Authors Notes: This has been reposted due the ridiculous amount of errors. Hopefully I got them all. I also tweaked the dialogue between Rose and Jet at the end but there has been no major plot changes.
Children were taught when they were little not to wander the streets alone. Especially not these streets. Most children had enough sense to obey. She had sense, but still she wandered this dark roadway, marching along to the beat of distant car horns and rattling trash cans. The moon reflected off the wet concrete was the only light. The little girl pushed her wild damp black bangs from her hazel eyes and glanced side to side. She knew better, why was she here? She couldn't recollect anything before now. All she remembered is damp brick walls with dark windows that watched her like black ghost eyes. Her pace quickened without her even realizing. She wrapped her arms around her tiny frame. It was cold. She only wore a long sleeved thin black shirt and a little black skirt. Her black stockings were torn and ripped and she was missing one black shoe. She was running now. Her barefoot becoming soaked, splashing in swallow puddles. She didn't know where she was going, she was just running. The surrounding walls blurred as he eyes filled with tears. She cried out and those tears spilled onto her cheeks. Her foot caught something, she was falling now. She put her hands up to guard her body from the upcoming ground. Her hands made contact, the her body, and her face. She laid there, still whimpering quietly. She sat with her eyes closed and her teeth clenched. 'Daddy, it hurts.' she thought. But there was no answer. She pulled herself onto her knees and raised her hands to her face, examining her raw and bloody palms. She closed her fist, squeezing them shut trying to ignore the pain. She could feel warm blood tricking down her cheek. She placed a foot firmly on the ground and tried to heave herself up. But she feel back to her knee. She felt herself falling forward and put her hands on the ground to support herself. She stayed still on her hand and knees, her head bowed. She tried to breathe slowly but her heart was beating so fast. She sat there in the silence, but the silence was broken. There was a distant tapping sound. She held her breathe. It was getting louder. It was footsteps. Coming closer and closer. It wasn't long before two shinny black shoes appeared in her vision. Those shoes were way to shiny and clean to be found on this dirty forlorn road. She felt something press against the back of her head. Something small and hard. It clicked. She whimpered. 'Daddy..'
BANG.
***
Roses eyes fluttered open. She surveyed the room, then groaned loudly remembering where she was. She shut her eyes, rolling over on her side.
Bang. Bang.
"Come out now if you want to eat," sounded a deep voice from the other side of the door, "I don't serve."
Rose listened as the heavy footsteps, that more then likely belonged to Jet, stalked down the hallway. She reluctantly sat herself up. Her first sleep on board the Bebop was not a good one. The bed was lumpy, the room smelled of must, and there was this tapping sound that was near driving her mad. And that dream. She'd had it before. It was always the same. She was a child alone, wet, and frighten. Then the man with the shiny shoes. Rose shook her head. She had no time to contemplate her dreams. They were just dreams after all, they meant nothing. She smoothed back her wild hair as best as she could and threw the thin blanket off of her. She stood, stretching, and glanced at the small clock on the bed stand. 10:23am. She didn't really feel like leaving her room. She didn't want to meet any contempt filled faces. But she hadn't a choice. She put her hand on the door ready to open it when silver flash caught her eye. Her gun laid on the small end table next to her bed, exactly where she had set it last night. She eyed it for a little while, before picking it up in her hand. She tucked it into the back of her skirt, making sure her tank top concealed it. She sucked in some air, plastered her best fake smile on her face and emerged from the small bedroom. She picked a direction to walk and hoped she was walking the right way. She heard voices and presumed she was. The hall opened into the small living area. Jet and Spike were sitting around the table, eating what looked like, but didn't smell like, breakfast and talking. Jet looked up at Rose, narrowed his eyes. He looked back down to his plate of food.
"Foods in the kitchen," Jet said. Spike looked up. She was relived to she him smile, even if it was a small one.
"Yo," he said, going back to eating. She nodded silently.
"Good morning."
"Sleep well?" he asked without looking up. It didn't take long for her to realize his expression was not a friendly smile, but a smirk. She narrowed her eyes, looking him up and down.
"Dandy," She replied coolly.
"Well this isn't a hotel, princess," Spike chuckled.
Rose didn't respond. She just turned and made her way towards the kitchen. She saw the heap of whatever it was on the counter. She scooped a large helping of it on a plate. She hadn't really eaten in almost 24 hours and even the foul smell was inviting. She shoved a forkful in her mouth. It tasted awful. She shoved another forkful in her mouth, her mouth filling with food.
"Trying to eat yourself to death or something?"
Spike entered the kitchen, two dirty plates in hand. He grinned at Rose, making his way to the sink.
"Fuck off," she muttered through a mouthful of food. Spike narrowed his eyes.
"My aren't we testy today. Did your father teach you to talk like that?" he said tauntingly.
