Session 17

Author's Note: The song "Paths of Water", like pretty much every piece of music mentioned in this fanfic, is real. It's a new age piece, which seems humorous thinking of it in Cowboy Bebop's timeline by comparison, by a composer named Yanni. Don't roll your eyes! I have written a number of decent pieces while listening to his work. ;) He writes good mood music. I had to delve through my eclectic CD collection to find the right piece for what I had in mind for the performance which is ALSO inspired by the idea of what watching Cirque du Soleil would be like without gravity—so no need for safety lines. Without further ado, the next chapter, which is longer than usual as a treat due to the lengthy holiday hiatus:

There was no sitting at tables for this round. With artificial gravity effectively turned off everything not nailed down, including people, floated around the outside of the netted-in dance floor. This time for safety reasons there were no refreshments. Spike mused to himself how much of a mess a floating margarita might make, blobs of alcohol warping across the deck finding its way into hell knew where. None of that mattered to him, he wasn't clean-up staff here. And that was half the fun. The other was in watching the rich saps, who before the gravity dissipated strutted around the deck yapping about their great plans, flail around without a clue what to do to get moving again. What were the chances these planet bound elitists had ever experienced zero-gravity before?

Clearly the vast majority hadn't.

His fingers remained lightly tangled on the outside of the net as he watched the current couple clad in an elaborate flowing fabric wrap themselves into an accidental bundle going nowhere as the orchestra continue onward with the new agey music. This was the fourth one they'd seen end in a disaster involving wardrobe. At least their own costumes weren't going to cause that issue. Fernando had selected a fitted body suit for Spike done in blue ombre, dark blue at the top fading to a pale blue at the bottom. A few star-like sparkles added a little flare, but there weren't any streamers or stupid capes to get tangled in. Sliding into it earlier felt a lot like getting into a space suit, only clingier and with less life-support hoses. Next to him, Faye's attire was a little more elaborate, the same color scheme only her suit was more akin to a gymnast's. A short gauzy skirt with a slit up the left side floated around her waist, sparkles shimmered when the light caught its undulations. Cygne had clipped a bejeweled tiara into her hair.

The moment Spike chuckled as the couple cried out for help Faye slid her eyes over to him. He shrugged and muttered, "Come on, you heard those stuffed shirts talking. He was the one who said they had this one because of their great routine. At this point we've yet to see even one team make it through the full song."

Faye continued to frown, but a light in her eyes toyed at mirth. She couldn't hide it from him. Clearly she was as amused as he was. Pulling herself closer she murmured, "At this point all we have to do is not get stuck. Remember the plan?"

"Course. The music makes it simple. We just push off stuff to the beats. If one gets stuck, the other lends a hand. The few movements we have planned should be easy enough, we've done shit like that on the Bebop."

"And the hand signals. Those are critical."

Spike grinned and waved his hands mock-frantically. "This means 'help me I'm outta gas'!"

Faye rolled her eyes. "Lunkhead."

"Relax. We got this just on real life experience." Gripping the net he crawled around and turned so he was upside down to Faye. "Too many of these fools are still thinking with gravity in mind. Look at how they try to stay even with the floor. There is no 'right way up'."

That cracked a half-smile, her eyes roved all along the netting where the couples remained what would have been upright. "And we'll take full advantage of that."

"Absolutely."

For the most part Spike had tuned out the announcers commentary. After all, in this round it was entirely repetitive, picking on the over ambitious couples getting stranded and needing to be rescued. The next couple swung through the gap of the net and waved cockily. The squeal of grinding teeth caught Spike's attention. Faye white-knuckled the net, her glare locked on Roberta as she lifted her chin directly at them. "What is it with her!"

Spike remarked dryly, "She's trying to get under your skin. Not sure you should even watch their routine. We already know they've done this before."

"Oh, I'm watching. And wishing every second that they will fail."

"Not likely with their caliber."

"Accidents can happen."

Spike chuckled and kept his tone sarcastic. "Faye, a poor sport? I'm surprised at you."

"Ladies and gentlemen, here we will finally see the Zero-G Ballet the way it's meant to be. Please welcome the Espositos dancing to a selection from Swan Lake."

