“Captain changed course”, River said, “We’re not going to Beylix.”

She sat at the dinner table, body limp in a chair, her cheek pressed to the top of the wooden table.

Zoe nodded, “Not that I agree with his methods, but—”

“It’s not fair.”

“He’s worried about you, we all are.”

“I’m old enough.”

“Ain’t sayin’ you shouldn’t or that you won’t, just sayin’ ain’t no cause to rush is all.”

River contemplated Zoe. “It’s more than the parts fitting…that’s what you were going to say.”

“Not my words exactly—”

“But sometimes it’s enough that the parts fit. You went to Jayne because the parts fit.” River said more than asked.

“How bout you let me tell you what I want you to know.”

River nodded. Chastised.

“Sweetie.” Zoe sighed. “Your body—”

“I know, it changes everything,” River dragged herself upright in the chair.

“What? What changes everything?”

“The delta.”

“Shumma?"

River rolled her eyes. “Love.”

The sharp edged grief always surrounding Zoe spiked loudly through River’s senses, she winced then tilted her head when she tasted something new inside the pain.

“He kisses with his heart you know, he doesn’t know any other way.” River said then suddenly twisted around in her chair to look at the empty doorway leading to the bridge.

Zoe followed River’s gaze to the empty doorway, “Mei-mei, who are you talking about?”

Jayne ducked through the doorway. He stopped. River and Zoe were staring at him.

He looked suspiciously from one to the other, “What?”

Zoe turned slowly to River, raised an eyebrow. In answer, River arched one eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips.

“What the hell’s the matter with you two?” Jayne frowned, mumbling, “Figures, guess crazy is catchy.” He walked to the kitchen, passing closer to Zoe than he needed to.

Mal walked into the dinning room, “Hey Lit’le one.”

River stiffened, “Kuh-ooh duh lao bao jurn.” She glared at Mal and stomped off toward the bridge.

“She just needs…a little…more time.” Mal explai