Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction ❯ Under Pressure ❯ Ch. 9: Grain of Faith ( Chapter 9 )

Sadly, 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 my chapter headings- they are the product of their authors.

 

Chapter 9: Grain of Faith (Geoff Tate)

 

Faye groaned at the incessant chirp. Ed had been rather needy since she met James. Oddly insecure in fact and constantly wanting to tell Faye what was happening. It drove the cowgirl nuts. Numbly grabbing for the noisy device, she flipped it on with a grunt not bothering to look at the screen.

Jet glared at the fuzzed mass of dark purple sprouting from a white pillow. “Faye, get up.”

She moved, “What?”

“Who's this James kid?”

Sigh, “Some boy she met diving.” She sat up, digging at her eyes. “He's fine Jet, a good kid.”

He scowled, “When'd you meet him?”

Grin, “I was on a job.” Yawn, “The one I sprained my ankle on.”

Blink.

“Where I got my second job?”

“He's the kid Ed called to help you?”

She nodded. It had been a miserable hunt. Spike wasn't up to full bounty catching speed, so she was on her own. The meal ticket had ducked into a dark and narrow alley. Close on his heels and concentrating on his retreating back, Faye missed the crack in the cement. She fell hard, the bone jarring snap ripping through her body. Adrenaline on high she stood, determined to continue the chase, the mark's back just whipping around the corner. The moment her weight settled on the injured joint she collapsed in a pained heap. Desperate to catch the guy- they needed food, she contacted Ed; hoping the teen could find one of her many friends.

Ed's worried face popped on the screen, “What happened?”

Faye looked miserable, her face twisted in a sickened smirk. “Ed, you know anyone on this blasted rock?”

She frowned and began typing.

Faye waited patiently.

“Yes. Ed's friend is there.” Blink, “Do you want Ed to have him help you?”

Faye ignored the rising blush and nodded. “Yeah, I can't walk and the RedTail won't fit in here, `sides we need to catch this guy.” Sigh, “Bills to pay.”

Another nod.

“See if you can find where he's been spendin' a lot of his money.”

Nod.

Grin, “I'll just wait him out there.”

“Ok Faye. Ed's friend will be there shortly. Go to the grown-up toy shop around the corner, the bad guy stops by to pick up a magazine.” Faye glanced at the end of the alleyway, a thin boy with mussed blond hair and glasses inched closer. He appeared nervous, twitchy and in need of a good sunbath and vegetables.

“You, uh… Faye?”

She nodded. “I take it you're Ed's friend… uh…”

“J… James.” He held out his hand, “Nice to meet you.” He smiled, “Ed's told me quite a bit about you, she sure thinks you're cool.”

“I am.” She studied him closely, “Are you the one she keeps messagin' at all hours?”

Nod.

Giggle, “Has she met you in person yet?”

“No.” He shifted, “Neither of us get out much, and I'm too busy bouncin' from place to place so I won't get caught.” Grin, “It's gotten easier though, Ed's been helpin' me stay under the radar.” Sigh, “She's amazing.”

“Yep, Ed's pretty talented.” Grin, “Quite the catch.”

His face flushed.

Faye's eyebrow rose, “You mind helpin' me up?”

Another blush as he tugged the cowgirl to her feet.

Faye rolled her eyes at his nervousness, “Can you help me hobble to the…”

The vexed tint darkened, “I know where you need to go, H.M. is just around the corner.” He glared at the swelling foot, “We should get that wrapped up first, Ed said your bounty wouldn't be at the shop for several hours.”

Nodding, Faye let the teen inch her out of the cramped space and towards his make-do hut.

“Sorry it isn't much, but it'll keep you out of sight, `til you can catch the guy.”

“Thanks.” She grinned, accepting the ice and ace bandages he dug from his jacket.

“You… uh… ok?”

Nod, “Just a sprain.” She grinned, “So tell me about yourself, you plannin' on takin' Ed on a date or you just going to keep messaging back and forth?”

The boy stiffened, suddenly pretending to be more interested in his computer than the beaming cowgirl.

She chortled, “I've got several hours to hide out kid, you might as well answer me now.”

His head bobbed nervously, “Y…yeah. I just don't know when.”

“Hmm…” she plopped the icepack on the freshly wrapped ankle, “You two should make plans to meet up somewhere.” Eyes narrowed, “You just want to meet her, right?”
He squeaked, “Of course!”

Giggle, “Just checking.”

The rest of the day had been spent in relative quiet, poor James unaccustomed to incessant heckling and Faye growing bored of his mellow personality. She could rile him up but he'd instantly calm back down. He was the complete opposite of the Bebop's fiery hacker. She absently scanned the space for any drug paraphernalia, assuming the kid had to be on something to reach his level of sedate. She sulked when she found nothing, not even a dirty magazine or scantily clad woman draped across his desktop. He cleared his throat, “No. I'm not into drugs if that's what you're lookin' for and I prefer my imagination over photographs.”

