Thinking about Mal

Still thinking about Mal, trying to understand him, learn his character and such...

Was thinking about why he fights with Inara so much... many fics like to say it's because he likes to see the flush of her skin, etc. etc. and while that might be a side benefit, I don't think that's his real reason for doing it.

My Theory: Besides actually enjoying the verbal sparring, I think that Mal particularly likes to get Inara angry becuase it's the only reaction from her he can be sure is honest. She's trained to please, to be pleasant and give her client what he/she wants... Companions are certainly not supposed to express anger, frustration, exasperation, or any other 'negative' traits in front of anyone, if at all. The fact that he can provoke these responses from her proves that he is reaching the real Inara, the person behind the Companion. Any other behavior from her, smiles, compassion, cheer, support, all of it is tinged with the possibility that it's her Companion training at work, isn't real. But when he manages to goad her into an angry retort, an exasperated eye roll, an arguement, he knows that her reaction is honest and real. 

Anyway, that's My Theory. Any thoughts?

Like Thunder Follows Lightning

Like Thunder Follows Lightning

by 2x2

Word Count: 1176

Rating: PG 13

Pairing: Mal/Inara

A/N: I don't really know what to say about this. It may not make sense. I think I understand it, but I've no idea if it will come across. As to the hows and whys of the situation, don't ask me. Other than the inspiration of yesterday's thunderstorm, I have no idea where this came from.
 

( Like Thunder Follows Lightning )