A Gunsmith Cats 'Fic Continuation
By; Talis13
Summary- The Date ^^
Rally looked into her closet quizzically. She shrugged and then reached into the far depths of the dark closet. Her fingers reached carefully around a heavy plastic hanger that had plastic draped over it, protecting the dress inside. She carefully pulled the hanger from the darkness, sneezing only once. "Ahh.knew it would still be here."
Pulling the black plastic over the hanger, she smiled. Rally changed out of her work clothes into the floor length formal dress in front of her. It was a sleeveless dress, with a slit up the left side from ankle to mid- thigh. The dress fit snugly, but not uncomfortably, showing off her curves. The dress itself was a color-changing style of dress. It looked purple one minute and then shifted color to blue when the light hit it right. She strapped matching dark blue heavy-style heeled shoes onto her small feet. Grabbing her small makeup bag, she headed out of her bedroom door, downstairs.
Ken was over at that point, still not believing that Rally Vincent and Bean Bandit really were going out formally. He glanced up behind May at Rally coming down the stairs and let out a wolf-whistle. May turned around cheering and grinned at Rally who was now blushing warmly. "Looking good Rally!" Ken stated enthusiastically.
"No kidding girl!" May added. "But lets get your makeup and hair done before he gets here!" she finished while dragging Rally into the better-lit kitchen.
Rally set down in one of the wooden chairs, crossing her legs and smiled lightly at May's extreme enthusiasm. May was just giggling and running a brush through Rally's hair. Suddenly, they both heard Ken call out from the living room. "Hey, I think Bean's here. What do you want me to do?"
"Well let him in dummy!!" May yelled back. "We'll be done in a minute or two."
Ken walked quietly over to the door after the bell rang. He opened it and there stood big Bean Bandit, not looking noticeable nervous yet. Ken smirked. "Hey Bean. The girls said they'd be done in a second, so come on in."
"Thanks." Bean replied, walking in and taking a seat on the sofa, leaning back with arms crossed. "So are you playing Rally's dad or what?"
Ken just laughed. "Nah; just here to 'sit Minnie May."
Ken looked over at Bean and watched as he uncrossed his arms, then folded them back again and sat silently, suddenly showing maybe he was a little nervous. Grinning, Ken decided to not roast him over the spit just this minute. "If I may ask?" he began and saw Bean nod slightly. "I still don't believe you two are actually going out on an honest to God date. What brought this up all of a sudden?"
Bean blushed slightly as Ken enjoyed putting him on the spot. "What's so hard to believe? Besides, it's not 'sudden'."
"Well, think about it from my perspective. All she's interested in are guns and cars. All you're interested in are cars and money. Well, at least that's what everyone was thinking." He added as he got a rise out of Bean. Again. Both heard May squeal happily from the kitchen and turned to look.
May carefully finished with the lightly sparkling purple eye shadow over Rally's eyelids. She snapped the eye shadow case closed and smiled down at Rally, handing her the tube of lip color. More lightly sparkling lip shades with a berry flavor. "You can get this I think." May ended with a happy squeal. "You look so beautiful Rally!"
In turn, Rally blushed lightly again, giggling slightly. "Thanks May. I appreciate the support." She set the lip color down on the table and grabbed her purse.
"Oh! Keep your lipstick with you Rally!"
Rally looked up confused, blue eyes wide. "Why?"
May's eyes rolled, but she turned her mischievously glinting eyes towards Rally. "So you can reapply it after dinner and give a goodnight kiss silly girl." She winked playfully. Rally turned scarlet.
May giggled lightly and waited a moment for Rally to turn back to a normal skin tone. "So, are you ready to go Ral'?"
Adjusting her purse, Rally replied, "Ready as I'll ever be May."
Smiling, May stepped out the kitchen door, wanting to get a good look at Bean first and see his reaction to Rally. It would be well worth the time to tease him with later. "Hi Bean!" she smiled cheerfully after whistling as Bean smiled back, standing up. May was impressed; he cleaned up nice. "Looking good Bean." She added winking.
Rally stepped daintily out the door, one silver shoe buckle catching the light. She looked up from the keys she just stuffed into the too small formal purse. Her blue eyes widened slightly; he did not just clean up nice, he looked stunning. Her brain laughed at her; he was hot! No doubt about it. He had a very dark blue dress shirt draped over his tall frame with black dress slacks and the customary black boots glinting in the light. His black hair was slicked back, hanging at the back of his neck, none of the customary flair to his bangs; all over his dark brown eyes, looking at Rally's very pretty form.
