#the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002

[reddragon-cowboy]

🌟 Spike catches up to Halinor Nima 👽here | @vortship 🌟

There's a pause that washes the atmosphere in silence, save for the frequent beeps and sounds of monitors that slices through the static. But his eyebrows continue to linger considerably low with a wrinkle in-between, and artificial blue glow from computer screens harshly touches bourbon eyes that wields a narrow edge akin to the sharpness of a razor's blade, dark pupils deep with their own emptiness as they fixate on their target. A bounty head which presented itself to be none other than a mere child once the Cowboy ( finally) managed to treed them at this warehouse utilized as their own personal hideout.

His nose wrinkles. A small response. A tiny gesture that displays a delicate portion of contempt and suspicion at words the criminal spew out in a dire moment of desperation. This entire scenario smelled familiar. That Spike found himself back on this broken planet once again, trailing after the scent of a criminal hacker across the solar system like a bloodhound, like a wolf with its tongue lolled out the side of its maw as it eagerly stalks its prey. And with the skillful aid of Edward, of course, Spike was ready to clamp his fangs into fresh meat and drag their remains to the nearest station.

❝ You offer an interesting bargain. . . kid. . . I'll have to admit. -guess it's true they say you know how to negotiate a deal. ❞ He takes a single step forward, and lips curve into a lopsided smirk, slithers crookedly like a snake across his mouth. Jericho raised in view, barrel of gun pointed with resolve as his finger lightly caresses the trigger, and he makes sure she can see its glint bounce off the steel metal. It's meant to threaten and inspire fear, but Spike's not taking any chances should they have any tricks up their sleeve, or even pull a rabbit out of their hat. They were just a kid, sure, but Spike knew better, as experience would tell he's encountered odd, psycho children in this line of work that nearly killed him without a sense of remorse, or rather, a grown man trapped in the limitations of a child's body.

❝​​​​​​​ But don't y'know how much your bounty is worth ? Halinor Nima ? I had to jump through loops and holes to sniff you out, but. . . well. . . I guess Earth is a popular spot for hackers, eh ? Who would've thought ? But if there's any lowlifes around that come close to your price tag. Maybe I'll consider the offer. . . ❞

#vortship #ic <> spike #spike (( threads )) #the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002 #/Was Spike surprised they happened to be a kid? Yes. Will Spike show them mercy because they are a kid? Mmmmm..... #gun tw #gun cw

[reddragon-cowboy]

Niah has a pure habit of platonically saying: “ I love you. ” to her friends and people she care about. She’s the type of person who is communicative about her feelings with a rare sensual openness about her that Spike isn’t quite used to observing in others.

But in his line of work and past life as a gangster, being around people who prefer to hide themselves ( or true selves ) from others, their feelings, he also mimics these traits with his own vagueness. With Niah, he finds in her heart something refreshing, genuine, and different in comparison to the unforgiving environment he typically works within. It’s a similar reaction he experienced with Elektra and Stella that made him drawn to them.

Anyway, Niah casually and sincerely tells Spike “ I love you “ and he literally can’t distinguish whether she means it platonically or romantically, and he’s not sure which manner he prefers her to express it. Those words tug at his heart, mess with his head and own feelings. He can’t find the voice to say it back, not sure if the meaning behind them should he vocally express it would be romantic or platonic. But of course, he knows deep down it’ll be one of romantic conations.

#watch this <> headcanon #she don’t really feel bad he doesn’t say it back she knows he got issues LOL #but his actions speak louder than words so she appreciates those things that tells her he does care for her and love her #don't tempt the beast with promise of domestic life <> concrete rose #the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002 #[ earth girl ] visage <> niah #[ poetry in writing | niah meta ] #[ heart wounds | spike meta ]

[reddragon-cowboy]

HEAD RUB | Drabble Prompt

Spike lied with his back stretched on the couch, patches of bandages stuck on different parts of his body due to his wounds afflicted from his latest bounty hunt. But he wasn't alone. Niah was in close quarters to provide warm company, seated on the cushion beside his head, gentle motions of her hand threading through his wild mane as she stroked his dark hair while the T.V played some comedy sitcom.

