Takeo – Ah, chapter two of Agency Bebop ^__^ As usual, thoughts are in italics

Chapter Two: The Blue Crow

Spike Spiegel sat, his blue shoes resting on his brown polished desk. He was reclining in his brand new leather chair, a tendril of smoky aroma burning its way from the incense lamp that sat on his desk. Spike Spiegel was in his thinking mood. On his desk sat his holographic computer, displaying the latest bounty.

“10,000,000 wulongs for a computer whiz kid.” He murmured as he leaned back in his chair.

“Sounds simple enough.” Someone spoke as they entered Spike’s rather large office.

“The kid has destroyed all bounty hunters that have tried to apprehend her Gren.” Spike replied sharply, his mismatched eyes burrowing a hole through his secretary. Gren feigned a whimper but was scared nonetheless.

“Stop glaring. Since it’s my last day working for you, I did a ton of research on the Ed kid.” Gren spoke as he slid a disk across Spike’s table, the disk coming to a stop at Spike’s feet. Spike smiled and Gren sighed with relief.

“You’ll be missed. Why are you eloping with that Vicious guy anyway? He’s wayyy to creepy.” Spike drawled as he rose from his seat, pocketing the disk in his long dark blue coat. Gren’s eyes grew starry for a brief moment, picturing his white haired lover whom was in the shipping business.

“Well, he has a steady, legal job and he loves me.” Gren smiled as he clapped his hands together. Spike snorted, shaking his head of dark green hair.

“Riiiiight. You know where you can reach me in case of trouble.” Spike replied as he escorted Gren out of his office, shutting off all the lights and then proceeding to the elevator.

“Yes, yes. You know, if people saw this side of you, they would never reconcile it with your dreadful bounty hunter persona.” Gren spoke as they walked to the elevator. Spike grinned.

“It’s all part of my charm, and please, don’t wear that dress, it’s much too revealing.” Spike said with a sigh as a man they walked past on their way to the elevator stopped and stared at Gren. Gren laughed, his voice melodious.

“‘Tis life,” Gren spoke as the elevator arrived. He stepped in and waved to Spike. “Bye Swordfish.” Gren said as the metallic doors closed, leaving Spike standing in the lobby. Making his way over to a computer terminal in the corner of the floor, Spike accessed the high security disk that Gren had handed him. Gren’s voice read the information as Spike read over the words, glancing at pictures that came up on the computer’s screen.

“Apparently, no other bounty hunter had been able to capture the kid who is now on Earth, controlling various satellites as she shoots down various bounty hunter ships. They made themselves too obvious. This is just a game for her. “Apparently, the child’s mother is also a bounty hunter and has hired two private detectives to look for her.” Private detectives? Ha, no threat at all. “The child’s mother is Faye Valentine, a decent bounty hunter with quite a bit of debt. Here’s her picture.” Gren’s voice spoke as a picture of Faye came up, her green eyes looking angrily at whoever the photographer was. “The two private detectives are Jet Black and Fad Witz. I could only obtain a picture of Jet Black, and it seems that his partner has had some dealings with a couple of syndicates before he partnered up with Jet.” A picture of Jet came up, his dark blue curls falling across his forehead, his jaw set, and his blue eyes serious but kind. Hmm, not bad. Not bad at all. Spike’s mind murmured as he stared at the picture of Jet. “Jet was a rookie office for the ISSP but never signed up. In other words, these two may lack the abilities of seasoned bounty hunters, but they won’t be pushovers. They have been tailing the kid for almost two weeks now and have yet to fall under her suspicion. However you deal with them is up to you.” Gren spoke and the disk went blank. Spike took out the disk, pocketed it and headed to the elevator.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jet sighed as he tucked his hands in his pocket. He and Fad has just arrived on Earth via a regular shuttle ride from Mars and were awaiting the arrival of Fad’s ship. They had decided to leave Jet’s ship, the Bebop back on Mars since they figured that Ed would have recognized its frequency through her satellites.

“Well, the ship made it in one piece.” Fad spoke as he sat down on one of the hard plastic chairs that were scattered around the shuttle terminal.

“That’s good. I didn’t think that the kid would stay hidden on the South American continent for so long.” Jet mused as he rose from his chair and walked towards one of the very large windows that made up the shuttle station’s walls.

“It’s rebounding quite well despite the frequent meteor showers.” Fad replied as he ruffled Ein’s fur, the dog resting his head on his paws, its eyes closed in rest.

