Chapter Three: Mind Games and Game Plans
Kaylee, who had made her way quickly down to the kitchen, after her chat with the captain, was pleased to see that everyone she needed was in attendance. In fact they almost looked as though they were expecting her. Now what in the... She saw River smile knowingly. Oh I see...
River giggled and plonked herself down in the chair next to Jayne as Kaylee moved to the head of the table.
"Alrighty everyone. The reason I asked you all to come here is that I really wanna throw a little going away shindig for 'Nara before she leaves. Since Mal is too gorram stubborn I thought we could plan it ourselves for later today before we dock planet side tonight!" Kaylee had begun to bounce on the spot and was now positively shaking with excitement.
"I think it's a wonderful idea." Said Simon who had come to stand behind as he kissed her on the cheek. Her eyes shone under his praise and the crew still left sitting groaned when it became clear the loved up mechanic and doctor had forgotten there was anyone else in the room.
"It sounds good." Zoe stood and placed her cup on the bench. "I'm gathering this is a surprise?"
"What's a surprise?" Inara's voice rang out form the hallway. So engrossed in the planning of the party they hadn't noticed her approach. Kaylee quickly glanced at River who shook her head almost imperceptibly. She breathed a sigh of relief; Inara hadn't overheard what they had been discussing. Inara stood there, her brow arched quizzically as she awaited an answer.
"Uh what we we're discussing uh was that um..." Jayne's eyes flicked back and forth from River to Kaylee at lightning speed as he tried to come up with a convincing lie.
"Jayne just told me some exciting news!" All eyes flashed to River as she smirked across at Jayne, "He said next time we get in any sorts of trouble I can have Vera by my side. Said she's more reliable than any 'girly gun.'"
Zoe, Simon and Kaylee avoided making eye contact and tried to quell the laughter that bubbled up inside at the look on Jayne's face; sure he'd come a long way since Miranda but Vera...
"Well that mighty sweet of you Jayne. As much as I wish you shant be getting into anymore trouble it would be nice for river to have something that didn't require such close contact." Inara smiled and leaned against the back of a chair while River sent a wink Kaylee's way to let her know everything was alright.
"Uh...yeah well..." Jayne cleared his throat at worked to appear calm. "We would want any hurt to befall our girl here. In fact..." He sent this own smirk in River's direction. "You never know when you may need it – enemies are made mighty fast out here in the black."
Rivers raised her chin and gazed down her nose at Jayne, a smile twitching the corners of her mouth, while Kaylee coughed and spluttered trying to disguise an outburst of laughter. Inara simply laughed along none the wiser and was only too happy to comply when Kaylee asked if they could take tea in Inara's shuttle for old times' sake. Inara complied of course and wandered off to make sure she had her hairbrush on hand, Kaylee saying she would bring the tea along soon.
Once they were sure she was out of earshot the four quickly finalized the plans for their impromptu party – Kaylee promising to delay Inara as long as possible.
"I think that's a marvellous idea Jayne!" Simon, Zoe and Kaylee turned startled when River spoke up while Jayne simply rolled his eyes.
"Thought you'd given up on reading into my mind unnecessarily Moonbrain."
River pulled her best 'You're a boob' face at the use of her controversial nickname but said nothing else. Instead she stared at Jayne expectantly while he stared right back at her petulantly.
"They won't think you're stupid you big oaf just tell them."
Jayne raised his eyebrows and leaned back on his chair, crossing his arms defiantly.
Mimicking his actions River sighed and resorted to threats, "I can kill you with my brain."
Jayne said nothing but didn't break eye contact.
Her eyebrows shot up comically, "You wouldn't dare!"
Jayne still said nothing but smirked and settled more comfortably in his chair. He watched as her eyes flicked from him to the large knife on the table and back again, a smirk now gracing her own lips. His eyes narrowed and he raised his chin, daring her to do it.
"You always did look better in red." River chuckled to herself but relaxed her pose, pulling her knees up to her chest and resting her chin in top.
Simon, Kaylee and Zoe watched on – stunned speechless – during the strange conversation between the merc and the girl. Simon stood open mouthed as Zoe and Kaylee exchanged equally surprised expressions.
"I…uh..." Simon blinked blankly, his mouth gaping open and shut like a fish out of water.
Jayne and Rivers heads turned suddenly as they both remember that there were others in the room. Their faces both turned red when they saw they had a captive audience. An awkward silence enveloped the room and Jayne – desperate for this entire exchange to be over – spoke up.
"All I was thinkin' is that we could use the music hook up down in the cargo bay..." He looked to River who smiled at him encouragingly. "Y'know like Riv' does when she dancing. We could make it look all nice and what not..." He petered off and shrugged, embarrassed by the shocked looks on the crews faces.
Everyone jumped when Kaylee squealed and lunged toward Jayne, wrapping her arms around his neck and placing a big kiss on his cheek. "Jayne, that's so shiny! Perfect for a companion! I'll go keep her busy while you guys fix up the rest of the details. Zoe, Simon - food and table setting; Jayne, River – you can set Jayne's into action. You've got a little over an hour." Without she dashed out of the room, tea in hand and left the remained reeling in her wake.
Simon and Zoe set off to the storeroom to see what they could rustle up and left river and Jayne to deal with the cargo bay.
As the pair walked side by side River argued with herself; her irrational and rational sides battling over something she did not feel she could quantify. I wonder what that feeling is...that horrible sickness that swirled in the pit of my stomach when Kaylee hugged Jayne. It's not like I mind who hugs Jayne...
A/N: What do you think? I'm not really sure...the ending was a little more rushed than I intended and far shorter than I had anticipated, but I needed to cut it off there. Anyways, hope you enjoyed it! R&R if you get a chance – comments are always welcome! DL.