COWBOY BEBOP-HEARTSTRING HOE-DOWN --PART.2
Spike dreamed of Faye. Not the woman that he had come to know and love, but the child he'd
seen in the beta tape. She was alone and scared, crying as she sat down and hugged her kness.
Spike stood there in the blackness, watching the poor kid. He moved slowly forward,
reacing his hand out to her. She looked up for a moment, and smiled at him. A warm, grateful
smile. Spike was almost close enough to touch her, just a bit farther and he could....As Spike
reached out to her Faye disapeared right before his eyes. He turned around in shock, as he
heard his own voice coming from behind him. The blackness around him faded away to color.
Spike stared in disbelief, as he found himself on the Bebop. He was standing in the rec room.
Another version of himself got up from the couch slowly, tears streaming down his face.
Spike remembered that day, how could he not? His other self walked to the viewport, lighting a
cigarette as he watched the blurred stars whiz by. Spike was frozen, unable to even speak.
He realized he was seeing into his own past, as an adult Faye came up behind his double.
The blackness returned for brief moment, drowning out the scene. It lifted again, and he saw
himself and Faye, sitting across from each other. His heart ached as Faye touched his cheek,
wiping away his tears. They kissed, and Spike immediately hated himself for what he'd done to
her. The blackness returned again, and this time no more images came. Spike closed his eyes,
remembering all that had been said that day, all the promises made. He'd meant everyone one
of them too. How had he allowed himself to be so blind? To actually believe Faye would ever
try to make him change? Had he thrown away his one chance? Pushed away the only woman
who would ever love him for who he was?
Spike awoke sharply, sitting up so quickly that he had to wince at the resulting pain from his
whole body. Even his hair hurt. He placed a hand on the brow of his head, as his vision slowly
cleared. He was in a bed, a BIG bed. The space next to him still held a faint impression of the
woman who had been sleeping there. Juliette. Spike shook his head slowly, laying back down.
He looked himself over, his wounds were all dressed. His shirt was missing. What had
happened? Spike could draw some sketchy conclusions, and he didn't like them.
He didn't deserve to be forgiven for this, not ever. Spike painfully got up, he'd been hurt worlds
worse than this before. But his inner turmoil made everything seem to be in slow motion.
The apartment was small, but spacious enough to be comfortable. Blue wallpaper covered the
interior, with minimal furniture. In fact, as he walked through the dwelling he saw only two
chairs, a table, a large dresser and a desk. The desk had papers and file folders strewn about
on it. Spike guessed it must have been where Juliette took care of her work. What had she said
she was, a medical student? Spike cocked an eyebrow as he picked up one of the overstuffed
folders, and started reading. His eyes went wide, as he gritted his teeth. He grabbed another
folder, and another. They were all dossiers, folders of information on wanted people. Spike
took one of the light cigarettes from the open pack atop the desk. Eyeing it critically, he put it in
his mouth, and looked around for his shirt. He finally found it stuffed under the bed.
Spike shook his head agan, as he pulled the shirt over his shoulders and took his matches from
the pocket. Lighting the cigarette, he searched for his gun, feeling very unsafe all of a sudden.
Juliette was a cowboy, just like him. Of course that didn't mean she'd lied, Spike mused as he
took a drag from the cigarette. She could have been making a joke when she said she was a
medical student, Faye was always doing that...The thought of Faye put an instantaneous frown
on his face. He could never go back to her now, not after he'd hurt her so badly. Spike tried to
rid himself of the thoughts in his head, as he found his gun. Still in it's holster, it had been hanging
on the doorknob of what looked to be a closet. The room sure wasn't big enough for much
else. Curious, Spike opened the door, straping the holster on tightly. The small room was
extremely dark, Spike barely saw the string hanging from the light bulb. He pulled it as he took
another drag of the cigg. Man, these things were RANCID. "Oh...shit..." Was all Spike could
say, as his mouth dropped open, the cigarette falling to the floor.
Spike stood in the open doorway, not knowing how to handle what he saw before him. He'd
been half-right in his assumption, it was more of a storeroom than a closet. The walls were
plastered with enlarged photos, all of him. Some were so big that they could've been used as
tablecloths. Some of them had things written on them, odd little phrases that made him almost
proud. "Sexy man." "World's greatest cowboy." There was even a picture of him outside
a police station, with Faye close behind. On that one, someone had written something in huge
red letters, right over Faye."BITCH." Spike backed away, not wanting to believe he'd been stupid enough
to let himself be drawn into something like this, that he didn't see it coming. Not only was Juliette a cowboy,
she was obbsessed with who she thought was the king of bounty hunters, Spike Spiegel. And she
saw Faye as a direct obstacle in her way. The whole thing at the club had been a setup from
minute one. Of course she seemed perfect, Spike realized. The amount of info she had on him
was insane!
Spike whirled around, hearing footsteps closing in from outside. He closed the door, replaced
his holster and shirt, and took the cigarette back to bed with him. The things were crap, but he
REALLY needed a stress reliever. Spike finished it just as the doorknob turned, and Juliette
entered the apartment. Spike faked pain, and after the cigarette it wasn't all fake, as Juliette
approached the bed. He pretended to be just waking up. "Oh, how's my heroic Spike doing?"
Juliette asked, her sweet voice carrying a slight edge of concern. Spike groaned, turning on his
side, regarding the end of the bed she'd slept in. He looked at it, then at her, an exagerrated
look that anyone would understand. "No, no you naughty boy!" She exclaimed, sounding more
embarrased than mad at the suggestion. "You just slept so long, I got tired watching over you,
and you looked so peaceful I just had to curl up on there with you!" She explained, leaning over
him. Spike thought about reminding her that Faye never got tired of watching over him. but she
couldn't suspect anything, or he might never leave this place. His eyes widened with surprise,
as Juliette bent further over him and kissed his lips. It was then that he noticed the smell.
Faint, almost undetectable, but it was still there. Kerosene. Juliette pulled back, sensing his
uneasyness. "Still hurts, doesn't it? I'm so sorry you got hurt Spike." Juliette said. She sat down
beside him and sat him up, rubbing his shoulders. Spike winced as pain attacked his body.
"Mmmm..." Spike mumered, sounding fairly convincing. The truth was that he perferred doing
this kind of thing himself, and she wasn't very good at it anyway. "Like that?" Juliette asked
softly, resting her body against his naked back. Spike nodded, craning his neck back so that
their cheeks touched. Spike was anything but content however. How had he been this stupid?
He thought back to the night before, at the club. The music master had shown up, and Spike
had been ready to deal with him. Then Juliette had come to the booth, putting on an impressive
act. and throwing his mind into that horrible sturggle between the good thing he had, and the
great thing that could come to be. Spike realized now that there should never have been any
contest, that it's always better to take what is assured. He was amazed at how well Faye had
him figured out. She had been trying to tell him to stop chasing dreams, to slow down and
enjoy what he had. He should have listened to her. It had been a mistake to take the hit alone.
Jet and Faye. His friend and partner, his love. They knew he could handle someone like the
music master alone, that hadn't been the point. Jet's words echoed in Spike's mind, blending
with the pain of having his shoulder rubbed. "We're partners, goddamnit. Doesn't that mean
anything to you?" Spike understood now, what they had been trying to tell him. They were a
team, maybe they didn't always get along, but they were a team. And Faye. She only wanted
him to stop trying to find something better, the next best thing. To realize he had all he needed
already. Spike's momentary infatuation with Juliette had been purely superficial. He had allowed
all they shared in common to matter more than someone who's always there for you. And his
current situation was a direct result of it. Not only was Juliette obsessed with him, she had been
working with the music master, pouring fuel all over the clubs while everyone was distracted by
the huge man. Spike remembered that he had thought the music master had already doused the
club before the fight started. But in reality, it had been Juliette. It would be a simple matter to
sneak around with a fuel pod while a giant roughed up the DJ. Spike pulled away from Juliette's
grip gently, taking her hand. The fact that she had let him take out the music master, even helped
him do it, meant that she had no more use for him, and was looking for a new partner.
