"La-de-da-da!" Edward sang as she typed away. Ein lay contently next to her.
"Dinner's ready." Jet hollered as he stomped into the living room.
"Great." Spike muttered from his comfy position on the yellow sofa.
"What's for dinner?" Faye questioned as she walked through the door.
All of the crew's eyes shot to the purple hair vixen. A grin danced on Faye's lips as she stared at them, a surprised expression devouring all of their faces.
"What? You didn't think I would come back?" Faye asked as she raised her hands and shrugged her shoulders.
"Not so soon." Jet muttered, taking a seat next to the now sitting up Spike. Jet held his plate firmly
"I'm hurt. We're comrades." Faye made a pained face to the group as she took as seat across from the unusual pair.
"Here she goes again." Spike added. His eyes still firmly closed with his hands lightly resting behind his head. Faye narrowed her eyes at him choosing to ignore the fact that he couldn't see her.
"Looks like you got into some trouble." Jet took a slurp at his noodles. He had noticed the blood splattered on Faye's white tank.
"Nothing I couldn't handle, just a couple of amateurs." Faye boasted.
"What'd you do now?" Spike opened one eye to look at her.
"Nothing."
"Yeah right." Spike snorted.
"Innocent till proven guilty, isn't that what they say boys." Faye stood up and strutted towards the halls, towards her precious room.
"Not in your case." Spike retorted as he glided his way to the kitchen to grab some of Jet's home cooking.
Faye ignored his comment as she hummed lightly to herself, walking down the metal hallway as she so. Faye entered her room and was greeted by her chaotic room. She peeled off her bloodied shirt discarding it upon the many clothes piled through out the room. She slid on a different tank top, practically identical to the previous one. She looked around her room once more and grabbed the extra bullets near the bed; just in case.
"I'm going out. Anyone care to join?" Faye questioned as she reappeared in the living room.
Jet and Spike blinked a few times before declining.
"Edward! Faye-Faye! Edward!" Ed shouted as she jumped up from her place on the floor.
"Sorry Edward. This is a grown up place." Faye informed as she made her way back to the hangar.
-----
"Is it a deal, Thompson?" Jimmy ran a hand throw his greasy navy hair. His black eyes focused on Roger before hectically scanning the room.
"Of course. Deliver it to my warehouse, off the port. Shania knows." Roger spoke with a yawn. Roger too scanned the bar, but out of boredom.
"I have the substance with me. Want it now?" Jimmy added.
"Not all. A sample. Free of charge of course." Roger smiled at Jimmy.
"Of course. Need to know what you're selling." Jimmy slid a tiny bag over to Roger, a lazy smile on his lips.
"Thank you. Always a pleasure." Roger nodded as he tucked the bag into his pocket.
"I'll deliver the weapons tomorrow night. I'm hoping you're as good as a profit maker as Shania brags you to be."
"I do what I do well." Roger shrugged.
"Look who just walked in," Jimmy motioned to the door, "I would jump that." He licked his cracked lips.
"She's with me." Roger informed, his eyes still glued on the perfect figure that just walked in.
-----
"Spike, call Faye and tell her to be on the ship by nine. We're taking off in the morning." Jet yelled from the control room.
"I think I'll pass." Spike hollered back even though he was already sitting up, preparing to call Faye.
"Spike." Jet growled.
"Fine. Fine." Spike muttered. It rang and rang but she never picked up. Spike stood up and strolled over to the control room.
"What'd she say?" Jet looked over at Spike.
"Didn't answer." Spike shrugged. He was slouched at the doorway with his hands in his pockets.
"Figures. We'll leave her here then."
"Where exactly are we headed?" Spike questioned.
"Earth. Big bounty." Jet answered as he lit a cigarette.
"Sounds exciting. I'll see you in the morning, old man." Spike smirked.
"You going to bed already?" Jet wondered.
"Out."
-----
"She's beautiful." Roger muttered as his eyes followed the figure to the bar stool she was now occupying.
