"Enough"

---

---

---

The metal railing felt cool under her fingertips as River descended the stairway to her room. It was late and she was weary, emotionally drained from the events of late.

Lost in an ethereal trance, she was unaware of the man waiting in the shadows. That is until one large hand reached out and pulled her into the security of the darkness. His warmth enveloped her and her heart quickened, not from the suddenness of his actions but from the contact of their eager bodies.

There was only hot breath and silence as River reached up and traced her fingers over Jayne's forehead, cheekbones, and chin; the rough stubble prickling her fingertips. Moving her exploration to his mouth, she slowly outlined his lips, her hands seeing what her eyes could not.

A small gasp escaped her as he used his strong arms to draw her close, capturing her lips with his, encasing her in a cloak of urgency. River's knees weakened upon contact and she was glad for the anchor of his embrace.

Fervently, Jayne explored the sweetness of her mouth for the first time in a week. It was only their second kiss, but if it was at all possible his heart pounded even harder than with the first.

This girl was doing something to him he couldn't explain. The only thing he knew was he wanted her with every fiber of his being. She felt heavenly in his arms, beneath his mouth and the little mewls slipping past their kisses fueled his animalistic desire.

Her mind was spinning in a torrential whirl. Flashes of color danced behind her closed eyelids as the strength of his deepening kisses both satisfied and inundated her. All of theses new sensations, a slip of soft tongue around hers, a large hand caressing down her back, lips gently sucking and pulling at her ripe flesh, mutually frightened and thrilled her.

An eternity could have passed before they finally broke apart for gasps of precious air.

"Jayne." She panted.

"Hey there." was Jayne's throaty reply.

"If he catches us…"

"Shh. Ain't gonna happen." He touched a light kiss to her nose before releasing her. "Hang tight fer a minute, 'kay?" River nodded hesitantly, not wanting to let go.

Jayne was only gone a moment before he returned with a blanket and a couple of pillows from the infirmary and spread them out in their little hideaway beneath the stairwell. He sank down into the dim corner, beckoning her with his eyes to join him.

A faint light from the infirmary beyond splayed slotted beams of blue tinted light across his face. It was almost reminiscent of sitting underneath a far away moon in the dead of night. She crawled down next to him, settling comfortably into his side.

Jayne draped his left arm across her slender shoulders, pulling her close to him. On resting her cheek against his broad chest, the drumming of Jayne's heart echoed in her ears. Smiling to herself at the sound, she smoothed her small hand over his torso, exploring every inch with a curious fascination.

"Whatchya doin' ?"

"Touching Jayne." River replied dreamily.

His heart immediately skipped a beat at the enraptured tinge in her voice. She always made him feel ten kinds of worthy, paying him special attention like he was the only man in the 'verse.

Jayne tried to ignore the distant part of him - the part not basking in the feel of her in his arms - that was terrified. Forcing the those thoughts away, he chose instead to concentrate on the now. God knows how long they had until Mal found them out.

Dumbass hog had been intruding all week, dropping in out of nowhere when they finally stole a minute together. It was kind of unsettling how he knew. Took to barking orders on the COM at all hours of the day.

Their respective jobs were always at complete opposite ends of the ship, and dinnertime had them no closer. His shoulders ached even now from the dramatic increase in workload. Laying down the law orsohe called it.

They went along with it at first, mostly because she asked him to. She even fluttered little notes down into his bunk a couple times a day, a substitute for a relationship. He smirked momentarily at the sweet (and unexpectedly not so sweet) things she penned to him.

The stubborn man wasn't going to budge. Had some heated words with the captain more than a couple of times in the past week, up until the lao hun threatened to drop him off at the nearest rock if he didn't like his directive.

Mal was completely off his rocker and Jayne was coming close to his limits in holding back a final confrontation with the hwin dan.

"I didn't want you and captain to have a falling out over me. Over us." River's voice stirred him from reflection. Moving her hand up, she lightly outlined the shape of his ear, sending shivers down his spine.

"Ain't yer fault the man's crazed. Thought you were the resident crazy on t'ship, but I think the cap'n has ya beat." Jayne was simmering just thinking about the hell they'd been put through the past weak.

"Your reassurance is flawed."

"Ya know what I'm meanin'."

River thought contemplatively for a moment. "He just wants to protect me. The dominant male of the herd always looks out for the females. Captain's no different."

