The Delicate Politics of Authorization

[krypton288.livejournal.com]

Title: The Delicate Politics of Authorization
Author: Krypton288
Summary: Simon asks Mal for Kaylee's hand in marriage.
Rating: PG
Characters: Mal, Simon
Pairing: mention of Simon/Kaylee, Het
Warning: None really.
Spoilers/Timeline: Serenity (the movie), but small ones, set post movie
Disclaimer: I don't own Firefly.
Author's Note: I've read a couple of fics where some character, most often Simon, but I think I saw Jayne or maybe Wash, asks Mal if it's OK before asking whatever character they want to marry. It had always stuck me as very odd. Here's my response.
       Again, I put the Chinese translation at the end, but it will also appear if you hover the mouse over the word. Does this work for people?

The Delicate Politics of Authorization

       When Simon asked Mal for Kaylee's hand in marriage, he was rather surprised - not to mention distressed - when the captain started to laugh.
       "Simon," Mal said after a bit. "What the guay you askin' me for?"
       "Well," the young man floundered. "I thought out on the rim it was still a custom to ask..."
       "True, some planets," Mal agreed. "If the one Kaylee's from is like that I rightly don't know. But she ain't there. None of us are. While I don't care for the thought that there will be even more complications on my boat, when it comes down to it, I really got no say. Point is, she's her own woman. It's up to her if she wants to get hitched to you. No one else."
       "Oh, I know," Simon insisted. "I just... want to do this right. To do it..."
       "Proper?" Mal suggested.
       "Yes."
       "Something tells me Kaylee wouldn't put much stock in that."
       Simon gave a weak chuckle. "I suppose not."
       "You gonna propose today?" Mal asked conversationally.
       "Yes," the doctor managed after a moment.
       Mal nodded. "Right then." He clapped Simon on the shoulder and gave him a brief, tight - or was it a wry - smile. "Just remember to breathe. Think she'll find it a mite odd if you pass out while askin' her."
       "OK," Simon said. He took a jittery breath and let it out. "I guess I'll be... going them."
       "You do that."
       The doctor made the most dignified exit he could manage, trying to ignore sound that followed him out. He couldn't tell if it was swearing, chuckling or both.

Fin

guay = hell

Please, review if you read.

Comments

[sam-can-do-it.livejournal.com]

This was so cute I could totally see Simon asking Mal for Kaylee's hand. I can also see Kaylee giggling about it. She'd think it was really cute and sweet!

Any chance you are going to write the proposal?

[krypton288.livejournal.com]

My goodness... Sequel. Honestly, the thought never occured to me. Generally my muse calls all the shots without me having much of a say, but I'll definitely give it some thought.

Thanks.

[commodoremarie.livejournal.com]

Aww, that was very cute!

[erinya.livejournal.com]

Very cute, and rings true for the characters. "She's her own woman"--I think that's exactly what Mal would say about Kaylee.

How do you get that nifty roll-over translation to show up? Inquiring minds want to know.

[krypton288.livejournal.com]

Thanks for both the comment and the kind words. I was particularly proud of how I wrote Mal in this fic.

I found the translation thing on another Firefly fanfic site recomending it for this use. I can't remember where, or I'd credit the person for great idea...
Here's the html you use (without spaces, of course):
< span title=" what you want to show up " >text you want in the story
So I wrote, < span title=" hell " >< i>guay< /i>

Hope this helps.

[krypton288.livejournal.com]

I noticed that the html didn't all work. Hopefully, it should work this time.
< span title= " text you want to show up " > text you want in the story < / span >
Third time's the charm, eh?

[noirreigne.livejournal.com]

That was sweet. I think the proposal would be a great follow up.

[krypton288.livejournal.com]

Thanks.

You know, you're the second person to mention writing the proposal. Perhaps I shall just have to try.

On a side note, it's kinda funny to see your ion with someone pointing a gun and then right under it the words, 'That was sweet.' Heh.

[srichard.livejournal.com]

Aw, very cute and fun. Even though I still think Mal should be consulted before marriage. For he rules with an iron fist. Except for Zoe, who could probably take him in a fair fight. *g*

[cleindori.livejournal.com]

Aw, silly Simon. :)

Although I'd be inclined to think that in the rather formal society of the Core, there would actually be a custom of asking the father for a young woman's hand in marriage. If only because of the "business" aspects of two people from families with money, with assets of their own, getting married....

But anyways, cute snippet. I like. :)

[mbeancntr.livejournal.com]

Very sweet and appropriate. I would have Simon ask Mal also. Not sure other than it is the proper thing to do. ;) Great job.

[soulmeetsoul.livejournal.com]

I can completely see this happening. and occurring just the way you wrote it. brava.

[meloradhahm.livejournal.com]

This sounds like exactly how Mal would react. I particularly liked his advice to Simon about breathing during the proposal.

I can't, for the life of me, understand why Simon would choose Mal to ask for Kaylee's hand. This is absolutely not a criticism of your vignette, since you explained that this was a reaction to asking Mal appearing in other people's fic. Still and all, I could more see Simon annoying Mal (and possibly the rest of the crew) to find out who Kaylee's father is and how to get in touch with him. It would seem more natural of Simon to ask Mal's permission to get married at all while being aboard Mal's ship--that would be more Mal's call to make. That is, unless Kaylee's an orphan under Mal's care...Nah.

Pardon the tangent. Your Mal voice sounds spot-on, and this was a fun read, if short. Please write more!