A/N: FIREmblemFAN! I went to your profile to try and find a way to contact you and tell you I was finally updating, but didn't find anything, so I'm glad you've seen! I have a few more chapters finished and I'll continue compiling them for you :)

Thanks!
Kajouka

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Women - Always Trouble

Paris walked out of Faye's room, after she left and walked down the gloomy halls of the Bebop, towards the 'Living Room' area. Paris looked at Edward's usual seat by the computer, but she was no where to be found, and her goggles were sprawled in a tangle of wires on the floor. Odd - Ed was normally clicking away at her computer.

Paris walked over to the small TV screen which sat across from the yellow sofa. She sat down and clicked the television on. Right away, she was greeted with the familiar faces of the hosts of "Big Shot", the Bounty Hunting show that Faye often watched.

"Now cowboys - a whole new bounty! And this one is worth a pretty hefty sum - 1 million woolongs! His name is Edward Ballinski and he is very dangerous and on the loose!" Judy announced in her squeaky, high pitched voice. Paris leant forward in her seat, suddenly interested. This could be her shot to prove to everyone on the ship that she could really bounty hunt.

"Sources estimate that Mr. Ballinski could be in the Estoria area on Mars. But you hunters better hurry - this is a big one! And he's on the move!" Punch added in the last on the newest bounty.

Paris lept to her feet. "I'm totally going!" She announced out loud to herself. She looked around quickly to make sure no one had heard her talking to herself. She looked down at what she was wearing - denim hot pants and the pink shimmery tank top that Faye had given to her. It was fine - she was only going to leave the ship for a little while.

Once she left the Bebop, she walked the few miles to the closest shopping center that she knew of. It was worth it - as soon as she walked in, she saw a huge zip craft store. She promised Faye that she'd look at prices of crafts so she could get one someday. She walked in the shop and looked around. Her eyes went wide as she saw the prices of the newer, shinier zip crafts. She found herself at the back of the store, as the prices seemed to decrease the further she went. She saw this beat up, brown old zip craft which had taken quite a few hits to it - but it was cheap. 500,000 woolongs. That was pretty good compared to the others; and it was the cheapest one in the store. 'Plus, that Mei girl that Faye said she knew could fix it up, right?' Paris reasoned with herself. She figured that she'd go back and tell Faye of her find.

She left the zip craft store, and walked up and down the mall a couple times, in search for that bounty. 'Damn, this is harder than I thought - why can't they wear some kind of sign or something for me to find?!' Paris got a little frustrated, and the stares that she got from men in her outfit wasn't cheering her up. She was hungry, too. Paris walked over to a little burger hut, where a geeky looking kid with bad acne stood, obviously bored with the lack of business. She lent forward on the counter and looked at him playfully in the eyes.

"Hey hon... How much is a burger around here?" She smiled seductively.

"Um, 10 woolongs." The boy stuttered at her.

"Oh dear... all I have is one measly woolong on me. Think you could help a poor girl our and put a burger on the house?" Paris grinned at him.

"Well I-I don't know, I mean, I might get fire-" He avoided eyecontact with her.

Paris leaned in closer and put on a little hurt, puppy dog face. "Aww, come on doll. I won't tell anyone - it'll be our little secret." She winked at him and stood up.

The boy gave a goofy chuckle and agreed. Paris dropped the cute act once she got her burger and walked off without saying a word to the nerd - he wasn't worth anything anymore, and she was in a bad mood. Plus she wanted to get back to the Bebop to tell Faye the price of the zip craft she wanted.

If only she could find the exit...

---------------------

Sam turned down his favorite radio, he knew that Jin was feeling really happy as of late and he didn't want to spoil it with his static. He got up off his bed and decided to pace the hallway.

Jin was sitting on the couch in the living room his arm around Cloria. He was almost asleep with his head on her shoulder. He hadn't slept at all the night before with worry for her.

Cloria leaned against Jin's chest, her eyes closed as well. She too was exhausted, for much the same reason. Her night had been spent with tears and booze.

Sam walked up to the couch and saw the sleeping Jin and Cloria. He took a seat on a table and observed them breifly. Boredom over-ruled his appreciation for the romance of others and he asked "Jin? Cloria? You awake?" then briefly considered the irony of the question.

Kade was in the kitchen, making himself something to eat. Just because everyone else was too tired to be much use didn't mean he couldn't at least get a good meal. "Sam, you hungry?" he called out.

"Yes, in fact I am," Sam, startled by this new discovery. He walked to the kitchen and pillaged the refrigerator. Once he seized the ingredients he began to assemble a sandwich on the counter.

Kade just laughed, and pulled his cup of noodles out of the microwave before walking back into the livingroom. He sat down, but said nothing. Jin and Cloria both looked too out of it for conversation anyway.

