A/N: A little disappointed at the lack of response, but, alas, I shall prevail! (wink wink) Anyway, to those of you dropping, thanks so much and I hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: Just using Cowboy Bebop character for my entertainment - not mine!

Entry #3: Banter; Anvils - Taking Care

Spike is leaning against the counter, watching her hair catch the dim light of the room. She's talking to him: the one to whom she belongs, and she's just giggled. Vicious is grinning at him, over her shoulder. They both know who Vicious is taking home tonight.

But even more importantly, they know who Spike isn't taking home.

Spike frowns as his arm slips around her, cracking a dry joke to Jin and Mao in tandem. The two armed men nod in appreciation, and Julia's fingertips brush against Vicious' cheeks.

Spike nods at Vicious in submission, surprised when the silver-haired man gestures for him to take a seat near him.

"Spike," he drawls, reaching for the nearby ashtray, "you've been so distant lately."

The olive-haired man drapes his leather jacket on the back of his chair and remains silent.

Vicious' smile is feral.

"I often where you run off to," he continues, his arm slithering around Julia's shoulders, "Jin says you come in late every morning and you certainly don't go out drinking every night with me."

Julia stiffens.

"Well, good for you, Spike," she defends, her body turning towards him, "you shouldn't be getting drunk all night anyway."

Vicious' smirk widens in amusement, as if he had just pressed a sharp claw to Julia's pretty little tail.

"Speaking of staying out of bars, you rarely come out with me at night anymore either," he directs at his girlfriend, his fingers pressing hard into her shoulders, " makes me wonder who you see after hours."

Spike stiffens as well and Vicious takes a swig from his whiskey bottle.

"At least I know I can trust you both," he finishes, his words falling like heavy, accusatory anvils, "I'd hate it if I had to go out looking for either one of you."

Spike grins.

"Oh, I'm a big boy, Vicious," he counters, picking up his glass and tipping it towards his friend, "and should Julia ever need help, you know I'd be the first one there."

Vicious' eyes slant and his mouth almost disappears into a none-existent line.

"Well, between the both you, I should be safe!" Julia exclaims, her tone playful but her words grave.

"Yes, between the both of us, you'll be safe," Vicious repeats, motioning for the check and for the both of them to stand.

Spike glances up at Julia and smiles weakly.

"And should something happen to one of us, you are capable of taking care of yourself." Spike replied, his eyes locked with her own.

She stares at him quietly and nods abruptly, walking with Vicious out of the bar.

No, she's not going home with him, Spike thinks, but she'll be at his door in a few hours, taking care of herself.

- End -