Faye snorted, “Too much info kid.”

He blushed, realizing what he'd done and instantly began to stutter, “It's not… I'm not… I don't… I… I…”

“I would be more worried if you didn't.”

He swallowed, Faye was nothing like he'd imagined. He thought she'd be distrustful and wary, mean even. Instead she was somewhat fun, laidback and if he wasn't mistaken glad Ed and he were friends.

Faye winked, “Ed's a skinny redhead with gold eyes.”

His pink heightened to painful vermilion.

“She isn't as tall as me,” she eyeballed the teen, “Probably'd reach your chest and is full of energy.”

Nod. “I could tell that much.” He shifted nervously. “What are Jet and Spike like?”

She snorted, “You're screwed kid.” Smirk, “Just be yourself and realize Jet's goin' to hate you no matter what and Spike won't trust you, ever.” She smiled kindly, “But don't worry kid, Ed pulls a lot of sway; especially with Jet.” The smile vanished. James suddenly realizing that though she appeared fun the biggest threat aboard the ship was sitting across from him. Her voice dripped with venom, all play gone, “Here's the deal kid, the second you pull something sneaky on Ed, Spike and Jet will be the least of your worries.” She leaned closer, “They'll thump on you and forget about you, I'll make your life miserable.” She leered at the slightly shaking teen, “And I'll teach Ed every trick in the book to make any future relationships you want a living hell.” She eased back in her seat, “We clear?”
“Y…yes…ss… Ma'm.”

“Good.” She smiled, “No pullin' anything Ed doesn't want.” Eyes narrowed, “She's the boss when you two hang out, got it?”

His head bobbed spastically.

Faye sighed, “I'm glad we had this little chat, aren't you?”

He swallowed.

 

----------

After the little meeting the bounty was an easy catch. Rather anticlimactic, if Faye were honest. She had simply talked the shop's owner into letting her borrow a shirt as she took on the role of new employee. She must have impressed the crumpled woman because after ISSP had hauled the mangled man cuffed to the magazine rack away she'd offered the cowgirl a job.

Cackle, “You know your way around a vibrator girl, and I could use a good sales person like you, you know.”

Faye frowned and tried to hobble to the door.

Nandi passed off several shirts and a small bag, “Come back next week, I only need you part time, but the pay's good and you get a commission.”

Faye peeked into the bag and blushed, she'd worked very hard to keep her familiarity of such things a secret, but the crew needed food so she'd let her undisclosed knowledge show. The old woman patted her arm, “Ain't gettin' it from who you want are you?”

Faye shifted.

“Well, I pay quite well and it's steady work, you know.” She winked, “It'll keep you fed and since it's only part time you can still take out the bad guys that bring in a little more, you know.” Chuckle, “Besides, I like the way you handled that man. I get a few rough customers and it's good to know I got a few tough folks on my payroll to handle `em, you know.”

Faye nodded.

“Good.” She cooed, “See you Monday.” And herded the limping cowgirl out the door.

 

----------

Jet glared at the screen, how could Faye be so unconcerned. It was like she trusted the kid or something. “Faye he's…”

“A normal sixteen year old boy.” Green eyes bore through the link, “He's fine. He won't pull anything on Ed she doesn't want.” Her lips curled in a frighteningly, territorial snarl, “Trust me.”

“Trust you! TRUST YOU!!” His eyes squinched shut, “Faye I just caught our upstanding suitor coming out of my shower.”

Faye grinned and mumbled, “Damn, way to go Ed! He's a cute one.” She couldn't help but pick on the over protective cop. Her eyebrow quirked, “Did you check the trash for a used condom?”

He pinked.

“I gave her a handful.” Grin, “We even practiced on the produce.”

His expression darkened, “Faye that's sick, she's just a…”

She groaned, he was taking this way too seriously. “Where's Ed, Jet?”

Derailed, “Huh?”

“Tell me where Ed is. What does she look like? Does it look like she just got out of the shower or finished doing whatever your depraved mind has supplied?” Eyes narrowed, “Takes two to tango doesn't it?” Grumble, “If she'd joined him there'd be proof. Fuck! I thought you were a cop, do some leg work before jumping to conclusions.”

“Eh…” the background shifted. Jet reappeared looking slightly chastised, “No. She's on Tomato.”

“Dry?”
Nod.

Faye's eyebrow rose, “Ever think the kid might just have needed a bath?”

“Why didn't he take one in his…”

“The kid's a transient, much like Ed was.” She snorted, “Not all kids adopt themselves into well adjusted groups like ours.” She dug at her head, “Another thing you sick old fart, not all boys are interested in just fucking the closest girl available.”

Jet blinked.

“I told you I've dealt with any issues that may arise. He won't do anything without Ed's explicit permission and Ed is well aware of what could happen if she's stupid. Trust me,” Her eyes narrowed, “Ed, James and I have talked; and they both understand the repercussions.” Green seared him through the screen, “He likes her, a lot. He isn't going to screw it up, just to get some.”

