Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction ❯ Got You ❯ Makin' Money ( Chapter 9 )

I do not own the characters of Cowboy Bebop. They are the property of Sunrise, Bones, and Bandai Visual (2001). They make the money, not me. Nor can I take credit for most of my chapter headings- they are the product of their authors. Sigh.

And now….

The initial mating practices of Spike's and Faye-Faye's!

 

Chapter 9: Makin' Money (Handsome Devil)

 

Morning came too soon for the bounty hunters. "Ugh. Is this when normal people wake up?" Faye whined, not accustomed to rising before noon. She stumbled into the bathroom, hoping a shower would perk her up. Spike was disturbed by the small bumps and bangs of Faye's constant fussing. He could hear her rummaging through her closet, banging drawers and clinking bottles. Not wanting to face the world he burrowed deeper in his bedding, wondering if a solid kick to the wall would make her cease and desist. Slowly, comprehension dawned. Faye was preparing her disguise. She had to find a way to turn herself from a vampy sex-pot, into a wholesomely, cute coed. Spike couldn't repress his grin at her newest role, until he remembered that meant he too was heading to school, Hopefully not as a janitor. Afraid Jet would sic Ed on him, again; Spike dropped his feet to the floor and meandered towards the kitchen.

Jet was already preparing a meager breakfast of coffee and toast. He looked as tired and worn down as Spike felt. He had spent the evening finding a place to dock and dwell on what to do about Faye's backup. He had come to the conclusion that Spike should play the doting male (brother, boyfriend, didn't matter) while Faye was at school. From the files and information Ed had collected it was doubtful Lihas would contact on school grounds, instead it would be one of his clients. Jet was fairly confident she would be safe on her own, but couldn't appease the nagging doubt that haunted his every decision. He greeted Spike by means of a coffee cup.

"Mornin' Spike." Spike yawned, absently scratching his stomach. "Look. I've been thinking," Jet took a sip of his own mug and collected the popped toast, "And I don't think you'll need to waste your time at the school. Just drop Faye off and help monitor her movements through the camera Ed and I put on her." Spike visibly brightened at the announcement and nodded before snatching a piece of toast and disappearing to dress. Faye passed him in the hall, looking the role of a well rounded upper-classman. She grinned as she sashayed by. Spike turned to watch as she disappeared around the kitchen doorway.

"Ed thinks Faye-Faye looks better like that." Came a happy voice from further away. She giggled, "Ed thinks Spike-person likes Faye-Faye in real clothes too."

"Shut up, Ed." The girl giggled, scampering off to the main room. Spike ducking into his own quarters, How can that kid be so perceptive? With a shrug he pulled on his freshly washed clothes, noting the new pack of cigarettes. He collected the freebies and released a slight smirk, Faye, too easy. I don't think you're even trying. Chuckling he left for the main room, planning on catching a few more minutes of sleep before he played chauffeur. Habitually, he opened his new pack of smokes, rolling one between his fingers. Internally he gloated when he noticed Faye perched on the couch, he wanted her to witness this prank fail. This was lame Faye, lame.

“Got a light, Faye?” She glanced his way, took a sip from her mug and dug out a silver lighter, suspiciously reminiscent of one Spike recently lost. He cocked a brow waiting. Smiling she tossed the lighter. He studied her expression behind the flame, a satisfied grin escaping along with a few smoke puffs. She looked slightly disappointed at the immediate light. Chuckling, “You need a better partner `n Ed,” he melted onto the couch next to her, “And this is mine,” securing the lighter safely in his pocket. He was pleased with the disgruntled huff he heard as his head tilted back. Carefully he studied her new choice in clothing as he settled deeper into the lumpy padding.

"Did Jet tell you?" Spike wasn't sure what she was talking about and turned his head, waiting for her to continue. She sighed, "Did he tell you that you'll be flying me to class. I'm not sure how I'll fit though." Spike's shoulders gave a half hearted bounce, to be honest; he was also trying to figure that out. The Swordfish wasn't built for two. Luckily, Faye had opted for jeans and a clingy sweater; thus eliminating embarrassing skirt issues. Spike found he was having a hard time dealing with a mostly covered Faye. She usually spilled out of everything she wore and this modestly dressed version was, in Spike's opinion, distracting. She wasn't as brash with the extra clothes either. Her softer, refined side more evident. He caught himself staring. To save face he began to count the rotations of the ceiling fan. While he berated his reaction, This is Faye. Queen high shrew bitch. Nothing more. He knew he was lying to himself as he glanced at her again. How can she completely turn off skank? Spike pulled a second cigarette out and began rolling it between his fingers.

