Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction ❯ Got You ❯ Deliverance ( Chapter 29 )

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 meddling camp owners.

 

Chapter 29: Deliverance (Queensryche)

 

Faye rolled, her hand smacking something warm. It grunted, clasped her wrist and refused to let go. “Come on Spike, return my hand.”

“Crossed the line, Faye. It's mine now.”

She frowned, “Not funny.” She tugged, dragging Spike closer to the center of the bed. “Give.” Tug. “Me.” Jerk. “My hand.” Yank. “Back!”

“No.” He rolled, taking her with him. “You insisted I respect the center of the bed, I've a bruise on my left shin to prove it. You crossed the line, deal with the consequences.” He grinned, “This was your game, follow through.”

“SPIKE!” She kneed his back leverage, “Knock it off!”

“That was my tailbone Faye, do you mind? I'm trying to sleep.”

“Not overly. Let me go.” He grinned and rolled, facing her. His teeth peeked through when she 'eeped' and attempted to scoot away. Flinging his free hand around her waist he tugged her close, released her hand and held fast. “Uh…”

“Just keepin' in character, Faye.”

“Ass…” she curled tighter around his arm, “I'm sick of the character bullshit.” Spike released. He'd obviously pushed the game too far. He rolled onto his back, glaring at the ceiling.

She sighed, and rolled towards him. A small smirk tugging at her lips, “You going to keep this girl safe from flying bullets tomorrow?” She giggled as she wiggled below the blankets, “If so, that means we're on a date. Right, Lunkhead?”

He grinned, following, “Depends. Am I gonna end up broke and tied to a bed post?”

“You're already broke, there'd be no point trying to rob you blind.” She tugged at the bedding, “I already took your money card.” She yawned again, “'Sides if memory serves me correctly,” she scratched her nose, “You're the one that likes to tie folks into their beds. I just leave them wanting at the table.” Her giggling slowed, replaced by her soft breathing. She mumbled something about being a nice, cheap date for men she liked before sleep took control. Spike studied the rise and fall of her shoulders. She looked so peaceful. After he was certain she wouldn't wake, he shifted closer and wrapped her in a loose embrace. He chuckled at the familiar citrusy scent, “I wouldn't mind a cheap date either.” Not thinking he kissed her shoulder softly as he drifted off.

 

Ed bobbed nervously from foot to foot. They had limped along with electrical issues since dropping off the weepy Jeff. Annette and George hadn't sent an update. Giving up on his protective instincts he settled for checking in. He glared at the black screen. Beep one. Beep two. Beep… “Huh?” George grinned. “Hey Jet.” A playful smirk tugging at his lips. “Those two seem to be getting along.” Annette laughed, “That's because you put them in a one bed, one bath cabin!”

“Huh?” He glanced over his shoulder, “Yup. He looked like the type that'd refuse to sleep in the tub.” Grin. “There should be a compromise.”

Jet snorted. He sobered, “Have you seen any more college kids?”

“Just those characters that came in shortly after your partners.” Chuckle, “I caught those two checkin' for an escape route yesterday.” He rubbed his head, “if things get nasty they should head for the crater on the opposite side of this rock.

Jet nodded. He'll send Faye. He kept his assumptions to himself, “How far from there?”

“Hmm…” brows furrowed in thought, “not sure.”

“Great.” Chin scratch, “How'll I know they're there?”

He smiled, “That kid workin' for ya still got `em bugged. I picked up the faint signal when they wandered in.”

“Uh… yeah.” Jet glanced at Ed, “Where's Faye's?”

“Necklace.”

“Spike?”

Ed grinned, “Shoe.”

Shrug. “There ya go.” With a yawn George disconnected. Leaving Jet to smirk at the black screen.

