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BLUE SUN ROOM FAN FICTION - GENERAL
Title says it all - short Jayne fluff
CATEGORY: FICTION TIMES READ: 2419 RATING: 7 SERIES: FIREFLY
Want to thank WildHeavenFarm for Beta testing ( For this and Maggie’s Land)
Nanny and the Mercenary
“Kids Captain, we’re transporting Kids?” Zoë look at the Captain. “Thought you didn’t want kids on your ship?” “Well, these kids come with a large amount of money attached to them.” Mal said between bites of dinner. “Shiny, Captain, I like kids” leave it to Kaylee to see the bright side. “They are always so happy and mischievous.” “I don’t know Captain, I’m not sure how River will react with a number of children on board.” Simon, as usual saw the dark side. “Running around getting into everything…” “Two kids, Simon, two that’s hardly a hoard.” Kaylee laughed. “’Sides, they will have their own Nanny.” The Captain stood to get more tea. “She will take care of the kids the whole four weeks it takes us to get there, then she will ride back with us for two weeks.” “Six weeks? Where we headed?” Wash was contemplating the supplies and such they would need for six weeks. “We pick them up on Ariel in three days, and then we take them to the outer ring, passed Titian. Jayne, we need to modify a couple of the passenger cabins. Seems the Nanny wants a specific set-up. “What’s the Nanny’s name?” “Don’t know Kaylee, never heard her called anything but Nanny Bauer.” Mal reflected on that. “Why do they need transport, Captain?” Book asked. “Seems they were on their way home when their ship got hit by pirates.” Mal sat back down at the table. “Where are their parents?” Kaylee asked, a little afraid of the answer. “They live on Myrna. They were traveling home with their Nanny, after a visit with their grandfather.” “Myrna? Mal, that’s out in the middle of no where.” Inara sat down at the table, she looked very thoughtful, this would give her a break from Serenity with out having to actually leave. “I’d like to stay on Ariel while you’re out there.” Mal was puzzled until he realized this would be a test run for her leaving. “Oh, I’m going to miss you.” Kaylee looked sadly at her friend. “Me too, mei mei” Inara smiled at Kaylee. “But it’s just too far out for me to find work. If Mal agrees to let me keep the shuttle here, you can pick me up in six weeks.” “Captain, are you sure this is a legitimate job?” Simon asked, looking more then a little worried. “Yes, Sir Warwick gave this gentleman our name and vouched for him.” “What are we going to do the whole time out, seems like a lot of wasted time to me, we better be getting paid well.” Jayne gripped, not sure about having kids around. He’ll have we watch his language and not run around half naked. “Yes Jayne, we are getting paid well, not only for the kids but we have other cargo for some of the smaller planets we will pass. All in all it will be a very profitable six weeks. Now the Nanny will be coming a board a few days before the kids, seems she has final say, so every one on their best behavior.” He was staring right at Jayne. “What?” Jayne asked defensively. *** Nanny Bauer took one look at Serenity and almost turned around to leave. Kaylee had taken the opportunity to strip the port engine and refit it. There were parts all over the cargo hold, spilling out on to the ground. But the sight of that little girl bossing that huge man around was much to interesting to pass up. “No Jayne, turn it the other way, I need to get to the injector lines.” “Gorram it Kaylee, this thing weighs a ton.” Jayne muttered, none the less he did exactly what Kaylee asked. “Excuse me, is this Serenity? I’m Nanny Bauer, I have an appointment with Malcolm Reynolds.” Picking her way thru the parts she came on board. Kaylee stopped working to stare at the lady in front of her. “Hi I’m Kaylee and this here is Jayne. You looking for the Captain?” Kaylee walked over to where the Nanny was standing, pushed the intercom. “Captain, you got a visitor.” “Ah Kaylee, can I put this thing down?” Jayne was sweating with exertion. “Oh god Jayne, I’m sorry, sure put it right here.” Kaylee helped Jayne put the engine part down. Jayne looked at the visitor, she was just what he thought a nanny would look like. Hair back in a sever bun, black full skirt, white starched blouse and a short black jacket. Still, Jayne liked the smile she gave Kaylee and the way she wasn’t afraid of getting dirty. He wiped the grim off his hand onto his pants and held it out. “Hi, I’m Jayne.” Before he could say anything else Mal came running down the stairs. “Jayne, thought you was helping Kaylee?” Jayne saw the look the Captain gave him and turned back to help Kaylee, Mal walked up to the nanny. “Hello there, I’m Captain Reynolds. You must be Nanny Bauer.” Mal held his hand out to her. “It’s nice to meet you, Captain.” She shook Mal’s hand, then turned to Jayne. “What did you say your name was?” He turned back towards her. Extending his hand back out. “Jayne, Jayne Cobb.” “Well, hello Mr. Cobb, it’s nice to meet you too.” Taking his hand, she smiled at him. “Ms. Bauer, if you would follow me I will show you the cabins we have set up for you.” Glaring at Jayne over her head, he led Nanny to the passenger cabins. “It’s Nanny, just Nanny.” Following Mal into the cabins. “OK, Nanny. These are the rooms, I hope they meet your requirements.” Mal entered the rooms he and Jayne had been working on. “Two beds in the backroom, a bed in the small sitting room and a front room with two desks.” “I think these will do nicely, Captain. May I meet the rest of the crew now?” Nanny walked thru the room, smiling at the Captain. “Sure, I’ll have them meet us in the commons.” Mal walked over to the intercom. “I need every one in the common area, please.” Turning to Nanny. “If you will follow me.” He turned and left without waiting for an answer. Nanny looked around and then followed the Captain. Every one except River was in the common area. “I’d like you all to meet Nanny Bauer. Nanny this is my first officer Zoë.” Zoë came forward and shook the offered hand. “I’m sorry I didn’t get your last name?” Nanny smiled at her. “Zoë Warren.” “Nice to meet you Ms. Warren.” “This here’s our pilot and Zoë’s husband, Wash” “Mr. Warren.” “This here is Shepard Book.” “Good to meet you Shepard.” Walking around, she shook hands with both of them. “This here is our Doctor.” Mal pointed to Simon, but left out his name. They had decided to start using alias for Simon and River, but Mal forgot what they had decided on. “Doctor Robert Dixon, it’s nice to meet you Nanny Bauer.” Simon held out his hand. “Doctor, it’s nice to travel on such a well manned ship.” “You met our mechanic, Kaylee.” Mal walked over to where Kaylee and Jayne were standing. “And your last name dear?” “Frye, Kaylee Frye.” Kaylee was about to bust, no one every called her Ms. Frye. Not even Simon. “You’re the mechanic, Ms. Frye? I’m impressed.” Nanny walked across the room to shake Kaylee’s hand, looking at Jayne. “I met you, Mr. Cobb, but I didn’t get your job title?” Wash started to laugh, until Mal glared at him. “Jayne doesn’t really have a job title.” He walked over to Simon. “Only other person on the ship is Doctor Dixon’s sister Sara. She’s not feeling very well so you will have to meet her later.” “And Inara, Captain, don’t forget Inara.” Kaylee glared at the Captain for leaving her out. “Yes, there is Inara, but she won’t