Big Damn Hero

“Get there early, maybe we can have ourselves a little japery first,” said Jayne.

Mal shook his head. “I know what your idea of japery is, Jayne, and it ain’t gonna happen. We’re there to work, not punch folk.”

“Not even a little?”

“Nuh-uh.”

“Awww.” Jayne sounded as petulant as a child. “Remind me again why I come with you on these trips.”

“’Cause you’re so damn handsome.”

She was a kid who made her own fun, and her idea of fun wasn’t necessarily the safe, happy kind. More usually it was the “What the hot holy hell just happened?” kind.

He didn’t like it much either, but when the choice was bad choice or no choice, you smiled wide and said thank you.