Bean blinked once and managed to pick his slightly agape jaw off of the ground, managing a smile. The color was a good choice for her and brought her blue eyes out against her dark skin and the sparkle highlighting her lips, with her black hair swept back into a small bun. May giggled slightly, clutching Ken as he stood there gaping at the two gaping at each other. His brain kept laughing at this picture and making him believe he was seeing things. Bean cleared his throat and walked towards Rally, still smiling. He grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. "You look beautiful tonight Miss Vincent."
His rumbling voice snapped her out of her silent judging of his attire. She blushed prettily. "Thank you Mr. Bandit. I must say you don't look too bad yourself."
May giggled again. "No kidding Bean! I'd be after you too if I didn't have Ken!"
"Hey!" Ken yelped, picking her up and hugging her tightly. Everybody laughed, the tension breaking nicely.
"Well, we should be going. Can't miss the reservations." Bean stated, leading Rally out towards the door.
"Do I have to set a time to be back home Rally?" May asked in a too- cute voice.
"Funny." Rally replied as they walked to Bean's Boss 302 Mustang. He got the door for her and walked around, hopping in the other side. The car rumbled to life and Rally let out a happy sigh. "I love this car."
Bean grinned and looked over. "Glad the lady approves."
"So where are we going?"
"I made reservations at Marcel's." he stated calmly.
Rally's eyes widened slightly; that place cost a fortune! She had never actually ate there herself, but May told her a bit about it from when Ken took her once before. Apparently, it was a very elegant place. "Hmm. Wow. I don't know what to say really."
"As long as you don't mind, you don't have to say a thing."
She smiled in reply at him. "I wasn't joking about earlier Bean."
"Huh?"
"When I stated how nice you look. Seriously. I'll be honest you look good. If you dressed like that more often, you'd have girls drooling after you constantly."
"Why would I want that?" he began. "I don't dress like this often because I don't feel like it. I'd rather have someone accept me as I am; bad spots and all."
"And you do have plenty of those!" Rally grinned at him. "But they add to your charm."
"Thanks so much Rally." Bean replied with a smirk as he pulled into a full parking lot. They both got out of the car and Bean walked over and held onto her hand. Looking up, Rally noticed it had three different floors, with many glass windows. There were people at tables, talking, eating, kissing, and laughing. She smiled. "Wow."
"Wait until you get inside."
They walked up to the door; Bean opening it for Rally. A man behind a large desk looked up at Bean. "Yes sir?"
His deep voice rumbled slightly, trying to maintain a more quiet air. "Reservation for Bandit."
The man looked down his list and spotted Bean's name. "Alright sir. If you and the lady would follow me." He requested as he grabbed the wine list and headed towards the staircase. Rally was just taking in the scenery with wide blue eyes. The building was done primarily in crèmes and blacks. Tapestries hung along the walls and banners flowed from the ceilings in gently curling arcs of crème and black. All of the tablecloths and cloth napkins were folded and neatly matched each other. All of the women were in what appeared to be costly gowns and dresses, while the men were in dress clothes or tuxs. She giggled slightly as they hit the second floor landing and continued towards a table. She glanced over the glass and gold banner that served as a guard to prevent people from falling to the bottom floor. She looked down; it wouldn't be that bad of a drop. Her focus snapped back in as the maitre de stopped at a corner table. It was done in the same crèmes and blacks. A crème tablecloth with black cloth napkins; silverware sparkling in the dim lighting and two red roses in a vase in the middle of the table added a bit of color. "And this is your table sir and madam. The waiter shall be by in a moment." The maitre de stated as he placed the wine list on the table and left. Bean pulled Rally's chair out and then set next to her.
"So. What do you think?" he asked almost. nervously.
"It's beautiful!" She stated, blushing lightly at her own enthusiasm. "Fantastic. Wow."
"Good. I was worried for a minute there. Want to get wine?" he asked, holding up the menu.
"If you'd like, sure. But can you drive after-" she stopped, remembering how much liquor this man can down before even feeling remotely tipsy. "Never mind."
He laughed quietly. "That's what I thought. So what would you like?"
"Umm." she glanced down the list. "I don't know. I don't drink much myself. Any recommendations?"
He glanced down the menu. "How about. the '98 Far Viente Chardonnay?"
"Hey, sounds good to me." Rally stated.
A nicely attired waiter stopped at the table. "Good evening sir, madam. May I get a wine for you?"
"We'd like the '98 Far Viente Chardonnay." Bean stated, handing him the wine list.
The waiter grabbed the wine list and placed the menus in front of them. "Very good sir. Two glasses or a bottle?"
"A bottle." Bean stated as Rally silently blinked at him.
"I shall be right out with that sir."
"Uh, Bean, not that I'm not grateful or anything, but isn't a whole bottle of wine kind of costly?"
