Re: trailer park: alex and mal
For about, oh, thirty seconds or so, Alex was feeling pretty pleased with himself. Maybe in the most ridiculous sort of way, but hey: Mal thought he was worthy of a stalker. That was something. Mal had called him attractive, and sure, he most likely meant it in an objective sort of way. So part of it was just like, whatever, kind of general concern, but part of it did cause a warm little rumble to start up in Alex's chest, just below his throat.
Then of course came the expected reaction, the one which had kept Alex's mouth shut until now. The concerned scolding, however gentle. The one that was touching, but at the same time put Alex's back up a little because he was nineteen and he was trying to be self-reliant and make his own way in the world, and all that. The one that told him he'd said too much and now other people had to worry about him when they shouldn't. "I...no," he mumbled, not meeting Mal's eye. "I din't even think of that. Shit. Anyway...doctors cost money I don't have," he said, a little ashamed. Because again, this was Mal, who, from their conversations, at least used to have some kind of money. In Alex's mind, that probably meant he was used to a doctor coming by for a house call every time he had the sniffles. He knew that wasn't fair and he didn't really believe that Mal was that casual about money, now. He'd said enough that Alex knew it wasn't true. "I hate makin' people worry 'bout me."
Nevermind that Alex just had a thing about medical facilities.