Cowboy Bebop Fan Fiction ❯ Under Pressure ❯ Ch. 10: Game of Love ( Chapter 10 )

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 10: The Game of Love (Santana)

 

It had been a few days and Ed had made it difficult for Jet to keep track of her and James. He'd given up after she tricked him with a cute girl and caramel apples. Like a faithful guard dog he'd followed the pair of divers all over the annoying amusement park- he'd even rode bitch on the tunnel of love ride. He shook his head over having assumed Spike's advice more helpful than Faye's `let them be, I've dealt with it'. He frowned, distrust was becoming highly overrated.

Ed giggled, watching him carefully, unfazed by his hovering.

“What is it Ed?”

“Why is Papa Jet not risking his money in a high stakes game?”

“Huh?”

“No money on the doggies?”

“No. I'm going to hang around you two.”

“Why? Can't you find friends your own age to play with?”

“Uh… I just felt like…” his focus shifted to the cute concessions girl selling caramel apples.

James smiled, “You sure it's a good idea Ed?” He inched closer.

Jet cleared his throat, chasing the boy back half a foot.

“Yes. It is just Ed's safety system. No one should get hurt.” She slid next to the boy and grinned.

Jet frowned, “What's going on, Ed?” He couldn't chase her away, she wasn't properly afraid.

“Edward set the Bebop up to close all unnecessary spaces to save energy, just in case everyone got sick like that one time.”

“Oh.” He didn't understand what was happening.

James shook his head.

She sighed, “Bebop will slowly close all but the three communal rooms if Ed is not there to routinely input specific commands.” She studied the eldest cowboy, “When the gloop attacked, everyone was sick except sleepy Ed. After that, Ed decided to set up a system that keeps everyone in one place. Warm and safe. That way no more finding Faye-Faye asleep in the airway and Spike-person under the Hammerhead.” She giggled, “He had a lump on his head for a week. Lumpy, Lunkhead.”

Jet shook his head, “How'd?”

She blinked innocently, “Edward forgot to turn it off. He he.”

James grinned, “More like you were reminded to not shut it off, Eddy.”

She blushed and made a swipe for his mouth, “Shh!”

“AHEM!” Scowl, oh how he hated the saccharine cuteness , “They better not kill each other Ed or you're cleanin' up the mess.”

She eeped and changed the subject to the cute girl she'd spied Jet eyeing. Her eyebrows wiggled playfully, “Edward feels like burnt sugar apples, what about you James?”

“Eh…”

She bobbed from foot to foot, “Papa Jet, buy Ed and James an apple so you can talk to the pretty lady.”

The cowboy froze a blush rising to his cheeks.

Ed pushed him, “Go on or Ed will go and tell her you think she's…” she gasped, “Papa Jet! She just smiled at you, that's a good sign. Ed knows! Ed's a girl and that's what Ed would do!” Another push, “Go. GO!”

The ex-cop's hesitance was all she needed; latching onto a startled James's hand she tore through the crowd, slipping into the line for the haunted house.

“Ed…”

“Shh… do you want a cranky Jet with us all day?”

“Uh…” she was right, but he wasn't in the mood to deal with the angered man.

She squeezed his hand, “No worries, Ed likes you and Faye-Faye trusts you. You're safe.”

He'd quit listening after `likes you'. His voice cracking, “Really?”

“Uh huh.” She tittered, he was just so cute!

 

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Jet collected the three apples from the curvy brunette with dimples- she was much nicer on the eyes up close. Grinning he made his way back towards the spot he'd left the pair. His blood pressure crept up, Where'd they? Scanning the crowd he scowled, he'd been duped by a kid. Furious he called Faye, she obviously more knowledgeable though he was loath to admit it. His temper grew when she didn't answer. Dammit!

He prepared to toss the apples, just catching the brunette watching him closely. He waved and sulked off, dumping his collection when he was certain he was out of sight. He glared into the crowd. With a shrug he headed for the exit, Guess I'll go burn some steam at the tracks, damn kids goin' to get an earful when she gets back.

 

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He stared at her from across their dinner prepared to give him the lecture she deserved. Unfortunately, Ed had taken a page from Faye's book and twisted the table. Accusing him of leaving her. “Ed went on the ghosty ride while Papa Jet flirted with the apple lady. When James and Ed came out Papa Jet was gone.” She blinked at him, “Ed thought you were bored of playing with us so she decided to let you go.”

“Whatever Ed.” He glared at her.

She grinned, “Did Papa Jet win a lot at the doggy race?”

His eyes narrowed, “How'd you?”

Giggle, “Ed checked on you.”

