Title: That Which Shapes A Man

Chapter Title: Surely A Man

Author: hisgoodgirl

Disclaimer: All belongs to Joss. Just one woman’s take on the story. Didn’t get paid.

Characters: This chapter – Jayne, ofc, omc

Warning: PG-15 for language, adult situations, violence

Setting: Just prior to "Those Left behind"; also, twenty-five years previously.

Word Count: 3,258; chapter five of thirteen

A/N: From the first time I watched Firefly, I wondered what circumstances might have shaped the character of Jayne Cobb, an exceptionally complex man. The given name "Jayne" was a common variant of "John" in Victorian England. This story emerged from the questions I asked.

Thanks to my excellent beta, ArtemisPrime. Italics represent internal dialogue, emphasis, Chinese phrases. To read the previous chapters, click on my name above.

Questions, thoughts and comments are sincerely appreciated. Thanks!

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Chapter Five: Surely A Man

Long before…

The latest job goes well. Les has a knack for scouting out opportunities and Jared, a good sense of timing. Word’s begun to get around up in the hills that some young bucks are running a little wild, but so far, the boys have been careful and fortunate.

One late spring afternoon, as the worst of the snow shifts into rain, the gang sits around the old table, playing poker and telling tales. Amos looks grimly at his hand and takes another swig from the whisky bottle they’re sharing. “Lady Luck must wanna nail my ass. Ain’t had a decent hand all afternoon,” he whines. “Guess I’m just off my game.”

“Probably just need to git laid good.” Les glances sidelong at Jared and smirks. They both know that homely Amos has about as little luck with the ladies as he does with cards.

Amos glowers back. “Ain’t like you two been gittin’ any action, either, ‘ceptin’ the home-made sort.” He sneers across at Jayne. “How ‘bout you, kid? Ever got laid?”

Ja