River lay alone on the topmost walkway connecting to the stairs in the belly of Serenity.  She listened intently as Jayne lifted weights.  His thoughts came to her in a rhythm.  Lifting and breathing deep and lowering the bar.  It was glorious.

The man had his own song, created while attempting to make better a body which River was quite sure couldn't become more appealing if it wanted to.

She listened well to him, sometimes blocking everyone else to hear his every inkling.  She awoke from her stupor as he overexerted himself.  She ran quickly down the stairs, sliding down the last bit.  She ran towards him, and managed to catch the bar as it fell quickly to his massive chest.  She helped him pull it up to the bar and then stuck her head under it, lips nearly contacting his as she inspected his bare chest, making sure he hadn't injured himself too badly.

"Watch out moonbrain."  He slid out from under her and stood, rotating his right arm at the shoulder to check for injury.  He winced as his tricep flexed. 

"You shouldn't do that."

He shook his head and looked over at her.  "Do what?"

She walked over, checking his arm.  "Overexert yourself that way.  It's dangerous."

"I know that.  Wasn't on purpose.  Ain't got no spotter no more."  He winced as she pressed firmly at his injured muscle.

"Owe!  Stoppit!"

"I was trying to help."

"By pokin sumthin that ya already know hurts?"

"Was trying to see how badly."

"Why don't we leave that to yur brother."  He  took a step to walk in the general direction of the infirmary.  River placed a soft hand on his chest.

Jayne stopped, surprised by the amount of strength the girl could muster if she wanted.

"Don't want to do that.  He's busy."  River spoke, not removing her hand from his chest.

"Ain't too busy ta do his gorram job." 

River nodded, smiling.  "Yes, he is."

Jayne made a twisted face shook his head.  "Nah mei guan-shee."

River smiled, finally removing her hand from his chest before taking a seat on the bench and spe