"Don't mean I have to like it none." Jayne was quiet for a moment, before he spoke again. "Straight out, don't know how much more of this I can take." He felt red with anger. Wasn't used to having to hold it in. Usually by now, he would have hit something, or someone for release.

River sat up abruptly, accosting at him with hurt eyes. "You wish to discontinue?"

Realization dawned on him that she had misinterpreted his words. "Aw, hell no! That's not... didn't mean you, crazy-girl."

Jayne grabbed River's hands and pulled her up his body so she was lying flush to his. "We's just startin' somthin'. I ain't about ta give up on it that quick," he whispered in her hair. As he squeezed her close, she relaxed and sank into his form. Ai ya, if her girly parts didn't feel good resting on top of him.

"I could assassinate him. You could take over the ship. Problem solved." River offered a moment later.

Jayne cracked a mischievous grin as he ran his fingers through the tangles in her hair. "The rest o' the crew prolly won't take too kindly ta that. But hey, I always wanted ta be captain."

River yawned, placated by Jayne's soothing touch. "They'd get over it."

"Hey now, don't go falling asleep on me now." Jayne scolded as he shook River gently. "You pass out, it'd kinda ruin the mood."

"What mood would that be? I'm hiding under a dark stairwell so I can cop a feel from the girl I'm forbidden have contact with?" River teased as she smiled into his chest.

"Cop a feel? When'd I git ta do that?" Jayne asked playfully.

River propped her head up on her arms and looked unabashedly into Jayne's deep blue eyes. "You move slow." At that, she reached her arm back and grabbed one massive paw and guided it down to cover her backside. "Don't be afraid to touch."

Jayne was startled and easily aroused at her bold action. He looked back into her large brown eyes, silently answering her challenge. Cupping the soft round flesh under his hand, he marveled at the firm suppleness, exploring her curves with achingly slow deliberation.

As he continued to hold her lower body steadily to his, River leaned forward, propelled by his touch. A curtain of hair fell around Jayne's face, blocking out the dim lighting of their sanctuary as she pressed her lips against his.

Long, deep kisses matched the strength of their touches. Swirling tongues, salty-sweet, danced past pressed, swollen lips. Moans like whispers echoed through the night. As she broke away from his mouth and moved to cover his chin, and neck with hot kisses, Jayne fought to return from the haze his inundated body had sent his mind into.

"Girl. River…I don't really wanna be sayin' this, but we gotta stop er I ain't gonna beable ta."

"Taste good." River licked slowly up his neck, ignoring his request.

Jayne groaned at the sensation and his mind went to unholy places. The mere thought of her tasting other bits of him drove him wild. Shaking away the happy thoughts, he opted to keet the inner commentary to himself. Didn't need to go encouraging her when he could barely contain himself as it was.

River ceased her taunting and rested her head contently back on the strong body beneath her. "Let's just stay like this. Forever and a day." She hummed.

"Forever might git us spaced. How's abouts fer another minute? Then we gotta git." Jayne compromised, not really wanting to leave either.

Closing his eyes, they lay together in pleasant silence. After a short while, he could feel her body relax upon his completely and her hand slacken its grip around his as her breathing slowed. Jayne adjusted her limp frame higher on his, her face now resting upon his shoulder.

Wrapping his arms around her tight, Jayne slowly became sedated by her warm breath on his neck. Just for another minute, he affirmed in his mind as he began to drift. Dreams already worked their way towards the near unconscious mercenary. Just for…another…minute…

---

5 days earlier…

"Ok, little one, ya ready to learn the fun stuff?" Wash smiled to his accomplice manning the co-pilot controls.

"Fun as in aviation tricks used to save our pi gu's from immanent death?" River mocked as she switched off the ship's autopilot and took hold of the steering apparatus.

"That would be the kind. I call them Hobanautics. Has a nice ring to it, dontcha think?"

"It has your name in it."

"The perks of the job. I'll tell you what, you learn all of the get-away maneuvers, and we'll give you your very own aviation term." Wash directed River a goofy grin before checking Serenity's operational functions.

"Deal. But no phrases referring to my mental competency."

"You do realize other names include such themes as Crazy Ivan, The Slasher, Jail Break, and Angry Sue." Wash flipped his three famous switches and shot River a zany expression. "Kinda have to be a little off your rocker to attempt some of the stunts I'm about to show you. Ready, my little wing-woman?"

River smiled mischievously and switched on her manual controls. "Show me the Slasher first."