"Sure." Jimmy agreed. He two was watching the figure "Why don't you call her over here?" Roger looked over at Jimmy and decided their business meeting was well past over. He had more important matters to attend too.
"It was a pleasure doing business with you, Jimmy. See you tomorrow night." Roger shook his handed and walked away from the table and towards his target. He took a seat next to the women.
"I am truly blessed. Bumping into you twice in one day." Roger smiled. He watched as Faye slammed the shot glass down, making a small face. He watched her carefully; he was truly enchanted by her.
"Flattery won't get you far, Roger." Faye smiled as she looked at him from the corner of her eyes. It dawned on her it had already been a week since their first encounter at the block party.
"Never expected them to. Mind if I join you?" He questioned, true politeness seeping there every word.
"Would you listen to me if I said no?" Faye raised an eyebrow.
"Probably not. I can be devilishly persistent."
"That's a good quality to have." Faye waved to the bartender, requesting another shot.
"You don't say? What are some other qualities you finding fitting to have?" Roger itched his nose lightly as he spoke.
"Looks, of course," Faye laughed, "and loyalty for starters."
"Of course." Roger fully agreed.
-------
Spike laughed with the two men next to him. They're drunken babble was amusing him greatly. Spike gulped from his mixed drink. He felt the liquid rampage thru his stomach, the warmth was refreshing.
"What bout you boy, you married?" The man with the white beard nudged him lightly. Spike had been calling him Bob.
"No, Bob I'm not." Spike smirked.
"Lucky son of a gun. Women are nothing but man eating monsters. Suck the money and life right out of your tired soul." The bearded man roared.
"We men never stood a chance." The younger man, Ryan, mumbled. He began chugging his mug of beer.
"Amen." Bob agreed, joining the chugging.
"Amen." Spike stated lowly. He too gulped down his mixed drink. Not that he was in a relationship; but he knew all too well the trouble's of women.
"Listen to the babies cry." A man sneered behind the Spike and the two other men enjoying their drinks.
Their heads quickly twirled around to glare at the man mocking them. They focused on the four men, dressed in leather, with crooked smiles on their pierced lips.
"Their not worth it." Bob ordered as he returned to his drink.
"You too afraid, pops?" The leader sneered as he shoved the older man harshly causing Bob to fall into the bar top, his bar stool falling to the ground.
"That wasn't very nice." Spike questioned. He stood up from his seat, towering over the four men as he did so.
"What's your skinny as going to do about it, eh?" One of the one's on the ended jeered.
Spike ran a smooth hand through his hair, "Depends. You have any preferences?"
"Prick. You'll regret that attitude of yours." The smallest one jumped at Spike. Spike easily avoided him, causing the guy to smash into the bar.
"Who's next?" Spike smirked as he kicked the feet out from under one guy before swinging around and elbowing the other in the nose. Blood poured out as the guy cried out with pain. The leader grabbed Spike by his collar with one hand, raising the other to punch Spike in the face. Spike with ease freed him self and sent the leader flying with a swift kick. Looking around the bar at his defeated opponents, Spike smirked at his now cheering audience. Bob and Ryan were proudly patting Spike on his shoulders. Spike let out a chuckle.
-----
"Last call." The bartender yelled out to the still crowded bar.
Poppy was the kind of bar where no one gave anyone else a second thought. You could stand their bleeding to death in the dark room and not one person would bat an eyelash.
"Want to pick this up at my place?" Roger offered, gracefully standing up from his stool.
"Maybe." Faye answered as she stood up. She held the stool firmly to gain her balance, the alcohol racing through her. Roger grabbed her arm carefully and led her out the door. They paused momentarily in the night's cold air.
"You want to ride with me?" Roger raised an eyebrow, his topaz eyes studying her with curiosity.
"I'll follow you there." Faye smiled. She took in Roger's full appearance. His wrinkled black suit pants and untucked white dress shirt were fitting for him. She watched as his silver necklace glowed with green as the traffic light changed. His face was smooth but thin, just as the rest of his body. Faye knew he wouldn't be good for her but she couldn't walk away from him. The mess was what attracted her. That and they way he carried himself, unyielding to anything but his desires.