He shrugged, looking at his menu. "Depends on what type and year."
Rally looked slightly confused, but decided to take a look at the menu. She opened the red velvet cover that had gold lettering shining in the dim light. She glanced down the menu, keeping her eyes from popping out of her head. May was not kidding when she said it was expensive! She shrugged slightly and decided to get-
"Just get whatever you'd like Rally." Bean's warm voice cut into her thoughts. She glanced up at him as he smirked.
"Um. Okay. I guess." Did he just read her mind?! Wait; she was acting fidgety. That would throw anybody that remotely knew her a clue. She rolled her eyes and looked down at the menu again. Fine, she knew when she was beat. She looked up once more as the waiter set a wine glass in front of her. It had a tall twisting handle that sparkled in the light. He popped the cork and poured her and Bean's glasses respectively. "Now, what may I get you lady and gentleman?"
Rally looked up and smiled. "I would like the seafood fettuccini alfredo with rolls please." She finished as she closed the menu.
"Very good. And you sir?"
"I'd like the lobster tail and garden salad with rolls." Bean stated as he gave both menus to the waiter.
"That should be out shortly. Thank you."
Bean looked over at Rally and saw that she was holding the stem of her wine glass and looking through the wine at a distant light. She lowered the glass and swirled the wine around, watching as it lightly stuck to the glass edge. She tentatively raised the glass to her lips and took a small sip. Her eyes widened slightly. "Wow. This is really good Bean."
"You sure you've never drank wine before? You looked like a pro wine taster. And I'm hurt that you doubted me Rally." He stated as he took a drink from his own glass, followed by a smirk.
Rally bit her lower lip, watching him. He was handsome; she was perfectly willing to admit that, as would a few of the girls that have passed their table. She knew that from when she first met him, even if she didn't want to admit it at the time. Even that silly smirk was adorable. She noted that she was still staring at him and he was maintaining eye contact quite comfortably. Maintaining the smirk he leaned toward her and whispered. "What are you thinking about?"
That smoky voice once again pulled her out of her reverie. Not that she didn't enjoy it. She shrugged slightly and just decided to be honest this time around. "About you actually." He just gave her a quizzical look so she continued. "Would you like my exact thoughts?" she propped her elbow on the table. "You're handsome; admittedly on my part. Even that silly little smirk of yours that still aggravates me on a normal basis, is just absolutely adorable."
He sat back slightly; surprised and with the beginnings of a blush. "I see. Well, thanks for the compliments Rally. I would never have guessed that you thought that actually."
Rally began her chiming laugh once more. "Don't look too shocked Bean!"
He smiled at her and shrugged slightly. Bean took a drink of wine and looked back at her. She smiled. "Your turn." She stated. He looked confused so she continued. "What are you thinking about?"
Sitting a moment wondering if he should say exactly what he was thinking, he leaned back in his chair swirling the wine around the glass. "Nothing specific."
The waiter bringing out their meals interrupted their quiet conversation. Rally's fettuccini was decorated with bits of various seafood and shrimp along the edge of the dish. She watched as the waiter set Bean's salad and lobster tail dish in front of him. Stream was almost rolling off the tail; it sat on the plate with a bright red tone. Even the salad was beautifully made up; bright green leaves with bright vegetables for decoration. "Wow. Almost too pretty to eat." Rally stated.
"That would just defeat the purpose you know."
"I know." She replied with a wink. She pointed at the food. "Shall we?"
They began eating in silence with occasional 'clinks' from silverware and murmured conversation from a nearby table. Bean took a bite of lobster and watched Rally a moment. After every bite she closed her eyes for just a moment; almost savoring each bit. He smiled slightly, getting another bite of seafood. Rally looked up at him once while he was watching her. She blushed slightly. "Sorry. Am I doing something silly again?"
"Oh, no. You're just really getting into your food, you know that?"
"Sure! I figure I should enjoy every meal I have; otherwise it's like a waste, you know?" Rally replied before getting another piece of shrimp. She looked thoughtfully to the side. "Because I don't know when I might not make it back after a bounty, you know? So, why not enjoy it to the fullest while I can?"
Bean smiled. "Yeah, I guess I can understand that. Sounds like a good theory Miss Vincent."
She winked and giggled. "Hey, I try!"
They both silently finished their respective meals in silence. After they finished, the waiter brought around the tab and left it at the table. Bean looked at the bill and left a stack of cash without blinking. As they got up, Bean helped her from her seat. Rally looked over at the bill and was about to speak when he cut her off. "Don't worry about it Rally." He stated with a grin while he grabbed her hand and walked back down the stairwell. Rally let one hand slide down the gold rail as Bean held the other. She smiled down at all the people enjoying their evening out at this ungodly expensive restaurant.