"Kade!" Jin called out from the couch trying not to disturb Cloria. "Make me and Clory something will yah?"

"Well, everything worked out," Sam said with a huge grin. "Everything's back to normal... well except now Kade's making food and not Cloria"

Kade just laughed, and pulled his cup of noodles out of the microwave before walking back towards the livingroom. As Jin's voice called out, he did a 180 and walked back into the kitchen, "Noodles or a sandwich?" he asked.

"Sandwich," Jin pulled out waking up a bit just out of sheer surprise that Kade was going to make him something rather than box his ears. "Please." Jin added just for good measure.

Kade laughed, "Yeah, well, you're on sandwich duty my friend."

Cloria smiled, but kept her eyes closed. "I'll take noodles, Kade."

"Fine fine..." Sam said with mock drama. "What kind of sandwich do you want?" Sam asked, already searching the fridge.

"Something with meat, it doesn't really matter," Jin answered running his hand idly through Cloria's hair. "On second thought, that's probably a bad idea. Turkey sounds good."

"Awww.... I wanted to make peanut butter and bacon..." Sam said as he bit into one such sandwich he made for himself. He then pulled the turkey from the fridge. "You want anything else on it?"

Kade headed for the microwave and popped in another cup of noodles for Cloria. He smiled at Sam, "Do you really like PB and Bacon?"

"A little mustard," Jin said happy he'd specified his choice in sandwiches. "How in the world did you ever manage to find your way onto the ship?"

"I'm eating it aren't I?" Sam said as his finished half of his sandwich. While preparing Jins order Sam began to think back. "I think Kade found me..." Sam said with slight uncertainty. "I'm not so sure because I had just been thrown into a brick wall."

"Yah, you were pretty messed up," Jin said hoping his sandwhich would be somewhat normal.

Kade carried both cups of noodles into the livingroom, setting down near Cloria. "I remember. You were knocked out and Jin and I dragged you down the street. You never did tell us what happened that day."

"One thing I do remember was alot of screaming..." Sam said as he handed Jin his sandwich. "Maybe it was you guys, or them, it coudl have even been me screaming my head off..." Sam thought back a little, long settled memories stirred up by a probing concience. "I was a hired spook for a while before you guys found me, I'd help people cheat at cards. Well, it was a big game, 5,000,000 Wulongs was on the table and I messed up. My boss went nuts and started threatening me so I bolted, one of his enforcers hit me while I tried to escape, I was really dizy when I found the fire exit... they caughtt up and were working me over real bad when you guys found me..."

Kade took a few bites of noodles while Sam spoke. "Hired to cheat eh?" He raised an eyebrow. Of course, they all had shady pasts.

"Yep, easy money with only a little personal hazard. Well... I found that little personal hazard alright!" Sam laughed as he finished his sandwich, then went to the kitchen to fetch a glass of water. Bacon and Peanut butter was a thirsty combination.

Cloria watched the boys talk, and slowly ate her noodles. They seemed to be bonding, and she hadn't felt compelled to speak up until now. "How did you get into that Sam?"

"I played cards a little to make ends meat on my own," Sam admitted. "I was really good at it, my Boss noticed and caught onto my 'luck' he offered me consistant pay and a little protection so I jumped at the chance"

Cloria raised her eyebrows. "I see. I'm surprised they let you go so easily. Were they by chance in a syndicate?"

Jin inspected his sandwich thouroughly before taking a bite. He knew little of Sam's past, actually no one really knew anything about anyone else's past on the SeaDog. It was just easier that way.

"They could have had minor ties" Sam said after a little thought. "They dressed expenisvely, had the image at least but they didn't really do much beyond gambling and extortion."

Cloria nodded, the answer satisfying her. She wasn't sure why she wanted to know, but part of was her own bad history.

"I'd love to go back and hunt him down though..." Sam said with a feral grin emerging on his lips, "...but he's probably gotten himself caught by now" Sam said already realizing his low odds of revenge.

"If it's not a bounty," Jin said a mouth full of turkey. "I ain't chasin' it."

Kade shrugged, "Sometimes it's better to leave the past behind you anyway."

"I suppose, but I can dream can't I?" Sam asked indignantly. "And Jin I belive you've been and will be chasing things other than bounties..." Sam said while glancing to Cloria.

Cloria blushed, "Sam.." she said softly, before glancing at Jin. She wasn't unhappy about the comment, but it did embarrass her slightly that Sam was so open about it.

Jin smiled at Cloria but made sure to send a quick glare Sam's way. "Lay off, static boy."

Kade just laughed. "Hey, at least the jokes aren't pointed at me anymore."