be sailing with us. Anything else you would like to know?” “Just daily routine, meal times, anyplace off limits and I would like to arrange to have your crew members teach the boys in their specialties, they will be compensated.” Jayne stared to ask how much, then he saw Mal’s face and stopped. “Well, that’s stuff we can go over later, right.” Mal asked Nanny, when she nodded he said. “Ok everyone back to work. Nanny, when are your charges due onboard?” Mal led her up to the kitchen. “I’d like to have most of our stuff moved in and set up by tomorrow and then tomorrow night the boys will come on board. Their grandfather would like to have you over for dinner tomorrow, is that alright?” Nanny took the offered chair and accepted the cup of tea. “Not a problem, do you need any help?” “Just to get the crates into the rooms. I’ll let the hotel know they can send the stuff over. Captain, I want to thank you for taking us on. I know most ships will not accept children.” Nanny finished her tea and stood up. “Trust me, we are being well compensated for this trip and Sir Warwick has cargo for some of the planets that we will pass-by, that’s why the trip out is taking four weeks.” The Captain stood and waited for Nanny, then followed her back down to her new rooms. “I’ll let Jayne know that you have crates for him to move.” With that he walked off, leaving her alone in the empty room. She made the call to have her stuff delivered with-in the hour and spent the next thirty minutes trying to decide where things will go. When the crates were due, Nanny walked down to the cargo bay. She stopped at the doorway and just stared; Jayne had taken off his shirt and was holding up parts for Kaylee. Nanny didn’t even realize she was staring open mouth. “There a problem, Nanny?” Mal came up behind her. “No, no Captain.” Closing her mouth and gaining her composer. “Jayne gonna be a problem for you?” Smirking. “No Captain.” Nanny turned and saw the smirk on Mal’s face. “Drooling at him speaks otherwise.” Nanny reached up to check for drool, there was none. She stared at him. “We have a no contact rule, is that a problem?” “Captain, my own rules supersede yours. I am celibate while on the job. Jayne will not be a problem, might ask that he keep his shirt on thou.” She smiled at Mal. “If I ask him that, he’ll know something is up and will show up at your door naked.” Mal laughed at the look on Nanny’s face. “Best he not know anything about this.” “You know him best, Captain. Sorry about this, I… it’s… I usually only take jobs that last up to three months, this last one lasted five months and adding this trip means I have been on the job for six months, that’s a long time to be celibate. Especially when you don’t like it.” “Why did you take it then?” “That last job had some complication; I’m taking over for a friend that got hurt.” Nanny had a lost look in her eyes, a look the Captain knew so well. He left her alone with her thoughts. “Jayne! Put your shirt on we’ve got passengers on board.” Mal yelled at him. “What? It’s hot, Captain. We’re almost done, ain’t we Kaylee.” Jayne was sweating from every pore. “We are almost done Captain, won’t be more then a few minutes.” Kaylee placed the last few parts. “Well, hurry it up.” Mal met the delivery men at the foot of the ramp. “Nanny your stuff is here, need you to sign for it.” “I’ll be right there.” Nanny tried to not stare at Jayne, but he looked so damn good. “Good afternoon gentlemen,” Nanny smiled at the delivery men. “can you bring them to my quarters?” “Sorry Ma’am, we were told to just deliver it to the ramp. Dirge, drop’em right here.” “Don’t worry I’ll have Jayne bring it to your quarters.” Mal grinned at her evilly. “Jayne, don’t bother with your shirt just yet, need you to move these crates into Nanny’s room. She’ll tell you where.” “You are an evil man, Captain.” Nanny grinned back at him, then turned and headed to her quarters. *** “Where you want this stuff.” Jayne grunted as he brought the first crate in. “Let me see” She had to get real close to the crate to see what was in it. “Oh, in the boy’s room.” He smelled so good, God I will get the Captain for this. Jayne put the crate down and came back out, he looked at her with a puzzled look on his face. She was standing there with a dazed look on her face. “I’ll go get the rest.” He walked out, shaking his head. ‘Oh God, I have to get a handle on this.’ Nanny said to her self, shaking her head she headed into the boy’s room to unpack some stuff. “How about this one?” Jayne called out, Nanny came into the room to check the box. “That’s mine, could you put it in there.” Pointing to her personal room. She watched him struggle with the crate as he forced to thru the doorway. “Things going well?” The Captain came into the room. “I will get you for this.” Nanny looked at him. “I don’t know how, but I will.” She smiled to soften the threat. “What, kids don’t get here till tomorrow.” Mal smiled innocently at her. “What’s up Captain, you here to help?” Jayne asked when in re-entered the room. “No just checking things out, dinner is in two hours. Jayne, you make sure Nanny gets there, Ok” “I’m sure I can find my way Captain, Mr. Cobb doesn’t need to baby-sit me.” She has had enough of this, turning around she headed back into her room. “Seems kinda moody, you sure she’s alright?” Jayne asked the Captain as they headed out together. “Yeah, she’ll do just fine.” Captain walked back up to the bridge chuckling to himself. *** Dinner was a grand affair, Book had managed to get lots of fresh food in town and they all were on their best behavior. “Captain told us there were pirates on your last trip, what happened.” Kaylee asked with all the innocence of youth. Mal, Zoe, Book and Jayne knew that this was something Nanny didn’t want to talk about. You never talked about battles when they were still fresh in you mind. “Kaylee, I don’t think this is proper dinner conversation.” Book quietly scolded her. “It’s Ok, We were two week from of Ariel when we got boarded. I was in charge of a trio of young sisters and my friend, Nanny Black, was in charge of the two brothers that will be here tomorrow. The crew fought valiantly, but most of them died. Nanny Black and I were able to keep our charges out of the pirate’s hands and when the smoke cleared…….. There were only twelve of us alive. Luckily that included the pilot and mechanic, so we were able to repair our ship, using the pirate ship for parts. It took us the better part of a month to limp to Ariel. Nanny Black is still in the hospital and I consented to take her charges back home. Not really all that exciting.” Everyone at the table was silent, the fighters among them knew that there was more to the story, but none of them would think of probing farther. “You must have some exciting stories Ms. Frye?” Nanny asked. “Well I got to go to a ball on Persephone once.” Kaylee beamed. “Really, when was that?” Nanny asked. “Last year, I got the most beautiful dress, I still have it, I can show you…” Kaylee was so excited she could hardly talk. “We met Sir Warwick at the ball.” Mal stated. Soon everyone had something to add to Kaylee’s story, they were all laughing and talking over each other. Mal laughed and smiled at Nanny, who was enjoying the laughter as well. “Ms. Frye, Why don’t you come to dinner with us tomorrow night and wear your dress.” Nanny sweetly inquired. Mal shook his head, trying to stop the