NB: Blah blah blah.
Ok. So I've been spitting these out like a bad taste in my mouth, but I can't help it. My two weeks of summer holiday ended yesterday and I have to go back to the university tonight. That place saps my bank account and my soul. So needless to say, updates may come a bit slower after this...but not much slower. Just a bit.
Actually...this one is taking longer than I expected...must think...
Ja, ja, I know. Just get ON with it.
So here is it. Chapter 4.
**
Homecoming: Wonton Wonder.
**
They had said their many thanks, and were now requesting Spike's leave.
The holy woman was not fond of the idea that Spike should just get up and go that very day. She stood before him with her arms crossed, and their eyes were level. Spike wasn't quite steady on his feet, and she was tempted to use that against him. When Faye left to find Ed, Krai took the opportunity to speak squarely with Spike.
"Its not even close to being completely healed you know. The wound hasn't even sealed. It's a wonder the skin hasn't just turned black and fallen away."
Spike looked indifferent. He simply shrugged; buttoning up a black shirt Krai had offered him. He found that while his usual yellow shirt was clean, it was full of holes and tears.
"I can take care of myself," he said as he sat on the edge of the bed, pulling on his socks and boots.
"Not if you continue with the attitude that got you here in the first place," Krai snapped, the sound of her voice causing Spike to look up at her. "Now allow me to make myself perfectly clear." She ignored the bleak expression on her patient's face. "Any sudden movement or strenuous activity may cause the wound to re-open. Then you're up shit creek."
"You swear a lot, for a priest," Spike muttered.
"I only utter the necessities. Now don't change the subject!"
"Your language makes me uncomfortable." He spoke lightly, putting his hands behind his head and stretching.
"And your lies make me laugh." There was no humour in Krai's voice.
"So you're saying that I should just sit around all day?" Spike shook his head.
"If it will keep you out of trouble, yes," Krai replied, then she lowered her tone. "Life isn't a video game, Mr. Spiegel. You can't just toss it around with the hopes that you'll continue to re-spawn. Don't think you have nothing to lose anymore. That young woman didn't come here today while on a simple Sunday stroll. And Ed seems incredibly fond of you."
Spike yawned and Krai rolled her eyes.
"I wish you luck, Mr. Spiegel." The holy woman turned to leave. "You're going to need it."
**
As she expected, Faye found Ed sleeping in the next room. She had curled herself up on the small coffee table, using the large bible as a pillow. When Faye touched her shoulder, Ed shot up stiffly, though she still seemed asleep. Her face had been pressed against the pages of the book long enough for the print to transfer onto her face.
"We should sell you to this place," Faye smirked. "You can be their walking billboard."
It wasn't long before Krai exited Spike's room, looking a little less than pleased.
"I trust my instructions for his continued treatment were clear?" she asked, and Faye knew the older woman did not want him leaving. But Faye was not going to ask Spike to stay any longer. If he wanted to return to the Bebop with her and Ed that very day, she was more than willing to comply. She would make sure he didn't do anything stupid.
"Perfectly," Faye replied, then crossed her arms and looked over at Spike who was still in the next room. "I'll keep him in line."
"Then I wish you luck as well," the holy woman sighed. "That man is a stubborn ass." With that, she nodded at Faye and left her to take Spike out of her care.
**
For the next two weeks, life on the Bebop left little to be desired. No one fought, no one complained, and everyone pulled his or her weight for a change. Everyone except Spike. Life was especially good for Spike, if he didn't count the constant ache on his abdomen and the recurring nightmares. Other than that, he was treated like a guest, and he liked it.
The day started off with hot water. Spike didn't know how Faye managed it, but she always saved him more hot water than he could use. After a comfortably long shower, he was treated with the first cup of coffee from the pot. He didn't know who got the cup with all the grounds. He didn't really care, as long as it wasn't him. After his coffee, Faye always checked and treated the gash on his stomach. She didn't goad him on, she didn't call him an idiot, and best of all, and she didn't bring up how he got it.
Faye was acting especially kind towards him. He couldn't imagine why. In fact, it confused the hell out of him, but he didn't mention it. //Why ruin a good thing? I like not having to do my laundry.\\
She was always considering him, always trying to make his life easier. She would pick up after him, collect, wash and dry his laundry. She would bring him snacks from the galley, adjust the TV reception for him, and buy him cigarettes. Spike had never seen a stranger sight. He never imagined Faye, with her skimpy yellow outfit and quick temper, to regard him with anything more than annoyance. And yet, he wasn't quite sure what she regarded him with now. And how long would it last?
