A/N: Awe Kendra! Thanks for the sweet reviews of my own works. I hope to lift the writer's block that is plaguing me when it comes to writing on my own. As for my favorite plotline in this work, it'll probably be a few more chapters before we get started on it, since there is so much other stuff going on as well. But you'll enjoy it! It's Faye centered (and as her writer, that's probably why it's my favorite).

Thanks!
Kajouka

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Playing Both Sides

Flashback

The silver-haired boy ran down the street. A loaf of bread was tucked under his right arm and a porno magazine was held in his left hand. He turned the corner, followed by his black-haired companion. The pair was trying to outrun the corner storeowner, who was less than pleased that they had just stolen from his store.

At 15, he did little except get into trouble and steal. But then, there wasn't much else to do on Mars.

The black haired boy ran laughing after his friend in his pockets he'd stashed candy bars and rolled into his hands was another pornographic magazine. Two years younger than the silver haired boy, he looked up to him and often mimicked his actions and this time was no different. He loved the thrill of running, not knowing if he was going to be caught but loving it when they were victorious. "I think we lost the fat guy!"

The first boy slowed down to look over his shoulder. "I think you're right," he said huffing a bit to catch his breath. "That was easy enough." He couldn't think of anything more exciting than getting away with breaking the law. "Come on. Let's head back to the house." The house, of course, referred to their little gang hide-a-way.

Turning back around, without really looking where he was going, he tripped over a fortuneteller. "What the?"

The black haired boy couldn't help himself. He had to laugh at the way his friend had fallen. Giving him a hand up he looked at the fortuneteller. "Hey old lady you okay?" he asked. He hadn't had a mother in a long time, but he was sure that when he did, she taught him manners, most of which he now chose to forget. But that's what happened to you when you lived life as an orphan on the streets of Estoria.

"Rowdy brats," the woman replied irritably. She extended her hand out the to the black haired boy. "The least you can do is help an 'old lady' up."

Guiltily tucking the magazine into the back of his pants, the black haired boy helped the woman to stand. But the moment their hands touched the old fortuneteller has a painful vision that nearly toppled her back down to the ground. She snapped her eyes open staring directly at the black haired boy. "You will soon be betrayed and die. But your fate does not end there like the majestic Phoenix you will rise again and be reborn."

The silver-haired boy raised an eyebrow. "Phoenix?" he said with a question. The old lady had just called his friend 'Phoenix'. "Heh, fortunes are stupid anyway." He turned his back to the woman.

"And you!" the woman said swinging her intensity to the silver haired boy. "You vicious, vicious little boy. You are the beast, who wanders, hunting for the blood of others. You will cause nothing but pain for those who cross your path."

The boy turned back around, "Vicious." he repeated softly, a grin appearing on his face. His eyes met the fortune-teller's, and for a moment, they flashed coldly. "Vicious." he said again, before turning to his friend. "And Phoenix." The two words seemed to hold more meaning now than they would have five minutes ago.

"Come on, Vicious," the black haired boy said pulling on his friends arm. He didn't like the words she spoke, or the strange look in his friend's eyes. "Let's get out of her before that guy calls the cops on us."

And there it was again. Vicious. A name? It was better than the one he had as of now. The word repeated in his mind, as he walked alongside of the black-haired boy in silence.

When they reached their hideout, Vicious set the bread and the magazine on the table and turned to his friend. "And you'll be Phoenix." The 'question' was more of a statement. How interesting that they had run into the fortune-teller that day.

"You don't really believe what she said do you?" he asked skeptical. The whole experience had been a little too eerie, almost surreal, for his tastes.

Vicious simply smiled. "We'll just have to find out." He cocked his head slightly as though he was thinking, "But then again, she didn't tell me anything I didn't already know."

The black haired boy ignored the chill that had run down his spine and prickled the hairs on the back of his neck at his friend's words. "So I'm Phoenix huh?" he asked testing out the name on his lips. He had been thinking about taking on a new name if he was going to continue as a gangster; and what better to be named after than a mythical and majestic bird, it had a nice ring to it at least. "I guess I could get used to it."

"I think you should," the silver haired boy replied, as he picked up the loaf of bread, ripped it in half, and tossed one of the pieces to his friend. "It sounds a lot better than your last name." Vicious sounded better as well. And it suited him. A beast, wandering, hunting for the blood of others. Already, the words had etched themselves into his mind.

"Yah," Phoenix said before taking a big bite out of the bread. It wasn't the best meal, but it was all they could afford. "But how are you going to pick up chicks with a name like Vicious?"

"You'd be surprised at how attractive I can be," Vicious replied, "And besides, maybe they'll want to find out if the name really fits. Chicks can be pretty kinky you know." He took a bite of the bread, thinking now about the future. If what the woman said was true, he would become a killer.

"And how would you know that?" Phoenix asked. Just like any other boy his age his mind was filled only with having fun and having sex.

"I know," Vicious replied. At least the red-head down the street had been kinky. "You'll find out when you're older."

"Ah come on!" Phoenix said the bread half-forgotten in his hand. "Don't give me that older crap! Who was it? How was it?"

Vicious waved a hand, "Just Jana," he replied. The girl was year older than him, but she had been more than willing to sleep with him. "And I'm sure she's not the only one who wants a piece of me." He grinned, "Don't worry Phoenix. There will be plenty of women for you. They're all little whores around here."

"I'm not worried," Phoenix said glaring at his friend and sometimes mentor. "I'm a hell of a lot better looking then you'll ever be."

"You go right on thinking that," Vicious replied, picking up the magazine, and heading for the bathroom. "But until you've got the ladies to prove it, it's all talk to me." Vicious. Again, the name made him smile.