Faye headed over to her zip craft while Roger headed to his car.
Faye hesitantly looked at her communicator and noticed the missed called. She sighed as she channeled Spike. Spike was easier to talk to because he didn't snoop nearly as much as Jet did.
---
"You were so strong back there." The curly brown haired women squeaked as she slung Spike's arm around her shoulder.
"Sure was." Spike smirked over at her. Spike was on his fifth mixed drink after the unchallenging fight. Spike had celebrated briefly with Bob and Ryan but both had to leave. Their wives were waiting.
"You're so handsome." She whispered into his ear, nibbling lightly on it.
"You're too kind, Danielle." He mumbled as he picked up his drink and finished it off.
"Delia." She corrected as she made a gentle trail of kisses down Spike's toned neck.
"Can I get another?" Spike pestered the passing waitress from his round booth in the darkened corner.
"Spike." Delia harshly whispered as she climbed onto his lap. She straddled him effortlessness. The table moved away with a modest nudge. She kissed Spike firmly on his silky lips. He didn't return it but she didn't mind. She was up to the challenge to do a little persuading.
Spike communicator beeped.
"Hold up." Spike stated as he gently scooted her off his lap. He dug in his pocket briefly before pulling it out, "Yo."
"What did you or Jet want?" Faye's face appeared on the screen.
"Be back on the ship by nine. We're departing for Earth." Spike smirked, he was startling satisfied to she her face on the screen. Alone.
"Oh. That's it." She bit on her lower lip lightly.
"Where are you?" Spike slurred his last word slightly. He immediately corrected himself, trying his best to ignore the evil smirk on Faye's flawless face.
Faye took her answer into some consideration, "I'm on my way back to the Bebop. You're drunk, Spike." Faye winked amusingly at Spike.
"Guilty as charged." Spike answered, a delighted smirk forming on his lips. He wasn't ready for this conversation to be over.
"See you at nine, cowboy." Then she quickly ended the call.
Spike looked over at Delia, debating whether or not he should call it a night. He kissed her lightly on the cheek before throwing some woo longs on the table. "I'm going to call it a night."
He casually strolled out the bar and to the Bebop. The walk would be short.
---
"You a fan of herion?" Roger asked as he peeled off his shirt.
"Not really but its growing on me." Faye relaxed into the sofa next to Roger. She reached out and traced invisible circles on Roger's tanned arms. He leaned back next to her and smiled, wrapping a toned arm around her shoulders.
"I want to make you mine." Roger kissed Faye on the lips lightly before pulling away.
Faye sent him a seductive look, "And why is that?"
"Just is. Guess you could say its fate, me and you." He kissed Faye's collar bone lightly.
"Fate, eh?" Faye raised an eyebrow, "Maybe you're just looking for a good time?"
"I am. But I want the bad too." Roger tucked a loose strain of hair behind Faye's ear.
"You barely know me." Faye crossed her arms over her shoulder.
"Your eyes betray you. They tell your story."
"Is that so? I'm afraid I'm much more complicated then that." Faye roughly pulled the unsuspecting Roger in for a heated kiss, their lips crashing together. Faye let her manicured hands roam freely over Roger's bare chest, tracing over his slender form with a purpose. Roger speedily raised her tank over her head, tossing it to the floor with out care. He made a hot trail of kisses down her bare stomach.
A thunderous knock at the door made Roger jump slightly, Faye was relaxed as the drug ran through her. Roger jumped up and ran over to the door with beautiful grace. Faye was close behind him but her movements could no longer be compared to Roger's.
"Who is it?" Faye whispered into his ear, her scarcely covered chest pressing into Roger's back.
Roger didn't answer as he slowly swung his front door open, "How may I help you gentlemen?" Roger raised an eyebrow at the two men at the door. They were dressed in black suits with blue undershirts He had a good guess why they were here.
