Again Spike was the first to wake. Instead of going doing some training he made his way to the bathroom, flipping on lights as he walked through the darkened halls. But before he could make his way to the bathroom he noticed something. His eyes widened not knowing what to make of the sighted before him. Blood smeared across the wall and small bloody handprints. He fallowed the blood trail to the closed door of the bathroom.
"Hey, who's in here?" He knocked yet he got no answer. "HELLO?"
Five minutes passed before he opened the door to see the little red head in the bathroom, face to the cold floor. Her back covered in deep crimson her white sweater no longer white.
"OH GOD, JJJJJEEEEEETTTTT!!!! ED'S DOWN!" He almost screamed the words as he heaved the girl up in his arms. She was breathing but she had lost a lot of blood.
Jet came running to the bathroom. His eyes were also filled with a mixture of shock, sadness, and anger.
"What are we going to do?"
"Take her to the hospital."
"Good idea. You go, take her I need to change I can't come with you looking like this."
"I want your ass there as soon as possible." Jet took Ed from Spike's arms and rushed off.
Spike was left alone to get lost in thought, which was extremely painful at the time. He put his clothes on so fast he almost fell on his face.
"She's not going to die, no. I don't need the same thing to happen to her that happened to Julia." He muttered then slammed his fist into the wall a few times. He was pissed out of his mind.
In the hospital Jet was in the waiting room tapping his fingers on the coffee table in front him. He looked up as Spike entered the room. They were the only people in the small room be it, it was four in the morning.
Spike sat down next to Jet. "Any news?"
"None. They took her back as soon as I got here. I just wish I knew what happened."
"She was shot, but why would she get shot?"
"To tell you the truth I sent her out after a bounty head. Jose Allen, a drug dealer. I thought she could handle it." He ran his hands over his baldhead and sighed.
"Why didn't you send me? I could have gone with her."
"That was only your second day out of cold sleep. You needed your rest not to forget you were busy with the Swordfish II."
"Mr. Black?" A doctor came into the room.
"Yes?"
"Elisabeth is doing better. She lost a ton of blood but she'll be ok. The bullet missed everything and went through her chest. She's extremely lucky because the bullet didn't hit her heart and that someone found her when they did."
"Can we see her?" Spike spoke up.
"Not yet, she's sleeping. Guys go and get something to eat from the cafeteria."
"Ok, thanks doctor."
"No problem."
"I'm going to the gift shop, wanna come?" Spike stood and looked down at Jet.
"I'm going to stay here. She's like a daughter to me so I'll stay."
"No problem. Be back soon. I'll get you a magazine or something."
"Thanks."
In the gift shop Spike looked at the selection of stuff animals, cards, magazines and flowers. He grabbed up a mystery novel for Jet then looked over the stuffed animals slowly. There was a green teddy bear that kept looking at him oddly. Slowly he dismissed the idea of a toy giving him the evil eye then picked up a lion with a black mane. The lion was one of the softest things he ever lay his hands on. With the book, and the lion he paid and went up to the waiting room.
The waiting room was quiet, too quiet as Spike entered yet again. He handed Jet the book and sat the lion on his lap.
"A new friend?"
"What?"
Jet pointed to the stuffed animal. "That, why did you get the lion?"
"I don't know, maybe because the green teddy bear was looking at me funny."
"Huh?" Said Jet after he blinked a few times.
"Nothing. I'm sure she'll like it. She likes animals right?"
"You know she loves Ein."
"That's right, forgot about him."
A nurse walked into the room and smiled. "You two can see Elisabeth now."
They both nodded and walked towards the small room that Ed was so lucky to have to her. She was asleep, hooked up to life support. Slowly she opened her eyes and smiled at Jet. Spike was outside the room trying to think of something to say and also trying to control his emotions so he wouldn't go nuts.
"I'm sorry." Her voice was low almost unheard.
"Don't be sorry, it's not your fault."
"Yes it is. I had my gun but it wasn't loaded."
"Gosh Ed. You're going to give me a heart attack."
"Who found me?"
"Spike. He's outside the door. I think he may want to talk to you alone." He winked and smiled.
She just smiled and winced slightly. "Ok."
"I'll send him in."
"Thanks." Jet exited the room and nudged Spike to go inside.
Ed sighed and looked towards the door only to see a little stuffed lion's head peek into the room.
"Hello! You wouldn't happen to be Ed?" Spike let his voice drop a few notches as he spoke.
"Why yes I am, who may I ask are you?"
"I'm Spike Spiegel."
"Spike Spiegel, you wouldn't say. I know a man with that same name. He's just as fluffy as you."
Spike peeked his head into the room then walked inside, his voice returning to normal. "I'm fluffy?"
"It's the hair." She smiled and ruffled Spike's fluffy head.
"My head isn't fluffy. How are you doing?" He put the lion on the bed next to Ed.
"I'm ok, feel like shit but I'm alive. Thank you."
