I’m trying something new with this post.

This is a collection of vignette’s (posted 10 at a time until we reach 100) that tell their own little story. It begins in the middle of the season, though no specific episode is mentioned. I have purposely left that vague.

The challenge table which gave me the words that prompted each little vignette is listed : Here if you want to see what the upcoming prompts will be.

I don’t expect a lot of people to like or read this because of the tense. It’s hard for me to read much less write. But I wanted to do it just once. Of course, you’d have thought I could choose something other than a 100 PROMPT CHALLENGE to do it with, huh?

I did have fun doing this, but, god I have never been so happy to finish something in my life!

If you make it through all 100, I thank you. I’ve written the prompts so that they create a little series. The first story I saw done like this was one of Mordsith’s. So it is to her I must thank (or curse!) for giving me the idea to try it too!

The last two are listed ‘Writer’s Choice’ but I had my beta give me 10 words which I wrote down on slips of paper and then chose two. It actually worked out really well.

Notes: Mucho thanks to TamSibling for beta’ing this monster that turned into 102 pages by the time I was done with all 100 prompts. Writing in this tense has been one hell of a challenge. One I never wish to ever undertake again.

And thanks to Leighkohl for saving my ass on a few of these prompts and tossing me ideas to keep me going.

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Because of You Part 4

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031. Parent

He always thought he had the perfect life. It certainly had all the elements: the best education; the perfect house; the perfect family; a beautiful sister who could do anything she set her mind to; perfectly respectable parents who loved him by giving him everything he could ever want - until he did something to disrupt "perfect" and earned their disapproval.

Then he was abandoned, left alone to suffer the fate of a marked man wanted by a government he used to blindly support.

Now, the child has become the parent and Simon wonders if there was another choice he could have made. He wracks his brain knowing there is nothing else he could have done. No one believed him; friends, parents, co-workers. So he did what any loving brother would have done under similar circumstances.

He turned himself into a wanted fugitive to save his innocent little sister. He gave up the life of luxury, prestige and position to become the solitary caregiver to a troubled, mentally unstable girl. He gave up perfect, literally threw it all away, burning the bridges that connected him to that old life with abandon and became unperfect - flawed. Became someone he never would have recognized, never would have noticed, never would have wanted to be, if fate and love hadn't pushed him to it. So, he changed it all, in the blink of an eye - for her. And he would do it all again too.

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032. Child

Simon stares at her, sleeping with her head cushioned on her arms, sitting at his bedside. He knows she has appointed herself to watch over him. She has become the doctor and he the patient until he is well.

But even when she lifts her head and looks at him, he can still see the 14-year-old child waving goodbye. There isn’t much left of that little girl and it pains him to see the light that used to live behind her eyes has been darkened by mental instability and a psychosis that he has not been able to heal.

“Not a child anymore, Simon.” River smiles at him, slides her small hand into his and squeezes tightly.

And she isn’t, not really. But Simon has a hard time seeing the woman that she is becoming. She has been changed by what they did to her at the Academy. They stole the remainders of her childhood, forcing her mind to mature faster than her body could grow

As much as he tries to think of her in a different way, River will always be the child that left him at fourteen to go to an institution with the promise of providing her with a higher education – an education that involved cutting into her brain for reasons Simon truly had yet to discover.

But River knows. And she knows that those reasons, buried somewhere deep within the recesses of her mind, will frighten her new family and horrify her brother.

“I know, River,” he says with a smile. “But you are still my mei mei and you always will be.” -------------

033. Blood

He stares at their joined hands. Her much smaller, bony fingers wrapped in his much larger ones. Brother. Sister. Siblings. From the same womb, with the same DNA. The same blood flows through their veins. There are others out in the ‘verse who share that blood, the similarities close enough to make them more than mere acquaintances, but they are lost to the siblings now.

Inara steps into the infirmary and smiles at them. Book follows a moment later. Kaylee even comes in and sits with him, even if they don’t say much. They all come and visit him during his incarceration within the infirmary’s sterile walls.

Simon knows that you do not choose the family into which you are born. The people that surround him now are not related by blood, but they are his friends, they care about him, if he lives or if he dies.

