Disclaimer: This story is in no way meant to infringe on the rights of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, or 20th Century Fox. Just wanted to have a bit of fun with these characters is all. Please don’t sue me.

The lyrics to Simon’s song are inspired by music from Will Harrison. They are his property.

Thanks for reading. Feedback is always welcome. Cool with me if you want to archive this; just lemme know where.

Rated G. This story takes place after the events of my own fic “PoNR,” but is just a fun bit of fluff not related to that story. Just an idea I had in my head that finally made it to my computer.

“Play It Again, Tam”

*****

*****

The doctor tried holding his breath, but somehow the thick smell of cigar smoke still got to him. He coughed a little, his eyes watering in the fog. He looked over at Jayne, who was busy arm-wrestling some other patrons. And beating them soundly. It seemed the more drinks the big man got in him, the stronger he became. Wash was having a ball at the arcade while his wife was whipping the captain in a game of pool. River was with them, taking in the physics, the geometry of the balls as they clacked into each other on the green velvet. Book had opted to skip this little outing. Simon figured spending a night in a rowdy saloon likely wasn’t the Shepherd’s idea of fun. Besides, someone had to stay with the ship. Serenity would be grounded at least another three weeks, and although the refit was going well, it wasn’t best to leave her completely vulnerable in a port like Rochelle. Mal had appreciated how hard the crew had been working during the repairs, and seeing as they weren’t going anywhere for a while, he figure it would do them all some good to stretch their legs a bit, just for tonight.

And then there was Kaylee. Didn’t have much of a poker face, that one. But she was obviously having fun, after having won the last two hands. Simon stretched and rolled his neck. He wandered around the bar for a bit, his mind restless. This wasn’t his kind of party.

Simon rubbed