Spike spent a lot of time in the common room, lounging on the yellow couch. Jet joined him often since his return, and the two sat in meditative silence. Or in mild amusement when Ed and Ein were present.
Faye had gone out earlier that day to pick up groceries. When she returned, her three crewmates regarded her with raised eyebrows. Spike tilted his head over the back of the yellow couch.
"What did you bring me?"
"Souvenir!" Ed sang.
Faye tossed Spike a pack of cigarettes and stuck her tongue out at Ed before she disappeared for the galley. Ed growled after her.
"Life is grand," Spike mused, opening his cigarette pack. He took a cigarette then tossed the pack to Jet, who helped himself.
"Don't get used to it," Jet warned, though he saw that Spike wasn't listening. Jet thought he looked far too tired for his own good. Before he could comment, Faye reappeared.
"So what do you want? Shrimp or pork?"
Jet and Spike looked at her in question while Ed, seeming to have forgiven the older woman, danced around her.
"SHRIMP!"
Ein barked as if in agreement.
Faye didn't appear to care for their opinion.
"Pork." Jet offered, and wasn't surprised to see her ignore his opinion as well. He crossed his arms and looked over a Spike expectantly.
Lighting his cigarette, Spike took a long drag. He sat back, draping his arms over the back of the yellow couch.
"For what?" he said out of the side of his mouth. He stole a glance at her, but it was short lived. He had trouble making eye contact with her. He wouldn't openly admit it. Not even to himself. If he did admit it, then he'd have to explain it, and he knew he couldn't.
"I'm making wontons," Faye replied, as if it was nothing of consequence. Spike nearly choked.
"You're what!?"
Ed shrieked in delight.
"Ed and Ein LOVE wontons!"
"So what do you want? Shrimp or pork?"
"SHRIMP!" Ed shouted again, picking up Ein and squeezing him. The dog yelped.
"Pork!" Jet said again, arms still crossed, daring Spike to contradict his preference.
Spike sat for several moments, eyes narrowed as if in deep thought. His crewmates waited expectantly.
"Shrimp," he said finally, earning glee from Ed and a disgruntled sound from Jet. "AND pork." At that, both Jet AND Ed made a disgruntled sound.
"You mean some of each?" Faye asked.
Spike stuck his nose in the air and waved a finger at her as if she were a child.
"All-in-one!" he replied, and at that, his stomach growled.
"Ok." Faye turned to leave and Spike and Jet looked after her in a mixture of amazement and confusion.
"Can you bring me a coke while you're at it?" Spike called after her.
"Ok."
Spike and Jet exchanged looks of disbelief.
"Life IS grand," Spike said again with a grin, and shifted so that he could stretch out on the couch.
"Like I said," Jet replied, getting up. "Don't get used to it."
**
Faye had been working for nearly two hours before Spike came into the galley. She was in the process of filling the wonton papers with the shrimp and pork concoction. Spike leaned against the entryway, and Faye could feel his eyes on her. He thought she looked strange in Jet's apron. Very strange. When Faye looked over at him, he diverted his eyes.
"Smells good," he said. "I didn't know you could cook."
"Thanks," Faye replied, turning away. But Spike saw her blush. "My grandma taught me to make these when I was younger..." she paused. "At least, I think that's what I remember."
"Did you need something?" she asked after several moments.
"Well," Spike began, shrugging. "I was waiting for my coke, but it never came."
Faye made a little noise, stopping what she was doing when she remembered that she forgot to get him his coke. She immediately put down the wonton she was working on and retrieved a coke for Spike. They both avoided each other's glances when Faye handed him the can, and they both froze as their fingers touched. Faye thought they stood there for what seemed hours, and her face felt as though it was on fire.
"You know," Spike finally broke the silence. Faye was shocked into looking up at him, and she was surprised to see him finally looking at her. She almost smiled. "For someone claiming to hate me, you sure dote on me. You're going to make me think you don't hate me at all." He stepped closer, not really knowing what he was doing.
"I do not," Faye whispered, looking away, and her already red face became even redder. She pulled her hand from his. //Does this mean he heard what I said at the church?\\ Faye felt herself get annoyed, and somewhat angry at Spike for not mentioning it at the time. And then she was angry at him for joking about it now.
"Don't what? Hate me or dote on me?" He was joking, but Faye felt her anger flare.
