Blue Sun Room FICTION - GENERAL
Dancin' - 2/3
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Part 2 of 3. Mal/Inara and the fall-out of their tryst in the cargo bay. How do two proud people react to being vulnerable? Since this is Mal and Inara, you can probably guess - not well. PG-13 for implied adult situations.
CATEGORY: FICTION TIMES READ: 3570 RATING: 9.0 (G) SERIES: FIREFLY
Comments
EPM0001
Wednesday, 11 April 2007 16:59
This is such a great story. I love all the emotion. I can't wait for the last chapter.
WHELP
Wednesday, 11 April 2007 20:33
I'm not sure if I completely agree with the characterizations here (Inara getting outraged, Mal voicing a great deal more concern than he ever lets through). It just seems like he's being more sensitive and vulnerable than he ever was, while she's being more unapologetically hurtful than she ever was. Maybe it'll balance out in the end. I think that you nailed em better in your other story, A Right to Love.
Wednesday, 11 April 2007 21:21
Wow! Nice writing Tamsibling.
I respect you attacking their issues head on.
I have to agree with an earlier comment on characterization. Mal is convincing enough...Inara seems a tad bit narcissistic (is her job that important to her self-identity?) with a co-dependency issue (accepting a beating from a client with compliance?)
Are you suggesting a disorder at this juncture? If so, Mal is going to have a lot more to deal with than Inara just wanting to line her pockets and pay her shuttle rent.
I respect you attacking their issues head on.
I have to agree with an earlier comment on characterization. Mal is convincing enough...Inara seems a tad bit narcissistic (is her job that important to her self-identity?) with a co-dependency issue (accepting a beating from a client with compliance?)
Are you suggesting a disorder at this juncture? If so, Mal is going to have a lot more to deal with than Inara just wanting to line her pockets and pay her shuttle rent.
Wednesday, 11 April 2007 21:25
I think a lot of Mal and Inara's motivations will be explained in the third part.
My goal was to characterize that Inara knows she's being hurtful and that it is a defense mechanism (similar to all the times Mal called her a whore during the series). Also, the idea of the client hitting her will be explored/examined in part 3.
I really appreciate the feedback as it helps me to craft all of my other stories making sure that I'm continuing to examine and elaborate on my characterizations.
Truly, thank you - and please, keep it coming!
My goal was to characterize that Inara knows she's being hurtful and that it is a defense mechanism (similar to all the times Mal called her a whore during the series). Also, the idea of the client hitting her will be explored/examined in part 3.
I really appreciate the feedback as it helps me to craft all of my other stories making sure that I'm continuing to examine and elaborate on my characterizations.
Truly, thank you - and please, keep it coming!
Wednesday, 11 April 2007 23:12
A most excellent, if unexpected, installment, TamSibling.
I love the way you've written the characters in this chapter, especially River. Her pattern of speech is dead-on, and the insight she offers Mal is exactly the sort of thing I would expect from her.
As for the way the story is shaping up, however, I'm more than a little anxious.
One would think that sensible individuals would feel the need to have a discussion after such an intimate encounter... but then, Mal and Inara aren't the most sensible people ever when it comes to each other.
I have to admire Mal for not barging into the shuttle after eavesdropping on Inara's conversation with her client; it shows he's grown a little.
On the other hand, Inara's choice to intentionally hurt Mal by taking a client is a bit childish; even if she is feeling a little off-balance, it doesn't give her the right to be cruel.
And the fact that Inara's client roughed her up doesn't bode well for the poor bastard. Mal almost knocked Atherton Wing's head off his shoulders for implying that she was a whore; Mal looks to be in a killing mood now that he knows her latest client laid unkind hands on her.
Never let it be said that Mal's not a gentleman in his own way...
Seeing as River's offered some advice to Mal (who seems to be all for talking out their latest relationship development), I'm hoping that she'll impart some choice River-isms to Inara; maybe something about how the good captain can't seem to find any peace (or sleep) anymore without her.
