xfirefly9x

Title: Shiny Things
Fandom: Firefly
Characters: Kaylee, Mr Frye
Prompt: #000 Why does Kaylee say ‘shiny’? and #091 Birthday
Word Count: 336
Rating: G
Summary: Kaylee gets a surprise for her 10th birthday.
Notes: Written for

kitty_cat89 and

fanfic100

A huge box-like object sat innocently on the front drive of the Frye’s small townhouse. It was covered ocer with a blue, plastic tarp and the casual stance it had suggested that it was completely natural for it to be there.

Kayle knew better. She had woken early in the morning and run outside to play, only to find the ‘thing’ – whatever it was – blocking her way. It wasn’t meant to be there. It just wasn’t.

She sat beside it and stared at it for some time – hours maybe or it may have only been a couple of minutes – before her father saw her from the front window and went outside to join her.

“Daddy!” she exclaimed when she noticed him. “What is it?” She stared up at him with a wondrous expression on her face that was unique to her and her alone.

Mr Frye chuckled and knelt down beside his daughter. Patting her affectionately on the head, he explained everything. “Kaywinnet,” he began. “I wanted to get you something very special for your birthday this year – “

Kaylee nodded rapidly and interrupted him. “Cause I’m double digits now, ain’t it?”

“Yes, yes. That’s right,” Mr Frye smiled, “so I ordered this in for you over the cortex.” He gestured at the box, Kaylee watching his every move.

“What is it? What is it?” She bounded up and down excitedly. “Tell me, daddy. Please!”

Mr Frye grinned at his daughters’ enthusiasm. “Why don’t you open it up and see for yourself?” he said. Kaylee’s smile brightened even more, almost blindingly. She wrapped her father in a warm hug of gratitude and then pounced on the box.

Ripping the tarp off it, she squealed in delight as the gift came into view. It was a small version of a mule: a small, tractor-like vehicle. Its sides were left unpainted and although it was obviously second hand, it shone brilliantly in the sun, the surfaces all smooth and –

Kaylee finally voiced her opinion of it “ – shiny!”