//Asshole! How dare he make light of my efforts? After all I did for him, after lowering myself enough to take care of him! Is this his idea of a 'thank-you?'\\
"Dote on you!" she hissed.
"Ouch."
Faye snatched back the coke. It gave her sudden pleasure knowing that it was the last one. She pushed past him, leaving her wontons unfinished.
Spike was left standing with a bitter taste in his mouth. //That didn't go over very well...\\ He eyed Faye's wontons and felt his stomach growl.
"Does this mean I don't get any wontons?" he turned and yelled after her. He was answered by the slamming of her door.
"Shit," he muttered.
**
Much to Spike's disappointment, things had reverted back to normal. He woke up to little or no coffee, cold showers, and Jet's breakfasts. Faye neither did his laundry nor did she help him with his wound. She never asked if he was hungry, and often, late at nights, Spike would open the fridge to discover that the leftovers were already gone. And worst of all, he didn't get any wontons. He didn't know what Faye did with the unfinished batch, but he couldn't find them to save his life.
"Women are too touchy for their own good," Spike commented as he lay back on the yellow couch. His abdomen wouldn't stop itching, and his head ached but he stretched out as if he didn't have a care in the world.
"And you're too provocative for yours," Jet replied, sitting across from Spike and lighting a cigarette. "And you're just upset because you have no one to wait hand and foot on you anymore."
Spike shrugged, lighting his own cigarette.
"Its not like I insulted her."
Jet chuckled at the scowl forming on Spike's face.
"Women are insulted more easily, and by totally different things than men are," he replied, and Spike rolled his eyes. As if he didn't know that already. But he really didn't think he insulted her. He certainly didn't intend to, and while he was disappointed that he had to carry his own weight now, he was upset that Faye wasn't speaking to him. He toyed with the idea of apologizing, but thought better of it. //I didn't do anything wrong!\\
Ed entered the room with her Tomato on her head. Ein followed her closely. She sat herself on the table between Spike and Jet, and she faced Spike as she took the Tomato off of her head.
"Ed has a deal for Spike-Person!" she sang, placing the Tomato beside her.
"That's nice," Spike replied, closing his eyes and taking a long drag from his cigarette. //I need a nap.\\
"Isn't Spike-Person going to ask Ed about the deal?"
"No."
"Then Ed will tell you!"
"Figures," Spike muttered. He put his hands behind his head.
Ed extended her arms towards Spike and began waving them up and down. When he opened his eyes to look, he thought her arms looked as though they were made of rubber.
"Ed will read Spike-Person's mind for 500 Woolong!"
"Dream on," Spike snorted. "I can read my own mind for free." He took another drag on his cigarette. "Besides, I don't have 500 Woolong."
"That's ok. Pay Ed later."
"Forget it."
"I don't know, Spike," Jet said, crossing his arms. "Sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime offer."
"Whose side are you on?" Spike glared at the older man. "Why don't you read Jet's mind?" he asked Ed.
"Ed didn't make a deal for Jet-Person," the girl sang. "Only for Spike-Person!"
"Go away!" Spike closed his eyes again.
"Come on," Jet teased. "Humour us."
//Unbelievable.\\ Spike thought. //I am so getting him back for this.\\
"Fine!" he snapped, snatching the cigarette from between his lips and reaching to slam it into the ashtray beside Ed. "Make it quick!"
Ed was silent. She just stared at him.
"Well?" Spike was losing his patience. //Stupid women. Driving me nuts!\\
"Ed needs some collateral."
"Some what!?" Spike shouted.
"Ed needs reassurance that Spike-Person will pay Ed."
"I know what it means," Spike's scowl deepened. "And forget it. You're not getting anything!"
Ed growled.
"You're not going to leave me alone, are you?" Spike sighed, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his lighter. "Here's your damn collateral."
Ed snatched the lighter, and flashing Spike a toothy grin, she began waving her arms at him again. This time, she closed her eyes and hummed, and Ein barked. Jet looked highly amused.
"Spike-Person likes wontons!" Ed sang, and Spike rolled his eyes.
"Ed-"
"Spike-Person likes Faye-Faye's wontons!"
Spike's face contorted into a look of sheer annoyance.
"Spike-Person wants Faye-Faye's big, juicy wontons!"
With a sound of protest, Spike sat straight up, ignoring the pain in his abdomen. He could see Jet trying to hold in his laughter.