The orchestra's music filled the room. At least they had been sensible enough to strap the musicians in and use digital sheet music. Of course the couple floated around the bars and rings as though by magic. Grace, power, control. And choreography. Spike didn't know the first thing about Swan Lake, maybe except that it had something to do with Earthen waterfowl. Birds that were apparently lithe and graceful, not that he'd ever seen a swan. There was no doubt, the Espositos appeared to be soaring through the air executing somersaults and pinpoint accuracy as one after the other they swung through the target hoops. As the first couple to actually make it to the end of their piece, they made it look easy.

Gliding along the netting they paused right in front of Faye and Spike, smarmy grins plastered on their faces. Carlos looked Spike up and down and snorted a laugh. "I didn't realize the circus was in town."

Spike met him with a level gaze. "You should have, it appears your monkey got loose."

Roberta's brow furrowed as she caught the remark. "At least I have a sense of grace, unlike you two. We're about to see how one can fall without gravity."

Faye's hand grabbed the net in front of Spike, she pulled herself even with Roberta. "No. You're about to see what commanding space really looks like."

The Espositos huffed and moved along to the opening. Spike and Faye waited for them to clear before shifting along and shooting the gap.

"And now we have Spike and Faye Sterling. Let's hope this round at least stays in orbit."

"That's right, Derrick. After their last round this team can't afford a bobble. They need to really perform for this. And I just don't see how this can work without a miracle."

"Will the stars align? Let's see. Spike and Faye Sterling performing to Paths of Water."

Spike pushed off from the net on one end of the dance arena aiming for a hand hold in the middle height of the space. Across the way, Faye set herself directly opposite. Even from this far he spied the key to their unique approach to this round concealed in Faye's hand. They braced their feet against the metal, waiting for the first techno style chords from the orchestra to fill the air.

In a circular motion Faye flicked out a clear globe filled with a blue liquid by a gauze ribboned-tail. The moment she released it, the target traveled like a comet toward what would have been the ceiling, striking and rebounding near the center. Spike and Faye grinned at one another, waiting for the agreed upon beat. Despite a lack of choreography they had at least listened to the piece enough for a good feel. Anticipating it, Spike glanced back down at the ball, Let the chase begin!

There were no rules against props. What better way to foster momentum than a game of tag? In tandem they pushed off from the braces on a collision course for the racing target equidistant from them. Whoever got it first was it. To trade all they needed to do was catch the streamer and pull. The idea of course being that it looked like a routine instead of a series of unplanned exchanges.

Launched in a twisting spiral toward the ceiling, Spike stretched out his hand grasping for the streamer. His fingers brushed it, only a second later the tail whipped away, the ball firmly in Faye's hand as she pushed off the ceiling and twisted away. He laughed and caught one of the bars, spinning around it and diving after her. There was no up or down as he corkscrewed through the space. To the lively music Faye teased him as she pushed against the floor and sent herself crossing on his path. He reached for the streamer only to have it slide through his fingers again.

Back at the ceiling level she wove through handholds, shooting like a comet herself. Spike held off, hovering close to the floor and shifting the angle of his feet until just the right moment. Anticipating a gap where she couldn't change her trajectory, he shot off on a collision course of his own. His fingers caught the streamer and tore the ball from her grip. Of course, she hung on enough to whip him around, sending him off toward the nets. But the momentum's trade off did their trick. Neither of them wound up flailing. Spike laid back with his hands behind his head in a lazy taunt.

Faye caught one of the holds and shot back across the ring crossing fire with him as he let the streamer flick by her. Accompanied by the music it all seemed planned. The dives and rebounds, swings and slings in time with the beats. The ball traded back and forth in the agile, playful flight. Cygne's vision of dancing water sprites dashed out in the arena.

Of course they had one major goal to achieve. From the ceiling, Spike glanced at the hoops. Across the ring Faye was close to the right position. He swung the ball by the tail. She snapped a nod. Time for the plan to execute. At the proper angle they pushed off, colliding dead center. They both grabbed the tail of the streamer meeting in a yin yang formation and spinning, feet planted toe to heel. Centripetal force kept them in motion. It took a bit of work, but they spun the axis on what would have been the side and at the exact right moment, Spike released his hold, letting Faye take the ball. Separated they corkscrewed through the air in an arc that carried them in time to the music simultaneously through the separate hoops.

Gasps and cheers drowned out the orchestra.

"Did you just see that? Aside from the Espositos, no other couple has gotten both. And not even those two at the same time!"

