Archangel – Chapter Five

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Jayne was in his bunk, fuming. His rage was almost consuming at this point, and he feared lashing out. The crew would laugh at that, he thought glumly. The idea that he would try and protect them from something he might do.

He honestly didn’t know why he bothered. No one on the whole ship liked him. He had honestly thought that after Miranda he’d be accepted by them. Hadn’t he gone into reaver space with them? Fought against the damn things on Mister Universe’s Moon? What did it take?

He shook his head in frustration. There was no way to win, and staying here was an invitation to disaster. One more scene like today, and he would probably not be able to contain his anger, which would. . .

A knock at the door interrupted his rambling thoughts. He stalked over to the door, and opened it.

“What do you want no. . .” he exclaimed angrily, until he saw Kaylee’s face looking down at him.

“Sorry, Kaylee,” he said softly, anger gone in a flash. “I figured it was Mal coming to threaten me some more.”

“How you doin’, Jayne?” Kaylee asked, and his heart softened a bit more at the concern in her voice.

“I’m fine, Kaylee. Somethin’ wrong?” he asked. Kaylee almost never came to his bunk.

“Just checkin’ on ya, s’all,” she assured him. “Knew you was prob’ly mad. Don’t blame ya none, neither.” She settled onto the floor in the hatchway.

“It’s alright, Kaylee,” Jayne shrugged. “That’s all they can figure on, is that I’m gonna do somethin’ wrong. Thought they mighta got by it by now, but don’t seem so.”

“You been doin’ good, Jayne,” Kaylee said nodding. “Been watchin’ ya for a spell now. You always look mad, though,” she added.

“Watchin’ me, huh?” Jayne raised an eyebrow. Kaylee’s face reddened at that, and he chuckled softly.

“Wasn’t sayin’ nothin’ little Kaylee,” he assured her. “Just teasin’ ya. And,” he added, “I owe ya a big thanks for takin’ up for me earli