Disclaimer: They ain’t my characters and it ain’t my ‘verse and no money changed hands. Thank You List includes Joss and the gang for inspiration, Jacqui the Goddess of Jaylee for beta and a great deal of support and encouragement, and to my own dear big, bad man for providing certain, …er, technical resources and guidance. Bein’ as this is my very first fanfic, all comments, suggestions and feedback are most appreciated. Bitch at me, throw chocolates, or e-mail if ya wanna at Lumenea@aol.com. If ya don’t wanna talk, please just click a rating. Can’t make it better if I don’t know what’s broke.

Waited Long Enough Part Six: The Truth Comes Out

He slowly swam up out of blackness, first aware of the throbbin’ pain fillin’ his consciousness, a circle of pain that resolved to focus in the back of his skull.

There was warmth around his head, an’ the unmistakable musky-sweet perfume of womanhood. A curtain of lavender-scented silk draped around his face as soft lips barely brushed his forehead then lightly kissed each closed eyelid.

I’m dead, he thought. Dead an’ gone to heaven. The unlikeliness of this eventual outcome was Jayne’s first clue that he was mistaken.

Heaven smelled like Kaylee. Heaven felt like Kaylee.

A soft voice, thick with concern and desire whispered, “Oh, Jayne, I’ve been such an idgit an’ I don’t even know why.” Little hands cupped his face, lightly traced his mouth, his bearded chin. Her chestnut hair tickled his ears.

“Please just wake up, bao bei. I’m so sorry...”

Wonder why I’m lyin’ on my back? An’ why’s my head restin’ on the edge o’ Paradise? Jayne cracked one eye an’ found himself looking up at an upside-down Kaylee.

“Sorry ‘bout what?” he managed to whisper hoarsely, bringin’ his big hand up to grasp hers as she caressed his cheek.

His thoughts grew clearer: OK - they were in the engine room, an’ he’d been about to throttle her. He must have fallen hard enough to knock himself out.

“Well, hello, big, bad man. Nee ho