"What are you thinking about?" Bean asked, watching as she gazed out at the people.
She was silent a moment, thinking of what to say. "Do you ever wish you had a normal life? Like probably nine-tenths of the people here? You go to work, nine to five, come home to your house and eat with your family. You have a normal job, normal relationships and normal friends. Do you ever wish for that?"
Bean was silent as she finished. "Not really. After living how I do, I like the life I have you know? I'd probably get board. I like fast cars, I like dodging the bullets and I like the few friends I do have. What about you?" he asked as he helped her into the car.
She waited until he had fired the car up. "Well, not always; sometimes though. Although I would miss it if it disappeared too, so I'm glad I'm not alone."
"So what brought that up?" he asked, flipping on the radio to a low volume.
Rally shrugged. "Just seeing all of those normal people in there. Living their normal lives with their normal friends I guess."
"Are you not happy with the choices you've made?" he arched an eyebrow, curious.
Rally laughed. "Don't be silly! I love everything but the injuries about my life now! I wouldn't know May if I didn't make the choice I made. Nor the money-grubbing Becky, although she is okay if greedy. I wouldn't know Roy. And I probably would never have known you. And you do add some interest to my jobs if not being the entire foil." She rolled her eyes.
Laughing, Bean looked at her. "Glad to be of interest Rally!"
"Hey, I didn't say that was a bad thing you know." She replied with a smile.
He arched an eyebrow at that. Both were quiet until he pulled into her driveway. He was silent a moment before turning towards her. "I do have a question though." She nodded and he continued. "If we have conflicting job interests, what will we do?"
Rally was silent a moment. "Well," she began, "you're hired to take them away. I'm there to take them in. If I get them, I'll take them. If you get away, which I see happening on occasion." She rolled her eyes as he grinned. "Then, I'll take them in when I can. You're just a driver and really have nothing on you. So don't worry about that. We can handle it if it happens, you know? Because, May of all people, explained it to me this way. There really isn't a lot I can do about it because you deal with these people. And we both live 'odd lifestyles', as she mentioned, so we'll deal with it when it happens." She finished with a shrug and a smile.
"Because I see it happening." Bean stated.
"So do I, but that doesn't mean I can't have a personal life." Rally added.
Bean helped her out of the car and they walked to the door as she dug her keys out of her purse. She turned to him with a nervous look, hands clasped in front of her. Blue met brown as they stood a moment, just watching the other. Rally knew in that instant, looking in those eyes, that he was not going to do a thing to her; she had to initiate anything that happened this time. It was up to her and she appreciated his courtesy for her feelings. She stepped closer, scant inches away, continuing to meet his gaze and tentatively reached a hand up towards his neck, but stopped just short, afraid to continue, unsure if this was right.
He saw her hand shaking ever so slightly as it reached for him and stopped. He reached his left hand up over right, guiding her towards him and held her hand. He leaned down, meeting her halfway for the kiss. Sweet, innocent and surprising to both. He pulled back the same time she did, both surprised, but still pleased.
Rally gulped slightly. She hated it when May was right. She wanted him. Bad. "Thanks so much Bean, I've had a lot of fun. Tonight was fantastic." She whispered.
"Maybe we can do it again?" he asked, smoky voice floating on the breeze, raised eyebrows in question.
"That would be fantastic Bean. I'd love to." She replied with a dazzling smile.
He had yet to see a smile like that from her and grabbed her right hand, kissing the back with a smile. He grinned and walked back down the stairs, waving as he left. Rally looked down at where he left. She walked into the house, mulling over the last few days events. She heard May and Ken in May's room and walked to her own. She changed quietly into her tank top and shorts for the night and then looked to make sure her gun was still under her pillow and then flipped the light off, ready for a good nights sleep, and smile gracing her features.
Author's Notes- Hello all. Just a couple of notes to let you know what I'm thinking and explain some points in the story. First of all, character personalities- I did change them some. I tried to keep the reactions somewhat realistic, even if it was slightly out of character, you know? But, I think it worked; how do YOU think they would react in this situation? Next- You know I mentioned a story arc online that I admired greatly? Well, the authors decided Bean should stop driving people/things period. That was one thing I did NOT agree with; how many of you think he would give up driving? Me neither. So, in my story arc, he's gonna keep driving and he is gonna cross paths with Rally. It'll happen; you know it will. Builds dramatic tension and such. ^^ I think that's about it. Time to put this particular story to bed/ finished/ whatever. And look for the next installment of this series; Volume 2. Constructive feedback is encouraged. ^^
By; Talis13
Summary- The Date ^^
Rally looked into her closet quizzically. She shrugged and then reached into the far depths of the dark closet. Her fingers reached carefully around a heavy plastic hanger that had plastic draped over it, protecting the dress inside. She carefully pulled the hanger from the darkness, sneezing only once. "Ahh.knew it would still be here."
