A Gunsmith Cats 'Fic
Volume 7
By; Talis13
Standard Disclaimer- All main characters belong to Kenichi Sonoda; he's a genius by the way. ^^
Author's Notes- May celebrates her twentieth birthday! She decides she has to have a big party. ^^ Playing nice is good but not required.
Rally sat quietly working on a special order gun in her hand. She had been having a bit of trouble with it, but was finally nearing completion on it. Bending over it, she tentatively placed the microscopic screwdriver in the casing. The outside door banged open and Rally accidentally jammed the screwdriver into the gun casing hearing a small 'snap'. "ARGHHHH! LOOK AT WHAT YOU MADE ME DO!!!!"
May stopped her entrance into the gun shop, her eyes fairly large. "Um, sorry. I didn't mean to slam the door open like that. It just sorta…uh, happened."
Rally put her fingers to her temples rubbing counterclockwise. She took a deep breath and then sat quietly for a moment. May failed to move from her spot. "Okay May. Apology accepted on one condition."
May arched an eyebrow. "Sure Ral'. Whatever you want."
"Good. I want you to reorganize all of the back stock." She smiled. May hated back stocking, but she would probably hate it even more. There were a lot of new shipments that had not been put away.
"Aww, Rally, come on!"
"That's it. Take it or leave it sister." Rally growled as she glared at the gun in front of her.
"Fine, fine. Nice birthday present by the way." May mumbled as she took off her jacket and put on her apron.
"Your birthday isn't until next week brat! So don't try that crap with me." Rally yelled back into the back room.
May poked her head back out the door with a grin. "Ooh; so you got me a present already?"
"Not yet. I'm not sure what to get you. You're going to be a big twenty years old." Rally stated as she stood up to help a customer. Rally helped him to decipher what ammo to use and then rang up his total and answered questions about his Heckler & Koch P7. Afterwards she glanced in the back room at May who was frowning at all the boxes around her. May looked up with a grin. "Actually a party would be good."
Rally heard a hint of something in May's voice. She arched an eyebrow. "Define 'party' May. The last time you wanted a 'party' we had every neighbor passed out in our lawn on Halloween."
"Oh yes." May replied before looking up with a grin. "And you and Bean went at it in your room how long? The next morning Bean looked like he got his brains screwed out. Please, refresh my memory, by all means."
Rally blushed and then stomped back to her desk. "That's not the point May Hopkins!"
May just laughed hysterically. "Oh well. But that's what I want. Actually, I've already started planning it. I'll be finished with everything by the weekend."
Rally arched an eyebrow again; that's what it was; conniving. She glanced at her work before pushing it away again. "Lovely. I still don't know what to get you though."
"Go to the mall. You'll see something there I'm sure. You know what sizes I wear so that won't be a problem." May replied.
"I guess. Maybe I can get Bean to come. He hasn't decided on anything yet either."
"Good idea. Spend quality time with your boy toy." May replied with a snicker as she set a box on the shelf.
Rally rolled her eyes. "That was certainly cute May. I'll just have to figure something out I guess."
May grinned. "I'm already plotting the perfect party. So be prepared."
"I wouldn't have it any other way May. Its too dangerous otherwise." Rally replied with a roll of her eyes.
After the shop was closed for the evening, Rally managed to get Bean to give her a hand after he was finished with a job. He rolled up to her house and got out of the car, booted heels clicking on the sidewalk. He ran his hand over her hair and straightened his Kevlar vest before entering the house. "Hey Rally? You in here?"
"She's in the bathroom Bean. Have a seat, she'll be out in a minute." May yelled from the kitchen.
Bean shrugged and took a seat on the sofa and leaned back after picking up an auto magazine with a Chevy SS on the cover. A few moments later, slender arms slipped around his neck and a giggle emerged from her. He looked back at Rally who smiled brightly at him through blue eyes. "Hi Bean!"
"Rally." He smiled at her good mood. "So, what am I helping you with exactly?"
"Unfortunately you guys have to leave the house!" May whooped from the kitchen with a laugh.
Rally rolled her eyes and blushed lightly. Bean stood up and came around to where Rally stood glaring at the kitchen door. He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her closer to him. She giggled and he bent down to kiss her, which Rally returned exuberantly. They stood a moment before he let go, Rally smiling up at him again. "We are going out to find May a birthday gift."
Bean did NOT like the sound of that; it had the barest hints of mall shopping with a woman. He arched an eyebrow and Rally smiled. "We're going to the mall!" he rolled his eyes as Rally drug him out the door.