Spike realized he had to tread softly, but that wasn't his style. He'd have to keep up the act
with Juliette, long enough to lure her into a trap set by himself and Jet, with Faye as bait. A team
effort, that might help them to see that Spike agreed with what they had been trying to say. The
person manipulating the music master would be worth at least double his bounty, but first he
needed proof. Juliette smoothly moved to face him, kissing his lips again. "You taste like
cigarettes, Spike.." She said, the sweetness draining from her voice as suspicion took it's place.
Spike gave her a smirk, acting as innocent as he knew how. "I...woke up and needed one, I
took one of yours." He explained, keeping calm. Juliette looked from the pack on her desk to
Spike, and back the to the desk. Did I put all the files back? Spike wondered, seeing her eyes
narrow. Sh wasn't quite buying it. Juliette knew enough about him, to know he was too curious
to take a cigarette from the desk without giving the paperwork a look. Spike would have to lay
the act on a bit thicker. He put a pained, regretful look on his face as Juliette took the pack
from the desktop, putting one in her mouth. The flame from the lighter reflected on her face,
as she eyed him. She looked mad. very mad. In Spike's opinion he had fought the more stable
of the twosome last night. "I'm sorry dear...." Spike whined, getting up and walking over to her.
He really didn't find her so beautiful anymore, not with all he knew now. Not nearly as beautiful
as Faye. "The pain was killing me, all I could think about was having a cigarette.." He continued.
His arms embraced Juliette, and her face changed into that of a little girl who's just gotten her
birthday wish. She held him tightly, so much that he had to stop himself from convulsing in pain.
"No, it's all right Spike, I understand." Juliette assured him, stroking his head. Spike closed his
eyes, trying to think of Faye. Her hand moved to cover the back of his neck, as she drew him
closer. "I don't know what I was thinking, you've been in bed recovering all day." She
apologized, smiling as she closed her eyes. "Of course, you've been asleep almost two whole
days, you MUST have been dying for a cigarette." Two days? Spike's eyes opened suddenly.
It had been two days since he'd gone to the club? "By the way, thank you for my life. I didn't
get a chance to thank you before.." Juliette said, as her hands moved slowly downwards.
Spike felt awful saying the words, but she'd left him a big opening, and everything was weighing
on his ability to keep up the guise. "No, thank you Juliette. You're the most wonderful woman.."
Juliette swooned, as her lower hand found his hip. She gripped it tightly, resting her head on his
shoulder. "I love you, Spike. I have for a long time." She admitted, as her upper hand moved
from his neck to stroke his cheek. "I..love you too, Juliette. I've never met someone so much
like me." Spike replied, trying to find a way to make her leave. "Except, maybe for our taste in
cigarettes. Those lights are..." Juliette smiled, slowly letting go of him. "I'll go get you some." She
said simply, letting her hand trail across the length of his chin. Bingo, Spike thought. He'd done
it. But he couldn't keep doing it much longer. He had to work fast. Someone like her would
probably make a few extra stops to get him a gift, if he played it right he could buy himself time.
"I could go too, I'm feeling a lot better now that you're back." He said, putting as much charm
into the statement as he could. Juliette smiled at him, pulling a leather black jacket over the tshirt
she wore. It was cut off at her midriff, showing just enough to be distracting. The jacket clashed
with her loose fitting jeans pretty badly, and she had let down her long, dirty blonde hair.
"No, you stay here and sleep some more." Juliette insisted, waving a playfully stern finger at him.
"I can't have you dying on me, darling." She added, smiling at him with full, pouty lips as she
went out the door. Spike smiled wide, scratching the back of his head as he chuckled.
The smile faded simultaneously with the door closing behind Juliette. Spike figured he had 30
minutes at best to get everything set up. Two days, he'd been gone for two days. Spike
frowned, thinking about the condition Faye must be in by now. "I'm such a bastard."
Spike growled, as he put his shirt back on. He found his jacket underneath the strewn
bedcovers, and dug his emergency cigarettes out of the pocket. Half a pack, not bad,
he mused as he put one in his mouth. He struck a match as he retrieved his holster, taking a long
drag from the cigarette. His gun was still strapped in, thankfully. He didn't want to think about
what would be going through Juliette's head now, if she'd seen fit to take it.
Spike looked around for his comm. unit, and spied it on top if the refrigarator. He reclaimed it
and opened the refrigarator, seeing lots of beef and a few pre-made hamburgers. Man, Spike
thought. She's really done her homework on me. He took two of the hamburgers, and placed
them inside what he guessed was one of those old mini ovens from the 20th. The kind that could
heat things up quickly. Microwaves, were they called? He and Jet had seen lots of them in the
Earth museum, but they were only able to carry so much back to the ship. Spike allowed himself
to reminisce about that day, when they'd found out the difference between beta and VHS.
Spike still didn't understand it very well, but that's what they had Edward for, after all.
He pushed a few buttons on the little oven's panel, and it beeped at him. Annoyed, Spike
brought his fist down on the top of it, and pushed more buttons. Something inside hummed.
The little table was turning around now. Spike guessed that meant it was working.
He thought about Jet and Faye, even Ed and the mutt as he turned the comm. unit on.
It was crucial that he get through to them now, God only knows when he'd be able to get away
from Juliette again. Things had always been so weird on the Bebop. Always picking up another
crew member, something was always broken, and nothing ever went as planned. But he missed
it now, he missed life on the Bebop, and all it's inhabitants quite a bit. The comm.unit beeped.
Spike pushed the call button, glad that the batteries had held out. The little oven beeped at him
again, and Spike turned to look at it, growling. The small display window said "done".
Spike opened the oven and looked inside. His burgers were steaming hot. Spike took them out,
put some cheese on them and scarfed them down. No need for buns here.
Spike's comm. unit kept trying to reach the Bebop, with no luck yet. Ten minutes had passed,
and he still had a lot to do. Jet's face appeared on the comm. unit screen, and greeted the caller
with a grumpy "yo." Spike grinned, finding a stack of cola cans in the refrigarator also. He took
one and grabbed the comm. unit, grateful to hear the old dog's voice again. "Jet, listen I don't
have much time to explain, but it's not what you're thinking." Jet's face glared at him,disbelieving.
"You mean, that wasn't a sexy young girl you were kissing? Right in front of Faye no less!"
Jet barked the words at him. Spike sighed, aware that it must have looked pretty bad if
they had been there. "Jet, I'm sorry. I'm an idiot ok? But it wasn't that at all, really!"
Spike apologized, watching the clock on the wall. Fifteen more minutes. Spike heard sobbing in
the backround, as Faye snatched the comm. unit from Jet. "Then what WAS IT??!!" Faye
screeched, just as Spike knew she would. Faye's face was taking up the screen now, full of
sadness and anger. "Go ahead and EXPLAIN to me what you were doing with her!!!"
Faye's cheeks were wet with tears. Spike's grin gave way to a truly guilty frown, as he lit
another cigarette. "Faye, she kissed ME. We barely made it out alive. The music master
jumped me, and she helped me out." Spike explained, hoping she wouldn't hang up until he'd
finished. He almost got wish, as Faye screamed "ASSHOLE!!" And hurled the comm.unit
across the room. Spike sighed, shaking his head. He really had deserved that. Jet picked the
comm.unit up, as Spike took a look at the clock. Only ten minutes left, unless he'd managed
to sweet talk Juliette enough for her to buy a few other things. "Spike." Jet addressed him.
Spike only nodded, and pleaded with Jet again. "Jet, please you've got to tell her."
Jet looked decisive for a moment, than ran his metal hand down his face, which meant he was
about to do something against his better judgement. "So, talk." Jet answered finally.
Spike breathed a sigh of relief, and began explaining. "Look Jet, I admit I was taken by her at
first, but you have no IDEA what's happened. We can still come out of this with a nice wad of
cash!" Jet blinked, looking rather surprised. Was it the mention of money? "You just said we,
and money in the same sentence, Spike. Now I KNOW you're lying." Spike facefaulted.
Was it really true that he seemed so selfish? "No Jet, I'm not." Spike corrected him, smiling as
he tossed the empty cola can aside. Jet perked up a bit, as if he wanted to believe it, but knew
better. "I get it now Jet, what you were telling me before I left." Spike continued. He needed to
hang up soon, but Jet and Faye had to believe him first. "Spike.." was all Jet could say, and
Faye had crept behind him, looking at the screen with a small glint of hope in her eyes.