"Spike-Person doesn't want aaaannnnnyyyybody else's wontons! He thinks Faye-Faye's are the best!"
"That's impossible!" Spike shouted. "I haven't even had Faye's wontons!"
Spike glared bloody murder at Jet as the older man began to laugh.
"Faye-Faye's wontons..." Ed chanted, swaying as though she was possessed.
"Shut up!" Spike snarled, slamming his fist on the table. Ed continued to chant. Spike took the opportunity to snatch his lighter back.
"I wouldn't pay you five woolong for that, you little pervert!" he hissed, and Jet laughed louder.
Stuffing his lighter back in his pocket, Spike got up to leave. His eye twitched when he saw Ed suddenly stop swaying, and her eyes shot open. With a snarl of her own, Ed launched her self off the table and wrapped herself around Spike's leg. Before he could protest, the girl bit his calf.
Spike cried out more in shock than in pain, and grabbing hold of the couch for support, he tried to shake her off.
"Leggo!" he shouted, but Ed bit down harder. Spike fell back into the couch, clutching his stomach and glaring at Jet.
"Get her off! GET HER OFF!"
Jet moved quickly around the table and tried to remove Ed from Spike's leg.
"Don't pull! DON'T PULL!"
Ed would not budge. The more they tried to dislodge her from Spike's leg, the harder she bit down, and Spike thought she was going to take a chunk out of him.
"Alright, you little shit!" Spike shouted. "I'll pay you!"
Ed immediately released him. She stood up and held out her hand. Scowling, Spike pulled out his lighter and gave it to her. Satisfied, Ed danced out of the room.
"Jesus Christ," Spike panted, still holding on to his stomach. If he hadn't looked so pale, Jet would have laughed at him again. "This time, we really are going to sell her to the circus!"
At that, Jet did laugh, but stopped short when Spike got up to leave.
"Where are you going?"
Spike pulled his jacket on angrily.
"I'm getting my own fucking wontons!" He was not amused when Jet started laughing again.
"That could get expensive!"
"Shut up!" Spike shouted, jabbing a finger at him. "Just shut up!"
He stormed from the room like an angry child.
**
Damn...that didn't go where I wanted it. Sorry if I missed any errors.
I'll try to update before next week.
Ok. So I've been spitting these out like a bad taste in my mouth, but I can't help it. My two weeks of summer holiday ended yesterday and I have to go back to the university tonight. That place saps my bank account and my soul. So needless to say, updates may come a bit slower after this...but not much slower. Just a bit.
Actually...this one is taking longer than I expected...must think...
Ja, ja, I know. Just get ON with it.
So here is it. Chapter 4.
**
Homecoming: Wonton Wonder.
**
They had said their many thanks, and were now requesting Spike's leave.
The holy woman was not fond of the idea that Spike should just get up and go that very day. She stood before him with her arms crossed, and their eyes were level. Spike wasn't quite steady on his feet, and she was tempted to use that against him. When Faye left to find Ed, Krai took the opportunity to speak squarely with Spike.
"Its not even close to being completely healed you know. The wound hasn't even sealed. It's a wonder the skin hasn't just turned black and fallen away."
Spike looked indifferent. He simply shrugged; buttoning up a black shirt Krai had offered him. He found that while his usual yellow shirt was clean, it was full of holes and tears.
"I can take care of myself," he said as he sat on the edge of the bed, pulling on his socks and boots.
"Not if you continue with the attitude that got you here in the first place," Krai snapped, the sound of her voice causing Spike to look up at her. "Now allow me to make myself perfectly clear." She ignored the bleak expression on her patient's face. "Any sudden movement or strenuous activity may cause the wound to re-open. Then you're up shit creek."
"You swear a lot, for a priest," Spike muttered.
"I only utter the necessities. Now don't change the subject!"
"Your language makes me uncomfortable." He spoke lightly, putting his hands behind his head and stretching.
"And your lies make me laugh." There was no humour in Krai's voice.
"So you're saying that I should just sit around all day?" Spike shook his head.
"If it will keep you out of trouble, yes," Krai replied, then she lowered her tone. "Life isn't a video game, Mr. Spiegel. You can't just toss it around with the hopes that you'll continue to re-spawn. Don't think you have nothing to lose anymore. That young woman didn't come here today while on a simple Sunday stroll. And Ed seems incredibly fond of you."
Spike yawned and Krai rolled her eyes.