He asked a few minutes ago ( as he watched her walked by ) if she could rub his head because of the pain that ravaged his limbs ( despite her pointing out, with a funny look about her face: ❝ would that just aggravate your headache even more? ❞ ) but he made a quick excuse, fiddling with her sensitive nature, that this pain, in particular was emotional - as if she'd ever fall for such irony from the only stoic man she'd ever known. The young woman chooses to humor him, though, since he doesn't often invite another for physical touches, but the bounty hunter knew her well enough at this point, that her natural inclination to offer comfort in general, whether suffering from the empty pain of bullet holes or emotional scars, was a habit she couldn't resist.

The back of his head now propped upon her lap, he lay there with eyes shut from his surroundings, relaxed, content as he felt the gentle gesticulation of her fingers continue weaving their way through his thick, curly strands that he could never quite care to manage to tame. And a faint hint of a smile lingers as he hums silently in pleasure.

*Bonus*

Spike: *His eyes stay closed as he starts purring*

Niah: *Stops stroking his hair* what

Spike: what

#you're a piece of earth that sparkles like rare gems of old <> 🌹spike/niah #concrete roses: drabble #spike spiegel x reader #cowboy bebop fanfiction #cowboy bebop #cowboy bebop fanfic #spike spiegel x oc #spike spiegel x black reader #spike x black reader #x black!reader #the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002 #spike spiegel #don't tempt the beast with promise of domestic life <> concrete rose #[ earth girl ] visage <> niah

[reddragon-cowboy]

💎 @memcria | a trail of pawprints lead from here 🐾

She lifts her head up, a low purr rumbling in the back of her throat at his gentle scritches. As if she understood his question–and she did, to some extent–Duchess meowed excitedly in response.

However, even she knew that humans tended to miss their meaning entirely. Still, the best she could hope for that upon closer inspection of her collar, that he would noticed her name, as well as her owner’s phone number engraved in the underside of the diamond collar.

The cat's head lifts higher, and the feline let loose a low purr at the delicate touch of his gesticulations. It becomes obvious to him the feline finds pleasure in the attention his fingertip grants to the area along the curve of their chin. 'A good sign' , he thinks, as a passionate meow then releases forth from its toothy maw. One he also hopes could be a sign of trust laid out for him to inspect, or another level that builds upon that foundation after sharing a single sushi roll a minute or so ago. And if so, this encounter between man and beast could probably flow easy for what his mind contemplates to do next.

His finger continue to brush against that sweet spot, travels across their cheek as his hand twirls behind the ear. ❝ Hmm, you like that, don't you ? ❞ Quality of his voice lowers to a murmur with a calmness he hopes won't spook the animal. The last thing he needed was razor sharp claws out and unsheathed that were eager to leave scratch marks ripped across his suit. But slowly and ever cautious, his other hand moves beneath the underside of the feline. He picks them up, and they feel light in his hold, barely any weight noticeable as he gradually lifts the feline and places them on his lap. His hands cease movement, pauses for but a moment for brown eyes to gauge their reaction to the new position he settles them in, but the cat appears to take his handling well thus far, body language relaxing in his care. Well, this was easier than he thought.

The sight might've looked comical for passerby who strolled on the sidewalk. A grown man in a leisure suit entertaining a cat on his lap, but the Bounty Hunter had long ago thrown away the cares and messy opinions of others, many of whom should attend to their own business in the same way as he. Nevertheless, after offering a few more strokes where his palm press against soft white fur, sometime during the petting does he manage to unclip the collar and give the underside of it a peek. A few carvings etched into the material stood out to him; eyes locks on an inscription in pure gold read : D U C H E S S . He blinks once, then twice, as Spike ascertains he read the word correct. And another moment passes before it finally registers that this must be the name of the cat.

❝ Duchess ? That's your name ? ❞ He asks, more so to himself with a tilt of his head, as he comes to the realization that all this time he hadn't considered their sex, for this name strongly implies she was a female. A name fittingly royal in which the golden-diamond clad collar she wears equates to the rich property of her status. ❝ Pretty classy for a cat, but even Duchess makes you sound rich . ❞ Fur furls over his thumb as fingers brush up and down the side of her neck, and he returns to inspect the collar in the other hand. A few digits accompany the name, appears to share a phone number of the owner. Ah ha--! His gaze flits back down to the lost stray now named : Duchess, a quiet expression of contemplation brewing over his face. This might've have got a little more interesting.