Spike smiled, seeing that Faye was going to give him a chance to explain as well.
"My ego got in my way, Jet. I thought you guys were making it like I couldn't handle this guy.
But you were trying to tell me something completely different. That we're a team, you and Faye and me, the kid and mutt too.
We're a team of bounty hunters and we have to stick together. I should have waited for you guys.
And really, with what I know about her now, she's the dangerous one."
"Juliette?" Faye asked, bewildered. She gave Spike a look that said volumes about him and exactly where he could stick it.
Jet was about to try and calm her down, but there were only five minues left. Spike turned on Juliette's computer,
and took a guess at the password. "Juliette Spiegel." The computer started up instantly. Spike shivered a bit,
vowing to never leave Faye again if they got out of this. "Listen, Jet." Spike said, hoping Edward was awake.
"I'm almost out of time, but here's the deal." Jet and Faye both leaned in intently,although Faye held
onto the glint in her eye. "She was working WITH the music master, she's a hunter too.
She doused the clubs while gorilla boy kept everyone in panic. But she helped me take him out that night.
So she's looking to partner up with ME next. She's obsessed with me, totally, and she'll be back any minute!"
Spike looked at the clock again, damn. thirty minutes had already gone by, but it was too late now.
He'd just have to wing it like usual. "Obsessed with YOU? Oh please.." Faye scowled, starting to leave.
Jet caught her arm, and nodded to her. She looked from Jet to the screen, and for a second Spike saw her smile a bit,
wanting to believe he hadn't left her. "Faye, listen she's after you. She's got so much info on all of us it's unreal!
She thinks you're a threat to her!" Faye blinked, thought about that for a bit. "So then ,why haven't you left yet?
Why are you still there instead of here with me?" Faye asked him, her eyes showing concern.
Jet had a serious look too, they believed him. "Because she was the one behind the music master the whole time,
and I've got her believing I'm in love with her." Spike continued, hoping Faye wouldn't take that the wrong way.
She only gave him a slightly evil eye though, and waited for more. Jet rubbed his temples, and popped two asprin in his mouth.
Spike tried acessing Juliette's computer files, and found a registration form with her full name. Looking nervously at the clock,
he picked up the comm.unit again. thirty five minutes and counting. "Ok, Jet. Her name's Juliette Starling.
You and Edward cross-reference her name with everything you can find on the music master.
Once you have enough to prove that she was pulling his strings get it to the police."
Jet blinked, eyes wide while Faye smirked. She knew Spike wouldn't fall for some hussy and then turn her in.
"Alright, easy enough." Jet agreed, grinning at Spike.
"But my opinion on you staying on the Bebop is the same until we've got the money in our hands."
Spike grinned, glad that Jet hadn't been TOO worried. "Right." Spike said, nodding.
"But Spike, if she's really as dangerous as all that, how're we going to catch her? You got some kinda plan?"
Jet was giving him the weird pursed lips look again. Spike smirked, amused by Faye, who was grinning wider with every word.
He was sure the only thing better for her than getting him back, was stabbing the wench in the back and turning her in as well.
"I'm glad you like this idea, Faye." Spike stated, relishing being able to see her after two days in obsesser's country.
Faye gave Spike a look that told him he was still in the doghouse. "Why are you so glad about THAT, pray tell?"
Faye asked sarcastically. Spike smirked again. She really did know him. "Because you're the main part of it, Faye."
Spike answered, hearing footsteps outside, and a strange, off key hum not nearly as plesant as Faye's.
Spike shut the computer down, making sure his gun was in place. "What? How's that exactly?"
Faye asked, not liking what she was hearing.
"She wants you out of the picture, right?" Spike explained, hoping Faye would go along with it.
He heard a key being fit into the door. "Look Faye, she's back, I gotta split. Just be at the big water fountain on TJ in an hour,
ok? And make sure Jet and Ed get that info to the police by then!" Spike was whipering as loud as he could,
but he didn't want to risk Juliette hearing him. "Hold on a damn minute!!! You mean?!" Spike cut Faye off regretfully,
and tossed the comm.unit back on the refrigarator. The door opened, as Spike leaned against the wall, lighting another smoke.
Time for act 2. He just hoped Faye trusted him enough to be there.
"I'm baackk honey!" Juliette cheered, running to him. Spike hugged her tightly, trying not to
shudder. "Wha? You're all dressed! Felling better then?" Juliette pointed out, as Spike gave her a smile.
"Yeah, and I had some cigarettes in my jacket already. Sorry you had to go through the trouble.."
Juliette winked, handing him a carton of smokes. "No trouble, Spike. I picked up a few other things anyhow."
Spike acted surprised, as he thought of how glad he was that he went the extra mile on the sweet talk.
Juliette emptied the shopping bag, and presented him with a silver zippo lighter. "No more flimsy matches for MY man!"
She explained, dropping it into his jacket pocket. "Thanks...?" Was all Spike could say. He had been expecting roses,
or maybe a new tie or something. But a zippo? He liked matches! Spike's jaw dropped as he saw handcuffs among
the other items. "Don't worry about the cigarettes, sweetie." Juliette assured him, as her jacket came off, followed by her tshirt.
"You'll go through a lot of them with what I'VE got planned." She laughed playfully, and nuzzled up against Spike's chest.
Spike was fighting off the urge to scream and run through the door, or the wall, if needed.
"Jules, honey.." Spike protested slightly as she moved him over to the bed. He let go of her as she tried to ease him down.
I DO love you." Spike repeated, holding her at a distance by her shoulders. "And I love YOU." Juliette replied, reaching for his
waist and trying to kiss him. Spike backed off, barely stopping his hand from grabbing his gun. Juliette blinked, confused.
"So, then, what's the matter?" She asked. Spike saw the suspicious, anrgy look starting to return. "Nothing, really, just that.."
Spike covered, hugging her as lightly as possible. "What? You like to do it to jazz?" She offered, moving to the stereo
near the bed. Spike sighed, tempted to just shoot her. But then there would be no bounty, his only redeeming factor in this mess.
"No, Jules it's not that. If we're going to be together, then Faye..." Juliette turned to face him sharply, hate filling her eyes.
"Faye Valentine?! That bitch?" She hissed. Spike thought that not only was she scarier than Faye, but Vicous too.
What about her?!" Juliette demanded, annoyed at the name coming bewteen her and the man she loved. "She's gotta go. To Hell."
Spike said, taking all the hate from hearing such an unstable person call his Faye a bitch and putting it into the words.
It worked. Juliette looked at him with adoration, joyed that her man wanted Faye dead as much as she did. "That can wait, lover..."
Juliette stated, slinking her arms around his waist and kissing him forcefully. "No, it can't." Spike insisted, not kissing back.
Juliette looked pouty, then critical. "But how will we find her? They're always moving in that tub of grease ship, you know."
Spike smirked, reminding himself to tell Jet about that one, maybe even let him have a swing at her. "Easy." Spike assured her,
touching her chin. "Her and I made a promise, that if we were ever seperated, we'd meet at the water fountain on Tijuwana."
Juliette grinned at him slyly, loving the idea that their secret meeting place would be Faye Valentine's grave. "It's been two days,
she'll be there." Spike assured her, taking her hand.
Juliette looked down, at their entwined hands, then back up at his face. She nodded slowly, already anticipating the deathblow.
"Let's go." She whispered, her lips almost touching his ear.
Spike glanced at the clock one last time, and nodded back to her. A grin he'd used in the old days graced his face,
a truly evil grin. "Yeah, let's go...Darling." He said as she got dressed.
Faye looked around, wondering just why she'd agreed to this. That's right, she hadn't. Spike
had cut her off before she'd even had a chance to answer. Afterwards, Jet had explained
exactly why she was so important to this "plan" of theirs. Faye had been so mad, she almost
hadn't come. But here she was anyway. An hour had passed since Spike had called, and still
nothing. Faye glanced across the street at her redtail. If this Juliette wench really had it in for her, the ship might be a target.