"Just wait Vicious," Phoenix called after him. "Before you know it the ladies will be lining up just to get a piece of me!"

Vicious turned and looked over his shoulder. "I'm sure they will," he said, before disappearing around the corner.

"Stupid Vicious," Phoenix mumbled stuffing the last bite of bread into his mouth and opening up his own magazine. "I'll show him!"

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Jasi walked through the mall, idling looking at clothing. She was window shopping, both because she already knew what she wanted and because she wanted to pass the time. James's little stunt had hurt her - more than she wanted to admit. She didn't want to act like she cared, and she wanted to use the shopping to get it out of her system, so that she could return to the ship without acting like the child she knew James thought she was.

Either way, she was never going to friends with that stupid girl.

Phoenix hated brightly lit and over populous places, and right now he was stuck in one of the worst of them. The most popular shopping mall on Mars. he hadn't come here by choice, of course, he had been dropped off by the transport he had caught a ride with, who had been delivering more goods for the consumer masses. Right now his goal was too find the fastest way out of this mess and into the solitude of a dark bar with lots of good whiskey. On his back he carried a pack with all his belongings in it, he packed light. Someone once told him that a man without a past always packed light.

Jasi sighed softly and turned the corner in the mall. Before she realized it, she ran smack into an older man, knocking both of them to the ground. Laying flat on her back and staring at the ceiling, part of her simply didn't want to get back up. "Dammit," she said softly, brushing her purple hair from her face.

"My sentimants exactly,'" Phoenix said dryly. He got back up on his feet but was too slow to help the young woman up. "Pardon me," he said he finally had spied an exit out of this hell hole and he was ready to make a break for it.

Jasi rolled her eyes, "Whatever asshole," she muttered under her breath. She wasn't in the mood for this. Pulling herself back to her feet, her breath caught in her throat at the sight of him. Her eyes widened a bit - he was handsome.

Phoenix wasn't in the mood to play, but he couldn't just let what she said slide by, even if it wasn't meant for his ears. "Has anyone ever told you, that you look like trouble," he asked one brow lifted at the look on her face.

Jasi flicked her hair back, "I am trouble." she replied, staring back at the guy. "And I'm not afraid of trouble either." Was that a threat? Jasi didn't know. But what she did know was she was still pissed at James, and this guy was probably going to get the brunt of it.

Phoenix couldn't help it, he liked this kid's attitude. He flicked her nose lightly and turned his back on her, heading towards the exit and his salvation. "You've got spunk kid."

"I've got more than Spunk," Jasi replied, rubbing her nose. Who did this guy think he was? "Hey! where are you going! After knocking me down, the least you could do is apologize!"

Phoenix's advanced was halted by the girl yet again,sighing he turned around to face her. "You may have spunk," he said giving her a quirky smile. "But your also deaf."

Phoenix's advanced was halted by the girl yet again, sighing he turned around to face her. "You may have spunk," he said giving her a quirky smile. "But you can't hear worth shit."

Jasi fumed, "And what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Had she missed something?

"I asked for your pardon, after we bumped into each other," he said stepping up to her so that he could intimidate her with his height. "I take back that somment about spunk. I think you're just a brat."

Jasi looked up at him. "I suppose I was too busy falling on my ass to notice." He was tall. Much taller than her, and she felt so small next to him. "I don't care what you think about me." She put her hands on her hips. She wouldn't let him push her around.

"Good," he said stepping back to giver her her space again. "Then if you have no other business for me I will be on my way."

"I don't!" Jasi yelled after him. "And good riddence!" She huffed and turned to face the window of the store. Of all the nerve. "Men are nothing but trouble."

David had been watching the two bickering, and had seen how easy it had been for the man to intimadte the girl, and David was sure that he could manage just the saem approach. He waited until he was sure the man was far enough away, besides he didn't think the man would come to the girl's rescue, he didn't seem like that kind of super guy. He stepped up to the girl and holding his gun inside his pocket he cocked it only inches from her back so that the girl would realise what he was about. "Giving me your purse," he said in his most intimidating voice. "...and all your valuables!"

Jasi whirled around, her purse flying for the man's face. She wasn't about to be mugged - not she, the wonderous Space Pirate. "Screw you!" she yelled, loud enough to catch the attention of anyone around her.

Phoenix turned around exasperated when he heard the girl shout out. He was sure she was cursing at him again until he saw her attacker. Against his better judgement he turned back to help her. He wasn't usually a good samaritan, but the girl for as much as she was a brat had the spunk that he could admire in a kid.

David hadn't expected her to fight back, she'd seemed so meek with the other guy. While trying to dodge the purse his finger accidently squeezed the trigger setting the gun off. He could hear the shouts of the people nearby as they all scattered to get away from the scene. He was in trouble this time.

Jasi fell to the ground as the bullet grazed her leg. "Shit," she muttered, as her hands instinctively flew down to cover the now bleeding wound. Her purse went flying, dropped as her hands moved to her leg, and skidded across the ground a few feet away.

David saw his oportunity now he scrambled to grab the purse and never missing a stride continued in a sprint towads the exit. Unfortunatly his choice of destinations put him directly in Phoenix's path. All

Phoenix had to do was extend his arm out and the mugger knocked into it with his neck instantly knocking him out. Phoenix was only satisfied when he heard the hard thunk of the mans head when it hit the hard tiled floor. Picking up the purse he walked back up the girl. "I think you dropped something," he said holding it out to her.

