Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction ❯ Got You ❯ Sharp Dressed Man ( Chapter 24 )

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….

Some dancing, drinking, and foreplay.

 

Chapter 24: Sharp Dressed Man (ZZ Top)

 

Friday came sooner than Spike wanted. Jet had stolen his suit in order to make sure it was well pressed, starched and clean. Faye had holed up in her room, Ed the only one allowed in or out. With no one to pester and nothing to do but wait, he settled on the couch. Only to be awakened by Faye who gave him a rough tug to his leg hair. “Get up Lunkhead.” He snorted and pretended to fall back asleep. She twisted more leg hair and yanked. Frustrated, Spike caught her hand on the third attempt. Faye yelped the moment his fingers wrapped around her hand, roughly jerking the offended appendage away. She acts like I burned her.

“Spike. Get up!” Jet pulled a face, “Go shave. You need to look like an up and coming businessman. Not a bum.” He glanced at Faye as she attempted to ease past, still cradling her hand. “Faye wrap those fingers back up. The busted up one's just goin' to cause more grief unstabilized.” Jet scowled, “Shit! It's swelling again. Go wrap it now!” Realization dawning, Spike stood, his clothing crumpled in his arms. “Spike! It took me all day to get that damn suit ironed.” He tossed another piece of cloth, “Wear this shirt, it isn't thread bare or stained.” Spike proffered half a wave and disappeared to dress.

He crashed into a bathrobe clad Faye, trying to splint her fingers. She glared at him, her teeth holding the tape while her free hand kept the splint in place. With a sigh, Spike dropped his fresh laundry and snagged the bindings. Faye shied away, “I got it.”

“I'm sure you do, but I need in here within the next hour.” Faye stiffened when he gently took her hand and wrapped her index and middle fingers together. “This is goin' to screw up your ability to shoot.”

“I'm ambidextrous.” She shrugged. Spike let it go, he'd have all night to piss her off. With her fingers immobilized he turned to start the shower. He started tugging off his boxers and paused, “You planning to watch?” She snorted and made a hasty retreat. Grinning, Spike eased under the warm water. This should be an interesting catch.

 

“I said we'd leave an hour ago. An hour! Where the hell is she?” Jet had lost patience. He'd checked and rechecked the communication devices, made certain Ed could only access `public' areas of the club: the dance floor and bar (which he considered bad enough for an impressionable kid), banged on Faye's door half a dozen times and made sure both the Hammerhead and Swordfish were filled and ready to go.

“Bad man just arrived.” Ed sang from her perch. Spike and Jet watched as she preened, pleased with her feather boa, cat ears and whiskers.

“Ed. Stop rubbing your face, you're goin' to leave smudges all over the ship!” Jet simmered as Ed streaked an eyeliner whisker across her cheek. “That's it!” He stood grinding his cigarette in the ash tray. “Follow me when she's ready. I'm going to go keep an eye on our meal ticket.” With a huff Jet stomped out towards his ship. Spike lowered himself behind Ed and watched the bizarre spectacle. The men and women were in any and all costumes imaginable. One man with a smock, black beret, paintbrush and palate was accompanied by a woman in body paint; a burly man dressed as a football player ground against an overweight cheerleader; a turtle and a rabbit were making out in the distance; and a leather clad demon drug several chained men behind her, while another playfully poked and prodded them with a red pitchfork. Several, without costumes, watched the various disguises. Spike frowned, What the hell am I getting into?

“Wow.” Ed gasped, “Faye-Faye looks better than any of the pictures Edward found.” Faye grinned, before leveling a gaze at Spike.

He suppressed the urge to ogle, “Let's jam.” He tossed her a pair of earrings and a necklace various surveillance gear included in the pieces. She wobbled on her heels, concentration used to put on the accessories. Spike, taking advantage of her inattention, carefully examined the perfectly straight seam of her hose running up the back of her legs and disappearing beneath the short business skirt. She left the room. A moment later he heard, “Testing? Hey Spike, can you hear me?” He gave an affirmative from the pen tucked in his jacket pocket and met her in the hangar. He found she was already settled in the RedTail. “Faye.” She glanced at him, attempting to initiate the launch sequence, “FAYE! It isn't going to start. I disabled it.”

