3 - Video

[takes_careofher]

[ When the camera clicks on, Simon is sitting dejectedly in his room at the Sigyn house, hands clasped tightly in his lap.

He'd gone to Odin today to visit River only to find that she was gone. After spending several hours frantically searching for her, one check of the contact list - now absent of her name - confirmed his suspicions.

He takes in a deep breath before he begins, trying to remain at least somewhat composed as he addresses the network. ]

For, ah, for those of you that knew her, my-- my sister - River Tam - has left Asgard. She's, ah, she's gone home.

Comments

[Video]

[5thchild]

I'm sorry.

Were you two close?

[Video]

[takes_careofher]

Very. Ever since we were children, really.

[Video]

[5thchild]

Would you prefer if she was here?

[video]

[eggsterminate]

...That's. [...sad? Well that's obvious try again.]

Will... [Will he be okay? Of course not.]

I'm sorry.

[video]

[takes_careofher]

[ He nods once, accepting her condolences. ]

Thank you, Oswin.

[eggsterminate]

[She's really terrible at this.]

...Do you want to go have a drink?

[Video]

[comeonthensexy]

[ Ah.

That... shouldn't hurt as much as it does, the Doctor thinks. He didn't really know her that well, did he? Didn't even realise he'd come to care for her that much. But apparently...

She seemed brilliant, of course, but still. Unexpected.

He doesn't really know what to do in these situations, with these matters. Not with Simon. He knows with Amy, possibly with Rory, getting there with Oswin. Simon is still a complete stranger, really.

Not much else to do but ask, then. ]

Do you need anything?

[Video]

[takes_careofher]

No, I'm-- I'm fine.

[ He's really not.

He takes in another deep, trembling breath. ]

I-- I suppose that it's better this way. Almost. This-- This place, it's too dangerous for her. At least - back home - I know she's safe.

[Video]

[comeonthensexy]

This isn't about her.

[ Maybe that comes off a little harsh, but it's the truth, really. Because. ]

This is about you. It's your loss.

If it helps you to think that then go ahead, of course. But don't force it. You want her with you.

[video]

[whatagoodgirl]

River... oh, Simon...

[Her face twists as she tries to think of what to say, but in the end, she knows there's only one small, useless thing she can offer.]

I have - had - a present for her. Do you want it? It's nothing you can use, but it might be nice to have a reminder of her. Something that she asked for, I mean.

[video]

[takes_careofher]

Are you-- Are you sure?

Re: [video]

[whatagoodgirl]

It's probably for the best. It's fitted to her, so no one else could really wear it, and if she comes back you're the first person she'll find.

[She gets up and unfolds a pile of fabric from her desk, holding it up to the screen - it's a simple red sundress, with a small fabric flower on one shoulder and a thin sash around the middle.]

She was really nice to me when my boyfriend broke up with me... she gave me the idea to start a new project, so that's why I offered that it should be for her. She insisted that we each get one, though, so I have a matching dress in light blue. [She looks a bit sad at the memory. Though she didn't know the girl well, and didn't always understand her, she liked River.]

video;

[companioning]

[Inara hadn't wanted to believe that Simon was right, that River had gone home. She'd even went to check herself. Sadly, he was right, and though it's taken some time, Inara finally does reply.]

Oh, Simon, I am truly very sorry. Can I do anything? Do you need anything?

video;

[takes_careofher]

No, I'll-- I'll be fine. I just. I just need some time.

[ A pause. ]

I suppose... I suppose it's better that she's back home. She's safer there than here.

video;

[companioning]

Are you certain? I'm always willing to listen if you feel the need to talk, and... Sometimes it can help things.

[She smiles sadly.]

Yes, of course she is. Better doesn't make it easier.

/video

[valianced]

[ Lucy frowns, and if she was around him, even though he is a stranger, she would give him the biggest hugs. This little girl thinks they fix everything. ]

My sister and brother both just left Asgard as well. I am very sorry -- at least you know she is somewhere safe, perhaps? Or... or somewhere she is familiar with at least.

/video

[takes_careofher]

Yes, she's-- she's safer back home than here. It's just-- I'll miss her terribly.

[ A pause. ]

I'm, ah, I'm sorry as well. For your brother and sister.

/video

[valianced]

Of course you will. That makes you a good brother, I think.

[ Here, have a dose of pure optimism. Lu is good at that. ]

It's quite all right. I'm sad they are gone but... but sometimes you have to look at the good things instead of the bad. Like... they get to sleep in their own beds in their own rooms, you know. And I think I'm a little jealous for that! Ooh, or all the sweets they will have.

[ She grins, trying to be silly and perhaps help lift his spirits. Good

video;

[numbersnfigures]

..Oh.

[Spencer is disappointed. She seemed so interesting and he hardly got to know her.]

I'm sorry...

video;

[takes_careofher]

[ He nods, accepting the condolences. ]

Thank you, Dr. Reid.

video;

[numbersnfigures]

I um... really enjoyed talking to her.

video;

[whitechocolate]

Sorry for your loss... A couple of my friends recently went home too.

video;

[takes_careofher]

I'm sorry.

[ He inhales a deep, shaky breath. ]

It's a-- a jarring experience, to say the least. To have them here one day, then gone the next.

[likeanerve]

Well, you could look at it this way. There's at least a fair statistical chance she'll be back, at some point. It seems fairly common for people to reappear.

[takes_careofher]

I suppose. The only question is when.

[ After all, would she reappear while they were in the midsts of war? Or would she come back when he wasn't here anymore, unable to look after? ]