For the next couple hours, Wash and River sent Serenity wielding through the sky like a bat out of hell. The rush of the daring maneuvers sent the blood coursing and when they were through with the last drill, both were grinning from ear to ear.

"That was enthralling. See why you love your job." River exclaimed as she set serenity back on autopilot and resumed a comfortable sitting position.

"I'm truly amazed. What took me months to master, took you only hours. Not that I should be surprised. Little genius assassins should also be naturally skilled in aviation."

River just smiled shyly, hugging her knees close as she gazed out amorously into the starry vastness. "I feel free up here. I just imagine I'm an eagle in full flight, the wind whipping through my feathers, the velocity and force of the air stream propelling me through the black."

Wash looked proudly at his student and chuckled. "Feathers, huh." She reminded him of himself when he was starting out, ambitious and imaginative. It was quiet for a period as they both sat in comfortable silence.

Wash noticed River scribbling something on a piece of paper which wasn't out of the ordinary. She was always drawing, writing, reading… come to think of it, the girl was always doing something.

River turned to Wash "Will you please excuse me for a minute?"

"Sure thing, about break time anyways. Take all the time you need."

River slipped from the bridge, cautiously looking about. When she affirmed she was alone, very quietly, she cracked open's Jayne's bunk door and let a folded piece of paper drop to the ground. Proud of her mission accomplished, she returned to the bridge.

Jayne,

I'm not technically breaking the rules with this letter. C. Daddy said nothing forbidding written communication. It's been a long day of aerobatics, as you may have noticed. Anyways, I was staring into the black, thinking of you of how I'm just beginning to know you and I wonder if one soul can truly know another. We are all lost in ourselves, this abyss we call life. I want to see you, but will be patient for now. The storm will pass.

Love, Your Crazy.

Wash left for a long while and returned with two plates of food. As he handed her a plate, he also slipped her a small note.

"Some hulking, sweaty old guy wanted me to give this to you. I wouldn't trust anything coming from a man that dirty, though." Wash said with a wink.

River beamed and unfolded the note eagerly.

River,

You don't got to go an call yourself crazy. Well, you might be, seein as you agreed to be my girl an all. Point is, I know I done called you a lot of names in the past, but we can think of some nicer ones. Not any of the sickly ones Wash an Zoe is callin each other thou.

Wanna see ya real bad too. Gonna be down here cleanin out the storage areas for the better part of the week. The hun dan hasn't paid no heed to em for three years, and now theys need attending to?

You guys done messin around up there? Kaylee went an lost her lunch after the dive spiny thing. Feelin a bit neousus nauseous my own self.

P.s. Rules were made to be broken.

J.

River smiled giddily and refolded the note carefully, tucking it away in the pocket of her dress. She picked up her plate and sat back in her chair, thinking about what she was going to write back. It was hard not being allowed to see her merc, but at least they were making the best out of the delicate situation.

As they ate, Wash resumed conversation. "So, I hear you're grounded."

River set down her plate and sighed. "Yes. Captain Daddy needs time to adjust. It's both patently asinine and valid." River took a small sip of water and explained further. "Unfamiliar ground makes the man nervous."

"Ahhh…Happy times. Cap'n pulled the same go se on Zoë and me. First, he'll start out right with the forbidding."

"Confirmed."

"Next you can count on the not-so-subtle attempts to keep ya apart. Expect to become very busy… soon." Wash trailed off as realization dawned. "I guess that would be why we're suddenly having flight school 101."

River nodded. "How did you make him understand?"

"We didn't really. If you haven't noticed, the man's a little hot-headed. We told just him we were leaving. That he couldn't stand in the way of love, and mind you, some of the wildest sex ever."

River giggled. "You told him that?"

"Well not the last part, he wasn't in a very lighthearted mood that day. See back then, it was just the three of us and Kaylee. Jayne and Inara didn't come aboard until about a year or so before you and the Doc. So us leavin' really would have upset his whole operation.

"Thus, with idle threats of departure he was forced to surrender. Clever."

"Precisely." Wash leaned back in his chair and rested his feet up on the console. "Although, I don't think the cap'n will ever entirely grasp Zoë and me, but he accepts it."

River smiled, impulse crossing her face. "Tell me about when you and Zoë had matrimonial relations."

Wash laughed. "You've heard this story a hundred times by now, little lady. Think it's lost its pizzazz."

"I like to hear it. Gives one hope. Plus, the narrator has a certain humorous charm."

"Are you flirting with me, little minion? Better watch yourself. We have some rather jealous counterparts." Wash smiled playfully at River.