Like she cared. The bitch had preyed on Spike's weaknesses,
and wanted to be his lover, which only showed how big an idiot Spike could be. But, he was HER big idiot
and she wasn't going to let some tramp take him away without a fight. Spike had sounded so freaked out when he'd called,
she must be something else. Spike wasn't the type to get scared easily, and he had a soft spot for women.
For him of all people to be afraid of one was almost funny. Her comm. unit beeped, but she hesitated to answer it.
If this plan really relied on Spike's act, she could blow it all by looking like she was expecting something.
Spike WOULD make this up to her later, she'd see to that. But she was more concerned with getting him back and getting
the money right now. The comm.unit continued to beep, and she finally took the call. "Faye Faye!! came Edward's hyper voice.
"Shhh!! What is it Ed?" Faye asked, glancing around in case they showed up. "All is set, m'lady!
The police know evvveryything about Spikey's girlfriend now!" Faye scowled at Edward, gripping the comm.unit
tightly. "She is NOT his girlfriend! Spike's just pretending to..." Ed grinned madly, laughing at Faye.
"Ah hah, Faye Faye is jealous? Ed knew she was!! Faye Faye wants to be Spikey's girlfriend!!" Faye gave Ed a final dirty look
and turned the unit off. Stupid kid, she thought.
Doesn't she know by now that we're already together? Faye turned her attention skyward, looking for a ship. She had no idea
what they'd arrive in, but Spike had planned all this. He 'd give her some signal, wouldn't he? Faye rested against the fountain's edge,
making sure her gun was ready.
Spike surveyed the fountain from across the street, spotting Faye as she leaned up against it.
"Knew she'd be here." Spike assured Juliette. Juliette only nodded, scowling as she regarded Faye. "Ok, so let's hurry up and go!"
She demanded, grabbing Spike's hand as she crossed the street. Faye was looking at the sky, probably expecting them
to arrive in a ship, Spike thought.
He had to give her some kind of warning or at least a signal. "Wait, I should go alone." Spike suggested,
stopping as they neared the fountain. Juliette gave him an impatient look. She was getting sick of all these setbacks.
"She won't suspect anything if it's just me, I'll lure her back here." Spike explained. "Alright, alright but make it FAST.
I want that bitch dead just as much as you." Spike's fist clenched in hidden anger as he walked towards Faye.
If she insulted Faye just one more time....Juliette watched him go, peering over at Faye in disgust. She couldn't help it,
Faye Valentine was going to die. Right now. By her hand.
Faye turned towards Spike's voice, gun drawn. "Faye, it's me." Spike said, touching her arm.
Faye gave him a smile, and hugged him tightly. As tightly as Juliette had, only it felt good to him. Incredibly good.
"You..." Faye said, her voice a bit shaky. "Don't you EVER leave me like that, you lunkhead!" Spike thought she was
going to be mad, but she didn't let go of him. Instead she looked into his dark, sexy eyes and kissed him like they'd only just
now fallen in love. Spike wanted more, much more. But Juliette was probably watching. "She's right behind me Faye, when
we go over.." But Faye wasn't listening. She was focused on the angry, betrayed and ready to kill blonde woman that was
runnning towards them.
Juliette couldn't take it anymore. Even if Spike was just playing along to lure her in. That was HER man Faye was kissing.
Spike turned around at Faye's words, and saw Juliette. Faye let go
of him, narrowing her eyes as she watched the blonde girl catch up to them. "Is that her?" Faye asked simply. Her voice was
way darker than normal. Had Faye really thought he'd go for another woman? Spike could only assume she had, because as soon as
Juliette was in range Faye stopped her dead with a punch that had started three miles behind her. She stood, seething
over the fallen Juliette, who's jaw was now badly swollen. "You obsessive BITCH! He's mine!" Faye shouted at her,
picking the woman up by her shirt. Juliette's eyes were aflame with
hate, as she broke Faye's grip and stood up. "Faye Valentine! How DARE you say that?!! Spike is MY man! He loves me!"
Spike felt slightly bad for having to deceive her, as looney as she was. "He does NOT." Faye corrected her.
"He was just playing along, to lead you here.
The brains behind that music master freak should be worth quite a large bounty, ya know."
Juliette facefaulted, not believing it. She looked past Faye, as Spike shrugged his shoulders and smirked.
Spike took his gun out, pointing it at Juliette as she had done with so many bounties.
"Spiiikkee!!" she cried out to him, the hurt in her eyes meeting his cold, "just buisiness" gaze.
Juliette turned back to Faye, who was now matching Spike's smirk with her own. Spike saw that she was going to
take it out on Faye, and sprinted towards the two women. "Faye! Look out she can fight!!" Spike shouted to her.
Faye held her plam out, signaling that she would handle it. Juliette saw her chance and rushed in at Faye,
trying to sweep her feet. Faye stepped back, and brought her heel down on Juliette's leg, grinding her boot into it.
Spike gawked, and realized there might have been a reason why Faye liked to watch him work out all the time.
Juliette had just enough time to scream in pain and pull her leg back, before Faye advanced on her. Scrambling to her feet,
Juliette cartwheeled away as Faye kicked. Spike watched, still amazed as Juliette ended up behind Faye and pulled her down
by her hair. Faye screamed, and Spike moved to stop the fight, as Faye grabebd Juliette's arm and twisted herself around. She
lost a bit of hair, but Juliette's arm was twisted the wrong way and she stumbled backwards, right into Faye's waiting arms.
Juliette tried to break free, but she was still off balance as Faye
threw her over her hip, dropping to one knee as Juliette fell and delivering a final punch to Juliette's ribs. Faye grabbed her gun,
which had been lost in the fight and was now on the ground near her feet. Juliette groaned in pain, as Faye put the barrel to
her forehead.
Spike was afraid, from the look in Faye's eyes that she'd actually pull the trigger. "Faye! The money Faye! Don't do it!"
He reminded her, running up to them. Faye gave Juliette a severely evil grin, as she put the gun away and slapped Juliette
across the face.
Jet's ship roared onto the scene, as Spike embraced Faye. Tears ran down her cheeks as she kissed him,.
"Faye..I'm so sorry, I didn't understand..." Spike began, crying a little as well.
"I do know what I've got here, I swear I do. And it's all I need. Can you ever forgive me?"
Spike waited for Faye's answer, as she touched his cheek, looking deep into his eyes. "Men ARE idiots, after all." She said,
smiling warmly. "I forgave you already, a long time ago."
Spike was extremely relieved to hear that, he felt like such a bastard for all this. For not realizing it.sooner.
"I'm gonna make this up to you, Faye..." Spike promised. Faye's grin and nod told him he most certainly would.
Jet came up to them, eyeing Spike as if he'd barely managed to make amends for all this.
"Come on, you two." He said sternly. "Let's go, before that hellcat wakes up." Spike looked over at Juliette,
unconscious and bruised. He nodded, taking Faye's hand. She was his, no doubt about that. And for as long as it took
to make amends, he was all hers.
Jet came into the rec room, chuckling as he passed Faye laid back against Spike on the couch.
Spike was rubbing her shoulders, after painting her nails, doing her share of the chores, and using most of his share of the bounty
to take her shopping and buy her the biggest bouquet of roses Jet had ever seen. "Don't let him off easy, Faye." Jet suggested,
gving Spike a laugh."Not even." Faye agreed, arching her back so that Spike's chin was touching her neck.
Spike smiled at her, kissing her neck as Faye stroked his hair. She had given Edward a job too, which she was busy working on.
Unoticed by Spike, Ed was hiding behind the couch. She had a paintbrush and a big jar of black paint. The shirt Spike was
wearing was her last target to hit.
Faye had told Edward to write something on all of Spike's shirts. Carefully, Ed touched the brush to Spike's back, and started
writing "Property of Faye Valentine."
THIS FIC IS DEDICATED TO MY LOVE AUDRA, FOR BEING EVERYTHING I NEED.
SEE YOU SPACE COWBOY................................................
Spike: Bonsai plants again, Jet?
Jet: Quiet you, they're good for your spirit!
Faye: And what does that mean, exactly?
Jet: Come on Faye, this takes a lot of focus!
Spike:Then, you should just give up.
Jet: Spike, your head looks like one of these things, so just stay out of it!
Faye: He's got a point there...
Jet: Would you two please go AWAY?