Faye stirred, Spike had already left. Probably stuffing his face again. She groaned and rolled from under her cocoon of cotton. Padding to the bathroom, she missed the fact Spike's shoes were still by the bed. Hoping to wash away her grogginess she slipped behind the curtain and under the warm mist. It had been a long, uncomfortable night. After retrieving her hand at the cost of Spike spooning her playfully, she had spent the rest of her time sleeping curled in a protective ball too afraid to cross her chosen line of separation. She grinned at the silly antics of the night before. She couldn't blame Spike, not that she wouldn't try, he was only following her orders. She paused in her lather, the faintest feeling he'd crossed the line niggling the back of her brain.

At the sound of running water, Spike sat up from his position on the couch and slunk into the room. His gaze fell on the simple ring and with a scowl he slipped his own over his knuckles, glaring at the familiar unfamiliarity. With a yawn he lay on the bed and closed his eyes. He'd spent a good share of the evening fighting his urge to do more than cross the center line. When he'd woken this morning with his arm flopped comfortably over Faye's waist he'd escaped to the small couch. The shower cut off. He watched the door open. A towel clad, dripping Faye slipped out to rummage through the clothes. Outfit chosen, she turned towards the bed and froze.

“Mornin' Faye.” He waved.

She blinked. Obviously stuck in shock.

“You mind getting' dressed, I'd like to get some food before they start serving lunch.”

“When… why… how…” she pinked, clutched the towel closer and stomped towards the bathroom door. He yawned.

“Warn a girl next time, Lunkhead!” He grinned at the violently slammed barrier and jerked the covers over his shoulder trying to doze off. He shifted slightly and repressed a smirk when a fully dressed, flushed, slightly damp Faye stormed from the adjoining room. He sat up and glanced at her bare hand, “You're forgetting' your wedding ring.”

“Huh?”

He lifted his left hand and wiggled his fingers.

“Oh.” She spun, retrieved the simple piece off the dresser and returned, “Happy?”

Shrug. “Gotta keep playin' the part until Jet gets us and we can take out Lihas and any of his crew.”

“Pff… If I didn't know better, I'd say you were getting' a kick out of this… this charade.”

He shrugged. She stilled, staring at the red head from before. Following her line of sight he frowned, “Well, our vacation just got interesting.”

Her eyebrow quirked, “Good.” Green slanted his way, “Is she why you insist we keep up this game?”

 

“Well if it isn't the newlyweds!” Cheered George from the kitchen.

Annette sidled over, “Good morning you two!” She gave Spike a knowing smile.

He grinned back, If she only knew the truth. Faye catching the look gave a small cough, which Annette took as embarrassment.

She patted the younger woman's arm, “It's ok dear. Once you two have kids none of this will ever embarrass you again.” Faye nodded, her cheeks pinking. Annette laughed kindly and ushered the two towards the table, insisting they sit together. “There you go!” She beamed, “Oh! Did you two notice the comet last night?”

“Them two probably didn't notice much of nothin' Mother. Look at `em.”

Faye's blush darkened. Spike simply pulled a smoke from his pocket. He played with it absently while Annette lectured her mouthy spouse. “George! You knock that off. You're embarrassing the poor girl.”

The redhead slid close, followed by the student from the day before, “Congratulations.” She squealed at Faye. “I told you to go after the hot guy at the club.” She blushed at Spike, “He was so nice to me, I… I didn't know you two were an item or I would've never…”

Faye grinned, unable to place the girl, “No worries.” She glanced at her partner, “We like to play games. Keeps things interesting, you know?”

She nodded.

Annette smiled, “You two remind us of when we were young.” Dusting her hands off she perked, “Now! What do you two want for breakfast?”

Faye smiled, “Whatever.”

Spike bobbed his head towards the girl, “…”

“Oh. It's Angie.” She fiddled with her fingers, “I don't blame you for not remembering.” Spike scowled, he couldn't recall her introducing herself, just that he'd blown her off. She smiled, “I took your suggestion.” He grinned, Faye stared at him, “It helped a lot. Thanks.” She leaned over and placed a shy kiss on Spike's cheek.

He coughed, “Not a problem.” Faye closed her mouth but continued staring.

