Just a touch. That’s all he needed, just a brush from her hand. Just needed it. Always thought that guys who craved drugs or booze were weak, not manly. He liked booze, a little herb now and then, but nothin’ that might ruin his edge, get him killed. But here he was not cravin’ herb or booze, but a girl! A little girl, just skin and bones really, but so pretty, so sexy, so not his he reminded himself angrily.

He had thought after Miranda that she and the doctor were happy and for a while it seemed so. After the doctor had saved her, Jayne was ready just to watch not interfere no more. But now Kaylee weren’t happy. Put up a good front, but somethin’ was wrong, was like Simon had problems with being close to her. Given a chance to touch Kaylee, be close to her Jayne wouldn’t have no problem. Couldn’t understand how the man could keep his hands off her!

He just wanted to touch her all the time. Make sure she were alright.

Normally the craving weren’t this bad, but it’d been some time since he’d had a bit of time with Kaylee. Usually they worked on the engine or loaded crates together, played hoop ball or somethin’ but since her and the doc got together that hadn’t happened so much. Crazy girl was sittin’ watchin’ him clean his guns. Since the craving started this time she was doin’ her best to keep him from sayin’ or doin’ something stupid. Seems she heard his gorram thoughts and in her way was tryin’ to help.

“Jayne” Kaylee came into the common area “can ya help me with the engine?” He gave a few token grumbles afore getting’ up to follow. Truth be told weren’t just a touch he craved – was her. Just to be with her for a little, check she were doin’ alright, talk some.

Pullin’ the piece of engine out she wanted, he did as Kaylee told him, helping with the heavy lifting and such. Already he was feeling calmer, side by side fixing the engine hips, knees brushing now and then, shoulders leaning ‘gainst each other as they eased the parts together. Silky hair tickled his hand as she leaned forward concentrating on the job. He watched her face as she thought her way round the engine repairs. Always wrinkled her nose up and squinted when she was doin’ that. She was so shuai ‘n’ he was so dumb to be still thinkin’ this. When they were finished Kaylee held out her hand to be helped up. She squeezed his bicep in a friendly manner “Thanks Jayne” “’S ok” he muttered heading for his bunk. River was standin’ in the corridor looked like she growed there “Better now?” she asked “For awhile” he agreed ‘Cause the feelings always came back, stronger each time, the craving for Kaylee.