Jasi looked at up Phoenix from the floor. "Yeah, I guess I did." She made an attempted move to get up, only to fall back to the floor. "Shit," she muttered softly, as she inspected her leg. The bullet had only grazed it, but enough so to tear through the muscle. She reached up and took the purse, and after sitting on the floor next to her, pondered how she was even going to get up. She certainly wasn't going to ask for help.

Phoenix stood arms crossed and watched her as she tried to figure out how to stand. "Just sit there the police will come and someone can take you to the hospitol," he said still not moving to offer his help. Jasi's eyes widened. "Shit no. I can't wait around for the police." She decided she'd stand no matter how hard it hurt. She managed to pull herself up, but succeeded in falling towards Phoenix.

Phoenix caught her up in his arms. Sighing he picked her up so that she was cradled in his arms. This girl was obviously much more trouble than he had first thought. "I suppose that means you've done something the police would be interested in?" he asked as he started to carry her towards the exit.

Jasi grinned, "You could say that." She wrapped her arms around his neck, and rested in his arms. Hell, if she was getting a free ride she was going to take it. "At any rate, it would be better for someone like to avoid them."

"I guess that means that you also expect me take you back to wherever you belong?" he asked as they stepped out into the bright sunlight of the open street. Somehow Phoenix didn't think he was going to get his Whiskey tonight.

Jasi smiled, "If you don't mind. I've found that walking is a bit difficult." She flashed him a huge grin. "Besides, you seem like you have a particular fondness for spunky brats."

"Are you flirting with me brat?" he asked surprised by her last comment and her suprising smile.

"Maybe," Jasi replied, her eyes looking at him. "It's not often I find myself in the damsel in distress position after all. I might as well take advantage of it."

Phoenix laughed at her remarks. It had been awhile since he'd had someone respond to him bluntly, he didn't come across honesty very often in his many business dealings. "Point the way, damsel," he said when they reached a fork in the road. "And this place better be close, your not as light as some of the other damsels I've known."

Jasi laughed, then blushed, "Whatever," she muttered. She was light! She pointed to a side road. "Our ship is parked in the dock that way. What's your name by the way? We still haven't even introduced ourselves."

"Phoenix," he said taking the road he had indicated. A ship? He needed a way off this planet, perhaps this girl just might be his ticket out of here. "Yours?"

"Jasi," she replied, as her eyes turned to watch the road. "Down there, at the end. Dock 11, row 3. So Phoenix eh? Where did you get a name like that?"

Phoenix was use to that question, but that didn't mean he had an easy answer. Usually he would just shrug it off, but instead he decided to tell this girl. "I died," he said flatly. "And rose again."

"How?" Jasi asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"It doesn't really matter," Phoenix replied trying to end the subject. He didn't like to think of his past, in fact he liked to think that he had no past or future, just the present. He stopped and looked at the different ships on the dock. "Which one is it?"

Jasi pointed at a fancy looking-high tech ship - the most recent one they had hijacked. "That one there she said," a bit of pride entering her voice. They had really done well for themselves.

Phoenix didn't let his surprise show at the ship she had pointed out, but then again, he couldn't see any identifying marks on it, which meant that the ship was probably less than legal. "Daddies not going to chase me out with a shutgun when I knock on the door is he?" he asked walking up to the ship.

"Please," Jasi replied. "I hate my father. If he was here, I'd kill him right now."

"So much for the innocent little girl image," he mumbled. Opening the hatch and stepping into the ship, his eyes blinked tryiig quickly to adjust themselves to the much darker interior of the ship. "A young girl such as yourself shouldn't talk so easily about killing."

"I've killed more than you'd expect," Jasi replied. "There's a couch through that doorway." She pointed the way with the arm that wasn't firmly attached to Phoenix's neck.

Phoenix placed her down on the couch gently. His arms and back were screaming with the exertion it had taken to carry all this way. "That's a shame," he said half heartedly as he looked about the room. "You live here alone?"

Strolling into the living room, James came to an abrupt halt at the door. Blinking, he looked at the situation. A strange man was in his ship, and Jasi was on the couch.

"Unfortunately, No," Jasi said, her attention turning to James. "He's one of my.... shipmates."

"Hello. I'm Phoenix, I brought back your bundle of trouble."Phoenix said extending his hand out to the other man.

Taking his hand, James shook it. Studying Phoenix for a moment, he nodded. "I'm James.. A bundle of trouble, isn't she.." He sighed, looking at Jasi.

"No more trouble than you are," Jasi shot back, irritated already by James. She sighed. A day ago she wouldn't have felt that way.

"We'll discuss that later," James said, replying coolly. At least he didn't go out getting shot, and then having to have strange men carry him back. Looking at Phoenix, he felt it was time for the man to go. "Thank you..." James trailed off, having trouble remembering the man's name. "Phoenix," He added.

"You might want to have a look at the girl's leg," Phoenix said looking down at the girl. "You leaving Mars?"

"He doesn't need to look," Jasi said, avoiding James. "I'm fine. And I'll be fine. I don't need him."

Mela strolled out of her room, catiously. The last time she turned the corner, she got fired at... Her clothes were wrinkly and worn in, for she wore the same thing the previous day; she lacked much extra clothing. Then, as she peeked around the corner she caught James, the girl and a male. Quietly she listened in and walked toward the group. "Anything I missed..?" Her eyes darted from each person.

Looking at Mela, he sighed. "Jasi got herself shot in the leg, and this man Phoenix, was kind enough to bring her back," James said bluntly.

"Shot in the leg.." Mela repeated, then glanced Jasi's way, "Not too sharp with the shooting, now are we?" She sneered and turned to Pheonix. "Pheonix, is it? Well, thanks for caring for her. James must be pleased." In disinterest, she sighed heavily. " Sorry for the trouble."

