Gunshot Serenade

Disclaimer: I don't own it. Leave me alone.

A/N: Ah! A month! Killer! Well, here it is, an extra long, extra crappy one for all of you! Don't doze off towards the end of the chapter, cause it's really really important. Luv! And I am soooo sorry! No excuses! (But I do have all 'A's...) :) Enjoy! Ps: The barriers aren't working, so the lines mean a scene change, instead of the $$ signs.

Chapter Nine:

Love 'Aint For Keeping

If there's a prize for rotten judgment

I guess I've already won that

No man is worth the aggravation

That's ancient history;

Been there, Done that

-Meg and the Muses

Faye popped open a pill bottle, watching as a cluster of white tablets scattered on the counter. She slid two into the palm of her hand and swallowed them dry.

It had been a long time since she had had to resort to sleeping pills, but that night something was bothering her. And it sure as hell wasn't the rain that was pouring down on Tharsis.

Faye had lain awake for a good four hours, her gaze shifting from Spike, sound asleep next to her, to the beautiful dress he had given her earlier that day. She couldn't put her finger on it, but something about her situation with Spike was making her very uneasy.

So, at three o'clock in the morning, she had gotten up to fetch some good old fashioned drugs. Faye wasn't looking for a high, or a low, or an escape. She just wanted to pass out. So, to speed up the process, Faye poured herself a glass of vodka and downed it.

She checked the clock on the wall, figuring she had a good fifteen minutes before she hit the floor drooling. So she dropped her glass in the muggy sink water and made her way to Ed's room.

Once there, she dug through the closet and pulled out a pillow and blanket, dragging them to the bathtub. She was feeling lightheaded as she set herself up, snuggling into the cold porcelain.

She felt herself begin to drift off as the door clicked open. Faye knew she should have opened her eyes and sat up, but she was too tired. She settled for a grunt.

"Hey, Faye."

Spike.

Faye sighed quietly at the sound of his voice, quiet and low and rough. She didn't know how he had woken up. When she had left, he was sound asleep.

"Fuck off, Spike." Faye murmered, her head foggy. She knew he couldn't understand her. She couldn't understand herself.

"Why are you in the bathtub, Valentine?"

Faye slurred a response somewhere along the lines of, "I couldn't sleep."

She seemed to get the point across, because Spike didn't question her on it further. Instead, he kneeled down beside the bathtub. Faye cracked open her eyes to see him regarding her. Slowly, he lifted his hand and moved it toward her. She almost flinched, but her body was too heavy to move. Faye felt his rough hand gently brush a strand of hair away from her face.

"I don't think camping out in the bathtub will help you sleep." He whispered.

Faye could feel herself reacting to his tone. She was outraged at herself for allowing him to have such an effect on her.

"You would be surprised." Faye mumbled.

"Come back to bed, Faye." Spike said, whispering it into her ear. Faye's stomach tightened and her eyelids drooped.

"Hmm…" Faye slurred.

She was vaguely aware of being lifted into Spike's arms as her world faded out.

Spike surprised himself everyday. But definitely more often when Faye was around.

He didn't know why he had gone after her when he felt her leave the bed, but he had. He didn't know why he had insisted on carrying her back after the sleeping pills had knocked her out, but he did. For some reason, he felt much better after successfully retrieving her and placing her next to him in bed.

Spike lay next to her for a good fifteen minutes before even attempting to fall asleep, just watching her. His relationship with Faye Valentine had always been blurry, but the more time he spent with her, the more unfocused his position became. Spike couldn't say he minded it really, but he didn't like the way it seemed to be affecting her.

Unconsciously, Spike moved another strand of hair out of her face while she slept, tensing as she stirred and relaxing as she continued to sleep. He grimaced, a little bit disgusted at himself. What the shit was he doing?

Truth be told, Spike had no idea. All he knew was it became a hell of a lot easier to sleep with Faye lying next to him.

Valentine's Day.

The enemy.

Faye had never liked it, even if St Valentine was her namesake. Especially in the years on and after the Bebop, February 14th had been more of an excuse to get smashed and mope around before throwing up in an alley somewhere than a holiday.

