500 Million

“Any luck?” Spike lounged on the sofa. He smiled at Jet as the older man sat down heavily on the chair. Faye plopped herself down onto the table.

“Yeah, but he was a small fry, only worth five thousand.” Jet sighed heavily, crossing his arms.

“And five thousand split two ways…” Spike trailed off, his grin broadening.

Jet narrowed his eyes, “Doesn’t pay the bills.” He finished, “what are you so happy about Spike?”

“Hungry?” Jessica leaned against the back of the couch, smiling.

Jet was even more suspicious. “Yeah,” he said carefully, then watched as she left, having gotten the same response from Faye. “Ok Spike, what are you two up to?” Faye perked up a bit, rousing from the exhausted stupor she was in.

Jessica was busy cooking when she heard the outburst from Jet and Faye.

“Five-hundred million!?”

She couldn’t help it; she collapsed, giggling, on the floor and it was several minutes before she could stand up again and resume cooking. She was still grinning when she brought the food out, and then sat down beside Spike.

“So, you decided not to pay attention to what I said before I left huh?” Jet’s tone was serious, but his eyes were smiling as he took a bite.

“Oh no I didn’t, he did try to leave, but I stopped him.” She nudged Spike with her elbow. “Show him, I’m sure it’s a nice color by now.”

Spike rolled his eyes at her but raised his shirt to expose his chest.

Jet whistled appreciatively, “How’d she do that?” the bruise was hand-sized and a dark plum color.

“She landed a flying kick on me; you should be careful Jet, she is dangerous.” He smiled, “I’ve also got a nice knot on the back of my head where it had a run-in with the ground.”

Jet chuckled, but Jessica had stopped paying attention. Her gaze was fixed on the horrendous scar that marred Spike’s lower torso from one side to the other. She hesitantly reached out a hand.

“How did that happen?” She gently brushed the ridge of scar tissue.

Spike’s face hardened into a blank mask and Jet fell silent, watching him. “A friend gave that to me as a parting gift.” His mouth twisted in a grimace, “a very old friend.” He pulled his shirt back down and Jessica added another mistake to her rapidly growing list. Jet quietly started eating again as Spike stood up and quietly walked out.