Once again, a most excellent chapter, TamSibling.
Please continue posthaste.
I love the way you've written the characters in this chapter, especially River. Her pattern of speech is dead-on, and the insight she offers Mal is exactly the sort of thing I would expect from her.
As for the way the story is shaping up, however, I'm more than a little anxious.
One would think that sensible individuals would feel the need to have a discussion after such an intimate encounter... but then, Mal and Inara aren't the most sensible people ever when it comes to each other.
I have to admire Mal for not barging into the shuttle after eavesdropping on Inara's conversation with her client; it shows he's grown a little.
On the other hand, Inara's choice to intentionally hurt Mal by taking a client is a bit childish; even if she is feeling a little off-balance, it doesn't give her the right to be cruel.
And the fact that Inara's client roughed her up doesn't bode well for the poor bastard. Mal almost knocked Atherton Wing's head off his shoulders for implying that she was a whore; Mal looks to be in a killing mood now that he knows her latest client laid unkind hands on her.
Never let it be said that Mal's not a gentleman in his own way...
Seeing as River's offered some advice to Mal (who seems to be all for talking out their latest relationship development), I'm hoping that she'll impart some choice River-isms to Inara; maybe something about how the good captain can't seem to find any peace (or sleep) anymore without her.
Once again, a most excellent chapter, TamSibling.
Please continue posthaste.
Wednesday, 11 April 2007 23:15
The reactions and actions seem a bit over the top and I can't help feeling if they weren't on the same boat any relationship between the two of them would have died at birth. Instead we get an emotionally spiteful Inara and a near heartbroken Captain. I really do think Inara is her own worst enemy. Hope Mal doesn't self distruct before the two of them work it out. Ali D
You can't take the sky from me
You can't take the sky from me
Thursday, 12 April 2007 00:09
"So maybe I got a bit of a swoop-in-and-save complex."
Love that line.
I really like this section. I think Inara's reactions to being 'roughed-up' by a client are spot-on. This is probably not the first time she's been in this situation, but she is a strong, enlightened woman who knows that this is a career 'hazard', however harsh that sounds. She would be able to accept her own fault in this (for not paying close enough attention to get out at the first sign of trouble) while still recognizing that her client is an evil hwoon dan who needs to be black-marked.
As for Inara's treatment of Mal, yes, she's being cruel. But let's keep in mind that she's had a rough (literally) night, and Mal has just barged into her shuttle, looking to start a fight. When he sees her, he immediately starts barking questions and ordering her to see Simon. She has just come from a situation where someone treated her like property, his to hit. Mal and his orders would not go over well given her current mood. All of this is coupled with the fact that she is emotionally frakked up over what happened between her and Mal in the cargo bay. Inara has very likely never had a relationship outside the Guild. She is obviously very confused and torn.
As for Mal's reaction, I personally think his concern was very in character. When Early hits Inara, Mal displays a similar, if lesser, concern. If he finds her bruised and cut in her shuttle, I'm guessing we'd see a bit more concern.
Just my thoughts. I'll shut up now. :)
Love that line.
I really like this section. I think Inara's reactions to being 'roughed-up' by a client are spot-on. This is probably not the first time she's been in this situation, but she is a strong, enlightened woman who knows that this is a career 'hazard', however harsh that sounds. She would be able to accept her own fault in this (for not paying close enough attention to get out at the first sign of trouble) while still recognizing that her client is an evil hwoon dan who needs to be black-marked.
As for Inara's treatment of Mal, yes, she's being cruel. But let's keep in mind that she's had a rough (literally) night, and Mal has just barged into her shuttle, looking to start a fight. When he sees her, he immediately starts barking questions and ordering her to see Simon. She has just come from a situation where someone treated her like property, his to hit. Mal and his orders would not go over well given her current mood. All of this is coupled with the fact that she is emotionally frakked up over what happened between her and Mal in the cargo bay. Inara has very likely never had a relationship outside the Guild. She is obviously very confused and torn.
