Disclaimer: It all belongs to Joss

Rating: R

Pairing: Jayne/River

Notes: This is my attempt at a 5 meme. I jumped in uninvited, but I hope you enjoy. It turned out a bit different than I expected.

Note 2: It’s been a while since I’ve done any serious dancing. I did a lot of research, but if something is incorrect that’s the reason.

5 Dances

By

Lattelady

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1. Salsa:

The first time River Tam danced with Jayne Cobb, they danced the salsa. Their bodies moved vigorously as had been done on Earth-That-Was. But instead of lively Cuban music with elements of jazz, rock and soul, they had only the background chatter of the crew in the galley.

The elements that clearly defined their movements as salsa instead of the similar mambo were the lightening speed at which they danced, and the fact that the accent was on the first beat of each three-beat measure instead of the second.

As dances go, this one was very short and could have easily turned deadly. She had been armed with a knife and he with his strength and temper. No one had seen it coming, not even the participants.

Accented beat one first measure, River stepped forward to facilitate the downward slice of the butcher knife. Jayne pulled back as pain erupted across his chests. The invitation was issued, the dance begun.

Beat two, he gasped in shock and surprise. She stood silently waiting for his next move.

Beat three, Everything stopped for a millionth of a second, as he fought to control the caged animal in him. Brown eyes met blue. She stood frozen, unsure what the next step was.

Accented beat one, second measure, He lost his battle, surged to his feet and backhanding her hard enough to draw blood. She crashed to the deck, her face hidden.

Beat two, River fought to catch her breath. Her eyes glazed. She was confused, lost, and unsure why she’d abandoned her usual solo to enter into a couples d