Archangel – Chapter Twelve

Author owns no rights to Firefly, and receives no pay for his work.

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Kaylee sat on the sofa in the lounge, just outside the infirmary. Her arms were hugged to her, as she rocked slowly back and forth, humming a song that her mother used to sing when she was scared.

It had been nearly twelve hours since Jayne had been taken to the infirmary. And he hadn’t so much as moved a muscle that anyone could see. Simon had finally gone to bed, exhausted from working not just on Jayne, but the refugees from Beaumond as well. He had smiled at her, encouragingly, before he left.

“He’s tough, Kaylee, and strong,” he’d said gently. “He’ll make it.” Kaylee had been grateful to Simon for that. It was out of character for him, in her new view of the ‘verse.

She looked up as River glided into the lounge.

“Any change?” the little assassin asked, sitting down beside her friend.

“No,” Kaylee replied, tears flowing gently down her face.

“Have you tried talking to him?” River asked, and Kaylee looked at her.

“Talking to him? River he ain’t awake!” Kaylee exclaimed. “How can I talk to him?”

“He may can hear you,” River shrugged. “Not unheard of, you know.”

“I don’t. . .I can’t think. . .”

“Kaylee, why don’t you go and lie down,” River suggested, rubbing her friend’s shoulder. “I’ll stay here for a while. I promise I’ll come and get you, if there’s any change at all.”

“I should be here,” Kaylee resisted.

“You need rest, Kaylee,” River urged gently. “You need to be rested when he awakens. He will need you, very much I think, when he does.”

“He will?” Kaylee asked, hope in her voice. “You know, we was talkin’ right before everything happened and all,” she sniffed. “He was about to tell me he was gonna stay here with me, River. I know he was.”

“Yes, I think he was,” River smiled. “Jayne loves you very much, Kaylee. More than anything in the ‘verse, in fact. Loved you so much, he was willing to leave here in order to keep you safe.”

“He’d never hurt me,” Kayle