As for Mal's reaction, I personally think his concern was very in character. When Early hits Inara, Mal displays a similar, if lesser, concern. If he finds her bruised and cut in her shuttle, I'm guessing we'd see a bit more concern.
Just my thoughts. I'll shut up now. :)
Thursday, 12 April 2007 00:59
This short series gets better and better. Eagerly awaiting third installment!
Thursday, 12 April 2007 05:37
I would measure anyones psychological state, as unhealthy, by their hostile reactions to a genuine concern for their well being, regardless if it was caused by an occupational hazard, that they claim to have delt with previously. Inara's portrayal is anything but enlightened or empowered here. She is unable to identify her own needs (as vulnerable as they may be), express her true feelings, and navigate her own destiny.
Hopefully in the next chapter we will see her stronger (not so torn) and not so confused with the idea of a possible meaningful relationship with someone.
Hopefully in the next chapter we will see her stronger (not so torn) and not so confused with the idea of a possible meaningful relationship with someone.
Friday, 13 April 2007 15:09
Holy crap, those are some long comments. I'm not even gonna try and beat those.
Really loving the story and can't wait wait for the next chapter.
Really loving the story and can't wait wait for the next chapter.
Sunday, 15 April 2007 16:43
Not really a contest 'less you make it one, blackbeanie;)
And I too was completely floored by the level of complex and seemingly OOC behaviour here from Mal and Inara. However, I am willing to accept that the months between the BDM and when this mini-trilogy is set has contained a number of moments where Mal and Inara have changed as people. That and the first part of this tale posted previously had Inara openly admit in her head to being cruel toward Mal since it's the familiar and it gets those lovely protective walls back up again.
Gotta say that I am impressed with Mal's restraint - minimal as it seems - when it came to finding out Inara was taking clients again. We assume Mal is about to go charging in, guns half-cocked with the information, but he restrains the urge and isolates himself from both Inara and the other crew. It's not healthy, but it's a step or two above trying to stick his oar in and make it worse.
Also, really gotta say I was blown away by Inara in this part, mainly during the confrontation scene in her shuttle. Don't really know WHY I was blown away, since her stance about what Wu did to her is admittedly rather more like Battered Wife Syndrome than Enlightened Woman...but I get the feeling that there's a deeper reason tied into her training. Something like "better that we (Companions) take the hit and ensure either the urge is dealt with or the figure properly penalized than let them harm others" or something. Doesn't make it right or anything...but I really think that both Mal and Inara have deep-seeded reasons for the faces they presented here.
BEB
And I too was completely floored by the level of complex and seemingly OOC behaviour here from Mal and Inara. However, I am willing to accept that the months between the BDM and when this mini-trilogy is set has contained a number of moments where Mal and Inara have changed as people. That and the first part of this tale posted previously had Inara openly admit in her head to being cruel toward Mal since it's the familiar and it gets those lovely protective walls back up again.
Gotta say that I am impressed with Mal's restraint - minimal as it seems - when it came to finding out Inara was taking clients again. We assume Mal is about to go charging in, guns half-cocked with the information, but he restrains the urge and isolates himself from both Inara and the other crew. It's not healthy, but it's a step or two above trying to stick his oar in and make it worse.
Also, really gotta say I was blown away by Inara in this part, mainly during the confrontation scene in her shuttle. Don't really know WHY I was blown away, since her stance about what Wu did to her is admittedly rather more like Battered Wife Syndrome than Enlightened Woman...but I get the feeling that there's a deeper reason tied into her training. Something like "better that we (Companions) take the hit and ensure either the urge is dealt with or the figure properly penalized than let them harm others" or something. Doesn't make it right or anything...but I really think that both Mal and Inara have deep-seeded reasons for the faces they presented here.
BEB
Post Your Comments
You must log in to post comments.