As the day progressed Jayne grew increasingly antsy. He tried everything: working out, polishing his guns and knives (twice), and even wondering aimlessly around the hull. Nothing seemed to lessen that tension that kept building within him.
He wanted to run, to get in a bar fight, to kill a man, and get with a pretty woman. Anything that would ease the pressure and make his blood rush and heart pulsate with adrenaline. He couldn't wait another two weeks, to hell with that, he need some action now!
After some time of deliberation, Jayne headed back down to his bunk and moved his cot over a few feet to reveal a hidden compartment. He knelt down and pulled out a tin box, taking the lid off and dumping the contents on the bed. He counted out the crisp dollar bills, neatly folded them and placed it in the back pocket of his pants. He then moved everything back in place. He really hated dipping into his emergency savings (three years worth) but this was definitely an emergency in his eyes.
Jayne made his way out of his bunk and headed down the corridor and up a few flight of stairs until he was just outside of his destination. After hesitating for a moment to check to see that no one was watching, he knock on the door. A voice from within called out,
"Shuí zài nàlǐ?"
"It's me, Jayne." He answered quickly. He heard soft foot steps and the door opened revealing Inara in a red velvet robe.
"Jayne?" She said with confusion in her voice. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I just wanted to talk to you 'bout somthin'. Mind if I come in?"
Inara gave him a suspicious look, but stepped aside and gestured for him to come in. He stepped in, and walked to the center of her shuttle and stood there awkwardly. Inara shut the door and joined him in the room, kneeling on a pillow by a statue of the Buda, and motioned him to join her on the pillow opposite her. He sat down slowly and they sat in silence for a few beats.
"Tea?" She offered, holding up a small porcelain teapot.
"Um, yeah. Xièxiè." He accepted the small cup and took a sip, savoring the warm, flavorful taste between his lips. One thing he would never admit to anyone was just how much he really enjoyed spiced tea.
"Now, what was it you wished to speak to me about?"
Jayne set his cup aside and nervously ran his fingers through his short brown hair.
"Well, it's like this 'Nara," He began trying to maintain eye contact, "I'm the kinda man who needs to always be doin' somethin', else I'll go crazy."
"Yes, I have come to learn that of your character from these many months," She said chuckling a little, "And you made that point quite clear over breakfast this morning."
"I know, and that's what I came to you for. I was hoping you could help me with that..." He said, gently placing his rough tanned hand over her small and delicate hand.
"Oh..." She said as a soft pinkness touched her cheeks. She was taken aback but the request and kind gesture, but did not withdraw her hand. Jayne couldn't help but smile a little. It was a rarity to to make a companion such as Inara blush.
"Qǐng Nara? Just this once? I even brought payment, if that'll make any difference." He said pulling out the wad of money to show her.
She met his eyes for a moment, then shook her head and withdrew her hand.
"Save your money. I do not wish to be joined to you in that way."
"Whacha mean 'joined'?" He asked, confusion and anger building, "All's it is, is a little fun."
"No Jayne," Inara said shaking her head again, "I wish you would understand, it's much more complicated than that-"
"Shi wǒ de jīròu pìgu!" He shouted, "What's so complicated about me given you money and us takin' it off and gettin' it on?"
"Just for future reference, that is not the best approach in seducing someone. I will have to ask you to leave my shuttle now." She said trying to maintain her composure.
Jayne grunted and stood and began walking towards the door, but stopped and turned to face her again.
"I think I knows why you won't get with me. I think you think you're better than me. No- I know you think you're better than me. Little miss Inara, oh so beautiful, oh so graceful and smart. I see past it all. A full fledge companion ridin' around in this piece of goupi, and for what? For the sense of adventure? No, it's to make you feel better about yourself by being surrounded by petty thieves and murderers, and other people you think make what you do look respectable. Well I got news for you, what you do ain't in no way dignified, no matter how many people fan over how pretty you are or how many rich bastards pay you to be their little play thing."
"And you think what you do is in anyway respectable?" She shouted back at him, her composure fully crumbled. "Stealing and murdering people? Sometimes innocent people? Do you really want to know why I refused you?"
"Hell yeah, I do!" He shouted, balling his hands into fists.
"It's not because of what you do, it's because of who you are- an unintelligent, crude, and spiteful brute! Nǐ ràng wǒ ěxīn! The very thought of us together makes my skin itch. You are a thief, liar, betrayer, and murderer and no amount of money could ever change that!"
"You watch yourself, Inara," Jayne hissed, "There is more to me than the likes of you will ever know."
"And I don't care to ever know. Get. Off. My. Shuttle. Now."
Jayne glared at her for another moment then turned and headed out the passage way, slamming the door behind him. He paused for a moment by the door as he heard the soft sound of crying coming from the other side... it didn't give him the satisfaction that he had hoped for.