#memcria #the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002 #spike (( threads )) #ic <> spike

[reddragon-cowboy]

@erthlyheavn ~

Duchess hadn't gotten a chance to explore the backyard yet, but once she set foot outside, she paused, taking in all its beauty. Having been a housecat all her life, she had not had many opportunities to explore or appreciate nature. She inhaled deeply, the aromas of fresh fruit and vegetables hitting her nostrils all at once--in a pleasant way. The singing of the birds was melodious to her sensitive ears. Truly, the two humans carved out a little piece of paradise in their humble abode. Speaking of humans- The feline perked up when she noticed the kind woman who lived with Spike and approached her, announcing her presence with a loud meow. ~

From her standpoint, the upper atmosphere was clear without any speck of a white cloud, the sky wrapped in a blanket of rich blueness that reminded her of the open seas of old earth. A beautiful sight. Especially so when nostrils inhaled the fresh air that morning during a quick check up on her garden in the backyard. Now, her knees were bent as she crouched close to an in-ground garden bed, the hand of the sun gentle as it presses against her back at this time early in the day, the warmth of its fingers lovingly seeping through the flimsy material of her beige tank top.

But a small frown laid visible across her face, and a little worry shimmers in brown eyes that roved over a couple of plants as fingers reached out to touch and feel their fuzzy texture, inspecting the leaves of a strawberry plant where ugly black splotches tainted its leafy green surface.

A month had passed since she planted its roots into the ground, along with a few other strawberries that shared the same patch, and yet, the disease sprung up out of the blue just two days ago: a case of leaf spot, most common in strawberries since they were the most vulnerable to the ailment. And any nearby could catch the infection, similar to the flu that bounces from human to human. It seemed in its early stages of infection, but that fact did little to lessen concern over the health of her precious plants.

Something, however, breaks through her disquiet thoughts, in a similar manner to how sunlight that eventually slips through the thickness of a cloud barrier. A sound which mimics a cat's meow. The woman turns her head to locate its source, and there a few feet away, she finds a white feline who was merrily approaching in Niah's direction. It was no wonder Niah didn't notice sooner, or realized their little guest was out here roaming within these natural floral elements at all, due to how her soft, delicate paws paces silent against the soil as Duchess ambles on her way. Niah failed to detect her presence seconds earlier, especially above the pretty songs wherein birds chirped and sang on the other side of the yard while they munched on seeds.

But the sight of her was pleasing to the eye, and worry seems to melt as her features soften, almost instinctively, as her lips curve into a small smile, and it's an honest one she grants Duchess in return. A hand extends forward to stroke Duchess's cheek. ❝ Hey, little one ? You enjoying the garden, hm ? It's like a big playground, aint it ? ❞ The pad of her thumb gently caresses the fluffy fur beneath her sapphire eye, falling shut at Niah's contact as Duchess relishes in all her attentions. Spike must've let her out, or followed him out the door. . . maybe he was in the tool house doing who knows what ? She briefly wondered.

Either way, Niah always found it easy to talk to animals-even though they couldn't understand the full complexities of human language, they seemed to possess the ability to listen and sense the color of someone's mood. Such fascinating creatures. Niah was an ordinary woman with an intense love for animals and many other forms of life. A quality which set her and the bounty hunter apart, or at least, what Spike chooses to impress upon others as being indifferent to anything which involves the natural world.

Her palm travels onward, over Duchess's head, and slowly smooths along the feline's spine in a long single stroke, and she repeats the gesture with a few more strokes. A low sigh breathes into the morning air as eyes flicker back to her strawberries, and concern quickly overtakes her countenance once more. ❝ I was jus lookin' at my strawberries. One got sick a while ago, so I'm jus checking up on them and a few others to make sure they haven't caught the same thing. They're easy to grow, but. . . it still takes work caring for these little ones. . . ❞ Her gaze returns to the feline, and this time, a small twinkle glimmers in her brown eye, something wistful touches her expression. ❝ But you don't really have to worry much about anything, d'you, little one ? Y'know we'll care for you and find your owner soon. . . ❞

#ic <> niah #erthlyheavn #//something sweet #the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002

[reddragon-cowboy]

👫 (if you feel inclined!)

