Disclaimer: I do not own Cowboy Bebop or the character thereof, but I do claim the creative liberties to this story.
Rain beat down, ebbing away at the dirt and grime that had once thought to be forever etched in the corroded streets and byways. The dark apartment was illuminated only by the hollow light of the flickering streetlamps from down below. A wilted rose stood weeping on the windowsill. Delicate shadows danced on its withered petals, shadows created by the raindrops that trickled down the dirty glass pane. Two shadowed figures stood huddled together, locked in their final embrace, their final kiss.
"Come with me," he pleaded again, but to no avail.
"I'm staying here."
"You mean with him, don't you." It had been decided, he was going to leave the syndicate which had become too corrupt and greedy, even for an organized crime regime such as the Red Dragon. Even Vicious, his once long-time friend and comrade had, as well, become too blood thirsty. Yes, there was a time when he could have counted on Vicious as his ally, but this was before her. And now, like so many other friendships gone to past, theirs had been caste aside for the favor of a woman, his angel from hell, his demon from heaven, his Julia. "Why? Why stay here?"
"Because I am afraid of what will happen, of what would become of me. You know as well I as I do that no one has ever successfully defected from the syndicate. You know what happens to those who even try."
"I do."
"Then why go?"
"Because I know there is something better out there. There has to be."
"So that's it then? You'll through your life away for something that may or may not even exist? This is our lot in life, why can't you just accept that?"
"I don't want to accept i, or simple survive through a life when I can just walk away from it."
"But you can't just walk away from it. They will come after you and so will I. They will kill you."
"And you? Would you kill me?"
"Yes, I would." They turned away from each other in angry silence and frustration. Angry at themselves, each other, or perhaps even fate's meddlesome hand. "So it's settled then," she stated more than asked as she made her way towards the door.
He lowered his head and silence was he only confessed answer.
"Then till next time, Spike."
As the door closed quietly behind her, he let out an exasperated breath, collapsing onto the worn-out couch. His face fell into his hands and sat back as he carded them through his dark, shaggy hair. He pulled out a bent cigarette, lighting up just the flickering streetlamp expired and a withered petal struck the warped ledge. The burning embers and pale grey smoke the only thing left to ponder.