"Simon!" River's cry pierced through the peace that wrapped around Serenity. Simon sat up sharply, jostling Kaylee. He got up as fast as he could, pulling on his sweatpants before going into his sister's bunk.

River was curled up at the head of her bed, wearing nothing more than a long sleep shirt and some warm socks. Simon sat on the bed next to her, gently putting his arms around the distraught girl.

"Mei mei, what's wrong? What is it?" She shook, sudden tremors of fear jerking through her shoulders. Her eyes were gazing blankly at the mattress. He moved the hair that had fallen over River's face, tucking it gently behind her ears.

"It's coming. Don't know what's proper. Never done this before." Tears started falling from her eyes. She looked so scared. All Simon could do was hold her as she ranted. "Know everything about him, how he thinks, how he feels, but I feel more. Don't know how to make him see."

"Who, River? What do you mean?" He hated having to ask these things of her. Usually it was a subject that was painful for River to discuss. She looked sharply at Simon, taking a moment before deciding it was okay to tell him.

"Love. He doesn't but I do. Afraid he just wants a good rut." If Simon hadn't been sitting so far on the bed, he would have fallen off. Now he was afraid of what she was talking about.

"Mei mei, who are you talking about?" He had a sneaking suspicion he really did not want to know.

"Don't hurt him, Simon. I love him." River started shaking again, unable to stop her fear from rising.

"Who do you love, River?" Simon was getting more worried by the minute.

"Jayne."

----

Simon woke up with a start. He was breathing a bit hard as the dream played over in his mind. Kaylee murmured next to him in her sleep, then rolled over, wrapping her arms around his waist. Even when she was sleeping she tried to comfort him. Simon sighed softly and lay back down, trying to remind himself that he had only been dreaming.

*****

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