asking. “Oh can I Captain, can I wear my dress again.” Kaylee was so excited at the idea. “Sure, Kaylee sure…. But if you’re my date we have to find someone for Nanny. Jayne, you up to a nice dinner?” Nanny and Jayne each had unbelieving looks on their faces. *** “It’s beautiful, a little dressy for our dinner. Would you like me to make some small alterations?” Nanny held the dress up to Kaylee. “Maybe make it a little more stream line to show off your shape? Something that you will be able to wear more often?” “You could do that, by tomorrow’s dinner?” “Sure, just need to find the box with my sewing stuff. *** “Captain, how come I gotta go to this fancy dinner?” Jayne grumbled as the Captain checked out his clothes. “’Cause I don’t want to be miserable alone, now let me finish with your tie.” Mal thought maybe his teasing of Nanny was going too far, Jayne was going to be a hand full tonight. Still, he just couldn’t help himself, she reminded him of his sister. “There, perfect, Jayne this job is very important, so you are to be on your best behavior, dong ma?” “Then how come you ain’t taken Simon? This is right up his alley.” Jayne muttered as he tried to loosen the tie. “ROBERT is a wanted man, you need to remember his name Jayne. I don’t want any slip-ups Ok?” “Yeah, yeah I get it.” Jayne sulked over to the couch and sat down. “Captain, are you ready?” Nanny came into the room wearing a black floor length sleeveless dress and holding the matching coat. “You clean up nice Captain.” She crossed over to him and straitened his tie. She caught sight of Jayne on the couch and almost lost her composer. “But Jayne cleans up even nicer.” She whispered to him. Jayne walked over, not quite believing that this was the same women. She trembled at the way he looked at her. “Now… if… you’re ready, I present Ms. Kaylee Frye!” Kaylee entered the room in a new pink sleeveless dress, a little fuller then Nanny’s. Mal came over and turned her around. “Hard to believe it’s the same dress.” “Well, there was enough material in that dress to make two more shorter dresses.” Nanny laughed. Simon and Wash entered the room, they were speechless. “Kaylee, you look beautiful.” Wash said as he gave her a peck on the cheek. “This was made out of that old dress?” he looked at Nanny for confirmation. “If I get some fabric can you make a slinky one for Zoë?” Simon came over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Breathtaking!” “Captain the car is here.” Zoë stated as she came down from the bridge. “Kaylee, you look wonderful.” “Zoë, you’re in charge. We’ll be back in a couple of hours.” With that he took Kaylee’s arm and led her down the ramp, half way down he stopped and yelled at Jayne. “Jayne! Let’s go.” Lifting Kaylee arm to hint to Jayne to do the same. “Huh, what…” Jayne came out of his daze to see everyone watching him. “It’s time to go, Mr. Cobb.” Nanny walked over to him and extended her arm. Jayne hesitated a moment, then seeing the way Mal had Kaylee’s he took her hand and wrapped it around his arm, then they followed Mal down the ramp. *** Mr. Martin met them in the parlor, after they had given their coats to the doorman and the women had a chance to smooth their clothing and hair. “Hello again Nanny Bauer.” The elderly man came up and gave her a peck on the cheek. “Mr. Martin, I would like to introduce you to the Captain of Serenity, Captain Reynolds. Captain Reynolds this is Mr. Martin, Michael and Fredrick’s Grandfather. “It’s good to meet you Sir.” Mal shook Mr. Martin’s hand. “This is some of my crew, Kaylee Frye and Jayne Cobb.” “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you Ms. Frye.” Taking Kaylee’s hand he gently kissed it. “Mr. Cobb, it’s nice to meet you also.” Holding his hand out for Jayne to shake. “Likewise” Jayne shook the offered hand, glad that Nanny had forewarned him. “If you will follow me, we can have a drink before dinner.” Mr. Martin led the group into the library. “Now you’re talking.” Jayne said quietly to himself, but not quietly enough. “Just one Jayne, I don’t need you getting drunk now, time for that later.” Mal glared at him until he nodded. “How about some white wine for the ladies” Handing the women two glasses. “and something a little stronger for you men” Going over to the bar he picked up a bottle of hundred year old scotch. “This look Ok?” He gestured to the men. “More then Ok, no need to use the good stuff on us Mr. Martin, but I do appreciate it.” Taking the offered glass and sipping at it. “Goes down real smooth Sir.” “Well at this age it should.” Into the room came a very well dressed older lady and two boys. “Nanny Bauer, it’s so good to see you again.” The women gave Nanny a hug and a kiss, then let the boys shake her hand. “Hard to believe that you two look taller after only two days. Mrs. Martin, Michael, Fredrick this is Captain Reynolds and two of his crew, Ms. Frye and Mr. Cobb.” “How do you do, Ms. Frye?” Both boys made a bee line for Kaylee, holding out their hands. Kaylee shook their hand and smiled broadly at them. A little more reluctantly they walked over to Jayne. “How do you do, Mr. Cobb?” He shook their hands and answered. “Just fine, boys.” They walked over to the Captain. “How do you do, Captain Reynolds?” repeating the learned speech and extending their hands. “Very well and how are you two tonight.” Both boys hesitated, as no one every cared how they were doing. “Very well, Sir.” Michael the oldest answered. “Boys, it’s time for you to go and finish packing, give me a kiss now.” Grandmother Martin said. The boys obeyed and quickly left with a last look at Kaylee. “Very nice boys, Mr. Martin you must to very proud of them.” Mal smiled at the older man. “Little too sissified for me, God love Nanny Black, but she treated them like little girls.” “Henry! They are perfect little gentlemen, just the way Millie and Stonewall want them.” Mrs. Martin was aghast that her husband would bring out this on going argument in front of strangers. “Don’t care, they need to harden up a bit. Nanny Bauer here hopes your crew can teach them a thing or two on the way out.” Seeing the butler at the door. “Time for dinner everyone, please follow Horace into the dinning room.” Mr. Martin walked over to his wife and offered her his arm and led the way to dinner. Mal offered his to Kaylee and Jayne and Nanny followed. *** Dinner passed uneventfully, even Jayne seemed to enjoy the meal. Lots of food and little table talk. Finally as dessert was brought in Mr. Martin brought up the boys. “Now Nanny tells me you can instruct the boys in piloting, mechanics and self-defense, is that correct?” he looked at Mal for conformation. “Well, yes we can show them the workings, not sure how much they’ll learn in just four weeks.” Mal was a little defensive. “Sir Warwick speaks highly of you Captain Reynolds and that is rare, Sir Warwick likes few people.” Mr. Martin laughed. “I don’t expect them to learn much, can’t undo a decade of mollycoddling in just four weeks. If everyone is done we can move back into the library for drinks.” Mr. Martin stood and helped his wife up, then left for the library. “Mr. Martin, I’d like to go check on the boys, we’ll need to leave soon, we have an eleven o’clock departure.” Nanny waited for his nod, then headed up to the boys room. *** When Nanny came down with the boys, she found the rest of her party drinking and smoking in the library. “Are we ready?” Nanny