Just One Date

A pot of tea sat between them on the table. Kaylee stared at it, unwilling to move her eyes up to meet Jayne's. For once, Jayne seemed eager to talk.

"So," he said. "How about it?"

Kaylee reached out and touched the side of the teapot with her index finger. Warmth seeped into her skin immediately. She slowly pulled her hand back and shifted her gaze to study her warmed finger.

"Ain't gonna keep me from knowin'," Jayne added.

"Knowin' what?" she asked meekly.

"Knowin' you feel for me." He grinned and then tried to fix his expression, as if his first was uncalled for or accidental. His new expression is more level and controlled.

"Of course I do," she told him. "You're my friend. Just like anyone else on Serenity is."

"Ain't the same way you feel 'bout the others," he insisted.

She returned to staring at the teapot. After a moment she realised how childish she was being, and so reached out and poured herself a mug. At least that action gave the impression she had purpose, she supposed.

"Kaylee," he said. His voice was gruff and it pulled at something inside of her, made her want to reach out to him and give him what he wanted.

She lifted her eyes once more to look at him. "Fine. One date," she said.

She wasn't surprised when Jayne grinned at her. She was surprised at her own reaction, though. She felt light and warm inside, and was sure she must be beaming at him.

"Not long til you'll be sayin' that about our second date," Jayne teased, and then he left her alone in the kitchen with her tea, to reflect on what just happened.

fin.