Pulling the black plastic over the hanger, she smiled. Rally changed out of her work clothes into the floor length formal dress in front of her. It was a sleeveless dress, with a slit up the left side from ankle to mid- thigh. The dress fit snugly, but not uncomfortably, showing off her curves. The dress itself was a color-changing style of dress. It looked purple one minute and then shifted color to blue when the light hit it right. She strapped matching dark blue heavy-style heeled shoes onto her small feet. Grabbing her small makeup bag, she headed out of her bedroom door, downstairs.
Ken was over at that point, still not believing that Rally Vincent and Bean Bandit really were going out formally. He glanced up behind May at Rally coming down the stairs and let out a wolf-whistle. May turned around cheering and grinned at Rally who was now blushing warmly. "Looking good Rally!" Ken stated enthusiastically.
"No kidding girl!" May added. "But lets get your makeup and hair done before he gets here!" she finished while dragging Rally into the better-lit kitchen.
Rally set down in one of the wooden chairs, crossing her legs and smiled lightly at May's extreme enthusiasm. May was just giggling and running a brush through Rally's hair. Suddenly, they both heard Ken call out from the living room. "Hey, I think Bean's here. What do you want me to do?"
"Well let him in dummy!!" May yelled back. "We'll be done in a minute or two."
Ken walked quietly over to the door after the bell rang. He opened it and there stood big Bean Bandit, not looking noticeable nervous yet. Ken smirked. "Hey Bean. The girls said they'd be done in a second, so come on in."
"Thanks." Bean replied, walking in and taking a seat on the sofa, leaning back with arms crossed. "So are you playing Rally's dad or what?"
Ken just laughed. "Nah; just here to 'sit Minnie May."
Ken looked over at Bean and watched as he uncrossed his arms, then folded them back again and sat silently, suddenly showing maybe he was a little nervous. Grinning, Ken decided to not roast him over the spit just this minute. "If I may ask?" he began and saw Bean nod slightly. "I still don't believe you two are actually going out on an honest to God date. What brought this up all of a sudden?"
Bean blushed slightly as Ken enjoyed putting him on the spot. "What's so hard to believe? Besides, it's not 'sudden'."
"Well, think about it from my perspective. All she's interested in are guns and cars. All you're interested in are cars and money. Well, at least that's what everyone was thinking." He added as he got a rise out of Bean. Again. Both heard May squeal happily from the kitchen and turned to look.
May carefully finished with the lightly sparkling purple eye shadow over Rally's eyelids. She snapped the eye shadow case closed and smiled down at Rally, handing her the tube of lip color. More lightly sparkling lip shades with a berry flavor. "You can get this I think." May ended with a happy squeal. "You look so beautiful Rally!"
In turn, Rally blushed lightly again, giggling slightly. "Thanks May. I appreciate the support." She set the lip color down on the table and grabbed her purse.
"Oh! Keep your lipstick with you Rally!"
Rally looked up confused, blue eyes wide. "Why?"
May's eyes rolled, but she turned her mischievously glinting eyes towards Rally. "So you can reapply it after dinner and give a goodnight kiss silly girl." She winked playfully. Rally turned scarlet.
May giggled lightly and waited a moment for Rally to turn back to a normal skin tone. "So, are you ready to go Ral'?"
Adjusting her purse, Rally replied, "Ready as I'll ever be May."
Smiling, May stepped out the kitchen door, wanting to get a good look at Bean first and see his reaction to Rally. It would be well worth the time to tease him with later. "Hi Bean!" she smiled cheerfully after whistling as Bean smiled back, standing up. May was impressed; he cleaned up nice. "Looking good Bean." She added winking.
Rally stepped daintily out the door, one silver shoe buckle catching the light. She looked up from the keys she just stuffed into the too small formal purse. Her blue eyes widened slightly; he did not just clean up nice, he looked stunning. Her brain laughed at her; he was hot! No doubt about it. He had a very dark blue dress shirt draped over his tall frame with black dress slacks and the customary black boots glinting in the light. His black hair was slicked back, hanging at the back of his neck, none of the customary flair to his bangs; all over his dark brown eyes, looking at Rally's very pretty form.
