless shirt and sunglasses and grinned at the slogan on Jaynes shirt. River told me about that, she said. Jayne wasnt quite sure if the warrior woman was talking about his shirt or his anatomy, but he cleared his throat in embarrassment regardless. Zo checked her rounds and replaced her mares leg it its holster. Inaras gonna lock up once we get past the docks. Just in case. Mal gave a short nod. Lets get to it, then. They started walking. Jayne? This is gonna sound a bit feng l
comin from me, but I want you to be the one askin all the questions when we catch up with Badger. Man dont take you seriously. Jayne shifted as they walked. I know that. Man should take you seriously, Jayne. He needs to know he cant screw with us no more. I mean, well still do work for im, sure, but hes gotta know that he does this go s
one more time and yer comin back here to rip somethin oa him. Zo caught sight of the wicked grin on Jaynes face and secretly hoped she could expend some of her own anger on Badger as well. You got it, Mal. Glad to hear it.

Badgers loud snoring was interrupted by the sound of two of his newest hires getting knocked the hell out. He honestly thought they would last longer The drool gathered in the back of his throat nearly choked him to death when Jayne Cobb bodily forced his way into Badgers oce. Knocked the gorram door o its hinges and everything. Badger swiped a hand across his mouth. Listen Jayne grabbed him by the neck and dragged him all the way across his desk. He held the smaller man two feet o the ground and just squeezed until he felt something on the verge of popping. I get the feelin you dont take me seriously, Badger. All Badger could do was gurgle. Jayne tossed him to the oor and pressed a heavy boot against the mans right hand. You got a loose tongue, pal. That was Mal and Zos cue to saunter in. Hey there, Badger! Mal greeted with a smile and a wave. Jayne heres pretty mad you sold us out to your gorram cousin. Cn see that, Badger snarked. Jayne crunched down on his hand with his heelmaking sure to put all his weight behind it. That aint yer dominant hand, is it? Zo asked with her mares leg trained on the incapacitated crime king. Actually, it is Jayne pulled out Marie and showed her to Badger. See this? This heres a KA
BAR. Marines used to use em on Earth
That
Was during wartime. Im planning on usin it to either cut o yer tongue, he ran the blade dangerously close to Badgers mouth, or just have Zo over there tie you up sos I can lop o yer twig and berries. Badger panicked. Mal leaned in real close and put on a semi
convincing concerned expression. I think the man means business, Badger. Best start talkin before he starts carvin you up like Christmas dinner. Donna? Jayne dropped to sit with his knee between Badgers shoulder blades. Where in the sphincter hell is she? Badger groaned. Shs on Londinium. Jayne pushed Marie against a portion of Badgers anatomy that made him incredibly nervous.

Specics, you piece of dog shit. New Manchester! Last place she had was in New Manchester! Jayne gave a disappointed groan and pushed down hard with his knee before standing. Badger picked himself up with a wince. Jayne helped himself to the cigars on Badgers desk and set a steely glare to the little mans pained face. Take me seriously now? He nodded like a bobble head geisha. Jayne left. Mal still smiled at Badger and Zo lowered her weapon. Were still open to take jobs for ya, by the by, Mal said. See ya. Badger collapsed back behind his desk when they breezed out and clutched his broken hand. Seriously didnt even begin how to describe how he viewed the mercenary.

Chapter TwentyTwo Donnas Demise

Donna Tyler was feeling cautiously optimistic about how life was going at the moment. Her bank account was full, Blue Sun was padding her stock options, and for once it wasnt raining in New Manchester. Her boss had given her a promotion and they were celebrating it at the corporate oce that night. She primped in her bedroom mirror and checked her stockings for any runs before locking up her apartment and driving to the edge of the city. As soon as Donna clicked her three inch heels against the marble ooring of the thirtieth oor, the room erupted in cheers. She smiled at the praise, blushed as Jimmy from tech support brushed her knuckles with a kiss, and retreated to the back of the room for some champagne. How she missed seeing him there was anyones guess. Jayne was wearing a suit this time with a deep red tie and a visitors pass clipped to the lapel of his jacket. He slid easily through the mass of people and blocked the deceitful woman in the corner. Hello, Donna. The small smile that had been gracing her face all day fell. Jayne grabbed her by the elbow in a way that looked gentle from far o, but his ngers dug hard into the tendons of her arm. Were takin a trip to the roof, now, he said. No one even saw them leave. * The stairwell access clanked open and Mal trained his revolver on the woman Jayne was dragging with him. I didnt know I Please, please dont kill me! Jayne tossed her to the gravel covering the rooftop and yanked his tie o. Zo handed him Boo and readied her mares leg to re at the barest twitch of her trigger nger. You, little miss, have gotten yourself into a heap of trouble now, Captain remarked. Her eyes widened. Blue Sun sent some fellers after my pilot on my mercenarys home planet. Donna twitched to glance at Jayne Cobb
who was looking meaner than ever with that heavy gun of his leveled at her forehead. Badger let us know about you settin them after the girl in the rst place, so dont try an play the

ignorance card, Mal continued. Even with Mals order to keep his trap shut once they got the bitch on the roof, Jayne was far too mad to speak at the moment. Hed never wanted to hurt a oma so badly. He wanted her to feel what River felt in her nightmares about the Academylet her know just what shed be sending the eighteen year old back to if her plan had worked. So whatre you gonna do to save your worthless pi gu, Donna? Mal nally asked. She was rubbing her elbow. A Jayne
sized hand
shaped bruise was already turning her skin black. Cant do much to atone for something like that, now can I? No, you really cant. Donna sighed. All Ive got is another contact they sent me. Theres more than just the one team sent out to retrieve River Tam for the Academy. Thats all. Jayne couldnt take it any longer. Thats it? he ground out. The muscles in his jaw were twitching in overtime. Just fer some coin you set these fuckin maniacs onto our trail? My brother gets shot fer the rst time in his twenty years and all youve got is that the fuckin Academy is still after River? You put my entir
family in danger Mal tried to stop him, honestly, he did try a little bit, but Jayne was just way too fast. Boo said boo and blew Donna Tyler away. Zo just raised an eyebrow and holstered her weapon. She nodded to Jayne and stepped with military eciency toward the hover car they stole earlier. Mal remained beside Jayne and sighed. You know, I should be hollerin at you right now fer deviatin from the plan. Jayne nodded. Ya should. Why aintcha? You included us in your entire family, Jayne. Im proud of ya. And a mite jealous that you pulled the gorram trigger rst. Cap was proud of him. Jayne clapped an arm around the older mans shoulders. Thanks, Mal. Dont mention it. Really. Dont. They shared a grin and tossed Donnas corpse o the roof.

River awaited Mals orders for ight once she heard their return. He plopped down in the co
pilots chair and cracked his knuckles behind his head. Take us out, little albatross. Naras gotta meet

with the Guild on Sihnon. River laid in a course and took o easy as a sparrow. She guided the mid
bulk transport out of Londiniums cloudy atmosphere and back to the black that was oddly more grounding than actual ground. Jayne is grinning all over, she remarked. Mal mumbled something about saying he was proud of the man and River was keen enough to catch it. Your approval means a lot to him. I gathered. Permission to leave the bridge and go make out? Mal made a face. Eugh Permission granted, mei mei. River squealed, gibbered something that vaguely sounded like I love my captain and ran pell
mell down the corridor. Keep the noise down! Mal yelled after her.

Chapter TwentyThree Sihnon

Sihnon was also in its summer season when Serenity made landfall. Jayne who was actually learning a few things about piloting as he watched River laid a hand on Rivers shoulder and gently squeezed before heading to his bunk to get dressed properly for their stay. Inara had said no weapons and for once, Jayne was going to listen. He dropped into his bunk and packed a few essentials in his due Inara mentioned something about staying a few days. He briey glanced at the wall that used to be covered in pin
up girls but now held a gleaming Bertha on three support hooks. No weapons was a damn hard rule to follow, but Jayne would cowboy up. Even though it meant leaving Binky and Marie behind as well. Jayne sighed in annoyance as he hooked both knives on the wall beneath Berthathen shoved his dancing tuxedo in his due bag on a whim.

Inara glanced up at the crew quarters as she heard Jaynes bunk close and was relieved to see him wearing a plain, slogan
free, sleeveless olive green shirt and clean cargo pants that hung over the tops of his bootsnot a weapon in sight. His face was still beard free. Shed been worried that her star pupil would come down into the hold looking like he usually did. River sighed happily from beside her. Inara turned to see the younger womans eyes trained on Jayne and didnt bother to hide her gotcha grin. He looks handsome, mei mei. Mm. Inara wound an arm around Rivers shoulders and dipped her head to speak quietly to her. Youll have to tell me all about it later. And Im sure Kaylee would want to hear about it as well. Jayne is a very good lover, River nodded. She was still tingling from some mid
ight nger play Mal, just feet behind her, winced. Captain here. Dont wanna hear none of that, little albatross. Hear what? Kaylee asked, dragging Simon behind her. The surgeon was carrying all of their bags. River pressed a nger to her lips. Shh. Ill speak later. Zo slid beside River and hugged her middle. Do I get to live vi
cariously through you too, River
honey? Memories of Wash ooded through them all, but the sting was gone. Warmth was all that remained.

Zo didnt think shed ever love another man again, but she could still cherish the love shed had. River tugged on one of Zos braids and grinned so hard her cheeks hurt. Yes. We should have a slumber party. Jayne raised an eyebrow and pouted at the thought of spending a night away from her. Chris Amighty, I am sorely whipped by her. He hefted his bag and dragged hers o the oor without being asked. Acting just like Pa did when Ma His brain halted completely. Jaynes parents had been deeply in love. Even as a young boy he could feel the emotion they felt for one another like it was a visible thing. Swirling warmth and contentment If that was love and what he was feeling now for the thin girl across the hold Jayne nearly dropped the bags as realization struck. Im in love with her River was too busy teasing Cap to pick up on Jaynes full thought. He could tell by the confusion in her eyes as she looked his way. Te
you later, xuan ni. She caught the message he projected and nodded shortly. Mal opened the hold.

Sheydra greeted Inara in the same two
kiss manner that River remembered Mother usingexcept Sheydra actually let her lips meet the Companions cheeks. Mother had never done that with her daughter. Inara introduced everyone to the blonde woman and then carefully pulled Jayne out from behind Zo and Mal. And here is my best pupil, Jayne Cobb, she announced. Dutifully, Jayne bowed gently at the waist. Good afternoon, he greetedremembering what Inara had taught him. A year ago he would not have been capable of setting foot on Sihnon without making some crack about whore academy. Sheydra ran her eyes all over him and only frowned at his tattoo. What was his nal task? she asked, ignoring Jayne quite rudely for a woman who claimed to be all class. Dancing with me for Sir Whilton at his estate on Londinium, River piped up from beside her brother. Sheydra raised a dubious eyebrow and glanced at Jayne again now that he was standing straight and making eye contact. Dancing?

Jayne is actually quite well versed in several dances, said Inara. Inara, Sheydra interrupted her before she could go any further. I ask that your guests follow the priestesses to their rooms while you and I have a talk. Just like that, the crew of Serenity was taken from Inara before she could defend them right in front of their faces. Sheydra, teaching Jayne inspired me, really it did. If you dont believe me then put him to the test. He remembered all I taught him. A dance, then? Two dierent styles and a full conversation with myself and the headmistress in
between. Fair enough. And if he passes your test? I will grant you your teaching license and send you a list of candidates that are waiting on Bernadette. Inara bowed in agreement and left the entryway with the quiet swish of satin against her legs.

Ya think in a place this big theyd give us separate rooms, Jayne groused. Mal and Simon looked as if they couldnt agree more. Whether that meant theyd rather be anywhere other than in the same room as Jayne for a night or two or they missed their ladies as much as Jayne missed his, the mercenary couldnt tell. Three crisp knocks sounded on the door. Mal abandoned his bags and turned the knob to peek out. A shy
looking blonde peered up at him. Mistress Sheydra wishes to see Mister Cobb for tea. Jayne shoved his due onto the bed against the window and walked in his strangely silent way toward the messenger girl. Out in the hallway, he had to stie a dubious expression. The little thing had to be at least two years older than Kaylee and she only came up to his gorram bicep. Did Mistress Sheydra ask to see Miss Tam as well? Jayne asked as politely as he could. He clasped his hands together by his back and took extra short strides to keep from walking ahead of the girl by accident. She quickly glanced up at his questionclearly not expecting him to speak without an accent. Jayne himself was surprised at how easily it came back to him. Yes, she did, the young woman answered. She quickened her pace as they neared a pair of large, ornately carved wooden doors. Jayne admired the intricacies of the carvings for a moment but was snapped quickly back to reality when the messenger girl yanked the left
hand door open. She gestured for Jayne to enter and scurried away as quickly as her heavy skirts would allow. River was already in the room. Sheydra was xing tea and Jayne didnt see Inara anywhere.