Spike: Next time, bonsai plants and bounties abound!
Spike dreamed of Faye. Not the woman that he had come to know and love, but the child he'd
seen in the beta tape. She was alone and scared, crying as she sat down and hugged her kness.
Spike stood there in the blackness, watching the poor kid. He moved slowly forward,
reacing his hand out to her. She looked up for a moment, and smiled at him. A warm, grateful
smile. Spike was almost close enough to touch her, just a bit farther and he could....As Spike
reached out to her Faye disapeared right before his eyes. He turned around in shock, as he
heard his own voice coming from behind him. The blackness around him faded away to color.
Spike stared in disbelief, as he found himself on the Bebop. He was standing in the rec room.
Another version of himself got up from the couch slowly, tears streaming down his face.
Spike remembered that day, how could he not? His other self walked to the viewport, lighting a
cigarette as he watched the blurred stars whiz by. Spike was frozen, unable to even speak.
He realized he was seeing into his own past, as an adult Faye came up behind his double.
The blackness returned for brief moment, drowning out the scene. It lifted again, and he saw
himself and Faye, sitting across from each other. His heart ached as Faye touched his cheek,
wiping away his tears. They kissed, and Spike immediately hated himself for what he'd done to
her. The blackness returned again, and this time no more images came. Spike closed his eyes,
remembering all that had been said that day, all the promises made. He'd meant everyone one
of them too. How had he allowed himself to be so blind? To actually believe Faye would ever
try to make him change? Had he thrown away his one chance? Pushed away the only woman
who would ever love him for who he was?
Spike awoke sharply, sitting up so quickly that he had to wince at the resulting pain from his
whole body. Even his hair hurt. He placed a hand on the brow of his head, as his vision slowly
cleared. He was in a bed, a BIG bed. The space next to him still held a faint impression of the
woman who had been sleeping there. Juliette. Spike shook his head slowly, laying back down.
He looked himself over, his wounds were all dressed. His shirt was missing. What had
happened? Spike could draw some sketchy conclusions, and he didn't like them.
He didn't deserve to be forgiven for this, not ever. Spike painfully got up, he'd been hurt worlds
worse than this before. But his inner turmoil made everything seem to be in slow motion.
The apartment was small, but spacious enough to be comfortable. Blue wallpaper covered the
interior, with minimal furniture. In fact, as he walked through the dwelling he saw only two
chairs, a table, a large dresser and a desk. The desk had papers and file folders strewn about
on it. Spike guessed it must have been where Juliette took care of her work. What had she said
she was, a medical student? Spike cocked an eyebrow as he picked up one of the overstuffed
folders, and started reading. His eyes went wide, as he gritted his teeth. He grabbed another
folder, and another. They were all dossiers, folders of information on wanted people. Spike
took one of the light cigarettes from the open pack atop the desk. Eyeing it critically, he put it in
his mouth, and looked around for his shirt. He finally found it stuffed under the bed.
Spike shook his head agan, as he pulled the shirt over his shoulders and took his matches from
the pocket. Lighting the cigarette, he searched for his gun, feeling very unsafe all of a sudden.
Juliette was a cowboy, just like him. Of course that didn't mean she'd lied, Spike mused as he
took a drag from the cigarette. She could have been making a joke when she said she was a
medical student, Faye was always doing that...The thought of Faye put an instantaneous frown
on his face. He could never go back to her now, not after he'd hurt her so badly. Spike tried to
rid himself of the thoughts in his head, as he found his gun. Still in it's holster, it had been hanging
on the doorknob of what looked to be a closet. The room sure wasn't big enough for much
else. Curious, Spike opened the door, straping the holster on tightly. The small room was
extremely dark, Spike barely saw the string hanging from the light bulb. He pulled it as he took
another drag of the cigg. Man, these things were RANCID. "Oh...shit..." Was all Spike could
say, as his mouth dropped open, the cigarette falling to the floor.
Spike stood in the open doorway, not knowing how to handle what he saw before him. He'd
been half-right in his assumption, it was more of a storeroom than a closet. The walls were
plastered with enlarged photos, all of him. Some were so big that they could've been used as
tablecloths. Some of them had things written on them, odd little phrases that made him almost
proud. "Sexy man." "World's greatest cowboy." There was even a picture of him outside
a police station, with Faye close behind. On that one, someone had written something in huge
red letters, right over Faye."BITCH." Spike backed away, not wanting to believe he'd been stupid enough
to let himself be drawn into something like this, that he didn't see it coming. Not only was Juliette a cowboy,
she was obbsessed with who she thought was the king of bounty hunters, Spike Spiegel. And she
saw Faye as a direct obstacle in her way. The whole thing at the club had been a setup from
minute one. Of course she seemed perfect, Spike realized. The amount of info she had on him
was insane!
Spike whirled around, hearing footsteps closing in from outside. He closed the door, replaced
his holster and shirt, and took the cigarette back to bed with him. The things were crap, but he
REALLY needed a stress reliever. Spike finished it just as the doorknob turned, and Juliette
entered the apartment. Spike faked pain, and after the cigarette it wasn't all fake, as Juliette
approached the bed. He pretended to be just waking up. "Oh, how's my heroic Spike doing?"
Juliette asked, her sweet voice carrying a slight edge of concern. Spike groaned, turning on his
side, regarding the end of the bed she'd slept in. He looked at it, then at her, an exagerrated
look that anyone would understand. "No, no you naughty boy!" She exclaimed, sounding more
embarrased than mad at the suggestion. "You just slept so long, I got tired watching over you,
and you looked so peaceful I just had to curl up on there with you!" She explained, leaning over
him. Spike thought about reminding her that Faye never got tired of watching over him. but she
couldn't suspect anything, or he might never leave this place. His eyes widened with surprise,
as Juliette bent further over him and kissed his lips. It was then that he noticed the smell.
Faint, almost undetectable, but it was still there. Kerosene. Juliette pulled back, sensing his
uneasyness. "Still hurts, doesn't it? I'm so sorry you got hurt Spike." Juliette said. She sat down
beside him and sat him up, rubbing his shoulders. Spike winced as pain attacked his body.
"Mmmm..." Spike mumered, sounding fairly convincing. The truth was that he perferred doing
this kind of thing himself, and she wasn't very good at it anyway. "Like that?" Juliette asked
softly, resting her body against his naked back. Spike nodded, craning his neck back so that
their cheeks touched. Spike was anything but content however. How had he been this stupid?
He thought back to the night before, at the club. The music master had shown up, and Spike
had been ready to deal with him. Then Juliette had come to the booth, putting on an impressive
act. and throwing his mind into that horrible sturggle between the good thing he had, and the
great thing that could come to be. Spike realized now that there should never have been any
contest, that it's always better to take what is assured. He was amazed at how well Faye had
him figured out. She had been trying to tell him to stop chasing dreams, to slow down and
enjoy what he had. He should have listened to her. It had been a mistake to take the hit alone.
Jet and Faye. His friend and partner, his love. They knew he could handle someone like the
music master alone, that hadn't been the point. Jet's words echoed in Spike's mind, blending
with the pain of having his shoulder rubbed. "We're partners, goddamnit. Doesn't that mean
anything to you?" Spike understood now, what they had been trying to tell him. They were a
team, maybe they didn't always get along, but they were a team. And Faye. She only wanted
him to stop trying to find something better, the next best thing. To realize he had all he needed
already. Spike's momentary infatuation with Juliette had been purely superficial. He had allowed
all they shared in common to matter more than someone who's always there for you. And his
current situation was a direct result of it. Not only was Juliette obsessed with him, she had been
working with the music master, pouring fuel all over the clubs while everyone was distracted by
the huge man. Spike remembered that he had thought the music master had already doused the
club before the fight started. But in reality, it had been Juliette. It would be a simple matter to
sneak around with a fuel pod while a giant roughed up the DJ. Spike pulled away from Juliette's
grip gently, taking her hand. The fact that she had let him take out the music master, even helped
him do it, meant that she had no more use for him, and was looking for a new partner.