After getting to the mall, Rally pulled anxiously on his arm and looked back with a smile. "Come on Bean! I hate shopping, but I really want to find something for May!"
"You don't like shopping? Then why are you so excited?"
She looked back with a sly smile. "I've got you with me."
He really didn't have anything to say to that so he just followed her with a smile. "So, where are you starting?"
Rally slowed thoughtfully. "I'm not real sure. Her favorite store is Victoria's Secret though. I guess we could start there." Bean was about to say something when Rally looked up with a grin cutting him off. "Oh that's right! Guys almost never go in there! By the way, is that some sort of 'Guy Creed' about that store? Women do it for the guys you know."
"Actually, I was gonna say, that'd be a good place to start. You gonna try anything on?" Bean asked a he saw Rally blush lightly before turning back forward. "Well?"
"Didn't plan on it…" she trailed off, still grasping his arm.
"That's too bad. I guess I won't go in then." He shrugged and she stopped, looking up at him. "Hey! You said you'd help me! That's not helping if you're not there!"
He leaned down at her eyelevel with a smirk. "What's my motivation?"
Before Rally could respond she heard somebody call out and looked up. Roy approached from one of the stores. Rally smiled. "Hi Roy!"
"Afternoon Rally. Bean." He nodded to them both after giving Bean the eye again. Bean smirked and grabbed Rally's hand. She didn't note why he did that.
"So Roy! Out shopping?"
"Yeah. My wife dragged me here." He rolled his eyes and then looked in Bean's eyes with a smirk. "I'm here to carry things, but at least I'm not the only guy suckered into it today."
Bean grinned, thinking. "Nah, not suckered into it. We're shopping for May's birthday gifts. See, Rally wanted to start at Victoria's Secret and I tried to get her to get me to go, but it wasn't working unfortunately."
Roy raised an eyebrow and looked from Bean to Rally and back again. "That right? Now, is this for May or for Rally?"
Rally blushed brightly as she smacked Bean's shoulder. "Me? I mean May! Not ME!" she squeaked.
Bean was chuckling, as was Roy. "I'll take your word on that Rally, even though that wasn't very convincing. Well, I need to go find my wife. See you two later." Roy waved and walked back into the store he stepped from momentarily.
Rally whirled on Bean who was giving her that canine grin, brown eyes lightening with his mood. Rally had her hands on her hips staring at him. She smiled. "At least I know why your eyes are brown now."
"Why's that?" he asked catching back up with her as she walked.
"Because you're so full of shit Bean Bandit!!" Rally laughed as she looked back at Bean who was grinning. "I can't believe you told ROY of all people that!!"
Grin continuing, Bean shrugged his shoulders, putting an arm around her own. "Well hey babe, it was true. And you know, May told me you compared my eyes to chocolate."
Rally was about to respond when she stopped thinking back on her conversations about Bean with May. She recalled a couple when she talked about his eyes. One was kind of incriminating though. "Ah. What might she have said exactly?"
He grinned again, recalling May's exact words. "And I quote: 'May his eyes are the prettiest shade of brown. Kind of like milk chocolate. And-'"
"Okay!" Rally yelped, suddenly remembering where exactly that particular conversation went to. "Point made and taken, thanks!"
"You don't want me to finish?" he asked. "Because I can Miss Vincent. And you've got quite a talent with description might I add."
Rally sighed, hands over her face. "Yes I know. I shall never tell her a thing again I swear to you." She mumbled.
He hugged her with a smile. "Hey babe, its alright. I'm flattered." She blushed brighter and turned into a store; Victoria's Secret it was.
Rally let go of Bean's hand and headed towards the side of the store with perfume and lotion. She trailed a finger along the clear glass shelf, looking at names as she went. Bean stood back about a step watching her; he was fascinated with the fact that she knew what she was looking for, as there had to be at least thirty different things sitting on the shelf. Fingers stopping on the glass, Rally grabbed a tall thin bottle that was filled with light pink lotion. "She said she really like this kind…" Rally grabbed the bottle glancing at the price tag. "Yow. No wonder. Oh well; it is her birthday."
Rally grabbed the bottle and then wandered into the more colorful portion of the store. Fingers trailing delicately along red lacey panties and bras, Rally stopped at the wall and looked; green. May loved green and this was something new she didn't have. Pulling the green bra down she looked at it; fine lace that made the 'barely there' effect that May was rather fond of. Rally rolled her eyes and grabbed matching panties in May's size. She glanced back at Bean with a smile. "What? Not enjoying your time here?"
