Title: Forever Broken

Author: Elle

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 6-Mistrust

Spike walked with careful, slow steps. His eyes on the ground and his mind a muddle of thoughts. His right hand hung limply by his side and he could still feel the lingering warmth Faye had left in her wake. He still remembered the way she gingerly entwined her fingers with his and led him to her apartment. And before she murmured her goodnight, she wrapped him in a gentle embrace.

He had never expected the gesture, but Spike knew something was wrong when he returned Faye's hug and held her to him for as long as possible. Eventually she did pull away from him. Yet what happened next bothered him the most. Purposely or by accident, Spike still couldn't tell, he skillfully maneuvered his face towards hers. So as Faye moved away from him, their lips barely brushed.

He flirted with women all the time, especially with Faye. And she always dared to do the same. But Spike knew they were pushing their limits, and others would start to suspect things. There was just something about her that infatuated him. Faye had become his enigma, his fixation. There ways she moved in spoke that he would never forget. And there were those few rare moments they would share that couldn't be expressed through words but emotions. The light caresses, long glances, and hapless grins.

Spike's thoughts came to a halt when he finally reached the apartment he and Julia shared. He had considered for a brief second to go a hotel for the night and make up some story to tell Julia the next morning. But he decided against at the very last second. With a shaky sigh, he opened the door with his key and stepped inside.

"And where have you been?" Spike glanced into the living room to see his lover sitting cross legged in one of the leather sofas. Her eyes were narrowed in quiet rage and her hands were balled into fists. He could tell she was trying with all her might not to yell at him. But he knew she wouldn't, it wasn't the way she took care of situations like these. She let out her fury in a completely different way.

"Julia," Spike attempted a smile. "I was out with...Vicious." He was uncomfortable, he never did like lying to her. And from the expression on her face, she didn't seem to buy it.

"I called him, he said he hadn't seen you since this afternoon." She stood, placing a mock look of confusion on her face. "So...if you weren't with Vicious, and not with me, that only leaves one person." She sniffed the air and caught the hint of jasmine. "Faye."

"Just because I went out, doesn't mean I was with her." Spike moved past Julia and started for the bedroom. But he stopped once she spoke again.

"I've seen the way you look at her." She whispered. "And I can see...utter joy, a happiness beyond words. I always wondered...how could she do it? You've never, ever looked at me that way." He could hear her step closer until her breath was on his cheek. "What is it about her, Spike? She is very beautiful but there has to be more to it to keep you so enticed."

Spike turned to gaze at Julia and noticed her eyes were glassy. She moved away from him, running her fingers idly through her hair. She laughed. "I've heard rumors that she might be a virgin. Can you believe that? But I'm sure it's a good thing for you, ne?" Eventually, she turned to face him and he watched as the tears sped down her cheeks. "Way to go, stud. You always did have a thing for girls who had no experience in bed."

"Julia, it's not what you think." Spike tried to step closer to her but she moved back.

"Then why are you avoiding me?" She asked. "Do you even love me anymore?"

"Yes,"

"You're lying." Julia whispered, then suddenly her voice rose in anger. "Do you think lying to me will make it better! If you believe that I'll just stand around and let you do this to me, then you are even stupider than I thought!" Spike pressed his hand against her wet cheek and she slapped it away. "Don't you dare touch me!"

She walked towards one the leather couches, and crumbled onto the soft cushions. Her body was spiraled out and her face turned away from him. "It's not really about Faye, is it, Spike?" Julia murmured. "You just don't love me, you want to leave me. That has to be it. What did I ever do to you?"

Spike stood there for a few seconds, watching her sob quietly. And the sudden, strong wave of guilt washed over him. Carefully, he approached Julia and grasped her hands. Tiredly, she struggled to get away from him but he was too persistent. He would make her see that what she was saying was not true. For her sake and for his. He raked his fingers through her hair, murmured 'I love you' several times over until Julia was leaning against him. Her tears finally stopped and they stayed like that for what seemed like forever.

"Spike...?"

He looked down at her and for the quickest second, it was not Julia he was seeing. Those wavy, golden tresses had become violet strands and her blue eyes had melted into a bright emerald. Faye...

"Spike?"

"Huh? Yes, what it is?"

Julia gazed at him carefully. "Are you all right?"