Bean blinked once and managed to pick his slightly agape jaw off of the ground, managing a smile. The color was a good choice for her and brought her blue eyes out against her dark skin and the sparkle highlighting her lips, with her black hair swept back into a small bun. May giggled slightly, clutching Ken as he stood there gaping at the two gaping at each other. His brain kept laughing at this picture and making him believe he was seeing things. Bean cleared his throat and walked towards Rally, still smiling. He grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. "You look beautiful tonight Miss Vincent."
His rumbling voice snapped her out of her silent judging of his attire. She blushed prettily. "Thank you Mr. Bandit. I must say you don't look too bad yourself."
May giggled again. "No kidding Bean! I'd be after you too if I didn't have Ken!"
"Hey!" Ken yelped, picking her up and hugging her tightly. Everybody laughed, the tension breaking nicely.
"Well, we should be going. Can't miss the reservations." Bean stated, leading Rally out towards the door.
"Do I have to set a time to be back home Rally?" May asked in a too- cute voice.
"Funny." Rally replied as they walked to Bean's Boss 302 Mustang. He got the door for her and walked around, hopping in the other side. The car rumbled to life and Rally let out a happy sigh. "I love this car."
Bean grinned and looked over. "Glad the lady approves."
"So where are we going?"
"I made reservations at Marcel's." he stated calmly.
Rally's eyes widened slightly; that place cost a fortune! She had never actually ate there herself, but May told her a bit about it from when Ken took her once before. Apparently, it was a very elegant place. "Hmm. Wow. I don't know what to say really."
"As long as you don't mind, you don't have to say a thing."
She smiled in reply at him. "I wasn't joking about earlier Bean."
"Huh?"
"When I stated how nice you look. Seriously. I'll be honest you look good. If you dressed like that more often, you'd have girls drooling after you constantly."
"Why would I want that?" he began. "I don't dress like this often because I don't feel like it. I'd rather have someone accept me as I am; bad spots and all."
"And you do have plenty of those!" Rally grinned at him. "But they add to your charm."
"Thanks so much Rally." Bean replied with a smirk as he pulled into a full parking lot. They both got out of the car and Bean walked over and held onto her hand. Looking up, Rally noticed it had three different floors, with many glass windows. There were people at tables, talking, eating, kissing, and laughing. She smiled. "Wow."
"Wait until you get inside."
They walked up to the door; Bean opening it for Rally. A man behind a large desk looked up at Bean. "Yes sir?"
His deep voice rumbled slightly, trying to maintain a more quiet air. "Reservation for Bandit."
The man looked down his list and spotted Bean's name. "Alright sir. If you and the lady would follow me." He requested as he grabbed the wine list and headed towards the staircase. Rally was just taking in the scenery with wide blue eyes. The building was done primarily in crèmes and blacks. Tapestries hung along the walls and banners flowed from the ceilings in gently curling arcs of crème and black. All of the tablecloths and cloth napkins were folded and neatly matched each other. All of the women were in what appeared to be costly gowns and dresses, while the men were in dress clothes or tuxs. She giggled slightly as they hit the second floor landing and continued towards a table. She glanced over the glass and gold banner that served as a guard to prevent people from falling to the bottom floor. She looked down; it wouldn't be that bad of a drop. Her focus snapped back in as the maitre de stopped at a corner table. It was done in the same crèmes and blacks. A crème tablecloth with black cloth napkins; silverware sparkling in the dim lighting and two red roses in a vase in the middle of the table added a bit of color. "And this is your table sir and madam. The waiter shall be by in a moment." The maitre de stated as he placed the wine list on the table and left. Bean pulled Rally's chair out and then set next to her.
"So. What do you think?" he asked almost. nervously.
"It's beautiful!" She stated, blushing lightly at her own enthusiasm. "Fantastic. Wow."
"Good. I was worried for a minute there. Want to get wine?" he asked, holding up the menu.
"If you'd like, sure. But can you drive after-" she stopped, remembering how much liquor this man can down before even feeling remotely tipsy. "Never mind."
He laughed quietly. "That's what I thought. So what would you like?"
"Umm." she glanced down the list. "I don't know. I don't drink much myself. Any recommendations?"
He glanced down the menu. "How about. the '98 Far Viente Chardonnay?"
"Hey, sounds good to me." Rally stated.
A nicely attired waiter stopped at the table. "Good evening sir, madam. May I get a wine for you?"
"We'd like the '98 Far Viente Chardonnay." Bean stated, handing him the wine list.
The waiter grabbed the wine list and placed the menus in front of them. "Very good sir. Two glasses or a bottle?"
"A bottle." Bean stated as Rally silently blinked at him.
"I shall be right out with that sir."
"Uh, Bean, not that I'm not grateful or anything, but isn't a whole bottle of wine kind of costly?"