"Mr. Thompson. Hope we didn't catch you at a bad time." One grinned as his eyes scanned over Faye.
"Well it is a tad unfortunate." Roger stated, stepping in front of Faye to block the men's view. Faye wobbled a few steps back. The colors were starting to collide together.
"Our boss would like a word with you." The other man ordered as he started to push he way into the house.
"Tell your boss to fuck off. I don't owe him shit. It was his fault the deal went bad." Roger pushed the guy back out of the house.
The two men pulled out their guns and aimed them directly at Roger, a crooked smile on their lips. Roger returned their devilish smiles as he took a few steps back, letting the armed men enter the house. No need to cause a scene in front of the nosy neighbors.
"Go in the other room, dear." Roger ordered.
"The girl stays." The man who had showed interest in Faye early commanded, he raised his eyebrows at the oblivious Faye.
"She has no business in this." Roger ordered.
"She's a bonus."
"Focus, Cole." Muttered the other man who had maintained focus on the task at hand; pointing his gun at Roger.
Faye stumbled a few feet back, not understanding the situation. She plummeted to the wooden floor as she tripped over her feet, slightly to Roger's annoyance. Cole immediately jumped on her, his body completely covering Faye's. Cole grabbed a fist full of Faye's purple hair as he licked her cheek roughly.
"Do you like pain?" He whispered in her ear.
Faye didn't feel anything. She was numb but the horrified look on Roger's face told her to do something. Anything. Faye butted Cole with her head which sent him crashing to the floor. It was Faye's turn to climb on top of Cole, pulling the loaded gun from its neatly tucked spot in her shorts. She fired it instantly at his temple, not even stopping to breath. She reeled around; taking a giant step forward to stand up straight.
"You tell your boss if he wants to talk he comes in person. Alone." Faye shouted her uniquely formed words; they came out in a jumble and held no fierceness to the threat.
Roger, the moment Faye had turned on Cole, had kicked the gun out of the other man's hand who had been distracted by his partner's death. Roger shot him twice in the chest before turning his attention back to his love.
"Honey, he is dead." Roger laughed as he tossed the gun to the floor next to the lifeless body.
"Oh." Faye muttered as she tucked her gun back into its place. She ran a sweaty hand over her face, shading her eyes from the light.
"You alright?" Roger kneeled by Faye's sided. She nodded as she lay down on the floor a few feet away from the dead bodies.
"Dim the lights, please." Faye muttered. Her head was spinning. She couldn't handle the lights anymore.
Roger honored Faye's request, "I'm slightly afraid to say this, but I think you could kick my ass." Roger laid next to Faye, grapping her hand in his.
"Life lesson nombre uno: Always carry gun." Faye giggled as she curled up next to Roger. She watched as everything collided into one hell of a mess.
---
"She's here, Jet." Spike hollered from the living room, his eyes remaining closed.
"Bout damn time." Jet grumbled as he hit the final coordinates into the computer.
Faye rolled her eyes as she fell into the chair across from the ugly yellow couch.
"Jet's mad at you. You made us behind schedule." Spike taunted; his tone as a five years old might be.
"I came here as soon as I woke up." Faye stated, placing her feet on the table.
"How kind of you." Spike opened his eyes and slowly sat up. He glanced over at Faye, narrowing his unmatched eyes at her.
"What are you staring at?" Faye haughtily questioned.
Spike leaned over the metal table, nearing Faye. He motioned for her to lean over. She complied. Their faces were mere inches apart.
"What?" She raised an eyebrow lightly.
"Your nose is bleeding." Spike pointed a finger at her. He watched as Faye's eyes went wide.
"Damn it!" Faye stated as she felt a chunk pour out.
"Shit. You're bleeding all over the place." Spike jerked away from Faye suddenly. Faye cupped her hands around her nose. Spike stared wide eyed as a small amount of blood seeped through her small fingers.
"Don't just stand there! Get me a towel." Faye shouted through her hands.
Spike sprinted to the kitchen just as Jet was walking into the room.