He has never known that kind of love. Never felt that if faced with the same situation, his parents would do for him what he’d done for River. The kind of loyalty the crew of Serenity has shown him, and in only a few short months, still has the power to take away his very breath.

He may not have been able to choose his family, but he did choose his friends – and he knows he has chosen well.

This rag-tag band of criminals have become more of a family than his blood relatives had ever been, or ever could be. It is said that blood is thicker than water. That the bond of DNA and bodily fluids should be able to withstand any test, should be able to maintain its cohesiveness in the face of any foe, but Simon knows that is not the case. In his mind, there is nothing stronger than a bond forged out of a common need for survival. The mutual dependence and respect of this crew, this family - with the exception of Jayne, most of the time - has created a bond of friendship that can only be broken upon death.

-------------- 034. Rebirth

He wakes to hearing her soft voice echoing in his ears. His heart clenches in his chest and he knows that if she was able to read the medical equipment displaying his vitals, she would know he was awake.

“’m sorry I got so mad at ya, Simon.”

He can feel her fingers in his hair, gently slipping through the soft strands. Goosebumps instantly dot his skin and he knows she doesn’t notice.

“Then ya got all hurt an beat up tryin’ ta get the medicine to help everyone.”

Does she know what her touch does to him? The pads of her thumbs brush against his temple and he concentrates hard to keep himself still.

“And ya been so distant since ya been back. I don’t understand ya. But that ain’t no secret. Never understood why ya never really –“

She trails off and he quietly releases a breath he didn’t realize he’s been holding. He desperately wants her to finish. They’ve had very little time together since he was rescued – due to his inability to deal with her seeming concern for Jayne’s safety. But as she speaks now, he wonders if perhaps he jumped to a conclusion he had no reason to reach.

It’s clear she is lost in her own thoughts, her own world and he suppresses a groan when her fingers absently rub the underside of his wrist.

“I just like you so much an when you was gone, I was so scared an then you haven’t wanted to see me. I just wish I knew what was happenin’.“

She trails off again and he slowly opens his eyes, meeting her astonished gaze with a small smile.

River leans over his other side, getting his attention only when she repeats her favorite phrase. “You are such a boob.” She presses a kiss to his cheek and is gone.

He meets Kaylee’s gaze once again and his eyes soften, realizing that maybe he has been wrong. After a few moments of silence, he smiles gently at her.

“She’s right,” Simon admits with a wry grin. He curls his fingers around the hand that still holds his and squeezes gently. “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

Kaylee doesn’t understand and he struggles to put his feelings into words. It has never been his strong suit – talking to girls, this one in particular, but he will force it out of his mouth right now if it kills him.

When she leans down and presses a gentle kiss to his cheek, he knows he doesn’t deserve her. He is too stupid to have someone so precious in his life.

A love he tried to bury surges through his body and with that simple touch, he knows that his love for her has not died, it has been resurrected into something entirely new.

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035. Life

Life on Serenity is never boring. Even with the crew on the mend and Simon and Kaylee exhibiting a newfound coziness, the overwhelming need to eat overrides their desire to wait to take on another job.

Despite Simon’s protests, the Captain insists on going to the drop. Arranged by Badger, the job, just like everything else the little man sends their way, is not entirely legal. After a bit of shouting, a lot of shooting, and surprisingly not a single injury, Jayne, Zoe and the Captain return to the ship, cargo ready to stow.

Wash launches out of the world quickly, Kaylee in the engine room making sure the ship is able to weather the demands its pilot makes. Simon scowls at the Captain, who winces when he exits the mule. He has wrenched his still healing side and Simon hovers over him like a mother hen until he consents to be examined.

River watches from the catwalk above, her eyes darting to and fro with every movement down below. She senses Inara’s presence nearby but she says nothing, allowing the Companion her moments of silent concern.

Book helps Jayne with the cargo as Zoe returns to her husband’s side with the delivery instructions.

Life on Serenity is never dull, not by a long shot.

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036. Death

He watches them with a mixture of jealousy and repulsion. Kaylee’s friendship with the Core-bred dandy has clearly grown into something more and Jayne doesn’t understand why that thought fills him with such an angry, disgusted fury.