Send a 👫and I’ll write four headcanons I have about our muse’s relationship | Not accepting !! @dandelicn ~

//you asked for niah and spike so you get two for both ! ;3

Niah and Dani bond over related interests : Niah tends to withdraw into her inner world when she ends up alone in her own company. This happens more often than not because she feels she don't have many associates who share a common interest in the things she finds entertaining; Niah has always regarded her own interests, all the things that make her feel happy or joyful, as nothing other than dull and insipid to her peers in her younger years, and to this new generation where humanity seem to have lost their place in the universe. Which is one of the main reasons why Niah thoroughly enjoy Dani's companionship : Dani is silly, sweet, and possess a similar likeness to Niah's soft nature. But she also takes delight in Dani's fascination with plants, such as dandelions ! You can bet Niah learned to use dandelions in her recipes, they can even pick dandelions together to use for food ! Niah also like to play video games, so I can see them playing games together sometimes, plus, going roller skating/longboarding. Overall, they can be silly and goofy together over their interests.

Spike messes with Dani ( in a brotherly way) : I already know that Spike will be amused by Dani's antics and silliness; I highly doubt he'd ever, if rarely, be annoyed by her presence. Most people who annoy him, he just tolerates and puts up with them if they're around; in Dani's case, I don't think he'd ever feel a need to 'tolerate' her. Spike got a weak center for the soft ones, and Dani possess a gentle heart that Spike will try to shield from harm and look after if she ever has a tough time standing up for herself. Sympathy and compassion come a bit easier if he sees her in a melancholy mood. And so, with all this being said, he will tease her a lot in the way a big brother teases his little sister, whether it's something she's doing or interested in, and be entertained by whatever reaction she gives him if she takes the bait.

Sleepovers ( both) : Niah might suggest to Dani to spend the night for a sleepover on rare occasions. Wearing cute pajama's or gowns. Watching a movie under a fort they built, with some snacks : chips, popcorn, soda, salsa, and pizza , maybe ? Spike might step in after a successful bounty hunt and wonder why the living room is a whole mess, tease them about their little 'girls night', leave, then come back like an idiot to join their girl's night because he really want some snacks and pizza due to starvation ( a mere exaggeration on his part).

Spike will offer his help : If Dani is ever in a pinch, Spike will try to help if it's in his power to do so at the time. Spike is practically renowned for being lazy, or portraying an apathetic countenance towards life in general, people or other things, and may not want to do anything because he just don't feel like it ( it's as simple as that) if it's not important enough to gain his attention. But he tries to be kind towards Dani and will lend a hand if she ever requests his services, or if she doesn't, he'll ask her if it's obvious she needs help and is being stubborn about it.

#dandelicn #//I didn't know how to get icons for dani to make the edit with all three of them ;3; #//but hope these are okay and fun! #the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002

[reddragon-cowboy]

@withgutsandglory | Like for a sentence starter (For Andy)

❝  You must've gotten real bored of the cowboy aesthetic after our last stand off. But...now you're some wannabe samurai these days? You're a real piece of work, y'know that? ❞

#withgutsandglory #ic <> spike #the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002 #Spike Vc: do you even know how to use that sword?

[reddragon-cowboy]

@muddsludge | plotted starter 🕊️❤️(੭ ˊ^ˋ)੭ ♡

There was no hurry in her step as she sauntered leisurely down the sidewalk. she just left the facility that housed one of her dearest companions, dropping off a few goodies: fruit, veggies ( and flowers as a gift ) she didn't need or no longer had the space to store in her fridge and pantry anymore. Niah made a habit of contributing the produce she grew to others since much would be grow in a season alone, she'd have little room to store ripe fruit and vegetables that results in her giving some away. But from mere observation reserved, her placid demeanor notices how faces brighten at the sight of her edibles - she learned how much people valued homegrown food more than storebought. the taste was more 'flavorful' and 'addicting' she'd commonly hear.

but...it happened soo fast, quick, she barely saw it coming, ( couldn't while dallied in the midst of a sentimental daydream ), nor couldn't react when something abruptly collides against her side, shoves her with enough force in which she falls hard on the brutal concrete, as well as the food that spills and rolls onto the ground in different directions. Somewhat whiplashed from the collision, wide eyes blinkingly rove and spot the culprit whom struck her in their rush, but by the looks of it from afar, there appeared no sense of concern or ounce of remorse portrayed in their body language as they continued racing along the path ahead of her, not even a spare glance over their shoulder as if she wasn't even there to begin with - transparent.

her gaze moves slow as it falls onto the mess the collision created. she'd have to pick up every fruit, also ones that formed a nasty bruise upon impact with the cement. ❝ Aw. .. no... ❞ a small utterance, and wetness stings her vision, blurriness clouds over, develop where tears swell into heavy liquid drops that struggle to break through the barrier of her bottom eyelids.