“It’s pretty, just having endless blue everywhere. But anyway, we need to get going.” Jet spoke as he pushed off from the glass window.

“Right. Just wait here, I’ll be back with a cab and what not.” Fad replied as he got up from his seat. He walked over to Jet and kissed him, spending a few moments to thread his fingers through Jet’s tousled locks. With a smirk, Fad pulled away and disappeared into the crowd. Jet seemed frazzled at the unexpected kiss but chose not to make something of it. Ein’s ears peaked up as he heard the sound of unfamiliar heavy feet approaching his owner. With a small bark, Ein was on his feet and trotted over to Jet’s feet. Jet quirked an eyebrow as he bent down to pick up his dog.

“What’s the matter Ein? Are you hungry?” Jet asked. Ein looked over Jet’s shoulder and barked as an unfamiliar hand petted him. Jet looked behind him as he stood, a green haired man approximately his height but younger than him smiled at him. Jet immediately noticed that something was off about the stranger but he wasn’t entirely sure.

“Cute dog.” The strange spoke, the yellow collar protruding from his dark blue jacket.

“Thanks, I guess.” Jet replied, not sure of what to make of the stranger.

“Who’s the guy you were with?” the man asked, his eyes rovering over Jet. Alarm spread through Jet. Has he been watching me? Jet kept cool, adopting his nonchalant air.

“There’s no one here but me and my dog.” Jet replied, his lips fixed in a smile. The man returned the smile. Nicely done. You know I’ve been watching you.

“I’m Spike.” Spike spoke as he extended his hand. Jet took it, his eyes scanning his surroundings for any suspicious activity.

“Jet.” Jet replied shortly. Spike caught sight of Fad and decided to make his move. Grasping Jet’s arm, he pulled the larger man closer to him and kissed him deeply, his tongue slipping into Jet’s mouth. Jet pushed Spike away, flushed and angered.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he asked as he fell into a defensive stance. Spike smirked.

“I’ll see you later sunshine. I don’t want your boyfriend seeing me here.” Spike replied with a cocked grin. With a smile, he walked away from Jet quickly, his lips tingling from the softness of Jet’s lips. Finding this Ed kid will be easier than I thought. With the added bonus of getting *him* in my bed. That is, if he reads my note and agrees to meet with me. But I’m *sure* he won’t refuse. I certainly wouldn't if I was in his position. Spike escaped to the safety of his ship, letting the reality sink in that he had just accosted a man that was a stranger to him and kissed him as if his life depended on it. Seeing Jet in person had flooded Spike with emotions that he had never felt before. Seeing that caring beautiful man and holding him captive for even just that stolen moment was enough to make Spike’s head swim. Shaking away such thoughts, Spike started the Swordfish and took off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jet remained fixed to the floor, trying to comprehend what had just transpired in the last few seconds. He said that his name was Spike. I don’t even know who the hell he is. Ein barked, interrupting Jet’s thoughts.

“Hey Jet, the cab’s here.” Fad spoke as he returned, taking Jet’s hand and dragging him out of the shuttle station. The ride to their hotel was uneventful. When they reached the hotel, Jet dismissed Spike from his mind. He might have been having a fit of madness for all I know.

“Fad, I’ll take care of your ship. You and Ein go on ahead okay?” Jet spoke as they unhitched Fad’s ship from the back of the cab.

“Sure. Are you feeling all right Jet? You seem a bit preoccupied.” Fad asked as he paid the cab driver whom sped off to his next fare.

“I’m fine. Just thinking about the case.” Jet replied. Fad didn’t seem to buy Jet’s reply but he didn’t press any further.

“Okay then. Come on Ein.” Fad called as he and Ein went into the small but friendly hotel. Jet got into Fad’s ship and parked with the other cruisers in the hotel’s parking lot. He got out, staring up at the blue sky above him. He couldn’t get the stranger out of his head, especially his eyes. They looked strange…as if they were of different colours…as if they could look into my soul. Jet shuddered and stuck his hands into his pocket. His fingers brushed against a crumpled piece of paper and he pulled it out, knowing that he hadn’t left anything in his pocket. He pulled out the paper and unrolled it, cursive handwriting decorating the paper. He read the writing, his face flushing red.

Hello Jet Black. I’m Spike, the man you met at the shuttle station. Despite our meeting, I have valuable information on your case regarding the Ed kid and her exact whereabouts. If you want to know more, come at midnight to the corner street of your hotel. I’ll pick you up.