All three of the adults on the Bebop had their own reasons for hating the holiday. Spike missed Julia, Jet was pining for Alyssa, and Faye was mourning her life in general. For all she knew, she could have been engaged before she was frozen. As Faye stared out the window at the rain, she figured party or no party, dress or no dress; this year would be just the same.

Jet didn't seem to think so as he bustled around the kitchen like a mother hen, flipping this, stirring that, pouring coffee for Faye and Ed, despite Miss Valentine's strong protests.

"Jet, she's going to destroy my apartment if you give her that crap! A fucking time bomb, Jet, that's what you're making!"

Ed downed the black liquid before Jet could see the error in his ways, and Faye swore she could hear the countdown begin. Faye sighed and shook her head, taking a sip of her own coffee. She could feel a habit beginning to form, and she didn't like it. Once habits were formed, Faye wouldn't want them to go. And when they did, she would be right back to square one.

"Good morning." Faye turned around to find an already dressed Spike shuffling into the kitchen. She nodded her recognition as he passed her.

"Hey, Spike." Jet said from the sink.

"Spike-person looks sleepy." Ed observed.

Everyone in the kitchen had to stop and consider Ed's comment. Eventually, they all nodded their agreement.

"Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Edward." Spike mumbled.

Faye sighed and took another swig of coffee. Spike sat down beside her, a smirk on his face.

"Hey, Faye."

"Yo, Spike."

"Guess what's tonight?"

"What?"

Spike reached into the pocket of his trench coat and pushed an invitation across the table to her. Faye nodded her understanding.

"Party."

"Exactly." Spike replied. "Does the dress fit?"

Faye shrugged. "I have no idea." Alright, that was a lie. Truth was she did have an idea. A good idea. But what kind of girl would she be if she didn't try on dresses beforehand? Spike seemed to see through her, but he didn't press her.

"Find out. If it doesn't fit, you need another one."

Faye grinned arrogantly and gave Spike a military salute. "Yes, sir."

He grunted and gestured to Jet, who poured Spike a cup of coffee and set it before him.

Faye sat still for the next few moments, watching as Spike took an occasional gulp of the steaming liquid in his mug. Finally, he began to twitch under her gaze.

"Can I help you with something?" Spike asked, sliding his empty cup away from him.

Faye sighed quietly. "You don't even remember, do you?" She asked, her voice a whisper. She knew he wouldn't know what she was talking about, but she didn't care.

"What?" Spike asked, confused.

Faye shook her head and stood, setting her cup in the sink, assuming Jet would wash it later. "Nevermind. It's not important."

Spike shrugged and watched as she left the kitchen.

"I don't like this, Spike. I don't like it at all. Something is going to go wrong. " Jet shook his head lowly, licking his lips.

Spike laughed, calm as he poured himself a second cup of coffee. "Relax, old man. It's just a party."

"Spike… It's like bringing a cat into a room full of dogs. Big, angry dogs. With guns. They're going to kill her the second she walks in."

"Not if she's with me."

"What about Alex? He's not afraid of you. Not like you think he is."

"Alex is too vain to ruin one of his parties with a shootout."

"Don't be so sure." Jet replied.

Spike shot a grin across the room that did nothing to calm Jet's frazzled nerves.

"I'm establishing my dominance, Jet. After this, Faye will be off the list."

"It can't be that simple, Spike-o."

Spike shrugged. "It is."

"I'm telling you, buddy… I have a bad feeling about this. You take her to that party, the best result possible is she finds out."

"Who's going to tell her?"

"Maybe all of the red will give her an idea?" Jet replied. "She may have some problems, but she isn't stupid."

Spike grinned. "Of all people, Jet, I should know."

Jet shrugged, taking a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it, taking a long drag.

"Those are going to kill you one day, Jet." Spike pointed out.

Jet shook his head, taking another pull. "Of all people, Spike, I should know."

Spike chuckled softly as he stood, shoving his hands in the pockets of his new, finely tailored trench coat. "I'll be here at 8:15 to get Faye." He said simply as he made his way out of the kitchen.

"I'm telling you, Spike," Jet replied, shaking his head and following him into Faye's hallway. "This is a bad idea. A very bad idea."

