Disclaimer: Like I could come up with anything as cool as Bebop on my own. If it's cool, it ain't mine.

"So when are we going to see this guy?" Faye did her best to sound nonchalant. It wasn't sweltering hot now. She let her hat hang down her back and the slight breeze run it's fingers through hair. The idea of having someone send people looking for her made her nervous. Normally the only people after her wanted to collect her bounty. After the attack earlier that day, she was being wary.

He quirked up the corner of his mouth. He draped the reins over Whisky's neck as he began to roll a smoke. "Don't worry, I don't think he's after your bounty. He's paying me more than you're worth turned in." It was cute to see her fret. Frightening how he could almost read her mind. "We'll go see him in a few days. I have some business to take care of before we see what he wants with us." Finishing with the makings, he stowed them and picked up his reins. Lighting his cigarette he clicked to his horse to urge him into a trot.

Damn was he handsome. She watched his strong back and shoulders move with his horse's rhythm. His fuzzy green hair danced in the small puffs of wind that occasionally found their way to them and brought her the scent of his smoke. He was the perfect cowboy riding into the sunset. Realizing he was getting farther and farther away, she snapped out of her reverie and caught up quickly. "What do you mean us? I thought he was only after me." Now she was puzzled. There were no ties between her and Spike that she knew of. Why could someone want both of them?

He looked at her in disbelief. "Don't tell me I'm the only one that had some maniacal freak firing arrows and flyers about the tournament at me." Whisky side stepped around a tree in the path and resumed his course. Spike laughed at the shocked look on Faye's face. "Maybe if you're very good I'll tell you everything." He checked her under the chin like a big brother would. "Then again, can't have you knowing all my secrets. Could put me at a disadvantage." He winked at her and rode on.

She became silent. Had Spike, the irksome cowboy, just flirted with her? Well, she was going to find out what she wanted to know. Her voice was sugary sweet. "So Spike," She moved Star closer to Whisky so that she and Spike rode knee to knee. Making sure Star was trotting and the bouncing motion accentuated her full figure, she looked up at him through lowered eyelashes. "What did you have in mind for me to be 'very good' at?" The words were purred right at him.

She's good. I'll have to stay on my toes around her. "I'll let you know when the time comes Princess. For now, just keep up with me." Whisky sprang into a gallop. With a gleeful yell, Faye urged Star to follow.

The town loomed ahead of them. It was a small town. False-front stores lined Main Street. There was a general store that doubled as a post office, barbershop complete with red and white striped pole out front, hotel attached to the saloon, and a livery barn. The only thing worth remarking upon was at the other end of town. There, a grandstand had been erected.

There was an arena with good solid footing surrounded by bleachers. At either end metal chutes were against the walls. Each chute was painted a different color with a large number painted on it in white. Behind the chutes were multiple holding pens for livestock. One held tough looking wiry little horses. These were the broncs. Another held big mean looking bulls. They had humps so big on their backs that were so big that they jiggled and swayed to and fro when they walked. The other couple pens held an assortment of calves, goats, sheep, and a donkey. The whole area was decorated in waving banners and balloons.

Faye gaped in wonder. "Spike, is that what I think it is?" She couldn't believe her eyes.

"They're having a rodeo Faye." " He had been pre-registered for a month. This was the Dixie Whistle Rodeo. Only the best of the best would be competing here. He just hoped Faye could stay out of trouble while he competed.

He smiled down at her from his vantage point on Whisky before riding to the livery barn. "This is the business I have to take care of." He tossed over his shoulder before leaving her in a cloud of his dust.

He rubbed his jaw ruefully. The stubble had grown dark and past the itchy stage. His hair was getting too long and he could smell himself. He was in sore need of a bath and a trip to the barber before he won the rodeo. Cocky attitude, yeah, but no one had beaten him and Whisky in a long time. Why should tomorrow be any different? He began to whistle to himself.

Her stomach was a flutter with butterflies. A rodeo! She couldn't wait for the barrel racing. Not many horses could work a cow better than her Star. Faye had trained the mare herself. Excitement jangled her nerves. She even had the perfect outfit for the big event. She couldn't wait for Spike to see her in it. WOAH, where did THAT thought come from? Before anything she had to take care of her horse. Then she was getting a nice long soak in a hot bath. When she felt fully human again, she would analyze her thoughts.

"You're kidding me right Ed? Tell me you are!" Jet was growling in disbelief. It had been almost 3 days, there was a bounty on Spike and Faye's heads, and they were entering a goddamn rodeo! Did these kids have no common sense what so ever!?!

The little red haired girl stood on her toes and grinned. "Nope-nope Father-Jet person! Edward is sure Spike-person and Faye-Faye has entered in the big cow-sow contest-rest-mess. Right Ein?"

The little dog yipped his agreement. Ed smiled and told him what a good dog he was. Jet put his head in his hands. Things were not going his way this week at all.

Star was comfortable in the stable and Faye was slowly de-griming herself. She was on her second tub of water. The first had almost instantly turned gray. Digging through her saddlebags she found the small sliver of lilac scented soap she carried with her. Lathering her hair she began to think about the last few days.

That cowboy. He can be so damn prickly at times. She remembered how he had treated her after the tournament was over. He was such an ill-tempered lout. She remembered how gentle he had been when he caught her trying to escape on Star. Many men would have been rough with her out of temper. He had been pissed, but didn't take it out on her. Firm was the right word for his actions that night. Weary also described him.

Why can't he just pick a personality and stay with it? Spike is the only man I have ever felt this drawn to. Hell, he's the only one I've ever met that I don't feel disdain for after a while. We all have our own demons to fight. Maybe someday he'll tell me his.

Faye Valentine had finally met her match.