asked looking around, she lingered on Jayne who was smoking a cigar with great relish. “As soon as we’re done.” Captain let a smoke go with a ring. “Only get cigars like this once in a great while.” Grinning at nanny. “The boy’s bags are in the car and they are waiting to say goodbye.” Nanny reported to Mr. Martin. “Good, Mother and I will go say our good-byes. Captain Reynolds, I’m intrusting you with my most important treasures, please take care of them.” Shaking Mal’s hand he led Mrs. Martin out of the room.” “Thought we was just taking the kids?” Jayne looked puzzled. “He’s talking about his grandchildren, Jayne.” Mal looked at him shaking his head. “You done Jayne?” tossing the end of his cigar into the fire. Walking over to Kaylee he took her arm. “Let’s go people.” Walking out to the car they found Mrs. Martin making a fuss over the boys, like any grandmother would. Mr. Martin shook hands with everyone and gave Nanny a hug, whispering his thanks for returning them to their parents. Kaylee got into the car and the boys rushed in after, one sitting on each side, smiling at Nanny when she started to speak, thinking better of it she just smiled back. Jayne got in, smirking at Kaylee. “See you got a couple of suitors there.” Kaylee just grinned. Nanny stood outside the car and gestured for Mal to get in. Captain took one look at Jayne taking up half the seat. “Yeah, thinking you should get in next.” Holding the door for her. “Ain’t no way I’m setting next to him.” “Captain!” Nanny pleaded, not wanting to say anything out loud. “Nanny, he’s not going to bite.” Mal said quietly. “Unless you want him to.” He whispered. Nanny realized she head no choice. She got in and sat next to Jayne, Mal got in behind her. “Jayne, scoot over.” He yelled at him. Jayne scooted as much as he could and put his arm up on the seat. Nanny moved closer, right under his arm. All she could think of was how he smiled of sweat, soap and cigar. She like it very much, almost heady, she leaned back into his arm and sighed. Mal had a grin on his face when he got in. *** “So, mornings will be spent with either Doctor Dixon or Shepard Book, in the afternoon we will work with Ms. Frye and after dinner Mr. Cobb will teach us self-defense and weapons.” Nanny said to the boy at breakfast the next morning. “Every other night you can help me make dinner. So today Doctor Dixon will teach us biology and science, get your notebooks and meet us in the infirmary.” Nanny got up and the boys headed to their cabin. The kids were bored to tears with the Doctor, only ‘Sara’ made thing bearable. She sat in on the lesson, the boys were mystified by her. When they broke for lunch, they followed her into the kitchen. Jayne had turned out to be the best teacher of the four men. With the boys he was very patient, not so much when the Doctor or the Pilot joined the group. He felt grown men should know this stuff. When Kaylee showed up one day, he was careful in helping her catch up with everyone else. He made her sharpen an old knife before he would let her join the group in tossing. Nanny turned out to have hidden talent and the boys were learning very fast. The Doctor showed a little talent, managed to hit the target, but could not get the knife to stick. Wash couldn’t even hit the target and Jayne made him leave when he started to goof around with the knifes. Kaylee was better then the Doctor, but not as good as the boys. *** “Wash, you contact our drop?” Mal asked as Wash came down into the kitchen. “Yup, he will meet us in town, seems he has a booth at the fair and asked if we could drop the stuff there.” Wash grabbed a bowl and got some stew. “A fair, Captain, can we go to the fair?” Kaylee just about squealed with delight. Captain smiled at her, knowing he could not deny her anything. “We’ll see what we can work out, you caught up with all your work?” He knew she was. “Yes Sir, with Michael and Fredrick’s help I got everything done.” “Wash, when we landing?” He knew she would want to take Simon and River, he needed some time with the good Doctor to see how he felt about that before Kaylee could corner him. “Be down in about an hour.” Wash said between bites. “Thought it was Jayne’s turn at cooking? How come this taste so good?” “He talked the boys into helping him.” Kaylee laughed, running out to find River. “Wash, you and Zoë going to want some off time?” Mal asked, trying the stew himself. “Yes Sir, thought we might have a quite night, alone, on the ship.” Zoë came into the kitchen. “Kaylee dragging the rest of you to the fair?” “Don’t know, need to see who wants to go.” “Go where Captain?” Jayne came in to get some more of his stew. “Into town on Helvellyn, we have cargo to drop off at the fair. Thought everyone would like some time off. How about you?” Mal watched Jayne’s face as he thought about time in town. “Yeah, sounds like a good idea.” Jayne filled him bowl and sat down. He wondered if Nanny would be taking the boys. “Thought we might all head in together, drop the cargo and spend some time at the fair. Don’t want the women folk wandering around alone.” “Sir?” Zoë looked at him. “The other women, Zoë. You and Wash can have some time off, Jayne and I can handle the rest.” Mal waited to see if Jayne would complain. “How late Captain? I’m gonna need to spend some time in town, alone.” Jayne looked at Mal. Mal just smirked. “You’ll get some time, don’t worry.” Mal took his bowl to the sink and washed it out. He didn’t think Jayne would complain much, he caught him watching Nanny more then a few times. *** “Doc, you and your sister need to stay close, OK?” Mal asked looking around, they had dropped off the cargo and were wandering around the fair, looking for a place to eat dinner. Kaylee and River were out in front, with Michael and Fredrick in tow. Nanny and Book followed behind them, with Jayne, Simon and Mal bringing up the rear. “This looks good.” Mal sat at a large table, waiting for the rest to come back and join him. He ordered drinks for all and then they placed food ordered. Michael and Fredrick sat with the girls, Nanny sat close to the boy, and Jayne managed to sit across from her. He had thought about setting next to her, but wanted to be able to watch her. Mal could hardly keep a smirk off his face, he had seen Jayne maneuver Book out of the way. If Jayne only knew about how Nanny watched him when he worked out. Mal had found the set-up one day and it wasn’t hard to figure out what it was for. Watching those two dance around the other made the trip entertaining. He realized how much he depended on Inara to keep him on his toes, he missed the snarking back and forth. “Oh Captain, can Riv… ‘Sara’ and I go play some games?” She pleaded. “Sure, Nanny is it Ok if the boys go with them?” He didn’t want the girls alone, but it wasn’t his call to send the boys. He normally would have sent Jayne, but then he would miss the show. She looked around. “I guess it’s Ok.” She saw the pleading in the boy’s eyes, but she wanted to go along. “Maybe Book and I can also go,” adding when she saw shocked looks. “at a distance.” “Well, how about you take Jayne, looks to me like Book’s found an old friend.” Pointing down the lane, where Book was talking to a clergyman. Jayne looked happy at the idea of taking Nanny off alone. Nanny looked more then a little worried. She stood up and gave the Captain a look, almost pleading. Jayne drank down his beer and stood. “Ok, let’s