"Oh so that's how you break the tobacco back up?" Faye hadn't been sure how to fix the damage, but had been certain it wasn't permanent, Unlike loads and extra filters. Remembering her wasted pack she chuckled softly. Spike gave an imperceptible nod, turning his attention to Jet as he entered the room.

"Faye, you dropped this." He handed her the small necklace, smiling slightly as she put it on. "You ready for your first day of school?" His attempts at teasing failed with her half smile.

Faye glanced at him before studying the far wall in a daze, she gave a sad smile. "You know my dad did the same thing my first day of high school.” She collected her knees to her chest, “I'd dropped my necklace in a hurry to eat breakfast. He gave it to me and asked if I was ready…" her voice wistful, "I thought I was too old for him to bother. Told him so too." Spike glanced at her out the corner of his eye, Is it just me or does she sound like she might cry? Faye's soft smile drooped, "You know what he said?" She didn't wait for them to respond, shaking her head sadly, "He said I'd never be too old for him to not worry about. He said I'd always..." snapping out of her revere Faye ran a nervous glance over everyone, slipping a wayward lock behind her ear before slamming her untouchable mask back in place. A little bewildered Jet tried to change the subject, "When does class end today?" He scowled at Faye's attempt to compose herself, She's been letting stuff slip a lot lately.

"I…I…I don't know why I can't fly myself,” she mumbled. Jet shook his head, he wanted to give the impression she was unavailable, but worth the chase, in case Lihas was floating around the campus. Faye glanced at her notebook. “The class starts in a little over an hour. I should be done by early afternoon. Then I'll put in a few hours at that damn shop you employed me at." Jet looked confused.

"Why so long?"

Faye gave a nervous giggle, "I thought I'd sit through a couple different lectures. That way I can meet more students." Spike was certain there was more, but let it go.

"Good idea." Jet nodded, "Keep your comm with you. You have a cover story if anyone asks, right?" Faye nodded. "Well, you'd better get going. I don't think walking in late is a good way to remain unnoticed." Faye smiled, He hasn't a clue. Spike rose, slowly following her. Jet caught him before he left, "Dump her off and come right back." Spike nodded, dropped his cigarette in his mug and exited the room.

 

Faye studied the Swordfish. How the hell will I fit? Spike was fussing in the cockpit, trying to decide the best place to stuff her. It would have been wiser to take the Hammerhead or the RedTail, but Spike preferred his own ship. After coming up with a solution he motioned Faye over.

"Two choices: behind me or on the floor." Faye did not want to play the role of cushion and opted for the floor. As Spike carefully settled into the pilot's seat, Faye began rethinking her options. Talk about a rock and a hard spot. She hadn't realized she would be nestled between Spike's legs, under his chest as he steered. She groaned, Either way one of us would be straddled by the other, she blushed at the realization. Spike surprised by her choice, missed the pinking of her cheeks. Shrugging it off, he began the ignition sequence, glancing at Faye before setting off. She looked uncomfortable and he couldn't really blame her. He was huddled over her, trying desperately not to peek down her shirt or bump her with a knee. It's like being twelve all over again. Every now and then he would breathe in a faint whiff of her hair; it smelled citrusy, sweet and clean- good. Faye, on the other hand, had her chin resting on her tightly held knees, her back pressed against the seat. Spike's aftershave drifted from behind mixed with fresh tobacco. The cologne was obviously old, probably added the night before when he shaved. It had lost its fresh punch, but the spicy musk suited him. After all, Spike wasn't a squeaky clean, polished kind of guy.

"So what classes you sitting in today?" Spike needed to keep his mind off of this new Faye. She was unsettling. He preferred the walled up, heartless version. With her you knew exactly where you stood- arm's length.

"Oh." Faye hadn't expected idle chatter, "History mostly. Might as well learn what happened while I was sleeping."

"I guess." Spike still felt she wasn't telling everything, "Anything else?"

"Heh," she wiggled, "I was going to try and slip into another lecture around noon."

