Shades of Gray

first bebop fic, most likely the last. don't know where the idea came to me, but, hey, my creative juices are always flowing at two AM. many thanks to my buddy allen, without whom's aid, this fanfic would have probably ended more seriously. great summers, everyone.

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The pressing closeness of their bodies, the urgency in his touch. The needy way she kissed him, each of their aloof shadows fading away with light in the sky. The sweat glistening on his body, the way her hair clung to her face.

Faye stared glassily up at the ceiling fans of the Bebop, one pale leg swinging loosely from the side of the faded yellow couch. She vaguely heard the television, though her thoughts were elsewhere. Her mind had traveled hours back, though the memories seemed to have happened forever and a day ago.

"I don't love you," Spike gasped out quietly, suddenly, catching her by the thin shoulders. Contrasting eyes seemed to stare past her, piercing her heart. Her chest heaved, and he opened a mouth to continue, before she slapped him lightly with the back of her hand and shoved him down once again.

"What was I thinking.." She closed her eyes for a moment, abruptly sitting up with a jerk. An involuntary shudder danced icily down her spine, though she wasn't sure if it was in disgust or something else. Trembling hands reached for a cigarette.

Spike cursed under his breath, nimble fingers quickly working on the seamed line of buttons to his shirt. Almost as an afterthought, he buckled his pants and belt, tugging on his jacket. "If Jet finds us in here like this.." His tone was slightly worried. Faye allowed herself a bitter smile. 'I bet he's thinking about Julia.'

Maybe she could pretend it was all a dream. Yeah, that was it. Forget all about Spike Speigal and imagine that she'd spent all last night perfecting a new way to cheat at her cards. Faye yawned silently, inhaling a deep drag of her cigarette, attempting to soothe her nerves.

"Hey, Spike?" Faye's voice wavered as the young man's hand rested on the wall. He cast her a glance, lips parted slightly. She opened her mouth to speak, trying to force something witty, or insightful, or meaningful out. He held her gaze for a moment, a long, harsh, moment, then turned and exited. She closed her mouth and began to dress.

She heard The Swordfish II docking, heard Spike's grumbles as he absently kicked the side of he wall, entering the rec room. "I'm home!" he called to no-one in particular, falling down heavily, as if exhausted, on the chair opposite to Faye. Quickly, they shared a humorless, secretive smile.

"Spike.."

"Faye.."

They began at the same time, though interrupted by the Welsh Corgi's barking and Jet's footsteps as he entered the room, mechanical arm bent as he leaned against the frame of the wall. "You two do me a favor." His expression was flawlessly serious.

"Yeah?"

"Next time.. keep it down."

Ein barked and followed Jet back into the kitchen.