He arched an eyebrow as he trailed after her. "Why do you ask?"
She shrugged and smiled. "You don't look very happy is all. Don't worry; this is the only store I want to go in."
"I see." He began as she stopped and looked at a mannequin with the same style bra that she was getting May; except the mannequin's was in royal blue. Bean grinned at her as she looked. "That would look good on you Rally. Matches your beautiful blue velvet eyes. "
She turned with a light blush. "Uh…thanks. But I'm shopping for May!" she looked thoughtfully at the blue again. "Although it is pretty."
"Tell you what." Rally turned to face him. "You get hers and I'll get that for you. How's that?"
She arched an eyebrow. "And your angle?"
"I'll get to see it won't I?"
She blushed and held a hand behind her neck. "Um, yeah, but-"
"Then that's good enough for me." He cut her off with a grin.
A salesclerk approached the two that had been looking for a bit. "Hello. Is there anything I can help you with today?"
Bean turned and pointed at Rally. "I'm with her."
"Miss?"
Rally turned, eyes catching the overhead lights nicely. "Hm? Oh! I'm finding everything, thanks." She smiled.
The clerk nodded with a smile. "I'm surprised you got him in here." Said while she pointed up at Bean.
Rally giggled. "Yeah, but it was kind of his idea, so, you know."
The clerk smiled at both as they grinned at each other. "Well, if you need any help, feel free to ask."
Rally nodded and got the royal blue bra and panties in her size with a smile. She paid for her purchases after Bean handed her money for what he bought her. They walked out the door, Rally swinging the pink and white striped bag in her left hand. "So, what are you getting May?"
He shrugged. "I'm not sure. Any recommendations?"
Rally looked thoughtfully down the mall. "Well, there were a couple of CD's she mentioned she wanted. You could get her those."
Bean nodded. "All right. Let's find them then." He grabbed her hand and pulled her into the music shop with gusto. All of the music was organized by type and then by artist. He looked down the bins and then back at her. "So, what did she want?"
Rally tapped a finger to her chin thoughtfully. "Let's see…I think she wanted Black and Blue by the Backstreet Boys," Bean rolled his eyes and she smiled. "Also Madonna's Music and the Goo Goo Dolls Dizzy Up the Girl."
Bean was muttering as he looked at her. "Bubblegum pop queen or what?"
"Almost." Rally smiled brightly as she yanked him down towards the rock/ pop bins. She scoured the first racking, pulling out Black and Blue and then headed down to 'M'. She pulled out Music and then went down to 'G' getting Dizzy Up the Girl, pulling it out and adding it to the stack in his hands. Bean periodically rolled his eyes as she pulled music out. They started to the register before Rally stopped at a display on the wall, looking. A poster of the band Crazy Town was hanging on the wall as well as their CD The Gift of Game. Rally shrugged and pulled one down. "I'm getting this one. Both May and I love that song 'Butterfly', so this will be for both of us."
Bean just smiled and they paid for their purchases. Back out in the mall Rally grabbed Bean's hand with a smile and trotted towards a pharmacy. "I want to get some cute wrapping paper."
He nodded as they walked in and down to the gift wrap section. Rally stood mulling over wrapping paper. She pulled out decorative 'Happy Birthday!' paper, but it was missing something. She then pulled out paper with cute animals on it, but shoved that back in the rack. Digging for a minute, she found what she was looking for; sparkling wrap with 'Happy Birthday!' scrawled neatly across it as well as what looked like different colors of fireworks. She smiled and pulled that out, then walked over to get a card. It didn't take long to find one; it was a matching card in a way. It was bright and sparkly, much like May herself. She grabbed an envelope and turned when Bean wandered back up. She smiled at him. "Ready to go?"
"Sure." Rumbled from him.
They walked up to the cashier and paid for their purchases. Wandering leisurely back into the mall, Rally swinging her bags and looking periodically at Bean who was walking with his usual easy, long-striding lope. She was mentally comparing the clothes he wore on a usual basis. She loved the jeans and t-shirt look he had. It was so…him. Today was a little variation on that. He was wearing a similar outfit to when they were at the docks fighting Grey. He had his customary blue jeans and boots with a dark green t-shirt. But instead of the heavy flak jacket he wore, he had on a heavy vest similar in make to the jacket. It did its job well stopping bullets. And his black hair was slicked back out of his eyes, showing how pretty the brown color was. She blushed lightly and swung the bag with a little more nervous energy. He looked down at her. "You all right?"