He shrugged, looking at his menu. "Depends on what type and year."
Rally looked slightly confused, but decided to take a look at the menu. She opened the red velvet cover that had gold lettering shining in the dim light. She glanced down the menu, keeping her eyes from popping out of her head. May was not kidding when she said it was expensive! She shrugged slightly and decided to get-
"Just get whatever you'd like Rally." Bean's warm voice cut into her thoughts. She glanced up at him as he smirked.
"Um. Okay. I guess." Did he just read her mind?! Wait; she was acting fidgety. That would throw anybody that remotely knew her a clue. She rolled her eyes and looked down at the menu again. Fine, she knew when she was beat. She looked up once more as the waiter set a wine glass in front of her. It had a tall twisting handle that sparkled in the light. He popped the cork and poured her and Bean's glasses respectively. "Now, what may I get you lady and gentleman?"
Rally looked up and smiled. "I would like the seafood fettuccini alfredo with rolls please." She finished as she closed the menu.
"Very good. And you sir?"
"I'd like the lobster tail and garden salad with rolls." Bean stated as he gave both menus to the waiter.
"That should be out shortly. Thank you."
Bean looked over at Rally and saw that she was holding the stem of her wine glass and looking through the wine at a distant light. She lowered the glass and swirled the wine around, watching as it lightly stuck to the glass edge. She tentatively raised the glass to her lips and took a small sip. Her eyes widened slightly. "Wow. This is really good Bean."
"You sure you've never drank wine before? You looked like a pro wine taster. And I'm hurt that you doubted me Rally." He stated as he took a drink from his own glass, followed by a smirk.
Rally bit her lower lip, watching him. He was handsome; she was perfectly willing to admit that, as would a few of the girls that have passed their table. She knew that from when she first met him, even if she didn't want to admit it at the time. Even that silly smirk was adorable. She noted that she was still staring at him and he was maintaining eye contact quite comfortably. Maintaining the smirk he leaned toward her and whispered. "What are you thinking about?"
That smoky voice once again pulled her out of her reverie. Not that she didn't enjoy it. She shrugged slightly and just decided to be honest this time around. "About you actually." He just gave her a quizzical look so she continued. "Would you like my exact thoughts?" she propped her elbow on the table. "You're handsome; admittedly on my part. Even that silly little smirk of yours that still aggravates me on a normal basis, is just absolutely adorable."
He sat back slightly; surprised and with the beginnings of a blush. "I see. Well, thanks for the compliments Rally. I would never have guessed that you thought that actually."
Rally began her chiming laugh once more. "Don't look too shocked Bean!"
He smiled at her and shrugged slightly. Bean took a drink of wine and looked back at her. She smiled. "Your turn." She stated. He looked confused so she continued. "What are you thinking about?"
Sitting a moment wondering if he should say exactly what he was thinking, he leaned back in his chair swirling the wine around the glass. "Nothing specific."
The waiter bringing out their meals interrupted their quiet conversation. Rally's fettuccini was decorated with bits of various seafood and shrimp along the edge of the dish. She watched as the waiter set Bean's salad and lobster tail dish in front of him. Stream was almost rolling off the tail; it sat on the plate with a bright red tone. Even the salad was beautifully made up; bright green leaves with bright vegetables for decoration. "Wow. Almost too pretty to eat." Rally stated.
"That would just defeat the purpose you know."
"I know." She replied with a wink. She pointed at the food. "Shall we?"
They began eating in silence with occasional 'clinks' from silverware and murmured conversation from a nearby table. Bean took a bite of lobster and watched Rally a moment. After every bite she closed her eyes for just a moment; almost savoring each bit. He smiled slightly, getting another bite of seafood. Rally looked up at him once while he was watching her. She blushed slightly. "Sorry. Am I doing something silly again?"
"Oh, no. You're just really getting into your food, you know that?"
"Sure! I figure I should enjoy every meal I have; otherwise it's like a waste, you know?" Rally replied before getting another piece of shrimp. She looked thoughtfully to the side. "Because I don't know when I might not make it back after a bounty, you know? So, why not enjoy it to the fullest while I can?"
Bean smiled. "Yeah, I guess I can understand that. Sounds like a good theory Miss Vincent."
She winked and giggled. "Hey, I try!"
They both silently finished their respective meals in silence. After they finished, the waiter brought around the tab and left it at the table. Bean looked at the bill and left a stack of cash without blinking. As they got up, Bean helped her from her seat. Rally looked over at the bill and was about to speak when he cut her off. "Don't worry about it Rally." He stated with a grin while he grabbed her hand and walked back down the stairwell. Rally let one hand slide down the gold rail as Bean held the other. She smiled down at all the people enjoying their evening out at this ungodly expensive restaurant.