"If 'static boy' is the best you can come up with then I think you deserve any insults I throw your way!" Sam crowed as he flopped down into a seat.

"Save me Clory," Jin said acting scared. "The big bad static boy's going to beat me!"

"Well... I have I been becoming lax on your weekly trashings..." Sam thought aloud. "So thus I advocate that Kade deal them out when I am absent to do my duties in that area"

Cloria giggled, "I don't think you're very static," she said with a little wink.

Jin sighed stuffing the last piece of turkey in his mouth. Now even Cloria was defending him. "This ship is out of control," said Jin.

---------------------

The doctor washed his hands at the sink as he finished sewing up Faye's wound. The woman was half conscience and she had been given nothing for the pain. Her eyes fluttered at times, but she constantly passed out due to the pressure he had inflicted on her shoulder. Once finished, he tidied up the room a bit. Vicious had already indicated he would be on his way down.

A few minutes later, the door to the small synidicate clinic opened and Vicious walked in, followed by a woman. The doctor recognized her as Julia, but said nothing. Instead, he waited for Vicious to speak.

Vicious stepped into the room and gaze at the woman laying on the operating table. Her eyes flickered again, but did not open. "Wake her up," Vicious said, his voice low.

Julia walked in behind him and settled herself in the corner leaning agianst the wall. Her hand had stopped bleeding so she had lost the towel in a trash can outside. She watched the scene quietly.

The doctor nodded, and produced a small bottle of strong salt. He waved it under Faye's nose a few times and the woman jolted awake.

Faye cried out softly, as the jolt caused a wrenching pain in her shoulder. She laid back down and closed her eyes, still unaware of her situation.

Vicious smirked, his eyes training to Julia for a moment. "Do you know who this is?" he asked.

Julia shook her head. She had no clue. She pushed her hair off of her shoulder and tilted her head.

"I didn't think you would." Vicious turned back to the table, and looked down at the girl again. "She came into the casino today. With Spike."

Julia laughed as a smile came and faded. "And got shot in the process. How ... cute." she said trying to hold back her laughter.

"Apparently it was an interesting scene," Vicious continued, noting her lack of reaction to Spike's name. "At any rate, I think she could aid us significantly." He motioned to the doctor to wake her up again.

The doctor nodded, moving the salts under Faye's nose again, making the girl jump again. This time her eyes remained open as she struggled to focus.

Julia just sat there, she didn't care for this. She didn't want to hear of Spike. Once more running tempted her mind. After all the door was two feet away.

Faye's vision finally cleared. When she looked up, she saw a man, staring at down at her. His eyes were dark, almost evil looking, and a small shudder when through her body. She was still in pain, but she fought to hold in any cries. Had Spike really left her? "Who are you?" she whispered, straining to speak.

"Vicious," came the reply, again with his voice low. "And I'll ask the questions. You will give the answers."

Faye closed her eyes, "I won't tell you anything," she replied.

Julia stepped up to the bottom of the table and stared Faye down. "You will tell us what we want to know." she said coldly. She touched Viciuos' hand gently.

Vicious turned his gaze to Julia for a moment, raising a slight eyebrow. He wondered what her motives were, but did not ask. There would be time for that later. He returned her touch, letting his fingers interlace with hers.

Look down at Faye again, he spoke softly, "It would be in your best interest to talk. You're not in a good position. Now, what was Spike doing at the casino?"

Faye opened her eyes again to look at those who spoke, but she said nothing.

This was a waste of time. That dumb twit, how dare she not answer his question. Julia punched the table with her injured hand, "Answer his question. Or the next thing I'll hit is that pretty little face of yours." she shouted, her blond bangs moved to cover her eyes, but they burned with hatred.

Faye bit her lip. The woman didn't look like she was messing around, and neither did Vicious. And hadn't Spike just left her there to die? "He just wanted information." she replied, sighing slightly.

"What information?" Vicious asked, pleased with Julia's sudden change.

Julia paused waiting for an answer. She was in pain now, her hand had started throbbing and not to mention she was hungry and this was taking away from her personal time. "Answer." she demanded.

Faye frowned, "He wanted to know where Vicious was."

A small smile crossed Vicious's face. So Spike did want to play the game. Interesting. "And did he find out?"

"I don't know, one of your goons shot me!" Faye cried out with a little too much energy. She cried again as her sudden movement jarred her shoulder.

Julia looked to Vicious, "He's looking for you, your asking me questions about him, she gets shot while she's with him. What is going on?" she asked as her eyes met his.

Vicious turned. "I'm not the only ex-partner who's looking to make sure the relationship is over," he replied, his voice cold. "Spike is still the same beast he was back then."

