[ shí­ liù - location: frye ranch - visual ]

[gotcouplings]

As the tablet switches on, the first noticeable thing is the absolute silence. Bao isn’t pouncing around in the background, there are no strange machines being tested in the shop, and the rumble of Serenity is missing, despite the fact that the ship can be seen clearly through the window behind Kaylee

Comments

[Visual]

[imperial_long]

Long met River only the once, and the meeting hadn't been especially meaningful-- he'd only been conscious of how absurd everything he was saying sounded-- but he can register that to Kaylee, at least, the missing girl was more than just an acquaintance.

"Kaylee? I am sorry for your loss," he says in Mandarin, after flipping his tablet on to reply. "As the saying is... You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair. Is there anything I can do?"

[ visual ]

[gotcouplings]

Her initial reaction had been to simply reply in text, but Long offers such a small comfort--one that she needs almost more than anything right now--that she can't just turn him away. It takes some time, but the tablet switches back on, and Kaylee peers at Long from behind the pillow in her lap.

"Thank you," she replies softly, in Mandarin that is much clumsier than his. "The offer means more than I can say. I am having a hard time thinking of anything, though."

[ visual ]

[imperial_long]

Long's face over the tablet is sympathetic, expression kinder than his usual distant politeness. He is fond of Kaylee-- her warm optimism and sweet innocence-- and accordingly tries a little harder.

"I could bring you some tea? Or... treat you to dinner, perhaps? There are a number of decent restaurants in the city. But you should not, I think, be alone."

[ visual ]

[gotcouplings]

There's a small hint of a weak smile behind the pillow. It isn't much, a normal reaction of trying to reassure someone that it's okay, she's alright.

"There is plenty of tea around already, but getting out of the house sounds...nice." Nice, and like a very good idea, because Kaylee doesn't want to be sitting here alone any more than Long thinks she should be.

[text]

[tin_hearts]

I'm sorry. Just know that you're not alone in losing someone you care about. If there's anything I can do, just drop me a line.

/Cain

[ text ]

[gotcouplings]

Thank you. Same goes in the reverse, should you need it.

text;

[auntjenna]

[ because she can't bear the thought of one more loss, jenna has to respond in text. ]

rivers gone too?

[ she may or may not have been hitting the drinks. ]

[ text ]

[gotcouplings]

She is. Don't know when, though. Probably better for her.

[ text ]

[auntjenna]

probably. i'm sorry, kaylee. if there's anything i can do...

[ text ]

[gotcouplings]

Thanks Jenna. Same goes to you, yeah?

[audio]

[rose_tainted]

I'm so sorry to hear that, Kaylee.

Rose feels the utmost sympathy for the young girl, remembering that another friend of hers had gone home before. She knew what it was like to lose someone close to her.

[ text ]

[gotcouplings]

Am too, but. she's better off back home.

[ audio ]

[rose_tainted]

Yeah, she probably is.

Are you okay?

[ text ]

[gotcouplings]

Been better, but it's nothing we ain't been through before. It'll turn out shiny soon enough.

[text]

[rereremembered]

[ Fitz had spent the morning crossing off names in his little black book, becoming increasingly alarmed as he did so. there was a particular wrench at River's entry, and he'd...waiting to hear from Kaylee. once he did, there was only one possible response. ]]

Tell me what you need love. I'll do it straight away.

[ text ]

[gotcouplings]

Got company now, but if you want to drop by later or meet someplace. Don't think I wanna sit at the ranch by my lonesome today.

[ text ] - [location]

[rereremembered]

I'll be over later then, and bring my guitar. I'm sorry Kaylee.

---

Later he did arrive and let himself in, sighing at the quiet of the place. "Kaylee? I'm here, love."

[ text ] - [ location ]

[gotcouplings]

Alright. Thanks, Fitz.

~~~

Kaylee didn't like the silence any more than Fitz did. She had done her best to keep busy throughout the day, but as things had started winding down all she could really do was curl back up on the couch, mug of tea in hand, and stare at the schematics for one of her many projects.

Fitz's appearance was a welcome distraction from the work she couldn't seem to concentrate on. She gave him a weak smile and shifted on the couch, giving him enough room to sit if he wanted to. "'M glad you made it over."