"Zoë has shown Jealously?" River asked incredulously.

"Ok, well that'd of been me. But I'd like to entertain the notion that the wifey could get crazy jealous." Wash paused in consideration. "All right, it's a fantasy of mine really."

"She would fight for you, but she understands. She trusts you."

"Yeah, I know. It's the most important inner working of a marriage, that trust thing. Learned it the hard way."

"Zoë and Captain Daddy." River confirmed.

"Yep. That would be the crazed memory of myself I'd like nothing more than to forget. Alrighty, it's getting late, kiddo. We're done for today. You've passed escaping from the clutches of death part one. Why don't we go see what the rest of the hellions are up to? Promise one tale of marital debauchery tomorrow."

Later that night another note was dropped into the quarters of a very weary, conked out mercenary.

Jayne,

What is in a name? Hmm, does this mean I can designate some pet names for you as well? How about the nickname your mother calls you, tu shou ji. It means turkey right?

Flight-school is recessed. Promise no more spinny-dive maneuvers, at least not until we're fleeing for our lives. Where were you at dinner? I saved you some provisions. Simon cooked. So be-forewarned.

P.s. Boys who break the rules will be punished.

P.P.S. Call me what you wish, as long as I'm yours.

River.

---

4 days earlier…

It was still early when River staggered onto the bridge to resume another full day of forestalling. Her face brightened when she spied another square piece of binding waiting for her on the console. Looked like someone had already started their day. She plunked down to read it.

Alright baby doll,

Givin a man permission to call you whatever he wants can be dangerous. How'd you know what my ma calls me anyhow, did ya read my letters when you were on your thieving raids back when?

Anyhow, had another wrangle with lian tun, bet ya can't guess what about. So if I were missin in action thats why. Kinda silly us writin like this bein on the same boat an all but it's better then nothin. In fact I kinda like it.

P.S. Don't call me Turkey. I like ya and all, but you'd be temptin fate.

P.P.S. What kinda punishment? Will you be doin the punishing?

J.

---

It was late in the afternoon when River and Wash finished their second flight lesson. To spare Kaylee and the rest of the crew who protested much the night before, they used Wash's old flight simulator program.

The Pilot kept his promise to River from the day before and recounted his impetuous union to one former, independent soldier.

Zoë approached the bridge, and stood quietly against the doorway and listened to her husband reminisce about their wedding night. Her feet and back ached from the two tons of baby she was carrying but the calming tone in her man's voice helped her temporarily block it out.

Even now as he described events past, she could vividly recall the vow's they'd exchanged in that rank, little chapel in the out skirts of Ariel city. She remembered looking deep into his bright blue eyes and confessing all the things she felt for him during their brief but fiery courtship.

Zoë felt a tinge of nervousness as she held her lover's hands, searching for the words buried deep. Nervous wasn't a quality she was keen to, but something about the weight of the moment made her knees go soft. She cleared her mind and went for it.

"Been a lot of places in my life, done some things I regret, some I don't. Seen more 'n' my fair share of tragedy. Kinda went though life not expecting more 'n' that."

Zoë smiled warmly and continued. "Until I met you, short, handsome, loud, funny man that you are. Told the captain straight out that I didn't like ya. Was scared of things changin'. Didn't know how unhappy I was 'till I knew you. You helped me stop walkin' with the dead, showed me how to live proper. Smile now cause of you. I wanna spend the rest of my days listenin' to your horribly timed jokes. Grow old somewhere it don't move under our feet, when we grow tired of the life we lead. I love you that much."

Zoë paused and her smile went from loving to impish. "But most of all, I wanna be there to hold your hand when you tell the captain we ran off and got married with out his consent."

"Me? You want me to tell him? You're the skilled fighter, baby-cakes. Plus, the cap'n wouldn't strike you, at least I hope he wouldn't."

The Preacher looked tense and cleared his throat impatiently. He wanted to hurry and marry the odd pair and get them out of his chapel as fast as he could.

"It's gonna be fine." Zoë leaned her head against Wash's and smiled reassuringly.

He relaxed a little and brought her hands up to his mouth, kissing them gently. "Right. I'm not gonna worry about that at present. Now is the time I get to tell you all the reasons why you rock my world." Wash waggled his eyebrows at his soon to be wife. "I swear to you it's not just a sex thing either. Though it's helped momentously."