Rebounding back across the arena, Spike and Faye high-fived each other. Spike grabbed the streamer and swiped the ball back, restarting another round of keep away.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we have a come back. Not only has the Sterling's rhythm returned, but they brought it in spades!"

Faye chased Spike in a weave through the posts, her fingers caught the streamer and yanked it tight around the pole. The momentum slung shot Spike around the other side tethering it for a moment before he released it, floating backward with a kick against the post. Faye dove and he followed on her heels. The music marked the round was almost complete, that meant they had one more thing to do.

Spiraling to the violins Spike shot past Faye and caught the streamer. This time she didn't let go. He wove it around her until the end paused his momentum. Brought together, they floated through one of the hoops together. They caught the edge and pulled themselves into a seated position, waving out at everyone.

Spike whispered to Faye, "I'd hate to be the Espositos about now."

She clutched the ball and grinned. "Whose idea was this?"

"Does it matter? It worked. And frankly, that was fun. We have to try this on the Bebop next time the gravity drive fails."

They drifted back outside the net to the thunderous applause and the matching scowls of Roberta and Carlos.

"We have to wait for the official scores, but I do believe that the Sterlings have come back from the brink!"

Time passed slowly to the attempts of the remaining couples until at long last the board flashed the rankings. Spike and Faye laughed as their names shot up the board into forth place collectively. The Espositos were still the lead, but by their sour expressions clearly they were not content with the new order.

"Well Faye, looks like we're safe again."

Lingering on the threshold of sleep, Spike let his arm dangle from the couch onto the plush carpeted floor. At least this was a nice couch. Comfortable. It didn't squeak when he shifted like the yellow one on the Bebop. The memory of faux leather penetrated by the scent of stale cigarette smoke, alcohol, and the tang of blood teased him. As much as he liked its embrace, this couch wasn't like that. It wasn't home.

He heaved a sigh. Today's round was amusing, but it certainly wasn't the physical draw the others had been. Something about being weightless. Some of the other couples had indeed seemed weary after the gravity kicked back in. The few hours was nothing compared to the week he'd experienced when the Bebop had to limp back to Venus with a busted drive. Sleeping during that interval had been interesting, to put it mildly. There was something disconcerting to drifting around the ship able to turn up anywhere. It was no wonder Jet had strapped himself into the pilot seat. The worst was wondering where Ed and Ein would float through. More than once he'd turned to get a face full of corgi fur.

He had to smile a bit. Though he wouldn't say it aloud, he kinda missed the mutt padding around beneath his feet. That goofy grin of his.

Stretching out, Spike burrowed deeper into the couch, tugging the blanket up even though it caught on the t-shirt he hadn't bothered to take off before hitting the sack.

In the quiet night a strange sound drew his focus. He held his breath for a moment, unsure if he had really heard anything or if it was just that strange edge of sleep effect. But the raspy sound came again. He sat up turning toward the bed. Beneath the covers Faye stirred.

Tossing his blanket back, Spike quietly crossed the room and climbed onto the bed. Faye's tense features, stained with tears, drew him closer. Her hand gripped the pillow, squeezing it tight. Each breath came in a tight huff, the effort to suppress a sob.

Spike's hand hovered over her shoulder. Was she still mad at him? At the round she seemed at least passive about things, however back in the room she was crystal clear that the bed ban was still in effect. Still, he couldn't just leave her. Taking a deep breath, he braced his arm over the fading bruise on his belly and bent over nudging her. Faye thrashed under the covers. Her eyes not opening as she turned away, rolling toward the edge. She was going to fall. Spike reached across and grabbed her shoulder, tugging her back to the center and up even as her arms pulled her closer. Faye's forehead came to rest against his shoulder, her fingers bunched the fabric of his shirt, pulling it tight across his back. There she clung, hot tears soaking his shirt.

She muttered, "It's not fair, Dad!"

Dad? Okaaay, that's a new one. Far as I know I haven't fathered anyone. Shifting back, Spike rested against the headboard. One hand rubbing between her should blades as sobs racked her body. He didn't utter a single word as he held her. Minutes ticked by before she sniffed, catching her breath. The tension changed. Her hands released their death grip and she pushed back, scrubbing the tears from her eyes. She blinked, her hands braced against his shoulders. Slowly she followed the drenched patch up and jerked backward when their eyes met. By reflex her hand slipped down and struck his gut. Spike grunted, it wasn't as tender now as it had been and this time the strike wasn't nearly as hard, but still! This is what I get for trying to be a nice guy.