Mr. Cobb, please sit. Jayne kept his footsteps light and eased himself into the empty sofa cushion beside his girl. I have some questions to put to the both of you. Jayne clasped his hands across his knees and pressed the pads of his thumbs together to ease some of the nervous tension he was feeling. Sheydra placed two full teacups on the low table in front of the pair. Miss Tam, how old are you? River calculated the math in her head for a second and seemed surprised. Shed missed a few birthdays while out in the black for so long. Simon was going to be disappointed. I am nineteen, Maam. Nearly twenty. And you, Mr. Cobb? I just turned thirty
one a season ago, Maam, he addressed Sheydra, following Rivers lead with the sort of title he should use. He sipped quietly at his tea and let the heated water sooth the knots in his middle. Sheydra hummed lowly in the back of her throat. Where do you hail from? I was born and raised on Kerry, Maam. And you, Miss Tam? I was born on Osiris. Sheydra poured herself some tea. She was silent as she considered her next words. Damn. Jayne raised an eyebrow at her exclamation but quickly tightened his features back to apathy. It was hard for him to dohis face being naturally expressive. Just by observing the pair of you right now I can genuinely say that Inara Serra has earned her license. She taught you well, Mr. Cobb. Jayne didnt quite know how to respond to this. I was planning on putting you through some trials, but I am uncertain of what to do now. River nished her tea and leaned forward a bit on her cushion. Perhaps we could just dance as entertainment for the students tonight, she suggested. Sheydra smiled softlythe rst glimmer of genuine emotion either of them had seen from her. That sounds like a wonderful idea, Miss Tam. River felt Jayne ease back into himselfworry edging away from him like iron shavings being pulled by a magnet. He drank the rest of his tea. Dancin with River Cant think of any better way to spend

the night in this place. An image ashed in Jaynes mind of las
night: River ying apart on top of him
ushed red and completely stunning as she cried his name into her bitten knuckles. I take that back River was burning with the force of her blush as she caught the image. She had no idea that she looked like that. It was almost embarrassing. Sheydra summoned her messenger girl again
hiding a grin at the expressions on her two guests faces. Sienna will show you back you your rooms where you can get ready. Jayne stood and held a hand out for River to take. He was really pouring on the charm as they left the quiet chamber
wanting to help Inara as much as he wanted to impress her and please River.

River returned to the room she was sharing with Kaylee and Zo and let out a deep sigh of relief. Sheydra is going to grant Inara her teaching license. Kaylee clapped her hands together enthusiastically. Well thats just shiny, River! What were ya so worried about, anyhow? Unknown, River rubbed a knuckle against her temple and dug through her overnight bag for the swishy red dress shed thrown in once she sensed Jayne do the same with his tuxedo. Simon missed two of my birthdays. Zo watched the younger woman smooth the dress out on the bedspread. Yer nineteen? River nodded and started undressing. Twenty in approximately two months time. Kaylee wowed and nibbled on a ngernail. As River pulled the red dress on, the bend of her waist called attention to a massive hickey on her hipbone just beneath her panties. Liao bu qi! Kaylee exclaimed. Jayne did that?! Zo smiled softly. You never did nish telling us about that rst night. You got as far as him kissin you against the crate full o beer bottles and then you had to land us on Persephone. I think I nearly made him pass out of embarrassment when I commented on his shirt. Shuo hun shen, River recited and pulled the straps of her dress over her shoulders. A very true statement. Kaylee waggled her eyebrows. Keep goin. Ive always wondered bout Jayne. One time, way before you an Simon came along, we was hangin out at a bar on Paquin an Jayne hired a girl fer the night and not two minutes after they got themselves upstairs he had her hollerin like a banshee. Heard her over the loud music an everythin. Man must be some kinda miracle in the sack.

River, slightly disturbed at the mention of Jayne whoring, turned her back to Kaylee and dug around another bag for her shoes. So? Zo prodded. River let the memories ood through her and the ne hairs on the back of her neck stood to attention. He carried me to my room. We had to stop a few times on the way Lotsa kissin? Kaylees dimpled grin was infectious. Mm. Very talented. With his hands, Rivers eyes glazed over a bit and she swayed unsteadily on her high heels. Especially with his tongue. He did that?! Kaylees hand ew to her mouth in a delayed attempt to smother the squeal that escaped. Zo got a real wistful look on her face and River tried to block the strong thoughts as best she could. Memories of Wash were private He does that, River corrected. I dont think I could ever get Simon ta do that fer me. River pulled a disgusted face. Bi zui! I do no
want to hear about my brother and his His she shuddered and made a gagging noise. Kaylee laughed at her. Just for that, Kaywinnet Lee Frye, Im not going to nish telling you about our night, River stuck her tongue out at the other girl.

Inara looked up in surprise when the rst strains of a familiar song lled the room. Jayne was leading River into the dining hall wearing his tuxedo though his bowtie was mysteriously missing and River grinned softly in the Companions direction before she schooled her face into one of total concentration. The rest of the crew had been escorted into the dining hall and told to sit and wait while hundreds of young men and women being trained by the Guild led in behind them. Sheydra, sitting beside her best student, placed a hand on Inaras arm and smiled at her. A little entertainment I arranged before we eat, she confessed. I spoke with them while you were settling in your room and we came to an understanding. River and Jayne paused with the music in the middle of the room. Once again, River performed a dance of promise with a man she was entranced by. But this time, promise had been fullled and this tango was a build up instead. Jayne prowled across the polished stone oor with erotic promise in his eyes and the ex of his thighs and arms. He invaded Rivers space and she stamped her heels and twirled away from him like a tease
yanking his tuxedo jacket o with the move. It was like watching a wordless play.

River lifted one leg up to slide diagonally across Jaynes hip and cat scratched at his back as he pulled her tighter against him with another step. An they expect us to stay in separate rooms tonight? he growled into her ear. He pressed his hand against the skin bared by the back of her dress
or lack thereof and gave her a hidden teasing wink at the intimate contact between their groins. The music swelled and Jayne quickly manipulated her into a twisting spin with one hand on her hip and the other hand against her long neck. Jayne pulled her back to him with a smoldering look as the song ended. They didnt dare break eye contact for fear of loosing the moment. Were going to need to do this more often, Jayne whispered heatedly. River grinned.

Chapter TwentyFour Sneaking

The crew of Serenity spent the night on Sihnon with the comforting knowledge that theyd be heading o to Bernadette tomorrow for work aplenty. Inara slept soundly in her old bed with her new teaching license on her nightstand. Zo and Kaylee burrowed into their downy mattresses and had blissfully dreamless sleep. Mal and Simon were in the same state of slumber that remained uninterrupted. Jayne and River were the only exceptions. After their performance, they were seated with the others and forced to sit through a fancy dinner and eat food that tasted like nothing to them as they shared heated gazes across the table. Normally Jayne would be focused completely on the leg of lamb and roasted potatoes that had been placed in front of him, but after that dance He just couldnt get his mind o River. He couldnt sleep. Lying on his back and staring at the painted ceiling, Jayne let his mind wander. River was a special kind of woman. The warmth and fondness he felt for her was something hed never felt so strongly before. He loved his mother, his brothers and sisters, but this I could I could do it. Unbidden the image of his own family
one made with River
popped up in his minds eye. Jayne may have gone around for the past couple of years acting like he wanted no part of that sort of life, but after his childhood full of family and love how could he not want it? He scrubbed a hand across his face
palm rasping against his stubble. I could love her. A soft knock tapped against the window his bed was shoved against. Jayne glanced out and saw the very object of his aection staring at him through the pane
her arms wrapped around her middle to ward o the cool night air. Jayne opened the window and crawled out to meet her
automatically enveloping her in his warmth. You heard that, huh? River pressed her lips against the skin between his pectorals. I did. She was shivering. Jayne dropped his face into her hair and breathed her in. It scare ya? No. Then why you shiverin, sweetheart? Cold. Unfullled. Dinner tasted like ash in my mouth when all I wanted to do was taste you.

Jayne dropped his head and lifted her a bit in his arms to kiss her tenderly. I do, he whispered. Love you, ya know. River shivered again and worried his lower lip with her teeth. She was reluctant to pull away from his kiss but had to let him know. No matter how terried she was River had to tell him. I know. Jayne Cobb, I love you as well. The smile that crept across his face was brighter than ever
teeth wide and blue eyes glowing with joy. He kissed her again and Rivers worries that she wouldnt be able to give him everything he wanted and deserved fell to the back of her mind. The moment took control and overwrote any worries she had with increasing ardor. She pressed her heel against the tendon behind his knee and dropped them both into the grass. Jayne had to smother a laugh when he hit the ground. River grinned. You teased me today, she said as she bit the underside of his jaw and scratched down his chest. Hey, you teased me right back, xuan ni, Jayne ran his hands up under her nightdress. He was fully prepared to have his long ngers blocked by her panties. Tzao gao, woman Ya aint wearin any panties. River sucked on his collar bone. My huan re
is very observant. Mm, and pretty damn horny after that dance. River straddled his waist and pressed herself against his hardness. Jayne slipped a nger across her cleft and grinned against her cheek. Youre pretty damn horny, too, huh? She groaned and pushed back against his hand. Her eyes snapped open after a moment of his teasing and she yanked his sleep pants down around his knees. No more teasing, she growled and sank herself onto his erection. Jayne sucked in a breath. River Shh, she rose against him and planted a hand across his mouth. Cant make Too much noise No time. He sucked on the muscle below her thumb in time with her movement. Has to be fast, she whispered and bit her lip to smother a moan. Jayne nodded in agreement and released her hip with one hand and reached one agile nger between their bodies and pressed hard against her clitoris. River shook against him and fell back against his thighs
her hair trailing along the tops of his feet. Her hand left his mouth. Holy shit, Jayne growled.

Something feels dierent! she gasped. It almost felt like she was about to do something incredibly embarrassing in the middle of sexin her man. Jayne felt her tense. He moved his hips again and River broke on top of him with her sharp teeth sunk deep into his calf. Fluid gushed from her body and Jayne followed her into that blissful higher plane of climax. That
as fast, he managed. He helped River back into a slightly more normal position against his chest. He could barely breathe. And his leg was bleeding. Did something go wrong? River whimpered into his neck. Huh? Jayne rubbed a hand across her back and bemoaned the cloth blocking his ngers. It was dierent. Almost passed out. Did something go wrong? He smiled. Nah. River nuzzled her face beneath his ear and wound her noodle
arms around his middletucking her hands under his body. Why was it dierent? she asked. He shrugged. Dierent position, dierent parts stim
u
latin dierent parts. Happens sometimes. It clicked in Rivers carefully catalogued brain then. G
Spot. Short for Grafenberg Spot. Female ejaculation. Jayne made a face. When ya put it that way River bit his neck lightly and swung her legs o of him. Dont fret, love. Now we are both sticky and must return to our beds before the night watch catches us. She yanked his sleep pants up over his hips before she hobbled back to her own window. Jayne grinned.

Chapter TwentyFive Morning After No. Two

River woke up to Zo gently shaking her shoulder. River
honey? You alright? Kaylee twisted her ngers together behind the rst mate. We been callin yer name fer a while now, mei mei. You feelin alright? River yawned and allowed herself a morning stretch that tightened some interesting muscles. I feel ne. All systems go. Zo gave her that sideways I
know
whats
going
on
here look of hers. You snuck out last night. River slid sideways beneath the smooth sheets and walked gingerly to her bag to pick out a dress for the day. The grey one would do nicely. It was tight enough to tease Jayne but long enough to hide the fact that she wouldnt be wearing any underwear with it. Did you an Jayne Outside?! Kaylee gasped. Mm
hmm, she showed the other women the hickey hed left on her palm. Found the secret spot inside me. Exploded like gunpowder against ame. I bit him. That good? Zo asked. River turned her back to the other women, pulled her dress on, and smoothed the fabric out. She focused on Jayne for a moment just to see what he was up to and caught sight of that image again. The one hed briey considered last night. A primal image that sprung from his deep feelings for her his aection and love for the crazy naked assassin woman who popped out of a cryo
box and changed his life. It was an image of what he would like to see in the future. A beautiful child with his blue eyes and full lips and Rivers pert nose and even brow. She pressed a hand to her belly and felt tears well up in her eyes. Cant have that. Zo wrapped a motherly arm around the younger woman and made her sit down on the edge of the bed. Cant have what, River? Little girl with Jayne blue eyes and a River nose. Impossible. Doctors pinched me inside when they drilled for the hidden oil in my brain. No progeny allowed for River Tam. A weapon should not run the risk of becoming a mother, her voice deepened to mimic a doctor from the Academy, besides, we wont be able to keep her on birth control medications once we send her on more complex missions. Just do the tubal ligation and be done with it. Like spaying a bitch. Kaylee covered a whimper with her hands. Oh, River! She started crying and sagged against Zo. Cant give Jayne what he wants. What I want. She is so beautiful, Zo.

The ex
soldiers heart was breaking. She and Wash had never agreed on the topic of children, and shed been feeling that internal maternal alarm blaring for a while now. Unconsciously, shed been pressing those motherly thoughts outward and River had picked up on them and felt the same tug at her heart. Kaylee dropped down to sit beside River as well and wrapped her arms tightly around her friend.

Jayne noticed the bite on his calf when he slid his cargo shorts on the next morning. I was actually pretty painful and Simon gave him a strange look when he saw it. It almost looked like Concern? Give me your leg. Leery, Jayne propped his foot up on the nightstand and let Simon prod at the wound. This happened last night. Did you go out for a walk or something? Or something, Jayne admitted. Simon looked closer. This is a bite wound. Jayne scratched his head. Mm
hm. Simon stopped looking at Jaynes calf and swallowed a lump in his throat. Over his shoulder, Mal was eyeing the angle of the bite. How the hell did that happen? he asked. Jayne cleared his throat. Um You snuck out last night, didntcha? Mal asked. He crossed his arms and fought the teasing grin that was threatening to break across his face. Jayne looked incredibly guilty. Yeah, Mal. My sister did this to you? Simon asked with a frog in his throat. He desperately wanted brain bleach to get rid of the images his mind was conjuring up. Yeah, Doc. Both men cringed. Jayne dropped his foot and started lacing up his boots to distract himself from their discomfort. She knocked me onto the ground and Well Simon waved his hands frantically. No more! I dont want to hear it. Just Meet me in the inrmary when we get back on the ship and Ill clean the wound. Just Dont talk about what you and my mei mei are doing. My brain cant handle it. The same goes for yer Captain, Jayne, Mal added. Now lets get o this rock.