"Don't let that get on the sofa." Jet grumbled as he sat down on the couch. He watched as Faye met Spike halfway. Faye removed her hands as Spike quickly put the small towel to Faye's nose.
"Raise your head back slightly." Spike stated as Faye placed her bloodied hands on the towel, Spike quickly jerking his away before they touched.
"Thanks." Faye mumbled before wobbly making her way down the hallway.
Spike sat across from Jet. They both focused on the television, not saying a word.
------
Faye and Spike ran up the flight of stairs, following the echoes of their fleeing bounty.
"Why do they always have to take the stairs? Why not the elevator?" Faye huffed between breaths.
"Where's the challenge in that?" Spike smiled, glancing at Faye's slowing figure over his shoulder.
Faye let out a small snort that could have almost been mistaken as a growl. She muttered something under breath, not loud enough for Spike to comprehend.
"Keep up." Spike ordered as he grabbed Faye's free handed and dragged her up the rest of the flights.
Spike kicked on the door, he aiming his gun one way, Faye the other. They stood back to back just outside the staircase's door, scanning the rooftop.
"Clear." Spike stated.
"Farthest corner." Faye whispered.
The bounty was crouched at the far corner, his only weapon, a knife, pointed outwards, ready to be used.
"Remember he is a speeder." Spike reminded Faye.
"I know. You take him from one side, I'll get the other." Faye motioned, taking a few steps forward.
They quickly closed in on the now standing bounty who was thrashing his knife frantically in the air. Faye fired a shot into his foot, only clipping the edge of it. The bounty didn't flinch.
"Stay away. It's not worth it." The bounty threatened.
"I beg to differ my friend. The bounty on your head is perfectly worth it." Spike smirked, firing a shot into the man's hand. The knife went flying over the roof of the building. The bounty quickly dashed after the knife before Faye or Spike could reach him. Spike and Faye peeked over the edge of the building, watching the body land with a splat.
"Jet's going to be mad." Faye whistled.
"Furious." Spike agreed. He began the long journey down the flight of stair. Faye followed closely behind.
"What you say we put off reporting the bad news to Jet and do something else?" Faye offered.
"Like what?' Spike raised an eyebrow.
"I don't know. Let's just mooch off this hotel for awhile." Faye shrugged.
"And do what?" Spike laughed.
"We could tan." Faye offered.
"I think I'll pass." Spike smirked as he walked into the hallway and over to the elevators.
"I'm sure they have a bar where you can drink," Faye persuaded, "You can't go back because that would defeat the purpose of me staying out."
"What do I get out of this?" Spike questioned.
"Whatever you want." Faye offered as they exited the elevator and headed over to the hotel's small shopping center.
"I'll have to think about that." Spike smirked.
"Don't be a sick-o." Faye muttered as she snatched a swim suit for her and one for Spike.
"You wish Faye." Spike pulled out his card and paid for the two swimsuits.
They separated ways to change in the nearby bathrooms. Spike emerged first in his black swim shorts. He glanced around and saw no sign of Faye so he headed to the out door swimming pool. He was ecstatic to the mini-bar and quickly found a seat.
Faye chose her chair, figuring Spike had found his way to the bar. She was half expecting him to bail on her anyways.
"Want a drink?" Spike offered, taking a seat next to Faye.
"Surprised your not sitting at the bar." Faye smiled as she accepted the drink. Faye tugged lightly at her simple black bikini.
"I wouldn't get to pester you, where's the fun in that?" Spike smirked.
"Oh yeah, couldn't forget that joy." Faye rolled her emerald eyes.
They booth sipped on their drinks for several minutes before either one decided so speak again.
"How's Roger feel about you being a bounty hunter." Spike raised an eye brow.
"Doesn't know yet." Faye shrugged.
"That's not a good way to start off a relationship, you should be honest." Spike nodded his head.
"What the hell do you know about relationships?" She took a gulp of her drink.
"Plenty." Spike pulled out a cigarette from behind his ear.