"Yes," Spike answered, he leaned her against him once more. "I'm just fine."

~~~

Faye, with practiced ease, adjusted the phone closer to her ear and continued with her cooking. Adding ingredients and all the while, explaining to her friend on the other line. "...It's just that I've never been so happy when I'm with someone. He somehow always knows how to cheer me up." There was pause before she exclaimed. "Are you crazy, Tara?! He's not even single, and I'm not either...well...yeah. I know but..." Faye twirled the phone cord around her finger. "Maybe...but I'm not sure." There was a light knock at her front door. "Someone's here, can I call you back later? All right, Ja ne."

Faye placed the phone back on its cradle before heading towards the front door. She glanced at her reflection in the hallway mirror and smiled before unlocking and opening the door. And there stood Spike, the very man she had talking about seconds ago.

"What are you doing here?" The question had been blurted out before she could stop herself.

Spike shrugged. "I was in the neighborhood, I wanted to see a friendly face."

"You are so relentless." Faye murmured more to herself then him. She smirked. "Don't get me wrong, I enjoy your company and all...but don't you think hanging around me might spread rumors."

Again, Spike shrugged and leaned his shoulder against the doorframe. "Rumors are just that. I don't care unless it's based on fact."

Faye frowned slightly but then sighed and stepped away to let him in. She knew this mistake would come back to haunt her. Through Julia, Vicious, or just plain gossip.

Closing the door behind him, Spike followed her inside. He had never expected her apartment to be this big. It was furnished scarcely but nicely and what he had been hoping to see were some photographs. But not a single one was present. Faye was definitely hiding herself but it wasn't like he didn't do the same. He moved towards the living room and gazed through the bay windows at the busy metropolis below. There was a desk near by, and curiosity getting the best of him, he glanced at the papers and noticed a small, glass, box. Slowly, Spike opened it and was greeted with soft music.

He nearly jumped once he heard Faye's voice. "Do you like it?"

"Hai," He answered quietly, he stared at her.

Her smile was bittersweet. "I've had that music box ever since I was eleven years old...and I can't even remember the name of the song." Her voice was distant.

"Who gave it to you?"

"My Okaasan." Faye replied, she bit down on her lip and put on her brightest smile. "Here, let me show you something else." Spike placed down the music box before following Faye into another room. His eyes came across shelves of things he couldn't ever recognize. She turned to face him. "I collect antiques, simple things no one has any use for." She strolled over to a very large object covered in a white sheet. "But this, is my favorite." Faye gripped at the hem of the sheet and pulled it to reveal a black piano.

Spike arched an eyebrow. "A piano?"

"It's one of a kind, and was made over sixty years ago. I keep it tuned and cleaned to perfection." Faye ran her pale fingers over the ivory keys and a jumble of sounds echoed in the room. "I used to have a piano similar to this one when I was younger, I practiced all the time. I loved playing so much, it was kind of like my escape back then." She sat down on the wooden bench and played a simple but short song. She turned back to Spike and patted the space beside her. He obeyed and sat next to her.

"Would you like to learn a little?" Faye asked, she glanced at him hopefully.

Wordlessly, Spike placed his fingers on the keys and Faye laid hers on top of his. Before she could say a word, she stood up and quickly covered the piano again and headed out of the room. He could hear her calling to him in the kitchen. "You made me completely forget about what I was cooking, Spike! Just to let you know, I didn't make anything special, just some sandwiches and soup. It's not that much but I hope you'll like it."

Spike, still sitting on the piano bench, eventually started for the kitchen. While they ate, Faye had been surprisingly quiet. He had tried to coax a conversation out of her but all his attempts ended up as failures. It wasn't until she was collecting all the dishes did she speak. "Spike?"

"Hmm?"

"Help me wash up."

He looked horrified. "Demo...I'm the guest. Isn't the hostess supposed to do that job?"

"No." Her voice was firm and left no room for argument. She'd already turned the tap on and was filling the sink with hot soapy water. She turned on him waving a dishrag and smirking. "Now roll up your sleeves and get over here. I'm betting that you've never washed a dish in your life."

"That's not true," Spike reasoned catching the rag she tossed in his direction. "and besides, I've got money. I pay people for these things."

"It doesn't matter, you're going to help me." Faye replied. "And the faster you do it, the less time it will take. You wash the dishes and I'll dry them and we can both put them away."

Spike frowned at her and turned to the white rectangular sink. She saw him grimace as his fingers broke the surface of the scalding water. While she waited for something clean to reach the draining board, Faye, standing on the tips of her toes, wrapped her arm around his shoulders. "Don't look so upset about this, Spike. It's only dishes."

"If I do this, does it mean I get to come over more often?" He asked, he added quickly, "For the free meals?"

She poked her head beneath his arm; he raised it slightly to give her space. "You missed a spot!" Faye pointed, and felt his arm move above her as he put the chopping board back into the water. "Maybe you can, I mean, I haven't had a single person come to visit me. And I do get lonely sometimes."

Spike glanced down at her. "Not even Vicious?"

"Not even Vicious."

"Then I'll come more often." He promised.

"It'd be a pleasure," Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "to have the great Spiegel-sama in my home just to keep me company, and of course, to prepare him free meals. I must be blessed. Really, you're too-"

Abruptly, Spike's arm tightened around her neck and Faye realized what he was going to do, she also realized that she was trapped very securely in the crook of his arm. She tugged at his sleeve but as she struggled, he scooped a large pile of suds from the sink and dropped them on her head. Faye yelped and scratched his wrist. He released her and she began to hit him over the head with her dishrag. Within minutes the hardwood floors were covered in suds, water, and a very damp Faye who had slipped on a rag when she tried to dodge Spike's second assault with the soaked dishtowels. Seeing her disadvantage he slowly poured a jug of murky water over her head. Spike heard shriek, but could see her smiling happily.

"You're dead, Spiegel!" Faye cried, hands flat on the floor and eyes level with his knees. But the position she was in didn't make her look so threatening.

"Scary, Faye. Very scary." He snorted leaning down, then she reached up and yanked his hair making him yell in pain. Dropping down to her level, Spike placed his hands on her shoulders and began to gently push her backwards, his face grinning into hers and she smiled sinking to the floor with him above her. "You're a mess," He murmured, his damp hair flopped down over his eyes.

"Look in a mirror." Faye retorted before sticking out her tongue. Spike smiled when her hand slowly grazed his cheek as he leaned down further. It was then she noticed the warmth in his eyes. She had seen it many times when he was gazing at Julia, but never had it been directed towards her. She could feel his breath on her lips and thought that he was about to kiss her, when...

The phone rang.

Spike stopped; just millimeters away and sighed heavily. The glint in his orbs had vanished, but he made no move to get up. Finally, after the third ring he began to rise but Faye grabbed his shoulders, keeping him in place. She wanted this to last.

"Let it ring." She said quietly.

"What if it's important?"

Faye bit her lip and loosened her hold on Spike's shoulders. He stood up and extended a hand to help her up. She walked towards the phone, wanting to kill the person on the other line, picking up the phone; she kept her anger in check.

"Moshi Moshi? Valentine residence." All the anger left Faye's voice. "Vicious? Oh, hi."

She turned her head to glance at Spike, but sudden disappointment swelled in her. The front door was open, he had already left.

"Faye?"

Faye turned her attention back to the phone. 'Yes, I'm still here." She tried to keep her voice light. "So what do I own the pleasure?"

"Do you know what today is?" Vicious asked quietly.

She thought for a moment and it hit her like a slap on the face. She couldn't help but frown. "...Anniversary." Faye mumbled.

