(no subject)

[river_meimei]

Today at dinner, Simon was subdued. Perfectly friendly, and everybody has moods, but -- quiet.

River watched him, out of the corner of her eye and in quick startled glances, and didn't laugh along at the mealtime banter. Most of the crew didn't notice; it's River, after all.

Today it's River's job to clear the dishes. She's distracted, even by her usual standards, and Inara has to gently steer her back to focus several times. (River's well enough these days to take on a carefully selected share of the crew chores, but everyone feels -- wisely -- that most of these are best done with someone else supervising.) Inara finally takes over the last of the silverware, and River slips out of the kitchen with her hands still damp.

She's not so distracted, now.

Comments

[simon_doctor]

The ache that rises in his throat isn't unexpected at all, but it's still all he can do to swallow it down.

Simon lets out a long breath, and holds out his hand to River, palm up.

[river_meimei]

"She'll remember," River whispers to his empty hand, those deft surgeon's fingers and the palm open in supplication. "Too."

"She did."

[simon_doctor]

These moments are rarer now than the used to be; the times when he has no idea at all what River means.

Somehow it's comforting anyway, just knowing that she means to comfort.

[river_meimei]

"Time for a break," River whispers again, almost as if to herself.



She lifts her hand to his, delicate and almost hesitant, and her slim fingers brush against her brother's palm. She breathes out in a long sigh, and her eyes close. She looks old and young all at once, and weary, or she would if anyone were at the right angle to see; Simon probably isn't, with her head still leaning against his shoulder. Softly, "Gonna be okay, gē ge."

[simon_doctor]

His hand closes on hers, and squeezes lightly.

He doesn't answer.

[river_meimei]

He doesn't have to.

She knows, and it has nothing to do with being psychic.

He's her brother. And certain things are reciprocal.