"Why?"

"Because... it… uh… sounded familiar." She giggled derisively, "It's kind of funny. I studied the past then lost it."

"So you studied this stuff when you went to school?"

"Not sure, but I think so. That's why I picked these classes. Err... besides the fact they were in large auditoriums." Spike glanced at her briefly, noting the faraway look, "I've found that if I'm around something familiar my memory comes back quicker. I figured since I was drawn to certain things I should check `em out…" her voice dropped to a whisper as she pressed on, tugging on her necklace absentmindedly. She regained some steam, "It's not like it matters. Students will be in every class and it isn't like they're the serious courses you take when you're finishing, just some introductory bullshit. I figured I might as well get something out of it since I'm stuck there anyways." Spike grunted in agreement, preparing the ship for landing. The second the hatch opened, Faye sprang out. "I'll be done about eight."

"Fine. I'll pick you up at the shop." Closing the hatch, Spike caught Faye's half wave as she turned and disappeared onto the campus, a notebook clutched in her hand.

 

Jet, Spike and Ed had been bored silly watching Faye move from class to class. Both men took note when she bought several textbooks, but decided to let it slide. It wasn't like reading material was in abundance on the ship and Faye had used her own money, so no harm no foul, just odd. Spike frowned when he noticed an older student follow her out of the store. He pointed the character out when he sat next to another repeat face, two rows ahead of Faye in the next class. Jet nodded and let the instance slide as coincidence. Ed hacked into the security cameras at the coffee shop and the three watched as she flitted among the various patrons. The place appeared to be the campus equalizer; students, professors, and locals all mixing over cups of joe. Jet gave Spike a nervous glance when a familiar man eased into a table. With a nod the lanky cowboy headed out to watch Faye's back.

The comm crackled as Spike neared the temporary place of employment. “Hurry up.”

Spike sighed, “Going as fast as I can.”

“That mystery fellow has been hitting on her nonstop. I want you to go in there and do the same.” Spike pulled a sickened face. Faye was not someone to flirt with. Piss off, tease and torment yes but never flirt with. He landed in an empty lot and walked to the quaint little shop. Faye glanced at him as he entered the door, before schooling her expression to that of unfamiliarity. “Welcome,” she smiled. “Take a seat anywhere, I'll be right with you.” He tipped his head and grinned, settling in a corner.

“You see that fellow across the room?” Spike grunted. “I think he might be one of Lihas's stooges. Keep an eye on him.” Another grunt.

Faye materialized before him, “What can I get you?”

“Coffee and your number.” She frowned and gave him a nervous smile before disappearing to retrieve his order. The stranger across the room gave an appraising once over. The earpiece crackled to life, “Subtle Spike, subtle.” He grunted as he slunk lower in his chair. Faye plopped his mug before him with a slip of paper. She smiled and drifted away. Unfolding the note he grinned at the scribbled message: What are you doing?!

 

Jet and Ed snickered over her perplexed reaction. She wasn't allowed an earpiece and was oblivious to the why of Spike's actions. Ed's giggling grew, “Edward thinks this will be very edu-cational!” She wiggled her fingers, “The mating practices of Spikes and Faye-Fayes!” Jet rolled his eyes and studied the disturbing stranger. He had only spoken politely to Faye, subtly eyeballing her as she drifted around the space. He visibly backed off once Spike displayed open interest.

 

Pleased with the confusion he wrote on a napkin: Relax and play along. Faye scanned the message, a small frown across her face as she refilled his cup. She leaned closer and cooed, “I'm off at eight, if you'd like to see me home.”

He nodded and took a sip, “It would be my pleasure.” The interested stranger snorted and huffed from the place. Jet and Ed both released a sigh of relief and continued to watch the show unfold. He had continued to sip from his mug, pretending to glean small snippets from Faye as she drifted by to refill. By the end of her shift he'd collected her name, school, cover story and number. She followed him from the shop, chatting amicably towards the parked Swordfish II.

 

The pattern remained similar over the next week. Spike becoming more predominant with each day. By the third, he was walking her to her first course and from the coffee shop; playing the role of a highly interested suitor. Faye followed her own part of flattered girl, unaware that Spike was actually keeping her safe. She assumed it was a new, messed up game he had devised to make her life miserable, because she liked the attention, which only promised it would halt suddenly and soon.

