Title: When You Say

Rating: NC-17

Synopsis: Simon sings River a song that brings more than just one woman to tears.

Timeframe: After ‘Objects in Space’. This story completely discounts the movie.

Disclaimer: This story is not meant to infringe on the copyright of any person or company related to the trademarked characters and situations depicted in the Serenity movie or Firefly series. I make no money from this. OnIy done for fun - and a desperate craving to have more stories told about this wonderful ‘verse Joss Whedon created.

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“Want to dance, Simon. Sing to me like you used to.” River’s eyes were large and full of expression as she held the small playback device out toward her brother.

Simon glanced up from the flat panel cortex screen he’d carried into the common room to study and was taken aback by the familiar, happy look in River’s eyes. River almost sounded like the normal, intelligent sister he had known. Unfortunately, it rarely lasted. But he tried to encourage it whenever he saw the remnants of his sister’s true personality. But today, he just wasn’t in the mood.

“I don’t sing, mei mei.”

“Yes, you do. I remember. Mamma made you learn.” She pushed the playback device into his face, reminding him of the insistent, bratty sister he had grown up with.

He tried again. “I haven’t sang in a long time.”

“But you will for me.” River’s face held a smug smile as she pressed the device into Simon’s hand. She turned her back on him and walked back to the center of the room, tilting her head and glancing at the ceiling. These last words were said beneath her breath and Simon didn’t hear them, “and for Kaylee.”

Simon sighed and flipped on the playback, wondering what songs she had chosen for him to sing to her. He listened for a few moments before River turned around and smiled at him, her eyes bright.

“Tracks one, four and five will do for now.” She posed herself into a familiar dance position and waited expectantly.

Simon rolled his eyes and