Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction ❯ Got You ❯ Devil's Dance ( Chapter 11 )

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….

Clubs! Giggles! And psychos! Oh my!

 

Chapter 11: Devil's Dance (Metallica)

 

The club was impossible to miss. It was one of the few buildings on the small moon and lit brighter than necessary. Faye landed as far away as possible. Tugging the sweater tighter she began the trek to its entrance. "Hey, over here!" She smiled at Jeff, following him, the nosy man from class and several other women inside. "Come on, we'll buy you a drink." Faye glanced at the others. It was quite a mix of tastes and styles.

“Wow. What you tryin' for thirty-one flavors?” The student rubbed the back of his head while the group giggled. Faye rolled her eyes, she hated hanging out with a gaggle of girls and she highly doubted Jeff had any personal connection to the marks. Entering the club she took a moment to let her senses adjust, before glancing around to see if she could spot Spike. It was filled with noise and densely packed bodies. Empty it would seem spacious. Subdued lighting shone on the bar and tables. Dark, dimly lit booths edged the perimeter; Faye could just make out silhouettes or the occasional leg lit by pulsing lights. A second level, littered with people watching the dancers below, was accessed by two winding staircases parallel the DJ's stand. The other man grabbed Jeff's shoulders and steered him towards the nearest flight of steps. He gave a nervous titter and waved, “I've got to go meet some people. You guys have fun.” The girls relaxed.

“God, I thought that dork would never leave,” a brunette sighed.

A blonde piped in, “I only came `cause he said he could get me in here free!”

Another girl giggled, “I thought I'd have to dance with him.” Relieved of the excess baggage, the girls began deciding where they wanted to be, a few immediately dispersing. Faye remained on the fringes of the tightly packed bar feeding into spindly tables and plush couches. In between, waitresses flitted dressed in various fantasy costumes, complete with little, red, devil horns. A buxom, brunette weaved through in a tiny meter maid outfit; a leggy, red headed nurse leaned over table showcasing her assets and lacy underclothes; a green haired temptress in an old earth, military uniform made her way towards Faye's group. After ordering, Faye's gaze fell to the dance floor filled with gyrating, grinding bodies. She was not looking forward to participating in the grope fest she currently observed, but decided it would be the quickest way to ditch her adopted posse and start collecting information. Ergh. It's so loud, I can hardly think! I hate dance clubs, I hate… Irritably she fastened her sweater closed. The sight of a tall man with fuzzy, dark hair passed her periphery. Their eyes met, she sneezed, “Gesundheit,” was breathed near her ear as he nudged her gently and made his way to stool in the corner of the bar. She glanced his way, giving him a slight smile in recognition. Lucky jerk. He doesn't have to be felt up to make contact.

 

Entering the club had been easier than Spike planned. He arrived just as a burly bouncer tossed the skinny student `with connections' out the side door. The kid looked like he'd met the wrong end of several fists. The bouncers were well practice in removing `trash', the forced exit causing the kid to make a perfect arc before crashing head first into the dirt. Jeff sputtered, “Kevin said if I brought friends he'd pay me!” Spike grimaced as the bouncer stomped on the student's gut, the poor kid's body folding around the foot.

Spike slunk back when the man from the bookstore stepped into the dimly lit alley, “Your friends ain't nothin' Kevie found interestin'.” The man sneered, “You even brought the girl we've been usin' as a safety.”

The kid prepared to protest.

The man clicked his tongue, “Ah. AH. Ahhh. Be glad he doesn't throw them out too!” A second man, who Spike recognized as the nosy student, materialized next to the first and whispered in his ear. The bookstore spy stepped away. The kid prepared to argue again but met the bottom of the second man's patent leather shoe. A small packet tossed near the boy's head.

“Kevin thinks you're still useful, so get lost kid.” He was offered another rough kick before the man began straightening his clothes and chatting instructions to the muscle.

Hoping the kid had a bounty, Spike buzzed Jet and let himself in. Dumbass. He had learned early it was best not to argue. You took the thumping silently and then waited. Revenge was so much easier, usually less embarrassing and always more fun.