"Don't thank me. Thank my over active bladder."
Again Ed giggled, holding her chest as she closed her eyes tightly in pain.
"I'm sorry."
"No it's fine. I'm just happy that you guys are here."
"I'm just happy I found you in time. I don't think Jet or I need to have you go into cold sleep. I'd be a old man when you would get out."
"Right now you're 37. You are a old man."
"You hurt my feelings. Me and Spike Spiegel are going to go now." He turned up his nose and grabbed the little lion.
Elisabeth reached out for Spike's hand, holding the lion's paw. "Fine you aren't a old man."
"Now I'm not only a old man but a jealous old man. If I got you the evil green teddy bear things would have been different."
"Jealous. Evil. What the hell?"
"There was this green teddy bear and it was giving me the evil eye. I swear it wanted to suck my soul out of my body or something."
"That's no good."
"And if I got you that I would have to have someone with you all the time so it wouldn't suck your soul."
"I want my soul thank you."
"I thought as much."
"Spike Spiegel has gotten quiet." She looked down at the lion in Spike's hands.
"He's not much of a talker."
"That's sad. I would really like to know more about Spike Spiegel."
"What do you want to know? Me and him are like this." Crosses his fingers and gives her a lop-sided smile.
"I want to know that after I get out if he would like to out bar hopping with me."
"He's not much of a drinker." He leans in and whispers. "Last time he ended up in women's clothes."
"Oh, that explains a lot."
"But I'm not busy, if that will make up for my little buddy's slight drinking problem."
"Sure, that sounds good to me."
"Now you better get better. I need a drink like crazy."
"Don't rush the injured." The two looked over at Jet standing in the doorway.
"How long have you been standing there?"
"Not too long Spike."
"You two go get something to eat. I'm sure we don't want Spike to waste away anymore then is already."
"Yes M'am. Let's go Jet."
"Get some sleep Ed."
"Ok. Bye you two."
Spike sat the lion on Ed's lap. "Spike Spiegel will protect you."
"I like that idea very much."
"So do I."
Spike and Jet walked out of the room and down to the cafeteria. Jet grabbed himself a bagel and Spike did the same. They sat at a small table in the corner of the large cafeteria surrounded by doctors and nurses.
"I think Ed likes you."
"W. What, what makes you say that?"
"She just acts differently around you then around me or anyone for that matter. Speaking of acting differently you were acting odd back there. What's up with that?"
"Nothing, I was trying to cheer her up that's all."
"Just warning you that if you stomp on her heart I'll pummble you."
"Now why would I do that?"
"I don't know. I've over protective with her. Like I said she's like a daughter to me."
"I won't hurt her, she's my friend and I don't hurt my friends."
" That's good to hear. We need to think about what to do about money now. Ed was going out for food money and be it she didn't bring him in we're out when it comes to shopping money."
"What happened to everything me and Ed brought home the other day?"
Jet looked down at the half eaten bagel and sighed. "I used it all."
"Already? Damn it Jet we can't do that."
"Don't tell me what I can or can't do."
There was a long pause and then Spike began to laugh.
"What the hell is so funny?"
"Nothing, just thinking that things are back to the way they were before I went off into cold sleep. But instead of me getting shot it's Ed. Kinda odd being at the taking care end then to be at the getting cared for."
"Can you handle going after a bounty?"
"Why wouldn't I? I am Spike Spiegel, professional bounty hunter."
"Damn cocky kid. You need your license. That means you'll have to walk yourself downtown to the city hall building."
"When do they open?"
"Hell if I know."
When the two were done eating the bagels they went back to the waiting room. Jet went to reading his book and Spike went off to get his bounty hunting license. The city hall building wasn't opened so he went after the guy with out getting his license.
Be it Spike didn't know as much about Jose then Ed or Jet knew he went bar hoping looking for anyone who looked like him. The first place he stopped just happened to be the Lone Star Tavern. The betting was going on even at 5:30 in the morning. The bartender nodded at Spike as he entered the bar and he nodded back.
"Can I get 20 Woolongs on the next race? I don't care what it is but I want the 20 on the whatever numbered four."
"It's the dogs and the number four dog is Outlaw." The bartender took his money and handed him a few tickets.
"Ok."
"You bet just like a women who was here last night." A blonde man smiled.
"Is that good or bad?"
"It's good because she won every time she bet. Name's Corbin Wilson."
He turned to watch the race as he spoke. "Spike Spiegel."
"Elisabeth's boyfriend, finally I meet you."
"Elisabeth?"
"Red head with big amber eyes."
"Oh, Lisa. Yeah I'm her boyfriend."
The race ended with dog number ten winning. The few people still left in the bar tossed up their losing tickets.
"Gambling isn't my best subject."
"Sorry pal."
Spike smiled at the man, who looked very much like Jose Allen. "You wouldn't happen to know a women named Mary J, would you?"
