Chapter 23

Mal was very happy with how Jayne looked in the morning and they headed off for their job. Everyone else puttered around the ship, waiting for them to come back.

When they came back an hour later it was with a warning to have Simon ready, Zoë had made the call and hadn’t said what had happen or to who. Maggie waited in the hold with everyone else, worried that Jayne might not of been in top shape. When the shuttle came in it was the Captain that had been winged, but it wasn’t serious. First thought was to fly right out, but there was a land lock on all the ships at the port. After they stowed the crates it was decided to try and act naturally and attend the local fair. Inara would be their reason for being on Atsa

***

All but Zoë and Wash headed for the fair, even Inara had consented to attend, dressing a bit down with Maggie’s help. They all headed to the outdoor restaurant after lunch. River was very excited to be allowed out, Simon of course was acting like a mother hen, Kaylee was almost as excited as River and Maggie was glad for the distraction. It had been so hard not to run for Jayne when she saw him helping Mal, although she was still confused with her feelings, she knew she loved him. They had never actually said the words to each other. She’s not sure what his feelings for her are, not anymore anyway. She wanted to be important, special to someone, she had thought she was to Jayne, until now.

Jayne kept sneaking looks at Maggie, hoping that last night hadn’t been a one time deal. She had awoken first and half asleep she had done what they had always done, slowly awaken the other with kisses, he had stopped her before it gone to far, it was one of the hardest things he had ever done.

Mal had a few rules “OK, no one wonders around alone” He looked at River to make sure she understand “it might be best if Simon and River were not seen together and we meet back here every couple of hours. Jayne, you take Simon, Inara and Kaylee for the first few hours and then we’ll swap” He noticed