“What?! Why?”

Spike shrugged, “To keep you from running away.” Faye frowned before uncoiling herself from inside the ship and slipping out.

“Why hasn't Jet fixed it?”

“Because I broke it,” Spike grinned. “And, no, I won't fix yours now so you can fly alone. We don't have time.” Faye sulked her way to the Swordfish and waited, heel clad foot tapping impatiently.

“This is bullshit. Complete and utter bullshit.” She whined petulantly. “I don't understand why I can't fly myself anywhere. You got in trouble last time too!” Her toe tapping increased with her agitation. Spike ignored it and clambered into the cockpit. “You goin' to stand there all night?” She pulled a face before trying to scramble into the ship without embarrassing herself. Spike grinned, unable to miss the chance at the ancient barb, “Nice panties Faye. Never took you for the lacy type.” She colored and turned her legs away, offering a perfect glimpse of her backside as she eased her way between his thighs. He congratulated himself on a good guess and enjoyed the scenery while pulling on the fingerless gloves. Once she was settled, her feet tucked beneath, Spike leaned over and began the launch sequence. He took a generous glance while pretending to study a gage. Pleased he hit the throttle and pointed the racer towards Calypso and its universally renowned club.

 

Jet was furious and moodily finished his third drink. Ed's voice crackled through his comm, “Papa Jet. Faye-Faye and Spike-person are on their way.”

“Took `em long `nough.” Jet glared at a buxom brunette, dressed as a showgirl. She batted her lashes, blew him a friendly kiss and swayed away. “How soon `till they get here?”

Spike's voice broke in, “Five minutes give or take.”

Jet pretended to take a sip, “Heard that line before.”

“Just landing.”

“Bad man is buying drinkies,” Ed chirped. Jet glanced towards the brightly lit bar. Lihas, dressed as a surgeon, had two leggy women on either arm. Both looked rather inebriated and neither had a drink. Jet mumbled into his tie-tack, “Think he's already started collecting. Looks like he drugged a pair of kids.” Lihas was busy talking to a taller man, playing cop. Jet studied the two, they appeared to be arguing over something. “Ed you see the tall man with Lihas?” She hummed in response, “See if it's the same guy from the breakout.” Suddenly they dismissed their escorts, pawning them off on nearby customers. The cop disappeared down a hallway, while Kevin's attention locked on something across the dance floor. Jet attempted to follow his gaze, but only saw an eyeful of ass, sitting in the corner had not been the wisest choice. “Ed what's Lihas looking at?”

“Probably Faye,” came Spike's assured reply.

“Oh. So you've arrived then?” He noted Spike's chuckle and tried to locate his partners. “Ed. Where are they from me?”

“Faye-Faye is dancing and Spike-person is walking to the drink stand. Three and ten!” Jet grunted and made his way to an empty pair of stools. Spike slid next to him, his attention locked on someone in the middle of the dance floor. Jet followed his gaze and was shocked to find Faye fending off advances. He noted immediately that the extra time had been well spent. Not one detail had been left out. Thin framed eyeglasses were perched on her nose, two pens held her hair back in a loose bun; her blouse was unbuttoned allowing just the top of her lacy bra and a generous amount of cleavage to show; the skirt she selected would have been classy had it not been short with the generous slit up the thigh; accompanied with the silk nylons and stilettos she was the embodiment of several men's fantasies. “She a secretary, librarian or teacher?”

Spike shrugged, “Take your pick.”

Ed cracked over the comm, “Faye-Faye is a secretary, she said it would work with Spike-person's ugly, ass suit.”

“Edward, language.”

“Huh.” Spike rammed his hands into his pockets, “So she's playing the role of my secretary.” His shoulders bounced, “That works.”

“Edward found the guy!”

Jet glanced up and snickered when Faye swiveled from a groping hand, “You should go save her, Spike-o.”

Spike shrugged and took a sip of his beer. “Nah. We thought we'd let Lihas get close then I'll swoop in before he can reach her.”

“Reel him in then chase him back, huh?” Jet scoffed, “Sounds like you're fishin'.” Spike's head bobbed, eyes still focused on the dance floor. Jet's brows furrowed as he continued to study his partner. He's acting like he did on Phobos. Spike's jaw clenched when an overly zealous mailman tried to wrap around Faye. She eased away, absently straightening the pinstriped skirt. Another man attempted to peer down the white blouse. She spun, giving him a nice view of the pens in her hair.