"Mary J? I know both her and her sister K. Would you like to meet them?"
"I'm always up to meeting beautiful women."
"Meet me outside in the alleyway in five." Jose whispered then left the bar.
When he was out of the bar Spike went to the men's room. When inside he checked making sure his gun was loaded and the safety was on. He wanted to kick the living shit out of Jose for hurting Ed. Only after the guy is out cold would Spike bring him to the Bebop, lock him up and then get his license. His gun was fully loaded so he placed it back in the holster under his jacket.
Just like the man said he was waiting for Spike in the alleyway. He leaned up against the wall of the tavern smiling.
"So you're interested in Mary J and K?"
"Only if it's pure. I don't want any cheap shit."
"This is pure, want a test try?"
"I'll take your word for it, pal." Spike spoke between gritted teeth.
Jose took a few steps towards Spike and patted him on the shoulders. "Take it easy."
At that moment Spike snapped. Something inside him, the same thing that keeps him sane just exploded letting his emotions rush to the front of his head making him see red. He gave Jose a strong left hook to the jaw.
"Why the hell did you do that?" He looked up at Spike from the ground in shock.
"You shot her you bastard. She could have died." Spike growled, swinging at him once he got to his feet again.
"Elisabeth? She was going to kill me and she's the dumb ass who didn't load her gun." Jose pulled his gun and took aim once again.
With Jose's movements Spike moved forward, fluidly taking the gun from his challenger. "I've died twice I don't need to die again."
"Are you a bounty hunter as well?"
"Yeah."
Once again Spike attacked Jose, knocking him into a wall but he was right on him giving him a few hits to the chest and head not to forget a nice punch to the gut. He watched the other man fall forward and then blacked out. It felt like a weight was lift off his chest.
Meanwhile in the hospital Ed sat looking out her window. She was having her bandages changed by a nurse talking about her up coming wedding.
"I'm sure you'll make a beautiful bride when you get married."
"Thanks but marriage hasn't even crossed my mind yet. I have to find the right man and so far they all have been duds."
"That's no good. I'm sure you'll find a man sooner or later. There ya go, wrapped up all pretty."
Elisabeth pulled her hospital gown over her shoulder then laid back down. Her daydreams about a big wedding were broken by Jet knocking on the door.
"Come in."
He walked in sitting at the foot of the bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Hungry but besides that I'm good. When can I go home?"
"The doctor want to keep you here over night. I think they just want to make sure nothing hurt you heart or something. As for the food I'm not sure what to tell you. All you had is breakfast yesterday am I right?"
"Sadly that's the truth."
"I'll sweet talk a nurse into getting you some food."
"Where's Spike?"
"He went back to the Bebop something about cleaning up the blood." He shrugged and smiled. "I think he likes you."
"Why would he do that?"
"I don't know just the way he was acting around you. I've never seen him like before."
"Cold sleep made him loopy. Could you do me a big favor?"
"Sure."
"In the gift shop there is a green teddy bear, buy it for me and I'll pay you back. There is something I want to do with that bear."
"Ok. I'll be back soon then."
"Don't let Spike know about the bear please."
"You're secret is safe with me."
Back on the Bebop Spike had Jose handcuffed to a lead pipe in a cargo bay. He paced in front of him letting out a few cusses. After a while he left to go to the city hall building. Standing in line he looked around at the people getting their bounty hunting papers and what not. Most of them were male and he smiled thinking about the looks Ed must have got when she went to get her license.
"Next." Said a woman from behind one of the desks. Spike moved over to the desk and sat down in the chair in front of it.
"Name sir." She must had been around the same age as Ed. Smiling she pushed her glasses up her thin nose.
"Spike Spiegel."
"Age."
"Twenty-seven."
She looked up at him and nodded. "You don't look twenty-seven."
"Sorry."
"It's a good thing, place of birth."
"Wouldn't it be easier if I gave you my passport?"
"Yeah. Do you have it on you?"
"I should have it on me." He stood up and grabbed out his wallet pulling his passport out then handed it to Jessica, or at least her nametag said that was her name.
"It says here you should be thirty-seven."
"I was put into cold sleep ten years ago."
"Here is you temporary license. You'll get your real license in a week."
"Thanks Jessica." Spike stood and winked at the girl then walked away.
In the hospital Elisabeth was getting the first meal in a day and a half, grape Jell-O, a ham sandwich and an apple juice. She looked down at the food in front of her and sighed.
"Eat Ed, you need your strength."
"Is this really edible?" She poked the Jell-O with her spoon a few times.
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"Because it's hospital food."
The two turned their gaze to Spike who was standing in the doorway. He smiled and walked over to the chair next to Elisabeth's bed then sat down.
"Welcome back Spike."
"No need to welcome me back."
"I did clean up the blood?" Jet cleared his throat looking at his partner.
"Yeah I also seen Alice and told her what happened. She said she'd be here as soon as she can."