Blink, “Oh.”

She inched closer, “Why doesn't Papa Jet check on Faye-Faye and Lunkhead Spike-person.” Titter, “Make sure there is no blood.”

Nodding he numbly wandered away in search of his comm.

 

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Still angry with the idiot cowboy, Faye collected her things and stormed to the shower, the bag forgotten by her door. Her hand clutched the latch, she grumbled, “Scrubbin' my toes? He'd have to be stupid to buy that bullshit.”

Spike stilled, toothbrush hanging limply in his mouth. He ignored the intruder, he was covered. He snorted at Faye's irritated gripe transferring into a startled gasp.

“Good thing I'm not stupid, huh?”

She dropped her pile with a startled gasp.

“Come back for seconds, Faye?”

She swallowed, gaze flickering at various intervals from head to toes.

Another chuckle, “Like what you see?” She twitched, back peddling through the door. Spike shrugged and resumed his brushing, “Most people knock before barging in, Faye.”

Her head gave a numb bob as she attempted to scurry off to the RedTail. A reverberating thump, followed by a pained groan overwhelming the Bebop's natural noise. Curious Spike peeked at the sprawled bump on the floor, toothbrush limply dangling from his lips. “Door's closed, Faye.”

She stood, slightly wobbly. “It's locked.”

Scowl, “Can't be, we can't leave if it's…” he marched down the hallway and tugged on the door. When it wouldn't respond, he kicked it. “Huh. It's locked.” He spun at the sound of the bathroom door hissing shut, his toothbrush clattering to the floor. Still wrapped in his towel he wandered towards his room. He needed to find out why he and Faye were suddenly prisoners on the floating hunk of metal. After tugging on bottoms he snapped his comm open. Surprised to see an equally shocked Jet glaring back.

The elder cowboy gained his composure first, grinning. “Yo Spike. Glad to see you and Faye haven't killed each other yet.”

“Not yet, Jet.” His eyes narrowed, “Why can't we access the hangar?”

“Oh… uh… Ed's safety protocols start closing down unnecessary rooms if she isn't there to apply the proper codes.”

“Why can't she do it with Tomato.”

“Don't think she wants to.” He rubbed his beard, “We should be back in a few days. Just keep in mind that everything will lock up except for the lounge, toilet and kitchen.”

Nod. “Got it.”

Grin, “So anything interesting pop up while we've been gone?”

Spike flushed minimally.

Jet snickered, “I take it from your tiny blush that Faye caught you watchin' those videos Ed left for your perusal.”

“No. She didn't catch me watchin' the videos.”

An eyebrow rose, suddenly curious. “So what'd she catch you doing that's gotten you all frazzled.”

“There was a couch incident.”

The screen wobbled, “You're kidding me! Ergh. I'm never sittin' on that thing again.”

“Whatever.”

More snickering, “You're just chicken shit.”

“Whatever.” The screen blacked.

 

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Cranky, Spike settled on the couch. If he was going to be trapped in the room he damn well was sleeping on the most comfortable space. Faye could go crash under the kitchen island with the dog for all he cared. She stormed into the room, a tiny bathrobe wrapped around her.

“Why can't I get to my room?” Her eyes narrowed, “What did you do?”

“Nothing.”

“Bull.”

“Ed's safety measures.”

“But… I need clothes.” She flapped her arms in frustration, the thin fabric slipping from her shoulder. “Dammit!” She flopped her head to the side, her hand digging at the knot of stress building there.

Spike's eyebrow rose. Brown eyes snapping to the expanse of skin, his traitorous brain supplying the last time he'd seen her in that position. Trying to hide his grin, he dropped his feet comfortably on the couch. “This is my problem, why?”

She stomped, “Fuck you!”

Snort, “Based on the look you gave me earlier that's exactly what you want to do.”

Her spine stiffened as her hand slid the fabric back where it belonged, “No. Just checkin' your scoliosis.” Her head tipped sideways, “You're hangin' a bit crooked.”

“I'm sure you're the expert, Faye.”

She pinked, slinking off to find solitude in the kitchen, “Ass.”

Not finished heckling the woman, Spike followed her down the hall. Pausing just long enough to snag the bag innocently propped by her door. Curious he peeked inside and grinned, not what he expected but he'd make it work.

She jumped when he strutted into the small space, a partially doctored piece of bread in her hand, the butter knife in the other. Her eyebrow twitched, “May I help you?”

He settled in a stool and grinned, “Yeah, I think you can.” He tipped the bag, letting its contents roll across the table. “What's this stuff.”

She began slapping meat across the slice of carbohydrates, “You can read.”

