Inky black depths swirled within their ceramic confines, a little self confined ocean of caffeine. Surveying his makeshift campsite, Spike nodded his approval to himself, and took a drink of his coffee. Shit, I might have made this a little too strong.

Taking a seat in one of the folding chairs he had set up near the 'tent', Spike lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply, exhaling a cloud of smoke and watching it dissipate above his head. Tapping his foot he sighed impatiently waiting for Faye finish with the shower and join him. Considering how he liked to start his morning with a smoke and a good cup of coffee, he hoped that she would be done sooner rather than later. Ignoring the grumbling protest of his guts, Spike took another drink. I hope she likes this.

It then occurred to Spike that this was one of, no, it was the first real nice thing he had really ever done for Faye. Sure there had been a few times of offered advice, or the sharing of a drink or a smoke, but he had never made the effort to go out of his way to do something genuinely nice. A small twinge of guilt gnawed at him.

Spike snapped his head toward the door as it opened and Faye emerged onto the flight deck. She wore shorts and a tank top, her damp hair hung loosely around her face. She makes simple look good.Spike smirked at his thought, as he got up to meet her half way, cigarette still in hand. "About damn time Faye. You sure know how to keep a guy waiting."

Taking note of his cigarette and cup of coffee, she rolled her eyes. "Yeah right. I'm sure you were just soooo lonely without me. I'm sure you just needed the bathroom."

Handing over the remainder of his smoke to her, his smirk broadened "Actually yeah, I really do."

With a slightly disgusted look on her face, Faye took a drag off the half smoked cigarette. "You're gross Spike. You know that?"

"You love it Faye!" He yelled over his shoulder as he disappeared through the door way.

Continuing to smoke, Faye sat down in the chair Spike had previously occupied. Carefully she looked over the make shift fire pit he had spent last night constructing. She couldn't help but laugh to herself as she read the word messily scrawled on the side 'Burninator' he had named it. Giant man child.

Reaching down beside the chair, she grabbed Spike's cup of coffee. No reason to let this go to waste. Running her free hand along the edge of the fire pit, she felt a smile tug at her lips. Spike really was making an effort to do something nice. She was still in shock at all the work he had put into this, but she was enjoying every moment so far.

"Admiring my handiwork?"

Faye turned to face Spike, the smile on her face had turned into a playful smirk, as she got out of the chair meeting him half way across the deck. "Well I guess you are good at something after all."

Spike leaned in a little closer. "I am good at lots of things Faye."

Faye didn't miss the seductive tone to his words, and she felt a blush quickly creep across her face. She took a drink of her pilfered coffee needing a quick diversion, swallowing in a hard gulp. "Jesus Spike! This coffee is terrible!"

Spike shed his flannel shirt and walked past Faye, ignoring her jab at his coffee making. Grabbing his fishing pole and tackle box, he made his way to the edge of the deck, long legs dangling off the side. Baiting the hook, he patiently waited, hoping Faye would join him. His hopes were soon a reality as she gently sat down beside him. A mischievous smirk played across Spike's face as he motioned toward her with the end of the pole. "Wanna try?"

"I think I'll just watch, thanks.."

Spike shoved the pole in her hands, not taking no for an answer. "Come on, its easy, I'll walk you through it." Placing his hands over hers, he continued to explain. "Ok, so you just flip this over…and hold the line up here, and then just reach back and fire away. Pretty simple."

Faye nodded dumbly, his words barely registering, as her eyes were transfixed on his hands, still on hers. She was slightly surprised that his hands could be so gentle or soft.

Letting go of her hands, he smirked. "Ok Faye, have at it."

Faye stretched her arms back, prepared to cast, but she failed to let go of the line, resulting in her hooking Spike in the back of the neck instead.

"Ow! Damn it Faye! What the hell! Weren't you listening?"

Faye stifled a laugh, "Shit Spike….I'm s…sorry"

"Are you laughing!? This isn't funny. Come on, get it out!"

Faye leaned over, examining his neck. It wasn't too bad, after wiggling the hook a bit, and with a tiny bit of resistance, she had removed it. She noted that Spike winced slightly as she did so. Quickly he pushed himself up, and started to walk away. At first Faye thought he might be mad, and felt a little bad for laughing. After about ten feet, he stopped. "Ok, try again."

"Thanks for having faith in me."

Spike grinned. "Better safe than sorry."

Faye's next attempt went much better. Spike returned to her side, plopping back down and holding up his hand for a high five, which she returned. "Good job."

They spent the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon fishing, though they caught nothing, except a slight sunburn, and a buzz from the beer they had cracked into as morning had turned to afternoon.

They smoked and talked casually of things of no importance, simply just enjoying each others company. At one point Spike's words caught in his throat as Faye leaned her head over on his shoulder. He made no move to react, or respond and simply let it be. He noted that her hair smelled good, and that she had begun to make him feel awkward. At times he was starting to think that maybe he cared for her a little more than he should for a friend, but usually he could talk himself out of those thoughts.

This time however his thoughts nagged him into actions. Maybe he could try to blame it on the couple beers he had drank, but this time he was having a hard time talking himself out of anything.

Throwing caution to the wind he gave into to the strange nagging desire in his head. Turning his head, Spike softly pressed his lips to her forehead. He felt her tense against his shoulder. Smooth move buddy….real smooth. Clearing his throat he quickly got up. "How about we get that fire going before it gets dark and we forget?"

Faye followed suit and rose to her feet. "Yeah that sounds like a plan. How about you go get the wood, and I'll go find that hatchet."

Spike stared blankly at her, still shocked by his previous actions. He had actually just kissed her forehead. His eyes scanned her body, trying to focus on anything but her eyes. She's probably gonna hack me up with that hatchet.

"Spike….Spike! Are you listening to me? Go get some of that wood." She had noticed his earlier avoidance of her eyes, as he had been looking her up and down instead. An evil grin spread across her face as she moved to pass him. "And hurry it up would ya!" Her grin spread as she firmly smacked his ass as she walked by.

Spike shook his head, as he made his way to the bundles of wood stacked against the Bebop. He mock saluted her playful demand. "Yes ma'am!" This time it was his turn to be grateful that she couldn't see the goofy grin spread across his blushing face.