Ed took a few bites from her sandwich and sighed. It wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. Happily she ate while she watched Jet and Spike talk but oddly she seemed to want to watch Spike more then Jet. The way he smiled and the way he formed his words was interesting to her. For some strange reason she was extremely attracted to Spike.
"I'm going to go wait for Alice in the waiting room. You two be good ok?"
"Yes dad."
"And Spike keep your that pervert lion away from Ed."
"Yes sir."
The door closed with almost no sound. Neither Spike nor Ed said anything for a few minutes until Spike spoke up.
"So Spike Spiegel was being a pervert?"
"Oh yes. That little fur bag kept watching me when I was getting my bandages changed."
"What a sicko! Want me to teach him a lesson or two?"
"I think Spike Spiegel could take you down. By the way, I never did catch your name kind Sir."
"Can I tell you a secret?"
"Sure."
Spike leaned in close to Elisabeth his mouth near her ear, his hair brushing against her cheek slightly while he whispered. His voice changing once again but not dropping any yet becoming light and airy.
"I'm Spike Spiegel as well."
"You wouldn't say."
"I do say and I'll repeat it. I'm Spike Spiegel."
"So there are two Spike Spiegels?"
"I'm the real Spike, the lion has a identity problem."
Slowly Spike moved back giving her a little smile. She brought her own little surprise when Ed gave him a tight hug.
"Thank you."
He laughed nervously and wrapped his arms around her carefully. "Why are you thanking me?"
"Thank you for being here and thank you for finding me."
"It's nothing really."
They held onto each other for a few minutes not saying a word. It felt so right in both of them so when they let go it was slightly painful.
"This Jell-O is the best. Want some?"
"No, you better eat. I'm ok over here."
"What did you do today, I mean after you left the hospital?"
"I found that bastard who shot you and turned him in."
"But you don't have a license."
"I do now."
"How did you find Jose?"
"Easy I went to the same place you went last night. Sadly I don't have the same luck you have. The bartender told me you won every race."
"Pure luck."
"Do you mind telling me something?"
"Sure, what do you want to know?"
"What happened before and after you where shot?"
There was a long, sorrow filled pause then Ed started.
"I was standing on the dock a few docks from the Bebop when he pulled his gun on me. I did the same while a few words where exchanged. I pulled the trigger first but got no reaction. My damned gun wasn't loaded. He then shot me; I stumbled back and took off towards the Bebop. I remember bits and pieces of my walk home but I remember clearly walking into the Bebop. The first place I went was your room; still thinking it was my own. But when I seen you sleeping I turned and started to use my hands to support myself as I went to the bathroom to wrap my wound myself. Inside the bathroom I blacked out."
"Why didn't you wake me up?"
"You looked so peaceful and I didn't want to wake you."
"Don't you ever think about yourself?"
"I do think about myself but not as often as others do. I rather have others happy then myself. As you can see this is what that state of mind leads you." She lies back on the bed placing a hand over the wound looking up at the T.V in the corner of the room.
"Are you in pain?"
"Yes, in more ways then you know Spike."
"I don't understand."
"My heart hurts in so many different ways. I hate the fact I'm shot but I love it as well." Her voice trailed off as she closed her eyes.
Spike looked down at her then moved the blanket from around her stomach to around her shoulders. He sat there watching Ed sleep, peacefully dreaming because she was smiling. Maybe Julia's death and the cold sleep was something good. He smiled and brushed a few strands of hair away from her face. Snapping Spike back into the real world was a knock on the door.
"Yeah?"
"Just Jet and I." Alice spoke softly.
"Come in."
Alice and Jet walked into the room together. She held a small bag that moved every once and awhile.
"What's with the bag?"
"Nothing really Spike." She placed the bag on the floor and Ein climbed out.
"Ein? Is he allowed here?"
"The doctors said that he might help her relax."
"Stupid flea bag."
Ein barked and jumped at the bed. He wanted up with Ed, so Jet picked him up and put the small dog at the foot of the bed. He sniffed as Elisabeth then laid down, rolling himself into a ball.
"He seems to be happy to be with her. And I think we all should get some sleep." Alice put the bag besides the bed and looked at the two men.
"Shouldn't someone stay with her?"
"You can stay Spike but I'm going back to the Bebop to sleep. She also needs a change of clothing because tomorrow she can come home."
"I'll see you in the morning then."
"Keep your hands to yourself."
Alice laughed and motioned Jet to the door. When they left Spike took in a deep breath then relaxed in his chair. The bed back on the Bebop was much more comfortable but Ed had bugged him while he was in the hospital so it was revenge to stay with her, plus he wanted to protect her from anything that could hurt her.
Not too long after Jet and Alice had left Spike's eyes began to get heavy. He kept nodding off then finally he fell asleep. As soon as he fell asleep Ed woke up. She looked at the sleeping Spike and barely kept her giggles down as she pulled out a green teddy bear from under her pillow. Watching him like a hawk she placed the bear on his lap. Smiling she kissed his forehead softy.
