Spying (is a little sister's duty)

By Clarity Scifiroots
Disclaimers apply
Post-BDM
Summary: Who knew dancing was so popular? (That's the worst summary I've ever done. O.o that doesn't help at all. Anyway... "secrets" from promptsomeslash... yeah, that comm is my new drug—er, anti-drug.)

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"If she had that in her head, just imagine what else she knows."

"I'm not sure I like what you seem to be implyin', Zoe."

"Sir, don't jump to conclusions."

Tension. Worry. Protect, must protect.

Lost two already.

Serenity's patched hull groaned with the effort of keeping her crew at bay and together. River lay underneath the stairs in the cargo hold, her ear pressed to the cool metal—Listening: quiet, unobserved.

Captain and Zoe on the bridge.

"How can you stand it, 'Nara? All this waitin' around 'cuz he wants t' go but won't..."

"Mei-mei, he worries about hurting your feelings."

"No he ain't! Do you know what he said to me 'fore all them Reavers came down on us? He said he regretted never bein' with me—meaning sex like!"

Kaylee's sniffles with the background of Serenity's engine. Inara's quiet voice soothing and comforting.

Stupid brother making foolish promises he could never keep. Promised too much, didn't know his limits.

River pressed the palm of her left hand flat against the floor, reaching...

Surprise, surprise! Truces can be made between demons and angels...

"Ain't like I never 'preciated what you do for us 'n all... Jus'... y'know—"

"No, I don't think I do. Did you want something?"

"Ain't like that!"

A pause.

"Okay, okay... so I was wonderin' if you'd, uh..."

"Jayne, I refuse to sleep with you."

"What? What in gorram hell do you take me for? Wo de ma... All I'm askin' you t' do is teach me t' dance!"

"...Excuse me?"

"Uh... y'know lil' Kaylee's not so shiny right now... 'Figure she might like t' get dressed up in 'er pretty frock since she liked it so much last time 'n... er..."

"Say no more, it's not a problem. When and where?"

"Just like that...? Whatcha want in return?"

"Nothing. Look, I haven't been completely honest with her and I think what you're doing is surprisingly gentlemanly. So in return? Just... make her happy."

"You ain't quite right, Doc."

"So I've been told."

"You sure craziness don't run in your family?"

"Let's lay off the insults if you want me to teach you properly."

"Right. Thanks."

River closed her eyes and smiled. Okay, she could forgive her brother. She'd help, too. Inara would probably love to decorate, she loved to see Kaylee's face light up with joy.

"Captain."

"Inara."

River's eyes flew open, she hadn't been aware of the players shuffling positions.

"Don't stall because of what you fear others might feel, Mal. Chances are if you make your move, they can finally move on."

No response, but River could feel the birth of understanding. Apologies. Gratitude. Forgiveness.

Zoe had the bridge, now; Inara would find Jayne waiting to talk to her outside her shuttle; Kaylee talking to Serenity, coaxing her engines to cooperate; Captain on the move; Simon idling in a doorway.

"Got a minute, Doc?"

"You aren't going to ask for dancing lessons, are you?"

"Uh... 'Cuse me? We did that already, right?"

"Never mind, what can I do for you?"

"Actually, now that you mention it... how would you like to, uh, help me 'review' my... tango skills...?"

"...I seem to have a busy schedule..."

"Say 'round 20:00 hours?"

"Well... I suppose since you're the captain I could flexible..."

"I happen to like flexible. Say, you didn't ever do any of that fancified ballet with lil' sis, didja?"

"How do you think my parents got her go to the first lesson!"

River giggled and lifted her head. She would leave them be. The weight of half-truths and untold stories was beginning to lift. Right now she wanted to peek in on Inara and scare the crap out of Jayne. She grinned to herself and tiptoed up the stairs.