Spike walked confidently toward Mao's office where he had been requested. He had been here about a week, and already, he was comfortable. It was just that he knew how these people thought. They lived their lives around constant homicide. Like him. He had always done that. It was like Mao said. He had been a hit man until three years ago. "Man; it's hard to believe it's already been three years. I still remember every drop of blood, every body falling. It's all so sharp and clear. I just can't believe it's been so long."
"Yeah. I know how it feels," Julia started walking beside him.
"And just how," Spike continued.
"She's been here since she was a small child," Vicious came on to his other side.
"I know how fast life can go by. I've been here, what, 20, no, 30. . .30. . .38 years," Julia picked up the conversation again.
"You came here when you were. . . 7?"
"That's right. 1965," Vicious answered, not giving Julia any chances to mess it all up.
"Where are you two heading anyways," Spike changed the subject, seeing Julia flinch and become uncomfortable.
"Mao," they said in unison. "And you," Julia asked, obviously relaxing at leaving what she had been tortured with so often lately.
"Same. Any idea what he wants us for," Spike responded to her relaxation by doing so himself.
"No. Unless Julia does," Vicious responded, once again quickly. 'Oh, but I do know.'
"No," Julia answered his silent question, "me neither." 'But do I. Mao doesn't have to say these kinds of things, and it's all falling into place. I think I get it now. That dream. This meeting. All of us. I really hope this isn't what it seems.'
'And to think, I am probably the only one who actually does know. It's just too obvious,' Spikes' thoughts seemed out of place.
They stood at the door now. Each took a deep, silent breath, before they all three pushed upon the door, not caring to knock, basically knowing what they were in for.
"Spike; Vicious; Julia" Mao welcomed the trio. "Spike, go into the back room. Vicious. Julia. Have a seat. I'm sure you know what this is about." Spike did as ordered, and sat down on a comfortable snow white couch, stretching out, knowing how long those three would take.
Vicious and Julia took their seats as well, knowing exactly the same thing as Spike did.
"Well. Anyone care to start," Mao spoke. Both the others were silent. "Guess not. I'm going to be blunt about this. Spike has feelings for you, Julia. Very strong feelings. And I think you have feelings for him too." Still, they remained silent. "Vicious. I know you're not too happy about this. What, with everything that's happened and all." Vicious looked up, sending him a glare that clearly said, 'No.'
"I'll be blunt about it as well, Vicious. He's right. Me and Spike have always had a connection somehow."
"Yeah. I know. Julia."
"Stop," Mao interrupted Vicious. "Just remember. Love within the syndicate is not permitted. But. Under such circumstances, I will leave it to you."
"Julia," Vicious continued, "do you love him?"
Tears stood at the brim of Julia's eyes. But she was strong. She wouldn't cry. Not were they could see her. Mao. Vicious. Spike. God, Spike. "I."
"I won't allow it," Vicious understood the one word.
"You will," Mao contradicted.
"I don't," Julia quieted the arguing pair, knowing what she said was a lie. Both men shut up at this, only half way believing her. 'God, but do I. I love him with all my heart, but I just can't have him!'
"Spike," Mao called the other man in, obviously not sure of the two already here. Spike walked in. Vicious made room for Spike next to him, making it obvious where he was to sit. But he didn't. He sat on the other side of Julia. "You love her."
"No."
"Report back to me in one month. Dismissed." The three left. As soon as they were out of his hearing range, the conversation started up again. Julia didn't hear any of it. She turned to leave. And they waited for her, knowing where this would go.
"You love her."
"Yeah."
"Don't mess with her."
"Why?"
"Just don't."
And there they parted. Where Spike walked toward his house. Dreading the calls he knew awaited him.
