The moment the Girl fell out of her box that first time, all those months ago, she gave him an uncomfortableness. Well, then she went all crazy killer on them Reavers and he weren't so much uncomfortable when she was around, just more... aware. Shoulda made him more scared, the way she took 'im out so quick in the Maidenhead, and then in the pantry. Let alone seein' that tiny little girl all dripping blood and guts.

Shoulda been fear he felt when she came 'round. That'd make sense.

He weren't one to pay attention much to feelin's and the like, but if he had to put a name t’ that feelin' that welled up from inside when she entered a room, he'd be callin' it enthrallment. With maybe a healthy dose of lust mixed in. The Girl had him all tied in knots.

Made him wonder if she was doin' it on purpose. If'n she could kill him with her brain, wouldn't put it past her to mess with a man's emotions.

If a man had emotions, that is.

Workin' down in the cargo bay, he was movin' boxes 'round to make room for the load of cargo they were pickin' up in Three Hills tomorrow, somethin' big, was all Mal would say, when he felt that familiar prickle at the back of his neck. He went stock still, and swore he could feel her all the way up on the catwalk without even lookin' to know she was there.

Should keep movin', act like he's not knowin' she's there. Definitely not carin' any.

But his feet din't want to move, and he wasn't 'bout to force 'em and topple over like he were some love-crazy pansy like the Doc. He felt her movin' on down the stairs, and knew she was comin' for him. Givin' in to the inevitable, he turned to look at her.

Nearly toppled over all on his own.

"What in the ruttin' hell are you wearing?!"

She smiled brightly at him. "Layered cake. Like Kaylee."

Enthralled didn't quite describe anymore, whatever it was that came after, that's what he was feelin'. The dress was definitely the same as the one Kaylee wore, but it fit her all kindsa different. Kaylee filled it out jus' perfect like, all her curves and swells matchin' up with the ruffles. The Girl just 'bout disappeared inside all that frippery.

Made a man think 'bout diggin' around under all that fluff and settin' her free.

"You don't like it?"

Her voice was all soft and hurtin'. How 'n hell'd he manage that when he didn't even say a word?

"She know you stoled her dress?" He narrowed his eyes warily, watching her decent.

"Didn't steal." She responded, those doe eyes o' hers watchin' him.

He backed up a step, hooking his thumbs in his belt so they didn't go reachin' out for her. "She's lettin' you wear it?"

She nodded, her smile brightening as she approached, and she was standin' right in front of him all of a sudden like, the hem of her dress bumpin' up against his legs. "Cake, for your birthday."

Shoulda been backing up, but he couldn't make his feet move. She was probably doin' that with her brain too. Makin' his feet stop listenin' and his hands movin' out to touch the ruffles at her arms all on their own. "Cakes 're supposed to be edible."

Little girl's shouldn't be lookin' at a man the way River was lookin' at him now.

"This cake is."