DISCLAIMER: I don't feel clever tonight. Had to listen to two (count 'em TWO) screaming toddlers, at different tables, tonight at dinner. Now I'm full and tired and my hubby has gone to work (he's been taking time off for the last few months and I got used to having him around). Anyways, I don't own Cowboy Bebop. I'm only responsible for Tilly, Eamon and other peripheral characters. Yeah.


The DPSS was killing Spike. Nothing had ever grated on his nerves so much as this office. Everyone but one of the old guys had been served, and his buddies had stuck around to keep him company. They were all still in the corner, arguing now over what happens when you jump a kinged checker.

That wouldn't be so bad, but to add insult to injury the desk clerk had gone on her lunch break. Apparently the standard lunch break for a DPSS attendant was… however the hell long she wanted to stay gone. Still, the blinker kept up its mocking pace. 62, 63. 62, 63.

Sighing in frustration, Spike pulled his com out and called Tilly.

"Yeah, Spike?" she responded. Spike froze, taken aback by her image for a moment. She always looked nice, but small curls had worked free of her braid and framed her cheeks, making her look especially pretty.

Like the first time I saw her.

He stared at her as she canvassed whatever scene was before her, glancing down only now and then.

"Spike?" she called out. "You there?"

"Yeah," he choked out. Clearing his throat, Spike continued. "Sorry. Listen, I'm starving. Think you can bring me something to eat if you get the chance?"

Tilly laughed and Spike's eyes softened watching her for a moment. He quickly masked his expression, though, as she looked back to him.

"Will do," she smiled. Suddenly her eyes darted off to one side, as though she had seen something. "Sausage and bun okay? Want a drink?"

"Yeah," Spike replied with hope in his voice. Tilly met his eyes for the first time, and Spike felt his stomach drop.

"I'll be right there," she smiled and signed out. Not a second later, the com beeped.

"Something wrong?" Spike asked, surprised to see Jet's face.

"Not that I know of," he answered smiling. "So, you and our little fugitive talking again?"

"Sort of," Spike replied in a bored voice. "I was hungry, and assumed you'd be off doing the ex-cop thing."

"No need," Jet responded. "Faye had all the information we needed."

"Faye, huh? She bringing this one in?"

"Nope," Jet answered. Spike's eyes widened and he raised an eyebrow. Jet's smile took on a mischievous slant. "She's afraid of him."

"Really?" Spike drawled. "That should be an interesting story."

"That's what I was thinking," Jet smirked.


Tilly made her way toward the sausage booth. She had been eyeing the kolaches and now had an acceptable excuse to go buy one. Checking over her shoulder as she made the purchase, Tilly couldn't help feeling as though she was being watched. The flash of red a few moments ago couldn't have been anyone but O'Mara.

"Fan of kolaches?"

Tilly fought a scream and spun around. She saw no one at first, but then looked down to see the parking attendant. Barely concealing a shudder, she did her best to smile politely.

"Heh. Yeah. Um, gotta go. My shipmate's waiting for these." Tilly forced herself to walk calmly away, rather than sprinting like her legs wanted to.

"You know," an Irish brogue came from behind her. "He can tell you're freaked out."

Tilly stopped walking and slowly turned around. There before her were the dark eyes and red curls that had convinced her to come down to New Bering.

"You're prettier close up than you were from across the bar." O'Mara smiled and stepped forward. Tilly moved to jump him, but he held up his arms. "Now before you go spilling your food- and trust me, it's good food- hear me out. I'd much rather be your friend than your bounty, and you'd rather have money than a fine dinner with me, so I'll make you a wager."

Tilly narrowed her eyes, but kept her body tense- ready to spring after him if he tried to get away. "What wager?"

Eamon smiled and ran a hand through his hair. Tilly pretended not to find him attractive.

"I'll wager you my freedom for a night of your time. If you can catch me, say, in the next two hours, I'll go in, no fuss. But, if you can't catch me, well then, you have to meet me at seven sharp for a night of fine dining and wine. And, you have to wear a dress."

"I'll assume, then," Tilly responded, eyebrow raised at his audacity. "If I lose that I'm not allowed to take you down during the date."

"Well now," Eamon responded, an arrogant smile on his face. "That depends what you're taking me down for."

Tilly smiled in spite of herself. "Two hours, starting after I deliver this food then." Eamon bowed elaborately and melted back into the crowd of shoppers. "Damn it," she whispered.


A/N: Thanks to everyone who reads, and a big thank you to everyone who reviews. I try to respond to everyone as they review, because I really appreciate it. If, however, I DID fail to respond to a review, I just wanted to say thanks. You all make my day happy. Seriously. Thank you all.