A/N: Originally written July 31, 2011. Just a lighthearted moment with the Bebop crew. Or as lighthearted as Cowboy Bebop can be, anyway. For the story's title, I just flexed the title of Session 18, "Speak Like a Child." Why the 18.9, you ask? Simple. This story is set right after Session 18, so I had to have 18 in the title somewhere. The .9 only means that the story is set right at the end of Session 18. Rated K+ for the word "wench."
Disclaimer: I would have to be completely brilliant to own Cowboy Bebop. Since I'm not completely brilliant, I don't own it. The only money I make with this story is in Woolongs, which unfortunately can't be used as cash in my galaxy.
Session 18.9 : Cry Like a Woman
Spike strolled down a particularly rusty corridor of the Bebop while he pondered the contents of the—what was it?—beta tape. He hadn't known that it was possible for Faye to look so young and innocent. Before cynicism took hold of her heart, she had apparently been very happy.
He turned a corner into the engine room, and the sight that met his eyes was so startling that he felt his cigarette fall from his lips.
Faye was sitting on the floor and crying quietly. When she saw him, she hastily wiped her tears.
"Go away," she moaned.
Spike inhaled deeply and sighed even more deeply. "This is why I hate women with attitudes. Things always get sticky. It was the tape, wasn't it? The one you weren't supposed to watch without paying up?"
Faye ignored his gibe. "I wish I could remember what happened before. Who am I, anyway?" she whispered.
Spike lit another cigarette and took a drag on it. "You're Faye Valentine, most annoying cowboy on the Bebop and gambler extraordinaire. What you were years ago doesn't matter. What counts is now."
He puffed on his cigarette, and she tried to conceal her sobs.
"At least . . . you're not alone. It's the worst feeling in the world, being alone," Spike mumbled.
Jet appeared out of nowhere. "That's right! You've got wonderful people by your side, just like you said on the videotape!" he encouraged Faye.
Edward bounded up from behind Spike, and Spike nearly tripped as Ein squirmed through his legs and crawled onto Faye's lap.
"Who invited the rest of you? It's not like we're having a party!" Spike bellowed irritably. Everyone ignored him.
"Won . . . der . . . ful!" Edward sang out, nuzzling Faye's arm with her cheek. "We will always be here for wonderful Faye!"
"As long as you pay your share of the bounty," Spike added smugly.
Faye stood and smiled coyly. "I'll do what I want with my cash. You boys earn your own money, and don't even think about touching mine!" She walked away. Edward followed her, holding Ein around his waist and giggling loudly.
Spike rolled his eyes. "Little wench," he grumbled. "You see why I don't like women?"
Jet shrugged affably. "Come on; she's not that bad."
$See You, Space Cowboy . . .$
A/N: Please review, my Bebopping fans! Let's jam, shall we?