She smiled brightly. "Yeah, of course!"
They walked out of the mall and towards his car. He unlocked the doors, opening Rally's for her. She hopped in silently and buckled her seatbelt thinking; about life in general. Bean started the car and put his Oakley's on, glancing around before pulling out of the parking spot. Rally pointed at him. "Question."
"Yeah?"
"Why are you wearing sunglasses now? Its almost eight o'clock! Don't you have trouble seeing?"
He grinned. "Sunset."
"Huh?"
He pointed and Rally turned and put a hand over her eyes. "Ow." She fumbled in her jacket until she pulled out her sunglasses. She turned back to him, still seeing stars and grinning. "Smartass."
He laughed, turning that canine grin towards her once more. "Told ya."
"Hush." She laughed; it tinkling like a silver bell. "I'm still seeing stars."
"From the sunset or from me?" he asked, smirking at her.
"Ooh, that was funny." She began before turning with a smile. "Although you're definitely part of it." He bowed his head in her direction and hit the gas.
After returning to her house, Rally came in through the door, Bean behind her into the living room. Sniffing the air, it smelt like somebody that knew how to cook was in the house. "Who's in the kitchen?! It smells fantastic!! I love you whoever you are!"
"HEY! I'm the one that loves him!" May chirped from the kitchen.
Rally put her purchases in the closet and then walked into the kitchen. "Mmm. Smells yummy. Whatcha making?"
Ken looked up from the stove with a smile. "Well, as May explained it to me, neither of you know how to cook, so I'm being nice."
Bean laughed as he strolled into the kitchen. Rally smacked his stomach. "So?!"
Ken smiled. "Well, I'm making baked pork chops, mashed potatoes, dressing and there's cold pasta salad in the fridge until it's all done."
"Yum." Rally trotted to the fridge, flinging the door open. She reached in and grabbed a big Tupperware bowl. "I didn't even know we had Tupperware." She mumbled, hugging the bowl.
May laughed. "Me neither until Ken made me look for a bowl!"
Rally took the bowls from May and opened the salad. Inside, pasta curls in white sauce was decorated with bits of block cheese, small green onions, tomato pieces and pepperoni. She stirred it and then proceeded to hand dishes to everybody. May, Bean and Rally sat at the table. Rally looked up. "Ken? You coming?"
"Yeah. I just want to finish this real quick."
Rally shrugged and they began to eat with occasional companionable conversation. After Bean had eaten about half his pasta, he looked up at May. "So May, how old are you gonna be next week anyway?"
"I'm going to be twenty!" She chimed with a bright smile.
He smiled at her as she looked at Ken with a lovely smile as he sat next to her at his dish. "And what are you expecting to do for your birthday then?"
"Aw, Bean, you know me! Party Queen baby!" she cheered, fork in the air.
Bean arched an eyebrow. "And what do you mean by 'party'?"
"I wouldn't ask that if I were you." Rally added before taking a bite of pasta.
Bean arched an eyebrow but May spoke before he could respond. "What Bean, you don't like my parties? You do remember the Halloween party, right?"
He arched an eyebrow, slowly a canine grin spread across his handsome features. "Okay. Yeah. You've got a point. You threw a great party."
"Except I don't think we're talking about exactly the same parties." May grumbled while Ken chuckled and Rally dug through her salad with a grin.
"Well, its all the same anyway right?" Bean asked, pointing his fork at her with a smile.
May arched an eyebrow and eyed him for a moment. "Suuuuurrrre Bean. Whatever."
Ken got the pork chops out of the oven and everybody crowded to get a plate. Dinner went quickly and turned into 'television time' after about forty minutes. Bean looked at his watch as he sat across the table from Rally as she sipped iced tea. He looked up. "Well, I need to be heading out."
"Job tonight?" she asked after setting her cup to the side.
He nodded and stood. "Yeah." He yawned.
Rally stood and walked with him to the door and outside. She glanced at him. "You alright?"
"Just a little tired is all." He rolled his shoulders, stretching.
"Well, just be careful Bean. Call if you need anything."
He smiled at her, pulling her closer to him. "I'll keep that in mind Miss Vincent."
She reached a hand behind his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. He broke away slowly, watching her blue eyes. May burst out the door. "Hey Bean! I'll call you when I set a time for my party!"