Spike

Jet folded the paper and placed it back in his pocket. He walked into the hotel and asked whether Fad had left him a key. The hotel manager directed him to the top floor of the hotel, which happened to be the 10th floor. Jet reflected on the note. So he wasn’t off his rocker when we met, but I can’t go…I don’t trust this guy, but if he has information that can help Fad and I close this case, then I should go…shouldn’t I? Jet mused. The elevator doors opened and he walked down the hallway, finding him and Fad’s room.

“There you are! What took you so long?” Fad asked as he pulled Jet in, ushering his lover to the bed that waited invitingly in the bedroom of their hotel room.

“Just spaced out. You know me.” Jet smiled as he sat down on the bed, stripping out of his clothes until he was left in his dark blue boxers and a white shirt that outlined his muscular build.

“Maybe I can bring your mind back here. Let’s just relax for a few days and see what we can pick up about the kid okay?” Fad replied as he lay next to Jet, resting in his strong arms.

“Sure. I’m tired.” Jet said as he yawned, pulling the covers over he and Fad.

“Not *too* tired I hope.” Fad murmured in reply, his hands journeying south over the muscled planes of Jet’s stomach. Jet smiled, a twinkle in his eyes.

“Of course not.” He replied as he kissed Fad, pinning the older man to the bed. Ein walked out of the room, leaving his owner to pleasure his older lover whom was soon screaming at the top of his lungs as Jet pounded into him, both men breathing heavily at their shared passion. Jet came in Fad, his lips biting Fad’s neck as the dirty blonde man beneath him shuddered from his own release, his knees feeling weak as he crumpled into the sheets. Jet pulled out of Fad and went to the bathroom, getting a damp cloth and cleaned both he and Fad up. Fad lit a cigarette and took a long drag. Jet settled back into the bed, determined to get some sleep and not think of Spike anymore.

“Mmm…I feel good.” Fad spoke as he extinguished his cigarette and shut the curtains, blocking out the sunlight that had previously lit up the room.

“I’ll be on the receiving end next time. It’s been a long time since…” Jet replied, thinking back to the times when Fad would fuck him senseless. Fad smiled, his eyes running appreciatively over Jet’s body.

“In due time. I have some stuff to do in town, so I won’t be back till tomorrow, but don’t worry about me okay?” Fad spoke as he rose from the bed and headed to the bathroom. This was not unusual to Jet since he knew that Fad knew a lot of people and thus visited them whenever he could.

“Okay.” Jet replied and let sleep take him. If Jet were awake, he would have noticed that Fad was picked up by a gleaming black limo and that the man that awaited inside the car seemed to be very intimate with Fad because they exchanged a rather deep kiss.

“Hello lover. I’m glad that you’re here.” The man purred as Fad sat down and the limo took off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~

Jet’s sleep was not relaxing in any bit. His dreams were littered with images of Spike. Images that heightened his passions, made his body stir in ways that he never thought possible. He saw Spike kissing him, and felt himself respond with equal ardor. He felt Spike kiss him all over his body and he felt a stab of pain as Spike entered him, nothing but love in his eyes as they came together.

“Spike!” Jet screamed, waking from his dream, his bare body drenched in sweat. His sheets felt sticky, the end result of his dream. Jet moaned and got up from the bed. He turned on the lamp at the night stand since it had been dark outside for quite some time. Jet threw the sheets in the shower and washed them and then took a shower, cleansing his body and desperately trying to cleanse his mind.
After a good hour, he emerged from his shower and got dressed in a pair of black slacks. Donning a white shirt and putting on his gun holster, Jet looked at his watch. It was 5 minutes past midnight. He saw Ein staring at his computer screen. “What’s up Ein?” he asked as he looked at what files that Ein had opened. On it the database of the ISSP containing bounty hunters was opened and displayed Spike’s picture. “The Swordfish: real name unknown. Lethal bounty hunter. Originally from Mars. Has handed in a total of 78 bounties,” Jet read. Looking down at Ein, Jet smiled. “Thanks buddy, you’re a great dog,” Running a hand through his thick curls he sighed. I might as well go…that way once it’s settled, I’ll *never* think of him again. “Stay here Ein. I’ll be back in a little while…if not, it’s been nice knowing you.” Jet spoke grimly as he finished tying his black tie. Grabbing a black blazer from his bag, Jet strode out of the hotel room and walked to the elevator.
A minute later, he was downstairs and was out the door. He walked casually down the darkened streets, an occasional streetlight flickering on and off. He reached the designated street corner and didn’t see a car. Jet felt relief wash through his body as he sighed. The green haired man had probably come and gone.

