Title: Forever Broken

Author: Nirvana

Rating: R

Category: Romance/Angst

Summary: AU. Set in the year 2066, Spike Spiegel and Faye Valentine meet and an inevitable attraction arises. Unintentionally, the two begin a possessive affair under the worst circumstances.

Disclaimer: We all know the drill, but I must say it anyway. I do not own Cowboy Bebop or any of the characters they rightfully belong to their respective owners.

Chapter 5-Midnight Dancing

Faye smiled happily as soon as she glanced at her watch. Extending her arms into the air, she sighed in content; her shift for the night was finally over. She stood up, pushed her chair into place, and grabbed her belongings. What she needed right now was a very long, hot bath. Then she'd climb into her soft bed and get well-deserved night's rest. Making her way into the still lively casino, she passed Tara who was smiling in her direction.

"It may be over for you, Faye. But I have five more hours." She grinned. "You lucky girl."

Faye's smile widened and she was about to leave when Tara grasped her arm. "What's wrong?"

"Before you go, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

"And that would be...?"

"You've been grinning like idiot for the past week." Tara leaned in closer, studying her friend. Then bluntly said. "Are you...seeing someone? Behind Vicious' back?"

Faye's cheeks turned a deep red, it was hard to tell if it was from anger or embarrassment. "No! And why can't I smile? I'm in a good mood!"

"That's for sure, you've been seeing Vicious for about two months now but you never acted...this giddy. There's someone else." There was no room for argument. An expression of concentration appeared on her features. "Who could it be?"

"I don't know what you're talking about, Tara. I'm going home. see you tomorrow." And with that, Faye turned and headed out of the casino in a hasty stride.

Once outside, she let out a ragged breath. That had been too close. But what was she so worried about, it wasn't like she was actually seeing someone. Even still, Faye herself, had started to notice her more up beat attitude. She was smiling more, talking more, being more enthusiastic all because of a lunch date that happened a week ago. Faye shook her head suddenly, scolding herself mentally. It was not a date, it was just lunch. Just two friends sitting down to eat together. Nothing was wrong with that. Nothing. She nodded, hopefully convincing herself. She began to walk again and was about to turn a corner when she collided roughly into something. She closed her eyes, expecting to hit the ground with a not so delicate thud until the stranger grabbed her hands.

Hesitantly, Faye opened her eyes and they widened slightly. "Spike..."

He let go of her hands as he pulled her up, he smiled warmly. "We've got to stop bumping into each other like this."

She returned his smile. "Thank you." Curiosity decorated her face. "What are you doing around here?"

"Wandering," Spike answered with a shrug. "I was bored and decided to come out for a late night walk. You?"

"Just got off work, I'm going home to sleep."

"Then let me walk you."

A delicate eyebrow rose. "Why?"

His smile turned into a grin. "It would put my conscious at ease to know that you are safe and sound, Miss. Valentine." One of his corniest lines yet.

"I can protect myself," Faye replied stubbornly. "and besides," She smirked. "I wouldn't want to interrupt your...wandering."

"But you're not interrupting at all." Spike said. "I need someone to talk to, do you mind if I walk with you anyway?"

She nodded and they started off down the street beginning idle chit-chat. They hadn't walked too far when Faye stopped, glancing at a small bar. But unlike other places she had seen, this bar was more swanky. There were several little black tables, black stools, and lovely painted walls. It reminded her of cafe she had once seen on Venus because the lighting was dim and the music was smooth, quiet blues. There was a black wooden bar running along one wall, and a bartender gazing at the singer on stage. She was not much older than Faye; with raven hair, brown eyes and clad in a dress as dark as her hair. The urge to step inside overwhelmed her.

Spike must have read her mind because he asked, "Do you want to go in?"

"I can't." Turning to him, Faye quickly opened and closed her coat, like a flasher, just long enough from him to see the casino uniform she was wearing underneath. "I'm not properly dressed."

It was then Spike noticed the shop across the street and the small sign that read 'Suits and Dresses for sale.' Smiling, he took Faye's hand and began to lead her away from the bar.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

His smile widened. "You'll see." Was his response.

At the most, twenty minutes had passed before Spike and Faye stepped into the bar formally dressed. And they had been lucky to get such a good bargain on their outfits. Faye had chosen for herself a maroon colored cocktail dress while Spike had decided to wear a plain, blue suit. They seated themselves near the front of the stage and were soon given their drinks of choice. A new song had started up, the pianist playing the ivory keys softly in the background as the singer from before, grasped the microphone and brought it close to her lips.

