I do not own Black Lagoon, any of its characters, or any of the properties mentioned herein.

So the first one seemed to go over well enough, this follows that up and hopefully works well enough. Hope you enjoy it :)


Rock sat opposite Miss Balalaika in the main office of the Bougainvillea Trading Company; Revy at his side as always. Ever since their unfortunate butting of heads in Japan, Rock had made it a point to be a bit more delicate when speaking with the Kapitan. Luck would have it that she had been having a good day and was in a good mood.

"I must admit, when you called to arrange this meeting, you caught me by surprise Rock. You have my curiosity peaked, I only hope what you came to discuss lives up to it."

"For my sake, I hope so to." Rock replied with a smile.

Balalaika was still amused, returning the expression as Rock began, "As you may have heard, the Verrochio family has put a hit on the Lagoon Company."

"As a matter of fact I did hear about that. I trust you've made a full recovery?"

"I have, thank you. While we were able to eliminate the two men they sent, the fact that they made two unsuccessful attempts leads us to believe they will try again."

"I see, so what does this have to do with me?"

"It's my understanding that you and Verrochio didn't have the greatest of relations."

"You'd be right about that. I'd be lying if what those brats did to him didn't put a smile on my face, though I still fail to see why you've come here today."

"We know the second assassin came from New York City which means the Verrochio family has connections as far as that city, and may have even begun to take part in the local crime scene there as well."

Balalaika's expression changed ever so slightly at hearing of Verrochio's continued existence and expansion; now she was growing angered.

"What I'm asking of you is the complete eradication of the Verrochio family."

Balalaika's eyes narrowed, "I must say, that is an awfully violent request to be coming from you Rock. I can't help but wonder if you're trying to play chess with me; playing on my hatred of Verrochio to move pieces in a position that benefits you and yours."

"The Lagoon Company enjoys the relationship we have with Hotel Moscow and would never intentionally tarnish that relationship, though the eradication of the Verrochio family would ensure our safety."

"So in essence, you wish to have Hotel Moscow eliminate a threat of yours. What do you have to offer us in return? After all, this is a trading company."

Being a businessman by trade, Rock had his offer prepared, "In return, you will be able to further expand Hotel Moscow's presence in the United States. Also, while I won't pretend to know you on any personal level, I would be willing to bet you're itching for some action since you've returned from Japan. I'd also say the elimination of your enemy's family seems overdue."

"Won't pretend to know me?" she laughed, "It seems like you know me quite well Rock."

Balalaika turned to face Boris and he offered her a slight grin as well. She turned back to Rock, "Very well, but on the condition that you accept my terms."

Revy finally broke her silence, "And what terms might those be sis?"

"The two of you will accompany Sergeant Boris and myself to New York and you too will take part in these negotiations."

Revy's eyes narrowed at the prospect of returning to New York. Just the thought of seeing those gutters again made her sick to her stomach.

Rock noticed her reaction and asked, "Negotiations?"

"Indeed. The foundation for a proper war is always negotiation. We will deceive the head of the family into believing we wish for a peaceful resolution of the issue at hand. Offers will be made, none of which we need concern ourselves with. When they lower their defense, we will strike. Do you have any objection to this Rock?"

Rock knew Revy didn't want to make that trip but there was little he could do considering he had come to Balalaika for help, "As long as the safety of our friends and our employer is guaranteed, the means by which you choose to accomplish your goals is irrelevant to us."

Balalaika laughed to herself while she clipped and lit a cigar.

She took a long drag, exhaled and replied, "You're getting good at this Rock. You're well on your way to becoming a proper criminal, and you haven't even lost that endearing charm of yours. Who knew how well someone with your background would fit in here in Roanapur?"

Rock stood from his seat, Revy following, "I can't say I'm exactly proud of what I'm becoming, but to be perfectly honest, living this life in Roanapur; I've never felt more alive."

"Very good then. We shall head to New York tomorrow. No point in waiting for another hitman to come looking for you. Sergeant Boris will be in touch with additional information within the next few hours."

Rock extended his hand to Balalaika which she accepted, "Thank you ma'am."

"Rocky sweetie, I understand and appreciate you're candor after what happened in Japan, but that's all behind us now. Balalaika is perfectly adequate."

"Thank you Miss Balalaika." Rock replied with a smile and a nod of respect.

Balalaika turned to Revy having no idea the turmoil she had stirred up in her, "Two-hands, always a pleasure."

"Yeah, likewise sis." Revy replied through her teeth.