"Oh yes, Mela," Jasi replied sarcastically. "You would have loved the way I tripped and fell over my gun and shot myself in the leg." She rolled her eyes. "Don't leave with me them!" she muttered under her breath to Phoenix.

Phoenix almost felt bad for the girl, there was apparently a lot of animosity amongst the groups of them. "And what would you have me do?" Phoenix asked looking between the group of them.

He thought that covered just about everything, but then he added something. "Also, Phoenix won't be joining us," He said with a glance at Jasi.

"Your ship," Jasi replied, turning away. She looked down at her leg, as though her wound was more interesting than he was.

"You didn't answer me on what you're going to do with that leg. If you don't want me to touch it, then leave." James wasn't about to play her game for very long. He looked at Mela, wondering what to do.

Jasi looked up. "Sure, let me just pack my bags and walk on out." She closed her eyes. She didn't think she could handle this. This was NOT the James she once knew, and it was all that stupid girl's fault.

Mela studied James, while he was looking at her. "Well, it is your decision..." Silently, though, she thought it was a wrong choice to tell him to leave. Phoenix was a newcomer like Mela, herself. Who was she to sit there and be there contently to watch Pheonix save Jasi's life, the one who was so important to James? "He saved Jasi, apparently... and as much as I hate to admit, I think she is fighting the right side, but it's not my arguement..." Mela neutrally slid the nearest sofa and sat herself patiently.

Phoenix laughed, he definetly liked the girl's spunk. "Anyway," Phoenix said addressing the others in the room. "I just need a ride to the next port...whatever that may be."

"That's the way you're behaving Jasi," He mumbled softly.. James blinked. That wasn't the answer he was looking for, Phoenix wasn't even the one he was discussing. "I don't care, my ship just seems to be a free for all lately."

He was in a nasty mood and didn't want to deal with that. Most of it was the fact that Jasi was hurt and she wouldn't let down her wall, it was getting to him. James was to stubborn to admit it though. With that he stalked off, heading to his room.

"I guess that means I have a ride," Phoenix said looking at the two women still left in the room. "Sure you don't want anyone to look at that leg of yours?"

Mela, then, felt guilty for not standing up for James. Maybe she shouldn't have spoke her mind so openly. "What's gotten into him?" Under her breath, Mela questioned and without excusing herself, she followed James. "Hey..." She softly whispered after him.

Jasi shrugged, "I'll be fine." Really she would.

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Faye was sitting up on the couch, typing at the computer. She wanted to get down some thoughts into her journal, and now, while the bebop was relatively quiet, was a good time. Her chest wound was starting her heal, and her shoulder felt a lot better. All and all, she figured she'd be back on her feet in no time.

Her heart, however, was another matter. Try as she might, she could not stop thinking about that night - Spike, Vicious, the fight - they way he held her or the way he left on the park bench. Everything was so conflicting and confusing.

Of course, in the end, it came down to one problem - Spike loved Julia. And Faye could no more change that then she could stop the sun from shining. She supposed it wouldn't bother her as much if she didn't know Julia, but the woman had grown on her in their short time as... well friends, and Faye couldn't help but wish things would work out for her.

Those wishes seemed so contrary to the rest of her feelings.

She polished off her entry and hit the save button in time to hear the hatch of the living room open.

Jet grumbled to himself as he walked through the hatch. They were still on Mars, broke and bountyless, and there had been no news from Spike. In fact, all he knew was that Spike was alive, and that was because Faye had told him.

He walked down the stairs, his hard gaze settling on Faye. He'd make her talk. He had to know what had happened out there.

Faye looked up to see Jet walking in. The scowl on his face made her cringe, and she had a feeling he was going to ask her about things of which she didn't wish to talk. She didn't want to remember that night and she certainly didn't want to talk about Spike. She set the computer on the coffee table and fell back down on the couch.

"Faye." The word came quickly with a stern tone. "You're holding out on me."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Jet," Faye replied, rolling over so that she was facing away from him.

"Spike. He hasn't returned, but you know he's alive. How?" Jet asked, sitting down on the matching smaller version of their couch.

Faye sighed softly, "I was told ok. He hasn't contacted me either. And frankly, I don't care. I don't want to hear from him anyway."

Jet watched Faye as she spoke. He could tell from her movements she wasn't telling the truth, although he wasn't sure why. Women didn't work on reason, and Faye had managed to prove that time and time again. "Faye, regardless of what you want, Spike is a member of this ship. I want to know everything you know. What happened that night."

Faye sat up, her pained eyes meeting Jet's, "I don't know, Jet!" she cried. "I can't remember everything. Only small clips. The last thing I remember is Spike leaving me on a park bench to die. So you know what. Screw him and the zip he flew out on. I don't care."

With that, Faye looked down at her lap. "I've got more important things to worry about, like being able to stand."

Jet listened to Faye talk, trying to comprehend the difference in her words and tone. Women had always confused him, and Faye was at the top of the list of most-difficult-to-figure-out. "Well, I need to know if we should wait for him or not," Jet replied. "We need to start chasing bounties, or else we won't have anything to eat. We're close to broke again."

Faye sighed, "Then why should we wait? If he wanted to come back, he could have contacted us."

"Have you ever stopped to consider that maybe he can't yet?" Jet fumed standing up. "You're nothing but selfish."

"I don't care." Faye said softly. If she was selfish, she wouldn't have been in this mess in the first place. If she was selfish, she would have just shot Spike when she had the chance... Her eyes widened suddenly, as the memory of standing there, gun pointed at Spike's head, returned to her.

Jet picked up the change of expression, "What is it Faye?"

Her head turned slowly towards Jet, her eyes meeting his. She was silent, as the scene played in her mind again slowly.