Been a fool, been a cloud, lost my way from looking down and I know...yes I know. And I see in your eyes that you really weren't surprised at me...at all, not at all. And I know by your smile, it's you...

Her voice carried on, echoing through the entire bar, and somehow, for Faye, it was soothing. She leaned forward on her stool, sighing gently and gradually getting lost in the blissful song. She didn't even notice when Spike stood, but when he extended his hand to her, she glanced up in question.

"Dance with me." Not a demand, but not a request; just a statement. She stared at him for a few moments before slowly placing her hand into his. She stood, letting him silently lead her to the dance floor. There were no words exchanged as Spike wrapped an arm around Faye's waist, while she, rested both her hands on his shoulders.

...Don't care for me, don't cry...let's say goodbye...adieu. It's time to say goodbye, I know that in time, it will just fade away. It's time to say goodbye...

It struck Faye then that she had never looked at Spike this close up before, a revelation came to her. "Your eyes..." She murmured.

He tensed ever so slightly. "What about them?"

She faltered for a second before her forefinger touched just beneath his right eye. "You're eyes, they're different. One's lighter than the other. Has it always been like that?"

...Oh how I loved you so, lost in those memories. And now...you've gone. I feel the pain, feel it like a fool, adieu. My love for you burns deep inside me, so strong. Embers of times we had, and know here I stand, lost in a memory, I see your face...and smile...

Before Spike answered her question, his eyes shifted down to her left leg to see a thin trail of red. He leaned in close to Faye's ear and whispered. "You're bleeding."

Completely forgetting about the question she asked, Faye glanced down at her leg to see that he was right. Quickly excusing herself, she made her way to the bathroom. And while she lifted up her dress and inspected the cut she was muttering curses. Of all times, why at that moment when she was actually enjoying herself on a date.

"Damn it," She spat. "It's not a date." Reaching for the paper towels, Faye tried to clean away the blood but only ending up smearing it on her leg. "Damn it all to hell."

"Faye." She glanced up to see Spike enter, in his hand was a first-aid kit. "Do you want some help?" When she only nodded, he stepped closer and opened the small case. "What happened?"

Faye shook her head, embarrassed. "This afternoon, I was cooking and I dropped my knife by accident. I guess it cut my leg a little, and I didn't notice it until you did."

He smiled, finishing his task by placing a band-aid on the small wound. "There, good as new."

"Arigato--"

There was abrupt, sharp pounding at the door. "Excuse me! There are other people waiting!"

"Yeah, can you hurry it up in there!" Another voice piped in.

Faye frowned deeply. "Some people. Why can't they just go away? What do they think we're doing here?"

"That's a good question." Spike responded. "Let's let them find out."

A confused expression appeared on her features. "What do you mean...?" But she trailed off as he suddenly kicked the door very loudly and what he did next made her face tomato red.

Spike kicked the door again, a loud groan escaping his lips. "Oh Faye!" He cried rather convincingly, followed by a low moan and another kick to the door. "Yes! Yes! Right there! Right there! Faye!" A fist connecting to his head painfully silenced him completely. He glanced at Faye, who was breathing erratically and ready to kill him. Literally.

"You lunkhead!" Her voice carried outside the bathroom door. "What the hell do you think you're doing!"

"You wanted them to go away." Spike said with a shrug. He watched as she stepped away from him and left the bathroom, several strangers looking in her direction. She grabbed her coat and casino uniform and left the bar. He went after her. "Faye wait!"

"You're crazy, Spike Spiegel! You really are!" Faye yelled at him over her shoulder. She caught a glance of him and quickened her pace. He was closer than she had originally thought.

"I was kidding! Besides, it's not like were going to ever see those people again." He yelled back to her. It only took a few, long strides before he was a few feet away from her.

But she was not making easy for him, Faye had already broken into a run. Spike kept up with her pace until they reached a small park. Extending his hand, he reached out to grab her but only met air as she sprinted even faster. Finally, after many failed attempts, he was able to clamp his hands down on her shoulders. Faye purposely stopped, trying to get away from his grip, but instead fell bringing Spike along with her. They both collapsed on a soft bed of grass, exhausted but laughing. His grip around her loosened but Faye did not move from on top of him.