"What are you thinking about?" Bean asked, watching as she gazed out at the people.
She was silent a moment, thinking of what to say. "Do you ever wish you had a normal life? Like probably nine-tenths of the people here? You go to work, nine to five, come home to your house and eat with your family. You have a normal job, normal relationships and normal friends. Do you ever wish for that?"
Bean was silent as she finished. "Not really. After living how I do, I like the life I have you know? I'd probably get board. I like fast cars, I like dodging the bullets and I like the few friends I do have. What about you?" he asked as he helped her into the car.
She waited until he had fired the car up. "Well, not always; sometimes though. Although I would miss it if it disappeared too, so I'm glad I'm not alone."
"So what brought that up?" he asked, flipping on the radio to a low volume.
Rally shrugged. "Just seeing all of those normal people in there. Living their normal lives with their normal friends I guess."
"Are you not happy with the choices you've made?" he arched an eyebrow, curious.
Rally laughed. "Don't be silly! I love everything but the injuries about my life now! I wouldn't know May if I didn't make the choice I made. Nor the money-grubbing Becky, although she is okay if greedy. I wouldn't know Roy. And I probably would never have known you. And you do add some interest to my jobs if not being the entire foil." She rolled her eyes.
Laughing, Bean looked at her. "Glad to be of interest Rally!"
"Hey, I didn't say that was a bad thing you know." She replied with a smile.
He arched an eyebrow at that. Both were quiet until he pulled into her driveway. He was silent a moment before turning towards her. "I do have a question though." She nodded and he continued. "If we have conflicting job interests, what will we do?"
Rally was silent a moment. "Well," she began, "you're hired to take them away. I'm there to take them in. If I get them, I'll take them. If you get away, which I see happening on occasion." She rolled her eyes as he grinned. "Then, I'll take them in when I can. You're just a driver and really have nothing on you. So don't worry about that. We can handle it if it happens, you know? Because, May of all people, explained it to me this way. There really isn't a lot I can do about it because you deal with these people. And we both live 'odd lifestyles', as she mentioned, so we'll deal with it when it happens." She finished with a shrug and a smile.
"Because I see it happening." Bean stated.
"So do I, but that doesn't mean I can't have a personal life." Rally added.
Bean helped her out of the car and they walked to the door as she dug her keys out of her purse. She turned to him with a nervous look, hands clasped in front of her. Blue met brown as they stood a moment, just watching the other. Rally knew in that instant, looking in those eyes, that he was not going to do a thing to her; she had to initiate anything that happened this time. It was up to her and she appreciated his courtesy for her feelings. She stepped closer, scant inches away, continuing to meet his gaze and tentatively reached a hand up towards his neck, but stopped just short, afraid to continue, unsure if this was right.
He saw her hand shaking ever so slightly as it reached for him and stopped. He reached his left hand up over right, guiding her towards him and held her hand. He leaned down, meeting her halfway for the kiss. Sweet, innocent and surprising to both. He pulled back the same time she did, both surprised, but still pleased.
Rally gulped slightly. She hated it when May was right. She wanted him. Bad. "Thanks so much Bean, I've had a lot of fun. Tonight was fantastic." She whispered.
"Maybe we can do it again?" he asked, smoky voice floating on the breeze, raised eyebrows in question.
"That would be fantastic Bean. I'd love to." She replied with a dazzling smile.
He had yet to see a smile like that from her and grabbed her right hand, kissing the back with a smile. He grinned and walked back down the stairs, waving as he left. Rally looked down at where he left. She walked into the house, mulling over the last few days events. She heard May and Ken in May's room and walked to her own. She changed quietly into her tank top and shorts for the night and then looked to make sure her gun was still under her pillow and then flipped the light off, ready for a good nights sleep, and smile gracing her features.
Author's Notes- Hello all. Just a couple of notes to let you know what I'm thinking and explain some points in the story. First of all, character personalities- I did change them some. I tried to keep the reactions somewhat realistic, even if it was slightly out of character, you know? But, I think it worked; how do YOU think they would react in this situation? Next- You know I mentioned a story arc online that I admired greatly? Well, the authors decided Bean should stop driving people/things period. That was one thing I did NOT agree with; how many of you think he would give up driving? Me neither. So, in my story arc, he's gonna keep driving and he is gonna cross paths with Rally. It'll happen; you know it will. Builds dramatic tension and such. ^^ I think that's about it. Time to put this particular story to bed/ finished/ whatever. And look for the next installment of this series; Volume 2. Constructive feedback is encouraged. ^^