Disclaimer: All rights to Joss the Boss and Mutant Enemy.

Sorry it took so long to post this. In answer to your questions and demands, yes, Mal confronts Simon himself. He didn't do it before because River told him not to.

***

His insides squirmed. He was dreading what he was about to do. Simon by no means scared him, but they did have to live together. And Mal was rather found of not having black eyes.

Of course he was going to let Simon punch him. It would give the boy a certain satisfaction that only clocking someone could bring. He had to let him do it, or else the anger would stay pent up inside and would eventually reach a boiling point.

He found Simon in the infirmary, his back to the door, viciously checking over a piece of medical equipment. It was surprising that Simon had not come looking for him, nor was he waiting for him.

Mal decided it would be prudent to knock. His knuckles had barely even wrapped on the door frame when Simon said, without turning, "I hadn't expected you for a while, captain. If I were you, this would certainly be the last place I would come." he turned his head to look at Mal, "Shouldn't you be off hiding in your room and touching children?" he asked before turning back to the equipment.

"I don't run from a fight, son." Mal said, then he reconsidered. "...At least not one that questions my honor. You spent so much time on my boat, you still don't know me." he went on, "I won't hide because I know I'm gonna get slugged, either. If I'm going to have a relationship with your sister, I'm gonna give you a chance to clock me if you feel the need."

Simon turned to face him, "Sounds fair." he said. Then, without warning, his fist slammed into Mal's face, knocking him back into the door frame. Shaking out his hand as Mal whiped the blood off his lip, he said, "That feels a little better." Then he punched Mal again. "It doesn't change how I feel though."

Mal cracked his neck, "I ain't touched her." he said, "And I ain't done nothin' she didn't want me to. I didn't even start this, she did. Very persistent, your sister."

"You're a grown man and she's just a girl. Surely you could have talked sense into her." he said vehemently.

"She ain't a girl. She's a young woman who knows what she wants, and I think it's about time you saw her as such. Besides, have you ever tried to argue with her? Girl talks you in circles and won't take no for answer. She could argue with a brick wall 'bout where it cast its shadow and win."

"It's not right. You shouldn't be sleeping with my sister." Simon said, in a slightly calmer tone.

"Is that what you think? Do you think I see River as a toy that I can play with whenever I want and throw away?" He paused to calm down and catch his breath, "She ain't a plaything and I won't treat her as such. What I feel for her is genuine, and I mean to do things right. Take my time. I ain't slept with her yet, but you can be damn sure that when I do it's what she wants."

This was greeted with a shocked silence. "Well..." Simon began, "I can see that you respect River, but it doesn't make it ok." Most of the anger was gone, now that he had vented, but Mal was sure that it wouldn't all leave for quite some time. "I know it's her decision, but if you hadn't noticed, she's not completely right in the head."

"She's getting there. Besides, she knows what she wants. Knows what makes her happy. And I know she ain't happy when the two people she loves most are at each other's throats." Mal said.

Simon sighed, "She probably isn't." he agreed. He sighed again, this time heavier, waving his hand at Mal as he turned back to his medical equipment, "I don't like it, and don't expect my blessing, but I don't suppose I can stop you."

Mal stared at Simon's back for a moment, then he turned and left, figuring the good doctor needed some alone time.

It was still a few hours until dinner, but he figured he'd go up and have a snack or a drink or something. Possibly something with a kick to it.

He found a bottle of St. Albans Rum in one of the cabinets, and as he turned around to pour a glass, he saw River. She startled him, he hadn't heard her come in. "Ahhhahhhaahh..." he said jumping, "That sneaking thing has definitely got to stop."

She smiled at him, "You're a good man." she said.

"So I've been told... mostly by you." he replied, returning the grin. He poured himself a cup of rum, but she pulled it away from him, holding her hand over it. He stared at her.

"Don't need alcohol." she said. She reached up to his bloodied lip, examining it. "He got you good. You just took it. Not many would've. 'Course, not many can change my brother's mind."

He winced as her fingers brushed the cut on his lip, "Sometimes it's better to let them hit you."

"Speaking from experience?" she asked, her eyebrow raised.

"Maybe." he said obstinately, managing to get the cup from her grasp and drinking it before she could snatch it back.

She laughed, "All that can come of that is a headache in the morning." she said, putting the bottle away.

"Yeah, but at least I feel better now." he said. Then he leaned down and kissed her, the pain in his lip barely noticeable against the softness of those lips.

When he withdrew, she said, "You better wait 'til you're sober to kiss me."

"Takes more 'an a drink to make me dizzy."

"If you say so."

When you're around, I'm dizzy anyway. he thought. She smiled as he took her hand and they walked up to the bridge, they'd be landing soon.

Sitting down, he said, "Just you, me, and the stars, darlin'."

She sat down as well, "Never thought there could be so much beauty in one place."

"Never was, 'til you came along." he said, and they flew on in silent happiness.