The man across from Faye cleared his throat. He took her hand and smiled, “My girl. You look much nicer like this. Though I must admit, your husband and most the males here liked the secretary outfit from the club.” Spike felt Faye shift nervously. Not thinking he placed a restraining hand on her thigh. The man caught the gesture and painful reddening, “Boys couldn't keep their eyes off you.” Annette dropped mugs in front of the foursome. He released her hand and took a languid sip. “Watched you like a hawk. Just like my seller did.” His lip curled, “Speaking of which, have you seen him recently?”

Spike grinned and shook his head

Faye frowned, “Who are you talking about?”

“Too bad.” Another sip. “He'll be interested in this latest turn in events.” The man leaned closer, “Kevin doesn't like to be toyed with.”

Spike frowned, “Not sure I know who you're talkin' about.”

“Bull.”

Annette rushed over with a pile of pancakes, “Oh my.” She locked eyes with Spike and pretended to speak to herself, “I forgot to thank Bob for clearing up some confusion last night.” She sighed, dropping the heaping plate with a soft clink. “I can't believe I misread the situation so poorly. Jet was a sweetheart and cleared things up.” She brightened, “Oh. I'll get you a picnic lunch set up.” She winked at Spike, “You two need some alone time.”

The man shot Spike a challenging smirk, “Yes, perhaps a little alone time with that hottie wife of yours is exactly what we need.” Faye gave a stiff smile. He glared at Faye and hissed, “You want some real fun, like chubby here?” Faye choked, receiving a triumphant grin from the man.

Annette glanced her way, “Oh dear, take smaller bites.”

She swallowed past the blockage, “It's just so tasty.” Nervous titter, “And I'm so hungry.” Spike's hand tensed on her thigh. She glanced his way. “Well I wouldn't be if,” blush, “Someone hadn't kept me up all night.”

Annette smiled, George let out a whoop, the unnamed man's head cocked to the side, and Spike had the decency to look a tad embarrassed. He focused on her solely, the perfect image of twitter-pated adoration. He leaned close. She blinked but remained rooted. Chuckle, “Then don't tempt me.” He grinned when the dark pink turned nearly purple while she sputtered and looked everywhere but those around the table. He tipped closer, appearing to kiss her cheek, “Be careful, Faye. Lihas is nearby.” She turned towards him, as he pulled away eliciting more hooting from the background. Annette clucked playfully. Angie and her acquaintance remained still, studying the two. The man stood, gave a polite bob and a friendly wink towards Faye, “Better go finish my breakfast in the cabin. All this cute, lovey-dovey stuff will turn me off it.”

Annette shook her head and hissed, “Cretin.”

 

Wolfe glared at the pair in the window from his perch on the steps. Lihas snarled, “You think they're really a couple?”

“No.” The second man replied.

Angie sighed, “Don't they make a nice couple, Kevin?”

He rolled his eyes at the love struck red-head. She was a cover anyway, he turned towards his latest partner, “How can you tell?”

“Watch. The cowboy's only overtly romantic when he thinks someone's watching and the girl's so nervous she can hardly sit still.” The partner nodded, still watching the pair. He shrugged, “I may be wrong though. They just don't act like any of the newly married or even engaged couples I see on campus.”

“Me neither.”

“I think they just know each other really well and fell in love,” sighed Angie.

One of the men snorted, “Fuck.”

 

Jet dug at his head. The faulty wiring had finally sputtered out. He hit the panel, “Shit!” Unsure what to do, he stalked toward the main part of the Bebop to find Ed and the dog. “Ed. ED!!” She sat up from her choice napping spot in the hall. He glared at the glassy eyed teen. “Ed.” Blink. “Go find Ein. We're takin' the Hammerhead to Pandora.”

“Why?”

He scowled, “Cause the electrical you felt needed dissecting is the same panel Faye smashed up parking the Swordfish. Damn thing's gone tits up.”

She produced a strange snort, “Pcckkkkff,” before composing herself enough to point and scream, “Papa Jet said, `tits'!” He scrubbed at his forehead when she scampered of squealing, “Tits, bits, Faye-Faye's `fraid of zits. Spike says shit…”

“EDWARD! LANGUAGE!”