Spike realized he had to tread softly, but that wasn't his style. He'd have to keep up the act
with Juliette, long enough to lure her into a trap set by himself and Jet, with Faye as bait. A team
effort, that might help them to see that Spike agreed with what they had been trying to say. The
person manipulating the music master would be worth at least double his bounty, but first he
needed proof. Juliette smoothly moved to face him, kissing his lips again. "You taste like
cigarettes, Spike.." She said, the sweetness draining from her voice as suspicion took it's place.
Spike gave her a smirk, acting as innocent as he knew how. "I...woke up and needed one, I
took one of yours." He explained, keeping calm. Juliette looked from the pack on her desk to
Spike, and back the to the desk. Did I put all the files back? Spike wondered, seeing her eyes
narrow. Sh wasn't quite buying it. Juliette knew enough about him, to know he was too curious
to take a cigarette from the desk without giving the paperwork a look. Spike would have to lay
the act on a bit thicker. He put a pained, regretful look on his face as Juliette took the pack
from the desktop, putting one in her mouth. The flame from the lighter reflected on her face,
as she eyed him. She looked mad. very mad. In Spike's opinion he had fought the more stable
of the twosome last night. "I'm sorry dear...." Spike whined, getting up and walking over to her.
He really didn't find her so beautiful anymore, not with all he knew now. Not nearly as beautiful
as Faye. "The pain was killing me, all I could think about was having a cigarette.." He continued.
His arms embraced Juliette, and her face changed into that of a little girl who's just gotten her
birthday wish. She held him tightly, so much that he had to stop himself from convulsing in pain.
"No, it's all right Spike, I understand." Juliette assured him, stroking his head. Spike closed his
eyes, trying to think of Faye. Her hand moved to cover the back of his neck, as she drew him
closer. "I don't know what I was thinking, you've been in bed recovering all day." She
apologized, smiling as she closed her eyes. "Of course, you've been asleep almost two whole
days, you MUST have been dying for a cigarette." Two days? Spike's eyes opened suddenly.
It had been two days since he'd gone to the club? "By the way, thank you for my life. I didn't
get a chance to thank you before.." Juliette said, as her hands moved slowly downwards.
Spike felt awful saying the words, but she'd left him a big opening, and everything was weighing
on his ability to keep up the guise. "No, thank you Juliette. You're the most wonderful woman.."
Juliette swooned, as her lower hand found his hip. She gripped it tightly, resting her head on his
shoulder. "I love you, Spike. I have for a long time." She admitted, as her upper hand moved
from his neck to stroke his cheek. "I..love you too, Juliette. I've never met someone so much
like me." Spike replied, trying to find a way to make her leave. "Except, maybe for our taste in
cigarettes. Those lights are..." Juliette smiled, slowly letting go of him. "I'll go get you some." She
said simply, letting her hand trail across the length of his chin. Bingo, Spike thought. He'd done
it. But he couldn't keep doing it much longer. He had to work fast. Someone like her would
probably make a few extra stops to get him a gift, if he played it right he could buy himself time.
"I could go too, I'm feeling a lot better now that you're back." He said, putting as much charm
into the statement as he could. Juliette smiled at him, pulling a leather black jacket over the tshirt
she wore. It was cut off at her midriff, showing just enough to be distracting. The jacket clashed
with her loose fitting jeans pretty badly, and she had let down her long, dirty blonde hair.
"No, you stay here and sleep some more." Juliette insisted, waving a playfully stern finger at him.
"I can't have you dying on me, darling." She added, smiling at him with full, pouty lips as she
went out the door. Spike smiled wide, scratching the back of his head as he chuckled.
The smile faded simultaneously with the door closing behind Juliette. Spike figured he had 30
minutes at best to get everything set up. Two days, he'd been gone for two days. Spike
frowned, thinking about the condition Faye must be in by now. "I'm such a bastard."
Spike growled, as he put his shirt back on. He found his jacket underneath the strewn
bedcovers, and dug his emergency cigarettes out of the pocket. Half a pack, not bad,
he mused as he put one in his mouth. He struck a match as he retrieved his holster, taking a long
drag from the cigarette. His gun was still strapped in, thankfully. He didn't want to think about
what would be going through Juliette's head now, if she'd seen fit to take it.
Spike looked around for his comm. unit, and spied it on top if the refrigarator. He reclaimed it
and opened the refrigarator, seeing lots of beef and a few pre-made hamburgers. Man, Spike
thought. She's really done her homework on me. He took two of the hamburgers, and placed
them inside what he guessed was one of those old mini ovens from the 20th. The kind that could
heat things up quickly. Microwaves, were they called? He and Jet had seen lots of them in the
Earth museum, but they were only able to carry so much back to the ship. Spike allowed himself
to reminisce about that day, when they'd found out the difference between beta and VHS.
Spike still didn't understand it very well, but that's what they had Edward for, after all.
He pushed a few buttons on the little oven's panel, and it beeped at him. Annoyed, Spike
brought his fist down on the top of it, and pushed more buttons. Something inside hummed.
The little table was turning around now. Spike guessed that meant it was working.
He thought about Jet and Faye, even Ed and the mutt as he turned the comm. unit on.
It was crucial that he get through to them now, God only knows when he'd be able to get away
from Juliette again. Things had always been so weird on the Bebop. Always picking up another
crew member, something was always broken, and nothing ever went as planned. But he missed
it now, he missed life on the Bebop, and all it's inhabitants quite a bit. The comm.unit beeped.
Spike pushed the call button, glad that the batteries had held out. The little oven beeped at him
again, and Spike turned to look at it, growling. The small display window said "done".
Spike opened the oven and looked inside. His burgers were steaming hot. Spike took them out,
put some cheese on them and scarfed them down. No need for buns here.
Spike's comm. unit kept trying to reach the Bebop, with no luck yet. Ten minutes had passed,
and he still had a lot to do. Jet's face appeared on the comm. unit screen, and greeted the caller
with a grumpy "yo." Spike grinned, finding a stack of cola cans in the refrigarator also. He took
one and grabbed the comm. unit, grateful to hear the old dog's voice again. "Jet, listen I don't
have much time to explain, but it's not what you're thinking." Jet's face glared at him,disbelieving.
"You mean, that wasn't a sexy young girl you were kissing? Right in front of Faye no less!"
Jet barked the words at him. Spike sighed, aware that it must have looked pretty bad if
they had been there. "Jet, I'm sorry. I'm an idiot ok? But it wasn't that at all, really!"
Spike apologized, watching the clock on the wall. Fifteen more minutes. Spike heard sobbing in
the backround, as Faye snatched the comm. unit from Jet. "Then what WAS IT??!!" Faye
screeched, just as Spike knew she would. Faye's face was taking up the screen now, full of
sadness and anger. "Go ahead and EXPLAIN to me what you were doing with her!!!"
Faye's cheeks were wet with tears. Spike's grin gave way to a truly guilty frown, as he lit
another cigarette. "Faye, she kissed ME. We barely made it out alive. The music master
jumped me, and she helped me out." Spike explained, hoping she wouldn't hang up until he'd
finished. He almost got wish, as Faye screamed "ASSHOLE!!" And hurled the comm.unit
across the room. Spike sighed, shaking his head. He really had deserved that. Jet picked the
comm.unit up, as Spike took a look at the clock. Only ten minutes left, unless he'd managed
to sweet talk Juliette enough for her to buy a few other things. "Spike." Jet addressed him.
Spike only nodded, and pleaded with Jet again. "Jet, please you've got to tell her."
Jet looked decisive for a moment, than ran his metal hand down his face, which meant he was
about to do something against his better judgement. "So, talk." Jet answered finally.
Spike breathed a sigh of relief, and began explaining. "Look Jet, I admit I was taken by her at
first, but you have no IDEA what's happened. We can still come out of this with a nice wad of
cash!" Jet blinked, looking rather surprised. Was it the mention of money? "You just said we,
and money in the same sentence, Spike. Now I KNOW you're lying." Spike facefaulted.
Was it really true that he seemed so selfish? "No Jet, I'm not." Spike corrected him, smiling as
he tossed the empty cola can aside. Jet perked up a bit, as if he wanted to believe it, but knew
better. "I get it now Jet, what you were telling me before I left." Spike continued. He needed to
hang up soon, but Jet and Faye had to believe him first. "Spike.." was all Jet could say, and
Faye had crept behind him, looking at the screen with a small glint of hope in her eyes.