“Huh? But…”

“But what?!”

“Ergh.” Still not satisfied he disconnected. Spike would see the light. He was a teenager once, he had to. He glared at the blackened screen. Faye was clueless, how could she remember being a fifteen year old girl, she'd lost her memory for Christ's sake!

 

----------

Spike groaned and glared at his upset partner. “What is it now, Jet?” He mentally griped, I thought vacation meant you stayed clear of those you left.

“It's that kid, Spike.”

“And?”

“I just caught him coming out of my shower.”

“What?!” Spike, wide awake now, glared into the screen, “Did you beat the shit out of him?”

“No.”

His head shook, unable to comprehend Jet's uncomfortable pause.

“Faye doesn't think there's anything to worry about. Says she's dealt with the issue.”

“But…”

Sigh, “I know.” He glared at the pair through the doorway, “How can she be so unfazed about Ed with a boy?”

Shrug.

“I just,” Jet groaned, “I just don't know what to do.”

Spike's face scrunched in thought, trying to remember how the more attentive parents dealt with his interest- it was hard, he usually went for older girls. “Just make yourself highly visible.”

“What?”

“Let the kid know you're watching him and you're armed.”

Nod.

“He'll get the hint and keep his grubby paws to himself.”

Frown, “You're sure.”

“Quite.”

Jet grinned, “We speakin' from experience, Spike?”

Shrug, “Perhaps.”

 

----------

Faye clutched the bag to her chest and paused. She had followed the sound of heavy breathing to the observation deck. Catching Spike mid workout she slipped back into the darkest shadows and watched. It was obvious he was finishing up, his back and shoulders glistened, his damp hair stuck to his forehead in clumps. He focused on his image in the glass, his expression intense, contemplative and analytical. He repeated the kick, obviously unhappy with the way it was executed. She remained rooted in the gloom, watching, waiting for him to start his cool-down so she could scurry away undetected. He kicked again, the second leg spinning around the moment the first touched down. The move was duplicated, a smug smirk creeping across his face. Apparently he was finally satisfied, swiping for his ever present towel and flipping it across his shoulder. Taking it as her cue, Faye inched away.

Spike kept his back to her, but grinned at the reflection in the darkened glass. He chuckled, stilling the hasty retreat. “You like the show, Faye?”

Her package crackled, face pinking. She remained in shadow, but he could tell she was far from pleased. Her hip cocked, the sound of crinkling paper filling the silence. “Please,” she scoffed, “I was just trying to find out what Ein was up to.” She grinned, “Sounded like he'd eaten one of your filthy socks again.”

Spike turned slightly, studying her from his periphery. “Really, it took you that long to figure out I'm not Ein? Damn, I've heard of slow but come on.”

She huffed, “Well, the similarities are uncanny.”

His lip tugged upward, “Must be, he's behind you.” Brown snapped to the inconspicuous bag, “More retail to test, Faye?”

She twitched slightly, “Uh…”

Snicker.

Her eyes narrowed, eyebrow quirking, she grinned. “Actually cowboy, it is.” She crept into the light. Her hand dipping into the package, “I'd be more than happy to help you find something to make your couch time a little more comfortable.” Her voice dripped with sex, “It is my job, you know.”

He stiffened, “Really?” He dug for a smoke, trying to hide the flush and earn some time. Back still to her, “Helped with your bath times, didn't it?”

She gasped. “You were…”

Shrug, “So'd you.”

Trying to regain her lead she giggled, “Actually, I haven't used anything from work in the bath?”

Spike chuckled and lit up, “Really,” an exhale of grey, “Damn. I may take you up on that offer then, from what I could hear you've learned quite a bit.”

The package crinkled as she slunk back into the darkened corridor. No longer visible in the window she spat, “You were in a public place, I was in the bathroom.”

Chuckle, “Didn't bother to lock the door did you?” He flicked his lighter absently, “Almost like you wanted to be found.”

A shocked hiss escaped her lips, “At least I wasn't sprawled across that ugly ass couch jackin' off lunkhead.” Her eyes narrowed, “How do you even know what I was doing?” Grin, “I use a lot of bubbles, I might have been scrubbin' my toes when you were peeking and your sick, twisted, degenerate mind turned my wholesome, relaxing bath into something to spur your own limp drives.”

Snort, “It's common knowledge you feel relaxed after…” grin, “All those happy endorphins, you know?”

“Hmm…” Grin, “You must be doin' it wrong then, fucktard.” Cackle, “You seem far from relaxed lately.”

“What?”

She scoffed, the click of heels clacking down the walk. “You heard me, ass.” She paused, to turn back. A mocking sneer as she teased, “Your handwork may be lacking, but your ears work just fine.” A door hissed closed, protecting her from a rebuttal.

He snarled at his cigarette, it was a waste of a good smoke. Grumpy, he dropped it on the floor and skulked to the shower. “Scrubbin' your toes, bullshit.”