Big Damn Quests Round 1, Challenge #1: Jayne's answer

[rabid-x.livejournal.com]

Title: Scared Don't Mean Yellow
Author: rabid_x
Character: Jayne Cobb
Rating: G
A/N: For big_damn_quests Challenge #1: Describe your greatest fear, and how it has changed your life. First person and chock full of Jayne-speak. Mild Serenity spoilers. Very mild. 377 words.



I know they all think it’s funny or damn inconvenient but I can’t help being afraid of some things. I think they’re the right ruttin’ things. It ain’t easy to admit neither so it oughta make me one of them better men, right? Nah, it just makes me act all stupified. It’s powerful maddenin’ to get though of as yellow.

I don’t know what scares me more, Reavers or family. Naw, I ain't scared of Ma or nothing like that. My brother, Matt, he’s sick with Damplung. I keep sending money home, hoping they can get him to a doctor or somethin’ soon. My Grampa Cobb died of it. If Matty shuffles off before I get t’see him, I don’t know what I’ll do.

That’s why I’m out here. I ain't afraid of hard work but I make more credit thievin’ than welding. My family’s as poor as those damn Mudders, an’ my Pa’s got his pride, but I bet my credits spend just as good as any others. I’m good at shootin’ and raisin’ the right kind of ruckus. Mal knows it. That’s why I ain't been dumped yet.

Reavers, now those god-forsaken mother-humpers make my blood run icy. I don’t care how they got made, they ain’t men anymore. How does a drug make ya want t’tear at your own skin and eat someone who’s still screamin’? If I ever get caught, I hope someone shoots me before they get their poisoned teeth into my meat.

I had a dream once that they made it to my home. People in town were runnin’ and screamin’ - it was like shootin’ fish in a barrel t’hit one of ‘em. One of my sisters was runnin’ up the street and that when I brightened to th’ fact that *I* was huntin’ her. Woke up yellin’ and sick inside.

That’s why Vera’s ready t’go when I need her. That an’ my boot knife. I keep that beauty sharpened up real nice an’ fine. I bet th’ Doc could cut real smooth an’ pretty with her but she’s mine. My holdout. I ain’t gonna go down like that, ever.

We done here? ‘Cause I got work t’do. Last thing I need right now is Mal ridin’ my ass again.

Comments

[browncoat2x2]

Oooh, very good Jayne! That was one disturbin' dream. I love the end, too, "We done here? ‘Cause I got work t’do. Last thing I need right now is Mal ridin’ my ass again." Hahah, so Jayne!

[rabid-x.livejournal.com]

Thank you! Jayne had such a woogie reaction to Reavers that I could easily see him dreaming about them, especially concerning his family. It was obvious that he loved them and visa versa.

[bellehiver.livejournal.com]

ooh! I like this a lot. The bit with the dream is powerful without being too wordy or out of place. And the explanation of why he's so worried over his brother is perfect. Touching in that way Jayne is :3

[rabid-x.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I couldn't get how happy Jayne was to get the letter from home out of my head. And the fact that he sends money home. Jayne Cobb wants money. He's said so. The letter made me see one of the reasons he's so driven that way.

[rabid-x.livejournal.com]

Gosh! I have gotten so much positive response here that I am giddy in a fuzzy hat wearin' kind of way! Thank you so much.

[calliopes_pen]

Spectacular job. You really got Jayne's voice down.

[the-girl-20.livejournal.com]

Oh this is wonderful! Very Jayne. I think Jayne is very traditional and homeloving at heart, and you captured that wonderfully. His thoughts on Reavers are very in character and the dream really brought his two fears together well. Excellent!