Zoë laughed as Wash pulled her in his arms and looked her deep in the eyes. The same beautiful chocolate brown eyes that swam in his mind every waking minute. "Only had one love up until I encountered you. Admired the steadfastness you held to while rebuffing my numerous advances. When I finally gave up, you came. Surprised the hell out of me. Remember what you said?"

Zoë smiled and repeated her advice on pursuing. "If a man wants somethin' bad enough, he should never give up an' I don't see you as the quittin' type."

"We made love for the first time that night and I knew nothing could ever make me desert you. I had a love before, but sailing free through the open black pales next to loving you, my beautiful Amazonian bride."

Her heart sped up at the memory. She had planted a long, wet one on her new husband after that. The preacher never had the chance to get to that part. Snapping back to the present, she listened to her husband recall the rest of that eventful day.

"So Zoë tells the guard: Look kid, you can either stand there and watch, for which I might have to maim you later for, or you can make yourself absent for a few. Tonight's my weddin' night an' there ain't nothing' gonna stand in the way of ceremony."

"I told the kid he'd better go with option number two, the less painful route. It must have been his first day or something, 'cause he was stupid enough to fall for it. So after he left the room we started making all these guttural noises, very realistic like mind you, banging stuff around for an extra touch of realism while Zoë used the keys she lifted to make our get away. Needless to say, when we got back to Serenity, solidifying our marriage was the last thing on our minds."

"And now you're going to be a daddy."

"Yeah, scary thought isn't it? Just hope I can be up to par for the job."

"Don't worry, hon. We'll limit your exposure with the little ones. They'll be none the wiser." Zoë stepped in and wrapped her husband in a hug from behind and smiled at River. "This old story again?"

"Never old. Each narration holds fresh perspective. My favorite part is still the fact that the culprit to your incarceration was the preacher man that married you."

"Yes, he thought we were on narcotics. He just never happened to meet folk as lively as ourselves before. Isn't that right bumpkin?"

"Affirmative."

"I love it when you do military speak."

River smiled as she watched the couple exchange a loving kiss, but it quickly faded. She wondered if and when she'd be able to do the same with her Jayne.

---

3 days earlier…

Jayne watched from across the table as River consumed her breakfast. When she looked up at him and smiled, he felt a blush spread over his cheeks. Unconsciously, he had the urge to look bashfully away, having been caught staring. Then he reminded himself he was a grown man with plenty of experience with women and wondered why in the hell was he acting like the pansy ass Doc for anyhow.

River got up and deposited her dishes in the sink. She drooped down to tie her boot lace conveniently next to Jayne's chair stuffing her note to him down the top of his boot and left with out a word.

Jayne waited until Mal finished barking orders and left the mess to fish out the piece of paper. Kaylee, Zoe and 'Nara were still present, but they all knew about their little secret communication. So he pulled the note from his boot and enjoyed the rest of his breakfast with a little reading material.

Toodlebug,

What? It's not a fowl. Don't make faces. My father used to call me pumpkin-nut. So don't feel bad. Not relevant if I read your letters. You always recite them aloud anyways. Have a photographic memory, nothing goes amiss. Lucky for you, I'm very forgiving.

Anything involving you is dangerous. That's the appeal. I have a proclivity for bad boys. Have a few things in mind in the way of manhandling, think maidenhead but with a lighter touch.

P.S. Give your letter to Kaylee. She has volunteered to be our herald. Thinks our intra ship correspondence is romantic… You're making faces again.

River.

---

Mal observed River from the hatchway of the bridge for a moment before entering. She looked all grown up and womanly sitting there, but to him she'd always be the shivering young thing he took aboard almost three years back.

"How's it goin', lil' one?"

River didn't turn to face the captain as she replied. "I'm almost not speaking with you."

Mal sighed as he took Wash's unoccupied chair. "I'm doin' this for your own good. You'll thank me later," he stated astutely.

"Am aware of risks and contingencies that coincide an adult relationship. Your doing this for your benefit, not mine."

"An' exactly how many adult relationships have you been party to?" Mal countered.

River was silent.

Mal looked across at the girl affectionately. "You're a lot of things lil' 'tross, an' one of them ain't stupid. You're a mite silly at times. Don't get me wrong. Understand you're a whiz kid even. Deadly with a weapon. Don't think I'll ever get used to that." Mal tried to win River over with a smile but she continued to stare blankly at him as he spoke.

The captain's expression melted into seriousness. "Most importantly you've been through more than one little person ought to. But experience is somethin' you're one school short. You're my crew. Have been for a sometime now. Like to think I can look out for you when possible."