Once inside he immediately caught sight of Faye near one of the trendy candlelit tables. In the strange, motley group she stood out- a goddess among mortals. Next to her a woman slightly overweight, with red-hair fidgeted. The girl was desperately trying to convey an air of comfortable cool, in clothes three sizes too small. She failed miserably and Spike found her just as odd among the trendy group as Faye. They represented both extremes. He sniggered, The model and the misfit. The rest of the gang obviously at ease, hungry even, and eyeballing potential hook-ups as they acclimatized. He frowned when Faye tugged her sweater a little tighter and gave a half hearted shiver. She sick? He gently touched her arm on his way to the bar, his way of letting her know where he'd be. They briefly made eye contact before she sneezed and returned her attention to the dance floor. He caught her arm and whispered near her ear, “Gesundheit.” before fading into the crowd. He couldn't help but smirk when he heard the misfit squeal, "Oh my Goodness! You've gotta try to get with that tall guy that bumped you! He's spicy hot and sooo polite!" Faye gave a small nod, glanced his way with a lopsided smile, and quickly returned her attention to the dancers as a waitress arrived. Spike settled himself in a stool, as far from the mass of people as possible, ordered and prepared for a long night of boredom by pulling out a cigarette. He gently rolled it between his fingers. Smirked and shook his head chuckling, Spicy huh? That's a new one. He watched her sip her drink, What do you think Faye?

 

The mystery bookstore student returned, dusting off his hands. He settled in the darkest booth by the exit and slid into its black depths. “Did you deal with the moron?”

“Sure did, Kevie.” The man ordered a drink.

“That purplish haired chick he met in History's pretty nice, aye Cous?”

Kevin nodded, “She's the only one from that bunch with promise.” His lip curled, “What was that douche thinking?! Most of them are trash?” He gestured aggressively to a chunky red- head, “And that one.”

“There, there. It takes all kinds. `Sides Wolfe wanted her here, she's the cover.” He giggled suddenly, “I think the hottie's friend from the shop's here.” He sang, “You'll have a little competition catching this one, Cous.”

“Shut up, reject!” The man accepted his drink and did as he was told. The three stilled when a man gently brushed the arm of the girl that had been chosen. Kevin's scowl deepened, Who the hell's that? He snarled when he noted the new toy followed the stranger with her eyes, a small smile touching her lips. He stood stiffly, Boris in tow. The silenced partner remained in his dark corner grinning, Let Kevie try this alone. Serves him right, asshole.

 

"Spike. Faye. Can you hear me?" A soft grunt and feminine cough. "Good, Ed just noticed Kevin making rounds.” The cough repeated. Jet scowled. “He should pass two o'clock of Faye in 3...2... now." Jet watched the visual feed. Kevin was pale, well built and oozed mean. He sneered at the men around the bar. His eyes void expression as he openly perused the women in the club. It was obvious when he found one he was interested in, though his focus mostly on Faye. He continued to stop, study and make a comment to a smaller man following- Jet assumed by the reflection off the man's head he was Boris. Occasionally, Boris would point out a girl, only to be roughly shoved back or ignored. Both men paused just outside Faye's line of vision; it was definitely obvious. He liked what he saw, overtly studying her figure. Jet scowled when Faye sneezed again and pulled the sweater tighter. Spike felt himself tense, as the taller man licked his lips and stalked forwards, commandeering a table directly behind her.

 

Faye's mismatched group-mate eased over to Spike's corner. He repressed a scowl as she flopped onto a stool nearby. She batted her lashes and supplied a nervous smile. “Hi!” Spike bobbed his head and turned to study Faye. She followed the direction of his interest and gave a pathetic sigh. Quirking a brow he gave her a second glance. She really isn't bad if she washed her face and wore clothes that fit. She blushed at the perusal, gaining courage by the assumed interest. Leaning closer she tried again, “Hi! I'm Angie.” His head bounced. “Do you… uh… know that girl that came in with me?” He broke his gaze to glance at her. “She uh… doesn't seem like the normal kind of girl,” she tittered, “You know what I mean?”

Spike grinned, letting the ash fall from the tip of his smoke, “Can't say I'm a normal kind of guy.”

“So, uh…” She took another nerve filled breath, “Um… why don't you go talk to her?” He frowned. “I mean… a guy like you shouldn't have to worry about catching a girl's eye.” She sipped her icy-fruit drink thing. “I'm in a class with her,” she twirled the straw, “She seems real nice, all the boys like her,” she gave an angry glance at Faye's form, “I'm surprised they don't hand out spit rags when she's in the class.”