River ew Serenity out of Sihnons atmosphere with a forced smile rmly in place on her lips. She would not let her sorrow get the better of her. As she set course for Bernadette, Jayne limped onto the bridge and loomed over her to press a sloppy kiss on her forehead. We on course? Yes, she felt him shift his weight o his right leg. Whats wrong with your leg? she asked. Jayne cleared his throat. Um A ash in his minds eye: River leaned back at a near
impossible angle with her mouth clamped on his calf. She clapped a hand over her mouth and squeaked. Im sorry, Jayne! He laughed a little and rubbed her shoulders. Aw, it aint that bad, xuan ni. Simon told me itd heal up nice in a couple of days. River felt her unease ebb away as the big man pressed his thumbs in
between her shoulder blades with that perfect amount of pressure that bordered on pain but lingered in pleasure. Shed been planning on telling him what shed seen in his minds eye and how the Academy had ruined that for her, but Jayne was so intent on making the tension leave her body that all thoughts deserted her mind.

Inara grinned as she closed the wave channel with her rst teaching clienta sweet young girl from Harvest who wanted to make herself more presentable for her ances folks on Bernadette. She reminded Inara of Kaylee in a way. The girl, Georgia, had a recracker whit and a genuinely likable personality. As for the not so legal work that Mal would be looking for, Inara knew of a large bank that held most of the Core worlds Alliance payroll that the captain might be interested in. She told him as much last night before he kissed the breath out of her and swung her in circles by her waist. The plan was to land Serenity on the side of the planet opposite to the bank, y the spare shuttle to the bank while Inara held down the fort so to speak and taught Georgia how to be more lady
like with River, Simon, and Kaylee. Mal, Zo, and Jayne would take the payroll, do some fancy getaway driving, and wait in orbit for Serenity to return to the black. As far as plans went, it was pretty good. Mal didnt have a hand in its conception at all.

Georgia exited Inaras shuttle looking as sweet as a button and grinning wider than the space between suns. She was greeted similarly by Kaylee and Simon. River was nowhere to be seen. Everyone assumed she was hiding in her room, but she was curled up in Jaynes bunk wearing his soldier T
shirt and buried beneath the afghan his mother had so nicely let her take with her when they left Kerry. She knew something was going to go wrong on Bernadette. She just knew it. Her head was hurting in a way it hadnt since Simon saved her from the Academy. * They landed the shuttle on the roof of the bank after hoursjust in case the law was on high alert or something. Either way, their arrival on Bernadette went by unnoticed. Jayne clapped his gloved hands together and gave a gleeful chuckle. I do love me some good ol fashioned bank robbin, Mal. You thank Nara for me, okay? Been feelin the need to put the hurt on some Alliance hun dans lately. Mal snickered. Heard that. We ready, sir? Zo interrupted. Yep. Jayne, dont kill no one. Aw, Zo

Serenity is in orbit, sir. A shuttle from her starboard side just landed on the roof of Alliance Security Bank. A blue gloved hand tensed against a le bearing the name Jayne Cobb. Security? Caught an image of three leaving the shuttle on the roof. Reynolds, Washburne, and Cobb. Do we have a team ready? Yes, sir. Bring me Cobb. The others are expendable.

Chapter TwentySix Taken

Mal absolutely loved it when a plan came together. Jayne was keeping watch on the side of the roof as Zo stowed the platinum and various other forms of cashy money in the shuttle. Security was hogtied thanks to Jayne in the vault and the one teller who hadnt yet left for the night was grinning over the monetary slice of joy Mal had given her once they raided the vault. The captain felt safe for once. Jayne! The big man turned with a scary military precision to face Mal. You owe me ve platinum, Cap. You said my name rst this time round. Go se, Jayne! Get on the gorram shuttle. Jayne grinned. The sounds of the city below dimmed as the thrum of helicopter rotors sliced through the night. Mal didnt think much of the sound until the vehicle actually ew into view directly behind Jaynes smiling face. Jayne! The merc turned once againglancing briey at the chopper and taking in every detail in that hair
split second that saved Mals life. Mal! Get outta here! Laser re exploded on the rooftop. Zo managed to drag the captain back inside the shuttle and he started the take o sequence. Jayne was left on the roofreturning re as best he could with his terrible cover. But they werent shooting at him. He was so occupied in keeping the helicopter occupied that he didnt notice the two men with stun ries behind him.

River jerked awake in Jaynes bunk and screamed in terrorthe shrill cry echoing across the metal hull and resonating throughout Serenity. Georgiawhod been doing the same exercises Jayne had been forced to do so many weeks ago started in her seat. What was that? Kaylee tore out of the mess with Simon hot of her heels and paused before Jaynes bunk. River was sobbing inside. Is it locked? Can you

Kaylee punched in a command override code and the door swung open. Simon didnt bother with the ladder and dropped into the mercenarys quarters to nd his sister scrabbling into the furthest corner of Jaynes surprisingly spotless room. River was covering her head and keening with wordless cries and punctuated bursts of sharp syllables Two by two, hands of blue Sent to take the man of red, burn the insides of his head Jayne? Simon wrapped his arms around his sister. River She sobbed into her brothers sweater and clung to his shoulders. Cant leave him, Simon. Cant let them do it.

Sir! I know, Zo! Sir, we cant leave him! You saw them too, right? They were wearing blue gloves. Jayne Mal jerked the shuttled out of atmo and turned sharply to his rst mate. Zo, the best we can do is get back to Serenity and regroup. Hes family Mal! Mal slammed an open palm against the console and turned two burning eyes on the woman whod served beside him in the most horric of times. Zo! For the rst time in ages, Zo lost her temper. We cant leave him! Those were Academy folk, Mal! Theyre gonna do all sorts of unsavory go s
to him and were just runnin away like scared prairie chickens when we could turn this shuttle around and do somethin. Mal didnt say a word. You ruttin coward. Excuse me?! Zo was breathing harshly and speaking through clenched teeth. Were gonna lose another member of this family cause of your orders, sir. We get back to the ship, Im takin River with me an were gettin him back. Dont you go sayin nothin stupid now or I will break your big nose in a second. Mal hung his headnot used to the tongue
lashing from Zo and genuinely feeling the responsibility of what shed said. Finally docked on the starboard side of Serenity, Mal exited the shuttle and headed for the bridge.

He woke up to machine sounds and overly calm voices speaking in even tones. is thirty
one years old, male, six
foot four, and 245 pounds. Subject shows recent sexual contact with subject number 2
359, River Tam River Jayne drifted out of consciousness again. An hour later he was forced awake by a drug injected into the IV theyd stuck in the back of his hand. Jayne Ulysses Cobb, subject 3
750. The chair he was strapped to jerked forward on hydraulicsbringing Jayne face to face with someone he thought he and River killed just a week or so ago. A clone. The clone icked his blue
gloved hand at the far wall, keying up the security feed from the Maidenhead ght. Subject 2
359 did not terminate you. This is against her programming. What the fuck am I supposed to say to that? She is programmed to kill. Fucker. Yeah, well maybe she saw me helpin her out and decided to go easy on me. The clone shook his head and had a technician grab the sides of Jaynes head. He could feel the cold brush of metal against his hair and swallowed the lump that was building up in his throat. This is simply not possible, the clone keyed up a recording device in the center of the room. Recording. Project 36
SC, subject 3
750subject 2
359 is absent. Situation will be rectied soon enough. He nodded to the technician. The cold metal that had been lightly touching the sides of Jaynes head suddenly plunged through skin and bone and burrowed into his brain. Jayne screamed. He has some impressive mental blocks, sir, the second technician, manning a control panel behind the large nude man in agony. But I can dig deeper. Just dont kill him, the Blue Hand warned. Monitor his stress levels. If his heart stops, resuscitate him and give him an hour before starting work again. He left the roomthe capture still ran. The sound of drilling and a grown man sobbing in pain followed in his wake.

Zo nished tossing out the boxes of money theyd just stolen from Bernadette and ran down to the crew quarters to nd River. Inara and Georgia stood just outside Jaynes bunk
both ignoring Mal as he tried to explain himself from the bridge. Zo found the younger woman surrounded by Simon and Kaylee
she was sobbing so hard that it had to be impossible to breathe. River! she shouted. Big whiskey wet eyes shot open and pinned Zo to the ladder. Were going. Zo nodded. Tell me what to take, River, she waved a hand at the guns adorning the walls. River pried herself away from her brother and the mechanic and lifted Vera o the hooks that held her to the bulkhead. Vera, Maggie, Tina, Laura, and Bertha. Zo glanced at Bertha and winced. Honey, how the hell am I supposed to shoot that gorram thing? Carefully. Simon helped Kaylee o the oor and picked Tina and Laura o the wall behind Jaynes bed. Im coming with you. Zo lifted Bertha o the wall, winced at the weight, and set the doctor with a skeptical look. No oense, Doc, but you know how to shoot them guns? Simon grabbed the correct rounds for both guns and loaded them with an intense precision that startled nearly everyone in the room. Ma taught him a few things on Kerry, River informed. Lets go.

Try position ve. Hes weakening. Jayne was shaking as they removed the rst apparatus from his head
blood draining out of the holes left from the large gauged needles theyd used. They put something else on his face to hold his jaw still. Readings are good. Hes a lot smarter than he looks. Probably would have been a good candidate for the Academy I mean, you saw him ght on those security feeds, right? Technician Two sterilized a needle that looked exceptionally dangerous. Sure did, he said. This guy is one scary mother fucker. Some reprogramming and hed be the strongest thing the Academy ever released. I mean, all the others were just kids.

2
359 is pretty strong. You hear what she did to that one guy down in main medical? Technician One held Jaynes head still and nodded to Two, telling him to go ahead with whatever he was supposed to do. Tech Two ran a gloved hand against Jaynes forehead, located the right spot, and punched the needle in. Jayne clenched his teeth and groaned. The techs took readings and ignored the sounds of pain. Fuckin tore that guys diao o. With her bare hand, said Tech Two. All cause he said somethin about likin how teenage girls smelled. Tech One whistled low as he read some of the readings. This guys gotten pretty damn close to her. Tech Two pulled the plunger back on the needle and sucked out some grey matter. Jayne screamed again. Both technicians winced at the sound but continued their conversation. No kidding? Yeah, Mr. Stevens said this guy and Tam had recent sexual contact when they brought him in, said Tech One. Tech Two gawked. Like, full on? Tested this big guy myself. Hes got 2
359s DNA all over him. And I mean a
over. Tech Two yanked the needle out of Jaynes forehead. Wow. Lucky zhu. Hey, his blocks weakening? Yep. Position eight. Draw her out. Jayne closed his eyes. Shit, said the rst tech. Stress levels increasing His heart is giving out. Go get the pads. Better to die and keep her safe thought Jayne. He concentrated on the sharp pain in his chest and laughed as it grew stronger. The monitors attached to him were going o in a symphony of errors and warnings. Jayne focused inward and willed himself to just Stop. He died with a grin on his face. It took the technicians four minutes to bring him back. They jammed three needles into his head once his heart rate was back in a safe range.

Chapter TwentySeven Rescue

Zo had to y as River collapsed against her brother. She wailed and hollered as Jaynes agony coursed through her. River?! Dug deep Found me. Simon, they found me! River Needles in his head. Position eight. Broke through Jaynes walls and found me hidden behind them. Simon! They can see me through him! Simon hugged her so hard that she whined in pain. River, Zo glanced behind the pilots chair at the siblings, if they can see you, can you see him? Can you River shoved Simon away and nodded. Hurts. But Ill do it. Ill do it, she whispered, more to herself, because I love him. Simon swiped a hand across his eyes and watched helplessly as his mei mei closed her eyes and staggered to the nav sat. She keyed up navigational control and entered in a new destination on the furthest side of Bernadette. Deep underground, she ground out. Still hurting him. Zo kicked the shuttle into hard burn.

Blue Hand number one, or Mr. Stevens, reentered the lab with his colleague, Mr. Palmer. Progress, Stevens demanded. The rst tech pulled his mask down and grinned. Got a x on her. We had to resuscitate him once during the procedure. Tech Two yanked the needle apparatus out of Jaynes head without ourish. Palmer nodded. Did you learn anything about him? Tech One nodded excitedly. Oh, yeah. He would have been a fantastic Academy candidate. Hes intelligent in ways you wouldnt imagine. Strong as a bear Hell, we only had to bring him back to life because he mad
his heart stop. Tech Two tightened the straps around Jaynes wrists and elbows and joined his fellow technician. Subject 2
359 is on her way. 3
750 has developed a mental link with her. Once we knocked down that last mental wall, 2
359 broke her silence.

Behind all of them, Jayne relaxed all of his muscles. There was just enough room to pull his left hand free. He knew that, even drugged, he could snap the necks of those two technicians, but the Blue Hands It didnt really matter. They just kept talking excitedly and didnt notice him free his hands and elbows. He had a strap around his neck and two on his legs to get through, but the Academy hun dans made one mistake in constructing the restraints. They didnt use that noisy Velcro shit.

It wasnt the same way Simon had gotten in last time, but he recognized the main layout once they dropped out of the ventilation ducts. He helped Zo down from the ceiling and carefully hefted the belt of ammunition shed handed him. The M60 was extremely heavy, but Zo didnt say a word of complaint. River hopped soundlessly out of the duct and landed on her feet like a cat
Vera immediately at the ready. Which way? Zo whispered. Rivers eyes ickered through the halls. She winced and pointed Maggie at the stairwell. Three oors down, south hall, room at the end. Blue Hands discussing results of experimentation with two technicians. Jayne is She gasped. Hands and neck free. Backs are turned. We must hurry. She bolted for the stairwell.