"How am I supposed to learn if you forbid me to even try?"

Mal sighed and stood, looking at the forlorn girl. "Ya just have to trust me on this one." He gave her one last meaningful look and left before she could make him feel any worse than he already felt. He called back authoritatively over his shoulder as he disappeared down the hall, "Just get the notion outta your head."

"Kind of late for that." River said to the empty space beyond.

---

"Pssst… River. It's me, Kaylee. May I come in?" A hushed voice called from outside her room.

"You may."

Kaylee slid open the door and looked around conspiratorially before entering and shutting the door behind her.

"The correct way to go about it is to appear inconspicuous." River acknowledged mundanely.

"I'm doin' it all wrong, aint I? Never been one for sneakin'. Suppose that's why I got in trouble so much when I was a wee thing an', well, not so wee. Anyways, have a message from Romeo." Kaylee smiled as she sat next to River on her bed and handed over the note.

"Thanks. Kaylee. I appreciate your help. You're doing fine. Besides, captain will never suspect you."

"Miss River, are you implyin' I'm too virtuous for crime?" Kaylee feigned aghast.

River grinned slyly, "I'm sure we will continue to corrupt one another. I will teach you how to slip about unnoticed, and you can give me tips on sex."

"Well now your talkin' my language." Kaylee laughed.

They lay back on the bed gigging incessantly like two schoolgirls as the mechanic divulged her wisdom. It was like this always between the two, like they were long lost sisters, kindred spirits.

When River finished a gut busting fit over Kaylee's description of the male anatomy, she turned and faced her friend.

"Did Jayne say anything to you when he gave you the note?"

"Nah, just looked kinda beat."

"Yes, I suppose he is."

"Dontcha worry none, you two are strong an' if the cap'n don't come around, we'll think o' something."

"Thanks, Kaylee."

"No problem, mei mei. Now come here, you. Lemme give ya a big hug."

"The cure all."

"Mebbe not, but they help." Kaylee squeezed River tight and gave her a quick kiss on the forehead.

After she left, River read Jayne's letter several times, ten to be exact.

Dumpling,

Oh, that's right, its on. I've got a whole stash of them cutsy names. So you like bad boys huh? Well, you best go easy, talk is one thing, taking a walk on the dark side is another. You keep writin' things like that, won't be able to stay away much longer. Speakin of, tried to get to the bridge to see ya today, but guess who popped up out of ruttin nowheres. Wonder if he got hidden captures stuck up everywhere. See you at din. Hopefully.

P.s. Kaylee ain't reading these is she?

J.

---

2 days earlier…

Big-daddy-yum-yum,

You don't even want to know were I acquired that one.

Don't worry. Your perverse little secrets are safe with me. Oh, and Simon. I must tell him everything.

It was nice to see you last night, even if we had the whole crew between us. I caught you staring a few times. Think you've got it bad for me.

Captain wants me to learn engineering from Kaylee today. I'm sure tomorrow I'll be learning how to extract bullets from Simon. Thank you for being patient. You will be rewarded for your efforts.

Yours,
River.

P.S. You can breathe easy. I don't go to Simon for council, but Inara knows everything.

Jayne let out a snicker as he finished the note a second time and stuffed it in to his pocket, and just before Mal rounded the corner.

"Was lookin' for you. When you're through installin' the new cargo anchors, got another project lined up."

"This is gettin' ridiculous, Mal. These jobs are bogus." Jayne clamored.

"I say there's work to be had, you do it. Got an issue with that, you can find yourself new employ once we hit world." Mal challenged.

"Work I don't gotta problem with an' ya know it. Take issue wit' not being allowed ta see my girl is what. Where in the job description do it say you get ta settle my personal life?" Jayne stepped closer, not impressed with the captain's antics.

"You were aware of the rules right fine when you boarded."

"So, Zoe 'n' Wash, Lil' Kay 'n' the Doc, hell, even you an' ruttin' 'Nara are all excepts ta that rule? Don't seem exactly fair, now do it?" Jayne spat.

Mal stared the mercenary down hard. "They ain't with folk young enough to be kin."

"You know that don't mean a lick out here." Jayne exasperated. "Ain't exactly civilization, nor do we abide by those rules anyhow. An' what bout 'Nara? Know she ain't anywhere nears as old as you. An' that's a damn site older than me."

