Pink Roses

There she stood, the light streaming in behind her. Her fragile frame posed in pure angelic perfection. The blade she held tightly, was dripping slow hypnotic drops of crimson blood, her face stone. Her hair was damp, sticking to her features, her lips. Her pink, soft lips. Her brows furrowed, blue eyes an explosion of complete and utter freedom. Freedom. Her lips twitched with uncertainty, and she smiled slowly, saying his name ever so lightly.

Like a gale force wind, it awoke him. Sweat pouring down his brow. His chapped lips doused quickly by his tongue. He sat up on his bunk, bracing himself against the mattress with buckling arms. He let out a deep sigh. These dreams had to stop. And soon, or he was nigh sure he was going to loose his gorram mind. She haunted him, his every thought, imaging's, dreams, and even his nightmares. She was always there. He brushed a callused over his face, moaning with tire. Suddenly, that feeling again. The ship rocked, sending Jayne from his small bunk. He hit the floor, rolling to his feet he quickly stood up. Looking in all directions, he heard Mals voice over the intercom. "Jayne! Get the hell outta bed and get up here!" his voice dripping with frustration. Jayne graoned, and grabbed a shirt. He slipped it over his head, and quickly grabbed 'Loretta'. He strapped the holster on, and slipped her inside, setting his jaw. He looked up from what he was doing to glance in the mirror. He started, Rivers face looking back at him.

"Wuh de ma. Now I'm seein that girl in mirrors?"

"Not really," came her soft voice. Jayne let out a shout, and spun around. There she sat posed on his bed, her knees hugged to her chest. She smiled nonchalantly, "I was watching you sleep," she said, tilting her head. Jayne swallowed.

"Gorramit little girl. Don't be sneakin up on people like that, unless you got a death wish," he retorted, pulling on his gloves. He furrowed his brow, looking back at her, "Wait a minute, what the hell you doin in my bunk? Ho-"

"Never mind that Jayne Cobb. We are in grave danger," she said quickly, standing up and gliding towards him. Jayne was startled.

"Danger? I-is the ship gonna crash!"

"No, much more serious." Jayne quirked a thick brow. He moved back, though it pained him to do so. Her body lingering so close to him, her scent flooding his every thought. He was almost tempted to grab her and pull her in. She sighed, "Don't you see?"

"Um. No."

"We are going to die, and leave no offspring. No lineage, no legend, nothing. We will be swept into history, with no one to carry on our names. But don't worry, I can easily fix this," she breathed. Jayne sagged, disappointed and confused. River approached him. "We must mate." Jayne jumped back, putting two hands out as a barrier.

"Wait a minute there," he said, his eyes as wide as saucers. Oh yes, the temptation was thick around him. He in fact was turned on by the offer. But he didn't want it like this. No. Hell no. River pushed closer, but was blocked by his hands.

"We must. Everyone must have a brood. If we do not, our blood stops here."

"Listen here crazy. You and me, we aint mates. I aint gonna have me a psycho for a wife, a-and I aint getting married, not yet."

"I see."

"Jayne, get the hell up here!" screamed Mal's voice, booming loudly. Jayne glanced up to the voice box. He looked back to River quizzically. What in the 'Verse was she babbling about?

"You want our union to be unofficial?"

"What-no!"

"The female mantis bites the head of her mate off-to stop the warning chemicals from reaching his brain-would a similar procedure be more to your liking?" she replied with a hopeful smile.

"Hell no!"

"What do you suggest?" she said, pushing past his hands and approaching his face, looking him in the eyes. Jayne grabbed her shoulders, keeping her at arms length. Her honey breath littered his face, her soft skin under his hands. He had no idea how to approach the situation. His mouth opened, he searched for the right words.

"Jayne!" Mals voice repeated. Jayne glanced to the ladder and River. He gently pulled her to the side, and walked past her, approaching the ladder. She followed persistently. He began climbing, but was quickly followed by his adoring fan. As he reached the top, he could hear Mal and Wash arguing, and Kaylee pouring in comments that didn't seem to ease the tension.

Zoe looked up, seeing him. She shook her head and glanced to River, with a bit of astonisment. Everyone went quiet, looking at Jayne, he glanced to River, River glanced to them, and they all exchanged glances. Jayne swallowed a lump, "She-uh… got lost." Mal glared at him.

"Never mind that Jayne, where the hell you been?"

"Sleepin."

"Sleepin? We're about to plummet into the abyss, and your sleepin? Aint the intercom working, didn't I call you?" Jayne tried to explain, but was cut short. "Never mind, get yourself down to the cargo bay. Now." Jayne sighed, and looked at him defiantly, but decided, it was best to go, before more questions about River surfaced. River looked at Mal, a sour frown on her face.

"Hibernation is an asset for a bear. Indulgence on food, clogging of all bowl movements and hibernation," she said, a tone in her voice. Mal looked at her confused. She sighed, waving a hand and quickly following Jayne. They came upon the catwalk and Jayne spun around, but was quickly met by Rivers soft face. Almost nose to nose, she studied his features, bringing a warm hand to his face. Jayne didn't move a muscle. She smiled, her pink lips forming words, he really didn't comprehend. "The bear wants his mate. He needs her," she said, giving a little giggle. Jayne didn't say a word. River backed up, flashing her eyes and walking down the stairs. Jayne stood there for a moment, before following. River twirled, her skirt fluttering softly. Jayne couldn't keep his eyes off her for a second. Her movements, her grace. She amazed him. Oh what he would do to hold her close, to hear her say his name. He was quickly broke off by Mals demanding voice.

"This aint the ballet Jayne," Mal said, glaring down from the catwalk. Jayne grunted, flicking his eyes. "Now, Kaylee is saying life support is down, some small fire in the engine room. We got backup, but it aint gonna last long. Shes said theres a part around here, but its gone missing. You. Your going to find it," Mal said, glancing to the singing River, who was busy twirling about.

"Great, Kaylee decides to play treasure hunt, and now I gotta-"

"I don't want no trouble from you. Do your job if ya wanna get paid." Jayne grumbled and did as Mal said. As Mal left, Jayne turned to steal a glance, but she wasn't there. Disappointed, he returned his focus to the crate he was about to search. But, there sat River, smiling tenderly at him. Before he could speak, she had wrapped her arms around him, and pulled him close. His heat skipped a beat, and he instinctively placed his hands on her hips. She touched his lips lightly with hers, looking him directly in the eyes. Jayne felt the heat rush to his stomach, making its way downwards to his groin. He had to stop. If Mal came back, or anyone, Simon maybe. The prospects would be dim. But she was really enticing him, pushing her waist into his. He froze, hearing footsteps. Pulling away, he lifted her off the crate, and quickly disappeared behind the stairs with her in his hands, her legs tightly gripping his hips.

"River? River where are you?" came Simons voice. She smiled mischievously against Jaynes lips, holding in a laugh. Jayne placed a hand over her mouth, but she wiggled free. The air was stale, Jaynes heart racing, Simons footsteps approaching, River digging into him, pressing her lips harder into his, like soft pink roses against sandpaper.