Jet shook his head, "Dammit Faye. Tell me something! How did you know Spike was alive? Who told you? What did you see happen?"

"Julia told me ok!" Faye shouted, snapping out of her small trance. "Julia, the woman he loves. He's probably with her now, and he's probably not coming back ok." She turned away. There, it was out. Spike wasn't coming back.

Jet mused for a moment. "Julia? And how did she tell you, Faye?"

"She has a journal. Like the rest of us." Faye muttered, falling back down on the couch. She winced as she impacted the not-so-soft cushion. "I should have asked to be put in my room."

Jet stood. "Well then, I will ask this Julia about Spike's whereabouts myself." He turned and walked back towards the stairs. Not bothering to look over his shoulder, he said softly to Faye, "You're not the only one who misses Spike."

Faye closed her eyes, trying to force herself to fall asleep. All of this - it was all bad dream - and when she woke up, things would be the same as they always were.

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

The clicking of her high heels echoed as she walked down the quiet halls of the clinic. Her heart was pounding quickly, she had promised Vicious that she would come see him, but she felt guilt every time she saw him after spending most of her days and nights with Spike. She gave a quick light rap on the door before opening it. "Are you awake?" she asked stepping into the room and up to his bedside.

Vicious was sitting up in the bed, staring at a small computer screen. He set the computer on the table next to his bed as he heard the rapping on the door, and smiled as Julia entered the room.

"Yes, I'm awake. I've been feeling better." He said, his eyes following her moments. He felt a small sense of relief that she had returned, and he realized that he had been worried she wouldn't come back. "I'm glad you're here."

"You're looking better as well," she said tossing her purse onto a chair and sitting on the edge of the bed next to Vicious. "Did you think I would run away?"

Vicious frowned for a moment, "The thought did cross my mind that you wouldn't come back." His dark eyes found their way to meet hers. He reached down and took her hand into his. "I wish you'd never leave again."

"I said I wasn't going to run Vicious," she said smiling sweetly for him. "Besides, this room is too small for the both of us."

"Soon, hopefully, I can leave the clinic. Then we can stay wherever you like. Perhaps in the house I bought you? I haven't been back there since that night." Vicious replied. That night they were together.

"I haven't been back either," her words were soft and seemed to fade off into the silence that grew between them. It was awkward again. "Where are we going with this Vicious?"

"Where do you want to go, Julia?" Vicious replied. "For once in my life, I think I've been fairly straightforward about what I want." He looked away, his gaze turning to the small window of his room.

"Straight forward?" Julia asked wanting him to look at her again. "All you've said is that you want me...but for what? A lover? A girlfriend?" Exasperated with herself, Vicious, and the whole situation she left the bedside and walked over to stand in front of the window.

"Forever," Vicious said softly, his eyes still focused on the window as though there were something painstakingly interesting going on outside. His head turned, watching Julia walk to the window. Something was bothering her. "Julia, what's wrong?"

Julia felt a tremor run through her when she heard the word 'forever.' The word held so much meaning between the two of them. Julia turned her back on the window to face him again. "Nothing's wrong," Julia said trying to play off her nervousness. "I've been thinking about the future, now that so much of our past is over."

"I suppose thinking about the future will take some getting used to," Vicious replied. "We've been stuck in the past for so long." He closed his eyes for a moment. "Let's forget the past. Let's start over." Spike is gone, and now nothing can come between us.

"Easier said then done," Julia said coming back to her place next to Vicious. "I suppose moving forward again will take a lot of getting use to." She took Vicious's hand again, leaning in to kiss him on his cheek. "But with you it will never be boring."

"I hope not, Julia," Vicious said, wrapping his good arm around her waist. "Will you stand by my side while I run the Red Dragons?" He asked her, before leaning against her as though he needed the support.

He realized that for the three years he was alone, he had needed no one. His mind was focused only on killing Spike. And ever since he saw Julia in the bar that night, things had changed. He had come to love her again, something he hadn't thought was possible.

Julia enjoyed the warmth of him against her. It was amazing that he had survived his injuries and was able to hold her so tightly now. "I will be here," Julia said hoping that she wouldn't be instantly struck by lightening for all the lies she was telling both men.

"I'm glad," Vicious replied. He continued to lean against her, though he felt like a small weight had been lifted from his shoulders. "I could be happy again, Julia, if you stayed. It's been a long time, since I was happy."

"You deserve to be happy Vicious," Julia said running her hand through his hair. Julia truly wanted him to be happy, she wanted Spike to be happy as well. But how would she be able to be there for both of them like they asked of her? "Why does your happiness depend on me staying?"

Vicious pulled back and looked up into her eyes, "Because Julia. There isn't anything else in this world that I want now, than you."

"Now?" she asked him staring deeply into his eyes. "Do you miss him?" she asked. She knew she didn't need to name who 'him' was. "Do you wish you could have him back?"

Vicious's eyes seemed to freeze for a moment, and then he looked away. To anyone else he would have lied, but to Julia, he felt compelled to tell the truth. "There was a time, when I would have told you no, Julia. That I hated him. That all I wanted was to see him die." These were feelings that Vicious even hid from himself. "But now that he is dead, there is a part of me that died as well. Spike and I were the same. No one can replace that." He looked back at her. "But it is better this way. He would never have been the person that he was then. - Not in the way I would have wanted."

"Did you ever try talking to him?" Julia asked using her usual cool logic. "I don't think either of you had changed over much that you would not recognize each other as the friends you once were. But I guess we will never know now."