He nodded. "Sounds good May." She waved and went back into the house. "Well, I'll take off. See you later."
"See you later Bean." Rally replied as he got into his car. She waved as he left and then turned, heading back into the house.
May happily took phone calls all day the day before her party; people needed to know what to get her. Rally watched with morbid curiosity as May gushed to people that were bringing her gifts. May hung up after her most recent call. Rally snapped out of her watching. "So how many people did you invite to this thing May?"
May looked up thinking. "Well…I just invited all of my friends, old girlfriends in the street business in town and told them to invite all their friends too."
Rally nodded. "I see. So, a roundabout number would be-"
"I don't know. Around a hundred people maybe? It depends on how many people are invited by the people I invited."
Rally looked confused. "Um. Okay. I guess. Where are you holding this bash?"
"Ken rented me a hall downtown!" May replied happily as the phone rang once more. She picked it up with gusto. "May speaking!" Rally tuned her out and left the room shaking her head. She walked into the living room and sat down to watch Cartoon Network.
Around seven o'clock the next evening, Rally sat in her Cobra, brightly wrapped present next to her on the passenger seat. She drove smoothly down the streets downtown and pulled slowly near the hall that Ken had rented. People were there in droves; Rally grinned. Birthday party indeed; May would turn it into an orgy if she could. Parking the car, she scanned the nearest parking, looking for what Bean may be driving, but didn't see anything. Of course he might have just parked elsewhere's too. Shrugging, Rally hopped out of the car, package in hand and started across the street to where streamers were draped across the doorway and music blared into the street. Others were entering the building, many with packages in hand.
Inside the building, Rally looked around. Streamers were strung everywhere and helium balloons adorned the ceiling. There was a decorated staircase to a second floor. Gripping the gift in her hand, Rally edged into the mixed crowd. A lot of people crowded in the hall; she tapped one girl in a bright dress on the shoulder. The girl turned. "Yeah?"
"Hi. Do you know where May is?"
"Um…I think she and her steady are upstairs honey."
"Thanks." Rally turned and waded through the people and to the stairs. It took a few moments, but she finally made it to the second floor landing. Upstairs was where most of the drinking and debauchery was happening. Rally rolled her eyes. She stopped at the end of the hallway and looked in a far room. May was perched happily at a table, presents stacked around her. She was in process of unwrapping as people gave them to her. She had a very vast new assortment of underwear and sex toys by that point. Rally shook her head and wandered up to the table. She pushed the present in front of May's nose. She turned, smile on her lips. "Rally! You made it!"
"Of course I made it. I wouldn't miss your birthday you know." She replied with a warm smile. "Go ahead and open that; I want to make sure you don't have it already."
May giggled and ripped into the paper. She opened the box. "Yay! No! I don't have this yet! Is it new?" she pulled the bra out.
"Yeah, some new set at Victoria's Secret." Rally replied with a wave of her hand.
May nodded and then happily pulled out the bottle of lotion. "This is my favorite Rally! Thanks so much!!"
She then opened the card, pulling the bright paper out. Confetti fell out of it and brought a giggle from May. She read the card. 'To my best friend. Hope you have the nicest birthday possible. Love, Rally'. "Aw, That was so sweet Rally! Thank you so much!" she pulled Rally into a hug, who returned it with a smile.
"No problem May. You're worth it even though you are a lot of trouble." Rally stated with a laugh. Suddenly, there was a scampering of feet to the flooring. May, Ken and Rally all jogged out to see what the ruckus was. May tapped somebody on the shoulder. "Hey Karen? What's going on?"
"Oh hey May! Um, couple of guys starting to get into it down there." Karen shrugged pointing. "Don't know what exactly's up though."
May pushed through the crowd, finally reaching the top of the stairwell. She looked down at the crowd circled around the two guys. May rolled her eyes and tromped down the stairs with a frown, both Ken and Rally trailing after her. She came to the circle edge that opened up for her. She stood, hands on her hips, glaring at the two. "Are you two dummies trying to ruin my birthday for God's sake?! What's going on Trent?"
"He's being a bastard, that's what! Just force your way through anything huh?" Trent stated with a glare thrown.
May frowned again. "Enough Trent. Your turn Bean."
Bean rolled his eyes. "Hell, I'll back up what he just said."
May's frown continued. "Both of you quit and take it up outside, not in here! Got it?"
"Yes ma'am." Trent replied as he stalked off.