go.” He walked off following the kids, Nanny had to hurry to catch up. Jayne couldn’t believe his luck, they walked slowly behind the others. Jayne had never walked down the street with a nice woman, he liked the looks the other men gave him. The kids had stopped at a shooting range, Jayne thought about joining them and showing just how good he was, but Nanny grabbed onto his arm and smiled up at him. He was willing to wait, as long as she held on to him. Michael was doing quite well, he won a small prize. Laying the gun down he walked over to Jayne. “Mr. Cobb, I want to win the hair comb for Kaylee, but I can’t seem to get enough points. I can spend 5 credits, one at a time and work my way up to the comb or I can give you the 5 credits and you can win it in one try.” Nanny was quite proud of Michael, for figuring a way to get what he wanted. She watched Jayne as he deciphered the request. He finally nodded and took the coins from Michael, walking over he laid three of the coins down and picked up the rifle. Taking a moment to check the gun out and taking a shot to gage the line. He took one last look at Nanny and started to shoot. He got a near perfect score, earning a comb. He gave it to Michael and pushed another coin to the vendor, winning another comb he handed it to Fredrick, who in turn gave it to Sara. Jayne pushed the third coin over and won another comb, this time instead of one of the jewel incrusted ones the girls wanted he picked one out that was more sedate, a rather plain black one. He walked over to Nanny and handed it to her. “Now you all have one.” Grinning he turned around. “Time to head back, foods probably getting cold” He started walking back to the restaurant. Nanny was speechless, Jayne didn’t have to win one for her and Sara, he could of just pocket the other coins Michael had given him. They had a very enjoyable dinner, then they all walked down the lanes to see what other games there were. They stopped at a dart game, thinking it would be more even then any of the other games. Turned out Nanny and Book were the best, Jayne took it well when she beat him and Mal. He was proud of her and that was a new feeling for him. After a while Mal suggested it was getting late and that they should head back to the ship. He was amazed at the change in Jayne, Jayne was very competitive, He never liked to lose at anything and here he was congratulating Nanny. Half way back they ran into a knife throwing booth, the prize was a large new blade. Jayne’s eyes lit up, He and Mal stepped up and laid down their coins. The man running the booth pushed the coins back and said he was sorry but this booth was just for women. Mal cursed and wondered if he could get Zoë here in time. Jayne turned and handed the coins to Nanny, he knew how good she was and that she had a chance of winning. “Mr. Cobb, I don’t know. That’s a lot to wager on my ability.” She was more then a little nervous. “I’ve seen you do it in practice, ‘side I don’t have time to go put on a dress.” He smiled at her and pushed her closer to the booth. “Ok, but don’t be angry if I can’t do it.” Nanny picked the knife up judging its weight, taking a deep breath she took her stance, raised her arm and threw the knife. Jayne slapped her on the back, almost knocking her down, she had hit the bull’s eye, just barely. The booth operator handed her the new knife, she handed it over to Jayne. Laying down her own coins she threw another bull’s eye and accepted a new knife of her own. After dropping the rest off at the ship Jayne headed back into town, Mal had told him to be back by morning. He went into the first bar he saw and ordered up a few drinks, he planned on getting good and drunk. Never knew when he would get another chance. Sitting in the back he wondered about Nanny. She was not his type, well educated, dark haired, skinny and she dressed like a.. like a schoolmarm. He laughed to himself, she could sure throw a knife thou. He looked the selection of whores over, he normally liked them blond and with big breast. Tonight, after a few drinks, he seemed to be drawn to a skinny little dark haired girl, she had a nice long neck. He didn’t think of why she seemed so appealing, or why he had her put her hair up. By the time he started to call her Nanny he was too drunk to remember much of anything. *** The next few days were uneventful, Mal got a kick out of watching the pair watch each other. Jayne made sheaths for the new knifes, not telling her that he had called his ‘Nanny’. Lessons were carried out, Nanny was no longer allowed in the knife throwing lesson. Instead she worked with Robert on his throwing technique. Jayne asked her if she was as good with a gun, but Nanny just smiled and never answered. *** “Captain, while you make your drop, May we go into town with the Shepard and take the boy shopping? They need some more work clothes, so they can continue helping Kaylee.” Nanny asked during breakfast. Mal looked between her and Book. “How about you guys wait until after the drop and you can take Jayne with you.” Holding up his hand to forestall Jayne’s complaint. “Jayne, you can get that extra ammo you want and take your class out for target practice.” Jayne thought about it for a minute. “Will I have time to… go… back to town?” Mal smiled at how carefully Jayne had worded his request for time to go whoring. “I think something can be arranged.” He looked at Nanny to see if she knew what Jayne was asking, looked like she did. “Well, Zoë, Jayne lets go. We’ll be back in an hour or so, then you guys can head into town.” Getting up he headed down to the cargo bay, Jayne and Zoë followed. *** It was close to lunch when they got back. The group heading into town consisted of Jayne, Nanny, Michael, Fredrick, Book and Kaylee. The trip to town was uneventful, Book got the fresh food he wanted, Kaylee got some parts, Nanny and the boys got work clothes and Jayne got lots of ammo. When everyone was done they got onto the mule and headed back to the ship to set up for target practice. They were halfway there when the mule stopped, Kaylee was able to figure out that someone had tampered with the fuel. Jayne started to get very nervous and took Book aside for a talk, when they came back, even Book looked nervous. “Nanny, you take Kaylee and the boys over into the woods and lay low.” Jayne looked around not quite sure what else to do with them. “Mr. Cobb, should we take our guns?” She asked him with as steady a voice as she could muster. “Good idea and take a couple of boxes of ammo.” Jayne kept looking around. “Just keep them quite and their heads… down… Book.” Pointing the way they had come, shoving Nanny towards the woods. “Git.. now…” Jayne grabbed the assault rifle and the other boxes of ammo and got behind the trailer, with one mighty grunt he tipped it over for better cover. “Book! Grab those guns and wait for a clean shot, got lots of ammo, but that gun ain’t good for much distance.” Jayne loaded his rifle and his pockets with ammo, taking one last look for Kaylee and Nanny in the wood, He smiled, he couldn’t even see where they went in. The men came on horseback, slowly like then were there to help, Jayne knew better. There were four of them, He felt good about the odds. Just wished that Kaylee wasn’t here, Mal would never forgive him if something happened to her. He wanted to take the leader without warning, but Book wouldn’t let him. Before he could