Round 2, challenge 3: Mixed Bowl

[srichard.livejournal.com]

TITLE: Mixed Bowl
RATING: G
QUESTION: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why?
CHARACTER: Mal



Change one thing? Bit like handing a man who's been living on protein for six months a mixed bowl of perfectly ripe fruits—crisp apples, sweet nectarines, soft bananas, tart orange, and dripping mangoes—and then telling him he can only pick one. How can he tell which he wants most? He wants every gorram one of those different tastes.

I guess the only thing he can do is work out which one he wants most right in that moment. So right in this moment?

I'd like to be the man Kaylee thinks I am. The one River looks for when she stares right through me. The one the doc can't quite believe in—boy is always a sight more level-headed than the rest. The one Inara keeps dreaming of.

But I'd like to be that man. One who looks after his people body and soul, knows what's wrong with 'em and takes care of it. Some days, maybe I am that man. But too many more I'm a man who shouts at his crew for no better reason than temper, ignores their sorrows, and focuses only on the job.

But it's my way of taking care of 'em, and this whole question's got a big, ugly if preceding it, so I don't reckon it matters much. I ain't gonna be that man any time soon, so really, can't see how it matters.

Sure wouldn't mind an orange right now, though.

Comments

[lvs2read.livejournal.com]

Well done! I love the fruit analogy! So true that he knows there's so many things he could change, and that this is what he'd like to change--right at this moment--but knows that it ain't gonna happen. *giggles at the last line*

[srichard.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[mayorst.livejournal.com]

Awww Soph! That was great! :D

[srichard.livejournal.com]

Thanks, sweetie!

[isha-libran.livejournal.com]

While I love this whole piece--especially the fruit analogy--and the fact that you didn't mention Zoe or Jayne in the list of expectations--Zoe, cause she probably accepts Mal for what he is, and Jayne cause he doesn't care either way--the last line really slew me.

Thanks for sharing! =)

[srichard.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[anxiety-junkie.livejournal.com]

I liked this too; but I think Mal is more that man than he thinks he is, otherwise Kaylee wouldn't love him so much.

[srichard.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I think you're absolutely right, of course, but don't tell him that!

[vae]

Nice insights there. Mal's definitely closer to the man he thinks he ought to be...he just doesn't see that by taking care of them in his way, he gets closer every time.

And now I want fruit...

[srichard.livejournal.com]

Thank you!