Spike smiled, seeing that Faye was going to give him a chance to explain as well.
"My ego got in my way, Jet. I thought you guys were making it like I couldn't handle this guy.
But you were trying to tell me something completely different. That we're a team, you and Faye and me, the kid and mutt too.
We're a team of bounty hunters and we have to stick together. I should have waited for you guys.
And really, with what I know about her now, she's the dangerous one."
"Juliette?" Faye asked, bewildered. She gave Spike a look that said volumes about him and exactly where he could stick it.
Jet was about to try and calm her down, but there were only five minues left. Spike turned on Juliette's computer,
and took a guess at the password. "Juliette Spiegel." The computer started up instantly. Spike shivered a bit,
vowing to never leave Faye again if they got out of this. "Listen, Jet." Spike said, hoping Edward was awake.
"I'm almost out of time, but here's the deal." Jet and Faye both leaned in intently,although Faye held
onto the glint in her eye. "She was working WITH the music master, she's a hunter too.
She doused the clubs while gorilla boy kept everyone in panic. But she helped me take him out that night.
So she's looking to partner up with ME next. She's obsessed with me, totally, and she'll be back any minute!"
Spike looked at the clock again, damn. thirty minutes had already gone by, but it was too late now.
He'd just have to wing it like usual. "Obsessed with YOU? Oh please.." Faye scowled, starting to leave.
Jet caught her arm, and nodded to her. She looked from Jet to the screen, and for a second Spike saw her smile a bit,
wanting to believe he hadn't left her. "Faye, listen she's after you. She's got so much info on all of us it's unreal!
She thinks you're a threat to her!" Faye blinked, thought about that for a bit. "So then ,why haven't you left yet?
Why are you still there instead of here with me?" Faye asked him, her eyes showing concern.
Jet had a serious look too, they believed him. "Because she was the one behind the music master the whole time,
and I've got her believing I'm in love with her." Spike continued, hoping Faye wouldn't take that the wrong way.
She only gave him a slightly evil eye though, and waited for more. Jet rubbed his temples, and popped two asprin in his mouth.
Spike tried acessing Juliette's computer files, and found a registration form with her full name. Looking nervously at the clock,
he picked up the comm.unit again. thirty five minutes and counting. "Ok, Jet. Her name's Juliette Starling.
You and Edward cross-reference her name with everything you can find on the music master.
Once you have enough to prove that she was pulling his strings get it to the police."
Jet blinked, eyes wide while Faye smirked. She knew Spike wouldn't fall for some hussy and then turn her in.
"Alright, easy enough." Jet agreed, grinning at Spike.
"But my opinion on you staying on the Bebop is the same until we've got the money in our hands."
Spike grinned, glad that Jet hadn't been TOO worried. "Right." Spike said, nodding.
"But Spike, if she's really as dangerous as all that, how're we going to catch her? You got some kinda plan?"
Jet was giving him the weird pursed lips look again. Spike smirked, amused by Faye, who was grinning wider with every word.
He was sure the only thing better for her than getting him back, was stabbing the wench in the back and turning her in as well.
"I'm glad you like this idea, Faye." Spike stated, relishing being able to see her after two days in obsesser's country.
Faye gave Spike a look that told him he was still in the doghouse. "Why are you so glad about THAT, pray tell?"
Faye asked sarcastically. Spike smirked again. She really did know him. "Because you're the main part of it, Faye."
Spike answered, hearing footsteps outside, and a strange, off key hum not nearly as plesant as Faye's.
Spike shut the computer down, making sure his gun was in place. "What? How's that exactly?"
Faye asked, not liking what she was hearing.
"She wants you out of the picture, right?" Spike explained, hoping Faye would go along with it.
He heard a key being fit into the door. "Look Faye, she's back, I gotta split. Just be at the big water fountain on TJ in an hour,
ok? And make sure Jet and Ed get that info to the police by then!" Spike was whipering as loud as he could,
but he didn't want to risk Juliette hearing him. "Hold on a damn minute!!! You mean?!" Spike cut Faye off regretfully,
and tossed the comm.unit back on the refrigarator. The door opened, as Spike leaned against the wall, lighting another smoke.
Time for act 2. He just hoped Faye trusted him enough to be there.
"I'm baackk honey!" Juliette cheered, running to him. Spike hugged her tightly, trying not to
shudder. "Wha? You're all dressed! Felling better then?" Juliette pointed out, as Spike gave her a smile.
"Yeah, and I had some cigarettes in my jacket already. Sorry you had to go through the trouble.."
Juliette winked, handing him a carton of smokes. "No trouble, Spike. I picked up a few other things anyhow."
Spike acted surprised, as he thought of how glad he was that he went the extra mile on the sweet talk.
Juliette emptied the shopping bag, and presented him with a silver zippo lighter. "No more flimsy matches for MY man!"
She explained, dropping it into his jacket pocket. "Thanks...?" Was all Spike could say. He had been expecting roses,
or maybe a new tie or something. But a zippo? He liked matches! Spike's jaw dropped as he saw handcuffs among
the other items. "Don't worry about the cigarettes, sweetie." Juliette assured him, as her jacket came off, followed by her tshirt.
"You'll go through a lot of them with what I'VE got planned." She laughed playfully, and nuzzled up against Spike's chest.
Spike was fighting off the urge to scream and run through the door, or the wall, if needed.
"Jules, honey.." Spike protested slightly as she moved him over to the bed. He let go of her as she tried to ease him down.
I DO love you." Spike repeated, holding her at a distance by her shoulders. "And I love YOU." Juliette replied, reaching for his
waist and trying to kiss him. Spike backed off, barely stopping his hand from grabbing his gun. Juliette blinked, confused.
"So, then, what's the matter?" She asked. Spike saw the suspicious, anrgy look starting to return. "Nothing, really, just that.."
Spike covered, hugging her as lightly as possible. "What? You like to do it to jazz?" She offered, moving to the stereo
near the bed. Spike sighed, tempted to just shoot her. But then there would be no bounty, his only redeeming factor in this mess.
"No, Jules it's not that. If we're going to be together, then Faye..." Juliette turned to face him sharply, hate filling her eyes.
"Faye Valentine?! That bitch?" She hissed. Spike thought that not only was she scarier than Faye, but Vicous too.
What about her?!" Juliette demanded, annoyed at the name coming bewteen her and the man she loved. "She's gotta go. To Hell."
Spike said, taking all the hate from hearing such an unstable person call his Faye a bitch and putting it into the words.
It worked. Juliette looked at him with adoration, joyed that her man wanted Faye dead as much as she did. "That can wait, lover..."
Juliette stated, slinking her arms around his waist and kissing him forcefully. "No, it can't." Spike insisted, not kissing back.
Juliette looked pouty, then critical. "But how will we find her? They're always moving in that tub of grease ship, you know."
Spike smirked, reminding himself to tell Jet about that one, maybe even let him have a swing at her. "Easy." Spike assured her,
touching her chin. "Her and I made a promise, that if we were ever seperated, we'd meet at the water fountain on Tijuwana."
Juliette grinned at him slyly, loving the idea that their secret meeting place would be Faye Valentine's grave. "It's been two days,
she'll be there." Spike assured her, taking her hand.
Juliette looked down, at their entwined hands, then back up at his face. She nodded slowly, already anticipating the deathblow.
"Let's go." She whispered, her lips almost touching his ear.
Spike glanced at the clock one last time, and nodded back to her. A grin he'd used in the old days graced his face,
a truly evil grin. "Yeah, let's go...Darling." He said as she got dressed.
Faye looked around, wondering just why she'd agreed to this. That's right, she hadn't. Spike
had cut her off before she'd even had a chance to answer. Afterwards, Jet had explained
exactly why she was so important to this "plan" of theirs. Faye had been so mad, she almost
hadn't come. But here she was anyway. An hour had passed since Spike had called, and still
nothing. Faye glanced across the street at her redtail. If this Juliette wench really had it in for her, the ship might be a target.
Like she cared. The bitch had preyed on Spike's weaknesses,
and wanted to be his lover, which only showed how big an idiot Spike could be. But, he was HER big idiot
and she wasn't going to let some tramp take him away without a fight. Spike had sounded so freaked out when he'd called,
she must be something else. Spike wasn't the type to get scared easily, and he had a soft spot for women.