stop him, Book stood up and asked what they wanted. They looked at each other, decided that the game was up and drew their weapons and spread out. Jayne got the leader with one shot. The others sped up and spread out, one right at them. He jumped over the trailer, the horse’s back hoof kicking Jayne in the head, but not before Jayne shot up thru the horse, killing both. Book ducked and pulled Jayne in behind the trailer. Bullets kept hitting the trailer, but none got thru. Book took the assault rifle and lined up a shot, taking out a horse. “Don’t want to kill you son, but I have people here that I swore to protect.” Peeking over the trailer he saw the man wrestle his rifle out from under the horse. “Don’t care old man, just want the women. You can just walk away.” “Not going to do that son. Best you walk back to town.” Peering around the side Book couldn’t see the other man anywhere, then he saw him on foot heading into the woods. He stood to get a better shot and was shot in the shoulder. He turned and got the man behind the horse as he fell. Nanny could see it all, she had moved Kaylee and the boys about 200 yards away. She saw Book aim towards the woods, but couldn’t see who he was aiming at. She crawled out of the wood toward the trailer, she had to know about Jayne and Book. She was half way there when she heard a man crashing thru the wood, stopping she realized he was right behind her. Taking a deep breath she stood up and faced him. He holstered his gun and advanced towards her. “Smart move little lady, no reason for you to get hurt.” He leered at her, with a mouth full of rotten teeth. Nanny faced him full on and let it register that she was armed. She slowly raised her gun, giving the man a chance. He stared at her, not believing that a lady would shoot him….. that was his last thought. Nanny put the gun away and headed for Book and Jayne. Book was getting up, having bound his wound. “Everyone Ok?” He asked. “Everyone, but you two.” She whistled loudly and Michael stood up, She waved him over. “How’s your shoulder?” Looking at the job he had done. “Not bad, went clean thru.” “Michael, you and Fredrick round up those horses.” Nanny ordered, he took one look at the blood on the two men and stumbled backwards. “Yes… Nanny….” He managed to get out before he threw-up. Nanny walked over and helped him clean up . “It’s Ok Michael, it’s a normal reaction. Just don’t let your little brother or Ms. Frye come over here, Ok.” He nodded at her and ran back to his hiding spot. Book was checking on Jayne. “He should be fine.” Looking at Nanny. “Don’t think he’ll be up for a ride though.” “Thought you could take them back to the ship and I’ll stay with Mr. Cobb. You might have to bring the ship back, not sure if we can move the mule.” Looking at the bullet ridden trailer. “Maybe you should go and I’ll stay with Jayne.” Book stood up, looking at Nanny. “No, you’re a better shot Shepard. I need to know you will get the boys home.” She ripped her slip and bandaged Jayne’s head. Michael came over with one of the horses, Fredrick had the other horse off in the distant. “Got the horses Nanny, everyone Ok?” “Jayne got kicked by a horse, only thing that could take him down.” Book answered. “Go get Kaylee, you and she will share that horse, I’ll ride with Fredrick.” “What about Nanny?” Michael asked. “I’m waiting here with Mr. Cobb. I need you to take care of your brother and bring the ship back here for us. “Yes Nanny.” Michael replied, mounting the horse and turning to get Kaylee. “Fredrick! Get mounted” He yelled at his brother. “Shepard, might be best if you walked over there.” Michael said, having grown up a lot in the last few minutes. Nanny was out gathering the rifles. “Shepard, you take Mr. Cobb’s rifle, I’ve these” holding up the two weapons. She also took the coats from two of the less bloody bodies. Folding one she made a pillow for Jayne’s head and laid the other over him. “We’ll be back soon, should be less then an hour” Book said as he trotted off after Michael. Nanny picked some of the food off the ground and sat against the trailer, looking at Jayne. After what seemed like forever, she got worried that his breathing seemed a little labored, she leaned in to listen better. How could he still smell so good, she looked at his head, tenderly wiping away some of the blood. Running her finger down his face, before she could stop herself she leaned in and softly kissed his cheek, moving down slowly she kissed his lips. Soon she realized he was kissing back, when she tried to pull away, she found a hand in her hair pulling her closer and then just as fast that hand was pulling her head away. “What the hell are you doing!” He croaked out. “I don’t kiss on the mouth!” Getting mad and trying to sit up. “Don’t move, you have a head injury.” Putting her hands on his chest, she tried to make him lay back down. “What do you mean you don’t kiss on the mouth?” She asked trying to distract him. “Just what I said.” Grumbling. “Why you kissing me?” Jayne was more befuddled then usual. “Thought you were dead…” “What, you get off kissing dead folk?” He looked at her with one eye, easier to focus that way. “No, thought you had stopped breathing. Was just so happy that you hadn’t died, not quite as happy now. Could you release my arm, please?” “ ’Could you release my arm’” He mimicked . “God, you’re just like the Doc with all your fancy words, can’t you just say ‘Let go of me’ like normal folks.” “Fine ‘Let go of me’ Is that better?” rubbing her arm where he had grabbed it. “I’m hungry, gimme some of that food.” Jayne reached for the protein bar Nanny was eating. “I don’t think you should eat anything, not when you have a head wound.” Pulling the box of bars out of his reach. “I’ll show you a wound, gimme a bar!” Jayne tried to move, but his eyes just wouldn’t focus and he couldn’t stay up. Nanny grabbed his shoulder to keep him from falling over. He still fell over, but at least she broke his fall. “Please get off me!” she tried to push him up but he wouldn’t move. He was unconscious and she was pinned to the ground under his dead weight. Nanny tried to wiggle out from under him, this had interesting consequences. Soon he was visibly aroused and even thou he was unconscious, he had a smile on his face. She thought about slapping him until he awoke, she dreaded the thought of the Captain finding them like this . “Mr. Cobb!” she shook him, more moans. “JAYNE” shaking him again. If he wasn’t so heavy she might of enjoyed this position. Finally she just leaned over and kissed him again. That was the magic trick, soon he was pushing himself away and yelling at her again. “What is with you, stop kissing me….. what happened?” “You tried to stand and you passed out, on top of me.” She stood and tried to regain some composure. “So you started kissing me again?” Jayne sounded more fierce then he looked. “Only way I could get you off me, you must really not like kissing. How come?” “I don’t know, just personal and I don’t share them.” “Who you saving them for? Not like you have a limited supply.” Nanny was trying to keep his mind off the fact that he couldn’t eat. “None of your business, just don’t like giving them away.” He stared at her, one eyed, as he still could not focus. “ ‘Giving them away’, so do you want me to pay for the ones I took?” Nanny laughed, which pissed Jayne off more. Jayne started to say something that Mal would of thrown