He fingered a bottle, his eyebrow raising slightly. “Says it's a multifunctional, formula made to enhance stimulation…”

The sandwich prep became violent. “I know what it says, I sell the shit.”

“Huh. High quality merchandise then, isn't it?”

“Shut up.” She slapped the second piece of bread atop her pile of meat and lettuce.

Grin, “You still going to show me how I can make my couch time more enjoyable with this Faye.”

She pinked, “No need, you can read why would I waste my breath.”

Shrug, “Afraid?”

Snort, “No. Just being smart.” Her lip curled, “God knows what you're carrying.”

“You do,” smirk, “You keep close enough track of me.”

“I… I do not!” She skirted the island, veering for the doorway, “I'm merely keeping the health of my shipmates in mind.”

He stood, blocking her escape route, “Sure you are.” He snagged half her sandwich.

 

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Jet glared at Ed across the small room. She seemed sad, James had left that morning. “Relax kid, you'll see him again.”

Sniff, “Ed knows.”

He shifted, “You think you could stop the ship from locking Spike and Faye out of their rooms?”

She typed a few commands, “No. Spike-person's room was never in the system. The lock is broken, remember?” Grin, “He uses that funny deadbolt thing.”

Nod. “I wonder if he'll remember that.”

Snicker, “Faye-Faye will.”

 

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Faye glared at the retreating back, trying to decide where to hide out for the next couple of days. The tub was out of the question, so was the kitchen. She frowned, she wouldn't be able to hide in the lounge either that's where Spike had opted to camp. Nibbling idly on her hoagie she studied the hallway. Where to go? Where? Hmmm… A satisfied smirk appeared when her focus landed on the bedroom door slightly ajar. Clapping happily she silently skipped down the corridor and into the open room. Satisfied she'd have a bed to sleep in, she helped herself to some clothes, pounced the mattress, curled up and drifted off.

 

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Spike remained flumped across the couch waiting for Faye to charge after. When she didn't appear he assumed she'd admitted defeat and was off sulking in the kitchen. She'll come soon enough, he thought with a smug smirk. Slipping lower he prepared to wait. Sleep eventually took over; and he began to doze.

Several hours later, Spike woke with an irritated scowl. The room was chilly- no scratch that- cold, damn cold. Blinking he glared at the dimly lit space. Low power, emergency lights illuminated the room in a soft yellow light. Slightly worried Faye had gotten locked in somewhere he stood and made his way into the hallway. Shivering slightly he crept towards the kitchen. Scanning the space he glared at the dog momentarily before heading to the bath, Maybe she decided to crash in the tub.

The door swished open. A quick glance told him the room was empty. Digging at his scalp he went back to the lounge and glared at the four walls. She wasn't there. He grumped back into the hall, brown locking on the slightly ajar door. Curious he inched closer. A small sigh escaping at the sight. Faye was warped into a chilled ball under his covers, her bathrobe draped across the bed post. Interested in what she was sleeping in, he tugged the blanket up and frowned. She was happily dreaming in a pair of his shorts and undershirt.

He kicked the bed, “Move it Faye.”

She rolled, used to such ill wake-up calls.

More kicking. “Up, out of my bed, Faye.”

She burrowed deeper, “No thanks. I found it.”

He settled on the footboard and jerked the blankets off. “NOW.”

She followed the roughly pulled material, crashing into and launching Spike off his precarious perch. Still partially asleep she swiped at him. “Dammit Ed! I was having a good dream too.”

He caught her hand and snickered, “'Bout what Faye?”

She blushed, “You know, Sp…” she blinked. Finally comprehending who she was straddling, “…it.” Nod. “Lots of spit. It was awful. I nearly drowned.”

Grin, “Bullshit Faye.” He fingered the bottle and sat up, “You going to show me how to improve my couch time?”

She tried to inch away from the little jar promising better sex. A hand snaked behind her. “Hold up, cowgirl.” He tugged her back, “Answer my question, you goin' to show me or not?”

Snort, “Not.”

“Huh,” his grip increased, “Is it you that needs the pointers?”

Her eyes widened, “No. I'm…” Her thought process slipped off course when the other hand wrapped around her and pulled her flush.

His breath whispered across her exposed shoulder, “Prove it.”

“Uh…”

He leaned closer.

She froze, eyes wide. “Uh…”

“Faye?”

Blink, “Yeah?”

“Shut up and let's see if this shit works.”

“Uh…”

The kiss at first was tentative, experimental. It grew in fervor as their nerves settled. Her hands wrapped around his neck, legs locking behind him. He stood. Faye attached, and landed on the bed.