CHAPTER 3

WEEK LATER: PLANET

"Stupid girl. Goin off on her own. Now I gotta go look for moonbrain." Jayne grumbles as he follows the footsteps. He groans when he sees a dress and boots lying on the ground. He continues walking only to come across a pond where he is startled to find River in the water. "Gorramit you crazy girl, how many times have we told you not to go off on your own like that!" He says coming into his anger quickly. "Now come on out of there and put your clothes on."

River looks at Jayne and smiles feeling his worry, discomfort and annoyance. "No" she shakes her head.

"I'm not coming to get you so get your ass out of there."

"No"

Jayne sighs knowing she is going to be stubborn about it. "River its going to take us past nightfall to get back to Serenity if you don't come out."

"You called me by name." River states

Jayne throws his hand up, "Get out of the water."

"No. I want to explore. Please?" River begs

"No now come on." He looks away as River finally gets out of the water and holds the dress out to her.

"I'm not ready to go back." River plops on the grass oblivious to her nakedness. She giggles seeing he is looking away. "Why are you avoiding me?"

"Because your brother and Mal... hell the whole ruttin ship would kill me if they knew I looked at you when you was naked." Jayne says stifling a groan.

River giggles, "You've wondered before."

"Have not"

River stands walking over to him she stands before him. "I won't tell if you don't." She says mischievously.

Jayne groans, "Girl just put your dress back on." He puts his hand over his eyes.

River takes the dress then sits on the grass not bothering to put the dress on. "My brain maybe smooshed but I'm not a baby."

Jayne lowers his hand swallowing heavily when he sees she is still naked but somewhat covered. "Girl, don't make me force you to get dressed."

"You won't." River says calmly.

"Yes I would."

"No you are scared."

"I'm not scared." Jayne argues

"You d