“Hey there Jet.” A voice spoke behind Jet. Jet’s blue eyes fixed themselves on a moving figure that emerged from the shadows, Spike’s green hair illuminated by the street lights. Jet smiled, slipping into his calm detective mode.

“I wasn’t expecting anyone. Strangers don’t leave notes in my pocket for me to find.” Jet replied, Spike laughing as he stood beside Jet, the blue eyed man taller than he was.

“Let’s go for a ride shall we?” Spike asked as he continued walking down the street to were a sleek dark red car was waiting.

“Won’t you even check to see if I’m armed?” Jet asked as he followed Spike. The green haired man didn’t seem to have any weapons on him, then again, his long dark coat could have easily concealed a gun. Spike smiled as he reached his car. He opened the door for Jet and indicated with a nod of his head for him to get in. Jet sat down and Spike shut his door. He hopped into the driver seat and turned the car on, and soon they were zooming far away from the hotel.

“As to your question, here’s no need for me to be armed. My mind is focused on other things. But I’m no fool.” Spike replied as he cast a smile in Jet’s direction, the blue eyed man not sure if he could call this normal behaviour for the green haired man. One look into his mysterious eyes was enough to confirm to Jet that the man sitting beside was not always this jovial. “We’re here.” Spike spoke as he packed his car and opened the door for Jet. Jet got out and looked at where they were. On the building in front of him flashed a blue neon sign.

“The Blue Crow?” Jet asked as he followed Spike inside. Spike led them to a secluded table and sat down.

“Yes. It’s a jazz club. I have a thing for the blues. You look like a blues man yourself.” Spike spoke as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it, blowing out a cloud of smoke. Jet looked towards the stage were a woman was singing a song. Spike’s eyes closed as the woman sang, the words hammering deep within him.

“She’s good.” Jet replied as he listened to the woman. A waiter came by and placed two scotches on their table and left. Spike extinguished his cigarette and took a sip of his drink.

“This song is called the real folk blues.” Spike replied his eyes fixed on Jet. Jet focused his attention on Spike and almost wished that he didn’t. There was something in those eyes that unnerved him to say the very least.

“Let’s cut to the chase Spike. I’m willing to let the ‘meeting’ we had at the shuttle station go, because I need the information that you’ve claimed to have.” Jet spoke as his blue eyes narrowed in seriousness. Spike nodded, taking another sip of his drink.

“It comes with a price friend.” Spike replied with a smirk. Jet cocked an eyebrow, the dim lighting shinning off the metal curve under his eye.

“Hmm…I thought the welfare of the kid would be enough.” Jet replied as he laced his fingers together. Spike smiled.

“Oh, it’s a simple price. One night… together.” Spike replied with a smirk as he met Jet’s eyes, the older man blushing as his mind flashed back to his previous dreams.

“No!” he spluttered in reply, his face growing warmer by the second. Spike smiled. Gotcha. Spike smiled, running his hand through his hair.

“It’s a simple price. It’s unusual, but it’ll be pleasurable. And judging from your kiss and your boyfriend, you’re no stranger to what I have in mind.” Spike spoke, seriousness laced among his words.

“Well, I’m not eager to cheat on my boyfriend. I’ve had enough thoughts of you to torment me a lifetime. I’d rather do without your information. It’s just means that I’ll spend a longer time on the case.” Jet replied as he prepared to rise. Spike touched his arm, guiding Jet down back to his seat.

“Hmm…I guess the direct approach wasn’t worth it. I apologize for my rudeness.” Spike replied with a gentle smile. Jet nodded, but made no reply. Spike thoughts raced frantically. How am I going to pull this off? He’s an honorable guy…but I bet he doesn’t know that his boyfriend Fad is deeply involved with the Scarlet Snake syndicate. Hmm…he mentioned that he’s had thoughts of me…maybe I can…

“For someone who just got turned down, you look a little too smug.” Jet spoke as an almost maniacal smirk tugged at Spike’s lips.

“Well, if you knew who I was you wouldn’t have.” Spike replied.

“Oh, but I do know who you are. You’re the Swordfish aka Spike Spiegel, one of the most dangerous bounty hunters around. I was just wondering how long it would take for you to kill me. I’ve heard that you never take no for an answer.” Jet spoke. Spike smiled and then broke out in a huge grin.

