It was an uncomfortable scene for the man to view. The lovers stood in the shadow of a park tree. They were holding hands and rubbing noses. Usually this was a sight he didn't really bother looking at. Lovers were every where, and no matter how many times you told them to 'get a room' they never would. Yet, Jet had known that girl, and watching this had him dumbfounded. She hadn't been in love when he'd known her. She was a wild thing, a genius, not a lover. A genius that smiled a lot and sang too loud. She'd been his baby. She wasn't that boy's 'baby.' She wasn't his at all. What did he know about her? Did that boy know that Ed liked eating her food off the floor sometimes? Did he know that she had helped turn in more bounties than he could count?
Jet was becoming furious. Ed was too young for 'love.' She was just a little girl! Only sixteen! No. He'd never let that idiot boy have his way with her. Ed was far too special. She deserved someone just as special and ten-times better than that dirt bag. He felt his blood pressure rise as the boy's hands slid to rest on Ed's rear. He stood there, trembling with anger. How dare he! He was going to pay for touching her like that! Jet shook his head. That boy had crossed the line. He strode over and bellowed his genius' name.
"ED!" The two were startled. The boy was much more shaken than Ed. He cowered as Jet towered over him, bearing a terrifying scowl. Ed stood at his side and intervened.
"Jet? What's the matter?" She asked. She looked up at him. Her wide golden eyes met his angry black ones; they were filled with apprehension. The way she had pulled back her hair made her look older. She held the boy's hand reassuringly.
Jet stared down at her and felt something contract in his chest. In a heart wrenching flash he realized nothing he said would stop her from seeing this boy, and his baby…was no longer a baby. She had blossomed into a young woman. Jet could see make up around her eyes. She was wearing a flattering outfit. She had grown up. His eyes lost their anger and were replaced with sadness and loss. He drew back and rubbed his baldhead.
"Never mind. Let's go Ed. It's time to go," he stammered. Ed nodded and hugged the still nervous boy.
"Good bye Tom."
"Bye Ed." Ed smiled at Tom. She turned and walked away with Jet. They were silent till they reached the Bebop.
"Ed," Jet said. His voice sound tired. Ed glanced at him. She knew where the conversation was going to lead.
"Don't worry Jet. Tom and I aren't-going-to do anything. There's nothing to worry about. I'll be fine." She smiled brightly. Jet's lips turned upward in a weak attempt to smile back. He wasn't so sure about what she had just stated. He made a move to board his ship but Ed said his name, giving him reason to pause.
"I love you."
"I-I love you too Ed." She hugged him, tightly. At that moment Jet felt grand. His baby had grown into a beautiful young woman. He was so proud of her, but so sad that she was no longer the little girl who used to wear spandex shorts and a white t-shirt. He squeezed her back, remembering those times, and mentally preparing himself for all the new surprises she'd no doubt have in store for him.