Vicious shook his head. "You asked that before Julia, and you know the answer. We don't talk. We fight. It's just how things are." A small smile passed his lips, "We'd never have known. We just weren't that way." Vicious knew that Julia knew that, even if she couldn't understand. They were beasts - and the blood they had needed was each other's.

"It just seems so primal to me," Julia said smiling at him cynically. "But I guess in your world the place of the woman is in the bed or in the kitchen and all her sentiments and ideas shouldn't be spoken but put into a bunt cake."

"Your cooking has always been excellent," Vicious replied. "Julia, you know I value your opinion. It's just that in this one matter there was no other way. And I suppose it's a mute point now. It's over, and I'd rather not dwell on it. I will not regret what happened."

Julia would have slapped him at his first comment, if he weren't already so horribly bruised and battered. "Then all that is left is the future," she said trying her hardest to let his misogynist comment slip by. Julia wasn't a feminist, but there were a few things that Vicious said at times that just got under her skin. "What is your view of the future Vicious?"

"I told you, Julia. I want to spend the future with you." He closed his eyes, suddenly feeling tired. "And I am the leader of this syndicate. With that come responsibilities. And that is as far as I've got."

His words calmed her; the idea of spending the future together seemed so far off still. "The future still seems so much like a dream," Julia said looking out the window at the bright blue sky dotted by soft white clouds. "I wonder if we will ever get there..."

Vicious nodded, and leaned against her once more. "Life has always been just a dream." A dream we can never wake up from. His minded drifted back. He and Spike should have killed each other - ended the dream for good. But it has been a one-sided death. He pushed the thought out of his mind. He shouldn't dwell on the past.

"If life is only a dream..." Julia began, she wasn't use to this philosophical Vicious, he was usually either blunt or lying. "Then when do we get to see reality?"

Vicious reached up with his good hand and tilted Julia's face towards hers. He kissed her softly, as his hand buried itself in her thick blonde hair. "Be my reality, Julia," he whispered, before kissing her again.

Julia eagerly kissed him back. His kisses felt real, enough so that it was easy to think that perhaps they could be happy together some day. But as those happy thoughts began to swim about in her mind an image of Spike thrust itself upon her. Julia guiltily leaned back, trying to hide her sudden discomfort with a little blush. "You ask a lot of me Vicious."

Vicious watched her pull away and felt confused by her sudden change of attitude. Her kisses seemed so passionate, and then this? "Does it bother you, Julia, that I wish for you to stay? You ask about the future - and yet, when I tell you the future I want you act like it's more than you can give." He looked away again.

"I want you, and your future," Julia said feeling even more guilty now then she had kissing him. She was making promises about a future that was still unstable. She hated promises they never lasted. "I'm just not quite sure I'm ready for it."

Vicious nodded, his eyes returning to hers. "And when will you be ready? What is keeping you from being ready?"

"Spike," she said. She was entering dangerous territory, and she wasn't quite sure how to get out of the trap she had made for herself. "He was dead, and then I found he was alive again and now he's dead once more. It's as if there's no boundary between dream and reality in my mind. I just need time to straighten out my head."

Vicious let go of Julia and lay back down on the bed. Spike would continue to haunt him. He was sure of it. "If you need time, then take it." The words were colder than he had intended. "I'll be here waiting for you."

His words felt like a slap to her. Shocked Julia stood up again and started to make her way towards the door quietly. She picked up her purse where she had laid it and with a single hand on the doorknob she turned back to face him once more. "I'm sorry Vicious," Julia said sadly. "I'm just still living in the dream, it will take time for me to wake up."

Vicious turned to watch her go. "Julia," he said, his dark eyes taking in all of her. "When you wake up." He paused, as though he was carefully considering his next words. "When you wake up, I will be here waiting for you. I just want you to know that." A small smile flickered across his lips. How weak he had gotten for her.

Julia nodded at his words. "I know," she said opening the door and walking back out into the hall again. She had two men who both wanted to share their futures with her...so why did she feel so alone in the world?

The clicking of her high heels echoed hollowly as she walked down the quiet halls of the clinic.

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

Ian glanced into an old mirror hanging in the hallway. Dark mirrored sunglasses covered his eyes--the same greyed blue hue as his twin, of course--and he idly pulled a strand of spiked blonde hair back into place. A quick glance to his watch told him he was only slightly late, a smile pulling at his lips.

One hand reached out and knocked thrice on the door of Renee's room while he waited patiently for some sort of response from within.

Renee opened the door. She was wearing black leather pants and a silver tanktop. Her hair was down, and fell in soft waves around her shoulders. If anything, she looked more beautiful than usual.

"You're late," she said to Ian, as she stepped from the room. She quickly locked the door, then turned to face him. "I hope that means you'll be taking me somewhere special."

"Of course, princess," Ian said with a grin, taking her hand. With a devil-may-care smile, he brushed his lips across her knuckles before looping her arm with his so that he could lead her downstairs to the awaiting vehicle. "You look gorgeous," he complimented, watching her from the corner of his eye.

The sight that awaited them on the outside always made Ian feel proud of his car. Perfectly restored to original condition, the young Snake did not once regret the woolongs spent on his precious baby. The old Mustang was painted in a gorgeous dark blue color and was nearly spotless.

Renee smiled. She loved riding in Ian's car. "It looks nearly as sexy as you," she said, returning his earlier complement. Once she was seated in the car, she turned to face him, "So where are we going tonight?"

Really, she didn't care. As long as the night ended in wine and sex, she'd be happy. Of course, she was always pleased to be wined and dined, but in the end, Renee just wanted to have fun.

"A place called the Blue Tattoo," he replied as he slid into his own seat. "Contrary to the rough name the 'tattoo' might imply, it's a rather swanky place," Ian said while he started up the car. A grin was offered once more. "And it's oh-so-much fun to crash."