“I like you a lot. How long ago did you find that out?” Spike asked as he took another sip of his drink.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” Jet replied as he thought back to the hotel where Ein had nudged his computer screen to him, showing Spike’s picture in a bounty hunter database.

“My reputation has nothing to do with my private affairs. How about this…one kiss for all the info that’s guaranteed to help you find the kid in two days.” Spike spoke as he crossed his legs.

“A kiss?” Jet asked, his eyebrows furrowed in thought. “If it’s that then okay. Fad wouldn’t mind.” Jet spoke as he opened his eyes.

“Good. Come with me then.” Spike spoke as he led Jet backstage and down a flight of stairs. They stood in a deserted hallway, a sole light barely lighting up the dark hall.

“I’m trusting your honor as a bounty hunter.” Jet spoke as Spike pressed him up against a wall. Spike smiled as he wrapped his arms around Jet. Jet saw those red eyes stare back at him, and a small smile flitted over Spike’s lips.

“I’m a man of little honor Black.” Spike spoke as his lips pressed against Jet’s, the older man’s jaw warm to Spike’s touch. Jet wrapped his arms around Spike, pulling the slimmer man against him, his lips catching Spike’s, his tongue darting out into Spike’s mouth, the bounty hunter letting a soft moan escape from his lips as his hands slid under Jet’s shirt, his cool hands touching warm skin. Jet hissed as Spike pressed him against the wall, his body pressed against his as his tongue slid into Jet’s mouth, seeking out the curve of Jet’s lips. With a nibble on his lip, Spike pulled away from Jet, his dark red eyes almost black with desire. Jet breathed hard, his blue eyes dark as he let go of Spike. They were both flushed as they sought to return their minds back to the task at hand.

“Are you going to tell me what I want to know?” Jet spoke as he tucked his shirt back into his slacks.

“Of course. Nice kiss.” Spike replied as he leaned against the opposite wall, watching Jet. Jet blushed as he scratched his head.

“I had to convince you that it was worth your while giving me what I wanted.” Jet replied with a boyish grin.

“She’s holed up in an underground fortress in the desert 100km south of here. She uses the satellites to carve odd designs in the sand. She isn’t really dangerous, just a kid that wants adventure. She’s almost like her mother Faye Valentine in that regard.” Spike spoke.

“Ed isn’t her daughter by birth.” Jet replied as he took in the information.

“Faye adopted her since she felt sorry for her. Her father’s lost himself on Earth doing crazy stuff with mapping the Earth’s surface even though it’s constantly changed by the meteor showers.” Spike replied as he moved to leave.

“Thanks for the info. I guess you aren’t such a bad man after all.” Jet spoke as he too prepared to leave. Spike stopped in his tracks. He turned back to face Jet. Spike clenched his fingers tightly, his head bent so that his hair blocked his eyes.

“Jet…I…” Spike spoke, trying to bring himself to speak. He thought it would be easy. Seduce Jet so that he would get the detective to approach Ed’s secret base. What he didn’t tell him was about all the deadly traps that surrounded the place. And now, after that kiss, after getting to know him for just this last hour…and that kiss…how can I…but I’m a bounty hunter. All who interfere with my work face death.

“Spike?” Jet asked as he placed a hand on Spike’s shoulder. Jet sighed. He knew it was a bad idea to have come here. He had enjoyed spending time with Spike and when they had kissed, there was something *there* that was missing whenever he kissed Fad. He could sense Spike’s need and desire and loneliness through that kiss. Could I ever go back to Fad after this? I know that he’s been faithful to me…cheating on him would be wrong, no matter how strongly I feel for Spike.

“It’s nothing.” Spike replied. And with that, the green haired bounty hunter walked away, forcing himself to concentrate on his job. Jet stood, feeling somewhat hurt but also relieved. He knew that if Spike had asked, he would have willing given himself to the bounty hunter.

“Maybe it’s better this way.” Jet spoke to no one in particular. He went back into the club and called a cab. An hour later, he was back at the hotel and in his bed, his thoughts once again filled of Spike.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spike lay naked in his large bed at his own hotel. He pictured Jet lying next to him, his dark blue curls scattered about, his blue eyes dark with passion. Spike traced the imaginary Jet’s body, Jet’s eyes revealing love and kindness in them. Love for Spike. Spike sighed. He had never had feelings for anyone he had set up. Why then would this one man turn his whole world upside down? Pulling the covers over himself, Spike sought to get some sleep. The world of a bounty hunter was never a walk in the park.

~End of chapter two~
Takeo – wow, sort of long don’t you think?