Chapter 2

The drive back to the hospital was long and silent, it was already sunset. Reds and oranges filled the sky as Spike stared at the horizon, emptiness eating him whole.

They arrived in hospital the doctor helped Spike change and get into bed as she tucked him; he looked at her

"This all a dream right doc, I'm just watching a dream" he said weakly Dr. Parish could only look at him with sympathy and caressed his forehead as if he were a lost child "Only if you let it, Spike. Only if you let it"

Back at the Bebop

Jet and Faye ran around their usual routine bicker, catch bounty, eat, bicker some more, sleep the one thing that they both agree on is that they miss that red-headed annoying kid and it's side kick dog and they worry about a certain someone back in Mars.

"Hey, Jet do you think Spike is okay now?" while flipping through her magazine trying to cover up the concern in her tone.

"Yeah, judging from the timeline he's alright now sleeping all day, eating hospital food, thinking about Julia" he replied while he trimmed his bonsai trees

"Julia, always Julia for crying out loud she's the one who caused all this." She thought. Jet looked at her and said "Face it Faye, you miss him. There is no need to hide it. I have to admit the Bebop isn't the same without my partner, I miss shouting around here."

Faye just smiled back at him while Jet continued to trim his bonsai trees "Besides you shouldn't bear a grudge against Julia, she's resting in peace now"

She was shocked that Jet read her thoughts "I was not bearing a grudge" she retorted back embarrassed at what Jet said. Then a familiar voice rang through the ship, "ED IS BACK" the twosome almost fell on their seats as they heard these very words. An all too familiar bark followed that sound that sent these two scrambling to get in front of their monitor. Ed's image popped in "Hello Jet-person, Faye-faye. Ed misses Jet-person, Spike-person, Faye-faye and the Bebop would you come pick me up?"

Jet just smiled back "Sure thing kid, Jet misses you too." Then the Bebop blasted off to pick up Ed and Ein.

For the past week, Spike grew stronger he limped less now but still wore bandages and a cast around his arm he already grew accustomed to his life in the hospital sleeping all day, eating, exercising, thinking of what he will do after leaving the hospital. Lydia walked in on him as he limped around his room, "I see, no more pain" she greeted

"Just a little doc, but it's okay"

"You can use the therapy room if you want to."

"Its fine doc" then he felt dizzy all of a sudden, Lydia immediately came to his aide and ushered him to bed. "Whoa, big shot you shouldn't push yourself too hard. You're not a hundred percent yet"

"Sorry doc, this kinda embarrassing getting scolded by a young doctor" he teased

"I'm not that young, you're only what three years older than me? Are you saying I'm not qualified? Or is that sarcasm?" she replied raising an eyebrow at him

He shot back with one of his sexiest smiles at her. "Well at least you have your sense of humor and smile back" she replied smiling

"In a week or so, you'll be out of here no more old nurses, an annoying doctor, and inedible food. You'll be back with Mr. Black and Ms. Valentine in no time" she declared. Spike did not respond as soon as the doctor mentioned his friends "You should notify them so they could come pick you up when you get out."

He lay down and silently stared at the ceiling while Lydia stood there. "I'm not going back doc, not yet"

She was puzzled by his reply; his silence meant that it was time for her to leave him alone "Okay, I'll be making my rounds now see you later Spike"

It was already dinner time when the good doctor came back to check up on Spike, looking a bit tired but still forced a smile when she greeted him

"I was wondering maybe I could join you for dinner, it's my 24 hour shift today." They both ate silently, after eating Lydia cleaned up

"Hey doc, I apologize for being a jerk today"

"No harm done. No need to apologize." She replied and continued to dispose the take-out boxes feeling awkward at the moment. She tossed a pack of cigarettes to Spike direction

"I know, it's bad for you but you look like you need it "she smiled back

"Besides, I need to bribe you to let me hang around here" she added teasing

"For what it's worth this is a good bribe, doc" he replied, he lit one stick and looked up at the night sky as he stood in the veranda. While Lydia played some rhythm and blues on the CD player and joined him for a smoke

"I thought doctors suppose to have good habits" he said looking at her

"Well, you thought wrong besides it wouldn't hurt if we break the rules some times. The sky looks beautiful tonight"

"If you ever needed someone to talk to or listen to you, I'm offering my services. I'm serious Spike, don't hesitate to call me okay?" she said looking at him straight in the eye.

"I'm still editing my story doc" he replied still looking at the sky.

The doctor gave a short chuckle and continued to admire the heavens alongside with him.

Note: I don't own the Cowboy Bebop and thanks for the reviews keep them coming okay, I think I'm having writer's block when I was writing this chapter so break it tome gently people. Suggestions are much needed, I'm thinking of giving Spike a normal day job when he gets out of the hospital suggestions please!!!

Thanks to Erin who gave me pointers before writing this fic, the one who gave me the courage to write this one down even if it's unfamiliar territory.

Thank you so much!!!!