Title: The Rookie and the Pro

Author: Jake's Girlfriend

Rating: T

Summary: Faye Valentine is the new rookie of the Red Dragon syndicate. Spike Spiegel is the old pro of the Red Dragon syndicate. When they're assigned as partners you can be sure there'll be sparks.

Author's Note: This takes place in the year 2069 so Faye's 21 and Spike's 25. I wrote this out of sheer boredom so if I don't update as soon as you'd like be patient. As they say "patience is a virtue" but that doesn't mean you shouldn't review because that would be really mean!

Disclaimer: I do not own Cowboy Bebop. Tear.

Mao circled his mahogany desk and looked out his eleven story window. It was a beautiful day; birds were singing and people were laughing. It was a good day to be alive. He turned to face his star pupil. "Spike, I have a request to make."

A ruggedly handsome young man was sitting on a very uncomfortable looking chair looking extremely bored, but his eyes showed interest. Mao smiled to himself. It was for that same light in his eyes he had allowed Spike to join the syndicate. He had thought he would show promise and he had. "I want you to train the newest member of our family," he spoke taking a suitcase that consisted of the "newbie pack" which held a .33 shotgun and two hand grenades along with extra bullets. Spike remembered his own newbie pack and was reminiscing when Mao's voice shot through his thoughts. "You will meet downstairs in the lobby in an hour."

"I thought this was a request Mao, not a demand." Spike's lips played with his signature smirk. Mao handed him the suitcase.

"I changed my mind."

Spike searched his trench coat pockets for a lighter. "Damn," he growled when he realized he'd left it in his room. He looked down the hall for some sign of life. He heard the faint click-clack of high heels and waited patiently and hopefully for a girl who smoked. What he got was a woman, a stunning woman with short purple hair and big green eyes. He choked. He'd never seen her before which was odd because she had to be a member of the syndicate. He rolled his eyes. How else had she gotten in? The building was tightly secured.

She was wearing denim shorts and a red shirt. Her hair was held back from her forehead with a matching tie and she wore white All Stars. It was a simple outfit, but caught his attention. He pushed off the wall and waited for the elevator. To his surprise she walked toward him. "Excuse me, but do you know where the lobby is?" Faye tried to hide the slight blush she was sure was working its way to her cheeks. She couldn't believe she'd lost herself while looking for the lobby. And to make matters worse she was asking a hot guy where it was. 'He must think I'm so stupid.'

Spike looked at her in amusement. "You must be new," he said rocking back on his heels.

"Uh, um, yeah actually. So, you can tell, huh?" Faye met his gaze and they quickly looked away.

"Well you didn't know where the lobby was so I figured you were."

"Huh...yeah. Oops." 'I am so stupid.' "Well I got to get to the lobby soon. I'm meeting someone."

"Well if you're heading to the lobby it's up another floor. This is actually the basement."

"Ah, I see. Wow." She paused. "I'm going to the laughing stock of the whole syndicate."

"I never said I was going to tell." The elevator made a binging sound. "I'm heading to the lobby too so I'll walk you there."

She smiled. "Thanks."

When they were inside the elevator she pressed the button seven times. He watched in amusement. "What're doing?"

"It's for good luck. You don't do that?"

"No, and I've never seen someone do it either."

"Well I guess that makes me special then."

"I guess so."

Bing.

They walked out of the elevator and Spike motioned for her to follow. He took her to the big yellow couches in the lobby and pointed to them. "Sit." She did. He sat opposite and smiled. "I'm Spike and I'll be your teacher."

Faye's eyes widened. This was her teacher? 'I can't believe he's my teacher. He's my teacher? But he's so young, and...I embarrassed myself in front of him too.' "Why didn't you tell me?"

He shrugged. "It doesn't matter does it?"

"Well I acted stupid, I would've acted more proper if I'd known."

"Then it's good that you didn't. I hate when people do that. Anyway I'm surprised you're my new pupil. Up until now I've only taught guys. Lin's one of them. Do you know him?"

"Uh, no, but that wasn't very nice."

"What? Me not telling you I was your teacher?"

"Yeah."

He made a face. "Why?"

"Because I wanted to seem...professional."

Spike smiled in amusement. "But you're not a pro yet, you're just a rookie. So you really can't act professional, can you? You can act like you are now though."

Faye raised her eyebrows. "And how's that?"

He grinned. "Like an amateur."

Author's Note: There's no such thing as a .33 shotgun, but I liked the sound of it! Review if you think it was acceptable. I live off reviews!