She paused long enough to pull a face before dashing off to complete her assigned task.

Jet glared down the darkened hallway bathed in sporadic red, “Why the hell can Spike say those things but I can't?”

Ed reappeared, Ein clutched tightly to her chest, “Because Spike person is not a grown-up like Papa Jet.” Her head bounced in a sage nod.

Jet rolled his eyes and steered towards the hangar, “Why can Faye say them then?”

“Faye does not say,” twitter, “tits.” She adjusted her hold on the pooch, Jet just noticing Tomato was also crammed within her grasp. “Faye-Faye doesn't talk about such things and she thumps Spike on the head for saying them.” She grinned attempting her best Faye impersonation, “Oi! Lunkhead!” She stood taller, “There's a kid listening' and a lady present. How `bout you watch your mouth?!” She blinked shifting out of character, “Then Spike-person says…” she slouched her gait closely resembling the carefree strut of Spike. She turned her head left and right, “What lady, Faye? All I see here is an underage psycho, a shrew and the dog.” Shift back, “Then Faye…”

Jet sighed, wishing he'd kept his mouth shut, “I get it Ed. Thanks.”

“Wellllllll-commmmmme!”

 

Spike removed his loose hold on Faye's leg. She shifted closer, “We're still being watched.”

He nodded, “Probably trying to decide if we're for real or faking.”

“Anyone that bothers to look should be able to tell.”

“Really? Why?”

She pulled away slightly, “You only act like we're married when you think there's an audience.”

He slid closer, “I could play the part all the time but you freak out enough as it is.”

She eased back, “Or not.” She scowled, forgetting his proximity, she tilted closer, “Why don't you just be you and quit all the bullshit?”

“What bullshit, Faye?”

She pinked, “This is just some sick, fucked up game to you isn't it?”

“You don't like playing games?” His hand snaked around her waist, “I've seen you eyeballing' that chunk of glass. You like the idea, don't you?”
Her eyes widened before narrowing, “Doesn't matter one way or the other, what I think.” She snorted and tried to inch away, “You're gonna do whatever the hell you want anyway.”

“So are you.”

“Wrong.” She hissed, “I haven't done a damn thing just for me since Ed came back.” She stabbed his chest with an index finger, “I found her, helped pull her back together. Helped Jet deal with the fact she'd been hurt and that his partner was floating off the radar. Found said partner,”

“Give me a break, Faye. You wanted to find me.”

She growled, “Only because I didn't want a comrade rotting in some shithole hospital on Mars.” She stiffened slightly, “You forget, bozo, I stayed in one for quite a while.” She rubbed her arms absently, “I know what kind of crap they pull on defenseless people.”

“Who said I'd need defending?”

“I SAW THE MESS YOU LEFT BEHIND, LUNKHEAD!!” She removed his hand, “Or do you forget who picked up that rust bucket of yours?” She stilled and glanced around the space. Yup. Her outburst had caught the attention of everyone in the building. Annette and George stepped out of the kitchen, soap suds still clinging to their hands.

He grinned, “Now you've an audience Faye, you goin' to keep this rant up?”

She began blinking furiously, her mouth clicking shut with a near audible snap. Between gritted teeth she spat, “I should've let you rot in that hospital. Would've saved me a hell of a lot of grief.” Standing, she left with whatever shreds of dignity she could clutch.

Spike watched her go before glancing at the audience. He rubbed his neck, peeked out the window and shrugged, “Guess she's still a bit miffed I went to a strip club before we were married.”

Annette shot George a knowing look before he snorted, “Why'd you bring it up on your honeymoon?”

Spike toyed with his unlit smoke, stalling, “I… uh…

George nodded his head in sympathy, “Better calm her down, `fore you get home, boy.”

Annette nodded emphatically, “Yes. Don't let her go to bed angry.” She glanced at the cabin up the hill, “That's no way to spend the first week of your marriage.”