Spike snubbed his smoke and stood. Leaving the girl to fiddle with her drink. He paused, “Quit trying so hard and you'll get noticed too.” He grinned, “The guy you came in with didn't seem interested in Faye.” She blushed, as he paid and watched him melt into the throng.

 

"I'm very interested in that one,” he pointed, “in the mini-skirt, tight green shirt with darker sweater, hair pulled up. She's the best of the group." Kevin glanced at his shadow, who was eagerly bobbing his head in approval, before returning to his `pick'. “Shit. She's the best in the club.”

“Tony says she's from Maxwell, those girls are always fun. Usually they're pretty pampered.” Kevin grinned, he couldn't help but stare at the woman's long legs and curvy figure. It was painfully clear by the way she interacted with her group she wasn't interested in them. They were too busy pointing out men and giggling, while the dark haired vixen stayed aloof, studying her environment. His expression changed slightly as the woman turned towards him to receive her drink.

"You think she's worth it, though?" His patient lackey was well aware of protocol and Kevin was veering. “Her daddy's pretty well connected. We'll need to be careful not to hurt business and that guy that's been sniffing around feels like syndicate to me. She said her dad approves of him too, that means he's connected as well.” Boris tugged on his collar. “You don't want to cut our throats over a toy.” He glanced at Faye's back, “Even if she's got a nice ass.”

"She's perfect and business will be fine. Let's watch for a bit, just to be sure. Get me a drink." Ushering his tool away, Kevin settled, certain he could continue to watch. He nibbled idly on his thumb. He wanted to see her move, watch her and learn if she was really with someone. He hoped not. Single toys were always more fun, no hope of a knight coming to the rescue. He grinned, though it was fun to destroy any hope of rescue regardless their relationship status. Boris returned, “She came with that group, alone. No mention of a boyfriend. But the shop guy is definitely here.” Kevin giggled, excited about a challenge he was certain to win and settled in to wait. He'd make his move soon.

 

Jet was pleased when Ed quickly hacked the club's security. He had been certain they'd have some form of protection for their clientele. Not that he minded, it made keeping an eye on the two easier and alleviated much of the older man's anxiety. He had noticed Spike's many glances in appraisal over the past week and chuckled softly over his partner's inability to react. Faye's failure to notice and his fear of being caught was laughable and highly entertaining. He broke from his thoughts when he noticed Spike still staring at Faye's new admirer. Worry quickly replaced his mirth. He hadn't anticipated Kevin finding Faye so soon nor was he expecting Spike to act possessively without heavy encouragement. Proving his assumptions were right Jet concentrated on the scene unfolding on the screen. He snorted, What happened to aloof nonchalance, I thought he said he couldn't stand Faye. Though he knew how Spike felt, he was shocked to actually be a witness. It was clear his partner was clutching his beer, his line of sight never wavering from the said psychopath. "Ho ho. What do we have here?" Ed giggled. Jet was slightly perturbed; any rash decisions could hurt the team and rash was Spike's middle name. Snort. I knew he doth protest too much. Immediately, Jet contacted Spike in hopes of breaking whatever path the younger man's thoughts had veered. He already knew Spike was itching for a fight. He hated clubs, despised playing back-up and felt canvassing tedious on the best of days. He preferred the direct approach; which, in this case, was impossible. Cooler heads had to prevail. "Spike, take a breather. If you keep staring you'll blow your cover.” He heard Spike snort and Faye giggle. Turning off Faye's connection momentarily and lowering his voice to a threat, “He can't know you are more than casually interested in Faye. He hates competition that doesn't guarantee him a win." He was rewarded with a grunt and watched as Spike downed his beer, turned to the bartender and quickly started another. Spike's attention returned to Faye as she headed to the dance floor, apparently unaware of her audience.

“Hey boys, you like the show?” she teased as she began to dance.

Spike hissed, “No.”

“Faye knock it off and do your job!” Jet hated when they needled each other on a canvas.

“But the mark does.” Spike's voice oozed bored. Jet grumbled when Faye stiffened slightly. Spike chortled humorously, “You should be used to getting information this way.”

Faye shifted her focus to Spike and smiled. She blew a mocking kiss before turning away.