"I hope you have sweet dreams." She whispered then lay back down.
"Hey, who's in here?" He knocked yet he got no answer. "HELLO?"
Five minutes passed before he opened the door to see the little red head in the bathroom, face to the cold floor. Her back covered in deep crimson her white sweater no longer white.
"OH GOD, JJJJJEEEEEETTTTT!!!! ED'S DOWN!" He almost screamed the words as he heaved the girl up in his arms. She was breathing but she had lost a lot of blood.
Jet came running to the bathroom. His eyes were also filled with a mixture of shock, sadness, and anger.
"What are we going to do?"
"Take her to the hospital."
"Good idea. You go, take her I need to change I can't come with you looking like this."
"I want your ass there as soon as possible." Jet took Ed from Spike's arms and rushed off.
Spike was left alone to get lost in thought, which was extremely painful at the time. He put his clothes on so fast he almost fell on his face.
"She's not going to die, no. I don't need the same thing to happen to her that happened to Julia." He muttered then slammed his fist into the wall a few times. He was pissed out of his mind.
In the hospital Jet was in the waiting room tapping his fingers on the coffee table in front him. He looked up as Spike entered the room. They were the only people in the small room be it, it was four in the morning.
Spike sat down next to Jet. "Any news?"
"None. They took her back as soon as I got here. I just wish I knew what happened."
"She was shot, but why would she get shot?"
"To tell you the truth I sent her out after a bounty head. Jose Allen, a drug dealer. I thought she could handle it." He ran his hands over his baldhead and sighed.
"Why didn't you send me? I could have gone with her."
"That was only your second day out of cold sleep. You needed your rest not to forget you were busy with the Swordfish II."
"Mr. Black?" A doctor came into the room.
"Yes?"
"Elisabeth is doing better. She lost a ton of blood but she'll be ok. The bullet missed everything and went through her chest. She's extremely lucky because the bullet didn't hit her heart and that someone found her when they did."
"Can we see her?" Spike spoke up.
"Not yet, she's sleeping. Guys go and get something to eat from the cafeteria."
"Ok, thanks doctor."
"No problem."
"I'm going to the gift shop, wanna come?" Spike stood and looked down at Jet.
"I'm going to stay here. She's like a daughter to me so I'll stay."
"No problem. Be back soon. I'll get you a magazine or something."
"Thanks."
In the gift shop Spike looked at the selection of stuff animals, cards, magazines and flowers. He grabbed up a mystery novel for Jet then looked over the stuffed animals slowly. There was a green teddy bear that kept looking at him oddly. Slowly he dismissed the idea of a toy giving him the evil eye then picked up a lion with a black mane. The lion was one of the softest things he ever lay his hands on. With the book, and the lion he paid and went up to the waiting room.
The waiting room was quiet, too quiet as Spike entered yet again. He handed Jet the book and sat the lion on his lap.
"A new friend?"
"What?"
Jet pointed to the stuffed animal. "That, why did you get the lion?"
"I don't know, maybe because the green teddy bear was looking at me funny."
"Huh?" Said Jet after he blinked a few times.
"Nothing. I'm sure she'll like it. She likes animals right?"
"You know she loves Ein."
"That's right, forgot about him."
A nurse walked into the room and smiled. "You two can see Elisabeth now."
They both nodded and walked towards the small room that Ed was so lucky to have to her. She was asleep, hooked up to life support. Slowly she opened her eyes and smiled at Jet. Spike was outside the room trying to think of something to say and also trying to control his emotions so he wouldn't go nuts.
"I'm sorry." Her voice was low almost unheard.
"Don't be sorry, it's not your fault."
"Yes it is. I had my gun but it wasn't loaded."
"Gosh Ed. You're going to give me a heart attack."
"Who found me?"
"Spike. He's outside the door. I think he may want to talk to you alone." He winked and smiled.
She just smiled and winced slightly. "Ok."
"I'll send him in."
"Thanks." Jet exited the room and nudged Spike to go inside.
Ed sighed and looked towards the door only to see a little stuffed lion's head peek into the room.
"Hello! You wouldn't happen to be Ed?" Spike let his voice drop a few notches as he spoke.
"Why yes I am, who may I ask are you?"
"I'm Spike Spiegel."
"Spike Spiegel, you wouldn't say. I know a man with that same name. He's just as fluffy as you."
Spike peeked his head into the room then walked inside, his voice returning to normal. "I'm fluffy?"
"It's the hair." She smiled and ruffled Spike's fluffy head.
"My head isn't fluffy. How are you doing?" He put the lion on the bed next to Ed.
"I'm ok, feel like shit but I'm alive. Thank you."
"Don't thank me. Thank my over active bladder."
Again Ed giggled, holding her chest as she closed her eyes tightly in pain.
"I'm sorry."