There was only a brief window of opportunity. He managed to free himself while the four men well, two men and two gorram clones had their backs turned. The IV was still stuck in his hand and he knew that would hurt like a bitch when he made his move. I fuckin hate doin this shit naked He shot out of the chair and snapped Tech Twos neck in a swift move. The pain in the back of his hand was nothing compared to the sudden throbbing in his skull. Tech One put up more of a ght. He swung around with a closed st and caught Jayne in the side of his head. Jayne pushed himself above the pain and slid back around behind the needle shoving bastard. Said needle shoving bastard shouted wordlessly as Jayne punched him twice in the kidneys. He couldnt get much more out when Jayne wrapped one thickly muscled arm around his neck in a

chokehold. He kneed him in the lower spine and yanked back with his arm. The mans adams apple popped into hundreds of pieces and Jayne pushed hard with his free hand against his ear. CRACK.

River sprinted down the hall and ratcheted a round into Veras chamber. She popped o two shots through the last door and kicked it in with one booted foot. Behind her, Zo established one of the two targets and let loose several bursts of ammunition from Bertha. The machine gun kicked her hard in the shoulder and she had to back down and let Simon shoot. He wasnt nearly as good a shot as her, but good enough to drop that rst guy. River nearly emptied Vera into the one left standing. Jayne was revealed when the Blue Hands fell. He was covered in blood, had one eye closed, and was completely bare ass naked. Jayne Hey, River. She hopped over the dead bodies and hugged him as hard as she could. Simon ran to the wall as they embraced and grabbed the largest pair of scrub pants he could nd out of one of the drawers. Felt you comin, Jayne whispered into Rivers neck. Keeping watch by the door, Zo took note of how hoarse he sounded and winced. Tried to block me out. Hid me behind stone and mortar, she touched at the still bleeding wounds on his brow and the top of his head. Drilled it out of you Simon handed Jayne the pants. Put these on and then well head back the way we came. Jayne was halfway through pulling the pants up when a thought struck him. Xuan ni, you bring any grenades? River pulled open the bag she had on her back that was lled with his collection of hand grenades. And a landmine on the bottom. Jayne rubbed a hand through his hair and pointed at the two dead suits. Theyre clones. I gure we blow this shit
hole to hell and they wont come botherin you none. River nodded. An excellent idea, huan ren. Blow the main stability column and the whole facility will be brought down on top of them. Simons mouth popped open. What about the other Academy students? Theyll all be killed, River. Just about 78 percent of those chosen by the Academy are reprogrammed within days and sent out

on missions. Most remain as agents to the Alliance. Others, like me, escape and are de
programmed through natural psychological means. The other 22 percent are destroyed. Jayne was already xing the landmine so it would work as soon as the pressure of a few hand grenades exploding would set it o. Wheres that column, River? She grabbed his hand and dragged him to the elevators. Zo watched Simon take the recordings and let him take the M60 from her and shoulder it. Damn thing was heavy. We should head back up to the shuttle and get her ready to leave, she advised. Simon just nodded.

River set the timers on ve of Jaynes grenades and arranged them on top of the landmineleaving Jayne to guard her while she worked. We will have four minutes to run upstairs. Ideally, this sort of explosive would be set in the center of the building, but Honey, just set em o and lets haul ass outta here. River nodded and pulled all ve pins out. Jayne grabbed her hand and they ran full tilt up the stairwell. One oor le
. How th di yu are we gonna get to the shuttle? Main ventilation shaft, grid still missing. Gotcha. They found the missing grid and Jayne immediately picked River up and shoved her through the hole. He doubted it would hold him up, but River shot that thought to hell with one of her looks. At least he was tall enough that he didnt have to jump too far. River led him through the tiny shaft tiny for him and out to the blessedly close ventilation chamber that led directly outside. The earth rumbled below their feet. River shoved at Jaynes bare back covered in bruises from the stun ries and they stumbled toward the shuttle. Simon couldnt stop smiling as the pair jumped into the craft in a tangle. Zo took o just in time to watch a hole erupt in the soil that rained dirt across the blank landscape. I do love leavin nothin behind me but a sinkhole, she commented. Jayne smiled and passed out in Rivers lap.

Chapter TwentyEight Recuperation

Kaylee met them as they docked with Serenityher worry for Jayne bleeding throughout the ship with such density that River started crying again. Zo had to pinch her arm to snap her out of it. We need all hands to carry him to the med bay, River
honey. River sucked in a hard breath and lifted Jaynes shoulders. Kaylee, still worried and now tearing up, folded his arms over his chest and balanced her hands on his broad back. Simon and Zo took his legs. The man was still incredibly heavy between the four of them. Kaylee, did you prep the med bay? Simon asked. Tears running down her full cheeks, she managed only a short nod and the croaking of a name. Nara. Shes waitin for us. Zo clariedreading the younger womans eyes. She glanced behind her and dreaded the thought of tumbling down the stairs with only a hold on Jaynes bare foot. Surprisingly, Inaras client rushed up the last few steps to help out. Yall looked like you could use some helpn out Ms. Serra got stu ready fer
for gunshot wounds, though. His heads bleedin
g. River tuned the girl out and lifted with all her strength. She practically pushed Simon and Zo completely backwards to get them to their destination faster. That creepy chair had never seemed more like a safe thing than it did now. Jayne would sit there. Simon would x him. Theyd eat some real food that Kaylee had promised to makea cake out of the our the Cobbs had stocked them with. Kaylee was very good at making cake. Pastries in general. Keep her away from the protein meal, though. It was meant to be a birthday cake for River to make up for the ones they missed. Now it would be for Jayne. River swiped a hand across her face and watched her brother and Inara triage Jayne. She watched with her peripheral as Kaylee told Georgia to go back upstairs into Inaras shuttle to wait this out. This Not a thing. He cant be broken. I love him. Please dont let him be broken From that ghastly chair, Jayne cracked an eye open and xed it on River. I am not broken, ai ren. Stop thinking that. With that, he slipped back into that dark realm of unconsciousness. The oor dropped out of the room and Simon scrambled to nd the brain scanner hed picked up on their stop to Londinium.

Mal was brooding on the bridge. Captain Broody
pants, Kaylee mightve called himhad she not gone down to the inrmary with the others to help put Jayne back together again. Zos words had yet to lose their sting. Because theyd been true. He had been planning on returning to Serenity, stowing that cargo sweet as you please, and then maybe enlisting Rivers help in bringing Jayne back. That would have been hours lost. Jayne would have been deadfrom the glimpse he got of his merc when theyd dragged him out of the shuttle. Mal scrubbed his hands through his hair and dropped his face into his knees. Hed just gotten through telling the man how hed thought of him like a younger brother and then he goes and does something like thistreating him like a lesser human being. For cryin out loud, man stopped me om gettin my head shot o
Mal felt ill. Felt like hed just ignored a little brother hed always wished hes had as he shoved Mal away from a hole forming in the ice on East Ridge pond. He felt like hed let his little brother drown in icy water. He kicked the console and knocked loose one of Washs dinosaurs. He felt ten times worse. Jayne had glued those there to keep Wash company back when they were putting Serenity back together. Mal headed for the med bay.

River curled up against the wall as Simon worked to nd out what was wrong with Jayne. He was still unconscious. His heart stopped. This burn pattern on his chest His EKG They resuscitated him. Inara smothered her reaction with a hand. Simon went over the brain scans once again. Before these last three sections were ruptured. Why aint he wakin up, bao bei? Kaylee asked from beside River. Her hair was hanging over her face like it had when shed rst popped out of that cryo
box. Self
analysis. Trying to nd the broken piece. You were wrong Simon. Stress did not stop his heart. He did. To stop them from nding me.

Silence ran thick through the room. Mal walked in on all of this and felt like a supreme heel. He, uh, gonna be alright? Zo shot him a dark look to let him know he wasnt o the hook not by a long shot. We dunno, Mal. Doc said they had to zap him back to life. Four minutes dead, River choked. Mal leaned against the wall and let out a whooshing breath. He crossed his arms over his chest and tried to set re to his boots with nothing but his eyes. Calm down, Mal Aint dead now Everyone stared in shock at the man laid up in the center of the room. All this gorram fuss fer lil ole me? Jayne teased. His voice was still croaking from misuse but there was a smiling edge to it. River latched onto him like a limpet and sealed her mouth against his. Simon turned away for a moment and laughed tightly to cover up his sudden surge of joy that the big man was still sounding like his old self. That creepy tone hed had when hed spoken to River earlier in his delirium was gone. River, let him breathe, he advised. She broke her kiss, He has a nose, she argued and went right back to making out with Jayne. Simon groaned in annoyance and pried his sister away from those honey lips of Jaynes. Well I need to use his mouth, too. Mal couldnt help it. He laughedhigh
pitched and hysterical at Simons retort. Zos face broke as well and a cascade eect drowned the crew in giggles. Simon shooed everyone out of the med bay and shouted: That is no
what I meant! at the tops of his lungs.

Jayne downed a fourth coee cup full of cold water and waited for Simon to nish mumbling to himself. He sighed. His whopper of a headache was diminishingmostly due to the smoother Simon had injected him with about ten minutes ago. He was oating. Dunno what the hell yer spoutin o over there, Doc, but all I can say is I got a bitch of a headache an my hands a bit sore, but thats all.

Jayne, your brain experienced similar trauma to what I previously recorded from River and yet I cant seem to nd what What they did to you. Sides pokin them huge ass needles in my head? Jayne, I have your scans from your last physical. They replaced something with that last needle. I just cant gure out what. Needles, Jayne corrected. Three of em, he pointed to the top of his head. In a row up here. Simon frowned and checked his scans again. Three Six in all. Seven, if n ya include that eye
vee needle. Simon watched Jayne rell his coee mug with water. And you arent feeling any dierent from before? Just loopy from the go s
you shot me up with and sore
throated from all that hollerin I was doin down there. Promise, Doc, some e wu goes on with my gorram head and yer the rst to know, dong ma? Sure. Well, Jayne said as he walked barefoot out of the med bay. First after yer sister. She always knows what the hell Im thinkin. With that, the large man padded noiselessly out into the hall.

River was waiting for him in his bunkstill dressed in his T
shirt and smelling of explosives. He hung by the ladder and watched her carefully use his cleaning tools on Vera. Bertha was already on the wall again and Jayne could see she still had to clean Maggie, Tina, and Laura. Goin by size, sweetheart? She glanced up at him with red
streaked eyes and snied her response. You been cryin? Dumb question, Cobb. Or just irrigatin those pretty eyes of yours? River smiled and carefully laid Vera out on the desk in his small quarters. Done crying. Kissing? He grinned. Aint never done there, sweetheart. She wound her hands around his backcareful of the dark bruises on his skin. I choose not to correct your grammar right now. Jayne dropped a kiss on the side of her mouth. Ruttin hard, aint it? River dropped one hand to the front of the scrub pants he wore and ran her knuckles across his

arousal. Not the only thing hard. Jayne laughed and worried her lower lip with his teeth. Youre pretty smutty sometimes, River. Pretty other times, too? Always pretty. No more talking. Right. Never let it be said that Jayne was not a man of action. He easily slipped his overly
large T
shirt o of Rivers slim body and was tickled to nd that the hem of the shirt had hidden a pair of her favorite black stretchy shorts. He moved to pull them o, but River shoved him into his bunk and stripped down to nothing a bit faster than he would have liked. Yee soo, but he loved taking clothes o of her. He moved to rid himself of the scratchy hospital pants, but Rivers hand shoved him back again. She reached behind her and pulled Binky o the oor in a move she had to have learned in dance school. Before he could ask what she was up to, River split the seams of the horrendous pants with the Bowie knife and yanked the oending fabric out from under him. Jayne had to chuckle a little at that. River hushed him up with a kiss full of tongue, heat, fear, and love and Jayne felt so above the pain in his back right now that he swore he could do anything. She safely returned Binky back where she found her and moved to glide those thin hands of hers up his body. Jayne stopped her and yanked a pinky around the waistband of her shortsgesturing o with his eyes. Nope, no panties today. River grinned and sucked at her favorite spot on his jawright where the curve started below his ear. Slightly woozy o the drugs Simon gave him and drunk o the euphoria River was feeding him, Jayne totally missed the prickle of some sort of awareness that was building in his skull. Instead, he watched with hooded eyes and large pupils as River slicked him up three times with her tongue and dragged him inside her warmth. She threw her head back and unconsciously put herself on complete display for him and Jayne leaned forward far enough to pull her down onto the thin mattress with him. They lay side
by
side and Jayne ignored that awareness once againin favor of focusing one half of his attention on keeping a steady rhythm and the other half on how to get her nipples to stand out against her breast like dark pink pearls. His tongue worked pretty well.

Neither of them had said a worda feat worthy of some kind of reward later. Jayne splayed his hands across Rivers lower back and deep in her mass of gun oil and caustic explosive scented hair and he moved her in a gentler pace. Her hips glided to meet his slower than she wished, but shed been so turned on while cleaning his guns and feeling residual emotions from him in his bunk that she wasnt too far away. Those bright white spots of light were just within reach for both of them. Jayne didnt think hed ever been this keyed up. He thrust into River twice more before she uttered along his length and tightened. He could practically see what she was seeing when his own climax blew the top of his head o. Flashes of images intertwined with the general natural high sensation and ear
ringing that usually accompanied an orgasm. Breathing hard and sweating enough to actually worry River, Jayne focused on the last image and frowned open
mouthed against her breast. That was a surgery River stiened against him. The image shed gotten from his mind on Sihnon pummeled him in his minds eyea child with his mouth and eyes and her nose and brow, crying tears of pain that a child should never have to cry because she couldnt exist. Jayne tightened his hold on River and straightened to prop his chin against her head. He pulled her tight against his body and shifted so her hips could be more comfortable as they lay still intertwined in every sense on his tiny little bunk. Some surgeries can be xed, right? He pushed the thought at her, hitting a mental rewind on her memory. Depends. He soothed his hands across her back, feeling her shake with unshed tears. He felt a bit of his heart break for her and that selsh bit was cracked as well. Jayne had nieces and nephews that he loved to spoil. He remembered how happy his ma and pa were with so many youngns running around the ranch. He knew what a gift children were. Think top three per
cen
tile is good enough to do somethin lik that? And howre we talkin to each other in our heads? He doesnt know about it Its possible. Probable. Might work. As for the talking River sighed out loud against his chest. They broke down your wa around me. Cant keep anything o me now. I cant keep anything om you. Didnt have time to nish the experimentyou sti have your amygdale and can keep others feelings out except mine. Jayne thought a moment about being worried about this new development, remembered that gorgeous shower of dirt in the wake of their landmine
slash
grenade bomb, and shrugged. It was frightening to say the least that hed been altered in the brain pan, but with River Love you, ai ren. River smiled through her tears. I love you too, zhang fu. Simon can x us.