But Spike wasn't listening as he gathered his wallet and keys from the table in the living room and shoved them in his pocket. "I'll see you tonight, Jet." He said simply as he headed towards the front door.

"Have a good day, Spike." Jet said mostly to himself as he watched from the living room doorway as his old friend moved out of the front door and into the hall.

Shaking his head slowly, Jet turned back and moved towards the kitchen after closing the door. He couldn't shake the feeling that Spike was being rash and stupid bringing Faye to that particular party.

And the Black Dog's intuition had yet to be wrong.

Eight o'clock found Faye Valentine standing in front of her mirror. She was beautiful, and she knew it, but her feet refused to move. She just stood, regarding herself in the glass.

The dress she had pulled on moments earlier was black and fit like a glove. The beautiful cut of the silk dress flattered her curves and brought out the subtle purple tints in her hair, which she left loose, falling down an inch or two past her shoulders. Despite the addition of strappy high heels, the gown still pooled delicately on the floor. However, much to Faye's delight, she found she could still move in the gown, thanks to a subtle slit that traveled a good way up her thigh.

"Faye-Faye is veeeeeeery prettyful. Edward thinks she looks booooootiful. So does Einstein."

Faye smiled and turned away from the mirror to face Ed, who sat on the bed. "Thanks, Ed." She replied. Ein barked a reply for the both of them.

Shaking her head in amusement, Faye turned back to the mirror, pulling a pair of black gloves that had been draped over the top free. She pulled them on, each extending just past her elbow. A step back and a last glance and she was heading towards the door.

"Come on, Ed." She said as she opened the door and headed towards the kitchen. A bump and a dog's yelp later, Ed was charging infront of her. Faye, trying her hardest not to trip over the psychopathic little girl, made it to the kitchen safely. Once there, she plopped down in a chair across from Jet.

He glanced up at her, and a low whistle escaped his lips.

"What?" Faye asked, taken adback.

"You look good, is all." Jet replied.

Faye nodded and quirked an eyebrow as she spotted several little velvet boxes.

"What are these?" She asked.

Jet slid five of them her way. "Jewelry, courtesy of Mr. Spike Spiegel. They're for you."

Faye was surprised to say the least. "Jewelry? For me? From Spike? Where did he get it? Target?"

Jet shook his head, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow. "Um.. No… He… Borrowed it…" He choked out.

Faye cocked an eyebrow and reached to pull one of the boxes towards her. She instantly jerked her hand back. "Jet, why are the boxes so cold?"

"They've been in the freezer for two days."

"What? Two days? Why?"

Jet shrugged. "So you wouldn't find them and pawn them to pay off your debt."

Faye was surprised. "Debt? I haven't had bill collectors in years. Why would I hawk jewelry for a couple hundred woolongs?"

The man across from her paled. "You… haven't had… bill collectors?"

Faye considered and shook her head, eyeing Jet carefully. "Um… No? Are you okay, old man? You look like you're having heart attack…"

"I wish…" Jet mumbled before turning his attention to the little velvet boxes. Silently, he pulled one towards him and snapped it open. His already pale face blanched. "Faye… this isn't just a couple hundred woolongs in jewelry.

Slowly, he set the box on the table and turned it to face Faye. She choked momentarily.

"This bracelet is at least two hundred grand. Alone." Jet said quietly.

Faye reached forward and pulled another box towards her. She snapped it open. Inside was a beautiful teardrop diamond pendant hung on a delicate platinum chain. She turned it to face Jet, who sighed.

"I'm going to kill that son of a bitch." He grumbled.

Faye laughed, giddy. "Why? Look at all of the diamonds, Jet!" She snatched another box and snapped it open, revealing an amazing pink diamond ring. "Diamonds are a girl's best friend, Jet."

Jet put his head in his hands. "I wish people would stop saying that."

Faye grinned. "What's the big deal? If Spike wants to borrow some jewelry for a night, good for him. As long as I get to wear it…" Faye trailed off as she snatched up another box.

"This is at least five million woolongs worth of diamonds, Faye!"

"And emeralds." Faye corrected, flashing him a glimpse of earrings that matched the pendant, tear drop diamonds hung from emerald studs. "Maybe he stole it all."