"Sorry May." Bean replied with a shrug.
"Rally! Do something with your boyfriend! He's being bad!" May ordered at Rally who was trying to hide a grin.
"Geez May, he's always being bad. I can't seem to do anything about that issue myself." Rally replied as she latched onto Bean's arm. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head.
May smiled slightly again at her two friends. "Well, just don't let it happen again Bean."
He nodded in agreement and pulled out the CD's he wrapped and handed them to her. She took them with a happy smile. "Thanks Bean!" She demolished the paper and squealed happily at her three new CD's. "These are GREAT! Thank you so much Bean!" she jumped and he caught her in a hug. She kissed him on the cheek.
"You're welcome May. And happy birthday." He replied as he set her back on the ground. "Quite the party you got going here."
She smiled and winked. "Only the best thrown by me pal. Well, I'm going back upstairs to open more gifts. See you guys later."
Rally finally took notice of what Bean was wearing. He had his normal laced black boots, but he also wore black jeans for a change. She arched an eyebrow as she studied his figure. She went from the jeans to the white t shirt that complimented his physique rather nicely. Rally let out a whistle. "Woo. Just noticed what you were wearing there."
He turned with a smile, arms out to the side. "Ya like it? Had to dig in my closet to find the jeans."
"Like? Hell, love is more like it." Rally stated as she grinned at him.
"Love works." He replied as he put an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer. "Love works well."
She giggled as her fingers hooked onto one of his belt loops on the jeans. "Glad it works Bean!"
She turned when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Roy Coleman stood behind her. "Hey Roy!"
He smiled in return. "Hey. You have any idea how many of these people would be in jail if they were caught here?" he pointedly looked at Bean.
Bean turned his aggravating canine smile towards Roy. "I think 'caught' is the operative word her Detective."
Roy arched an eyebrow at the blatant taunting. "Rally do you- never mind. Anyways, you know where May is?"
Rally pointed at the stairwell. "She went back upstairs. She has a huge mountain of gifts she's working through. Miss 'Party Queen' is having a ball."
Roy smiled. "Great. Thanks kid. See you later."
Rally smiled as he walked off. Bean turned towards her. "Kid?"
"It's a pet name I guess." She shrugged and then turned. "You used to call me kid ya know!"
He grinned. "Guilty I guess. I stopped though."
She arched an eyebrow. "Probably not by choice I'd wager."
He shrugged and looked around the room. "Damn. Ken actually went all out didn't he?"
"Yeah he did." Rally mused, hand at her chin. "Its so nice to see them both so happy."
"Yeah."
"I can see them getting married. Soon." Rally stated.
Bean arched an eyebrow. "That right? Why?"
"They've been together for…well, a long time really. And they're so happy together is all." Rally ended with a thoughtful sigh.
Bean tightened his grip around her waist. "You want to go out?"
"Sure, why not?" she replied as they headed back through the door against the waning stream of traffic.
After getting to the door, both stopped, looking outside. The red and green streamers draped around the door looked like they were melting into the building and down to the ground. Rally held a hand outside the doorway. "I don't suppose you brought an umbrella with you, did you?"
"Um, no, 'fraid not."
Rally sighed and then looked up with a smile. "Oh well. It's just a good thing its still a little warm. A little rain never hurt anybody. Come on!"
She pulled Bean out into the downpour of rain. It was just the slightest bit chilly as she laughed and held her face up to the rain, it streaming down her dark skin and slicking her hair back from her face and her clothes starting to stick to her. She came back down from a cloudy high and turned to Bean. "Where are you parked at?"
He nodded down the street. "Couple of blocks that way. You?"
"Across the road there in the lot. Come with me and I'll give you a ride to your car."
He couldn't argue the logic in that and she pulled him by the hand across the fairly silent road and into the lot. Pulling her keys out, Rally unlocked their doors and both got in. Rally pulled a couple of towels from her back seat. "Here. Sit on this so you don't get the seats wet."
She tucked one under herself as he did so as well and looked up with a grin. "You certainly come prepared."
She shrugged. "Hey, never hurts you know."
The engine turned over with a growl and Rally carefully maneuvered out of the lot after turning on the headlights and went into the street. She started in the direction he mentioned. "So what did you drive?"
"Boss 302." He replied. "Should be coming up here."
She noticed it and pulled up behind it. "And here you go."
He stopped a moment and then turned back towards her, his hand on the door. "You want to come over?"