Jayne drifted o
into a restful sleep and snored deeply against her skin. River dragged the afghan over top their nude bodies and wished for the rst time in her life that she could snore. Then they could have a contest

Chapter TwentyNine Apologies

Kaylee made her yellow cake from scratch for breakfast and heaped on some extra of the chocolate icing shed managed to make after nding some baking chocolate stashed
ay behind the sugar in the pantry. It was probably Mattys idea. Jayne always did like cake for breakfast. And Kaylees real cake was something to write to the fancy Core cooking programs on the cortex about. She even managed to scrounge up the biggest pans they had. Jayne would get a decent
size slice and maybe leave slivers behind for everyone else. Kaylee smiled as she munched on an apple.

Inara had reluctantly left that evening with Georgia to nish the girls lessons and get her on home on a planet Mal would pay not to go to ever again, so Mal was missing the extra weight the shuttle leant to Serenity on her port side and the warmth of the love of his life. Who was still considerably mad at him. Not that he could blame her. He was still considerably mad at himself. After all his talk about family Mal shifted sideways on his bunk and let his feet rest on the cool oor. He needed to talk to Jayne. Explain what hed done and why he hadnt been with Zo when she mounted her rescue mission. Families were supposed to be truthful with one another. He got dressed for the day and quietly made his way to the mess. Something awfully shiny was creating a delicious smell in that kitchen of his.

She woke up laughingthe smell of cake in the air and the last vestiges of Jaynes drugged
up dream still hanging onto the insides of her eyelids. It was of conversations between a bear wearing a T
shirt, a smaller bear wearing a dress, a duck that River once kept as a secret pet when she was younger, and Bruce. Theyd all been arguing about the price of tea on Persephone. It was so absurd that River giggled into Jaynes neck. Feeling better? she asked.

Jayne experimentally shifted his eyes up to the ceiling and pursed his lips. Less loopy. Head still hurts a mite and I could murder a gallon or two o water, but I do believe Im feelin better, darlin. River dropped a smacking wet kiss on his mouth and hopped out of bed. Come! Were having cake for breakfast. Jayne grinned. I love cake for breakfast.

Kaylees laughter was contagious. Jayne and River were stung their faces with cake and icking water at each other from their mugs. Simon and Zo dressed casually for once with one of Washs outrageous shirts over top a sleeveless blouse she owned were both trying to eat their own pieces of cake without spraying the food everywhere as they laughed at the childish antics of the two gun hands. Mal walked in the room amid all this. There was a cake slice on a plate in front of his usual chair. Kaylee had obviously put it there. Mouth full of cake, Jayne broke free of his giggle t and smiled up at the captain. Mornin, Cap. Mal eased into his chair. You seem a lot more spry today, Jayne. Jayne swallowed his cake. Good morning to you too, Jayne. Feelin better? Sure, Mal, I feel right as rain, he spoke without the thick layer of sarcasm that usually accompanied statements like that. Okay, that was creepifyin To his left, Zo shoveled some more cake in her mouth and set into Mal with a glare as she chewed. The humor that had been lling the room seemed to evaporate and suddenly, Mal wasnt feeling much like eating. He ddled with his fork and stared at the two uy layers of yellow cake and chocolate icing on his plate. Jayne Its okay, Mal. Im not sayin I understand why or nothin, but I aint gonna hate you fer stayin behind, Jayne said. He didnt look up from his foodinstead focusing his attention on pressing moist cake crumbs between the tines of his fork to clean his plate. Mal stared at him. Jayne licked the crumbs o his fork and turned to Kaylee. Mighty ne cake, Kaylee
girl. I preciate it. Kaylees sunny smile was a reward in itself. Aw, I was just butterin you up cause I need yer help in the engine room. Got some liftin I cant do that needs to be done. Itll be just like the old days! Jayne grinned and took the empty plates at the table to the sink. Find me when you need me then, he said and disappeared into the cargo hold.

Eyes returned to Mal. Huan re
may forgive the captain easily, but River struggled with herself. I do not. She sprinted after Jayne. Kaylees expression fell into sadness again and Simon and Zo worked hard on telling Mal what they were thinking without actually saying anything. He got the message. Look, it was a fool thing to do and believe me when I tell yall I been kickin myself ever since you two scuttled o with my shuttle
And there it is, Simon grumbled. What was that, Doc? My shuttle. You boast about this crew bein a family and then you say this ship yers alone. But we all work together to keep it in the air, Zo claried. Mal ground his teeth. It aint how I feel, Zo. Just let me nish. Stayin behind while yall went and were big damn heroes had me feelin like Id left my little brother behind in a deep, frozen pond to go inside and have myself some gorram coco. Didnt feel right. Still dont. And I got no clue as to how to x this big ass rift thats formin between us, Zo. His rst mate stared at him with a blank expression. Mal could almost see Wash sitting quietly beside her with his hand on his wifes shoulder and felt even more like an irresponsible brother. Because he hadnt said those words yet. Im sorry. About everything. Zo watched the tension mount further on Mals shoulders and broke a bit inside. She sighed. Okay, Mal. Simon squeezed Kaylees hand for strength. Thats something youre going to need to tell my sister as well, Captain, he broke his stare and turned to the girl by his side. How about I do the dishes since you cooked? Shiny. Zo clapped a hand on Mals shoulder as she stood. Bring yer cake. We got us a planet to pick. Feelin the need for some downtime, Zo? Yes, sir. I hear Verbenas got hot springs

Youre mad at Cap. River glanced up from her pencil moving across her sketchpad and met Jaynes eyes. She had him laying on his back on the weight bench and was sitting on his stomach
using his chest as a drawing surface.

Yes, I am mad at the captain. How did you get this scar? She trailed a ngernail across the scar in his right cheek. She used that same ngernail to smudge that detail in her drawing. Youre changin the subject. And it was a knife ght I got into. With my brother. Rivers mind focused on her artwork until it was nished. She ipped the pad around for Jayne to critique. Can I talk now? Yes, Jayne. Looks just like me he grinned and teased her thighs with his ngertips. Wish I could draw. Kaylee needs you in the engine room. Jayne squeezed her thighs. Okay, woman. Lemme up so I can go do man work. Go draw yer brother. He deposited her in his spot on the weight bench. River managed to pinch his ass as he left. The yelp Jayne gave was anything bu
manly.

Kaylee popped up from under the engine cowling when Jayne knocked on the door. Yer hired muscle is here, he announced with a wink. Kaylee grinned. Hey, Jayne! He plopped himself into her hammock swinging death trap and watched her tighten a few bolts on Serenitys whirring engine. Whatd ya need me fer, mei mei? Kaylee shifted to shoot him a wink. Nothin, really. Just missed ya hangin out with me like ya used to. Could help me with keepin the cables for the grav plating in order while I work on the system Jayne smiled at her and propped his hands behind his head while he swung lazily in the hammock. Sure thing, Kaylee
girl. She worked swiftly on the part she was tuning uphumming the jive tune that shed downloaded from the cortex a while ago as she did so. Unconsciously, Jayne tapped his toes to the beat of the song and began humming along with her. Kaylee snickered and joined in on the beatdrumming a pair of ratchets on the cowling and picking up speed with the song. This was the scene Mal walked in on. He couldnt keep from smiling. You two havin fun?

Just like the old days, Cap, Kaylee beamed. She nodded at Jayne and he helped her shift the cowling back in place. We goin somewhere special? she asked. Mal hooked his thumbs in his suspenders and raised himself on the balls of his feet. Verbena. Last haul was enough for a goodly vacation. And maybe a few new parts. Kaylees eyes lit up. Oh, shiny! I heard Verbenas got some real fancy shops. And hot springs, Jayne added his two cents and tugged his work gloves on. Without seeing Mal or Kaylees slightly shocked expressions at his comment, the big man went to work on straightening out the cables that Kaylee needed unknotted. Whered you hear bout that? Mal asked. Jayne grunted and shrugged. Ma always wanted to visit. She read bout em in a bro
chure. Pa always said it werent worth it when he worked so gorram hard to get our water heater to work properly. Mal visibly relaxed. Huh. You know where River is? We need to have us a chat. Jayne shifted and sat on his heelsarms dangling across his knees and head tilted in contemplation. There was something else going on behind the squint of his eyes, though. He focused on River oddly still felt her simmering anger with Mal, and got a creepily clear visual of where she was. Damn. What? Mal asked. Jayne shook his head like a dog to get rid of the sensation, but it lingered in the back of his head. Creepy as all get out he murmured. Shes down in Zos bunk drawin her. An shes still mad enough to spit. Silence. Hey, I dont understand it no more than you, Mal. Givin me a ruttin headache, too he rubbed the heel of his hand against his foreheadwhere one of those horrible needles had left a mark. Mal just noticed it, but there was also a bone deep bruise beginning on Jaynes forehead. Itd be an ugly dark blue or yellowish
green in a day or two. Vacations a good plan, then, said Kaylee. Gonna go apologize to Riv, Cap? Mal cleared his throat. Sure. You two behave now. Dont screw around none when ya should be workin. Kaylee pouted and yelled at him as he disappeared down the hallway, The hummin helps me work, Cap!

Simon, sitting on his stool in the med bay, swallowed an uncomfortable lump in his throat and stared at the capture in his hand. It hadnt even been turned on yet, and he was already feeling ill. Sucking in a deep breath, Simon clicked the play button. Recording. Project 36
SC, subject 3
750subject 2
359 is absent. Situation wi be rectied soon enough. The rst Blue Handthe one he and Zo had taken care ofmoved out of the path of the capture rig and Simons hands shook as he watched one technician turn on a wicked looking apparatus that had two needles plunging deep into the sides of Jaynes head. He hit fast
forward and the Jayne in the capture went through torture and screamed mutely. The technicians moved about him unconcerned and removed the rst devicereplacing it with one that was all too familiar to Simon. Hed seen them use that on River. One technician was sterilizing the needle. Readings are good. Hes a lot smarter than he looks. Probably ould have been a good candidate for the Academy I mean, you saw him ght on those security feeds, right? Sure did. This guy is one scary mother fucker. Some reprogramming and hed be the strongest thing the Academy ever released. I mean, a the others were just kids. 2
359 is pretty strong. You hear what she did to that one guy down in main medical? Simon watched the tech slam the needle into Jaynes forehead and swallowed thickly as the man groaned through his teeth. Fuckin tore that guys diao o. With her bare hand. A cause he said somethin about likin how teenage girls smeed. This guys gotten pretty damn close to her. Simon didnt want to hear this, but as soon as the rst tech made his observation, the second pulled back the plunger on the needle. No kidding? Yeah, Mr. Stevens said this guy and Tam had recent sexual contact when they brought him in. Like, fu on? Tested this big guy myself. Hes got 2
359s DNA a over him. And I mean a over. Wow. Lucky zhu. Hey, his blocks weakening? Yep.

Position eight. Draw her out. Jaynes eyes closed. He looked so defeated. Shit. Stress levels increasing His heart is giving out. Go get the pads. Jayne was smiling. The instruments were going o like crazy and he was just smiling. The heart monitor registered a at line and he was just smiling Simon kept half an eye on the timer as he fast forwarded againcounting four minutes and twenty
six seconds until he saw the heart monitor blip again. He stopped when one of the Blue Hands returned. Did you learn anything about him? Oh, yeah. He would have been a fantastic Academy candidate. Hes inteigent in ways you wouldnt imagine. Strong as a bear He, we only had to bring him back to life because he made his heart stop. Subject 2
359 is on her way. 3
750 has developed a mental link with her. Once we knocked down that las mental wa, 2
359 broke her silence. Simon stabbed the stop button and ung the capture into the spare bed. He pinched the bridge of his nose and dropped his forehead onto his desk. This was not good.

Rivers smile left as soon as she climbed out of Zos bunk. The sketchpad came up between her and Mal and the captain was suddenly faced with Zos smiling visage in pencil. Jayne said you were coming to talk, she murmured. Mals eyes traced the lines of the drawing and he nodded. Want to apologize to ya, albatross. Jayne explained. A creepy feeling ran along Mals spine. Jayne had spoken to River between the time it had taken Mal to get from one end of the ship to another Spoken to her through a link that had been created in their brains by an Alliance experiment Im sorry, mei mei. Im sorry I didnt help. River took the sketchpad back from Mal. She threw her arms around him and hugged. Apology accepted, Captain Daddy. Mals heart caught in his throat. He kissed his pilots forehead and sighed. Thank you, mei mei.