Maybe . . . such harshness was ordinary here, injury trivial to be taken with serious regard '. . . such a small thing to be upset about' , she quietly considered, have yet to rise from the ground, pauses for but a moment to collect her thoughts as dismay hovers over her honey-brown complexion. there was this cruel reminder that prods at her person which bespeaks of loneliness that rests on her shoulders, how this ( new ) world continues to prove it has forsaken its ability to display proper humanity towards one another. Or maybe, could it be she's placed a hand over one eye, always chosen to be half blind to its true potential for cruelty, even way back years in the past on earth from whence she was born? Her head shakes to reel back to reality, a wet drop splatters onto the ground.

#the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002 #ic <> niah #here comes the waterworks #:< #muddsludge #[ earth girl ] visage <> niah

[reddragon-cowboy]

⭐️ Niah continues to stargaze with @the27percent from here

⭐️ Quiet penetrated this scene. Soundless as watery depths where whales echo a song in blue oceans and vast seas. Crickets chirp and pounce amongst the grasses. Fireflies dance in the darkness, drawn to one another by the sight of their own glow. And soft brown eyes such as hers couldn't help but stare up in wonderment, mesmerized by lights that twinkle in and out against a canvas of deep blackness, stars flickering their radiance upon living souls who live for the purpose to admire their glory with jubilancy.

Atieno accompanied Niah this lovely night, for the simplest pleasure of their presence, away from the distractions of artificial lights and chaotic disturbances that so often pummeled large cities with materialism and strife. But here, she could feel grass lovingly slipped in-between her fingers where they rest on the ground at her sides, sitting up with a bent knee while the other laid straight in front. The ambience issuing a stream of its own quietness and serenity that only nature could provide, one which couldn't be found nowhere else but here.

Much like the cosmos, her companion was an entity riddled with mystery of their own, and while Niah may never fully comprehend the extent of Atieno's significance and power in the universe, she could appreciate they willfully offered their time to be with her. At least for a short while.

❝ Yea, I used to stargaze back on earth a lot. ❞ Long dreads slip off her shoulder when her head tilts to one side, eyes flickering to another set of stars far off somewhere, ❝ I always liked looking at them. I kinda lived in the city though, so it was harder to see them clearly like I wanted to. ❞ Although her family couldn't afford the most expensive telescope available, she took delight in the view, nonetheless, even if the closest round object in space was the moon.

❝ But. . . ❞ the word began in a soft undertone from full lips, recollections of distant memories swimming within her mind as fishes in a pond, ❝ they was easier to see when I went camping with my family every year. There wasn't a lot of light around to. . . um. . . what's the word ? ❞ She quickly looks at Atieno as if they could conjure the word up for her, that is until she remembers, suddenly. ❝ Outshine them, yeah. . ahaha. . . ❞ A titter breathes lightly, her chest bounces with calm laughter as her gaze returns to the sky.

And just like that, at the fall of a star that streaks across the sky in a trail of white, something pensive touches her features, eyebrows slightly turn upward, fingers curling strands of grass in a gentle grip. ❝ I really miss those times. . . is there. . .um. . anyone you miss ? ❞

#the27percent #ic <> niah #niah (( threads )) #the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002

[reddragon-cowboy]

Over the course of living on Mars for two and a half years, Spike buys himself a Motorcycle as a gift for himself, and with the complete ensemble of a helmet, biker jacket, gloves, glasses, and boots to fit the whole look. He uses it moreso to cruise around to get to one place after another quickly on the road, but he’ll also utilize it in bounty related business as a option. When it’s not in use, he keeps it covered in Niah’s backyard. This occurs in verse 2.

#the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002 #don't tempt the beast with promise of domestic life <> concrete rose

[reddragon-cowboy]

Spike at a flower shop. 🌹

Nosey Cashier: You don't seem like the type to be into plants and the like ?

Spike: ( places some roses on the counter ) Ha, that's hitting kinda close. There's not many things that actually suit my type.