Belatedly it seemed to register, she covered her gasp with a hand. "Oh shit! The bruise! I didn't mean—"

He forced a smile. "It's ok. You weren't awake yet. I get it."

She bit her lip. "Why … why are you holding me?"

"Because you almost fell off the bed and your father wasn't here to save you from gravity."

She reached back and fixed some stray hairs, suddenly unable to meet his gaze. "I uhh … well … " Her eyes roved, but she didn't struggle to leave his loose embrace. All it would take was a shift of her weight and she'd be free. She didn't move, as she wiped the tears again her shoulders fell. "Oh God … "

He kept his voice low, just above a whisper, "Some nightmare, huh."

Faye wilted, her hands folded in her lap.

He let the silence stretch. This wasn't something to be pushed, like so many well-meaning often did. No words were right. The decision to share was up to the dreamer. That domain, sacred territory.

She exhaled roughly, head bowed. "It's stupid. You'll laugh at me."

Placing a finger beneath her chin he drew her eyes towards his. "I swear to you I will never laugh concerning something like this. If you need to talk, talk. If you want me to get the hell away and leave you to your thoughts, say so."

Faye's stunned gaze bore into him. "You … you're serious."

He nodded.

"I … I don't know where to even start."

He noted she still didn't withdraw, instead she turned, nestling into his lap and leaning sideways against his chest, her head below his chin.

"It was so long ago, seems so childish to dwell on it now. A world away."

"We don't choose what we see when our eyes are closed." Closing his hand over hers, he gave it a squeeze. The connection, something to anchor to if she needed it. "I promise, once you begin I won't say a word."

She took a deep breath, her eyes distant as she stared at their embraced hands. "Back on Earth, years before the accident that left me in cryo-suspension, I was in my first year of high school … "

The performance hall buzzed with excitement, packed to the brim with visitors from various schools. Every year the Water Lion Dance Competition had been a grand festival, always hosted in Singapore's finest venue decked to the nines. Schools from all over sent their best dance pairs, usually the older, upper-class students. It was a sea of finery; satin, silks, chiffon, sequins, in abundance. Faye hung back in the hall disbelieving her good fortune. Two of her classmates from the cheer squad dance line, Suyin and Biyu, fingered the fabric of her ball gown.

Biyu hopped up and down. "Oh, I'm so jealous you get to dance today. What an honor!"

Suyin's hands tugged lightly on Faye's chiffon ruffle in an ice-blue. "You'll show those upper-class wenches what our dance line is made of. Oh Faye, do us proud!"

Her heart fluttered a thousand beats per minute, and the contest had yet to begin. Heat rose to her cheeks. "Do you think I can? I mean … do you think we're good enough?"

Suyin laughed. "Are you joking? I saw Daiyu rehearsing yesterday. She's good, but for all her mouth flaps she doesn't hold a candle to you and Yan's routine! You'll make her eat her words. Just cause she's a senior she thinks she rules the school."

"Not after today." Biyu hugged Faye and gave her diamond-studded tiara a final envious touch. "You'll wear the crown this year, we just know it."

Faye beamed as the girls adjusted the tiny silk flowers on her dress. "Now I just have to keep the butterflies from flying away with my nerves for the next couple hours."

"When do you dance?"

"Towards the end. It's ok. I get to watch the others first."

"Are your parents here?"

Faye nodded. "Of course. It's rare for a first year to compete."

Suyin waved a hand to Biyu. "They'd never miss something epic as this."

Security eyed the girls and pointed at his watch. They both gave Faye a final hug. "Time for us to go. We'll be watching. You go, girl! You got this."

Faye waved, bubbling over in excitement as the announcers opened the contest. From the shadows she watched as couple after couple took the floor and danced their hearts out, the music sweeping them away one after the next in a parade of swirling colors. But none held the devotion she did. It wasn't possible. In her heart she felt it, she was born to dance, born to win this, born to wear the crown. Nothing else mattered.