Chapter Thirty Colors

Mal smiled and took a deep breath of fresh air. Verbena was quite a lovely Border planet. Lush and green, it felt like spring had recently come to thaw the light winter. The breeze that rued the captains hair was cool and smelt of fresh grass. I think we just found our retirement planet, Zo commented from his side. Too right Where them hot springs at? Im so sore I feel like someone used a meat tenderizer on me, Jayne grumbled. Mal almost made a remark about being a wimp when he realized what hell his mercenary had gone through in the past week and how hed caught a glimpse of the deep bruises on the mans back when hed caught River with her hands up the front of his shirt. Apparently, theyd used the stun ries on him a few times. Hotel I booked us at has a few on their property, Mal commented after clearing the frog out of his throat. Kaylee just about bubbled out of her own skin with excitement. Simon! You ever been in a hot spring? Simonwhod been in a funk the whole trip for reasons only River and consequently Jayne knew seemed to break out of his daze. No, never. But Ive read that the minerals in the water are very good for Yeah, blah blah blah. Xuan ni, you got your things? River held up her due. Jayne grabbed her free hand and laced his ngers with hers. Then we best start walkin. The hotel was a little over a mile away, but the distance felt like less with the pleasant atmosphere and Rivers humming. The building was huge and vaguely resembled the ancient Greek ruins on EarthThatWas. Though, without the ruined part. Shee yoo They got a fountain an everything! Kaylee whistled. Damn. Mal, we got separate rooms? Sure did, just Jayne slid up to the front desk with River propped against his hip. Hey there, he dipped his head

to read her nametag, Marla, the six of us are from the Firey vessel yall got reservations for. Wed like to check in. Marla, instantly charmed, swung her monitor around. Of course. We booked you three rooms Im sorry about the fourth, but there is a gathering being held here tomorrow. Some bored housewives Jayne signed for the rst room on the list that house a hot spring and a king
sized bed. He tossed a farewell of sorts over one shoulder, then lifted River bags and all over one shoulder and disappeared into the corridors of the resort. Rivers laughter was all the crew heard throughout the marble interior.

Jayne threw the bags onto the huge bed in the center of the room and gently patted Rivers bottom. Whatya wanna do rst, honey? She twisted around his shoulders and pointed at the bathroom. Hot spring. Good call. He left her draped across his neck like a scarf and kicked open the bathroom doors. The place was bigger than the kitchen and mess hall combined Damn, he muttered again. River tugged his shirt out of his trousers and tried to disrobe him whilst still sitting up on his shoulders. We must be naked for the next 48 hours. No arguing. Hell, Jayne pulled a dance move and swung River around so she was facing him, aint hearin any complaints from me, ai ren. River grinnedcatching the tip of her tongue with sharp white teeth. Jayne practically ripped his shirt ostarting an impromptu race to see who could get naked rst. Seeing as River was wearing a dress, no underwear, and no shoes, it was slightly on the unfair side. Especially when Jaynes zipper snagged and he had to rip his favorite cargos to get it undone. This only sent River into a t of giggles that distracted him further when he tried to take his boots o. Her body did all manner of interesting things when she laughed. Jayne actually gaped at her and tripped backwardlanding hard on his muscular buttocks. This just sent River further o her giggle box and she leaned down to help him up. Jayne just pursed his lips at her continued laughter and dragged her down on top of him. Think thats funny, huh? River nodded. Yes, I do. Know what else is funny? She opened her mouth to say more, but Jayne dropped his face into her belly and blew a wet

raspberry across her soft skin. She laughed harder and tugged on his hair
dragging him back up so she could kiss him. And get a bit of her own back by tickling his abs. Jayne struggled and managed to kick his boots o into the corner of the bathroom
narrowly missing the stand that held an ice bucket with a bottle of champagne chilling in it. River stopped abruptly and clapped her hands gleefully. Nude! she exclaimed. Which rst? Soak or seduction? He grabbed her around the waist and hopped into the hot spring. Both, honey. Jayne sat on the edge and dragged his mouth up the column of her neck
sucking on her earlobe and pulling her hair back to soak in the water. River slid her long legs around his hips and sighed in complete bliss. Happy? Jayne asked. River hooked her arms around he neck and pulled away to look him deep in the eye. Very happy, she admitted. He grinned
full and sharp white as his eyes danced across her face. I can see it. Warm amber Rivers eyes lit up. She pounced on him
practically attacking him in her excitement. She sucked his tongue into her mouth and dug her nails into the muscles of his back which was more than enough to make him groan about, bruises and whatnot. Jayne was a bit startled by her reaction
especially when she just raised herself up and dropped herself on his erection. She seemed to be racing him to the nish
leaning hard against his chest and biting his neck. Jayne mirrored her position and pushed back against her. With his teeth sunk into her skin, something shifted inside River and the race changed into a full on mating
grunts and groans interspersed with dirty talk in Mandarin and English. They pushed, shoved, thrust, and groped their entire way across the width of the hot spring. River slapped her hands on the ledge twice
her mouth otherwise engaged in sucking Jaynes lips o his face. Turn me over. He pulled out and spun her around so her hands were at against the oor and his were cradling her belly and breasts. River tossed her head back and nipped at the side of his jaw. Jaynes hips surged forward and he dropped his mouth back down to her neck. He held her in place with his teeth and relished in the noises that came out of her as he rammed into her again and again. She dug her ngers into his thighs and whined as the oodgates exploded open and she came hard. Rivers Kegel muscles clamped down on him with her aftershocks and Jayne fell against her
nearly crushing her with his body as he climaxed.

River started to slide into the waterbonelessbut Jayne managed to regain some bit of control over his body and he caught her in time to help her out of the spring. They opped onto the oor and tried to catch their collective breath. Wh
what the hell was that?! Jayne nally managed to squeak out. River slapped his wet chest with a limp hand and tried to roll onto her side. Adrenal glands secreted epinephrine into our bloodstreams and Jayne clapped a hand across her mouth. Meant the gorram crazy sex, woman. She nudged his hand away with her chin. I got excited. Dont that usually happen? I got
ery excited. Jayne snickered, then groaned. Think I pulled somethin there Mm. Recuperation and consumption of food seems prudent. Dummy that down, baby, I cant focus. Eat. Drink champagne. Nap. Go dancing, River crawled to the basket of fruit that stood beside the champagne and plucked a rather juicy looking apple to munch on. She intended to stand and walk to the bedroom, but the muscles in her legs gave out and she fell on her rump beside Jaynes hip. You got it. Gimme another minute, he clapped a hand on her thigh and sighed roughly. He cast a blissful look at her and River snuggled against his side. Hm Yer all orange now She propped her chin up on his chest and gave him a worried look as he dropped o into the land of nod.

Chapter ThirtyOne Mother

After River woke Jayne and they gorged themselves on fruit and champagne, she pranced over to their bags and pulled out some clothes. Dancing, she explained. Must stretch those muscles again. Jayne caught the pants she threw at his head and slid them on
watching avidly as she poured herself into one of her dresses. Marry me, he said
the words tumbled out before his brain could catch them. River clutched his new dress shirt to her chest and gave him those big hopeful eyes. Mean it? Yeah, he admitted. I love ya. Dont got a ring or nothin, but I mean it. She stepped closer and circled around behind him
kissing a scratch mark her nails had left on his broad back. Then Yes. And I mean it as well, zhang fu. River held out his shirt and gestured for him to slide into it. Jayne twisted around once the fabric cleared his shoulders and bent down to kiss her.

Regan Tam adjusted the expensive necklace against her collarbone and smiled warmly at her friends well, neighbors, actually. They were all chatting noisily about how much they preferred Verbena to Hera where resorts were concerned. Her friends were terribly boring people. Regan shifted and fought the urge to drop her chin into her hands and just nod o but was saved the trouble when the management started piping in some waltz music. What is this? I thought we had the ballroom to ourselves, Lucinda
Regans only real friend at this outing
said with a frown. Way down at the opposite end of the ballroom, the women could see a man in a brilliant blue shirt dancing with a smaller woman in a grey dress. They must have asked for a bit of time in here, said Regan. Geneva practically slammed her ute of champagne onto the table and icked her hair back with a newly manicured ngernail. Well I, for one, wont stand for this. Gen, theyre not bothering anyone, Regan laid a hand on her neighbor to get her to calm down. Theyre bothering me, said Kathleen. I hate this song.

There was just no other way of slicing it. These women were bound and determined to ruin someone elses private time. Im here with a ga
le of bobble headed idiots, Regan mused. Hey! Geneva yelledgrabbing the attention of the man long enough to make him pause mid
dip. We rented out the ballroom for two hours todayno interruptions! Who let you in? She stamped closer in her three inch heels and vowed to make this man see how much of an idiot he was. The only problem with this plan was the fact that Geneva was only ve feet tall without her heels. Management didnt see a problem in it, he said in a low rumble that was meant to be quiet, but it just reverberated throughout the long room. He subtly shued his dance partner behind him. Geneva slapped a hand against her forehead and icked at her light brown hair again. Ai ya hua le, youre from the Rim. Well, let me put this in words youll understand, you pernicious oaf. She leaned up and peered into his eyes. Get. Out. The woman darted out from behind the man and glared at Geneva. I remember you, she said venomously. Ran over my duck she murmured mostly to herself. In the meantime, she mentally answered Jaynes question as to the meaning of the word pernicious. The man crossed his arms and licked his lower lip. Now, I aint gonna argue about the pernicious comment, cause I can be pretty damn destructive, but nothin you just said changes the fact that management took my request, saw no problem with it, and told me an my girl here that we could go ahead and use the ballroom. At the sight of the young woman, Regan abandoned her seat and ran across the ballroom. River?! That yer ma? Yes You alright? Yer feelin a bit grey Nervous. She looks happy to see ya, baby. Yer ma aint gonna be as cold hearted as yer pa. River nodded up at Jayne and smiled widely. She turned to face her mother and kept her grin in place. Hello, Mother, she greeted. Regan actually shoved Geneva away from the pair and hesitantly reached both hands out to light upon her daughters bared shoulders. My little girl Youre so grown up, Pebble! Where How.? Simon saved me. Weve been living on a cargo ship, she tugged on Jaynes hand. This is my ance, Jayne.

Regans face went white. Your Fiance? Across the room, Simon emerged with Kaylee attached to his side
fully intent on joining Jayne and River in their idea of dancing. He caught the tail end of Rivers words and found himself smiling down at his sister when they joined them. Good news, he commented. Simon! Regan felt as though her heart was intent on jumping through her chest. Youre both alright! Mother?! She could no longer hold back. Regan Tam engulfed her children in a hug
smashing them to her. Kaylee hung back and looked to Jayne for a way to respond to this development and found him looking back at her with a smile tugging on the side of his mouth
dimple forming in his cheek. Apparently, nding Regan Tam on Verbena was a good thing. My babies are okay Regan was gushing. Mother, Simon groaned, what are you doing here? She ignored his question and smooched his cheek
leaving a bright red lipstick mark behind that sent Kaylee into a round of giggles that drew Regans attention to her. Simon Tam, if you found a girl and didnt write me about her The doctor managed to worm his way out of his mothers grasp and held his hands up in warning. Mother You know I couldnt write you. Well, your warrants were removed
you could have written then. And you still havent answered my question. Who is this lovely young woman who seems intent on hiding behind my baby girls large man? Kaylee popped her head out from underneath Jaynes elbow and tugged nervously on the back of his shirt. She reminded him so much of his sister Jenny that Jayne had to bite his tongue to stop himself from laughing. Im Kaylee, maam. Regan Tam smiled warmly and motioned toward the table that her neighbors were sitting at the group was grilling Geneva for information. Why dont we all sit down and have a talk. Ive been worried to death about you two River grabbed onto Simons arm and they followed their mother across the ballroom. Jayne hung back with Kaylee for a moment before he jerked back into action when River mentally goosed him. Please dont leave me Jayne stepped closer, taking her arm and wondering about how he could sooth the yellow feeling she

was bleeding everywhere. Unconsciously, he did the same thing she often did when his own emotions were boiling overhe gently squeezed her hand and pushed a wave of that warm orange contentment through her fear. She immediately stopped walking and aimed him a startled look. Id never leave you, River.

Mal poured himself a fresh ute of champagne and laughed at Zos storyone hed heard over twenty times that had yet to lose its humor. Theyd checked into their suite, cracked open the bottle, and set into some good tales about Wash. After about half a bottle, Mal was really beginning to remember just how much he relied on Wash for certain thingsespecially that brilliant levity he would bring to situations. Zo waved her empty ute at him. Fill er up. Mal wavered a moment as he poured more champagne in the glassware. As he slowly lled it, Zo tugged on a braid and frowned a bit. Rivers been talkin to me. What bout? Lady stu. Serious lady stu then, huh? Zo yanked the bottle out of his hand and abandoned her glass for the source. That girl Them Alliance hun dans took more than parts of her head, Mal. Case you hadnt noticed, her an Jayneve been gettin bout as serious as my Washs ma and pa. Mals drunkenness evaporated. River cant have littleuns? Zo shook her head. Said in that creepy imitatin voice of hers that they were spaying the bitch to keep anything from ruining her performance on missions. Jesus, Mary and Joseph. S an operation Simon could reverse, but I dont think shes told him bout it yet. Mal sunk down to the plush carpet and buried his head in one of the pillows shed chucked at his head earlier in their tale
swapping. Jayne wants kids? Zo lay on her stomach against the chaise lounge and tilted her head to try and catch his eye. You seen that man when he gets waves from his nieces and nephews? He adores children.

Mal thought back and sighed. Five credits him an the little witch get hitched before Doc and Kaylee. Zo snorted and took a swig from the bottle. Aint no bet, sir.