On several occasions she made small talk with the other students, especially the man Spike had chased away. After the fourth day, to her camera audience's amusement, she had to refuse a rather aggressive fellow's advances with a demure smile, "Oh my," she cooed, "I'd love to but you see my dad would only let me come here if I promised not to date anyone unless he personally approved." The brute looked like he wasn't to be dissuaded. She smiled again, "After touring the system when I graduated from Maxwell Mission,” she held his eye, “you know on Venus," she giggled, “Daddy said that he didn't want to deal with breaking anyone's…” she put a finger to her lips, scrunching in concentration, “oh yeah, he didn't want to break any thumbs. I'm sure he was kidding, but you never know.” Her lips tipped coyly as the man's slackened jaw closed, he gave nervous smile and found a new target, as far from her as possible.

 

"Why would he act like that about a mission school?" Spike couldn't remember the importance of the place-even after hearing the story a second time, Jet was impressed that she had found an effective cover. The men returned their attentions to the screen as another student sidled up to her, the familiar stranger just to the newer student's left.

 

"Holy shit! You went to Maxwell?" The young man moved closer at Faye's nod. “Wow. Oh, heh, I'm Jeff. "

“I'm Alice. It's nice to meet you.”

“Wow, from Maxwell. I never thought one of those families would be here. Cool.” Jeff gawked.

Faye dropped her smile, “I kind of like to keep my family business hush, hush. It's safer for everyone that way.”

“Oh… err…” Jeff fiddled with his notebook, “So Alice, if you went to Maxwell why didn't you go on and attend Ishtar?”

Faye shrugged, "This school offered a wider variety of courses that sparked my interest." The student nodded in understanding. She winked, “Plus Daddy and my big brother, Jet are still on Venus!”

Jeff laughed, "Pretty protective, huh?"

Jet rolled his eyes, Spike grinned. Big brother, huh?

Faye waved her hand, "Yeah, but they mean well." Spike's memory latched onto a fleeting piece of gossip he had caught while working for the Red Dragons. He leaned towards Jet, “Maxwell is where a lot of the high ranking Syndicate leaders and politicians send their daughters, better protection…” Jet glanced at Spike who grinned, “They have exceptional results. No pregnancies, aggressive boyfriends or unwanted attention from rival organizations.” Comprehension dawning Jet gave a slight chuckle at Faye's choice. Both men found Jeff's interest in Faye odd and very promising. She had made it clear she wasn't interested in dating, yet he persisted.

The unnamed stranger leaned forward, “Guess Daddy doesn't know about your coffee shop friend?”

Faye frowned confused, “No. Daddy approves of him. Not that he's really any of your business… uh… whoever you are.” She straightened and shot him a disapproving once over, the stranger responded with a soft grunt and allowed the middle-man to continue.

 

Jet gave Spike a glance, “Guess you were noticed.” Spike smirked and retrieved a smoke.

 

Jeff's eyes shifted between the two and nervously pressed on, "Have you been to the Three Six?" Faye shook her head. He brightened, "Oh man, you gotta come. There's this guy there that can get you some of the best shit in the universe."

Faye leaned closer to the other student, her interest peeked, eyes wide. "Like what?"

"Oh the newest stuff out there. Stuff so new that Red Eye feels nothin' more `n eye drops!"

"Wow."

"Hey, you wanna come? I know you're dad's against you dating, but if I bring a bunch of friends it'll be a group outing." The kid grinned, "You can tell Dad it's a study group or something."

The stranger snorted, “Your coffee shop beau, Daddy approves of can play chaperone if you're nervous.”

“Huh?” She decided to ignore the third wheel, smiled and nodded, "Thanks, I will."

"Great, the club's on Phobos. You can't miss it. Be there around 10:30, I'll wait with the group by the door. The bouncers shouldn't give you any trouble,” he gave Faye an approving once over.

"Wow. You a VIP or something?" The student beamed.

"Nah,” the man blushed, “I just got a connection." He quieted as the professor began the lecture, focusing on the first Martian settlements. Faye, took notes keeping up the appearance of a good student. The stranger opposite Faye continued glancing at her throughout the course, Jet was thrilled. She had made contact and moved them one step closer. Spike was not pleased. That stranger was more observant than was healthy, for everyone. He was definitely watching Faye closely, too closely.