BLUE SUN ROOM FAN FICTION - GENERAL

ROGUETTE

Opening Door
Friday, April 20, 2007

Mal sits on the bridge and tries hard not to think about Inara. First in a series?


CATEGORY: FICTION    TIMES READ: 1907    RATING: 9    SERIES: FIREFLY

What the hell do I do now? Mal asked himself, sitting on the bridge of the ship that had been his home for more than six years now. It’s been nearly three months since Wash … and Book … Zoe’s hardly come out of her bunk ‘cept to eat and work, Jayne’s been working out every hour he can, trying to put the Preacher out of his mind … only ones seem anywhere near happy are Kaylee and the Doc, and that’s mainly ‘cause they’re spending all their time grappling with each other.

He lifted one booted foot to rest on the console. It’s good that River’s better, I mean that’s a good thing. Nearly got myself split to do it, but … and the whole ‘verse knows now about Miranda. Might put a firework up the collective Alliance pigu, but somehow I ain't got the faith it’ll do much more than fizz a little then go out. Big things like the Alliance tend to weather the storm. Just wait for it to go away, til the next big thing comes along to fill the Cortex and take everyone’s mind off the millions of people who died …

Lifting his hand, he rubbed the bridge of his nose. The headache was still there, had been for a while. Maybe he should go see the doctor for a painkiller, knock it out once and for all, only the thought of walking in on the pair of them … Ain't gonna do that. Not again. Least, not for a while. Too much flesh on display. He shuddered at the memory.

Someone put their hands on his shoulders, and he realised he was too tired to care who it was.

“If’n you gonna kill me, do it quick,” he said. “Kinda ain't got the wherewithal to worry about it too much.”

“Not going to kill you, captain,” River said softly, massaging the knots in his muscles.

“Oh, that’s …” He groaned. “How the hell’d you learn how to do that?” he asked, his eyes closing a little.

“I know what you need. See what you need. And you need her.”

His eyes flew open. “Need who, little albatross?”

“She’s waiting for you. Has been for three months.”

“Well, I’ve been here. Not like I was gonna be anywhere else.”

She took her hands away and sat down in the other seat, shaking her head sadly at him. “It won’t change unless you change it,” she said softly, pulling her bare feet up under her.

“Why’s it up to me?” he asked, knowing he sounded whiny. “Why can’t she take the first step?”

“She did. She didn’t go home.”

“Home?”

“The Training House.” River tipped her head and looked at him like a bird eyeing up a worm. “You know she hasn’t taken a client in months.”

“No?” He wasn’t sure. She just seemed to be around a lot.

“Not even before you rescued her.”

“Really.”

River stared at him, her eyes dark. “She needs you.”

“Then why hasn’t she said?”

“Circles. Going round in circles and you always end up where you began, with nothing.” She pointed to the door. “Go and talk to her. It might never be anything, but you have to see. Otherwise the day will come and you will be saying goodbye for the last time and there will be nothing left.”

“You … you think she’ll go again?”

“What does she have to stay for?”

“River, it ain't that easy –“

“It is.” She stood up and took his hand, pulling him to his feet. “Tell her.”

“No. Look, I tried, before, but –“

“Then try again.” She turned him around and gave him a gentle push. “I’ll look after the ship, captain. You look after your heart.”

COMMENTS

Friday, April 20, 2007 2:49 AM

CHAZZER


Aww, that's all kinds of cute. You should definately continue. Lovin' River being the one to step in.

The last line was adorable.

xxx

Friday, April 20, 2007 3:57 AM

VALERIEBEAN


I like how you developed River here, retaining her River-esque speech, but advancing her relationship with Mal so you can see she's getting better and that they have developed a comfortable kind of friendship. It ages her some and makes Mal more likely to listen because she's not being overly childlike or overly cryptic.

Good start. I would definitely like to know what happens next, not just between Mal and Inara, but how the rest of the crew regains their senses after such loss.

Friday, April 20, 2007 9:57 AM

HEWHOKICKSALOT


I admit, I'm curious. Your speech is nearly dead on, especially River's. I like how you've tastefully opened, or at least cracked the door for Mal and Inara.

Most curious. I'll be looking out.

Rob O.

Friday, April 20, 2007 10:37 AM

PLATONIST


Believable portrayal of a lucid River.

Nice job, I'd read more.

Friday, April 20, 2007 11:22 AM

AMDOBELL


I loved this and could so see River speaking to Mal in this way. He saved her and now she is saving him - from himself. Just love that. I would like to see how Inara reacts and what happens next. I also smiled when Mal asked why he had to be the one to make the first move, chuckle. Ali D :~)
You can't take the sky from me

Friday, April 20, 2007 5:20 PM

EMPIREX


Awww! That was sweet. SEQUEL!

Saturday, April 21, 2007 6:59 PM

BLUEEYEDBRIGADIER


Oh...now this is some fabuluous stuff here, Roguette. Both Mal and River were in-character, and I can see Mal being all "please God just end me now" from all the perceived weight on his shoulders. The massage was definitely interesting as well...almost thought River was trying to get her foot in the door till she told Mal to talk with Inara;D

And why always Mal? Well...cuz he's too damn stubborn to let things lie when he's all riled up? Only way to win Inara permanently is to fight like he's a Sergeant again...tooth and nail for the goal;)

BEB


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Mal sits on the bridge and tries hard not to think about Inara. First in a series?