Regans friends skedaddled as soon as they caught sight of Jayne walking closerwhich gave the four crewmembers a chance to sit down with Mother Tam. I saw the Miranda wave. And your father uncovered a security feed from a bar River twisted her ngers togethersuddenly aring with that yellowish
grey emotion again. Jayne grabbed her cheek and stared in her eyes. Stop that. Youre safe. River? Simon whispered. Played on a loop, over and over again Tape begins to crackle and tracking is skewed as its repeated. Cant stop it Jayne took her face in both hands and bored his eyes into hers. Look at me. Youre ne. Were gonna head back to Kerry and get married. Mas gonna hug ya to pieces. Bruce is gonna bowl you over with his tail wa
in. Rivers gaze ickered between his eyes. Bu you are not ne, Jayne. Im bleeding into you Regan cast a worried glance in Simons direction. Simon cleared his throat and took Kaylees oered hand. The Academy Was, um, still after River when they called o our warrants. They caught Jayne in an attempt to weed River out. They preformed some of the same experiments on him and now He trailed o. Theyre both readers, said Kaylee. River and Jayne were still conversing silently. Simon cast a nervous glance at them. But from what Im seeing, Jayne is actually Getting worse. His mother was on the verge of tears. Simon Theres nothing you can help us with now, Mother. Weve got good work on a cargo ship, he glanced at Jayne and River in worry. Theyre faces were completely blank. I need to get them to their room. Kaylee? The mechanic stood from her chair and grasped River tenderly by the elbow. It was nice meetin you, Mrs. Tam. Sorry we couldnt talk more

Regan Tam smiled warmly at the young woman and watched her son and daughter shue out of ballroom. Simon? He paused in his poor attempt at leading Jayne. Yes, Mother? Ill wave you later. She wished that his smile could have reached his eyes. Yes, Mother. Regan missed her children.

Zo maneuvered her bare foot around Mals exposed arm and pinched him with her toes. What the he
was that?! he shot up o
the oor and smacked her with his pillow. Someones at the door and youre closer. Mal snorted. Oh, bullshit, sister! He answered the door anyway. Hey, whyre Jayne n River impersonatin Siamese twins? Doc?

Chapter ThirtyTwo Explanations

Jayne and River nally pulled themselves out of their stupor and eyed their surroundings in confusion. How the hell did we get here? Jayne wondered. Mal handed him a cigar. Question is, what the hell is the matter with you two? Jayne looked at the oering blanklyfor a moment analyzing each part of it clinically and going through the ingredients in his mind. Half of them were chemicals he probably couldnt spell. River heard the workings of his mind and reached over to tug on her brothers shirt. Simon! Cannot stop information from owing My brain is seeping into hisinconsequential ramblings of my mind River. She jerked away from her brother and faced her ance. Jayne? It aint hurtin me none. Its you in my head, darlinnot everyone. Just you. Were gonna be ne, he bit o the end of the cigar and nabbed a lighter o the end table. Im gonna be ne, he lit the cigar and took two pus. Mal laid a fatherly hand on Rivers shoulder. Gotta say, mei mei, he sounds ne. Looks ne, too. Mal, I know you miss Nara and all, but I aint sure I like you talkin bout me like thatIm gonna be a married man. Kaylee snickered. Married?! Mal gibbered. Simon cleared his throat impatiently. If I may? Everyone shut upthough Mal seemed to have lost control over his left foot and it bounced uselessly against the oor. I watched the security capture they recorded during your I cant call it a procedure, but I cant think of a word for it at them moment, he sighed roughly and plopped down on the chaise lounge opposite the mercenary and his sister. Kaylee sat beside him and laid a hand on his shoulder. Jayne, Im afraid they removed some brain matter, he gestured at his own forehead in the same spot where Jayne sported a yellowish
green bruise, before you stopped your own heart. The three needles they used afterward sent pulses into the removed tissue. Im not certain about what this did to you, exactly, but I can hypothesize It stimulated new growth and now you are using a part of your brain that you werent using before.

But Im gonna be ne, right? Jayne asked. Simon nodded very slowly. Though it seems like youre getting worse, youre actually just going through some cellular growth. By now I would say you are at your new normal wavelength. Can you tell me what has changed, exactly? Jayne tucked River against his side. Well, now I can hear River in my head and, uh, talk back to her. And theres this weird color thingy I can see sometimes when Im lookin at her. Aura, River corrected. Whatever. I can see and feel her emotions. Just her. I tried with yall, and it aint workin, Mal let out a whistling breath and dropped his head between his knees. So youre little Siamese twin act there? Jayne was trying to reassure me that Mother was not here to hurt me. Yer mas here? Zo asked. Shes On vacation, said Simon. She Misses her babies, River nished. Wants to keep in touch with us. Hurting herself inside because she didnt help Simon any more than she did. Helped to pay the group that helped him get me out. Mal shifted in his seat and speared Simon with his most serious expression. So, Doc, we gonna have a problem here? And whats this about a marriage? No problem. And I do believe that Jayne is the one who asked River to marry him. Huh. Jayne squeezed his arm around Rivers shoulders and grinned down at her. See, sweetheart? Aint nothin wrong, he looked up at the captain. Cn we make a trip to Kerry again? My ma would be powerful mad if n I didnt get married in the traditional way. Mal sighed again. Fine. We spend a few more days here, go get Kaylee some new parts, pick up Inara in orbit, and then well head out to Kerry. Rivers mood lifted intensely then. She clapped her hands together gleefully, leapt up from her perch beneath Jaynes arm, and pressed a quick kiss to Mals cheek. I love my captain! she exclaimed. Kaylee jumped in right behind her and bussed his opposite side. I love my captain, too! Mal groaned and looked expectantly at Zo. She raised her hands. Hey, you drank the last of the champagne. Aint feelin too lovin right now. Jayne laughed.

It wasnt until noon the next day that Jayne and River crawled out of their incredibly comfortable bed and threw some clothes on. They had planned on going in town with Kaylee and the poor girl was still waiting down in the lobby as Simon caught up with his mother over tea. Jaynes hair was mussed in an appealing way that he didnt seem to notice and he hadnt bothered to shave before being dragged out of the room by River. And he was sporting a huge hickey on the side of his neck. Ready to go, Kaylee
girl? She grinnedsunshine in tooth enameland took his free arm in hers. Absolutely! she exclaimed. River pointed dramatically towards the door. To the parts shop! And places beyond! Jayne added. They marched out of the resort to the sound of Regan Tams amused laughter and Simons exasperated groans.

While the girls haggled over prices with the cashier on duty, Jayne quietly slipped out of the shop and headed two doors down to the jewelers. He knew his mother was planning on giving him both her wedding band and his fathers to use when he nally settled down, but that didnt mean he couldnt spend some of his recently acquired cashy money on a nice engagement ring for River. He browsed through a row of silver jewelry until a piece caught his eye. It was simplea plain silver band with a square cut diamond set low inside the metal. No frills to catch on weapons or snag on clothing. The sales woman whod been watching him with that leery eye that suggested thoughts of shooing him outside suddenly perked up when he pointed at the ring. Is this a size six? he asked in his best Core voice. She gathered her long brown hair behind one ear and unlocked the case to pull out the ring in question. Yes, it is. Is this for a special occasion, sir? Jayne smiled as charmingly as capable and nodded. Engagement, actually. I was specically looking for a ring that wouldnt snag on anything. Its a lovely choice, sir. Do you want How much is it, maam? Jayne interrupted.

2,000 platinum, sir. If you need to make a down payment, I can arrange a for I can pay for it now. She inwardly crowed with joy at the thought of the commission shed get with this sale. Perfect, she said. Let me ring this up.

Kaylee had about ten bags she needed moving and was about to yell for Jayne when he popped up beside her and grabbed three for each hand. Ai ya, girl! Didja buy a whole new engine in pieces er somethin? Kaylee hefted two bags and smacked him with one. Just half, River quipped. Where did you go? Jayne just grinned and formed a blank slate in his mind to give nothing away. She looked a mite perturbed at the feel of it and pushed her lower lip out in a pout. Kaylee grinned suddenlyseeing what shops were down the row from the parts store. Cmon. We need to get this stu back to Serenity, she saidwisely changing the topic. Jayne raised an eyebrow at her. I aint walkin my pi gu all the way out to the docks with this heavy le se! It aint le se, Jayne! Them partsre the best out there available fer a Firey! Sides, it aint that far. Its half a ruttin mile, Kaylee
girl. Oh, like yer arms cant handle a teeny workout. I seen you lift, Jayne Cobb. Them bags aint nothin compared to that gorram bar. River nudged Jaynes belly with her elbow. She is right, huan ren. Besides, its a beautiful day out and I am in need of some sun. Jayne gave up and started trudging toward the docks.

It wasnt until after the crew had sat down to dinner that River pulled her brother aside and told him about wanting her tubal ligation reversed. Hed been unbelievably shocked to hear that the procedure had been forced upon her by the Academy, but calmed when she gave him that sad smile of resignation. In the past, Simon. Future will be better. He nodded, Much better.

River smiled and hugged him hardalmost to the point where her arms made his back crack. I love you, Simon. Simon smiled into his sisters hair and squeezed back just as hard. I love you too, River.

Three days later, Regan Tam followed the crew of Serenity to the docks and had to ght the initial groan of disapproval at the sight of the Firey. Several recriminating remarks were cycling through her head, but one look at her daughter told her that saying any of them aloud would result in disaster. You came here in that? Youre braver than I thought, was the last thing Regan thought ofan old memory of watching classic lms on the cortex with her baby girl resurfacing long enough to make River snort out a laugh at the quoted thought. I love you, Pebble, Regan said as the crew boardednally kissing her daughters cheeks. Be safe and remember to send me a wave. I will, Mama. Regan quickly swiped a few escaping tears away from her cheeks and accepted a hug from her son. Oh, Simon I love you too, Mama, he admitted. Be safe? She nodded into his sweater and reluctantly let him go. Regan Tam stayed on the docks and didnt leave until she couldnt tell Serenity from sky.

By nature, River hated to be sedated. Instead, she had Simon give her a local anesthetic and made Jayne sit beside her while her brother made quick work of the microsurgery it took to reverse what the Alliance had done to her. He told her the stories of how his sisters Amber and Jenny had gotten married and how his brother Carl had almost been stood up by his wife. Sleepily, River smiled at his tales and gripped his hands hard enough to grind his nger bones together. He didnt mindnot when the skin
warmed silver on her left hand dug into his esh and left a mark. Anything for his girl.

Chapter ThirtyThree Matrimony

Zo skirted past Jayne in the hallwayreturning his thankful grin as she swapped bunks with him. River was still feeling a bit groggy from the pain medication Simon had her on, and the big merc was planning on surprising her with the move. Honestly, Zo had considered swapping bunks with him soonershed seen how small his bed was and could hardly imagine him being able to fall asleep comfortably. His feet had to hang o the end. Carefully, Zo placed her favorite photo of Wash on the wall where the gun rack used to be. Her husbands perpetually smiling face warmed her heart all over again and the former soldier allowed herself to remember him. Their ghts, their jokes, their love I miss you, Wash
baby, she whispered and gently touched the tintype image. You wouldnt believe whats been goin on round here lately Her quiet voice lled the empty room for another hour as she recounted the current happenings to the ghost of her beloved.

Simon glanced up from his sisters chart when Jayne entered the med bay. He greeted his soon to be brother
in
law with a smile and nodded slightly. Success! he exclaimed. Theres no residual scar tissue and River is ne. Jayne reached out and squeezed his girls hand. Thats great, Doc. Need more bed rest, River informed. Yes. One more day of staying o your feet and letting the captain y the ship. River pouted. Jayne was quick to cheer her upkissing her forehead and grinning widely at her. Cheer up, buttercup. Got a surprise for ya. Cn I carry her outta here? he directed that last bit at Simon with big pleading eyes that were entirely out of place on Jaynes face. Simon rolled his eyes at the pet name. Sure. Just make sure she keeps taking the pain meds every four hours. Jayne nodded and scooped River into his arms with ease. He oered Inara, who just docked with Serenity fteen minutes ago, a cordial nod in passing.

Late into the night cycle Zo was awakened in an unfamiliar bunk by the sound of another hatch

opening. Years of training forced her to lie still and listen carefully to nd out who was mucking about so late. The soft noise of bare feet and the wisp of a long cotton T
shirt ten times too big for a petite frame proved Zos prediction. River. Sighing, Zo threw back the covers and exited her new quarters to check on the young woman. What are you up to, honey? River twisted in the pilots seat and keyed up a wave without looking. Must call Ma, she informed. Kaylee xed the wave on Kerry. It would be impolite to make a surprise visit again. Especially when there are preparations to be made. Zo opped against the console and crossed her arms over her breasts. Kerry got some elaborate wedding customs? River shrugged. No more than usual. But his family must be present. Especially his sisters. Jaynes that close to his sisters? Family is very important to him. He was present for their marriages Zo looked a bit surprised but kept her thoughts to herself. Or, as best she could while sitting across from a reader. River merely focused herself on her tasknally making contact with the town sheri. She put on her best smile and waved daintily at the elderly man. Good afternoon, Sheri Forester!

Harmony was practically bubbling with activity when Serenity landed a day later. Ma Cobb stood with Bruce faithfully seated at her heela look of uncontrolled glee had wormed its way across her aging face that took years away from her. Jayne took three steps down the gangplank with River attached to his back like a limpet and was overrun by his mothers huge Bullmasti. The dogs tail thumped heavily against his calves and the grin that colored the mercenarys face was wide enough to dimple his cheeks. Hello, my handsome boy! Ma Cobb greeted. She dragged his chin down more to her level and planted a smacking kiss on his cheek. She repeated the gesture awkwardly with River. And hello, my new daughter. The horsesre all ready an the family is waitin down by Lake Charity. Mal and the rest of the crewdressed simple but nice as Jayne had suggestedhung back slightly as though awaiting instruction. No one had a clue what to do next and it was written all over their faces. Ma Cobb snapped her ngers together to get Bruces slobbery attention and nodded toward a wagon just across the docks. It aint much, but its held up fer three other weddin parties. Jest dont step on them vines and owers

Jayne clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth and had the beautiful dun horse Sunshine walking toward himdark black tail icking against her golden hide in either a sign of joy or ies. As soon as the big man mounted the animal and tucked River in front of him on the saddle, the onlookers whooped and hollered. Clearly, out of all the noise, Mal made out the words: About gorram time! from more than one person. Gonna be one of them days, he mused to himself.

