The Last Spartan – Chapter Ten

Author owns no rights to the Firefly verse, and receives no pay for his work

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Two days after being shot, Jayne woke. He did so all at once, sitting up in the bed, looking about him in confusion, until he recognized his surroundings.

River Tam was sitting in the doorway of the infirmary, dozing lightly. As soon as she felt Jayne’s presence, she woke as well.

“Hello, little one,” Jayne smiled at her, and River returned the smile hesitantly. “You have stood guard over me?”

“I promised you,” River said simply.

“I thank you, River Tam,” Jayne said formally, and got to his feet. River stepped forward to help, but there was no need. Jayne was firmly on his feet.

“You seem to have recovered well,” River commented.

“Thanks to you,” Jayne nodded firmly. “I owe you a great debt, River.”

“There is no debt,” she replied solemnly. “There is only friendship.” Jayne looked at her closely, and his hand rose to caress her cheek. River inhaled sharply at his touch, trembling slightly under his hand.

“What troubles you?” Jayne asked softly.

“I am tired, Jayne,” River said quietly. “Nothing more.” Jayne’s face told her that he didn’t believe that, but he let it lie.

“It is time for you to rest, then,” he said instead. “You have done me a great service, and I will not forget it.”

“So long as you keep your promise to me,” River smiled as brightly as she could.

“I will,” he assured her. “Have no fear of that.”

River nodded, and turned to go. She walked down the hallway to her room, and collapsed into her bed. She was tired, but her mind was alive, thoughts and emotions swirling around each other.

Why did he have to have such an effect on her?

She was still wondering that when she drifted into a deep sleep.

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Kaylee looked up when she felt a presence in the engine room other than her own. Jayne Cobb stood in the door way, looking at her.

“Hi, Jayne!” she beamed, ran to hug him. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there when ya woke up, Jayne. Bu