Halfway through the contest she glanced around, panic beginning to build. Where was Yan? Her third year partner nowhere to be seen. Maybe he was at the other end? This building was huge, she pondered as she gazed out at the bleachers crowded to standing room only. Again her heart raced. Dancing with the cheer squad at a sports event was one thing. That crowd was mostly there for the game. Today it was all about the couples exhibition. Tiny beads of sweat clung to her skin threatening to smudge her make-up. Everything had to be perfect. All about the details. All about the first time it would be her … just Yan and her with all eyes taking in their precision routine.

Her classmates would see her for the first time as no longer that shy girl hiding behind her bangs struggling to find the right words. No. Just like the video she and the girls had made, this time she would speak, but speak with fluid motion.

Her phone rang from the bag holding her supplies. Faye snatched it out and blinked at the name on the screen. Yan? She stabbed the icon and answered. "Hello?"

"Oh hey, good thing I caught you, Faye." The swim team star's voice conveyed his usual relaxed tone.

"Yan, where are you? They're starting the second half. There's only four more couples before us."

"Yeah … there's a little problem."

Her heartbeat drowned out the music in the background. What could possibly be wrong? Had he gotten sick or been in an accident on the way to the hall? "Problem?"

"I woulda called sooner, but I just got out of the principle's office. You see, uhhh, last night the swim team had a little party. Things got a bit outta hand and well, it led to a prank on the VP's house. Hate to say it, but we're kinda suspended from extra-curricular for awhile. Not to mention, thanks to Lee's bone-headed idea we'll be scrubbing paint off siding for the rest of today."

The horizon wobbled as Faye's heart all but stopped. The rest of today? Suspended? What about the routine? This is a couples dance … I can't do this without you! Her voice cracked as she fought for a reply, "But … the dance contest … we've worked so hard … "

He sighed. "I know. I'm sorry. I really am. Trust me, I tried to talk to the principle about it, but he said no exceptions." A voice broke over the back ground, he muffled the phone and called out, "Be right there, Lee, I told ya I had to make a call." Softening his voice he came back onto the line. "Faye, I'd be there if I could. But the vice principle is like a pissed off hawk. I can't sneak away. I gotta go."

The line went dead before Faye managed to find her voice. " … bye … " She stared at the screen long after it faded to black. Her thoughts stumbled in the marsh of this revelation.

Yan wasn't coming.

Without her partner there was no couple.

Without the couple … there was no routine.

Faye sank down onto the chair that before she hadn't dared to for the sake of not wrinkling her gown. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Here in the darkened corridor there was no one to turn to. Her friends and family inaccessible up in the stands somewhere, waiting for her … for a routine that would not happen.

It didn't seem real. Weeks of work getting the moves down into a perfect performance and in a single call all of that stripped away. The phone in her limp hand weighed a ton.

"Faye?" Her head snapped up to find a woman with a clipboard. "One routine left before you're up." The woman glanced around clearly searching for Yan.

Wide-eyed, Faye met her searching gaze. She couldn't find her voice, but this was it. Reality descended as she lowered her eyes to her lap. "I'm sorry, but … withdrawing."

The woman asked, "Are you certain?"

Painfully slow, Faye nodded. Her hand reached up and pulled off the tiara, strands of hair dangled forward hiding her face. The tiara her parents had purchased specifically for today. Tears pooled fresh in her eyes, her chest ached. All for nothing. How could this happen?

A shadow fell across her. The rustling of Daiyu's gown drew Faye's gaze up. Daiyu flashed a cocky smile. "Well well well, so this is why my turn is earlier. The little upstart who thought she could dance with the big girls got cold feet, huh."

"No." Faye squeaked, her hoarse voice cutting out. "That's not it—"

Daiyu tussled Faye's hair roughly leaving it a mess. "Doesn't matter. You would have lost anyway. First years don't belong here. You don't belong here. The only reason you are is because Daddy bought your way in."

"He did not! Yan and I worked hard to qualify!"

She looked around. "Who? I don't see anyone but a loser! And besides," her grin intensified, "sounds like he and his buddies got in trouble. Oopsie. No competition for you. Better luck next time." Daiyu waved a dismissive hand and sauntered over to hang off her partner's arm just before their names were called.

Deflated, Faye turned and ran deeper into the hall away from the music, the decorations, the cheering … in a dark corner she collapsed into the ruffles of her gown and sobbed, unaware of the passage of time.

Hands embraced her. She clung to the woolen lapel, the heady scent of her father's sandalwood cologne penetrating her stuffy nose. She nestled into his arms, unable to open her tear-crusted eyes. "It's not fair, Dad! It's not fair!"