him off the ship for, when they heard the ship. Nanny stood. “You stay there until the Doctor says you can move, OK?” Jayne just looked at her and started to get up. “I’ll kiss you!” She yelled at him, he sat back down. The Captain and Zoë came over, guns out, not sure what they would find. “You having yourself a little rest there Jayne?” Captain asked as soon as he saw all was clear. “Hell Mal, she won’t let me get up.” Jayne glared at Nanny. “What she do, Jayne, hit you with her purse?” Wash asked as he started to look the Mule over. “No, she threatened to….” He knew he would be in for trouble if he said she had threatened to kiss him. “What?” Zoë, Wash and Mal asked. “Nothing, just wouldn’t let me get up or eat.” “Could be she saved your life Jayne.” Simon said as he checked him over. “If you have a concussion, you could have died.” Checking Jayne’s eyes he confirmed his suspicions. “Captain, will you help me get him on to the litter. Book, Wash we’ll need your help in getting him to sickbay, He really shouldn’t walk.” The four of them barely got him there. “You need to stay here over night, tomorrow you should be able to get up.” Nanny and the boys picked up all the packages and helped Wash push the Mule into the cargo bay. The Captain walked out just as they finished. “Hear tell you saved the day.” Looking into the sky. “Book said you took out the last man, how you feel about that?” He asked Nanny after she sent the boys inside to help Kaylee. “Not the first man I’ve killed Captain, but you knew that didn’t you?” Nanny looked over the graves the Shepard had dug. “Figured as much.” Mal turned and headed back into the ship. *** Jayne was up and around in a couple of days and back to his old self. Nanny had started skipping the Doctor’s lessons to do laundry and other dreary household chores, the boys begged her to let them help. It was not that the Doctor was a bad teacher, it was just that he expected everyone to learn at the rate he did, only his sister was able to keep up with him. Nanny would rush thru her chores and wait up on the catwalk for Jayne and Book to start their workout, hidden in an alcove she could watch him as he worked out, if she was lucky by the end he would take off his shirt. Even from up there she could tell it was a marvelous chest, she knew she had a problem. She had found the alcove by accident one day, wandering around on a walk. She knew when the lesson would be over and would be outside the infirmary waiting. She had brought up one of her chairs, a lamp and an old book, wouldn’t do for anyone to know the real reason she was up there. *** She was a little early today, Jayne and Book had not started yet. She backed away from the railing to sit in her chair, Jayne was in it. She had almost sat on his lap. “Nice view.” He looked at her like he knew a secret. “Thought we was being watched, good little setup, book’s a nice touch.” He stood and walk over to her, placing one hand on each side, trapping her. “You don’t have to hide up here ya know, you can come down and watch.” “I have no idea what you are talking about, I wait here for the boys to finish their lessons with the Doctor.” She knew he wasn’t buying it. He leaned in closer. “I figure you owe me…” “Owe you for what?” “Well, you took advantage of me while I was unconscious, violated my trust. You kissed me, not just once, but twice, so…you owe me.” He was running his hand up and down her arm, moving closer and closer. ‘When did this alcove get so small’ Nanny thought to herself. “Mr. Cobb…..” “Oh Baby, given what we’re about to do, I think you can start calling me Jayne.” Leaning even closer he nibbled on her neck. This shot shivers down her spine, when she was able to comprehend what he had said, she pushed him away. “We are not about to do anything!” This might have been more convincing if she wasn’t practically purring. He moved back in and resumed devouring her neck, he had never seen a neck like this so close up. Inara’s looked this nice, but she wouldn’t let him anywhere near it. Nanny was still trying to make a coherent sentence. “Mr. Cobb, please the boys will be out any minute.” “Now that ain’t true, boys just started. Figure we have at least an hour.” He started on the other side of the neck. Nanny was so lost in the ecstasy, that she didn’t realize what he was doing until she felt him unbutton her blouse. “Mr. Cobb please.” Pushing on him again. “I can’t, please, don’t force me.” Jayne stopped, pulled back and looked shocked. “I ain’t never forced nobody, my Ma would whoop me if I did. All you gotta say is that you don’t want me.” He looked her right in her eyes, she knew she couldn’t lie. “It’s not that, I can’t, I’m working - I have children to watch, you are a distraction.” “Yeah, well, you can’t tell me you don’t want me and the kids are busy, so what’s going on?” Nanny took a few deep breathes to calm herself. “The boys may be out of my sight right now, but I’m still their Nanny, I’m still working. If you were working, tracking someone, you wouldn’t give me a second look. I….” She could feel him tense and step back into the alcove, pulling her with him. “What?” She whispered. “Thought he would be working out. You check his bunk?” Mal asked Zoë. “Yes, Sir” Zoë looked around. “Not there or in the kitchen.” Nanny started buttoning up her shirt, tucking it back in, while watching Jayne head down the back stairs. She walked over to the chair and sat down, not sure her legs would hold her much longer. What was she going to do about Jayne, if he hadn’t left she’s not sure she could have said no. *** Nanny avoided Jayne for the rest of the morning, but had to attend the after dinner lessons, as she always did. She tried to limit the amount of contact, Jayne tried to increase it. He took every opportunity to touch her or stand by her. He took great pleasure in how uncomfortable she was, no one else seemed noticed. The next day Nanny attended the Doctors lesson, half way thru she got a funny feeling, turning around she saw Jayne staring at her thru the windows. It was hard to concentrate knowing he was waiting out there. She knew she was going to have to deal with him sooner or later. The opportunity came while the boys helped Kaylee with dinner, Nanny found Jayne alone in the commons sharpening his knife. “Mr. Cobb, we need to talk.” She said as she sat down across from him. “I can’t have you stalking me.” “Just waiting for you to pay what you owe.” He looked up from his knife and smiled. “I don’t feel I owe you anything, I’m sorry about the kisses, if I had known how you felt about them, I never would have kissed you.” Nanny was watching his hands, such strong hands, trying to not remember how good they felt on her… shaking her head to clear it of these thoughts, Nanny stood. “Mr. Cobb, in sixteen days we deliver the boys, hence ending my restrictions and we can renegotiate.” Jayne put down his knife and stood up. “What the hell did you just say?” taking the opportunity to come around the table so he could get close enough to smell her hair. Trying to stay in control. “After we drop the boys off and head back to Ariel, I will no longer be working.” Waiting for that to sink in, but seeing no change in the puzzled look on his face. “I will no longer need to be celibate.” Still waiting for a reaction. “Mr. Cobb are you listening to me?” She smacked him on the arm. “Huh, what…” He had been enjoying the closeness, the aroma and