Nosey Cashier: Ah, so are these for someone special ?

Spike: Mmm. . . ( taps his finger in thought ) . . . somethin like that. . .

Nosey Cashier: Yea, I figured so. ( they take his payment and count the amount ) People like you be coming in here every other day it seems.

Spike: People like me ?

Nosey Cashier: Ahahah no offense, of course, just there be many men who look rough around the edges who know very little about plants and flowers whatsoever. . .

Spike: Huh. . . you seem like the awfully observant one. ( he grabs the roses and prepares to step away )

Nosey Cashier: BUT ! They also go through great lengths to try to find the perfect one for their special someone. There's something kinda soft about those types who go out of their way like that, you think?

Spike: I'm not exactly the soft type.

Nosey Cashier: Yea, they say that too until they're with their partner or crush, no surprise there.

Spike: ( fights the urge to roll his eyes and turns away to hide his embarrassment as he walks away, roses in hand ) Man, I hate flowers.

#ic <> spike #/I just felt like writing a snippet of something #he's such a hypocrite #the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002 #the flowers are for Niah obviously he the only one who didn’t get any yet

[reddragon-cowboy]

@himbeeren | continued

his gracious offer produces a smile, small as a bud, almost shy which quivers about her expression that threatens to break through the threshold, similarly in the way sunlight peeks through patches of leaves fluttering in the wind. Kama's heart always extended kindness her way, such a nice elderly gentleman he presented to be in her company. in her mind, it would only make sense he'd return the favor in some way or another, in the same manner as she'd often share the fruit of her labor of his desire when she fetched hearty produce from her backyard, huddled comfortably in a basket straight out her garden.

chest tremble in a low titter after a moment passes as she joined in his little laughter, and her head tilts, eyes set gently on the cookie dipped in chocolate pieces does she accept his offer. ❝ Ahh sure! Thank you. ❞ small fingers picks up the circular snack before taking a tiny bite, as if to test the flavor and texture on her tongue. ❝ mmmm I like it. ❞ silent pleasure makes coffee brown eyes flutter shut, warm praise offered at its quality, and her hand swipes over her thighs when a few crumbs litter upon her lap. ❝ It'll taste better if warmed up a lil with some milk to go with it. ❞

❝ Are you sure sweets are good for your health? ❞

#the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002 #thanks for being niah's fav person #ic <> niah #[ earth girl ] visage <> niah

[reddragon-cowboy]

Verse 2! A list of things that are distinguished from Verse 1. There may be spoilers revealed from my story.

Obviously, Spike survives his ambush of the syndicate tower. Afterwards, he goes into hiding, alienating himself from his crew in the process. Grief overwhelms and bears down hard on him during this time, as he takes time to process the aftermath of the loss of his longtime friend, Annie, as well as his former lover, Julia in his own way. He suffers from Depression, along with a multitude of other mental and emotional issues he's struggling with, such as : PTSD, Dissociative disorder, Flashback Triggers, Night Terror's, etc. Another reason he's in hiding is due to a big bounty that was placed on his head from the attack on the tower, although the I.S.S.P don't have an official profile on him nor his true identity. *Time Skip*. The bounty eventually gets dropped due to Ed's hacking skills, which is within the timeline which takes place in verse 2 currently.

Spike is in a roommate arrangement with Niah (I won't disclose spoilers as to how it came to be or how they met, it's a lot anyway ). But he does have his own privacy, which is the toolshed/house in the backyard. It's not a whole lot, but he at least got a bed, and it's a place he stashes his weaponry and artillery. He can also smoke anytime he wants since Niah won't let him smoke in the house. But he does need to enter the actual house to use other utilities. He doesn't admit this, but he actually prefers to spend more time in the house than in the toolshed and may end up falling asleep on the couch instead of returning to his personal quarters.

Due to this special arrangement, certain needs are occasionally being met, such as eating food on a consistent basis. While on Bebop, he and his crew were always on the verge of starvation, which resulted in Spike's thin/lanky frame, but now food is more accessible as he eats whenever he wants and has actually gained a little more weight. His frame is athletic, however, thin, but with protein, healthy carbs, and healthy fats as part of his diet, he's acquired some muscle tone and definition, as well as other gains in other areas of his body.