For him of all people to be afraid of one was almost funny. Her comm. unit beeped, but she hesitated to answer it.
If this plan really relied on Spike's act, she could blow it all by looking like she was expecting something.
Spike WOULD make this up to her later, she'd see to that. But she was more concerned with getting him back and getting
the money right now. The comm.unit continued to beep, and she finally took the call. "Faye Faye!! came Edward's hyper voice.
"Shhh!! What is it Ed?" Faye asked, glancing around in case they showed up. "All is set, m'lady!
The police know evvveryything about Spikey's girlfriend now!" Faye scowled at Edward, gripping the comm.unit
tightly. "She is NOT his girlfriend! Spike's just pretending to..." Ed grinned madly, laughing at Faye.
"Ah hah, Faye Faye is jealous? Ed knew she was!! Faye Faye wants to be Spikey's girlfriend!!" Faye gave Ed a final dirty look
and turned the unit off. Stupid kid, she thought.
Doesn't she know by now that we're already together? Faye turned her attention skyward, looking for a ship. She had no idea
what they'd arrive in, but Spike had planned all this. He 'd give her some signal, wouldn't he? Faye rested against the fountain's edge,
making sure her gun was ready.
Spike surveyed the fountain from across the street, spotting Faye as she leaned up against it.
"Knew she'd be here." Spike assured Juliette. Juliette only nodded, scowling as she regarded Faye. "Ok, so let's hurry up and go!"
She demanded, grabbing Spike's hand as she crossed the street. Faye was looking at the sky, probably expecting them
to arrive in a ship, Spike thought.
He had to give her some kind of warning or at least a signal. "Wait, I should go alone." Spike suggested,
stopping as they neared the fountain. Juliette gave him an impatient look. She was getting sick of all these setbacks.
"She won't suspect anything if it's just me, I'll lure her back here." Spike explained. "Alright, alright but make it FAST.
I want that bitch dead just as much as you." Spike's fist clenched in hidden anger as he walked towards Faye.
If she insulted Faye just one more time....Juliette watched him go, peering over at Faye in disgust. She couldn't help it,
Faye Valentine was going to die. Right now. By her hand.
Faye turned towards Spike's voice, gun drawn. "Faye, it's me." Spike said, touching her arm.
Faye gave him a smile, and hugged him tightly. As tightly as Juliette had, only it felt good to him. Incredibly good.
"You..." Faye said, her voice a bit shaky. "Don't you EVER leave me like that, you lunkhead!" Spike thought she was
going to be mad, but she didn't let go of him. Instead she looked into his dark, sexy eyes and kissed him like they'd only just
now fallen in love. Spike wanted more, much more. But Juliette was probably watching. "She's right behind me Faye, when
we go over.." But Faye wasn't listening. She was focused on the angry, betrayed and ready to kill blonde woman that was
runnning towards them.
Juliette couldn't take it anymore. Even if Spike was just playing along to lure her in. That was HER man Faye was kissing.
Spike turned around at Faye's words, and saw Juliette. Faye let go
of him, narrowing her eyes as she watched the blonde girl catch up to them. "Is that her?" Faye asked simply. Her voice was
way darker than normal. Had Faye really thought he'd go for another woman? Spike could only assume she had, because as soon as
Juliette was in range Faye stopped her dead with a punch that had started three miles behind her. She stood, seething
over the fallen Juliette, who's jaw was now badly swollen. "You obsessive BITCH! He's mine!" Faye shouted at her,
picking the woman up by her shirt. Juliette's eyes were aflame with
hate, as she broke Faye's grip and stood up. "Faye Valentine! How DARE you say that?!! Spike is MY man! He loves me!"
Spike felt slightly bad for having to deceive her, as looney as she was. "He does NOT." Faye corrected her.
"He was just playing along, to lead you here.
The brains behind that music master freak should be worth quite a large bounty, ya know."
Juliette facefaulted, not believing it. She looked past Faye, as Spike shrugged his shoulders and smirked.
Spike took his gun out, pointing it at Juliette as she had done with so many bounties.
"Spiiikkee!!" she cried out to him, the hurt in her eyes meeting his cold, "just buisiness" gaze.
Juliette turned back to Faye, who was now matching Spike's smirk with her own. Spike saw that she was going to
take it out on Faye, and sprinted towards the two women. "Faye! Look out she can fight!!" Spike shouted to her.
Faye held her plam out, signaling that she would handle it. Juliette saw her chance and rushed in at Faye,
trying to sweep her feet. Faye stepped back, and brought her heel down on Juliette's leg, grinding her boot into it.
Spike gawked, and realized there might have been a reason why Faye liked to watch him work out all the time.
Juliette had just enough time to scream in pain and pull her leg back, before Faye advanced on her. Scrambling to her feet,
Juliette cartwheeled away as Faye kicked. Spike watched, still amazed as Juliette ended up behind Faye and pulled her down
by her hair. Faye screamed, and Spike moved to stop the fight, as Faye grabebd Juliette's arm and twisted herself around. She
lost a bit of hair, but Juliette's arm was twisted the wrong way and she stumbled backwards, right into Faye's waiting arms.
Juliette tried to break free, but she was still off balance as Faye
threw her over her hip, dropping to one knee as Juliette fell and delivering a final punch to Juliette's ribs. Faye grabbed her gun,
which had been lost in the fight and was now on the ground near her feet. Juliette groaned in pain, as Faye put the barrel to
her forehead.
Spike was afraid, from the look in Faye's eyes that she'd actually pull the trigger. "Faye! The money Faye! Don't do it!"
He reminded her, running up to them. Faye gave Juliette a severely evil grin, as she put the gun away and slapped Juliette
across the face.
Jet's ship roared onto the scene, as Spike embraced Faye. Tears ran down her cheeks as she kissed him,.
"Faye..I'm so sorry, I didn't understand..." Spike began, crying a little as well.
"I do know what I've got here, I swear I do. And it's all I need. Can you ever forgive me?"
Spike waited for Faye's answer, as she touched his cheek, looking deep into his eyes. "Men ARE idiots, after all." She said,
smiling warmly. "I forgave you already, a long time ago."
Spike was extremely relieved to hear that, he felt like such a bastard for all this. For not realizing it.sooner.
"I'm gonna make this up to you, Faye..." Spike promised. Faye's grin and nod told him he most certainly would.
Jet came up to them, eyeing Spike as if he'd barely managed to make amends for all this.
"Come on, you two." He said sternly. "Let's go, before that hellcat wakes up." Spike looked over at Juliette,
unconscious and bruised. He nodded, taking Faye's hand. She was his, no doubt about that. And for as long as it took
to make amends, he was all hers.
Jet came into the rec room, chuckling as he passed Faye laid back against Spike on the couch.
Spike was rubbing her shoulders, after painting her nails, doing her share of the chores, and using most of his share of the bounty
to take her shopping and buy her the biggest bouquet of roses Jet had ever seen. "Don't let him off easy, Faye." Jet suggested,
gving Spike a laugh."Not even." Faye agreed, arching her back so that Spike's chin was touching her neck.
Spike smiled at her, kissing her neck as Faye stroked his hair. She had given Edward a job too, which she was busy working on.
Unoticed by Spike, Ed was hiding behind the couch. She had a paintbrush and a big jar of black paint. The shirt Spike was
wearing was her last target to hit.
Faye had told Edward to write something on all of Spike's shirts. Carefully, Ed touched the brush to Spike's back, and started
writing "Property of Faye Valentine."
THIS FIC IS DEDICATED TO MY LOVE AUDRA, FOR BEING EVERYTHING I NEED.
SEE YOU SPACE COWBOY................................................
Spike: Bonsai plants again, Jet?
Jet: Quiet you, they're good for your spirit!
Faye: And what does that mean, exactly?
Jet: Come on Faye, this takes a lot of focus!
Spike:Then, you should just give up.
Jet: Spike, your head looks like one of these things, so just stay out of it!
Faye: He's got a point there...
Jet: Would you two please go AWAY?
Spike: Next time, bonsai plants and bounties abound!