His chest rumbled as he spoke softly, his arms wrapped tight around her. "What happened, sweetheart? We were so worried when they skipped your name."

Her mother's hand rested over hers as she shuddered in frustration. "He didn't come. My partner … he didn't come!"

"Maybe something happened."

"It did!" Faye wailed. "That idiot! That irresponsible moron and his friends got caught in a prank. Last night! He knew about the contest, but—how could he screw this up!"

Dad's hand rubbed her back. He bent down kissing her hair. "Shhh, it's ok. Come on. Let's go home. It's only a dance. There will be more."

Through blurred eyes she gazed up at him. "No. There won't be." She thrust the tiara into his hands.

Faye fell into silence, her eyes refocused, slowly coming back to the present to the hand still embracing hers. The warm scent of the familiar cologne confusing memory with reality. Why had she selected that scent for him? She turned her head half expecting to find Spike's eyes closed and the lunkhead sound asleep. Instead she was shocked to find his uneven gaze studying her with a soft intensity. The petty cares of a foolish child, that was all this haunting dream was.

"See? I told you … " she began only to stop short as Spike shook his head.

He didn't laugh, he wasn't smiling. It was that damn poker face of his, unreadable as he un-twined his fingers from hers. He reached over to her nightstand and picked up the tiara she'd worn for the Zero-G round. Those eyes, distant and studious as he turned it in front of them both, for she still leaned against his chest. When he spoke in that low rumble she felt the vibration, "So that's really why you chased this bounty here. Some jerk of a boy screwed up your dream."

Her heartbeat hammered. The moment he put it into words banished any denial.

"A chance to claim what slipped from your grasp."

Oh how she tried to shake her head, but the gesture wouldn't come. Instead her head tipped forward and she hugged herself.

The weight of the tiara pressing down on her hair brought her head back up. Her fingers caught the hairpiece as she met Spike's firm gaze down at her, a soft grin on his face. "Screw the bounty. Let's crown you the Ihy Intergalactic Dancing Queen."

Faye's jaw hung for a moment. "But … you … wait … "

He shrugged. "The bounty? Heck, compared to the prize we're not talking much of a woolong gap. And hackers aren't exciting anyway." Cupping her chin, he nodded, "You're talented enough to knock the Espositos down and steal their thunder if we focus on it."

"You really … you really mean it?"

Spike nodded.

She threw her arms around him and hugged him tight before backing off and biting her lip. "I didn't mean anything more."

Chuckling he lifted a shoulder. "Between friends." He rolled out from behind her, pushing off from the bed. "But, if we're going to, we need to get some shut-eye."

Faye grabbed his wrist. "I uhh … Spike, it's … I'd prefer if tonight you'd stay here. You know … in case … "

He raised an eyebrow, lingering on the edge. "Gravity?"

"Yeah … gravity." She tugged the covers up, settling in. To her relief, Spike pulled the blanket back and climbed underneath. His eyes closed. She set the tiara back on the nightstand, the gems sparkled even in the low light. Dancing queen … after all these years?

It took longer than usual, but at last Faye's breathing dropped into a deep sleep. Spike's eyes cracked open. He cupped his hands behind his head lying on his back for a few minutes to be certain she was truly out. His mind tossed an idea around. The next round was the swing dance. Their ranking was solid, but to take a true run at claiming the title they really needed to pull something spectacular for the rest of the rounds. Something these high brows had never experienced before.

The plan finalized enough that Spike carefully extracted himself from the bed and grabbed his phone. Out on the enclosed patio he dialed Tomato's extension. After a pause, a disheveled Ed blinked through the screen. "Hey, I know it's the middle of the night, but I need a favor. Can you find some sheet music for me? I'll need the files for an eight piece band."

She yawned. "Course Ed can. But why mids the night?"

Spike glanced over his shoulder, Faye was still out cold. "It's a big secret, kay? A surprise for Faye."

"Why?"

"Cause you're about to help us win the next round if you do. And Faye might get mad if she finds out I'm changing her selection without asking."

Ed scratched her head. "Why don't you ask her?"

He grinned. "Cause kiddo, this is a hand worth hiding until the right moment."

Half-awake Ed shrugged. "Spike's secret, got it. What's Ed searching for?"

See You Space Cowboy