The fireworks exploded in all the colours of the rainbow, and even some that probably didn’t even have names. Shooting stars, rockets, clusters, bright lights filling the sky above them.

River clapped her hands in delight. “Oh, so pretty!” she said.

“Looks like they saved them up just for us,” Simon said to Kaylee.

“I think they did. What the Cap’n and Zoe and the others did for ‘em …” Kaylee shook her head. “Well, they’re grateful.”

Jayne took a pull on the jug and looked at Freya. “Where’s Mal?” he asked.

“Not sure,“ Freya said, taking a drink herself. “Around.”

“You two okay?”

“Shiny. Why?”

The big man shrugged. “Just seems to me like you’d normally be in each other’s pockets 'round about now. Partakin’ of some of this fine hospitality.”

Freya grinned. “We will. He’s probably talking business with someone.” She took another drink.

Jayne looked at her, her face all golden in the firelight. “You’re pretty,” he said suddenly.

“Why, thanks, Jayne,” Freya said, surprised.

“I mean, in the light ‘n’ all. How about me?” He lifted his chin, trying to look heroic.

Freya pretended to study him closely. “Jayne, you’re pretty too. In fact, you’re one of the prettiest men I know.”

Jayne looked at her. “So how about you and me getting some physical action under our belts?”

“Ain’t gonna happen, Jayne,” Freya said, sounding almost regretful.

“Aw, how come?”

“Because I love Mal, is why.”

“Well, I love Vera, but I ain’t only using her,” Jayne pointed out.

“I’m not a gun, Jayne.”

“Prettier’n Vera too.”

“I’m not sleeping with you, Jayne.”

He loomed forward at her a little. “Let you kiss me on the mouth,” he offered.

“And that’s a plus … how?”

“Aw, Frey. It ain’t fair.”

“That’s how it is, Jayne.”

“Well, guess I’ll just have to go back to dreamin’.”

“Dreaming what? And don’t leer at me.” She stood up. “I’m gonna find Mal.”

“Good luck,” the mercenary said. “If’n you don’t find him, my offer’s still ope