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.