Rose, caught off guard, swallowed the partially chewed lump of food. She threw him he dirtiest look she could possibly conjure it. It didn't seem to phase him at all though. He just leaned against the counter, arms crossed, with that stupid grin on his face.
"What do you know about my father?" she hissed, dumping her dish in the sink almost violently.
"Absolutely nothing," he answered. Rose put her hands on her hips, looking him up and down. 'What the hell is he getting at?' she thought to herself.
"All I know," Spike continued, smiling "Is that's it a touchy subject and I just felt like pissing you off."
She didn't say anything immediately. Her face softened a bit, but only a little.
"What makes you think that its touchy," she said a little quieter. Spike leaned his head back and let out a loud laugh.
"What kind of question is that!" he exclaimed, "Do you not remember the man you almost killed yesterday? Or the way you kept calling out Daddy in your sleep," he had stopped laughing but he was smiling at her like he knew something she didn't. She gritted her teeth. She could feel hot tears building up behind her eyes. How dare he speak of her father.
"It's none of your god damn business," she said, turning around and stalking out of the kitchen. She thought for a moment he would call after her but she was mistaken. She started on her way to her room, but stopped. Faye was leaning against the wall with across from her room, cigarette in hand. She was inhaling on it leisurely. Rose turned to the living area. Jet still sat on the couch, flipping through the channels on the small television. He sipped a beer before deciding on a channel. 'Jet or Faye?' Rose thought. She decided. She walked slowly into the living area, Jets eyes lingered up long enough to establish eye contact but went back to the TV without a word. She sat on the yellow couch, as far away from Jet as possible. He gave her a curious glance out the corner of his eye but they said nothing. She stared at the television as if watching, but her mind was far away from the kung fu movie. She felt utterly miserable. She had the last week of her life to blame for this. She reflected on the events that landed her where she was. It was like a horrible movie playing over and over in her head. Her new shipmates were not helping. Especially not Spike. She could feel the hot tears straining to spill over her bottom eye lids. But she wiped them away even before they left her eyes. But more came to take their place. It wasn't hard for Jet to notice she was crying. Her face was dry, and she made no sobbing sounds but she was franticly wiping her eyes.
"Are you going to be okay?" he said, sounding a little uncomfortable.
She didn't trust herself to open her mouth. She just nodded, clenching her eyes shut. She could feel Jet shifting awkwardly on the couch.
"I hate seeing women cry," he said quietly.
"I'm NOT crying!" She snapped, "I don't cry."
"Tough girl, eh?" he gave a half smile, "Yeah, you and Faye will be two peas in a pod. If she doesn't kill you first. I would have thought Spike would have been a bit nicer to you. I'm the one supposed to be an asshole about this. He did just take it upon himself to invite people aboard my ship."
Rose's ears perked up upon hearing this,
"I thought this was Spike's ship." she said and Jet let out a hearty laugh.
"I don't think that man owns the clothes on his back."
Rose lowered her head a bit.
"Now I feel like I've intruded. I would have thought he would have told me no or that he needed talk the owner of the ship." she said, sympathetically. Jet laughed once more.
"Yes, that's what a normal person would have done but not Spike," Jet said, not with anger or resentment, but what sounded like adoration. Jet turned his attention back to the movie and they sat in silence. Rose tried to follow what was happening on the screen but the movie was so confusing. Three minutes ago these two men where holding guns to each other heads and all of a sudden they are grasping each other in an embrace. Who was the woman who just ran on screen? She was bored, and wanted to keep the conversation going.
"So how did you two meet?" she said with friendly curiosity, "You and Spike?"
Jet just waved his hand carelessly in the air, not thinking much of her question.
We just ran into each other one day. In a bar on Mars. He was looking for a place to stay for a while and I wanted the company. He said he just wanted to catch a ride to Jupiter and he'd be out of my hair." Jet shrugged with a little smile. "That was about 3 years ago, almost to the day as a matter of fact.."
Rose when went silent. Her eyes widened a bit, she then shook her head a bit. 'Just a coincidence.' she thought. 'Nothing more.' She tried to reassure herself but it wasn't working. She couldn't help thinking it. What if it was true?
"Sounds like he really wanted to get away from something, she said innocently, eyes on the floor. "Or someone…" she lifted her eyes to see Jet quickly shift his attention to her. His expression was dark as he looked her up and down. She kept her cool, looking back at him as if she knew nothing.
"Yeah.." he said gruffly, "Maybe."
"Who?" Rose spat out before she could stop herself. She felt her self go pink as Jet glared at her.
"If he wants you to know, he'll tell you." he said harshly, trying to make it known that the conversation was over. But Rose ignored that message.
"Sounds serious," she muttered, lowering her eyes.
"Yeah." Jet said, sipping his beer.
An uncomfortable silence fell over them. Rose had questions, many questions ,that she wanted answers for and it was obvious Jet knew but he sure as hell wasn't going to tell her. She turned back to the screen trying to concentrate on the movie but her mind was certainly elsewhere. The same word going through her mind. She didn't realize it when she spoke it out loud. Jets head snapped to her.