"No it's fine. I'm just happy that you guys are here."
"I'm just happy I found you in time. I don't think Jet or I need to have you go into cold sleep. I'd be a old man when you would get out."
"Right now you're 37. You are a old man."
"You hurt my feelings. Me and Spike Spiegel are going to go now." He turned up his nose and grabbed the little lion.
Elisabeth reached out for Spike's hand, holding the lion's paw. "Fine you aren't a old man."
"Now I'm not only a old man but a jealous old man. If I got you the evil green teddy bear things would have been different."
"Jealous. Evil. What the hell?"
"There was this green teddy bear and it was giving me the evil eye. I swear it wanted to suck my soul out of my body or something."
"That's no good."
"And if I got you that I would have to have someone with you all the time so it wouldn't suck your soul."
"I want my soul thank you."
"I thought as much."
"Spike Spiegel has gotten quiet." She looked down at the lion in Spike's hands.
"He's not much of a talker."
"That's sad. I would really like to know more about Spike Spiegel."
"What do you want to know? Me and him are like this." Crosses his fingers and gives her a lop-sided smile.
"I want to know that after I get out if he would like to out bar hopping with me."
"He's not much of a drinker." He leans in and whispers. "Last time he ended up in women's clothes."
"Oh, that explains a lot."
"But I'm not busy, if that will make up for my little buddy's slight drinking problem."
"Sure, that sounds good to me."
"Now you better get better. I need a drink like crazy."
"Don't rush the injured." The two looked over at Jet standing in the doorway.
"How long have you been standing there?"
"Not too long Spike."
"You two go get something to eat. I'm sure we don't want Spike to waste away anymore then is already."
"Yes M'am. Let's go Jet."
"Get some sleep Ed."
"Ok. Bye you two."
Spike sat the lion on Ed's lap. "Spike Spiegel will protect you."
"I like that idea very much."
"So do I."
Spike and Jet walked out of the room and down to the cafeteria. Jet grabbed himself a bagel and Spike did the same. They sat at a small table in the corner of the large cafeteria surrounded by doctors and nurses.
"I think Ed likes you."
"W. What, what makes you say that?"
"She just acts differently around you then around me or anyone for that matter. Speaking of acting differently you were acting odd back there. What's up with that?"
"Nothing, I was trying to cheer her up that's all."
"Just warning you that if you stomp on her heart I'll pummble you."
"Now why would I do that?"
"I don't know. I've over protective with her. Like I said she's like a daughter to me."
"I won't hurt her, she's my friend and I don't hurt my friends."
" That's good to hear. We need to think about what to do about money now. Ed was going out for food money and be it she didn't bring him in we're out when it comes to shopping money."
"What happened to everything me and Ed brought home the other day?"
Jet looked down at the half eaten bagel and sighed. "I used it all."
"Already? Damn it Jet we can't do that."
"Don't tell me what I can or can't do."
There was a long pause and then Spike began to laugh.
"What the hell is so funny?"
"Nothing, just thinking that things are back to the way they were before I went off into cold sleep. But instead of me getting shot it's Ed. Kinda odd being at the taking care end then to be at the getting cared for."
"Can you handle going after a bounty?"
"Why wouldn't I? I am Spike Spiegel, professional bounty hunter."
"Damn cocky kid. You need your license. That means you'll have to walk yourself downtown to the city hall building."
"When do they open?"
"Hell if I know."
When the two were done eating the bagels they went back to the waiting room. Jet went to reading his book and Spike went off to get his bounty hunting license. The city hall building wasn't opened so he went after the guy with out getting his license.
Be it Spike didn't know as much about Jose then Ed or Jet knew he went bar hoping looking for anyone who looked like him. The first place he stopped just happened to be the Lone Star Tavern. The betting was going on even at 5:30 in the morning. The bartender nodded at Spike as he entered the bar and he nodded back.
"Can I get 20 Woolongs on the next race? I don't care what it is but I want the 20 on the whatever numbered four."
"It's the dogs and the number four dog is Outlaw." The bartender took his money and handed him a few tickets.
"Ok."
"You bet just like a women who was here last night." A blonde man smiled.
"Is that good or bad?"
"It's good because she won every time she bet. Name's Corbin Wilson."
He turned to watch the race as he spoke. "Spike Spiegel."
"Elisabeth's boyfriend, finally I meet you."
"Elisabeth?"
"Red head with big amber eyes."
"Oh, Lisa. Yeah I'm her boyfriend."
The race ended with dog number ten winning. The few people still left in the bar tossed up their losing tickets.
"Gambling isn't my best subject."
"Sorry pal."
Spike smiled at the man, who looked very much like Jose Allen. "You wouldn't happen to know a women named Mary J, would you?"
"Mary J? I know both her and her sister K. Would you like to meet them?"
"I'm always up to meeting beautiful women."
"Meet me outside in the alleyway in five." Jose whispered then left the bar.