It hit her like a ton of bricks, the puzzle was starting to piece together. She suspected but now it was obvious. "You're trying to kill him. He's coming after you. You started this. STOP IT." she demanded as she stepped back but not letting go of Vicious' hand.

Vicious tightened his grip on Julia's hand. "I can't Julia. You know I won't. There are things the two of us must resolve, in our own way." He looked back to Faye. "Why did he leave you?"

Faye's pain was increasing. "The sex wasn't good enough," she muttered, feeling the undercurrent of tension between the woman and Vicious over Spike.

Julia looked to the women and laughed. "Of course not, when he has better women around. A female that get's shot while with him and doesn't get rescued, obviously is at the bottom of his list."

She then turned back to Vicious. "Again, I'll say this, Spike was out of our lives, until now I thought he was dead. You have what you want, why do this? Just tell him to piss off, yeah I get it he was your partner, he betrayed you. So what? Now you have the Syndicate to yourself and don't have to share it with anyone. Isn't that enough." she was pleading with him, she didn't want this rivalry to last. She wanted to be away from Spike yet, away from Vicious and close to him at the same time.

Vicious remained quiet. If he answered Julia's question honestly, he would be telling her exactly what she didn't want to hear. And if he told her what she wanted to hear, he would be lying to her. "Julia. I love you. And you fill a hole in me that was opened three years ago." Vicious paused again. "But there is a pain that burns inside me, knowing that he is still alive."

Faye half listened to the conversation, learning more about Spike's past in those few minutes than she had all the time they had lived together. "He'll kill you first," she said softly. "And I wouldn't think of myself as the better woman when I'm messing around with a guy like him." She tilted her head towards Vicious.

Julia's eyes burned as she let go of Vicious' hand and moved quickly to the top of the table where she promptly slapped Faye acrossed the face, leaving a red mark on her skin. "Watch your mouth tramp or my next move will be to place a bullet in that heart of yours."

Faye screamed, the pain from her shoulder overwhelming her. Her eyes rolled back into her head and she passed out.

Vicious watched the scene with amusement. Julia had more syndicate left in her than he thought. "Wake her up again," he ordered the doctor, who promptly went about the task.

Vicious turned back to Faye. "And just how close are you two?"

"Did you miss the sexual comment?" Faye retorted, feeling very tired. The salts were giving her headache and all she wanted to do was sleep.

Julia felt sick. Would this end? Or did she have to leave to keep her sanity.

Vicious raised an eyebrow, "Then I guess you'll do fine." He took Julia's hand again. "Let's go to dinner. I will deal with her later."

"I don't think I could keep down the dinner if I tried." This girl sickened her. Yet she could feel sorrow in the pit of her stomach. That was it, she was giving up. Tonight she would leave. But not before killing someone she loathed most. The dumb bitch wouldn't excape her again. "But I will dine with you anyways." she said with a smirk. She couldn't push out a full smile.

Vicious stared at Faye for another moment before turning his back. "You were to pick the place."

Julia nodded with a smile. "And I have."

"Then by all means," Vicious said as they left the clinic and returned to the car. "enlighten me."

---------------------

Paris had just arrived back at the Bebop, empty handed of course, but in search of Faye. She walked into the living room. "Hey, Faye I-" She paused as she saw Meifa instead. "Oh... it's you. Hi. I'm Paris." She eyed Meifa up and down - man were they different. Their outfits alone said that.

"I'm Meifa," she said flipping off the t.v. She was bored spike and Faye had both taken off and she was sure Jet was currently pruning his bonsai trees. "How long have you lived on the Bebop?"

Paris shrugged. "A little longer than you, I guess." Paris walked over and sat on the couch. "Spike and Faye are going out somewhere, by the way. I'm not sure where Ed is... so things will be quiet for a bit, I think."

"Yah, somehow I thought life on the Bebop would be more exciting," Meifa said looking around at the quiet ship. "Well, when I went out hunting with Spike it was, but outside of that I haven't done much since I got here."

"Oh, you've already been hunting with Spike?" Paris enquired, feeling a tinge of jealousy. It seemed like Meifa had already gotten on Spike's good side, unlike Paris who hasn't even met the guy yet. "Hey how old are you anyway? 14?"

"Sixteen," Meifa said a hint of annoyance in her voice. She knew she looked and dressed younger than her age, but still she hoped she didn't think she looked that much like a child. "And I've probably lived through a lot more than you. You're what a year older than me?"

Meifa usually tried to keep a happy smile on her face. But between the girl's insult and her boredom, she was highly irritated.