Jet shook his head sadly. "I wouldn't be surprised."

"Unfortunately, I didn't steal them all."

Faye and Jet jumped as Spike entered the kitchen. He plopped down in the chair next to Faye. "They're borrowed from my boss, Alex. I think he would like it if you wore them tonight, Faye."

Faye just gaped. Finally, she found her words. "Are you kidding? This is a crazy amount of jewelry. And you borrowed them from your boss? What if I loose them?"

Spike watched her for a few moments before replying. "You won't. Trust me." Slowly, Spike opened the rest of the boxes. He separated five from the group and slid them towards Faye. "Put these on."

Faye did so without complaint, slipping on two rings, one on each hand, a diamond bracelet, and the teardrop earrings. Last but most certainly not least, she draped the diamond pendant around her neck, looping the chain twice so the teardrop hung just above her heart.

Faye involuntarily glanced at Spike, who was nodding his approval. He checked his watch quickly and stood.

"Ready?"

Faye's eyes widened. "Um… Sure…" She glanced at Jet, who looked like he was having a stroke. A little worried about the old man, she stood. "Are you going to be okay?" She asked him.

Jet nodded and gave Spike a look that would have frozen the Atlantic Ocean. The younger man just smiled and jammed his hands in the pockets of his new trench coat.

"See you later Jet." Spike said calmly as he turned and walked out of the kitchen. With one last look back at Jet, Faye followed him.

She had the feeling it was going to be a very interesting night.

"You have to be shitting me." Faye muttered under her breath, shivering as she wrapped her arms around herself.

Spike glanced back at her, a half smile on his face. "I know. She looks great, doesn't she?"

"Spike, it's a one-seater! Two people can't fit!"

"Sure they can," He said, placing a hand on her lower back and leading her into the middle of the empty street where the Swordfish II had been parked on the yellow lines. "We just have to be… creative." Spike finished with a wink.

Faye gave him a sideways glance, shrugging away from Spike's warming touch.

"What do you mean by that?" She asked cautiously as they reached the base of the ladder leading to the cockpit. Spike pulled ahead of her and opened the glass bubble, hopping into the pilot's chair. When he was situated, he glanced back down at her.

"Where am I supposed to sit?" Faye demanded.

Spike grinned and patted his knee.

"Right here."

"No. Absolutely not."

Spike shrugged. "Well, I can always strap you to the wing."

Faye narrowed her eyes. "You drive a hard bargain…. Fine. I'll sit on your lap." She mumbled as she climbed up the ladder and slid onto his knee. "But no touching." Faye warned. She had meant for it to sound threatening, but she was intoxicated by his nearness to her, and if anything, the line sounded like an invitation.

"I'm afraid that's impossible, princess." Spike whispered coarsely into her ear, sending her swooning. Almost to prove his point, he pulled her to his chest and reached around her to get at the controls.

As the Swordfish II lifted off the ground, Faye became certain the sudden movement was not the only cause of her fast pulse.

665 Coltrane Avenue was possibly the most beautiful house Faye had ever seen. It was a massive, imposing structure of dark stone, surrounded by acres of beautifully manicured lawns and pools.

Spike brought the Swordfish down in the circular drive that lead to the front door, and Faye assumed they were late. Only a few cars were making the round, and classical music and conversation floated out of the house's huge French windows. Spike wasted no time in opening the cockpit, releasing his grip on Faye's waist to allow her to slide down the ladder. He followed close behind her, tossing his keys to a young, uniformed valet and reclaiming his hold of Faye.

"Be good tonight, okay?" He whispered in her ear as he helped her up the several stone steps that lead to the huge oak double doors that served as a portal into the house.

"I'll try my best." Faye assured him, trying in vain to pull away from his grasp. He was making her flushed and uncomfortable, and she wanted to get far away from him before he noticed.

He flashed her a smirk and moved his arm, hooking it through hers. If she had any less self control, she would have blushed and shied away, but Faye Valentine struggled to appear perfectly normal, and her efforts paid off. The old butler who greeted them at the doorway seemed to think they were a perfectly normal couple.

"Mr. Spiegel!" The old, graying man greeted, his voice warm. "So nice to see you again. And who is this beautiful young woman who's accompanied you?" He turned to Faye, who smiled politely, extending her hand.