He still continues his Cowboy occupation. He alternates between doing hunts on Mars and traveling the solar system on Bebop (after he reconnected with his crew ). In comparison to Niah, he still sometimes struggles with money depending on the jobs he takes. He does, however, save some money for emergencies or other necessities. Spike also don't stay at her home for free, he actually helps in contributing to certain things, such as buying food or repairing things that might be fixing around the house. He doesn't want to take advantage of her kindness, so he earns his stay there.

He discovers that he enjoys the quiet. Spike has never experienced true stability in his entire life; the option was never granted for him to fondle in his grasp. Whether on the run dodging a rain of bullets, or acting like a snake whose constantly cautious as he is suspicious of people's motives, always an eye latched on his back in case should anyone stab him with a knife. No true peace of mind to quell down terrors within the night. But at present, there's a stillness that surrounds him at this home the young earth woman had create, where plants which flourish and breathes life into his lungs gives him the reminder that he's alive, that maybe this is all real; it keeps his mind sound and heart steady in a state of repose, utterly peculiar and foreign to him.

#watch this <> headcanon #the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002 #[ heart wounds | spike meta ]

[reddragon-cowboy]

plotted starter for @brigadeleadxr ! Spike visits the flower shop ! 🌸

He acknowledges he doesn't have to do this at all. Pay a small visit to the only flower shop nearby in the neighborhood, foundations of the shabby storefront laid a couple blocks away from a morsel of a home the bounty hunter created a dwelling place. But Niah had fallen ill as of recent, displaying symptoms which consists of : high temperature, weakness of the muscles, headaches, sore throat, to name a few; a list of ingredients thrown into a bowl that leads to the successful product of a (nasty ) fever. And for the past three days her sicken condition had fallen under his attentive observation, noticed a substantial shift in her emotions and the way her mood had severely dropped to the bottom end of the pool, as there was quite little within his capabilities to whisk her affliction away.

Spike carries little knowledge of flowers, yet, he knows she likes them--the vast majority of women across the cosmos do, as if it was instinctual in their genes to gravitate to the allure of flowers. In fact, it serves the purpose of him being here, hands tucked in pockets as he walks through one of the rows of plants, surrounded by their rich flowery scent and variety of colors that could leave one blind to their vibrant luminance. However, while he browsed the many flower species, his gaze would at times pry themselves away from colors and evergreen, half-lid eyes taking their slow time roaming over the rundown interior of the shop in comparison. And he's not one to really judge by appearance (that's a lie ), but he could conclude the establishment itself definitely required some fine tune-ups, some tweaking here and there to make it as fancy as these plants the owners were striving to sell.

But. . . his keen eye returns to the plants in question-- the tiny label attached read ' Tulips '. Absentmindedly does a finger lift to scritch his cheek. Unimpressed. He wanted something different, new, distinct, something that would stand out that it'll impress her enough to lift her mood every time she'd lay her eyes on them. It would shock anyone he (actually ) cared that much. But what ? And just then a voice breaks his attention. He turns and sees a young girl, one of the employees, or rather, the only employee he's seen thus far since he's walked in five minutes earlier. Surely, she could offer something better than this selection.

❝ Uh, excuse me, miss. ❞ Low voice rises up a notch, but feet remain steady and slow as he strolls over to where the young lady busies herself with something. ❝ You don't think you could help a guy out, can you ? ❞

#you don't have to match this length I just suck at making short starters at times lol #brigadeleadxr #spike (( threads )) #ic <> spike #the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002

[reddragon-cowboy]

An assortment of seeds with colorful pigments scatter across hard cement, sprinkles from between her fingers that offers ample food for local birds as they peck their tiny beaks where seeds trickle upon the ground. The wind gently cradles her cheeks in a small breeze, the sun shone bright and sunny, and the light, easy sound of laugher flows where children run across on the playground, reaching her ears from distances away beyond the trees. The quality of the atmosphere proves vibrant and lively with activity, all in all, a serene day the young earth woman can appreciate to the full. And she can only hope this peace isn't disturbed by the appearance of a lowlife bounty head - as which has occurred many times before.

Rex so happened to have joined her company this time around, a friend of a messy haired bounty hunter whose off to attend to some business. A hand digs and curls to grab a handful of birdseed. ❝ Hey, you wanna give it a try ? ❞ Ful lips offer a slanted smile, hand out, a clump of seed sitting snug in the palm of her hand. ❝ They can be a bit shy, but they'll warm up to you eventually. ❞

@pzfr liked for a small starter !

