A Jayne Fic Part 4- Boy Gets His Wires Crossed

"Can someone tell me why there's a gorram net strung up in my cargo bay?" Mal stormed into the kitchen when his good for nuthin' crew sat flushed and enjoying cold drinks. Drinks he ruttin paid for. Mal grew even more incensed when everyone began laughing. "Badminton." Was Abbey's reply.

"Yeah Cap'n Simon was teachin us- it's fun." Kaylee beamed at him, ecstatically.

"Yes Mal, you really should try it sometime, it can be quite exhilarating." Inara gave him a warm grin, hell even Zoe was smilin. It was enough to make a man feel old.

"Jayne get that net squared away, Simon considerin this fun was all your idea, you can go help him. And count all of yourselves lucky that I'm not goin to start lookin for a new crew once we're planet-side." Jayne and Simon rose grumbling.

"I'll get started on lunch." Kaylee kept laughing.

"River- did you want to help me pick an outfit for me to wear to meet the Vice-Chancellor?" Inara asked and even Mal softened at how quick she shot out of her chair. "Don't worry Mal," said River patting him on the arm "you aren't that old."

With that she followed Inara to the Companion's shuttle. "For that River, you can check our course before you go play dress-ups with Inara." River stopped, turned and rolled her eyes, coupling it with a sigh that only moody seventeen year old girls can perfect. "Abbey, I need to be having a chat with you later." The redhead gave a small nod as she rose to help Kaylee.

Abbey had started helping Kaylee with lunch but her mind was on other things. "Sit." The small mechanic ordered, "You're messin up my rhythm." Abbey sank into a chair across from Zoe. "Anythin wrong?" Zoe asked frowning at Abbey over the scarred table. "It's Jayne." Abbey bit her lip and allowed her head to flop back, so she was studying Serenity's roof. "What about Jayne? You two seem to be getting along all right." Kaylee remarked as she sliced some tomatoes.

"He hasn't harassed you none has he?" Zoe look