Spike grinned and meandered out the door. Lihas's associate snorted from his observatory seat, as Spike drifted by. “You're game's slippin' cowboy.” The stepped screamed as he stood. “Why you really here?”

Spike shrugged, “Just spending a few days out camping' with my wife while the family settles over our marriage.”

The partner shooed Angie away, “Go make sure that girl's ok.” He waited for her to disappear in the foliage before turning to Spike, his lip curled, “Why ya really here, punk?”

“You've got more balls then your idiot partner, don't ya…” he frowned trying to remember where he'd seen the man before.

The bounty snarled, “Knock it off. Jeff did his time, now he's back. Lihas is pissed you're alive. There's no way a chick like that would give you the time of day. So why you playin' like she does?”

Spike stood, placing his mangled smoke between his lips, “Believe it or not,” he pulled out his lighter, “She does and I don't care why.” With a flash of silver and a few puffs he left the man sputtering.

 

Annette watched Spike drift out the diner doors after his `wife'. He didn't appear too upset. George shrugged, “Maybe this is the norm.”

She shook her head, “That girl was upset. Anyone with eyes could see that.”

“She was lyin' too.” George sighed, “Go make them a lunch. My money's on him going back to the cabin.” She nodded. “I'll take it to him and fill him in who we are.”

“I don't think he caught my mentioning Bob or Jet.”

“Probably not.” George chuckled, “He was too busy trying to keep that red-head and her fella away.”

“Not the most subtle, is he?”

“Nope.”

“Too bad she can't see that.”

“Yup.”

 

Spike stared into the empty cabin. Faye had gone off to deal with whatever demons were stirred up in the diner. He settled on the steps, lighting his third smoke. He watched as the older man trudged towards the tiny cabin.

“Hey boy.” Spike nodded and flicked the ash from his light, “You'd better go find that girl.”

He shrugged, “She's an adult.”

George chuckled, “I've heard that line before.” He settled next to the cowboy, “You know you should take more stock in her reactions and her safety.”

Spike snorted, “She's either nervous or bitchy.”

“Bullshit.” George passed him a bag, “Why not take her on a nice quiet walk and let her see you've dropped the act.”

“Excuse me?”

“The wife and I know Bob…” he grinned, “and Jet.” Spike studied the old man from the corner of his eye. “Relax cowboy. I'm retired ISSP.”

“That's supposed to make me feel better?”

“Eh…” he rubbed his hands together, “No and me telling' you I was one of the good ones isn't goin' to make you trust me.” He stood, “Here's the deal. Anyone with eyes can tell you've got a thing for that girl.” He chuckled, “Ok `cept maybe her.” He took a step away, “Anne's willin' to help you, but you gotta start treatin' that young lady and her feelings like she deserves.” He scowled, “Shit. Just spend some time with her when it's obvious you aren't playing whatever role you two got yourselves stuck in. She'll appreciate the effort.”

He stopped at Spike's voice, “How's this your business?” A spent filter flipped nearby his feet, “And why help me, if I want it?”

He turned, “Because from what I can tell she's a nice girl and thinks the universe of you.” He snorted, “Show you're interested in her and quit the act.” He resumed his slow pace back, “Everyone can tell the difference. 'Cept maybe the googly eyed redhead, but I think she's,” tapped his head, “a bit touched.” Snort, “Even that creepy man hidin' out in the nearby cabin knows you're fakin'.”

“Who? How?”

“Kid thinks he's a regular genius. Doesn't know Mom and I've got good ears for old folks.” He shuffled further away, “Get it together boy. You're just confusin' the poor thing, why do you think she's so antsy around you? She can't tell what's true and what's fake and you keep shiftin' gears too fast for her to follow.”

Spike watched him go, before studying the paper bag. Huh? He snickered and dug out another smoke. He wasn't the dating type from what Faye had concluded. In fact, neither was she. He grimaced; he may need a few pointers. With a groan he trailed the older man. He appeared to have some knowledge and if not there was the old woman and the chubby chick.

George grinned; he knew the cowboy would follow.