Paris grinned. "Oh, I'm not 17. I'm 16, just like you. I guess I just look a little older than usual." Paris flipped her hair. For some reason, she saw Meifa as competition. She wasn't trying to be bitchy, it was just her female nature. 'Still, we do have to live together, and I don't want there to be MORE conflict onboard...' Paris sighed inwardly. "Hey, look, sorry if I'm coming across as bitchy.... bad day." She kind of chuckled a little, apologetically.

Meifa only nodded silently. She still didn't know what to think of this girl, or for that matter anyone else aboard the Bebop, except for Jet who she had known since she was a child. "Any idea as to what we can do on this ship," Meifa asked relaxing back onto the couch.

"Hmm, not really. I mean, as far as I've seen, there's not really much to do here. Faye and I try on clothes or go shopping quite a lot, but other than that we haven't done too much." Paris twirled a few strands of her blonde hair in her fingers. "What brings you here anyway?"

"My father took a job that I didn't agree with," Meifa said looking away as she spoke. "So I left, and Jet took me in."

"I see." Paris kind of took a moment to take in the info. "How did you know Jet, though?"

"My dad has been friends with Jet for a long time," Meifa said smiling. "I don't know how they met, but they've always helped each other out."

"Right." Paris was a little bored and conversation with Meifa was… well, a tiny bit boring. She was trying to be nice and all, but there was plenty of time to get to know her. "Well, um, I think I'm going to go to my room for a bit. I have a few new outfits from Faye that I want to try on. See you around." With that, Paris made her exit, leaving Meifa in the living room of the Bebop.

Meifa watched the girl leave and turned the t.v. back on. Excitement, danger, and boredom her; new life on the Bebop.

---------------------

Vicious stared at Faye for another moment before turning his back. "You were to pick the place."

Julia nodded with a smile. "And I have."

"Then by all means," Vicious said as they left the clinic and returned to the car. "enlighten me."

Julia told him that she enjoyed the resturant they had gone to a few days prior and smiled as they got into the car and drove away. So Spike did move on, she hadn't. Maybe it was the wakeup call she needed, but part of her still wanted him back with her.

Vicious turned the car and headed for the restaurant Julia had specified. His mind was lost in thought about what the girl had said. Spike had wanted to find out where he was, so that he could come for him. vicious smirked. He would be ready.

They got to the resturant and got the table they had last time. While ordering Julia favored her wound, holding the menu with her other hand. Her fury was calming but her sorrow was taking over. Folding the menu closed with one hand she set it on the table and quietly said, "I must use the restroom." she tried to be as graceful as possible and as she made her way into the door she broke down into tears as she leaned agianst the wall. This was truly too much.

Vicious watched her go, then put down his menu and followed after her. He watched her break into tears and lean against the wall. He hesitated, because he knew why she was crying. In the end, he walked up and wrapped her his arms. "Come back to the table, Julia."

Julia looked up horrified that he had seen her crying. Cleaning her face as quickly as possible she looked him in the eyes. "Yes." She started walking with him. "The table."

Vicious led her back to the table and after sitting her down in the booth, he slide in after her. "Julia," Vicious said, staring straight ahead. "I know what I'm doing is causing you these tears."

"You know, Vicious, I'm not quite sure what is causing this." she said with an akward smile.

Vicious shook his head. "You know. You are torn. You always will be. Spike and I two of the same, and you will never be free from either of us."

Julia nodded, "I've known this, yet struggled to ignore it." she said closing her eyes.

He said nothing. It was the truth, as much as he wish to deny it. A small smirk crossed his face. "Are you should it wouldn't be easier for you if he was gone?"

Julia winced. "I think it would make it worse." she said honestly

"Why?" It was a short but simple question.

"Then I would be very unhappy with you." she answered just as simply

The smile played on Vicious's lips. "I suppose then I can't win."

"No one can." she said quite ubruptly, "Cruel game isn't it?"

"Yet addicting," Vicious replied.

"Very." Julia agreed as she rested her forehead on his shoulder.

Vicious turned his head and kissed her softly on the forehead. There was no solution for this problem, because he would kill Spike. There was no comparing his feelings for Spike with his feelings for Julia. They were two completely different aspects of his life.

She was happy with Vicious, yet she knew he was right, him and Spike were the same, she couldn't choose. "Do you really think dinner is a good idea?" she asked him.

"No, I've lost my appetite as well. Let's go home." Vicious replied, to the house I've bought for you. He wondered how long that would last.

She nodded as they returned to the car and went back to their home. Julia hadn't completely moved back in yet, nor had she written off on her flat. She liked haveing both of them, but hadn't told Vicious that.

The car ride home was silent, both lost in their thoughts. Vicious pulled the car into the driveway, and helped Julia from the car. Their bed had arrived the day before, and Vicious led Julia to the master bedroom. He sat down on the bed and pulled her down with him. "Julia, there is nothing I can say, that will change what will happen."