"I wish you luck, Mr. Spiegel." The holy woman turned to leave. "You're going to need it."
**
As she expected, Faye found Ed sleeping in the next room. She had curled herself up on the small coffee table, using the large bible as a pillow. When Faye touched her shoulder, Ed shot up stiffly, though she still seemed asleep. Her face had been pressed against the pages of the book long enough for the print to transfer onto her face.
"We should sell you to this place," Faye smirked. "You can be their walking billboard."
It wasn't long before Krai exited Spike's room, looking a little less than pleased.
"I trust my instructions for his continued treatment were clear?" she asked, and Faye knew the older woman did not want him leaving. But Faye was not going to ask Spike to stay any longer. If he wanted to return to the Bebop with her and Ed that very day, she was more than willing to comply. She would make sure he didn't do anything stupid.
"Perfectly," Faye replied, then crossed her arms and looked over at Spike who was still in the next room. "I'll keep him in line."
"Then I wish you luck as well," the holy woman sighed. "That man is a stubborn ass." With that, she nodded at Faye and left her to take Spike out of her care.
**
For the next two weeks, life on the Bebop left little to be desired. No one fought, no one complained, and everyone pulled his or her weight for a change. Everyone except Spike. Life was especially good for Spike, if he didn't count the constant ache on his abdomen and the recurring nightmares. Other than that, he was treated like a guest, and he liked it.
The day started off with hot water. Spike didn't know how Faye managed it, but she always saved him more hot water than he could use. After a comfortably long shower, he was treated with the first cup of coffee from the pot. He didn't know who got the cup with all the grounds. He didn't really care, as long as it wasn't him. After his coffee, Faye always checked and treated the gash on his stomach. She didn't goad him on, she didn't call him an idiot, and best of all, and she didn't bring up how he got it.
Faye was acting especially kind towards him. He couldn't imagine why. In fact, it confused the hell out of him, but he didn't mention it. //Why ruin a good thing? I like not having to do my laundry.\\
She was always considering him, always trying to make his life easier. She would pick up after him, collect, wash and dry his laundry. She would bring him snacks from the galley, adjust the TV reception for him, and buy him cigarettes. Spike had never seen a stranger sight. He never imagined Faye, with her skimpy yellow outfit and quick temper, to regard him with anything more than annoyance. And yet, he wasn't quite sure what she regarded him with now. And how long would it last?
Spike spent a lot of time in the common room, lounging on the yellow couch. Jet joined him often since his return, and the two sat in meditative silence. Or in mild amusement when Ed and Ein were present.
Faye had gone out earlier that day to pick up groceries. When she returned, her three crewmates regarded her with raised eyebrows. Spike tilted his head over the back of the yellow couch.
"What did you bring me?"
"Souvenir!" Ed sang.
Faye tossed Spike a pack of cigarettes and stuck her tongue out at Ed before she disappeared for the galley. Ed growled after her.
"Life is grand," Spike mused, opening his cigarette pack. He took a cigarette then tossed the pack to Jet, who helped himself.
"Don't get used to it," Jet warned, though he saw that Spike wasn't listening. Jet thought he looked far too tired for his own good. Before he could comment, Faye reappeared.
"So what do you want? Shrimp or pork?"
Jet and Spike looked at her in question while Ed, seeming to have forgiven the older woman, danced around her.
"SHRIMP!"
Ein barked as if in agreement.
Faye didn't appear to care for their opinion.
"Pork." Jet offered, and wasn't surprised to see her ignore his opinion as well. He crossed his arms and looked over a Spike expectantly.
Lighting his cigarette, Spike took a long drag. He sat back, draping his arms over the back of the yellow couch.
"For what?" he said out of the side of his mouth. He stole a glance at her, but it was short lived. He had trouble making eye contact with her. He wouldn't openly admit it. Not even to himself. If he did admit it, then he'd have to explain it, and he knew he couldn't.
"I'm making wontons," Faye replied, as if it was nothing of consequence. Spike nearly choked.
"You're what!?"
Ed shrieked in delight.
"Ed and Ein LOVE wontons!"
"So what do you want? Shrimp or pork?"
"SHRIMP!" Ed shouted again, picking up Ein and squeezing him. The dog yelped.
"Pork!" Jet said again, arms still crossed, daring Spike to contradict his preference.
Spike sat for several moments, eyes narrowed as if in deep thought. His crewmates waited expectantly.