Rally smiled warmly. "Sounds lovely. Sure."
He grinned. "Great. I'll meet you there then." He got out of the car and strolled over to the Mustang. It came to life and he pulled out, Rally trailing him by a couple of car lengths. Rain beating on the window, she glanced out the side window periodically. It was therapeutic to watch the rain she decided.
Coming up behind him at his garage, she saw the door slide up. She pulled the Cobra in behind the Boss and pulled in at the end of the garage. Bean had come up to her, getting the door for her. She looked up surprised. "Thanks." She mumbled as he grabbed her hand, helping her out.
He closed the door and pushed her gently against the wet car, trapping her. She giggled. "Ack! Wet! Wet car!"
He grinned. "That's very observant. But you're soaked anyways Vincent."
Her blue eyes lowering demurely, he bent down kissing her, which Rally happily returned with a passion. They were against the car for several minutes before Bean pulled back, looking at her. Blue looked peacefully back at him, soft smile on her face. Her black hair was in disarray, sweater and jeans soaking wet. But he still thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Rally looked up at the high ceiling of the garage, hearing the rain beat down on the metal roof. It was rhythmic and soothing; like a heartbeat. Her fingers rested gently against his chest, heat radiating from him, despite the rain and she smiled, listening to the rain. He ran a hand down her hair. "You want to go inside?"
"I wouldn't want anything else." She whispered with a smile directed at him. He smiled, dropping a kiss on her temple and they walked into the stairwell to his apartment.
Author's Notes- Hi. So, that was Volume 7; not a lot of action (like normal *^^*), but lotsa mush; which I like personally.^^ Well, Volume 8's coming up; and it's December! I love holiday writing whether it's the actual month or not, so nyah. G Just kidding. It IS a Christmas story though. Mush and action mixed gingerly; shaken not stirred. Coming up next! Let me know what you thought!!
Volume 7
By; Talis13
Standard Disclaimer- All main characters belong to Kenichi Sonoda; he's a genius by the way. ^^
Author's Notes- May celebrates her twentieth birthday! She decides she has to have a big party. ^^ Playing nice is good but not required.
Rally sat quietly working on a special order gun in her hand. She had been having a bit of trouble with it, but was finally nearing completion on it. Bending over it, she tentatively placed the microscopic screwdriver in the casing. The outside door banged open and Rally accidentally jammed the screwdriver into the gun casing hearing a small 'snap'. "ARGHHHH! LOOK AT WHAT YOU MADE ME DO!!!!"
May stopped her entrance into the gun shop, her eyes fairly large. "Um, sorry. I didn't mean to slam the door open like that. It just sorta…uh, happened."
Rally put her fingers to her temples rubbing counterclockwise. She took a deep breath and then sat quietly for a moment. May failed to move from her spot. "Okay May. Apology accepted on one condition."
May arched an eyebrow. "Sure Ral'. Whatever you want."
"Good. I want you to reorganize all of the back stock." She smiled. May hated back stocking, but she would probably hate it even more. There were a lot of new shipments that had not been put away.
"Aww, Rally, come on!"
"That's it. Take it or leave it sister." Rally growled as she glared at the gun in front of her.
"Fine, fine. Nice birthday present by the way." May mumbled as she took off her jacket and put on her apron.
"Your birthday isn't until next week brat! So don't try that crap with me." Rally yelled back into the back room.
May poked her head back out the door with a grin. "Ooh; so you got me a present already?"
"Not yet. I'm not sure what to get you. You're going to be a big twenty years old." Rally stated as she stood up to help a customer. Rally helped him to decipher what ammo to use and then rang up his total and answered questions about his Heckler & Koch P7. Afterwards she glanced in the back room at May who was frowning at all the boxes around her. May looked up with a grin. "Actually a party would be good."
Rally heard a hint of something in May's voice. She arched an eyebrow. "Define 'party' May. The last time you wanted a 'party' we had every neighbor passed out in our lawn on Halloween."
"Oh yes." May replied before looking up with a grin. "And you and Bean went at it in your room how long? The next morning Bean looked like he got his brains screwed out. Please, refresh my memory, by all means."
Rally blushed and then stomped back to her desk. "That's not the point May Hopkins!"
May just laughed hysterically. "Oh well. But that's what I want. Actually, I've already started planning it. I'll be finished with everything by the weekend."
Rally arched an eyebrow again; that's what it was; conniving. She glanced at her work before pushing it away again. "Lovely. I still don't know what to get you though."
