Don't own em.

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"Night Captain Daddy." River said as her superior left her alone on the bridge. Mal had given her strict orders to not stay up too late. 'This ship can run 'erself jus' fine.' he has said. 'No use losin' sleep tryin' to fly what we ain't controllin'.' He was right, but tonight River had something to wait up for. She could hear it's approach like a thundering in her brain.

"Hey girl." he said gruffly as he entered the bridge and sat down nonchalantly in the pilot's seat. River didn't answer but Jayne didn't seem to care. "I was wonderin' if ya wanted to share ma movie time tomorra night."

River was speechless. She had read his thoughts as he was walking towards the bridge but all she had heard was that he needed to ask her a question. She turned her face to look at him, a blank expression clouding her features. Jayne's stare stayed focused out the front window. After a few seconds of ghostly silence the mercenary stood and left just as quickly as he'd come.

River turned her glare to the black. She spoke as she lifted her hands in front of her face. "Sweaty palms that aren't mine."

~

The day had gone smoothly. Jayne had sucessfully avoided the girl. Now, it was just a few minutes before eight. He had just gotten out of the shower and put on some clean clothes before heading to the shuttle.

When he stepped through the door the room was vacant. He popped the movie he'd been waiting to see in the player and sat down to enjoy the movie.

After about fifteen minutes into the movie River entered with a bowl of popcorn. She went unnoticed to Jayne until she spoke. "I thought a snack would be a nice addition to the entertainment."

"That it would." Jayne gave an awkward smile and patted the cushion beside him. "Sit." he commanded. She did.

"What's happened so far?" she asked. River was now sitting Indian style with the bowl in her lap.

"There's no nekkid mermaid. That's what." he said grimly reaching over and pulling a handful of popcorn from the bowl.

River rolled her eyes with a slight giggle. "Is that why you asked me to come tonight? Because you didnt want to get made fun of for watching a kiddie movie?"

"Naw. I remembered ya said ya were interested in it an' I thought ya'd like ta see it s'all." River couldn't tell but she thought she saw a slight blush creep up the mercenary's neck as he spoke.

"Don't worry Jayne. I won' tell." He finally turned and smiled at her. She held his gaze for a few seconds before her broke it and turned back to the movie. "Jayne?"

"Hmm?" was his only response.

"I could have watched it alone. You didn't have to waste your movie time." said River examining a small popcorn kernal.

Jayne thought for a minute before speaking. "I know. Jus' thought well-" he paused. "It weren't a waste. I thought it's be nice ta do somethin' fun... together."

River smile grew at his confession. Jayne arm had been placed over the back of the couch for most of the movie. River set the popcorn bowl on the coffee table and as she resituated herself she leaned back into Jayne's side.

Her motions did not go unnoticed. Jayne skillfully slid his arm off the back of the couch and around the young girl's shoulder. There they watched the movie and most of the credits. When Jayne looked down at the tiny girl curled up against him, she was sound asleep. Quietly Jayne flicked off the TV and scooped the angelic looking woman into his arms. She stayed asleep through the trip from the shuttle to her dorm, her only movement being the placing of her arms around the mercenary's neck. He laid her down softly on her bed. Aftre removing her shoes, Jayne lifted the covers and pulled them up to her neck. He was about to leave when he turned and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"You better not tell." Jayne whispered as he stood and left the room, closing the door delicately behind him.

The small girl laid cozy beneath her sheets, a small smile growing on her face. "I won't."

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Hope ya like it. Had severe writer's block. And I just wanted this one to be over. Had to get it done for ya. I'll prolly do Simon and Kaylee's second date next.