Again, please let this play out to its end before getting too mad. There's a lot to go. At least 8 stories with multiple chapters in a lot of them. This one has at least 5 chapters.
Review and let me know how you think its going. Guess how it will all turn out or let me know what you'd like to see.
This hasn't been an easy story to write but I hope I'm treating the characters with the same amount of respect as I am trying to treat the subject matter.
Everyone has diffrent reactions to this sort of trauma, this is my vision of how the characters in the Firefly 'verse would handle it.
As always, please read the warning contained in Chapter 1 as the subject matter might be offensive to some.
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Chapter 4
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“Inara?” Mal stepped tentatively into the shuttle, calling her name. She’d been on edge and he didn’t want to add to any tension.
Her voice was soft, tender as she answered. “Yes, Mal?”
“Ready to talk about it?” He noticed her sitting on the couch just closing a data pad.
She set the pad on the low table in front of her and rested her hands in her lap. “I’m – I’m not sure there is much to say.”
Mal swallowed reflexively, afraid that she was keeping something from him. She’d been distant and he wanted to know why. Wanted to help. “You been pretty distant. Somethin’ happen ya don’t want anyone to know?” He took a seat beside her and was encouraged when she didn’t flinch like she had the last time.
Inara looked away. “It’s – just some old memories, Mal. Nothing to concern yourself too terribly over.”
Mal exhaled a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. Old memories? How could she think he wouldn’t be concerned? “Know you can lean on me, right? And I don’t just mean for the sexin’.” His attempt at levity went unanswered which wiped the small smile off his face in an instant.
“I – I can’t talk about it right now, Mal.”
He frowned. Perhaps he had been too hopeful that she would confide in him. They’d been through so much together. B
Wordlessly, she leaned against his shoulder and he lifted his arm to drape it over her, offering silent comfort where he knew any words would fail."
I think this was beautifully done, Mal realizing he couldn't help her, Inara realizing he needed to try. I also loved the Mal/Simon conversation. On some level, they must both suspect. And poor Kaylee, the only doctor on board being her husband. It would kill him to see what they did to her (if in fact they did do it).
Maybe Zoe should make an attempt to speak to the girls? I wonder if she hasn't experienced something similar, maybe during the war. And if she did, I wonder if Mal knows, if he helped her through it maybe. Okay, now I'm rambling. Anyway, I think you're handling this whole thing extremely well. Post more soon, k?
-Kaynara
I was just reading this and it's so perfect, it has just the right amount of angst and truth. I think the characterization is amazing, everyone's reactions to everything...
Amazing, as always!
Update soon!
It's great how Mal tries to be there for Inara! Come on, 'Nara, tell him. He'll help :)
Please post more soon!
CCke (too lazy to log in)
You can't take the sky from me
While I have never gone through a rape situation and have not consciously met someone who had, I really think you are doing a superior bit of writing in having these characters deal with such an act realistically.
BEB
beautiful job.
Very nice final scene with Mal and Simon.
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