This is in response to Mundanesociety's challenge. A very short drabble.
Mundanesociety's Challenge 1: Make's Us Even
Simon couldn't lift his head, the pain was unbearable and he was sure his skull was cracked. They didn't want to know anything from him; they just wanted to hurt him. And they had, and they would, and it wouldn't ever stop. They didn't want him dead. They wanted to keep him alive. To get to her. To get to them. Even he didn't know why anymore. But she was long gone. He'd told her to go. Was glad she did. Reader or not she wouldn't sense him. She couldn't. Serenity was light years away. He'd made sure of it.
His body tenses again with the electric shocks they love so much and he can smell his hair burning. This is ok, he can deal with this. But sometimes they play barbarians and play with pliers and needles and knives. Never anywhere that will kill him. He wishes that just once they will slip, but they never do. Just like she'll never come. None of them will come. They have their orders. Four days. He'll be alive for more. He's not living.
They leave him strapped on that chair all night and he dozes but never sleeps.
The soft hands on his face are a surprise.
"No…no…" he groans. "Not real…"
"Yes I am…"
He feels the first tears run down his face as she unstraps him.
"You shouldn't…Serenity…"
"Isn't here. Just me." She leans over him, dark hair falling loosely about her face.
"How did you…?" he croaks, still thinking he's dreaming.
"Seduced the old bastard. I couldn't leave you. The other's are safe." Inara pulls him to his feet and supports him.
They run to her shuttle.
He smiles weakly as they take off. "Thank you."
She goes to him and kisses him gently on the lips. "Niska wanted Mal and I want you. Makes us even."