When he was out of the bar Spike went to the men's room. When inside he checked making sure his gun was loaded and the safety was on. He wanted to kick the living shit out of Jose for hurting Ed. Only after the guy is out cold would Spike bring him to the Bebop, lock him up and then get his license. His gun was fully loaded so he placed it back in the holster under his jacket.
Just like the man said he was waiting for Spike in the alleyway. He leaned up against the wall of the tavern smiling.
"So you're interested in Mary J and K?"
"Only if it's pure. I don't want any cheap shit."
"This is pure, want a test try?"
"I'll take your word for it, pal." Spike spoke between gritted teeth.
Jose took a few steps towards Spike and patted him on the shoulders. "Take it easy."
At that moment Spike snapped. Something inside him, the same thing that keeps him sane just exploded letting his emotions rush to the front of his head making him see red. He gave Jose a strong left hook to the jaw.
"Why the hell did you do that?" He looked up at Spike from the ground in shock.
"You shot her you bastard. She could have died." Spike growled, swinging at him once he got to his feet again.
"Elisabeth? She was going to kill me and she's the dumb ass who didn't load her gun." Jose pulled his gun and took aim once again.
With Jose's movements Spike moved forward, fluidly taking the gun from his challenger. "I've died twice I don't need to die again."
"Are you a bounty hunter as well?"
"Yeah."
Once again Spike attacked Jose, knocking him into a wall but he was right on him giving him a few hits to the chest and head not to forget a nice punch to the gut. He watched the other man fall forward and then blacked out. It felt like a weight was lift off his chest.
Meanwhile in the hospital Ed sat looking out her window. She was having her bandages changed by a nurse talking about her up coming wedding.
"I'm sure you'll make a beautiful bride when you get married."
"Thanks but marriage hasn't even crossed my mind yet. I have to find the right man and so far they all have been duds."
"That's no good. I'm sure you'll find a man sooner or later. There ya go, wrapped up all pretty."
Elisabeth pulled her hospital gown over her shoulder then laid back down. Her daydreams about a big wedding were broken by Jet knocking on the door.
"Come in."
He walked in sitting at the foot of the bed. "How are you feeling?"
"Hungry but besides that I'm good. When can I go home?"
"The doctor want to keep you here over night. I think they just want to make sure nothing hurt you heart or something. As for the food I'm not sure what to tell you. All you had is breakfast yesterday am I right?"
"Sadly that's the truth."
"I'll sweet talk a nurse into getting you some food."
"Where's Spike?"
"He went back to the Bebop something about cleaning up the blood." He shrugged and smiled. "I think he likes you."
"Why would he do that?"
"I don't know just the way he was acting around you. I've never seen him like before."
"Cold sleep made him loopy. Could you do me a big favor?"
"Sure."
"In the gift shop there is a green teddy bear, buy it for me and I'll pay you back. There is something I want to do with that bear."
"Ok. I'll be back soon then."
"Don't let Spike know about the bear please."
"You're secret is safe with me."
Back on the Bebop Spike had Jose handcuffed to a lead pipe in a cargo bay. He paced in front of him letting out a few cusses. After a while he left to go to the city hall building. Standing in line he looked around at the people getting their bounty hunting papers and what not. Most of them were male and he smiled thinking about the looks Ed must have got when she went to get her license.
"Next." Said a woman from behind one of the desks. Spike moved over to the desk and sat down in the chair in front of it.
"Name sir." She must had been around the same age as Ed. Smiling she pushed her glasses up her thin nose.
"Spike Spiegel."
"Age."
"Twenty-seven."
She looked up at him and nodded. "You don't look twenty-seven."
"Sorry."
"It's a good thing, place of birth."
"Wouldn't it be easier if I gave you my passport?"
"Yeah. Do you have it on you?"
"I should have it on me." He stood up and grabbed out his wallet pulling his passport out then handed it to Jessica, or at least her nametag said that was her name.
"It says here you should be thirty-seven."
"I was put into cold sleep ten years ago."
"Here is you temporary license. You'll get your real license in a week."
"Thanks Jessica." Spike stood and winked at the girl then walked away.
In the hospital Elisabeth was getting the first meal in a day and a half, grape Jell-O, a ham sandwich and an apple juice. She looked down at the food in front of her and sighed.
"Eat Ed, you need your strength."
"Is this really edible?" She poked the Jell-O with her spoon a few times.
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"Because it's hospital food."
The two turned their gaze to Spike who was standing in the doorway. He smiled and walked over to the chair next to Elisabeth's bed then sat down.
"Welcome back Spike."
"No need to welcome me back."
"I did clean up the blood?" Jet cleared his throat looking at his partner.
"Yeah I also seen Alice and told her what happened. She said she'd be here as soon as she can."
Ed took a few bites from her sandwich and sighed. It wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. Happily she ate while she watched Jet and Spike talk but oddly she seemed to want to watch Spike more then Jet. The way he smiled and the way he formed his words was interesting to her. For some strange reason she was extremely attracted to Spike.