Head swiveling to the left, Spike stood and began making his way through the throng. Jet heard him mumble over the comm, “Pay for my drink,” he sighed, “Can't take her anywhere nice.”

Jet grinned, “Have to go discourage gropers?” He took the grunt as a yes and shook his head, accepting his own beer and enjoying the show. The music slowed as Spike slid behind Faye and comfortably wrapped an arm around her. The men in her vicinity evaporated, condensing on easier prey. Lihas glared from the periphery, furious that the cowboy was in the way, again. He turned to someone in shadow, “I thought you said she was after me.”

The shadow shrugged, “I also warned you that you could be jumping to conclusions.” Chuckle, “The cowboy won't give up.” The voice clucked, “Guess she's not interested in your charm, Cous. I thought she was just doing him a favor.” Lihas growled. The voice tittered, “You didn't really try to seduce her, did you?” He pressed, “Felt her up and made her feel like a piece of meat.” Snicker, “That guy showed you some manners and all you did was talk nasty about her.” A girly sigh, “What girl wouldn't fall for that?” Lihas flipped his associate a farewell bird and slunk closer to the pair.

Spike gently turned Faye about and rested his hands on her hips. He eased closer, “Your admirer's back,” he whispered in her ear. Faye shrugged and allowed Spike to lead.

Jet broke through Spike's thoughts, “Lihas is watching. Give him a show.” Faye's brow furrowed. She suppressed a squeal of shock when Spike pulled her tight and tilted his head towards her ear. He scanned the room, noting Jet across the way, catty corner a fuming Lihas. As if it were a common activity he slid his hands off Faye's hips and gripped her backside. She glared at him momentarily before he bobbed his head and turned so she could catch sight of their audience. Understanding, she played along. Pressing firmly against him she ran her fingers across his chest, over his shoulders and into his hair, pulling him towards her. He resisted and amicably smirked, “You're not getting another chance to bite me. Once is enough.” Faye pulled a face and tipping closer let her lips just brush his. She allowed her hands to trail back to his shoulders as she pulled back slightly.

Not to be out maneuvered, he tipped his head towards her ear. Faye stiffened as his hand slid up to her hair, snagging the pens in the process. In one smooth sweep he slipped the utensils in his breast pocket, before cupping Faye's cheek, pulling her face forward. He smirked when her eyes fluttered closed and chuckled when he felt her body sway with his pull, face tilting. “I told you, you only get one free shot and I've been generous.” He caught her glasses, stuffing them with the pens. Faye pulled a face, immediately regaining her composure. He ran a hand through her hair, leaving it tossed and mussed. She sucked her lip. Spike's grin disappeared when he noted Lihas still too close. Why hasn't he backed off?! Deciding to press further, he spun Faye back around, arm possessively draped across her stomach, his hand just cupping a breast as he pulled her tight against him. His mouth near her ear, to anyone watching they appeared oblivious. Faye shivered when she heard him chuckle, “This'll be fun. I still owe you for my presents.”

“Uhh…” she pinked when his fingers brushed softly against the exposed skin on her chest.

Jet choked on his drink when he caught sight of the pair. Faye looked stunned, though hid it by chewing her bottom lip. To anyone watching it looked like a lust induced reaction. Jet chuckled, She's probably picturing poor Spike dead. Twirling Faye about face, Spike shot her a victorious glare, Point me. Faye's eyes narrowed as she hastily decreased the distance, stomping his foot `accidently'. Hands slipping under his jacket, she smiled seductively as she savagely pinched the small of his back. To add to the show she ran her leg up his providing Lihas and Jet a wonderful view of the top of her stockings and the attached thigh. Spike's eyes narrowed at the challenge and ran his hand up her proffered leg, toying with the top of her hose before slipping underneath the hem. He let his hand slip to her backside and grinned, They are lace. She blushed and tried to lower her leg, only to have Spike hold tight. Triumphant he slowly drew his fingers out and down to her knee. Faye bit her lip, nerves and shock warring for dominance. He reveled in her shaken gasp when his hand returned to grope her posterior. His grin grew when he decided she was not as experienced as she let on. He relaxed over Lihas's retreating form. Another point, me. Faye's eyes narrowed slightly as she studied the thinly veiled expressions flitting across his face.