One hand on the wheel, one hand on the stick-shift, Ian guided the vehicle out into traffic and cast a glance at Renee. "So how is 'the plan' going?" Ian asked with a soft chuckle.

Renee smirked, "It's going just fine. There are a few kinks, like the fact that Kael is obsessed with that girl, but I think it'll turn out alright for us." She glanced out the window. As soon as that bitch is dead.

Turning back to Ian, she gave him a sexy look. "So the Blue Tattoo. Crashing? Is there a party tonight that we weren't invited to?"

"Us? Not invited?" Ian asked, incredulous. He snorted. "Not unless the intelligent have a death-wish. No. It's more of, well, a place for the rich and snobbish. I'm rich. I'm not snobbish. Far too boring to waist one's distaste on lower-class people," Ian said with a soft chuckle.

"And, Renee? Don't give me that look while I'm driving. I'd prefer to keep my baby dent-free," he said with a smirk pulling at his lips, a glance cast at the redheaded vixen seated so perfectly beside him.

Renee laughed, "But Ian, it's much more fun to keep you on your toes." She let one hand slide across the seat to rest on his lap, as though he had just given her the invitation.

"The lower-class make me nausious. They aren't worth my time. And the upper-class think they have it all figured out, when they know nothing. That is the best part of the syndicate. The snake knows all sides of everything. The snake has everything. And the snake always gets what he wants."

Ian continued in silence, thoughts tugging at his conscious. Their destination wasn't too much further and they finally pulled up the front, a valet attendant hurrying around to Ian's side while a man dressed in a black suit opened the passenger door for Renee. The man blinked in surprise at the vision he was presented with and barely managed to stammer out a 'good evening, m'am' as he held a gloved hand out for Renee to take.

Meanwhile, Ian had just frightened the poor valet with a couple whispered words that posed as a threat if the young man should cause the Mustang even the slightest scratch of damage.

"Shall we?" Ian asked as he joined Renee and offered his arm. With the pair dressed as they were, they certainly looked too casual for such a dining establishment.

Renee smirked as the valet helped her out of the car. The reaction was typical - Renee made sure to keep her appearance as beautiful as possible, although most of that came naturally.

She took the arm that was offered. "We shall." Renee, walking next to Ian, had no problems letting it be known to all who looked her way that she not only belonged there, but she knew she was hot stuff as well. Her hips swung as she walked, and her expression was one of soft seduction.

Ian took off his shades as they entered the restaurant and paused when they were greeted by the maitre'd who cast them both questioning looks before politely asking, "Do you have a reservation?"

"Foster for two," Ian replied, pocketing his sunglasses while quirking a brow at the stuffy man who was looking over his list with such a show that Ian wanted to gag. He wanted to laugh when the man realized the reservation was on the list, and almost burst into laughter as the man's face paled slightly upon realizing that Ian had a running tab... which was paid through a Blue Snake account. "Well?" he asked impatiently.

"Please, right this way," the man said, recovering quickly as he hurried to lead the pair to one of the best tables in the restaurant. Ian followed behind Renee with his hand upon the small of her back in a gesture that was both protective and possessive at the same time.

Renee simply gave the Maitre'd a sexy little look, coupled with a wink. She loved the feeling of power they got when people realized just who they were and how important they were. Especially, because she and Ian rarely dressed the part, although often Renee did wear her syndicate coat.

As Ian's hand touched her back, Renee suddenly felt as though something deeper touched her. She shook it off. She was attached to no one and would never be. That was her way.

As they reached the table, Renee took her seat, aided by Ian. She picked up the menu and began to browse. "So what do you recommend?"

"Everything is good. Sometimes it's fun to just close your eyes and points. Really irks the waiters," Ian said, the amusement evident. "Order whatever you would like," he added, not that it was needed to be said. A waiter came up, apparently having drawn the short straw in having to serve the syndicate members--hey, you never knew if you were going to get a bullet in the head for the food not being up to their standards!--looking nervous though he tried to hide it.

"May I bring you some drinks? Some wine perhaps?" he asked.

"How about a bottle of your finest? And a glass of water," Renee purred before turning back to the menu. There was an abundance of choices from steaks to seafood. Renee didn't really care what she ordered and figured if something didn't stand out, she'd try Ian's point and click method.

"Well, run along," she said, waving at the waiter, her eyes remaining on the menu.

The waiter shuffled off, leaving the pair to their menu-perusing. Ian glanced up at Renee. "Anything stand out yet?" he asked, gaze idly taking in her form. She really was too good-looking for her own good.

"I was thinking this lobster tail looked pretty good." Renee replied. In reality, it was the most expensive thing on the menu. Of course, with Ian's syndicate pay, he could afford it.

"Then that is what the lady shall have," Ian said with a smile and looked up when the waiter returned with the wine and water. After receiving a nod from Ian, the man went about pouring the glasses of wine and set the bottle aside in the bucket already there.

"Do you need more time?" he asked and Ian shook his head.

"The lady will have the lobster tail and I'll have the shark. Don't ask me to pronounce it because I won't," Ian said, motioning to his choice on the menu. The waiter nodded and took the menus from the pair before disappearing again. "So what do you think so far? Ignoring the looks the others are giving us, of course," Ian said with a smirk.

Renee leaned forward a bit, resting her elbows on the table. "I think it's divine. I have no problems with the looks. In fact, if it were up to me, they be staring at us with wonder the whole time." She glanced around the room briefly, making eye contact with a few of the people staring. They quickly went back to staring at their plates for fear of pissing off Renee. After all, it was no secret that they were members of the syndicate.

