Much as she loved her captain, Kaylee did not want to be sittin’ where she was right now. It was real uncomfortable and she had to stop herself from squirmin’ around so no one would ask what was wrong. She was havin’ a hard time keepin’ her legs together. Literally. Jayne’d been real excitable last night and she was kinda achy. Good achy. Real good. The more she thought ‘bout how good she ached, the less she wanted to be sittin’ listenin’ to the captain go on about the plan.

Kaylee looked at Jayne out of the corner of her eye. He caught her lookin’ and returned it with a look of his own. He looked like he wanted to eat her.

Ai ya, she hurt.

She turned her attention back to the captain when he said her name. “…Kaylee will ride up together and—“

“Ride?” She hadn’t meant to say it out loud.

Mal looked at ‘er.

“On—on a horse?” This was the worst idea Mal had ever had. “Ride on a horse?”

Mal kept lookin’ at her. “Well I was considerin’ having you ride up on Jayne’s back, but I don’t think it would be as effective. Horses are prettier.”

Kaylee opened her mouth and shut it again. Then she opened it again. “Captain, I don’t know if… I can’t really…”

“You know how to ride.”

“Well, sure… but… can’t someone… else?” She smiled the cutest smile she could muster.

“Smile cute as that… of course I’m sendin’ you.”

Mal turned to the rest of the crew to resume the plannin’. Kaylee was getting desperate. “But horses are so… expensive. I could walk. Walkin’s pretty!”

Mal turned back to her. “Why are we discussing this? Jayne, is something funny?”

Kaylee followed the captain’s glare. Jayne was shaking, he was laughing so hard. Hwoon dahn.

Jayne shook his head. He had his hand pressed against his eyes and the other arm crossed across his chest, tucked under his elbow. His face was red from tryin’ to control himself. He took a deep breath and looked like he was tryin’ to make his smile go away. He lowered his hand. “No, Sir.” He glanced at Kaylee and started gigglin’. He was actually gigglin’.

Kaylee glared at him. He was not getting anythin’ from her tonight.

Maybe a little.

No more than twice, though.

Hwoon dahn.