 

Jet had to admit the show his two partners had preformed was interesting. Ed had popped in asking if Spike would kiss Faye a number of times. They had also caught the attentions of not only Lihas but most the observing patrons. Catching snippets of their comments, “Wow. You don't see stuff like that usually people just fuck on the floor.” Another, “Talk about foreplay!” Jet had to repress a smirk- the `steamy couple' actually refused to be more than verbal sparring partners. He caught sight of Spike's grin. Epiphany dawning, he suppressed a groan, He's enjoying this! A snort slipped free, Freakin' masochist.

 

“So she's who Kevie's been screaming about, hmmm?” Came the familiar masculine voice from Jet's right.

Jet turned noting the silver hair had been swapped for sunshine gold, “Hello Miss Gamma.” Jet nodded. “That's the girl, Faye.”

Annie giggled, “She's cute. You're friend sure doesn't act like she means nothing.” Jet quirked a brow. Annie's masculine, girlish titter continued, “He's just short of growling at any male within a foot.”

Jet nodded. Watching Spike continue to hold on to Faye, even after Lihas's retreat- his posture screaming: MINE! Jet grinned, “He'll call your guess bullshit.”

She pursed her precisely lacquered lips, “He can call it whatever he wants, doesn't hide the facts.” Her eyes narrowed, “I bet he's got a thing for…” she eyeballed Faye's costume critically, “is she a secretary or a librarian?”

“Eh… she's his secretary.”

She scowled and grumbled, “I thought she was coming alone.”

Jet glanced at her, “What?”

Annie giggled, “Points to your girl. I know several men who'd love a receptionist like her.” Jet snorted. Her lips thinned, “Huh. Did your boy do some office work? `Cause I bet he's got a thing for secretaries,” she winked, “or at least he does now.”

Jet snorted, “Doesn't think anyone can see it.”

“Pff…” She reached over and caressed Jet's chin, “I like the clean shaven look. It suits you.” Jet smiled politely, uncertain whether to be flattered or depressed.

Spike left Faye, returning to the bar for another drink. He bobbed his head in greeting. Annie cooed, “Was that the girl?” He shrugged noncommittally. Annie's grin expanded, “Whose secretary did you have the hots for when you were a kid?”

He grinned around a sip of his drink, “Don't know what you're talking about.”

Annie's eyes narrowed, “Hot secretary at the school you went to? Or did she work for a boss of yours?” Spike tensed, Annie gloated, “Bingo!”

Jet swiveled to face the uncommunicative man, “So it was some boyhood crush on a cute little secretary, huh?” He began chuckling. “What did you do? Purposely get in trouble to see her?”

Spike pulled a face, “She worked in Mao's office when I started.” Jet grinned and Spike gulped his drink, signaling for a second.

Annie scanned the floor, “Where'd she go, lover boy?”

Jet's brows furrowed, he hunkered away from the other two, “Huh?”

Ed crackled through the comms, “Papa- Jet. Spike-person. Ed can't … F…F…. Mr. Bad man j…st …ft his dark c…ner… waiting…no cameras.”

“What was that Ed?” Spike mumbled.

“You say something?” Annie's eyebrow rose as she watched both men tinker with their ears. Spike shook his head, signaling Annie another drink before scanning the crowd. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing, Miss Annie.” Spike's eyes kept roaming, “Just wanted to live a boyhood fantasy and she was game.” Jet was studying the inside of his hat, he grunted.

“Cute excuse. Sure doesn't seem like nothin',” she pouted.

Spike's eyes narrowed, “Jet, Lihas is on the move.” His head bobbed towards a hallway on the other side of the dance floor. Jet followed the line of sight, “Oh shit!” He tipped his head to Annie before following. Annie remained rooted, catching Kevin's eye before he disappeared down the hallway, a college kid in tow.

“Ed. ED!” Static replied. “Ed contact my hand held. Keep an eye on Faye's tag.”

The comm in his pocket chirped, “Edward saw Faye-Faye go outside the cameras.”