"Shrimp," he said finally, earning glee from Ed and a disgruntled sound from Jet. "AND pork." At that, both Jet AND Ed made a disgruntled sound.
"You mean some of each?" Faye asked.
Spike stuck his nose in the air and waved a finger at her as if she were a child.
"All-in-one!" he replied, and at that, his stomach growled.
"Ok." Faye turned to leave and Spike and Jet looked after her in a mixture of amazement and confusion.
"Can you bring me a coke while you're at it?" Spike called after her.
"Ok."
Spike and Jet exchanged looks of disbelief.
"Life IS grand," Spike said again with a grin, and shifted so that he could stretch out on the couch.
"Like I said," Jet replied, getting up. "Don't get used to it."
**
Faye had been working for nearly two hours before Spike came into the galley. She was in the process of filling the wonton papers with the shrimp and pork concoction. Spike leaned against the entryway, and Faye could feel his eyes on her. He thought she looked strange in Jet's apron. Very strange. When Faye looked over at him, he diverted his eyes.
"Smells good," he said. "I didn't know you could cook."
"Thanks," Faye replied, turning away. But Spike saw her blush. "My grandma taught me to make these when I was younger..." she paused. "At least, I think that's what I remember."
"Did you need something?" she asked after several moments.
"Well," Spike began, shrugging. "I was waiting for my coke, but it never came."
Faye made a little noise, stopping what she was doing when she remembered that she forgot to get him his coke. She immediately put down the wonton she was working on and retrieved a coke for Spike. They both avoided each other's glances when Faye handed him the can, and they both froze as their fingers touched. Faye thought they stood there for what seemed hours, and her face felt as though it was on fire.
"You know," Spike finally broke the silence. Faye was shocked into looking up at him, and she was surprised to see him finally looking at her. She almost smiled. "For someone claiming to hate me, you sure dote on me. You're going to make me think you don't hate me at all." He stepped closer, not really knowing what he was doing.
"I do not," Faye whispered, looking away, and her already red face became even redder. She pulled her hand from his. //Does this mean he heard what I said at the church?\\ Faye felt herself get annoyed, and somewhat angry at Spike for not mentioning it at the time. And then she was angry at him for joking about it now.
"Don't what? Hate me or dote on me?" He was joking, but Faye felt her anger flare.
//Asshole! How dare he make light of my efforts? After all I did for him, after lowering myself enough to take care of him! Is this his idea of a 'thank-you?'\\
"Dote on you!" she hissed.
"Ouch."
Faye snatched back the coke. It gave her sudden pleasure knowing that it was the last one. She pushed past him, leaving her wontons unfinished.
Spike was left standing with a bitter taste in his mouth. //That didn't go over very well...\\ He eyed Faye's wontons and felt his stomach growl.
"Does this mean I don't get any wontons?" he turned and yelled after her. He was answered by the slamming of her door.
"Shit," he muttered.
**
Much to Spike's disappointment, things had reverted back to normal. He woke up to little or no coffee, cold showers, and Jet's breakfasts. Faye neither did his laundry nor did she help him with his wound. She never asked if he was hungry, and often, late at nights, Spike would open the fridge to discover that the leftovers were already gone. And worst of all, he didn't get any wontons. He didn't know what Faye did with the unfinished batch, but he couldn't find them to save his life.
"Women are too touchy for their own good," Spike commented as he lay back on the yellow couch. His abdomen wouldn't stop itching, and his head ached but he stretched out as if he didn't have a care in the world.
"And you're too provocative for yours," Jet replied, sitting across from Spike and lighting a cigarette. "And you're just upset because you have no one to wait hand and foot on you anymore."
Spike shrugged, lighting his own cigarette.
"Its not like I insulted her."
Jet chuckled at the scowl forming on Spike's face.
"Women are insulted more easily, and by totally different things than men are," he replied, and Spike rolled his eyes. As if he didn't know that already. But he really didn't think he insulted her. He certainly didn't intend to, and while he was disappointed that he had to carry his own weight now, he was upset that Faye wasn't speaking to him. He toyed with the idea of apologizing, but thought better of it. //I didn't do anything wrong!\\
Ed entered the room with her Tomato on her head. Ein followed her closely. She sat herself on the table between Spike and Jet, and she faced Spike as she took the Tomato off of her head.
"Ed has a deal for Spike-Person!" she sang, placing the Tomato beside her.
"That's nice," Spike replied, closing his eyes and taking a long drag from his cigarette. //I need a nap.\\
"Isn't Spike-Person going to ask Ed about the deal?"