"So I suppose we should live while we still have the chance." she said hesitently.

Vicious cupped her chin, and turned it to face him. "You should live everyday that way, Julia, because you never know when your time will come."

Julia knew this, but didn't want to comment further. She kissed him gently and slid off her jacket, it was warm in the room.

"Doesn't sound like a bad idea." She said teasingly as she leaned into a more passionate kiss.

Vicious laid down on the bed, pulling her with. He hovered over her, Kissing her softly. "I'm glad you agree." At least he could have her for now. It was bittersweet, because he could feel that she was going to leave.

She held his face lightly as she kissed him. His body on top of hers in their bed made her feel a bit more comfortable but still this feeling loomed over her.

Vicious leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Make love to me tonight Julia." He said softly. "I want to feel you again...." Even if it's for the last time...

Julia didn't hesitate and she nodded an agreement to him.

With that Vicious abruptly began to unbutton her clothing. He was hungry for her and the frustrations of the day came out. He pulled off her shirt, and eagerly sucked on her nipples.

Vicious was moving at a pace that even she could not match. She moaned as he sucked on her and she ran her fingers through his hair.

His need had been greater than he expected and already he wanted her. "Julia," he said softly, pulling off her pants. He knew he was moving fast, but he needed her.

Smiling she whispered his name in return as she slid his pants down to his ankles and teased him a little before allowing him to do much else.

Vicious smiled, forcing himself to slow down. "What do you want to do tonight Julia?" "Make love to you." she said with a smile, "And fall asleep."

Vicious smiled. Without a word, he slowly entered her, making her wish come true.

------------------

FLASHBACK

Vicious fired five more rounds into the paper target ahead of him. He didn't need to look at the target to know that all five shots had been perfect. He put his gun away, sliding it back into the holster and turned to Spike. "I think that's enough for the day. I wanted to hit up the pool hall I've been seeing this girl, and I want you to meet her." Vicious gave Spike a small smile. It was important to him that his best friend approved of his girl - why he wasn't sure.

Spike got up out of his chair. "Way to go," he said approvingly. "Why didn't you tell me about her earlier? What's she like." He slipped his jacket back on and started for the door. The pool hall wasn't far away, and the walk would be a refreshing depature from the stuffy practice room.

"I wanted to see if it would go anywhere, first," Vicious replied as they stepped out into the brisk night air. "She's a wild woman, unpredictable." As the walked, Vicious pulled out his cell phone, hitting the autodial button for Julia.

Julia's phone ran and she crossed the room to answer it, setting down her glass she answered the phone. "Hello?"

Spike smiled. "Isn't that the best kind?" he said cheerfully. The inseparable pair headed down the brick lined alleyway.

Vicious gave Spike a nod, before speaking into the phone. "Julia, It's Vicious. Look, my friend Spike and I are going to be playing some Pool tonight at the Quix Billiards. Can you come and meet us?"

A smile presented itself and she responded, "Sure, I'll meet you, but whose picking up my tab?" she asked jokingly.

"The syndicate, of course." Vicious replied. He and Spike never paid for a damn thing. "On my way." she said as she slammed what was left of the whiskey in her glass.

They crossed a brightly-lit street and entered another alleyway. The back alleys were the shortest route to the pool hall. There were people who avoided these dark, secluded areas, and stayed in places that were a bit more public. Spike and Vicious where not some of them.

Vicious said goodbye, then hung up the phone. Turning to Spike he smiled, "She's coming." As they neared the pool hall, the lights illuminated the expression on his face - he was happy with this woman and it showed.

Spike pulled a cigarette packet out of his pocket and withdrew one, then offered the packet to Vicious. "Anything I should be warned of in advance?" he asked, employing his lighter.

Vicious pushed the door of the bar open, "Yeah, she bites." He winked softly as he took one of Spike's cigarette, and lit it up for himself. Their favorite table in the back was empty. "I'll get the beer, you set up."

Spike fetched three pool cues and leaned them against the table, then carefully gathered up the pool balls. He gathered them together inside the plastic triangle. He removed the triangle and placed the white ball on the table, then waited for Vicious to return with beer.

Vicious walked back to the table carrying two pitchers and three glasses. He and Spike deserved a good night out. "Break," Vicious said, as he set out pouring the beer into the glasses.

Spike took a swig of beer then set his glass back down. He picked up his cue, twirled it in the air, and brought it down to the felt surface to aim. One shot, and ... With a familiar clacking, the balls scattered. The solid red ball stopped barely and inch from the edge of the cup. Spike looked up and smiled, then retrieved his beer. "Your turn."

