Very first words out of River's mouth when he slid into the copilot seat next to her. and Mal knew he was humped.

"Why are you here? Should be with her."

No need to ask who 'her' was.

"I...uhhh...figgured she needed some breathing room. Time to herself."

River made a face which could only be interpreted as Mal being a complete idiot about something so obvious.

"You already gave her that. For two years."

"Well, mebbeso she needs some more."

"Not what she wants. Not what you want."

"And just how would you know what I want, little one?"

Another look, which Mal found even more creepifying, as it generally signified that she knew what he'd been thinking.

"Want to kiss her. And then undress..."

"Gah! Enough of that!"

River just shrugged and went back to plotting their new course.

"She wants the same thing, you know. Kissing and undressing..."

Mal couldn't help himself. "Uhhmmm, really?"

"Less space, more breathing."