"No."
"Then Ed will tell you!"
"Figures," Spike muttered. He put his hands behind his head.
Ed extended her arms towards Spike and began waving them up and down. When he opened his eyes to look, he thought her arms looked as though they were made of rubber.
"Ed will read Spike-Person's mind for 500 Woolong!"
"Dream on," Spike snorted. "I can read my own mind for free." He took another drag on his cigarette. "Besides, I don't have 500 Woolong."
"That's ok. Pay Ed later."
"Forget it."
"I don't know, Spike," Jet said, crossing his arms. "Sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime offer."
"Whose side are you on?" Spike glared at the older man. "Why don't you read Jet's mind?" he asked Ed.
"Ed didn't make a deal for Jet-Person," the girl sang. "Only for Spike-Person!"
"Go away!" Spike closed his eyes again.
"Come on," Jet teased. "Humour us."
//Unbelievable.\\ Spike thought. //I am so getting him back for this.\\
"Fine!" he snapped, snatching the cigarette from between his lips and reaching to slam it into the ashtray beside Ed. "Make it quick!"
Ed was silent. She just stared at him.
"Well?" Spike was losing his patience. //Stupid women. Driving me nuts!\\
"Ed needs some collateral."
"Some what!?" Spike shouted.
"Ed needs reassurance that Spike-Person will pay Ed."
"I know what it means," Spike's scowl deepened. "And forget it. You're not getting anything!"
Ed growled.
"You're not going to leave me alone, are you?" Spike sighed, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his lighter. "Here's your damn collateral."
Ed snatched the lighter, and flashing Spike a toothy grin, she began waving her arms at him again. This time, she closed her eyes and hummed, and Ein barked. Jet looked highly amused.
"Spike-Person likes wontons!" Ed sang, and Spike rolled his eyes.
"Ed-"
"Spike-Person likes Faye-Faye's wontons!"
Spike's face contorted into a look of sheer annoyance.
"Spike-Person wants Faye-Faye's big, juicy wontons!"
With a sound of protest, Spike sat straight up, ignoring the pain in his abdomen. He could see Jet trying to hold in his laughter.
"Spike-Person doesn't want aaaannnnnyyyybody else's wontons! He thinks Faye-Faye's are the best!"
"That's impossible!" Spike shouted. "I haven't even had Faye's wontons!"
Spike glared bloody murder at Jet as the older man began to laugh.
"Faye-Faye's wontons..." Ed chanted, swaying as though she was possessed.
"Shut up!" Spike snarled, slamming his fist on the table. Ed continued to chant. Spike took the opportunity to snatch his lighter back.
"I wouldn't pay you five woolong for that, you little pervert!" he hissed, and Jet laughed louder.
Stuffing his lighter back in his pocket, Spike got up to leave. His eye twitched when he saw Ed suddenly stop swaying, and her eyes shot open. With a snarl of her own, Ed launched her self off the table and wrapped herself around Spike's leg. Before he could protest, the girl bit his calf.
Spike cried out more in shock than in pain, and grabbing hold of the couch for support, he tried to shake her off.
"Leggo!" he shouted, but Ed bit down harder. Spike fell back into the couch, clutching his stomach and glaring at Jet.
"Get her off! GET HER OFF!"
Jet moved quickly around the table and tried to remove Ed from Spike's leg.
"Don't pull! DON'T PULL!"
Ed would not budge. The more they tried to dislodge her from Spike's leg, the harder she bit down, and Spike thought she was going to take a chunk out of him.
"Alright, you little shit!" Spike shouted. "I'll pay you!"
Ed immediately released him. She stood up and held out her hand. Scowling, Spike pulled out his lighter and gave it to her. Satisfied, Ed danced out of the room.
"Jesus Christ," Spike panted, still holding on to his stomach. If he hadn't looked so pale, Jet would have laughed at him again. "This time, we really are going to sell her to the circus!"
At that, Jet did laugh, but stopped short when Spike got up to leave.
"Where are you going?"
Spike pulled his jacket on angrily.
"I'm getting my own fucking wontons!" He was not amused when Jet started laughing again.
"That could get expensive!"
"Shut up!" Spike shouted, jabbing a finger at him. "Just shut up!"
He stormed from the room like an angry child.
**
Damn...that didn't go where I wanted it. Sorry if I missed any errors.
I'll try to update before next week.