Cherished and Chosen
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Inara and Mal overcome some issues that have been holding back their physical relationship. Lots of angst, but it ends well. As in, ‘light R-rating’ well. Part of the <a href="http://www.fireflyfans.net/bluesun.aspx?bid=16631"Sneaking into the Captain's Bunk</a> series
CATEGORY: FICTION TIMES READ: 4190 RATING: 9.0 (PG13) SERIES: FIREFLY
The real last of the “Sneaking Into…” series as it takes you somewhat directly to Light R-rating for the ending. Sorry to spoil it, but I have to for the kiddies. Comes immediately after ‘Fires and Fears.’ Uber much thanks to AgentOmega for the beta and the valuable insight into the male psyche. Many thanks to the commenters as well for the ideas and plot bunnies.
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Inara didn’t follow Mal right away. She was too stunned by the fact that he’d walked out of his own bunk. She’d pushed him too hard, too fast, and sent him running. Inara clutched the pillow, tears spilling over. She’d just given up her livelihood for this man. Her identity. He was the only anchor she had left and she’d chased him away. Too much, too soon? She should have just let the moment pass and watched the capture with him. Why did she stop him?!
Inara picked up the capture where Mal had dropped it on the bed. She’d never seen one that old before. It looked like it had been through hell and back. Knowing Mal, it probably had. Tearfully, she set the capture on the bureau so it wouldn’t get damaged, then she climbed out of the bunk to go looking for Mal.
It took her awhile to find him. Not on the bridge, the catwalk, or in the cargo bay. She finally gave up and returned to her shuttle, and that’s where she found him, pacing, hands running through his hair, eyes filled with fear and regret.
“Mal,” she called tentatively, staying by the door. He froze, his eyes flashing like a deer in the headlights. Dark rings of sleeplessness shadowed his face. She realized that while she had spent the last two days resting and recuperating, he’d likely been lying awake waiting for her to come. The man was exhausted and in no condition for an emotionally trying conversation.
“Not today,” he grunted, moving to leave. Inara took his hand as gently as she could while still stopping him. Whether he realized it or not, he’d come here because he knew it as a place of r
The angst is heart-wrenching; Inara afraid that she's driven Mal away yet again, while Mal continues to believe that he's not good enough for her. Gah.
I like that Inara drew a distinction between the fact that Companions choose their clients and the fact that <i>she</i> chose Mal, even though she could have had any man (or woman) she might want.
Your interpretation of Mal's nightmares cuts right to the heart of his insecurites, and makes very clear that what he fears the most is loving and losing Inara. And while we knew from early in the show that Inara prays for Mal when he goes out on jobs, the idea that him dying gives her nightmares is yet another of your wonderful little extras.
And then, we come at last to Mal's deepest fear... that in loving Inara, he will destroy her. I'm sure some will find that concept rather strange, but I think it fits perfectly for Mal. And Inara's reply about taking her off the pedestal was simply inspired.
I love Inara's explanation for why she's staying on Serenity; the fact that Mal's always seen her as priceless, and never tried to buy her. And her statement that he's her treasure... gah. Gah, I say!
Mal's story about the pendant and how he'll never be a silver chain to Inara was beautiful, and as ever, reveals layers about him that we never knew existed.
And the kissing and undressing when Inara puts the neckalce on... whoo-hoo! Ahem. That was good.
as mentioned earlier, VB, I love the way you've brought this story to a close, and tied it in with "Only You". A fantastic set of love stories you've crafted here.
My most sincere congratulations on a job masterfully done.
As I mentioned in my comments to you for "Only You," I am all kinds of glad you have them struggle with physical intimacy and all that's happened up to the point where this chapter ends - to me - allows Mal and Inara to be able to have that kind of problem without having things blow up from it and have them go their separate ways. Have to say I have always assumed these two would need to have an emotional reckoning or seven to get their own feelings and thoughts about one another straightened out before they moved on to the physical side. To do otherwise would honestly lead to grounds where works by authors like slumming or Jane0904 become a lot more plausible;)
BEB
You can't take the sky from me
And Inara's thought that she wanted to zip up her dress again just to have Mal unzip it again made me laugh out loud! Perfect!
Not only does this chapeter change my perspective on Mal and Inara's relationship in general, but it also changes my understanding of the male ego.
Thank you both, VB and AgentOmega!
That was really sweet. I felt so bad for both of them, though. Such angst! I'm sorry it's over. But then I'm very selfish and demanding and wish all the fics I like would never end.
Someday, when I'm rich, I'm going to have my own fanfic sweatshop. My writers will be tethered to their computers and will churn out as much Mal/Inara fanfic as I want. They'll be treated well, though. Don't worry.
All you need is love to tell a good story.
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