"Renee, as much as it pains me to ask such a question when the last person I want to be thinking of at the moment is my twin," Ian said suddenly, his brow furrowed a bit, "Tristan needs a distraction. Do you think any of the other girls would be willing to, uh, be-friend him?"

He winced slightly at the conversation subject and shook his head. "Nevermind. Bad conversation starter," Ian said, lifting his wine glass in a silent toast to Renee before sipping at it. This place certainly had good taste in wine.

Renee's eyes widened. Not because of Ian's threat - they were syndicate, and she had no doubt Ian was capable of caring out his threat - but that Ian was telling HER about something to do with Cloria. Something that could implicate him. It was no secret how Renee felt about their former member.

"I won't tell Ian. You and Tristan are important to me. But it's important that Tristan doesn't get caught up with her for two reasons. First off, Kael would kill him first - Kael's obsessed. Dangerously obsessed. I'm trying my best, with Kisa, to change that, but Kisa doesn't see much hope. And Second, Cloria is dangerous. She could easily hurt him."

Renee seemed to think for a moment. "I could ask Simone, although she's been fairly busy with Nathair. And Kisa has been working on Kael, although she reports little progress. I will see what I can do Ian." Renee reached across the table and took his hand, "It's sweet that you care about him so much."

Ian felt her take his hand and his gaze fell to where they were joined. He looked at her face again and took several moments to formulate his response without it sounding incestuous. "I'd kill for him," he said, deciding that was the safest responce. "And thanks. I'd appreciate it."

Their conversation was interrupted as the food was brought out and Ian retracted his hand in favor of picking up his napkin and setting it in his lap. "Looks good," he commented, looking at her meal as well.

Renee glanced at her food, picked up a fork, and proceeded to poke at the white lobster meet. "Well, this looks good," she said, taking a quick bite. Then she set down her fork and proceeded to chatter on about something inconsequencial while Ian ate.

Ian listened while he ate, noticing that she wasn't eating. He made no comment, however, and let her chatter on.

Finally, he set his silverware down and looked at her, tilting her head. "If you didn't like the choice of food here, we could have gone somewhere else," Ian said with a small smile.

Renee looked down. She had hardly eating anything. "Oh it's delicious, Ian." She took another bite, smiling as she chewed it. "Why don't you give it a try?"

The food was good - Renee just never ate much. However, she'd take a few more bites for Ian, since he was paying for the food.

He watched her for a little bit longer before deciding he'd had enough. He motioned the waiter over and ordered another plate of food, but to go. Tristan had probably forgotten to order out for food--he was horrid in the kitchen--and would be hungry later.

"If you're done, we can leave," he said. "I'd hate for you to be getting bored," Ian chuckled.

Renee tilted her head, "I could never be bored with you, Ian." She purred softly, a hint of sexual undertones in her voice. "After all, I'm sure you know how to please the ladies. But we can go. Did you have anywhere else in mind?"

"Hmm, I was thinking I would leave that up to you. We could have a quiet evening at home or we could go find some party to hit up," Ian said thoughtfully. In the back of his mind, he was hoping for the former but the choice would be hers.

"Ian, you know i'm a party girl. But on our first date, I think a little quality time at your place might be just the thing I need." She stood, and when he joined her, she wrapped her arm around his again, leaning on him softly. "Besides, you're the knight in shining armor. You take your princess away."

With Renee on one arm and a bag of food tucked under the other, Ian chuckled softly. "As you wish, Princess," he murmured and led her out of the restaurant. Upon a quick visual inspection of his car when it was returned, Ian gave the nervous youth a large tip and an approving nod. "My lady?" he teased while holding the passenger door open.

When she slid into her seat, he walked around the front of his car and got in. "Ready then?" he asked needlessly. Damn she looked hot. He couldn't wait to get her home.

Renee nodded after easing herself into the seat. She rested her head back on the seat, enjoying the feel of the leather against her skin. "Really Ian, if you're as amazing as your car, the rest of the evening will be simply devine." Of course, she was sure he knew what she was referring to.

Ian laughed and patted her leg before retracting his hand again to shift gears as they tore off down the street. They reached the syndicate building in no time and rode the elevator up in silence. The soft ding signaled they had reached the targeted floor. The twins shared a sort of apartment that afforded them all the luxery they had been accustomed to as children. Afterall, they were the sons of a high-ranked member of the Blue Snake.

After unlocking the door and noticing the light was on, Ian realized that Tristan was home. He reached back and took Renee's hand to pull her inside so that he could shut the door behind them. True to his realization, Tristan was on the couch looking thoughtful as he leaned over one of his accoustic guitars, fingers idly picking at the strings.

Renee leaned against Ian as they entered the room. Her eyes quickly took in everything - she was accustom to memorizing her surroundings everywhere she went. It was good practice, considering one never knew when she had to escape.

She leaned forward, and softly whispered into Ian's ear, "Where to now, darling? I don't think your brother looks up for a little fun."

Tristan looked up when he realized Ian had brought someone home and then smiled. "Hi Renee. Didn't know you were going to be he--ooh! Food!" Tristan said, his train of thought derailing as the wonderful scent of food wafted over to him. Ian laughed and held out the bag.

"Yeah. Food. Think you can take your music and food somewhere else? The lady and I were hoping to be alone," Ian said jovially. Tristan nodded absently while poking through the bag of goodies. Without another word, he grabbed his guitar and slung the strap across his chest. Ian watched as his twin disappeared out the door, barefoot, with his food and instrument. "He'll be fine," he murmured as he closed the door.

"And now we're alone," Ian said, turning toward Renee with a devilish grin as he reached out and rested his hands upon her hips.