Life is but a Dream (Spike Spiegel x Reader)

Observe.

Warning: mentions of mature content 

- 

It was dusk. You caught your breath as you rounded the block, feet coming to a slowed roll. If you made it back early enough from your errands for Lou, you were promised a slice of fresh cherry pie. Its sweet, tart flavor was all you could think about, you didn't even take note of the unusual clamor in front of Lou's diner.

The door chimed as you slipped in the doorway, a sea of eyes focused on you. Scruffy, rough looking men sitting in booths spoke loudly and guffawed in conversations as you tried to steer clear of their attention, sneaking behind the counter to place your empty bag on a shelf.

"What's all this?" You asked Lou as she poured a cup of coffee, her face scrunched in frustration.

"Another bounty in town. Supposed to be in this part of the area." She replied, gathering a plate in the window. "I don't mind the business, I mind the behavior."

She pointed out into the dining room, watching as the bounty hunters cackle and yell out their need for a waitress. The other waitress could only handle so much, carrying plates out to the diners, and being pulled in all directions as she was demanded everywhere.

"This is roadhouse behavior." Lou snarled, shoving her notepad into her apron. "I'm having none of it."

"Neither am I, Lou, can you please help me out here?!" The waitress whined, dropping an empty plate into a plastic bin. "It's like these people have never eaten a day in their lives."

"Or learned some manners." Lou said under her breath. "I'll be out there in just a second. Did you finish up your errands?"

You nodded. "Every single one."

"Good job, sweetie. I'll get that slice of pie for you after I finish-"

CRASH!

"Oh, good lord." Lou muttered as she eyed the loud commotion of broken plates and roars and claps as the waitress tried to pick up the broken pieces in vain. "I'm going to need you to wait outside until I tell you to come back in, okay?"

"Why?" You asked.

"I wouldn't want you to see this." She said, flipping her apron off.

"I've heard worse, Lou." You replied, holding out your hands.

"I know sweetie, but I can get real scary when I'm pissed off." Lou's eyes grew dark, urging you to step back a little. "Do you want that slice of pie or not?"

"See you in a minute." You squeaked as you rushed out. Hearing the tail end of Lou's rage, you quietly stepped outside.

The road was full of passing vehicles and people walking on the side of the street. You watched as they carried on with their lives, full of thoughts and needs. Individuals with different situations and problems pass by every day. You didn't need a book to read well. The pages came flooding out, the characters pacing in front of you.

A woman held herself closely, watching her surroundings. It was still a safe part of town, but it was best to keep yourself safe.

A boy let his arms hang loosely at his sides, taking small steps. His walk was full of leisure. There was not a care in the world, and if someone wanted to pass him, go right ahead. He's in no rush.

You leaned against a wall, letting the night ambiance to take over you. Closing your eyes, you took in the rest of your senses awakening. Hearing the honks and whirs of hover vehicles, various rushed conversations and shouts from all sides. The smell of petroleum filled your nostrils and a whiff of cherry pie was just calling for you to come back in. But you had to wait.