It was Mal's turn to step closer. "That may be, but there's one huge variance 'tween lil' 'tross and Inara, in which makes all the matter of difference."

"What? That 'Nara's a whore?" Another step.

Mal lifted a finger in warning towards the merc's face. "Don't you call her that."

"You do."

They were inches from one another now, the animosity so thick it could asphyxiate. "Gorramit, Jayne! You think you're the best person to be courtin' a girl who's prolly ain't never been with a man before?"

"No."

"Well, I think…wait. What?"

"I said no, alright. Ya happy to know that? I git the girl deserves someone all fancible an' such. Person who's educated an' a lil' less rough 'round ta collar. Think I ain't scared I'm gonna mess it all up? Or worse, send her straight back to loonyville? Think 'bout it all ta ruttin' time. But fer once in my life I ain't itchin' ta run. May not deserve her, but that don't mean I ain't gonna try ta."

Mal's face softened for a brief moment before regaining its I-mean-business stance. "You just stay away from her, ya hear?"

Mal stalked off, leaving Jayne muttering furiously under his breath.

"Shou Xian wan gu kong xin lu zi kai's, this bastard's the worst!"

---

Yesterday…

River kept flashing little smiles at Jayne who was sitting next to her at the dinning table. She was craftily reading the note he palmed her minutes earlier.

Sugar-lips,

Damn right I got it bad. I think this whole not being able to see you, touch you thing is making it a hell of a lot worse. Like buying a kid a shiny new toy gun, waving it in his face and then tucking it away.

You look cute with your hair put up like that. Look cute no matter what. See this here, ya got me being all mushy like. Think I'm just tired.

P.S. What else do you and Nara do?

J.

When River finished, she pulled a pen from her dress pocket and turned the paper over, scribing a response to Jayne's shameless inquiry and passed it to him via cover of the tabletop.

Cowboy,

Wouldn't you like to know…

River.

Jayne looked down at his lap and snickered, causing Mal to glance up from his breakfast and frown. River continued to eat dutifully, staring straight ahead as if it were nobody's business.

Holding the sheet steady on his thigh, he used the pen River had thoughtfully passed along with the note and scribbled out a response.

Kitten,

Now your just being cruel. Its fine, have my own imagenetion imagination.

P.S. I'll be in my bunk if ya wanna write me up a little account.

J.

River thought for a moment before responding.

My prince,

I'm all for playing into your lecherous, male fantasies but I'd like to lie to myself for a while and believe its just me your thinking about when you're alone in you're bunk. Let me hold on to the delusion.

River.

Jayne raised an eyebrow at her and folded up the note and stuck it in his pants. He gathered up his empty dish and hers, leaning over, he whispered throatily in her ear.

"Trust me darlin' yer all I think about." River felt chills, virtually glowing as she looked him. They held one another's eyes for a moment, forgetting they had company.

Mal cleared his throat and in a warning tone declared, "Jayne, proximity."

Jayne moved away from River and grunted irritably. Shooting Mal a look that could kill, he left the kitchen. He thought of all the amusing ways he could murder the captain as he stalked his way to the bay. It was amazing how fast that helped him regain his grin.

---

Kaylee, Simon, Zoe and Inara stood high on the catwalk observing Jayne scrubbing the grime from the floor gratings, cursing in Mandarin under his breath.

"Just look at him, poor guy looks like misery." Sympathized Kaylee.

"Who knew my sister could have that much of an effect on the ape-man?"

Inara looked across at Simon. "Don't think it's River, as much at it is Mal. The man has a certain talent for wearing a person down."

"Didn't mean what he said, ya know." Zoe reached out and touched Inara's forearm. "The captain's just scared of things he can't control, emotions being one of them."

"Don't I know it?" Inara said dryly. "Except, what he's doing to Jayne and River is projection. He really hasn't the right. There should be a decree inhibiting Mal from making rules that dictate one's personal life."

Zoe looked out at Jayne as she spoke. "Relationships do complicate things, I ain't gonna lie, especially in our work. Captain's not entirely wrong for being concerned and those two are the most unpredictable."

"Kind of ironic that they happened to choose one another. It's going to be interesting, that's for sure." Simon remarked.

"The rule's been broken twice now." Kaylee looked at Simon for emphasis. "Don't seem fair to expect Jayne an' Riv to abide by them when we's free to have each other."

"I know." Zoe said quietly, her mind already lost in thought.

Simon grabbed Kaylee's hand and pulled her near. "I might be kicking myself later for encouraging this, but is there anything we can do?"