hadn’t been paying any mind to what she had been saying. “Mr. Cobb, can you wait sixteen days?” She took another step back. “For what?” He couldn’t follow the conversation, he’s mind kept wandering. “Oh for Gods sake, Mr. Cobb. Did you hear a word I said?” He just shook his head and leaned in for another sniff. “Sit down, Mr. Cobb!” Nanny pushed him towards his chair. When he was seated and Nanny felt more composed she started over. “In sixteen days we will reach Myrna and hand the boys over to their parents.” Nanny waited for Jayne to nod in agreement. “Then we head back for Ariel, it will take us two weeks.” Waiting again for the nod. “For those two weeks I will not be working.” Now Jayne understood, he stood back up and walked over to her. “So no kids, no restrictions, right.” Getting very close. “Yes, Mr. Cobb.” Enjoying the closeness of him. “Can you hold off for sixteen more days? No stalking, no touching, no smelling…” He leaned in, breathing her in. “What’s in it for me, I like stalking you. Not sure I want to wait that long. Think if we hadn’t been interrupted yesterday I could have worn you down.” He stopped sniffing long enough to kiss her neck. Nanny took a step back. “Yes, you’re right I might have agreed yesterday, but I would of then told your Captain and you would never get within smelling distance again.” As she said this he was moving in on her neck. “It would have been a one time only thing. Is that what you want?” Again taking a step back. “So what are you offering me?” Jayne realized she was right, Mal might not send him out the airlock, but Jayne wasn’t ready to bet on it, he moved in close and nuzzled her neck. This time she didn’t move, she just enjoyed it. “If you can behave yourself until the boys get off.” Pushing him away so she could look him in the eyes. “Anytime…. anywhere….. anything…..” Saying it slow so he could understand each word. Jayne’s mouth went dry, not sure he had heard her correctly he whispered. “What???” “Anytime….” She put one hand on his waist. “Anywhere…... “ She placed the other hand. “Anything…..” She leaned in close, so that their bodies were touching. She smiled as he finally understood what she was offering. “What about kissing?” He managed to croak out, running his hands over her back. “Only if you want to.” God, if he didn’t go for this she was in a lot of trouble. “Sixteen days, huh. No contact what so ever?” He leaned down and nuzzled her neck again, breaking long enough to ask. “No nothing?” Not sure he could do that. “No cornering me and trying to get me to break my rules.” She was now running her hands over his back. “We might be able to stand close and such, but that’s it.” “Close huh.” Going back to her neck “What about the Captain? He has a no contact rule. I’ll have to talk to Him…” She had her eyes closed and was leaning in to him, God this has to work . “Mr. Cobb, maybe not this close.” She tried to back away. “When you gonna start calling me Jayne?” Holding on to her, so she couldn’t get away. “No need to talk to the Captain, he already said it was alright.” Jayne had never been in this situation, someone asking him to wait, someone willing to give themselves to him completely. “What do you mean he said it was alright? He told me it wasn’t?” Nanny was a little confused. “Well… we… kinda made a bet.” Jayne can’t stop nibbling on her neck. She pushed him as far away as she could. “What kind of bet?” “He bet me that I couldn’t bed you before we hit Myrna.” He wasn’t really paying much attention to what he was saying, he had gotten his hands up under her blouse and was running them up and down her back, Nanny was too upset to notice. “Bed me, he bet that you couldn’t bed me!” She hit Jayne on the side of the head to get his attention. Tucking her shirt back in. “Is that why, just to win the bet” She asked in a much smaller voice. “No, not the only reason. He found me watching you one day and said I didn’t have a snowballs chance. I told him that I would if he would let me, that’s when he came up with the bet.” Rubbing his head he wondered why she was pissed. “’sides if I take your deal, I’ll lose Binky.” “Who’s Binky.” Nanny asked, still upset about the bet. Jayne holds up his knife, looking at it lovingly. “This is.” “You must have been pretty sure of your chances, to bet your knife?” Nanny wasn’t sure if she should be flattered or pissed. “Wasn’t till Mal started saying I didn’t have a chance, can’t pass up a challenge.” He grinned at her. “ ’sides, I saw you watching me a few times.” “When did you make this bet?” *** Nanny stormed into the kitchen, looking for blood, what she found was the boys still helping Kaylee with dinner. She knew she would have to wait until later. Jayne and Nanny were both very quite, it affected the whole crew, Mal knew something was up. Jayne was avoiding his eyes and Nanny was trying hard not to glare at him. As soon as dinner was over Nanny asked Jayne to take the boys for their lessons. He wanted to stay but he knew Nanny needed to have the boys out of the way. He took Michael, Fredrick, Kaylee and River down to the hold. After they left, Nanny took a deep breath and walked over to the Captain. “What did you wager?” She asked, standing over him. “What?” Mal knew what she was asking, but was stalling for time. “It meant that little, you wager on my virtue, that you can’t remember what you bet. Did you or did you not bet Mr. Cobb that he could not bed me before we reach Myrna?” She looked him in the eyes. Book sat down, not believing what he just heard. “I didn’t…” “You didn’t place a bet with Mr. Cobb?” Nanny asked again. “Yes I did, didn’t think he would get very far.” Mal stood up. “You said you were celibate, thought Jayne didn’t have a chance.” “What did you bet?” She was shaking now, visibly upset. “My brown coat, I bet my coat against Jayne’s knife.” Mal looked at the faces around him. “A coat, you bet a lousy coat?” “Hey, my army coat, my brown independence coat, never would of bet it if I had thought he had a snowballs chance. How come you’re not yelling at Jayne, takes two to bet.” Getting defensive. “Jayne didn’t know I had taken a vow of celibacy” Tapping the Captain on the chest. Not noticing that Jayne had come back into the room. “Jayne didn’t know that I had been celibate for six months.” Tapping harder, forcing Mal to step back. “Jayne didn’t know how attractive I found him.” Pushing even harder, near tears. “Jayne didn’t know how hard of a time I was having, you did Captain, you did.” She was almost crying. Mal couldn’t believe how far this had gone, it was just a silly bet, they had just gotten back from Helvellyn, had a great day at the fair and he had enjoyed watching them dance around each other. He really didn’t think that Jayne had had a chance with her. “I’m sorry…” “I’m going to his bunk now Captain, you lose.” Nanny walked away. Jayne watched her leave, walking to the Captain he took out his knife, holding it out for him. “Ain’t gonna happen Captain, you win” Mal wouldn’t take it, so Jayne embedded it into the table, turning away, he went to find Nanny. “Wow, there’s something I thought I’d never see.” Wash muttered in disbelief. “What’s that Wash?” Book asked “Jayne having more integrity then the Captain.” Wash shook his head and headed up to the bridge.
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Saturday, October 23, 2004 1:09 AM
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