Vicious took a swig of his beer as Spike broke. He set his glass down and picked up his stick. "You trying to make this easy for me?" he asked, as a small tap on the cue easily knocked in the three ball spike had left by the pocket. Vicious turned, and sunk the one ball as well. "You're lucky we're not playing for money." His next banked too wide, and the five ball sailed past the pocket.

Julia pulled up outside, parked her car, and before getting out checked her reflection. She walked up to the front of the building and sauntered in. Looking around she spotted Vicious. And walked over placing her arm around him.

Spike started to line up the shot that would have sunk the eleven ball and sent the five spinning off, but he stood when Julia came in. "Nice to meet you too," he said amiably.

Vicious leaned over, giving Julia a long kiss. "Glad you could make it." He glanced at Spike. "Spike, Julia."

She smiled to him, "It's a pleasure." she thought he was kinda cute, but didn't say a word.

Spike nodded to Julia, then crouched down again to line up the shot. The cue tip skidded off the cue ball, sending it in a whirling arc instead of achieving the desired effect. "Dammit!" he said. "This is why I don't bet money on this game." Irritated, he straightened and downed some more beer.

Vicious smirked. "You don't bet because you know I'd take every penny you had." He gave Julia a quick smile. "Watch me kick his ass." With that, Vicious easily sunk another two balls before his turn was over.

Julia smiled and shook her head with a laugh. Such competition between men. Though she was good at pool, or so her winnings said, she didn't speak up.

Spike started forlornly at the table. He examined his truly terrible position for a moment, then finally sunk a single ball into the corner pocket - and the cue ball as well. "Remind me again why we come here?" he said, nursing both his beer and his ego.

Vicious slid back up next to Julia, an arm finding it's way around her waist. "Is it my turn again?" he joked. "And you come here so that I can put you in your place once in a while. I can't have your ego getting too big." Vicious said, taking aim. Another ball down. He had only two left on the table.

Julia saw a third glass on the table and put it to use. She only filled a fourth of the glass with beer. "Not up to whiskey tonight are we?" She teased Vicious.

Spike rubbed his hands together, then picked up his cue and carefully lined up his next shot. This one flew perfectly, knocking two balls into a corner cup and leaving the cue ball in a position where Vicious couldn't possibly sink another shot ... not unless he could ricochet the ball twice to get it into position. "Ha!" Spike said triumphantly. "See, I don't suck that badly." He regarded Julia. "Start out the evening with beer," he instructed. "Save the hard stuff for later."

Vicious raised an eyebrow. "Hey, I'm impressed" he said, taking another sip of his beer. "You gonna take your next shot?"

Julia laughed "Guess not. And I prefer the hard stuff at all times." she said finishing her glass and setting it down.

Spike stared at the table for a long moment, then deflated. "... Dammit!" he said darkly. He attempted to sink another shot, but only succeeded in propelling one of Vicious' balls closer to a side cup.

"That was short-lived." Julia said smiling to Spike.

"And the talent continues," Vicious said, slapping Spike on the back as he got up to take another shot. "Get what you want Julia. Spike and I will drink whiskey with you." He leaned down on the table, skipping the easy shot, and sinking a more difficult bank shot. "That's called talent Spike," Vicious smirked, as his ball lined up for the easy shot. He nailed that too, but his ball rolled into a bad location for the eight ball. He tapped it lightly, then motioned to Spike, "You've got a lot of catching up to do."

Julia went to the bar and returned with a bottle of whiskey and some glasses. She hated mixing things together, new glasses were necessary. "Don't remind me," Spike muttered, trying good-naturedly to ignore both Vicious' smirk and Julia's amusement. His next attempt not only went wide, but it scratched and left a two-inch gouge in the felt. He looked up. "Julia, I changed my mind," he called. "Whiskey. Lots of whiskey."

Vicious walked over to the table and fingered the felt. "Spike, really. You've only had one beer and you're already messing up the table? You have to get better. I'm tired of paying for this table every time you mess up the felt."

Julia poured Spike two of the three glasses she brought over. And herself one. "Here." she said with a kind smile handing him both.

"Where's mine?" Vicious asked, "Or do you think he needs it more than I do?" Vicious couldn't think of anything better than hanging out with his best friend and his girl.

Spike down one in a single gulp, coughed, then took the second one and sipped it more slowly. "Thanks," he said with a tentative smile. He paused a moment to consider the bottom of the glass, tinted by the inches of whiskey. "Maybe you mess up my game?" he suggested. "Here ... I want to see you play." He handed her his cue.

"He defiantly needs it more. If you wish I could get you a glass, or you could share mine." she said with a smile. Turning to Spike she took the cue and smiled, "Are you sure you really want to do that?"