"We're nothing serious." Faye said with a scowl. She didn't know what to think about her and Roger. Roger made it perfectly clear he was interested in her. There's just one small problem, Faye might be waiting on a different guy. Faye mentally kicked herself for the last thought.
"Poor guy, does he know this?"
Faye just shrugged, "Maybe. I although he's pretty good in bed; I might keep him around for awhile."
"I don't want to know your business." Spike grimaced.
"Oh, I forgot." Faye laughed.
"Huh?" Spike looked over at her.
"About how badly you want me. I didn't mean to rub Roger's abilities in your face." Faye laughed.
"I'm bout to kill all your fun." Spike smirked.
"How so, bumpkin?"
"Want to talk about that nasty nose bled the other day?" That shut Faye up real fast. Well at least for a brief moment.
"You always kill the mood. We were socializing like partners should." Faye nodded her head, preparing for one of her long speeches.
"Partners, eh?" Spike cocked an eyebrow.
Faye was getting ready to say something smart but the sound of six consecutive gun shots stunned her. Screams were unleashed. Spike instantly threw himself over the lazily lounging Faye. His cigarette lay burning on the hot cement.
"This is exciting." He breathed into Faye's face. They were nose to nose, bare stomach to bare stomach, which neither seemed to mind. They were totally relaxed with each other. Faye rolled her eyes at Spike's annoying comment.
They lay there motionless, listening for the sound of anymore bullets ripping through the air. There was none.
"You're crushing me." Faye moaned out. Spike propped himself over Faye with his arms holding his weight. He still remained hovered over her, their legs tangled.
"Next time your using your body for a human shield." He smirked before standing up. He glanced around and noticed all the people staring at the pool. He walked over to the edge, Faye close behind, her chest barreling into his back when they came to a stop.
"We should head back to the ship." His eyes still glued to the purple haired girl floating in the pool.
"They weren't after me, if that's what your thinking!" Faye raised both her hands up.
"That's what you always say." Spike scratched the back of his head.
"Doesn't make it any less true." Faye nodded, heading back to the indoors of the hotel.
-----
"Are we heading back to Neptune?" Faye blinked at Jet. She scratched at her wrists lightly.
"Didn't plan on it. Why?" Jet questioned.
"We're staying on this plane wreck of a planet?" Faye whined.
"Miss your boyfriend?" Spike coyly asked.
"Could you want me anymore, Spike?" Faye crossed her hands over her chest.
"Maybe a little more." Spike responded.
"I don't need you guys. I'll go on my own" Faye stormed out of the room.
"Touchy, isn't she?" Spike laughed.
"It's probably your fault." Jet sighed.
"She's not as innocent as you pretend her to be." Spike corrected.
"I'm sure but I also know just how charming you can be." Jet muttered. He lit his cigarette as he stared off into the distance.
"I think they were after her." Spike informed Jet, talking about the pool incident.
Jet didn't say anything; he's stare remaining at the same intensity it had been before. Spike got up and walked down the hallway, towards his room, glancing into Faye's room as he passed by. He watched as she stared intensely at herself in the mirror. She looked frightened by herself. Faye's eyes locked with Spike's.
"I have to get out of here." Faye growled as she pushed past Spike, casually knocking him to the side.
"Have fun." He waved.
-----
"I need a line." Faye kissed Roger as soon as he opened his front door.
"Good to see you too, baby." Roger laughed.
"That's not what I meant." Faye smiled as she released him.
"Don't worry bout it." Roger sat down on the couch and prepared five lines, each one getting larger then the previous one.
Faye finished one line after the other. She felt immediate relief. The heat and itching vanished. She relaxed next to Roger on the couch.
"Any more visitors?" She looked over at him.
"Nope. Maybe you really scared them shitless."
"Doubtful." Faye laughed, "I think I had a few visitors."
Roger's face went from pleasant to horrified in point five milliseconds.
"It was nothing to worry. Besides, I'm a big girl." Faye smiled.
"I have something for you." Roger pulled a small black velvet box out of his pocket.