~~~

Faye shifted uncomfortably in the chair as her eyes drifted to the window overlooking Alva City. She would never say it aloud, but this was the last place she wanted to be. Vicious sat across from her, talking quietly but angrily with who knows. It was their three month anniversary and he wanted to take to the most expensive restaurant on Mars. She only obliged, she didn't want to disappoint him. At first, Faye had been looking forward to it. The last time she had spent some time with Vicious felt like forever. But the romantic dinner she had fabricated in her mind was not coming true.

She glanced back at her lover, he was still talking away. Maybe it was an employee or a client. But it didn't matter, it was the seventh time they had been interrupted. Faye didn't complain about it, but now, she could no longer stand it. Even though she shouldn't be, she was thinking of Spike and his general disregard for everything. When he was with her, it was just them. If he received an important call, he would sooner throw away his cell phone than answer it.

She had never wanted to get involved with him, had never wanted to feel this way. Faye knew what would happen if someone found out and it was not a risk she was willing to take. It was bad enough that Spike visited her almost every other day. But still, she didn't know where she would be without his company. For some reason, Spike made her feel like she was the most treasured person in the world. Yet there was always that chance he did this with every girl he flirted with. But she had to mean more to him that.

"Sorry," Vicious' quick apology derailed her thoughts. "it was a very important call."

"It's all right." Faye responded. "you're important person, Vicious."

She stiffened slightly when he grasped her hand. She just hoped he didn't notice. They hadn't started a conversation yet and during Vicious' call, it gave Faye time to think. What if their relationship wasn't suppose to work? He was the complete opposite to her. There would be no benefit from musing about it, she'd have to wait until later.

"Valentine-san," Faye looked up to see a waiter standing at their table. "you have a call."

She looked at Vicious in puzzlement before standing up as he let go of her hand. She followed the waiter to the back of the restaurant but as he led her through the kitchen and farther back, she became suspicious.

"Where are you taking me?" She asked more rudely than she had liked.

"It's only a little farther, Valentine-san," Was the waiter's reply. He eventually took her to the back alleyway of the restaurant. The waiter smiled. "I brought her just like you asked."

Faye looked around and her gaze focused on a figure in the shadows. Her eyes widened when the person stepped out, grinning.

"Thank you very much," Spike said, giving the waiter a rather large amount of woolongs before he left.

Faye was speechless for a moment as she stared at him. Then she finally spoke. "You're crazy. Do you realize that if Vicious finds out that I'm with you he'll-" But the rest of her sentence was cut off when Spike placed his finger against her lips. She shivered.