“Spike!” Spike paused, eyes not leaving the top of Lihas's head. “I'm running around…”

Faye popped out a door behind Spike. Jet's brows furrowed. “What the hell?”

“Cripes!” She staggered back, hand on her heart. “Can't a girl use the restroom without a baby-sitter? I told Ed,” Faye glanced around Jet, “Where's Spike?” Jet's eyes drifted to just over her shoulder, before turning and heading back to the bar. Faye startled when a hand wrapped around the uninjured one and tugged her backwards, a body rapidly pressing her into the wall. Spike leaned forward, “Lihas is at the end of the hall finishing a deal.” Her eyes pivoted to the silhouettes away from her. They swiveled back to lock with dissimilar russets, “Play along.” She gulped, shocked at his proximity and nodded. Spike's eyes returned to studying Lihas's movements; his free hand's thumb, idly rubbing her palm. He bent closer, noses touching, focus intense and unwavering. Faye's eyes never left his cheek. She was frozen, waiting for him to do whatever he had planned. She squirmed when he suddenly grinned at the shadows near the exit. “Faye, remember to play along.” Head bob, “No going ape shit, got it?” Head bob, “Get ready.” Squirm. He shifted, “3…” his hands moved, “…2…” Faye began to panic, “…1”

 

“See cowboy. I told you he liked her!” Jet's head waggled at the teasing. “Poor boy couldn't even wait to get her home.”

Jet frowned into his beer, "I never argued with you, I just said I doubt he'd act on it or admit it.”

She giggled, “Oh. He's actin' on it now.” Jet glanced at the hallway. Sure enough, barely concealed in shadow, he could just make out Spike pressed comfortably against Faye. He scowled and felt dirty spying on the two, but Lihas had ducked down that corridor and he'd be damned if he let the bounty slip away just because Spike decided to finally put the moves on Faye. Why isn't she beating the snot out of him?

“Ahh… look. Your friend's got his hands all over her.” Jet pulled a face. “Doesn't look like she minds too much.” Annie shook her head and sighed, “Poor Kevie. She'll be the one that doesn't follow the game plan.” She grinned, “He'll be sooooo pissed!” Shrug, “You'd think an ass hat like him'd be used to blue balls by now.”

“Thanks for the mental picture.”

Annie gestured with her umbrellaed cocktail, “Looks like they got quite the audience.” She fanned herself with a bar napkin, “Though I don't blame them for gawking. My lord! I know anything goes at this place but no one does that! It's innocently, hot.” She sighed, “Usually it's rutting on the floor. No build up.” She waved over the barman and pointed, “Is that even legal?!”

Jet cringed when Ed's excited yelp sounded through his comm. He turned it down before grunting at the bouncy teen. “YEAH!! Spike-person is finally being nice to Faye-Faye. Kissy-kissy!” Her eyebrows took on a worldly wiggle, “Will they be kissing and hugging tight like those movies Papa-Jet says Ed is not allowed to watch?”

“You're a daddy?” Jet paled as Annie leaned closer, catching Ed's voice. She grinned at the tiny screen in Jet's hat. “Oh! What an adorable little boy!”

Ed giggled, “Edward is Edward. A girl. Who are you?”

“You're a girl?” Annie's eye's scrunched, “What's all over your face, Honey?”

Ed frowned, “Edward is not honey. Edward is…” Jet disconnected and stuffed his hat back atop his head.

“Well that was rude.”

“That conversation would never have ended.” He smirked, “I provided a service.”

Annie began studying the Spike and Faye show. She let out a heart-felt sigh, full of longing. “A guy that can kiss like that probably can do a lot of other nice things too.” She studied Faye, “Actually, she shouldn't be a disappointment either.” She gasped, “You know, they make a pretty good team.” Jet turned his back to the entire scene. Deciding Lihas was not about to let such an insult slide, besides they deserved a little privacy- at least from him. “Though I don't think Kevie likes the show.” Annie's snicker morphed into a shocked gasp, “KEVIN! STOP!” Jet whirled around and immediately pulled his gun. Shit! Shitshitshitshitshit!

 

…1” Spike crashed into Faye, anchoring her firmly to the wall. He had hoped she would guess what he was planning, but had missed the cues. “Maaam da melll mo mmn mo momng?!”