Faye skeptically took the box. She removed the lid effortless. A sparking ring gleamed at her. She was speechless and slightly horrified. She hoped he wasn't requesting commitment.
"I'm not prosing. I wouldn't want to scare you off that fast." He grinned.
"It looks expensive." Faye slipped the ring onto her finger.
"Maybe a little. But your definitely worth it." Roger leaned over and kissed Faye.
"I don't see why. I'm nothing but trouble." Faye muttered into his lips.
"Maybe are troubles are evenly matched?"
Faye's heart skipped a beat. Roger was growing on her fast. He was already rooted in her, she was pretty damn sure. She cursed herself briefly. She vowed never to let a man have that power over her. Who was she kidding? Faye shrugged. Whatever happens happens.
----
"You think she's gone for good?" Jet questioned as the circled Mar's orbit.
"I knew this was coming." Spike rolled his eyes.
"She's been gone for almost six months. I think she's gone for good." Jet pressed the issue.
"Doubt it. All her crap is still here." Spike muttered.
"Where could she go? No calls. No nothing. It isn't right." Jet worried.
"She was walking disaster. What does it matter?" Spike countered Jet.
"Edward knows where Faye-Faye is." Ed chirped in.
"Huh?" Jet blinked.
"Faye-Faye's ship is on Neptune." Edward squealed.
"Roger." Jet announced.
"Figures." Spike lit his cigarette.
"There are some bad people after him, not to mention the ISSP." Jet stated.
"Let her get herself out of this one." Spike mumbled.
Ed smiled as she patted Ein who was sitting calmly next to her.
"She isn't our problem, Jet." Spike blew smoke out.
"What if those people already got to her?" Jet ran a hand over his bare scalp.
"You're underestimating our dear little Faye." Spike said as he lowered his eyes to the floor.
"Damn, your right. I'm getting paranoid in my age." Jet let out a laugh.
Spike was greatly relieved to have the conversation over with. He didn't want to think too much.
------
Faye strolled down the street. She had no idea where she was heading but she had to get out of the destroyed house. She leaned over a nearby trash can and threw up, wiping her mouth with the back of her thinning hand as she did so. She continued her way as if nothing had happened. She ignored the dull pain in her shoulder. She had bigger things to worry about. She needed a fix, she needed to figure away to help Roger.
"Jimmy." She shouted as she stormed into his house. She was a frequent visitor.
"Faye. What the hell happened? Where's Roger?" Jimmy rushed to her side.
"They got him." Faye growled as she banged her fist into the wall, not causing any damage to the wall; only herself.
"They're going to come after me next." Jimmy panicked, he voice a shrill. He began to scramble around his house, scattering his valuables to the floor like a manic.
"Listen to me," Faye pulled her gun out, aiming it at Jimmy, "Calm down. I need a fix."
"You're fucking insane." Jimmy yelled as he knocked the gun out of her shaking hand.
Faye grabbed him by his collar, "Jimmy, I'm asking you as a friend. I need it."
Jimmy studied Faye. "Alright." Jimmy disappeared briefly and reappeared moments later.
"Thanks." Faye snatched it, kissed Jimmy on the cheek and dashed out the door.
---
The pain in Faye's shoulder was not nearly as unbearable as the pain in Faye's stomach. She barely managed to tie the rubber band around her arm. Before inserting the needle, she hastily glanced around her. She was parked on the Bebop's deck in her Redtail, satisfying her craving before having to face her family.
Faye laughed at the word family. She inserted the needle. She didn't flinch. She had past that stage a few months back.
----
Spike and Jet played a game of cards, Spike having the winning lead.
"When are we departing this lazy planet?" Spike questioned, tired of their frequent visits to Neptune the past six months. He didn't bother to argue with Jet when he listed his pathetic reasons for returning each time.
"When your lazy ass catches a bounty." Jet remarked, placing his hand of cards down. Spike smirked, laying his cards down.
"Give up old man." Spike collected his prize off the table, a half empty bottle of whiskey.