"I know," Was the only thing he said. Then he went onto a completely different subject. "You said you were born on Earth, right?"

"Hai," Faye answered. "But what does that have to do with anything?" She turned away from him. "Listen, I need to get back or Vicious might suspect-"

"There's something I want to show you." Spike cut in. "I'll be very quick."

"No,"

"Please,"

"No,"

Abruptly, Faye felt Spike's fingers curl around her shoulders, whirl her around, and gently press her against the concrete wall. The expression on his face was now blank, and the amusement she had seen before was no longer there. He leaned in and she tried to move as close to the wall as possible. She did not want to repeat the afternoon's event. But Spike did not kiss her like Faye thought he would. And she couldn't help but feel disappointed. Instead, he opted to be so close to her, his hold on her firm and his eyes unwavering.

"Please," Spike murmured finally.

"Is it that important?" Faye whispered back. When he nodded she sighed and looked away from him. They both knew she had given in. "You have fifteen minutes, Spike."

He smirked triumphantly and she felt his fingers glide down her arm and take her hand in his. Spike broke into a run and it took all of Faye's endurance to keep up with him. She just hoped that she would not regret her decision later.

"I'm so sorry, Vicious." She breathed.

-

Faye felt her hands ball into fists as she bit down on her lip. She mentally counted to ten but nothing seemed to work. She inhaled then exhaled then finally turned her gaze to Spike. He had led her farther than she had predicted and she knew whatever he wanted to show her would take more than fifteen minutes. They were at the docking ports and when she inhaled again, the strong smell of saltwater came with it.

"So let me get this straight," Faye began in an eerily quiet voice. "you brought me here, at least a good two hours away from the restaurant, to show a ship."

Spike gave her a hurt look, she couldn't tell if it was real or not. "This isn't just any ship. This," He ran his fingers along the side. "is my baby. My Swordfish. I've had her ever since I was seventeen."

Faye studied the ship for a few minutes. She had seen several before, even flown one or two. From what she could tell, the Swordfish only looked a few years old. It was a bright color red, made to force anyone look in its direction and not turn away. She came closer, and mimicking Spike, she slid her palm against the ship's surface. Despite herself, she smiled.

"It's nice," Faye commented. She glanced down at her wristwatch. "There's no use going back to the restaurant. Vicious has probably left." Guilt was pouring on her in waves. She ran her fingers through her hair. "Is this what you wanted to show me?"

"Partially," Spike answered. It was then Faye had noticed he had seated himself in the Swordfish. The engine roared to life and the strong aroma of gasoline hit her. It reminded her of years before when gasoline was such a familiar scent, it had become something like a perfume. She watched as Spike slipped on a pair of brown, leather, fingerless gloves while whistling a tune she had never heard before.

"Where are you going?" Faye asked finally.

"Me?" He smirked, almost mischievously. "You're coming too."

"Where?"

"Earth."

Emerald eyes widened. There was a reason why she never wanted to go back to Earth. She had barely grown up there, but she had promised herself not to go again. Her head lowered. "I'm not going with you."

"Why not?"

"I have my reasons." Faye responded. "Besides, why are you doing this? No one asked you to, so why go through all the trouble?"

"Does there have to be an explanation for everything?" Spike answered with his own question. "Haven't you done anything before without having reason? Would it be that bad if came away with me, Faye? But..." The engine of the Swordfish suddenly died away into the silence. "I can't force you. I can take you back home and you can explain to Vicious why you left the restaurant."

"I still have to explain to him either way. It's a lose-lose situation."

Without another word, Faye managed to join Spike in the one-seat ship. She ended up sitting in his lap as he started the engine again. Cologne, perfume, and gasoline invaded her senses and she found herself leaning against Spike. Even though she had so many reasons why she shouldn't be there with him, she still wanted to be. But she still didn't know why. What was he doing to her?

Faye felt Spike's hand creep around her waist as the Swordfish began to rock before it lurched forward. She closed her eyes and placed her head against his shoulder, knowing it would take a few hours to reach Earth. But what was bothering her right now was Spike's hand. Maybe it was her imagination or maybe it wasn't. His hand felt fragile against her clothed flesh, and she could have sworn it was shaking. But it could have just been the ship.

Author's Notes: First off, I want to give an apology to everyone who has been reading this. I should have put this message in my last chapter but I forgot. The reason I have not updated in over a month is because I have been away overseas. And I would not return until August. I put this same message up on my bio, but I don't think many people would check there. But I'm very sorry for the inconvenience.

I'm praying you enjoyed this chapter, it is my longest one yet and I think the rest of the chapters will remain this long. I should have the next chapter up real soon, and I'm sorry again. Thanks to those who reviewed for my last chapter, where would I be without you? Until chapter seven, see ya!