Vicious shrugged. "It doesn't matter to me." He smoothed the felt on the table as best he could, then resumed the game, knocking the eight ball into the specified pocket.

Spike inclined his head to Vicious. "The winner, as usual," he said modestly. "I'll sit this one out - I want to see you two play." He sipped at his whiskey, eyes gleaming, then turned to fetch a glass for Vicious while they set up the next game.

"Spike wants me to play you." She said to Vicious. "Go easy will ya." she smiled to him.

Vicious laughed, "You're ten times better the player than he is." Vicious replied, setting up the balls. He walked around the table and broke, sinking the 15. Another shot later and he missed. "Go ahead. Show him." Vicious walked back over and leaned against the wall as he spoke softly to Spike, "So tell me. What do you think?"

"On a ten-point scale ... I'd say eleven," Spike replied quietly. "Does she have a twin sister?"

Vicious smiled, "Unfortunately no." He watched Julia line up to shoot. "She's amazing though, Spike."

Julia bent down lining up her shot, "Five looks good." she said as she knocked it into the pocket. She moved to line up again to hit her next but the shot didn't go as planned. It fell a few inches short of her desired destination. "Like I said, go easy." she said smiling.

"She is," Spike agreed. "How often do you find a girl who can hold her own and is willing to share?"

"Not often," Vicious replied, as he moved back to the table to shoot. He missed his first shot, the first time in awhile that he had done so, and shook his head. "Going easy for you hunny."

Spike finished off his whiskey and set down the glass. "And here you beat my ass that badly? Karma."

"I think it's because you talk too much shit," Vicious replied, laughing as a took a drink from his own whiskey glass.

Julia smiled. "Maybe I changed my mind I want a challenge." He had so politely set her up so she could reattempt her last shot, this time successful. "I don't know if I like winning against you. What will you owe me?" she asked smiling.

"You're the one who was talking shit," Spike pointed out, punching Vicious lightly on the shoulder. "Julia, demand it all!"

"What do you want," Vicious replied, as he elbowed Spike back. "I'm allowed to talk shit because I can back it up!"

"Yeah, with more shit," Spike snorted. "C'mon. I think he owes you. Don't you agree?"

She lined up and hit two in, but a scratch followed right after. "Awe damn." she said "I was having fun there for a second." She turned to Spike and gave him a smile to acknowledge his comment. "I think I do want it all." she said with a wink.

Vicious moved his shoulders around in a fluid motion as he moved back to the table. "I guess I have to play hardball here." He bent down and knocked in two shots, catching him back up to Julia." You'd better step up if you want to win this."

Spike turned to Vicious. "I think you're afraid to lose," he remarked. "Although I think that your ego could stand the blow as well."

Vicious smirked, "You're just jealous."

Spike refilled his whiskey and swallowed a mouthful. "Jealous of you?" he said cheerfully. "You've got to be kidding me. You know I'm your idol."

Julia was amazed at men, even if they weren't playing each other, they still had to fight over whose was bigger. She poured herself a glass of whiskey and drank it all in one shot. "What should I owe you if I lose?" she asked Vicious.

"Oh you are, Spike. I have a shrine back at the office for you and everything." Friendly banter was common between the two partners and best friends. He turned to Vicious, "You know." he said softly.

Julia smiled seductively, "If you can handle it." she said.

Spike whistled. "I ain't gettin' in the way of that one," he remarked.

Vicious grinned, "You know it." He turned to Spike and smiled. "Really, you need to find a woman like her."

Spike nodded. "Agreed. Julia, are you sure you don't have a really hot sister?"

Julia laughed, her comment got a bit more of a reaction then she thought, "I could make one for you if you wish." she said teasingly.

Spike leaned forward, face intent. "Really?" he said, a bit too earnestly to not be joking.

Julia looked at him "If you've got a death wish." she said with a smirk.

Vicious raised an eyebrow. Spike and Julia seemed to be flirting. A smile graced his lips. He trusted his friend. With that, he continued to knock the balls into the pockets.

Spike leaned back and nodded. "Get the message," he said sagely, finishing off his whiskey. He'd had more than twice as much alcohol as Vicious tonight, and was definitely feeling it. "Shall I leave you two alone with the pool table?"

"I have the feeling that I've lost, so I think that we'd be heading back to my flat now." she said walking over to Vicious with a wink.

Spike inclined his head, giving Vicious an approving look. "See you around tomorrow, then," he told the two. "And nice meeting you."

Vicious slapped Spike on the shoulder. "Get your ass home and into bed before you drink yourself stupid." One hand found it's way around Julia's waist as he spoke. "You, on the other hand, have a bet to repay."