Lake Charity stretched out for miles and reected the setting sun against its still waters. The shoreline was anked by the women of the Cobb family all dressed in plain blue cotton frocks and barefooted in the sand. Ma Cobb joined her daughters and motioned for her sons to move the wagon. Jayne carefully dismounted his horse and removed Rivers shoes. Her feet touch the ground anew, he intonedrepeating words hed heard at so many other weddings before. He wrapped his hands around her small waist and lifted her into the airholding her there as Matty led Sunshine away. River sted her toes in the sand once Jayne set her on her feet and continued to stare in his oceanic eyes. Eyes meet and souls laid bare through and through, he nished the traditional words and toed his cowboy boots o. Quietly, Jaynes sisters, sister
in
law, and mother all began to sing a melodic tune in a tongue that Mal didnt recognize. Ma Cobb followed Jayne and River knee
deep into the waters and held their clasped hands in hers. Lord, bless my boy and this wonderful girl as they take this step in their lives, she saidher voice clear enough that Mal and his crew knew shed done this sort of thing more than once. Beside him, Mal felt Inara step closer and thread her thin ngers into hispressing their palms together tightly as they watched Jayne and River slide their simple silver wedding bands on each others hands. The odd pair waited as Jane Cobb wound a vine of blooming moon owers around their clasped hands and spoke in that same strange language that the captain couldnt place. Zo, unaware of her own actions, gently took his free hand and smiled out at the newlyweds still standing in the lake Dieu vous bnisse et vous garde, Ma Cobb nally said after a moment of silence. Jayne smiled brightly and drew forth one of Rivers most brilliant grinscausing Simon to tighten one arm around Kaylees shoulder. She was so happy

The newlyweds kissed with smiles
a feat damn near impossible but somehow they managed. Jaynes brother Carl left the small audience with Sunshine in tow. He led the animal into the lake and waited as Jayne and River leaned down to let the soft current of the water gently pull the moon ower vines away from their hands. They mounted the horse once again and followed the shoreline toward the setting sun. Ma Cobb lifted the hem of her dress out of the water and slogged back to shore with a huge, familiar looking, grin on her face. Finally! she slapped Mal on his collarbone. Bout time my boy got hitched. Whered they go o to? Zo asked. Ma Cobb raised one eyebrow at her. No one ever told yall bout Kerrys customs? Theyre gonna be out in the open fer two days roughin it. Nothin more solidifyin in a marriage than havin to rely on one another fer basic needs Two days?! Simon yelped. Kaylee tugged on his ear in an attempt to shush him. Carl an Matty set up a campsite about three miles down the shore when River waved Sheri Forester couple nights back. S tradition. Yall are welcome to stay on the ranch and wait fer em. I got apple pie on the menu fer tonight Mal perked up. Sounds shiny, Ma Cobb. Good, cause yer doin the dishes.

River slid down Jaynes arm and landed silently on the soft ground
one eyebrow raised at the blankets and pillows arranged carefully beside an re pit that already glowed with heat. Family set this up
s tradition, Jayne oered up at her confused thoughts. Tradition? When folks get hitched on Kerry, they spend two solid nights outdoors reconnectin with nature and whatnot. Somethin about nding out where we all came from an doin that together. River waited for him to hitch Sunshine up to the post further down the lake front and return to the reside. Your home world is very poetic. Aint no more poetical than the next, darlin. River hopped in his lap and tugged lightly on his sideburns. More so than Osiris. Planet full of arranged marriages and love means very little. Jayne cupped the back of her head and gently ran his nose along her cheek. Know why else newlyweds stay outdoors in the middle of nowhere? he asked, his breath teasing the sensitive skin at

the corner of her mouth. Hmm? He tilted his head again
the stubble on his cheeks running along her soft chin as he leaned in really close to her ear. So they can make all the noise they damn well please, he whispered hotly. River shuddered and gripped the hair at the nape of his neck. His mouth moved slowly against the delicately smooth skin just behind her earlobe and River tightened her hold on her new husband as a shot of pleasure ran straight down her spine and tightened her nethers. Ai ya, tian ah she groaned Jayne pulled her body closer
draping her long legs around his hips and almost crushing her against his chest. His long ngers teased the zipper at the back of her grey dress and River tugged frantically at his buttoned shirt. Do ya rea
y wanna go this fast? River glared into his eyes and yanked his shirt open
sending buttons ying into the re pit and beyond. Sex. NOW. We have two whole days. Jayne shrugged and lowered the zipper. River smashed her lips onto his and slid her arms out of the thin straps. Faster! Jayne sucked on her lower lip and yanked the dress down hard enough to rip it down the middle. He pushed her back into the pillows and blankets and sucked hard on one nipple. He teased the other with his ngertips and tried to remove his own clothing with one hand. River hooked one leg around his hips and used her own
shaking
free hands to undo his pants. She didnt even bother with pulling his clothes down all the way
instead leaning down hard on her elbows, tilting her hips up and pressing her slick cleft against his erection. Jayne hissed against her breastbone and angled his entire body to dip into hers in that blissful completion that theyd been missing for the last few days. The groan that started in the back of her throat heightened into a scream that Jayne had never heard coming from her. His eyebrows popped wide open and he stared at Rivers joyful face. You okay? Better she answered breathlessly. Better than okay Jayne shifted backwards slightly and yanked his shirt o. River groped at his abdominal muscles in an attempt to keep in contact with him
her nails gouging red lines against his tan skin.

With his pants still gathered around his knees, Jayne leaned back down and sucked on her neck hard enough to leave a mark. She yelled into his ear and they fell into a new rhythm that was more animalistic than anything theyd ever done before. They bit, scratched, howled, and greedily ate at each others mouthsboth selshly trying to reach completion before the other. River squeezed her inner muscles twice around Jaynes rigid member and screamed. The pitch of her voice echoed across the still waters of the lake. Jayne gasped into the hollow of her throat and came so quietly that River wondered if he was alright. The feel of his hot breath ghosting across her sweat
slick skin had her relaxing into the curve of his body as he fell on his side. It took them about fteen minutes to recover. God, I love you, xuan ni, Jayne whispered into Rivers tangled hair. River pressed her lips onto his cheek just below his eye and leaned her forehead against his. And I love you, huan ren. Mrs. River Cobb, Jayne grinned. River Cobb grinned right back at him and traced a path around his mouth where his goatee was slowly growing back. We will make a great team. We mak
a great team, darlin. She burrowed further into Jaynes arms and idly felt him tug his pants o the rest of the way and drape a thick blanket around them both. As they drifted o to sleep beneath the stars, Jaynes mind wandered to the futureone hed never really seen for himself before. Life to a ripe old age with his wife by his sidethe only being in the verse worth more than seven percent, full rein of the kitchen, and his own bunk. She was worth everything.

Epilogue

The bank was completely empty just before closingas it always was. But tonight, there were two folk that must have been desperate for some cashy money. They walked inside the bank bickering about loans and how much they needed the newest addition to a house they were building drawing the bank tellers attention away from the second couple entering the establishment. Besides, we can always get cheap labor out of your brother, the man saidtugging on his goatee in a gesture that was meant to look absent but signaled the tall woman over his wifes shoulder that now was the time. She winked at him and silently yanked the power cables out of the camera at the high corner of the room. The teller was too amused by the arguing married couple to notice her. My brother has never worked on that sort of thing in his life, the smaller woman argued. They stopped side
by
side in front of the teller and smiled lightly at each other. The large man set his piercing blue eyes on the teller and looked almost apologetic. At rst, the kid thought he was behaving that way to excuse his marital spat, but the heavy clic of metal set his mind right. Aw shit, he swore. Aint no problem, Jayne shrugged. Yer safe time
locked? Mal asked. The kid raised his hands and shook his head negatively. Naw. Managers code opens it. Wheres the manager? Zo asked. Dinner. River scooted beneath Jaynes upraised arm and peered owlishly at the teenager. Liar. Jayne glanced down at her. Oh! he jerked his head up at the kid again. Yer the manager?! Thirty
four, twenty
nine, eighty
six, zhang fu. Mal smirked and holstered his gun. Easy peasy, he chuckled. The kidmanager
looked abbergasted. How? Yer better o not askin, said Mal. Zo grinned and set to opening the safe. The Alliance payroll stared up at her from ve metal storage containers and she felt herself let out a low whistle. Eager, Mal slid up behind her and grinned. At last, we can retire from this life of crime, he joked. Sure that River was keeping an eye on the teller
cum
manager, Jayne glanced over at the pile of cash

and easily worked out how much money was sitting there. Math always was his best subject. Actually, Mal, I think yer right. The captain barked out a laugh and wagged a nger at his mercenary. Now you owe m for sayin my name on this job! Ah, go se! Jayne stomped one foot and returned his attention to the manager. Kid, they pickin that up tomorrow? Uh, yeah? That a question or an answer? Yee soo, I swear you Core folk Its an answer Jayne glared at him
and had River not known better she would have sworn the teenager shrank three feet. I know its a gorram answer! I was makin a point. Sorry, I
Shut up. The kids teeth clacked together as he shut his wide open trap. Meanwhile, Zo and Mal bundled up the payroll in the gunny sacks theyd been hiding under their long brown coats. They counted quietly to themselves and shared a triumphant smile when they came up with the same number. Hey, Bonnie an Clyde, were done here, Mal announced. River grinned up at Jayne and pulled on the hairs of his chin. You would be Bonnie, she joked. As the quartet left, the bank manager heard Jayne grumble out: Just fer that, I aint lettin you go on top tonight. Silence. What the he
just happened?! the manager asked the empty room
his hands still held skyward.

Kaylee squealed incoherently as she closed the loading ramp behind the crew members carrying four gunny sacks of loot. Little Mrs. Cobb, you head on up and get us back out to the black. River tossed her bag into Jaynes arms, gave Mal a mock salute, and skipped up to the bridge.

Simon grinned at her antics and looped an arm around Kaylees waist. I take it things worked out this time? he asked Mal. Shiny, the captain grinned. Inara came down the same stairs that River disappeared up and grinned warmly at the other ve people gathered in the cargo bay. Looks like everything went smoothly for once, she said sweetly. And I see we arent running out of here like our tails are on reno Alliance following us? Slow day, Zo excused. There was only one guy in the whole place. It is a Sunday, said Inara. She ngered one bundle of bills and hummed appreciatively. Looks like enough to retire on. Jayne snickered. Been hearin that a lot today, he split the cashy money into seven even and still quite large piles and dusted his hands on the seat of his khaki pants. Without a word to anyone else, he loped up the stairs and closed the door to the cockpit. Simon grimaced at the sound of his sisters pleased squeal just before the door closed. Sometimes I wish they werent so Vocal About their marriage. Kaylee nudged him in the ribs. Cmon bao bei, it aint bad at all. Sounds like theyre havin fun. She ended the sentence with a meaningful look at the doctor. Marital fun. Simon, you ever thought about getting married? Mal, Inara and Zo beat a hasty retreat to escape the latest coming epidemic of Tam Foot
in
Mouth disease under the imsy excuse that Inara had a pot of water boiling in the galley. Ive thought about it Not really seriously, though. So you dont wanna get married? Ta me? Simons eye widened in panic. No! No?! No, I meant no as in, thats not true. I do want to get married to you. Kaylee softened against his side and smiled wide enough to dimple. You askin me ta marry you, Simon Tam? Simon blinked twice and chewed on his lower lip. I, uh, suppose I am. Kaylee curled a tantalizing nger around the collar of his shirt. Guess we should celebrate, then Even after all this time with Kaylee, Simon still managed to blush.

Mal banged on the door to the bridge and stood in his Captain Stance while he waited. The door clanked open to reveal his mercenary sans shirt with an extra pair of thin little hands curved around his bare chest. Oh, for the love of God, you two got a bunkuse it! Jayne barely oered up a sheepish look as he hooked his arms around Rivers knees and carried her six feet to the closed hatch. Not a sorry captain between the two of them. You two get less obedient every day. They ignored the comment and slid down into their shared cabinthe walls were covered in their shared arsenal and the bed maintained an almost permanent rumple look from all the work it got. Jayne twisted River around on his lap so that she face him again and buried his nose in her hair. Hate it when the fun gets interrupted, he growled. River smothered a laugh against the skin of his shoulderngernail tracing the lines of the tattoo there. Jayne? He kissed the sensitive spot behind her ear and gently hugged her tighter. Yeah, ai ren? Hmm There is new light on Serenity tonight. He paused and pulled back to look her in the eye. River pressed an image to the forefront of her mind and bit her lip nervously. Jaynes eyes lit up suddenlythe childlike brightness hed always held within shone through with crystal clarity. Baby!? Were havin a baby?! River noddedlip still trapped between her teeth. Jayne gleefully pulled her up against his half
nude body and hugged her tightly. Im gonna be a poppa! River nally let herself relaxJaynes exuberating attitude infectious and welcoming. So you are happy? Happy?! Jayne laughed into her hair. He clamped one of her hands over his heart. Feel that, darlin? Im so gorram happy my hearts bout ta bust outta my chest! River let herself laugh with him.

Across the ship a captain and a former companion shared a pot of tea and some heavy philosophical conversation. A former soldier prepped the ovens for dinner and listened in on their talk with a grin turning the corners of her lips. Down in the engine room a doctor and a mechanic were wrapped up with one another
whispering words of love and promises. And down in the bunk nearest the cockpit a mercenary and a trained assassin laughed together in sheer joy. Big bear and little bear were having a baby. Serenity was still ying and all was right in the verse. THE END.