You thought you could fox Mal. Get to see the softness beneath his cold exterior with showerings of gifts and love, but... You didn't manage to.

If anything, he was colder.

But Mal didn't really hate you; he was just quick to harden the walls around his heart, afraid you'd leave him. That happened anyway.

Mal realized how much he'd pushed you away, leaving you feeling somewhat neglected. Guilt throbbed through his head, but he pushed it away. He was supposed to stay focused on his plan to win the million, not some swooning girl like you.

Now, though, you were confronting him about it. Mal's one-eyed gaze softened as your voice quivered with emotion, yet it became icy once again.

"I don't owe you anything," Mal growled when you finished. He felt his heart crack in his chest as your eyes started to water but hid it with a forced scowl. "I never asked for you to love me. I don't need you. You're just a burden!"