"What did you just say?" he asked in shock. Rose blinked and shook her head vigorously.
"I didn't say anything," she said, panicked. Jet rose from his seat, staring down at her. She sunk back into the cushion.
"Cobras," he muttered, "You just said Cobras."
Rose stared back at him, cursing herself for speaking her thoughts. She had a habit of doing that.
"What do you know about the Cobras?" he said seriously, eyes narrowed. She shook her head again, black hair flying everywhere.
"Nothing!" she half screamed, "I know nothing."
Jet stared down at the frightened girl, his face softening. His face paled, and his eyes widen. His mouth was forming a silent O of shock.
"You can't be…." he said quietly.
Rose said nothing. Her face turned from fear to determination. She leapt off the couch, trying to push past him but he caught her by the arm. She struggled against his grip but he was much stronger then her. He hooked his arms around her waist, holding her against him. She wormed around in his hands but it was no use. He grabbed her wild mop of hair, and moved it away from her neck. A small dark blotch shaped like a star laid in the middle of her neck.
"Jesus…" Jet muttered. He loosened his grip on the girl. Her sudden release surprised her, she turned to face him, her hazel eyes wide and wild. She knew she should run but she didn't. He looked into her eyes, astonished.
"I don't believe this," he muttered. "Rosemary Eve Desovelli."
"Are you going to kill me?" she said, panicked. Jet blinked.
"No!" he yelled, looking scandalized. He ran a hand over his bald head, looking away. "I thought you were already dead."
"Seems like I'm closely related to death these days." she said, taking a step back, "Everyone either thinks I am dead or wants me dead."
Jet extended her his head,
"Look," he said. "I'm not going to hurt you."
"How am I supposed to know that," she said, her eyes fixed on his
"Because," he sighed, lowering his voice "Why would I kill you after I went through so much trouble to save your life?"
Rose's frighten eyes widened in shock.
"What are you talking about.." she asked, feeling confused and scared. Was this just another trick to lure her to her death?
"I was the one who worked your family's case when I was with the ISP. I had met your father years ago. A great man, he was. All I wanted to do was keep him and his family alive." Jet took a step towards Rose, his eyes sentimental as thoughts of his past flooded his mind. "I saved your life many times, but still I thought they took you away from me. And now, here you are. Sitting in front of me 10 years later. A ghost from way back then."
"I am no ghost," she spoke harshly, still backing away slowly. A smiled crept on Jet's lips.
"You're not." He said, crossing his arms over his chest. "You're very much alive."
Jet stared at her with a peculiar look of contentment on his face that made her nervous.
"I can't guarantee how long I'll stay that way." She spat out.
"Well." Jet said. "It won't happen on my watch. I may not have done a good job protecting you 10 years ago, but I'll be damned if I let those bastards get to you now."
He took a step towards her, she stepped back.
"Cut it out, I just told you I'm going to protect you." He said, eyebrows furrowed.
"Excuse me for not believing you." She said, not breaking eye contact. "I've been lied too to many times."
Rose slowly put an arm behind her back, She felt around until she felt the cold steel. She tightened her hand around the handle of her gun. She was going shoot, and make a run for it. She probably wouldn't get to far, but she wasn't going to be lured into death with this bait. Jet turned his back to her, one arm crossed over his stomach, his other hand rubbing his chin.
"You're father came to me," he spoke, softly, "three days before his murder to make arrangements. He knew there was a price on his head. He, you and your mother were supposed to move into a government safe house but the day before you were to leave, all three of you vanished. We tracked you down, found you running in an alley. You ran right into the hands of a dragon but I was able to get them before they got you. I was to late to save anyone else…"
Rose stared at the back of this man's bald head, his broad shoulders and the silver metal arm. Her grip on the gun loosened. Her eyes softened, and he tense face fell.
"We didn't even get a chance to properly protect you before they came after you again," Jet continued, "They won that time."
Rose titled her head on the side, staring at him in disbelief.
"I remember you…" she said quietly, "I remember you…Jet….Black."
Her hand dropped from the gun, she wrapped her arms around herself. Jet turned around.
"That's me. With a few alterations," he said, lightly touching his metal arm. He looked back up at her with almost a smile on his face, "I swore to him that I'd take care of you and I will." he said, his eyes sincere. "I will this time."
***
Spike stood in the doorway, watching this almost happy scene. He had heard everything. This girl, he knew she looked familiar but he had paid no mind when he first saw her. His arms were crossed and he leaned his tall frame against the doorway. His dark eyes were fixed on her and Jet. 'She wouldn't stay here if she knew.' he thought, 'If she knew about my past.' He remembered her. He came to the conclusion, its best that she leave, before she remembered him. It was only a matter of time till her memories were jogged enough and then bad things happened.