Mouth still pressed against Faye's he hissed, “Shut up.” When she began to retort he returned full force, changing the appearance of the kiss from uncomfortable teens to unbridled frenzy. He released enough to murmur, “Play along. Audience.” Catching on, Faye fell directly into the role of horny girlfriend. She detected Lihas off to her left, trying to melt into the hooting crowd.

“Damn! And I thought their little dance was hot!” Shouted a drunk stewardess.

“NNGYAA! I ain't never seen somethin' like tha' here!” Faye slipped her arms inside his jacket.

A man cackled, “It's shit like this that keeps me comin' back!” A few drinks clinked, “Gotta give `em credit, they're more original than most!”

“Haven't been anywhere that people can be so free!” More clinking. Faye hooked her leg around Spike's hip and pulled him closer.

“No joke. Dude, ya gonna fuck her right here?” Spike began groping, popping another button open on her blouse.

Lihas attempted to slip by, “Hey asshole, get outta the way!” He was rudely returned to his front row seat. Spike hefted Faye up the wall, allowing her to wrap the second leg around his frame.

“Oh. My. God.” A girl sighed from the far right, “That's the hottest couple I have ever seen here!”

“I'd bone her!” Spike pressed closer to Faye, taking note that he actually wouldn't mind trying this sans the onlookers. Someone was slugged, “Fuck was that for?!” Spike connected the noise, You deserved that asshole.

“That dude'd kill ya. Look at `im.”

“Pff… he's skinny. I could take him.” Snickers. Faye grinned, He must've flexed. She was shocked when Spike's acting increased, became possessive and demanding. Is he showing off? He released a hand from supporting her to resume exploring. She gasped when it slipped inside her blouse, popping a second button and inching around the lace boundary.

“I think he's too much for her.” A smug voice from the back, “She's just a little girl.” The voice sulked. “He needs a woman that can meet all his needs,” she purred. Faye's brows furrowed. Spike pressed closer, his hand brushing below lace. She moaned while nipping his ear and grinned at the shocked gasp. Having fun, she latched onto his mouth. Spike nibbled her lip and grinned, “One free…” Faye returned the favor.

“She's so fake!”

Another viewer, “Shut up! You're jus' jealous.” Her voice grew quiet, “'Sides, they might stop an' I wanna see how long they keep this up before they head to one of the booths.” Spike pulled away attending to between the open collar of Faye's blouse. She rolled her head back and knotted her fingers in his hair. When he made his way back up he detoured and paused at her ear. His whispered, stressed and measured words, “Faye you shouldn't be listening to the peanut gallery.” He smirked, “Especially when I'm doing all the work.” Faye's legs tightened around his mid-section, her hand slipping off his shoulder to catch his at her derriere. Easing it up her side she left it free in order to tug his shirt out and toy with his belt, dipping behind. Her hand pressed against heated skin, she grinned when she inspired an audible intake of air before attending to his neck. “Faye, remember we need to get rid of Lihas.” Spike sounded strained. Catch the bounty, celebrate with Faye. Catch the bounty then…

“Where is he?” She kissed along his jaw, in order to keep the show moving.

His hands slipped below to reapply support, “Behind my right shoulder.” Faye nodded, loosening her legs. She kept her arms around his neck as he eased her to the floor, his body shielding her disheveled clothing from most the audience. Still close he added, “Head towards Jet at the bar. I'll deal with the trash and then you.” He grinned, close. “Think we should break in some of those toys you bought.” She blushed. He gave the voyeurs a final kiss to discuss, pleased when he heard a woman ask her date if he could try that. When Faye didn't respond, he kissed her forehead and spun her towards the desired destination with a nudge. Effectively cutting Lihas, who had forced his way close, from Faye.

“From what I heard, ass munch, she was lookin' for me.” Lihas hissed before swiping at Faye's elbow. She appeared a bit tipsy.

Spike's brow quirked as he blocked the grab, “Really? `Cause she came with me.”

Faye mumbled, “Prefer him,” jerking her thumb at Spike as she teetered away. He grinned when the bounty visibly jerked, his eyes narrowing. Faye couldn't hide the happy, hopeful grin replaying Spike's parting words.