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]

[eggsterminate]

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

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

I'm sorry.

[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]

Very. Ever since we were children, really.

[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]

[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.

[takes_careofher]

I, um, I'm not much of a drinker.

[eggsterminate]

...Right.

It's just when my dad died. My mum took me to the pub and we just sat there all night. So.

[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]

[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]

[5thchild]

Would you prefer if she was here?

[takes_careofher]

I-- I won't be much company, I'm afraid.

[Video]

[takes_careofher]

I do.

[ He does. He really, really does and he knows it's selfish of him but he just can't help it. ]

[video]

[takes_careofher]

Are you-- Are you sure?

[Video]

[takes_careofher]

I-- Well. Yes and no, I suppose.

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]

[comeonthensexy]

Yeah...

And you know the best part?

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]

[takes_careofher]

What?

[Video]

[comeonthensexy]

It's okay.

You're used to being with her, and now you don't know how long it's going to take until you see her again. She might be better off home, but isn't it just natural that you're going to miss her?

After all... Isn't that what you do when you love someone?

/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]

[ He nods. ]

I-- I suppose you're right. Yes.

[ He clears his throat. ]

I-- I never asked you, Doctor, do you have any family back home?

/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