"I'm Faye." She said, glancing to Spike, who nodded his approval. The butler nodded and placed a chaste kiss on her hand before turning back to Spike.

"I hope you both have a pleasant evening." He said, smiling slightly and pulling the door open.

The inside of the stone manor was more beautiful than the outside. Spike and Faye entered into a long hallway, the vaulted ceilings easily twenty feet high. A long red velvet carpet ran down the hall, which was illuminated by dimmed chandeleres and what must have been hundreds of red candles. One double door, about 1/3 of the way down the hall, was propped open.

"Festive…" Faye remarked to Spike as he handed his trench coat to a waiting man, revealing a sharp black tuxedo, minus a tie and top button. He smiled at her and nodded, taking her arm again and leading her down the hall.

As they walked, the music became louder, and Faye realized it came from the open doors. She began to move towards the sound, but Spike halted abrubtly. She turned to see what he had stopped for and found herself very close to him, staring at her with an intensity she hadn't seen in him since he walked away from her three years ago.

"Faye," He whispered, drawing her closer to whisper in her ear, "Don't take anything from anyone, especially food or drinks. Anything you want has to come through me first. Don't talk to anyone unless I'm with you, and whatever you do, don't leave with anyone. I should always be able to see you, no matter what. If you need to go to the bathroom, I'll wait outside for you. Do you understand?"

Faye stood and stared at him for a long time. Finally, she answered. "You're shitting me, right?"

Spike pulled back and stared at her for a moment, his real eye a shade darker than usual. "Please, Faye."

"I…" Faye was alarmed to say the least, but she took comfort in the feeling that whatever Spike was up to, he was doing it for her. "Fine. Whatever you say, Spike."

The cloud that had darkened Spike's eye lightened immediately, and the shadow of a smile graced his face. "Good. Let's go."

With no further words, Spike walked on, his arm still in hers. Just as she thought he would do, he turned into the double door, which, Faye found as she entered a step behind him, lead to what looked like a ballroom.

The room, like the hall, was beautiful and massive, done all in cream and espresso, reeking of wealth and dignity from the beautiful marble floor to the vaulted ceiling. Thirty or so circular tables surrounded the white marble dance floor, where several couples danced to classical music provided by a group of talented musicians set up by the open French doors leading to the large terrace overlooking rose gardens. The doors and all of the massive French windows were hung with beautiful sheer curtains in a gentle cream color, set to match the tablecloths. The room was lit by nearly a dozen crystal chandeliers and hundreds of cream candles.

Despite the beauty of the room itself, Faye's eye was drawn to the ceiling, where a beautiful mural of graceful angels and fat cherubs was painted. A long, white komodo dragon, extremely out of place in the mural, circled the outside of the skyscape, glaring towards the happy scene laid out in paint before it.

Faye cocked her head and stared for a little while, her brow furrowed. It seemed so out of place, such an expensive thing to have put where it obviously didn't belong. She could smell hidden meaning, but discovered a little indignantly, Spike didn't intend to let her ponder.

"I want you to meet someone." He said quietly, jerking her attention away from the mural on the ceiling. She looked up at him to find his eyes focused on something towards the terrace doors, but, nearly five inches shorter than him, had no idea where he was leading her. But eventually, she saw.

Spike was taking her to meet a god.

He was beautiful. Maybe one of the most beautiful men Faye had ever seen. He sure as hell wasn't her style, but if he had been, she would have left with him in a second. But he looked like a supermodel, a little cookie-cutter for her taste. That didn't make him the least bit ugly.

His hair was long and black, glimmering in the candlelight. His purple gaze focused on Faye immediately, his mouth curving into a smile when he saw who held her arm. A little bit curtly, he shook the blonde bombshell in a short red dress off his arm and stepped forward.

"Spike!" He said cheerfully, a beautiful smile on his stunning face as he stepped forward, shaking Spike's hand. "I'm so glad you could make it. So is this the girl I've heard so much about?" He asked, turning to Faye.

She noticed, a little surprised, that Spike's grip on her tightened slightly under this new man's gaze. Faye turned to Spike, a slight smile on her face. He looked down at her, a strange expression on his face. After a moment, he turned back to the new man.

