Here's chapter 3, folks. I hope you all enjoy!

Resentment

"Where in God's name have you been, Faye?"

Faye stepped through the circular door that led to the living area, only to be confronted by a tall, muscular, very angry Jet Black. She glanced at him, sitting on the old yellow couch stiffly with his large arms folded. His face was in its perpetual scowl.

"I told you I went out, Jet," she smartly replied stepping into the room. She wore a fitted black midriff halter with small white polka dots. A pair of white denim capris hugged her lower body. Black, stacked-heel pumps clunked along the metal floor. Four large shopping bags were draped on her arms. Without thought, she wandered toward her room.

"You neglected to tell me you'd be out for three days!" Jet stated a little less than calmly. His voice stopped her.

"Oh. My bad," she answered nonchalantly, peering over the black shades that sat on her dainty nose.

"Faye, you can't just go stealing people's ships from under their noses just so you can go out and have a shopping spree! Did I ever tell you that you could take the Hammerhead?" Jet lectured, standing from his position on the couch.

"Oh Jet," Faye sighed, clomping down the metal stairs. "You don't understand! I was suffocating! I needed an escape!" she replied dramatically. She plopped down on the yellow chair in front of the large man, letting her bags drop at her sides. "This place isn't good for me right now." Jet looked down at her, realizing that her gaze was directed at the sofa behind him as he stood. At that moment he knew what she was thinking about.

With a heavy sigh, Jet descended onto the sofa again, rubbing his face and head with both hands. "I understand, Faye," he groaned regrettably, looking at her through his hands. He leaned back into the cushions. "Times are rough now, but we can't just give up and run away. You have to deal with it." Faye gave a sigh, removing her sunglasses and dropping them into one of her bags.

"Is the Redtail fixed yet?" she asked, sounding just as serious as Jet.

"Well, I've been working on it. It's still missing a few parts. I would have gone out for them if you hadn't swiped the Hammerhead. You know I can't get very far on this leg," he said, motioning to his injury of less than a week ago. "But frankly, Faye, I think you're missing my point."

"No, Jet. You're missing mine," Faye contradicted. Her features took on a much more melancholy demeanor. Her voice pulled at her throat, as if trying to pull a sob out with it. "I don't want to stay on this ship anymore," she said. Her eyebrows furrowed with a sad entreaty.

"Faye," Jet said gently as he watched a silent tear fall from her bejeweled eye. Hurriedly she wiped it away, inhaling a deep breath. The man limped closer and sat on the coffee table before her. Sadly he came to a realization as he looked at the depressed woman. "If that's the way you feel," he sighed, "I'll try to have it fixed as soon as possible."

Faye looked up at him, confusion in her features. It slowly faded into a sad smile. "Sounds like you want me to go," she said, peering at him through her purple hair.

"It may sound strange, but I actually want what you want this time," Jet responded. "If you wanna go, I can't keep you here against your will. Besides, I'd rather have the mean old, deceitful, petty, disagreeable Faye than a miserable and depressed one."

"Well, there's a comforting thought," Faye said, regularity returning to her face again. Jet gave a small smile. It was short-lived, as his face sobered up once more.

"Do you really want to go, Faye?" Jet's grey eyes bore into Faye's green ones, silently begging her to stay.

Faye, sensing his strong emotion, looked away. She had already made up her mind to go, and didn't want any persuasion otherwise. She gave a slow nod in response.

"Alright then," Jet said. His voice was gruff to mask his sadness. "I'll see what I can do for the Redtail. Just don't steal the Hammerhead again in the meantime," he said, standing from the table. He made his way to the stairs, limping without his crutch. As he slowly climbed the steps, Faye remained seated on the yellow chair. She sat silent and still, listening to Jet's movements until he had reached beyond her earshot. With a sigh, she gathered her bags and headed up to her room.

Jet sat idly in his bonsai room, staring at a little tree that sat before him and stared back. His garden trimmers sat on the table next to the little plant, posing no threat. The man rested his head in his hands and gazed at the miniature figure. For some reason, he wasn't in the mood for trimming just then. His trees brought him comfort; not only was trimming them therapeutic, but simply being in the room with them soothed his racing mind. The fragrance of the foliage was relaxing as well. Little flowers on some of his trees opened up, spewing forth invisible and sweet-smelling spores.

While watching the little plant, Jet's head was filled with doubt and uncertainty. He thought about what had become of his social life over the past few weeks. First, Edward and Ein had disappeared without a trace. With a heavy heart, Jet remembered the giant farewell message Ed had left behind in striking red paint. Faye had gone too, but Jet seemed to be alright with that, simply because he still had his buddy Spike. However, the shrew had come crawling back. But now, Spike had gone on his stupid vengeance spree, a suicide mission, four days ago, leaving him alone with that troublesome woman. But that didn't seem to be the problem. No, that wasn't it at all. Now Faye was leaving. And this time there was no one else left.

The more Jet dwelled on the subject, the more resentful he became. There had always seemed to be something about Spike Spiegel. No matter how many times Faye had threatened to leave the Bebop for good, she had always come back. Jet had a sinking feeling that the reason for her consistent return was Spike. He had always had a certain magnetism about him. Jet knew it. And it wasn't just good looks and abundant hair that Spike had. It was something much deeper than those things. There had to be something behind the fact that not only women, but men, children, the elderly and even animals felt a strange gravitation to him. Jet thought this amusing, remembering the three things Spike had explicitly expressed his dislike for: 'kids, animals and women with attitude'. Can't help that one, can you Spike-o? Jet thought.

Jet's resentment grew when he realized he was included in this vast lump of beings that was magnetized by Spike. That idiot, he thought. Why did he have to just go like that? Didn't he care for us on the Bebop one bit? Jet closed his eyes, suppressing his anger. Some friend. He took a deep breath, taking in the sweet smell of plant life that surrounded him. With a sigh, he reached into his pocket for a cigarette.

Sorry about the wait, folks. It is exam week, you know. Heehee! I'll try my best to crank'em out faster though. I only have, what, four exams left? Phew! Not to worry. It shall all be over soon and I'll be able to devote my full attention to completing the story and apealing to you, the public once again.