"I'm going to go wait for Alice in the waiting room. You two be good ok?"
"Yes dad."
"And Spike keep your that pervert lion away from Ed."
"Yes sir."
The door closed with almost no sound. Neither Spike nor Ed said anything for a few minutes until Spike spoke up.
"So Spike Spiegel was being a pervert?"
"Oh yes. That little fur bag kept watching me when I was getting my bandages changed."
"What a sicko! Want me to teach him a lesson or two?"
"I think Spike Spiegel could take you down. By the way, I never did catch your name kind Sir."
"Can I tell you a secret?"
"Sure."
Spike leaned in close to Elisabeth his mouth near her ear, his hair brushing against her cheek slightly while he whispered. His voice changing once again but not dropping any yet becoming light and airy.
"I'm Spike Spiegel as well."
"You wouldn't say."
"I do say and I'll repeat it. I'm Spike Spiegel."
"So there are two Spike Spiegels?"
"I'm the real Spike, the lion has a identity problem."
Slowly Spike moved back giving her a little smile. She brought her own little surprise when Ed gave him a tight hug.
"Thank you."
He laughed nervously and wrapped his arms around her carefully. "Why are you thanking me?"
"Thank you for being here and thank you for finding me."
"It's nothing really."
They held onto each other for a few minutes not saying a word. It felt so right in both of them so when they let go it was slightly painful.
"This Jell-O is the best. Want some?"
"No, you better eat. I'm ok over here."
"What did you do today, I mean after you left the hospital?"
"I found that bastard who shot you and turned him in."
"But you don't have a license."
"I do now."
"How did you find Jose?"
"Easy I went to the same place you went last night. Sadly I don't have the same luck you have. The bartender told me you won every race."
"Pure luck."
"Do you mind telling me something?"
"Sure, what do you want to know?"
"What happened before and after you where shot?"
There was a long, sorrow filled pause then Ed started.
"I was standing on the dock a few docks from the Bebop when he pulled his gun on me. I did the same while a few words where exchanged. I pulled the trigger first but got no reaction. My damned gun wasn't loaded. He then shot me; I stumbled back and took off towards the Bebop. I remember bits and pieces of my walk home but I remember clearly walking into the Bebop. The first place I went was your room; still thinking it was my own. But when I seen you sleeping I turned and started to use my hands to support myself as I went to the bathroom to wrap my wound myself. Inside the bathroom I blacked out."
"Why didn't you wake me up?"
"You looked so peaceful and I didn't want to wake you."
"Don't you ever think about yourself?"
"I do think about myself but not as often as others do. I rather have others happy then myself. As you can see this is what that state of mind leads you." She lies back on the bed placing a hand over the wound looking up at the T.V in the corner of the room.
"Are you in pain?"
"Yes, in more ways then you know Spike."
"I don't understand."
"My heart hurts in so many different ways. I hate the fact I'm shot but I love it as well." Her voice trailed off as she closed her eyes.
Spike looked down at her then moved the blanket from around her stomach to around her shoulders. He sat there watching Ed sleep, peacefully dreaming because she was smiling. Maybe Julia's death and the cold sleep was something good. He smiled and brushed a few strands of hair away from her face. Snapping Spike back into the real world was a knock on the door.
"Yeah?"
"Just Jet and I." Alice spoke softly.
"Come in."
Alice and Jet walked into the room together. She held a small bag that moved every once and awhile.
"What's with the bag?"
"Nothing really Spike." She placed the bag on the floor and Ein climbed out.
"Ein? Is he allowed here?"
"The doctors said that he might help her relax."
"Stupid flea bag."
Ein barked and jumped at the bed. He wanted up with Ed, so Jet picked him up and put the small dog at the foot of the bed. He sniffed as Elisabeth then laid down, rolling himself into a ball.
"He seems to be happy to be with her. And I think we all should get some sleep." Alice put the bag besides the bed and looked at the two men.
"Shouldn't someone stay with her?"
"You can stay Spike but I'm going back to the Bebop to sleep. She also needs a change of clothing because tomorrow she can come home."
"I'll see you in the morning then."
"Keep your hands to yourself."
Alice laughed and motioned Jet to the door. When they left Spike took in a deep breath then relaxed in his chair. The bed back on the Bebop was much more comfortable but Ed had bugged him while he was in the hospital so it was revenge to stay with her, plus he wanted to protect her from anything that could hurt her.
Not too long after Jet and Alice had left Spike's eyes began to get heavy. He kept nodding off then finally he fell asleep. As soon as he fell asleep Ed woke up. She looked at the sleeping Spike and barely kept her giggles down as she pulled out a green teddy bear from under her pillow. Watching him like a hawk she placed the bear on his lap. Smiling she kissed his forehead softy.
"I hope you have sweet dreams." She whispered then lay back down.