Rock and Revy left Balalaika's office and she addressed Comrade Boris, "He's a firebrat that one."

"Kapitan, are you sure about this arrangement?" Boris asked.

"Mr. Okajima is as valuable an asset to us as the whole of Lagoon Company. They showed him the light, gave him the life he now leads. That exchange earns loyalty for life and he'll do anything it takes to ensure his new family's safety."

"Still, showing him off to the people that are looking to eliminate him and his crew, do you think its wise?"

"Rock's ready for it. Aside from our guns whom will also be on hand for these negotiations, Two-hands will never let anything happen to him."

-

Back at the Lagoon Company office, Rock and Revy returned to find Benny working at a computer.

"Hey you two, how'd things go with Balalaika?" Benny asked.

"Whoop-dee-fuckin' do, looks like we're goin' to New York." Revy replied angrily, "Where the fuck is Dutch?"

Caught off guard by Revy's seemingly unmotivated anger, Benny replied hesitantly, "He's at the dock working on the boat. Engine's been giving him trouble and he's just trying to nip it before it becomes serious."

Revy turned and headed into the spare room her and Rock had been occupying without another word.

"She alright Rock?" Benny asked.

"Not really. After some of the stories she's told me about where she grew up, I can only imagine this is not going to be easy for her." Rock replied quietly.

Benny nodded in understanding and Rock gave him a pat on the shoulder before heading to the spare room to check on Revy. Even if they hadn't begun a relationship, he still knew she would benefit from someone's company.

He saw she was lying on the bed with her back to the door and knocked on the doorjamb, "Revy?"

She didn't answer and so he let himself in and closed the door behind him. He sat on the edge of the bed with his back to her, "This is about New York isn't it?"

"Figure that out all by yourself?"

Rock closed his eyes, "I'm sorry, you know this wasn't my intention; we had no way of knowing she'd want us to come with her."

Surprisingly, Revy was rather calm as she replied, "I know. I should've known I'd go back one day."

"You've told me a lot about what happened there. I can't even imagine how much you must want to stay away from that place, but…" Revy rolled onto her back and Rock turned to meet her eyes, "…aren't there any good memories of where you grew up?"

"Have you listened to half the shit I told you about that fucking place?"

"C'mon Revy, just think about it for a minute, isn't there anything you'll be happy to see again?"

Revy made a face which Rock returned. They had been a couple for a month or so now and she knew he would not back off nor accept an outburst on her behalf. She was going to have to come up with something, or at least make the effort.

She wiggled in place getting comfortable on the bed, folded her arms in a huff and looked up towards the ceiling. She lye motionless and silent for a few moments and finally spoke, wearing just the slightest hint of a smile, "Coney Island."

"The amusement park?" Rock asked.

She turned her head to face him, "You've heard of it?"

"The Cyclone, Nathan's Hot Dog stand, the beach?"

What Revy loved about Rock is that half the time; he didn't even have to try. All he had to do was be him and she was amused, "That's the one."

Her somber attitude had instantly and completely changed and while she might not have noticed it herself, Rock saw the change pour over her like a wave, "Would you like to go when we get there?"

"We'll take care of things with Balalaika and Verrochio first. Then, it's you and me on the world's most terrifying roller coaster, followed by the world's best hot dog, and then maybe a late night dip in the Atlantic."

Rock smiled simply at seeing her happy once again, "Sounds like a good plan."

Revy took in his face for a moment, the way he looked at her as though she were the only woman on the face of the earth. He ran his fingers through her hair bringing her to smile. The more time they spent together, the more Rock was able to bring a side of her to the surface that was rarely seen by others.

He leaned down and gave her a kiss, "You should get some rest. Boris will be calling soon with the travel arrangements."

Revy rolled onto her side, watching Rock as he walked to the door.

As his hand wrapped the doorknob, she called out, "Hey Rock?"

He turned back to face her and she finished her thought, "Love you."

"Love you too." Rock replied with a smile before leaving her to sleep.

An hour later, the phone in the Lagoon office rang and Rock picked up as he was nearest, "Lagoon Company."

"Rock."

"Hello, Mr. Boris."

"I have your flight information."

"That was quick."

"Kapitan does like to take care of things promptly. We'll be flying out of Bangkok International tomorrow at noon. A colleague of ours has made arrangements to supply Rebecca with a pair of firearms once we arrive."

"Thank you."

"If that is all…" Rock cut him off, "Actually, Mr. Boris, I was wondering…"