"You mean besides tying the man up and giving him a good thrashing?"

"Inara, who'd a thought you could be so kinky?" Kaylee teased.

"Don't forget violent." Inara returned, a small smile finally finding its way through her solemn demeanor.

Finishing her mental calculations, Zoe spoke up. "I have a idea, might just work. Inara, your contact from Osiris wanna do business?"

"Osiris? Think that's wise?" Simon instantly began to pale at the thought of going back to his home planet.

"There'll be a substantial risk, just like any other job." Zoe replied candidly.

"Jonathan hasn't wanted anyone else since Miranda." Confirmed Inara. "The sort of job he's offering requires a certain amount of audacity."

Simon could see that the girls had already set the course of events to come. "Yay. Off to another temerarious adventure. Better restock the infirmary."

---

Mal picked up a worn bible, tattered pages jutting out from yellowed seems. He sat on the late Shepherd's bed with a weary sigh and smoothed his hand over the ancient leather cover. He had been visiting Book's room ever since he had last held his bloody hands and secretly promised to abide by his dying words.

He wasn't sure what he believed anymore but he knew whether he liked it or not he was accountable for everything that went down on his boat. That included River and Jayne, and what was most definitely going to result from the deadly combination. Maybe they didn't or couldn't see it yet - and the rest of the crew wasn't helping much either - but you play with fire, you get burned.

He was supposed to be able to avert these sorts of catastrophes before they happened. Why didn't he see this brewing? Denial? Distraction? Inara. God, he had really gone and screwed things up in that arena. Love made a man weak and he couldn't afford to be weak, not now. Not when things were bound to erupt into a cataclysm.

Folk like Jayne - like his own Daddy past- didn't take too kind to being tied down for too long. He saw the world of hurt his own ma had to go through before she ate the back of her own pistol. After he buried his ma and beat the shit out of his father, he swore to himself he'd never fall in love.

He never said it out right to the girl but he had to grown to care for little albatross. She was one of his own now, like Kaylee. He knew the girl was tough as nails on the outside, but inside there was a fragile shell barely hanging on.

It was in times like this he particularly wished the preacher were still alive. He missed the man's council, always made sense, even if it took awhile for the logic to sink in.

Things couldn't continue like this on his boat. He made up his mind on what he was going to do.

"Well, preacher, it seems more than a few of us are going to visit your special hell."

---

Present day …

"At least they're clothed." Simon remarked wryly.

"Quiet, Simon! You're gonna wake 'em." Kaylee whispered. "They look so precious holed up in there. Anyone got the capture near by?"

"Here it is, quick, before they wake." Inara briskly handed the video over.

Kaylee grabbed the equipment and squatted down for the best angle. Jayne was holding River -who was sprawled out on top of him- like a teddy bear.

"Stairs, huh. We missed that one, lambikins." Wash embraced his pregnant wife from behind, resting his chin lazily on her shoulder while absentmindedly stroking the belly containing his babies.

"They're creative, give 'em that much." Zoe was quite amused by the picture in front of her.

Mal came in from the cargo bay and stopped abruptly, looking curiously at his gathered crew. "This some secret meetin' I ain't privy too? Cause I got a rule…" Mal noticed his employ squeeze together all guilty like.

All of a sudden Jayne's deep voice could be heard from somewhere beyond. "What's this, a gorram wake up party?" Followed next by River's. "Go back to sleep, Jayne. Use your imagination and pretend they're not there."

The group gulped in synchrony.

Inara mustered up and stepped forward before Mal had a chance to react. "I'm leaving, Mal. I want you to head to Osiris. I'm done."

Mal's mind went blank as he took in Inara's determined expression. He felt like he'd been hit with a ton of bricks and the room was doing this odd sort of spinny thing. She turned like an empress, satin flowing out behind her, and left. Mal took a minute, walked past his silent crew and sat down on one of the steps. "O, zhe zhen shi ge kuai le de jin Zhan…"

River peeked her face through the metal gaps in the stairs at the defeated captain and stated observantly. "Years of wisdom and experience haven't really helped hone your relationship skills."

Mal hung his head and sighed. "No, lil' one, they really haven't."

TBC…

---

Chinese:lao hun - Old man
Lian tun -ass face
Shou Xian wan gu kong xin lu zi kai's - Of all the stubborn hollow headed ass wipes .
O, zhe zhen shi ge kuai le de jin Zhan." - Oh, this is a happy development...