"Yes." He said, a smirk fresh on his face. "Faye, this is Alexander King. My boss. He owns this house. Alex, this is Faye."

Alex smiled and took Faye's other hand, kissing it gently. "Faye?" He asked politely.

"Yes." Spike answered before Faye could comment. "Faye Valentine."

A strange emotion flickered across Alex's face, but was replaced momentarily with a debonair smile.

"Faye Valentine… What a beautiful name."

"Thanks…" Faye replied, a little uncomfortable. She sensed a little bit of tension between Alex and Spike, but chose to keep her mouth closed. Spike's hand released her arm, only for his own arm to slither around her waist, pulling him close to his side.

"Faye is an old friend, Alex. I'm happy she could finally meet you."

"As am I," Alex replied, his slick smile still plastered onto his face. "It's not often I meet such a beautiful woman. Purple hair? Natural?"

Faye cocked an eyebrow, but nodded anyway. If she had been anymore modest, she would have blushed.

Alexander King nodded his approval. "Very unique." He shot Spike an arrogant look before turning back to Faye. "Please Miss Valentine," He said, his voice sticky sweet as the band finished off their song. "Dance with me." Alex extended his hand.

And Faye took it.

Faye Valentine was acutely aware of Alexander King's hand on the small of her back. It made her flesh crawl one moment, and sent shivers up her spine the next.

She didn't like it at all.

Faye caught a glimpse of Spike over Alex's shoulder as he dipped her low and brought her back up, slightly aware of a smile spreading across her face. The man twirling her around the dance floor noticed.

"So," He asked, pretending to be casual, a sly smile on his lips, "You're with Spike, are you?"

Faye furrowed her brow, looking back to the said man, who chatted casually with the bombshell who had arrived on Alex's arm. Faye winced as she made a move on him.

Slut… Keep your hands off him…

She plastered on a smile and turned back to her dance partner. "I don't really know for sure. He likes to keep me in the dark."

Alex nodded, still smiling. "Yes, he does like to do that. He doesn't tell me anything, either. You should watch you for that, Miss Valentine."

Faye cocked an eyebrow. "I seem to be hearing that a lot."

"Then the advice must be worth something."

"Yeah, I guess so."

She shrugged away from him as she felt his hand slide down her thigh.

"I think you should be careful, Miss Valentine." He whispered into her ear, his warm breath making her body prickle. "If you lie with dogs, you'll wake with fleas."

"Fleas?" Faye pondered, smiling smugly. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Good." Alex said, giving her a last twirl as the song ended.

Faye had expected to be lead back to Spike, but received no such satisfaction. Instead, Alex beaconed another man over, handing her off to him.

He gave him very clear instructions. "Keep Miss Valentine busy for the next song."

The man, sturdy and dressed in a sharp black tux, nodded, pulling Faye away before she could protest.

"Why didn't you bring her back here, Alex?" Spike questioned, working hard to keep his face blank.

"We need to talk."

"Talk away."

"What are you playing at?"

"What do you mean?"

"Bringing her here? Faye Valentine? She's the hit, Spike. She's on the list."

"You told me to bring her. I did."

"Why are you playing these games!" Alex was getting angry. And Spike was enjoying every minute of it.

"I want you to take her off the list."

"Did you go out and find her, Spike? Choose a random name off the list?"

"No. I told you. We're old friends."

"How old?"

"Six years."

"So she's the one you abandoned."

"You could say that. But she was a big girl. She took care of it."

"Do you love her?"

Spike paused for a moment, watching as a made man spun Faye on the dance floor.

"I don't know."

"Well learn, Spike. Because she's going to die. We just have to figure out if you're going to go with her. You run the most powerful syndicate on Mars, Spike. You're a Red Dragon. You can't fuck around like this."

"I can do whatever I want, Alex."

"See, Spike-o, that's where you're wrong. Very, very wrong."

Whew! That was a long one!

Again, sorry I took so long! Slap on the wrists Next one in a while! Hopefully in less than a month.... :) Anyway, I was going to say something, but I have no idea what. So, caio! RxR!

Rock hard!

Luv,

Lulu