He goes to his weights, lifting and pumping to rid himself of the excess energy. He’s always liked Kaylee – always wanted to protect her sweet innocence from the evil that seemed to follow far too close on their heels for his comfort.

He doesn’t know why Simon’s arrival on the ship raised his hackles and he’s really in no hurry to get rid of that feeling. It’s far too fun to tease the easily flustered man who has no business being on his ship or putting any of them in more danger.

He disagrees with Mal’s decision to keep the somewhat useful doctor, and his completely useless sister, on board. He doesn’t think the tradeoff is worth the price they’ve paid or the continued sacrifice.

He hears Kaylee laugh and it puts a smile on his face. But then he hears the slightly deeper voice of that annoying doctor and it wipes all evidence of the good mood from his features. He knows the infuriating little man will hurt the ever cheerful mechanic, already proven that he’s almost better at that than doctoring. Jayne swallows his annoyance every time the sweet girl goes back to that boy, worming her way between whatever resistant barriers he has erected.

He doesn’t like that kid, or his moonbrain sister. And he wishes they would just leave, or get caught, or better yet, turned in for a nice, hefty reward. Jayne grunts. Kaylee would never forgive him if she knew about that.

The girl is too cheery and far too taken with that prissy doc to notice anything else around her. And Jayne knows it could get her killed one day. Chasing a man like Simon Tam would only end up hurting her in the end.

He’s always had a soft spot in his heart for Kaylee and he knows that he, along with every member of this crew, would go to his death to protect her. Unfortunately, he knows that includes the current object of her obsession.

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037. Resurrection

River walks slowly into the common room, her head cocked to one side, a small smile on her face. She watches her brother and Kaylee talk on the couch and wishes she could control the bouts of jealousy she feels when she sees them together.

Sometimes she is happy, glad that they have found their way, but then there are times when she feels betrayed, abandoned by her brother and that confuses and upsets her so badly she goes into fits.

This time, she continues past them and walks into the Shepherd’s bunk. Removing his symbol, she carries it into the galley and plants herself into one of its plush chairs. She skims through it and finding a story that catches her attention, slows to read.

By the time she is finished, she doesn’t understand. She stares at the book, the pages contained within, and scrunches her brow, trying to comprehend.

When the Shepherd steps into the room, she glances up at him and holds up his book.

“I’ve been looking all over for that. Where did you get it, River?”

“Golgotha is a problem. The resurrection does not quantify.”

Book rolls his eyes and takes the book from the little genius before she tears more pages out of it.

“We’ve had this conversation already, River. Nothing has changed. Each story, each parable, is meant to be taken on faith.”

River stands and regards him with a confused look. “She understands. But she does not comprehend.”

“Faith is not something that is to be understood. Only to be believed.”

River cocks her head at him. “It is medically impossible for a man who has been dead for three days to suddenly come back to life.” She offers him a smile usually reserved for her boob of a brother. “Even Simon knows that.”

Book offers her a half-hearted smile and realizes, not for the first time, that God had put him on Serenity for a purpose. He isn’t sure if he should be grateful for this fact or truly frightened that he has found so many on one boat in need of his services.

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038. Dawn

The sun has barely risen over the snow capped mountains as Serenity touches down to make its delivery.

They don’t expect the job to go all that smoothly and so Mal, Jayne and Zoe are well-armed and ready for trouble.

Wash waits on the bridge and Kaylee in the engine room. They’re used to fast getaways by now and are prepared for when the Captain returns, freshly made enemies hot on their tail.

Book and Simon sit in the common room, out of sight and out of the way, entertaining River with a word game.

Unfortunately, those in the cargo bay are not quite fast enough to dodge the array of bullets that enter the cavernous room as the ramp is lowered so the crew can make their return.

Book and Simon launch themselves to their feet and Wash’s voice echoes over the com, wondering what’s going on. Book hurries to the cabinet that stores weapons and selects one suitable for the task and worries when he sees Simon is not behind him, but hovering in the entryway, immediately assessing the injuries that have befallen the crew.