He had changed his clothes. Instead of the sweat stained trail dirty jeans and shirt fresh clothes adorned his handsome frame. The shirt was bright sunshine yellow. His jeans were dark indigo and looked brand new. The black fancy stitched boots had been polished to a mirror finish and his silver belt buckle caught the late after noon sun. Silver spurs jangled with every step.

Faye had gone to the hotel for her bath. Spike decided to wait outside on the bench for her. He didn't think it wise to leave her alone for too long. She might decide to break their deal. Leaning back he rolled a smoke. This could be a long wait.

It was dark when the violet haired beauty exited the hotel. The first thing she noticed was the handsome cowboy slouched in the bench outside the door. His head was thrown back showing off his sculpted chest and strong throat. Fuzzy hair, shorter than last time she had seen it, was in disarray. His hat lay on his lap. Dozens of cigarette stubs littered the area around him.

Faye leaned close to his ear. Her lips were almost touching when she called his name. "Spike..." No response. "Spike..." A twitch. "SPIKE." Faye's eyes grew wide. She was staring down the barrel of a gun.

"Geeze, I was only trying to wake you up. I didn't know it was an offense punishable by death." The gun vanished into Spike's holster once more. "Sorry about that." Ruffling his fingers through his mussed hair and donning his hat he stopped and did a double take. Faye was not in her trail dirty clothes any more.

A soft black leather split skirt fell from her hips to her ankles. Though it was tighter than most women would wear, Spike didn't complain. Her red shirt had been traded in for a red vest with silver buttons that clung to every curve. She wore a silver necklace and a few bangles to match. A black felt hat sat on her head. In short, this was not the Faye Spike was used to seeing. This was Faye the woman, not Faye the cowgirl.

Without thinking Spike offered her his arm. Surprised and delighted she took it. Together they walked down the boardwalk exploring the tiny town. As they strolled by the saloon, Faye longed for a shot of vodka. "Thirsty cowboy?" Spike looked down in shock. Had she read his mind?

Smiling he held open the batwing doors with a bow. "After you, my dear." Faye entered the establishment ahead of him. As she passed he caught a whiff of lilac. The smell pleased him. It reminded Spike of summers at his grandmother's. Her yard had been lined in the fragrant violet flowers. He had spent happy times there.

He gave his head a shake as he shed the memory. Spotting Faye at the bar with a bottle in hand, he went to join her.

"Howdy friend. Do you have any vodka in the house?" Faye gave her best innocent-damsel-in-distress look. The bartender was no match for her.

"Of course we do! Did you want a shot or to buy the bottle?"

She smiled gratefully. "I'll take the bottle. Thank you." Ignoring disapproving looks from the other patrons in the saloon she picked up the bottle and her glass to find a quiet table. Turning she ran smack into a solid wall. A solid wall that was surprising yielding. And smelled very good. Wearing a bright yellow shirt.

His hands caught her under her elbows to steady her. That's what he told himself. Those hands seemed to be pulling her closer against his warm broad chest. Faye was mesmerized looking into his red eyes. She was clutching his shirt in one small fist. Their faces were inches apart, their breath mingling. Faye wanted to melt into his warmth.

Spike was stunned to find this beauty in his arms. He was stunned, but was in no hurry to let go. He studied her face, noting the flawless skin colored by life in the elements. Her eyes captivated him. He was drowning in a grassy meadow.

Suddenly, a fight erupted in the corner, breaking the mood. Shoving Faye behind him out of instinct he drew his gun and prepared to defend them both.

"What do you think you're doing? I'm perfectly capable of defending myself in a fight!" Spike turned and gawked at what he saw. Faye had raised her skirt up to her thigh to remove her gun from its holster. Quickly Spike averted his eyes, lest he be caught staring. Seeing an opening, he grabbed Faye's hand and bolted for the door. He couldn't afford to have any injuries for tomorrow's rodeo.

They strolled the boardwalk, arm in arm once more. "Hey Cowboy. You never got your drink in there." She raised the vodka still clenched in her hand. "Still thirsty?" She winked at him.

Gratefully he took the bottle and raised it to his lips. Taking a few swallows he handed it back. "Thanks Princess." They were now at the hotel door. Starlight cast everything a silver hue.

"C'mon, I'll walk you up." Spike wove his fingers through hers and led the way to her room.

When her door loomed ahead he slowed his pace. Why was he in such a hurry? It had been a pleasant evening. He wasn't in any hurry to leave her, but had a feeling it was for the best.

She turned to face him. Her voice was low and seductive. "I had a good time tonight Cowboy. Let's do it again someday." She began to lean in to him. The smell of lilacs surrounded him. Without thinking his hands rose to her hips and drew her closer. Her mouth was lifted to his and her eyes had drifted closed. He let his eyelids fall and slowly lowered his head to hers.

OH NO! A CLIFF HANGER! What ever will happen I do wonder? Well, you'll just have to review to find out!

Thank you to all my reviewers so far. Without you I wouldn't have even bothered to continue this story.

Trot - a trot is a two beat gait. It's also the bounciest to ride. The horses feet move together in diagonals, so that two feet are always on the ground while two feet are always in the air. The horses left front and right rear move together and then the right front and left rear, therefore making diagonals.

Mikey - this chapter is especially long per your request! hope ya like it! I don't know if I hav anything evil planned ot make this an "R" rating, but I feel safer rating it that. I never know what qualifies what is P-G or P-G13 or what ever. When in doubt, I go with the higher rating.

Birdychick- I just love getting your reviews! lol You are so supportive and you give me ideas. It's great. Glad you like all the horse knowledge!

XHatori-SamaX- I'm trying to keep up with the good Spike visuals. Wanna know how this chapter is supposed to look? Check out a pro rodeo wrangler ad. Paste Spike's face on any of the models. Especially the ones wearing chaps with their nice little buts facing you. YEE haw!