"You're a cheat."
"Don't confuse me with Faye." Spike laughed.
"That would be bad." Faye stumbled down the stairs through the small door.
Jet and Spike turned around and looked at Faye, their eyes wide.
"Nice to see you too boys." Faye waved as she made her way over to the worn out yellow couch. She took a seat next to Spike.
"You're looking well." Spike muttered as he turned away from her. He had studied her enough. She looked strung out. She was half the size she was when she had left.
"Speak of the devil." Jet was still excited to see his old comrade. He ignored Spike's comment, hoping for the best for Faye.
"In the flesh." Faye shrugged; she didn't bother looking over at Spike.
"Rotting." Spike murmured.
"Your shoulder's infected." Jet stood up, going to fetch the simple first add kit.
"It's nothing." Faye huffed. She swallowed hard, running over her thoughts in her head. She was concentrating so hard she didn't notice Spike until she felt a pain rip though her shoulder. He had peeled the part of her shirt that had been stuck to the wound.
"How long has this been like this?" Spike question, poking it lightly.
"About three days." Faye shrugged, "Spike, I need a favor."
Jet returned with the small first aid kit, he was muttering something about stray cats as he handed the kit over to Spike. Spike didn't answer as he motioned for Faye to move her shirt out of the way. Faye peeled off her tank, tossing in to the couch next to her. Jet quickly looked away, a blush on his cheeks.
"I'm going to go check on Ed." Jet walked away.
"Old guy acts like his never seen a bra." Faye laughed.
"Believe it or not some girls keep their clothes on." Spike smirked as he wiped the disinfected across the wound. Faye didn't respond, her eyes were tightly shut.
"You shouldn't have let it get this bad." Spike continued, he taped the small square of gauze onto Faye's shoulder.
"It wasn't bothering me."
"All done." Spike stated. He glanced over Faye. She was breathing slowly, her chest rising and falling. Spike's eyes fell to Faye's pale arms. He slowly traced over the scabs, Faye's eyes shot open. Spike and Faye held a stare down. Spike slowly wrapped his tanned hands around her arm, over the scabs gripping down harsher then necessary.
"You're hurting me." Faye said between clenched teeth, her eyes staring at Spike ruthlessly. Spike didn't say a word, he held her arm tighter, squeezing still when it bled.
"I thought you didn't feel pain?" Spike's jaw was tight as he spoke.
"Stop it Spike." Faye growled. She shoved his chest but he didn't budge.
"What's wrong, Faye?"
"I came for your help Spike. Stop acting like a jerk."
Spike released Faye's arm. He swiftly made his way to the kitchen, Faye close behind.
"What?" Spike growled. His hands were placed firmly on the counter on either side of him, his head neatly bent over.
"It's Roger. The syndicate has him. I'm going after him. I was hoping you could find the location." Faye spoke rapidly; she leaned on the counter next to Spike.
"Your junkie boyfriend is already dead." Spike mumbled in a low tone, his temper was deflating.
"There's a chance he may not be. I'll take it."
"Since when did you care about someone other then yourself?" He peered over at her from his half covered eyes.
"I would do it for you." Faye stated.
The words spoken by her surprised Spike but he believed them. The look in her eyes made it perfectly clear she meant it.
"I'll tell you what I know when I get back." Spike muttered.
"That's all I'm asking." Faye huffed, crossing her bruised arm over the other.
An uncomfortable silence haunted the kitchen as they both sat there motionless and in deep thought.
"Why do you do it?" Spike questioned as he went to the sink.
"It's simple really." Faye grabbed a towel, adding the pressure to the oozing holes.
Spike shot Faye a heated glare. Spike swallowed down his resentment towards her, deciding she wasn't worth it. It was then, as if Faye could read his mind, that she realized her once growing friendship with Spike had taken twelve mammoth leaps back. Still holding the fluffy towel on her arm, she headed towards her bedroom to grab a fresh shirt. Maybe she would take a shower first. She had missed those cold showers.
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