He stared at her more closely and noticed something that made him grin softly. "You're smiling..." Spike murmured. "So I take it you have forgiven me, ne?"

She gazed up at Spike, her smile clearly in view now. His eyes...she would have to ask him about that later. Leaning on his shoulder, Faye shyly whispered her request . "Walk me home."

-

Julia sighed irritably, and for the nth time looked at the clock on the kitchen wall. It had been more than two hours since Spike had decided to take a midnight escapade, and still, he had not returned. She trusted him, she really did. And even though she attempted to get some rest, she couldn't sleep without him by her side. So, she waited. And waited, and waited. Now, she was furious.

Julia was seated in kitchen, her eyes darting towards the clock too often, and a cup of strong coffee clutched in her hands. It was the only thing keeping her awake. One more hour, she thought, I can wait one more hour. But when those sixty minutes passed by, she had had it. If Spike was going to go running around the whole damned city for the night, then he was sadly mistaken.

Muttering curses that could have put a sailor to shame, Julia stood up and emptied the hot, dark liquid into the sink. With the gentle clap of her hands, the lights faded away and she was left in darkness. Her sight adjusted quickly as she maneuvered around the living room, making sure not to bump her legs against any furniture. She had just about made it safely to her bedroom door when she caught a glimpse of the vid-phone. An idea struck her.

Julia went back through the living room and picked up the handle of the vid-phone and pressed against her ear. She dialed a number and waited for an answer. Finally, on the fourth ring, she found herself staring into the very alert gray eyes of Vicious.

She gave him a apologetic smile. "Gomen nasai, Vicious." Julia said. "I know it's late but Spike has taken off again. I was wondering, did he come by your place?"

"No," He answered. "I haven't seen him since this afternoon."

"I see," Her fingers ran through her blond tresses in frustration. "Well, I think I'll just go to bed-"

"He's probably with Faye." Vicious watched as Julia's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. He knew that would get her attention. It was amusing, to say the least, to see how she always acted differently when Faye happened to be mentioned. And if he didn't know any better, he would believe that Julia was jealous. He just didn't know why.

"Why would Spike be with her?" Julia asked carefully. She added hastily, "Don't you care in the least bit that our lovers are with each other?"

"To be truthful, no." Vicious answered. "Spike may flirt with women, but he is not stupid. He bends the rules to his liking, he doesn't break them. There is a difference." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Faye isn't like other women. She doesn't sleep around with very man that she sees, even though some people believe so. Just trust them, Julia."

"I trust Spike." She stated firmly. "Faye on the other hand..." She trailed off, leaving her sentence unfinished. Julia raised an eyebrow when Vicious graced her with one of the tiniest of smirks. "What is it? It's never a good thing when you smile like that."

"Why?" He inquired.

"Why what?" Julia urged.

"Why do you hate Faye so much?" The smirk widened. "Julia, don't tell me you're afraid she'll steal Spike away from you."

Her eyes widened, then narrowed dangerously. Vicious was teasing her, damn him! She felt her cheeks become flushed with embarrassment before she bit down on her lip to keep from yelling at him. With an aggravated 'humph,' Julia muttered a clipped, "Good night," before slamming the phone onto its cradle. She marched back to the living room and sat down on one of the leather couches.

"The nerve of him," She whispered from time to time. "how dare he." What was worse was that Vicious would bother her about it come tomorrow. She would never hear the end of it. He was just too good at reading people.

Julia, with a loud sigh, looked outside the window at the lively city below. Sleep had long since left her, and now, she had no choice but to wait until Spike walked in and then...then she could let out some anger. He had to be with Faye, it made so much sense. But she didn't understad, what was so great about the girl? Her hands clenched and she rested her head on the arm of the couch, staring at the front door.

"Please let Vicious be wrong." Julia hoped to no one.

Author's Notes: I am so sorry, this chapter is so corny! I know I have Spike and Faye so OOC. But I couldn't help myself, I had to write this. It just came out of nowhere. Please, I'm sorry. Forgive me! Next chapter, I will do so much better. Thank you for those who have reviewed, there's no story without your support. I also would like to apologize for the length of chapter five. I know it is not that long and I am truly sorry. In addition, I'm sure you all know the song I used was 'Adieu.' Gotta love that song! Anyway, please review, comment, whatever you like! See ya until next time.