#niah (( threads )) #ic <> niah #the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002 #pzfr #hope this is fine ;3; thanks for asking for her!

[reddragon-cowboy]

@the27percent | Sentence starters

The dull sound of a bell dings when the door of the bar opens and closes behind the fluffy-haired figure, his posture seemingly lax in the way his shoulders were brought forward in a ‘ cool ’ slouching stance with his hands stuffed in his pockets and unbothered countenance. In his movements offered a blithe impression of being unhurried with his time as he fumbled around in his pocket, indexes plucking a cigarette out the pack while long legs stepped off to the side of the building he exited prior. And with the stick of the cig dangling from his lips, lightly pinched between his fingers as he held the lighter close to the tip –brown eyes caught an orange glow in their wry depths as they watch the small flame lick and dance around the tip in its illuminate warmth, surrounding it like an ornament.

Three hours earlier, the Bebop recently nabbed a bounty ( a weasel of a hacker who gave the I.S.S.P a run for their money) their value worth seven million woolongs, which wasn’t a bad gig to say the least in comparison to what the hunters normally would catch. The crew had their own personalized way of utilizing their long hard reward they’ve rightly earned, and even with less casualties in their quick work as a bonus, there was an absence of expenses to cover for property damage this time around. Spike spent his night on a date with a couple of tall drinks pressed to his lips and swam his way up against some guppies through a few rounds of pool, garnering extra bucks from competitors whose big mouths talked up a big game only to end up reluctantly feeding his cashcard. It was a time to ease his mind a bit and melt the tension off his shoulders of the day that’s now disappeared over the horizon of the port city of Marvis.

His sharp eyebrows rested low and drew closer where a crinkle emerged in between. Smoke entwined itself into the air as eyes fell shut, taking a deep breath as he dropped his hands within the comfort of pants pockets and pressed his back against the brick-walled gin mill. He pried a single, bourbon eye open to gaze out at the waterscape. The waves tonight seemed brim full of life, ever moving, flowing, tickled by the breeze that caressed over the sea as its closest moon shared its gentle glow down upon the inhabitants of the city. It was a pleasant, serene view, a nice spot for a bar situated beside a pier where consumers could idle around to appreciate the silent calm the sea could enrich its admirers. A humble follower of the teachings of Bruce Lee seemed to have that effect on the former young yakuza, as Spike took a moment to inhale through his nostrils the pleasurable, gratifying scent of sea spray fresh directly from the source, enriches the flavor of nicotine that entered his system initiated by the pull of his first puff of smoke. The view before him suddenly fell dark when the same eye closed to its surroundings, and once more does pursed lips take a long drag of the cigarette in hand, faintly tuning out the heavy footsteps of patrons entering and exiting the pub accompanied by the ding of a bell atop the door.

Enshrouded within the midst of the symphony of oceanic waves the wind carried on its journey, a voice nearby caught his ear that drifted along on its merry way.

“I also don’t belong on this planet. I also am alone.”

Slowly, an eye slightly opened inspired of a curious nature, and with a small shift of his head follows to search for the owner that spoke words that verged on subjective thought, catching a glimpse of a figure standing upright against the brick surface a few feet away from the hunter. There was something forlorn - he noted. Tragic in the breath they emitted in their stillness, which he observed seemed laced in the expressions the stranger uttered, although what provoked such declarations of their position in the first place remained uncertain to him.

He blinks before setting his gaze on the ground, proceeds to exhale the plume of smoke he has been holding since he first displayed visible acknowledged of the lone figure. What’s their story…he mused as he casually scuffed the bottom of his boot against the concrete.

❝ Iss’a real shame….one of life’s biggest tragedies… ❞ The cowboy makes his attention known, his lips dry where they conform around the stick with every syllable as it hangs languidly from his mouth. Suppose he happened to be in the mood for a little gab every once in a while during his bounty hunting ventures, and he assumed based on what was left in the air, this foreigner was flying solo all on their lonesome. And that long-familiar presence of loneliness was no stranger to the bounty hunter. ❝ Or so they say…huh? ❞

#the27percent #the temptation of hope hangs in view <> verse 002 #/he's in a good mood to talk #/you don't have to match this length lol