“Cool it you two.” Jet made Ed leave the room when Faye started gyrating seductively surrounded by several men. She kept out of reach, but definitely provided a promising show. Her gaze flicking towards Spike's corner with every slow caress she made, a small seductive smile gracing her features, until she sneezed. Jet couldn't help but grin, She's teasing him. She sneezed again.

Faye felt the man's attentions, without Jet's warning. She had sensed his leer the moment she entered the crowd. It's only a matter of time. She was used to being approached; the motions were relatively the same regardless of location. The music had a steady pulse, lyrics describing some hedonistic act or other. Faye simply copied the other women, following their movements in time to the beat. She went with the flow, trying to blend in. Having only danced in crusty night clubs and alone in her room as a kid, she began to enjoy herself and interact with the other dancers, purposely trying to look seductive and welcoming. The mass of movement was disorienting, a little dizzy Faye felt herself swept up in the fun. Playfully she would glance Spike's way, just to bug him. He always played his hand close, only getting dirty when a fight was involved. She figured it was fair play to try and get his goat. She sneezed and to her surprise the dancers immediately surrounding her took a collective step back, leaving her alone in the center. A frown crossed her features, It was just a sneeze! A man slipped behind, placing a hand on her hip he ground against her backside. Shocked, Faye stilled momentarily, This is new, and shot Spike's location a nervous glance. She wasn't thrilled to see he had disappeared from his perch, Guess I'll have to play without help. She pretended not to mind and allowed the audacious bastard his way, following his forceful lead. She felt him pull her tight against his chest and lean towards her ear, “I happen to like the way you move, doll.” The man's hand roamed past her hip, onto her stomach, pressing her tighter. “If you play right, I'll invite you somewhere that'll make this place seem third rate.”

“Really?” She would play innocently coy, sniffling slightly. Her eyes scanning the crowd for Spike, “I happen to find this club very nice.” She glanced at a passing waitress, “And the costumes are so cute.” Faye giggled and tilted towards the man. He brushed her hair with his nose. She grimaced as another chill forced her to shiver.

“So excited.” The man chuckled in her ear, “A girl like you would get bored of this scene soon enough, costumes and all. I saw you watching the others. You don't belong here,” Faye groaned internally. The man oozed confidence, his glib smirk dripping into his voice. Her internal alarms screaming, she forced herself to keep calm.

“My,” she repressed the urge to violently remove the man, “why do I get the feeling you're the type of guy Daddy told me to avoid?” Spike appeared across from her, slinking close. She relaxed slightly, feeling much safer.

She felt the perp tense, his focus on the approaching competition. “Because I am, pet. I am.” He released her, remaining tight to her back. Spike grinned and stepped closer, ignoring the surrounding girls pressing against him. Kevin gripped her arm and jerked her back, “If you want to play with me, be nice to Boris when he buys you a drink.” His grip released as he slipped away and ducked into a darkened booth. That was uncomfortable, Faye thought, absently rubbing her abused bicep and trying to return her attention to dancing, Spike now taking the place of a partner.

 

“Think she's got potential, cousin?” The small, twitchy man leaning into the dim light took a sip of his drink. He giggled girlish, “That `un `id be one of my favorites.” His eyes shifted towards the woman, ice clinking as he set a glass on the table. “But she's trouble.”

“Not sure yet. She's playing innocent,” Kevin smiled, “She'd be a fun toy, but I think I want to see how she responds to your hospitality, first.” His eyes narrowed when the other man eased her closer. “Filth. Has his hands all over her.”

“She doesn't seem to mind, Kevie.”

Kevin's eyes narrowed, “Get the fuck out of here Anthony.”

The taller man smirked, “Ahh… does the coffee shop fellow threaten you?” Anthony cackled, swallowed the last of his drink and left.

Kevin shook slightly, “She'll learn her place.” His rage filled eyes shifted to Boris, “When she finishes dancing with that dick weed buy her one of our special drinks. You know the drill.” He began grumbling about teaching lessons and unimportant threats.

Boris nodded, his eyes swiveling between Kevin and the dancing Faye. He sighed, Kevin was always worse when there was competition and with Anthony taking a back seat, control would be hard to maintain. Boris knew his cousin thought him a stooge, not an equal. Anthony, on the other hand, valued his little observations and insight. Though not on the same level, the tall riddle didn't treat him like crap and poor Boris loved him all the more for it.