From the entrance to the common room, Simon sees Mal go down and then Zoe and is afraid that if they are left there, they’ll take another hit.

Book moves to intercept him, knowing what he'll try and wondering if the boy really enjoys being a patient that much. But Simon darts out of his reach and attempts to drag the much larger and heavier Mal behind the safety of some fallen crates. Book curses loudly, and River cocks her head at him from where she is calmly working out a word puzzle in her head.

The Shepherd returns fire and together with a still standing Jayne, take out the remainder of those who meant to do them harm. Book slams his fist onto the controls and the bay doors begin to rise, shielding them from any other dangerous projectiles that may be fired their way.

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039. Dusk

They don’t return until the ship is nearly blanketed in darkness. Tiny slivers of light still shine through the large mountains but as day turns to night, the new delivery team returns, smiles on their faces and shoulders slumped with relief.

Mal is still in the infirmary, nursing an injured arm and cursing Simon as best he can with the pain medications and the neural blockers the doctor has administered to prevent him from walking of his own volition.

Kaylee and Inara hover outside, watching with some amusement as Simon ignores the Captain’s protests and goes about his work. The ladies say very little among themselves but the knowing looks they exchange speak volumes.

The captain is being a pig headed pain in the pi gu and poor Simon is taking it all in stride.

“He’s used to it.” River says from where she has suddenly appeared at their side.

Kaylee smiles warmly at the girl and then toward Simon, who she is surprised to see lift his head to glance outside. His gaze falls instantly on the young mechanic, causing a hot flush to creep down her neck. She smiles sweetly back at him but then his attention is diverted once again to the raging Captain.

When the com Kaylee’ wears in her pocket crackles to life, all heads turn in her direction. “They’re back.”

Book, Zoe and Jayne return from delivering their highly coveted cargo, bearing smiles as Jayne holds up a leather bag filled with coin.

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040. Midnight

All is quiet save for the two people sitting at the table sipping their rapidly cooling tea. It is the middle of the night and they are the only ones still awake. They sit close, no chair or table between them. The setting is intimate, if such a thing can be said about a moment between the shy doctor and the gregarious mechanic.

Simon's training has prepared him to be awake at all hours; a habit that's become even more rote with his sister’s unpredictable sleep patterns. Even when he medicates her so that she will sleep, oftentimes her body breaks it down so quickly she is only able to get a few hours of undisturbed rest thereby placing, Doctor Tam, worried brother, back on 24-hour call.

The dark circles beneath his eyes are a clear indication he doesn’t get much sleep. In such a condition, that he can reliably provide any medical aid to the crew is a testament to his training and dedication.

He’s a very quiet young man, but that doesn’t matter, Kaylee talks enough for the both of them – and he is content to simply sit there and listen to her sweet voice.

Simon smiles at her when she sips her tea and then continues with her story – one from her childhood where she was caught in the fields with some neighbor’s son. He watches her mouth curl up in remembrance and her eyes brighten as she tells the story. Kaylee's recounted tales of life at home are always more heartwarming to Simon than any other.

The things, places and people she speaks of seem exotic to him in a way he knows she would readily dismiss. But they are, and she doesn't understand - probably couldn't. For someone like Simon, who grew up around such proper adults with lifeless personalities, her family and friends warm his heart in the same way her smile does. He sometimes wonders if he'll meet these people she loves so much and if they have any hope of living up to the images he's conjured in his mind. He smiles warmly at her - he likes to think so. She slaps the table, in the midst of her story, drawing his mind from its far-off place, inadvertently brushing his hand as she does so, and he resists the urge to lean forward and take her in his arms.

He has always been a quiet person, content to listen to what’s going on around him, and tonight is no exception. With a smile on his face and his head clearer than it has been in days, he leans back in his chair and nurses his tea, listening to everything Kaylee tells him – and prompting her, when she falls silent, to tell him more.

TBC

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Liked it? Hated it? Have some constructive criticism? Love to hear it! No comments = no next part! Nyah!

This one was shorter than the last, but, they tend to get much longer.

Each character will appear in this series of stories, some more than others.

This type of story/tense is new for me, and no, once this is done I will not be writing in this horrible tense ever again!