"Go to the mall. You'll see something there I'm sure. You know what sizes I wear so that won't be a problem." May replied.
"I guess. Maybe I can get Bean to come. He hasn't decided on anything yet either."
"Good idea. Spend quality time with your boy toy." May replied with a snicker as she set a box on the shelf.
Rally rolled her eyes. "That was certainly cute May. I'll just have to figure something out I guess."
May grinned. "I'm already plotting the perfect party. So be prepared."
"I wouldn't have it any other way May. Its too dangerous otherwise." Rally replied with a roll of her eyes.
After the shop was closed for the evening, Rally managed to get Bean to give her a hand after he was finished with a job. He rolled up to her house and got out of the car, booted heels clicking on the sidewalk. He ran his hand over her hair and straightened his Kevlar vest before entering the house. "Hey Rally? You in here?"
"She's in the bathroom Bean. Have a seat, she'll be out in a minute." May yelled from the kitchen.
Bean shrugged and took a seat on the sofa and leaned back after picking up an auto magazine with a Chevy SS on the cover. A few moments later, slender arms slipped around his neck and a giggle emerged from her. He looked back at Rally who smiled brightly at him through blue eyes. "Hi Bean!"
"Rally." He smiled at her good mood. "So, what am I helping you with exactly?"
"Unfortunately you guys have to leave the house!" May whooped from the kitchen with a laugh.
Rally rolled her eyes and blushed lightly. Bean stood up and came around to where Rally stood glaring at the kitchen door. He wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her closer to him. She giggled and he bent down to kiss her, which Rally returned exuberantly. They stood a moment before he let go, Rally smiling up at him again. "We are going out to find May a birthday gift."
Bean did NOT like the sound of that; it had the barest hints of mall shopping with a woman. He arched an eyebrow and Rally smiled. "We're going to the mall!" he rolled his eyes as Rally drug him out the door.
After getting to the mall, Rally pulled anxiously on his arm and looked back with a smile. "Come on Bean! I hate shopping, but I really want to find something for May!"
"You don't like shopping? Then why are you so excited?"
She looked back with a sly smile. "I've got you with me."
He really didn't have anything to say to that so he just followed her with a smile. "So, where are you starting?"
Rally slowed thoughtfully. "I'm not real sure. Her favorite store is Victoria's Secret though. I guess we could start there." Bean was about to say something when Rally looked up with a grin cutting him off. "Oh that's right! Guys almost never go in there! By the way, is that some sort of 'Guy Creed' about that store? Women do it for the guys you know."
"Actually, I was gonna say, that'd be a good place to start. You gonna try anything on?" Bean asked a he saw Rally blush lightly before turning back forward. "Well?"
"Didn't plan on it…" she trailed off, still grasping his arm.
"That's too bad. I guess I won't go in then." He shrugged and she stopped, looking up at him. "Hey! You said you'd help me! That's not helping if you're not there!"
He leaned down at her eyelevel with a smirk. "What's my motivation?"
Before Rally could respond she heard somebody call out and looked up. Roy approached from one of the stores. Rally smiled. "Hi Roy!"
"Afternoon Rally. Bean." He nodded to them both after giving Bean the eye again. Bean smirked and grabbed Rally's hand. She didn't note why he did that.
"So Roy! Out shopping?"
"Yeah. My wife dragged me here." He rolled his eyes and then looked in Bean's eyes with a smirk. "I'm here to carry things, but at least I'm not the only guy suckered into it today."
Bean grinned, thinking. "Nah, not suckered into it. We're shopping for May's birthday gifts. See, Rally wanted to start at Victoria's Secret and I tried to get her to get me to go, but it wasn't working unfortunately."
Roy raised an eyebrow and looked from Bean to Rally and back again. "That right? Now, is this for May or for Rally?"
Rally blushed brightly as she smacked Bean's shoulder. "Me? I mean May! Not ME!" she squeaked.
Bean was chuckling, as was Roy. "I'll take your word on that Rally, even though that wasn't very convincing. Well, I need to go find my wife. See you two later." Roy waved and walked back into the store he stepped from momentarily.
Rally whirled on Bean who was giving her that canine grin, brown eyes lightening with his mood. Rally had her hands on her hips staring at him. She smiled. "At least I know why your eyes are brown now."
"Why's that?" he asked catching back up with her as she walked.
"Because you're so full of shit Bean Bandit!!" Rally laughed as she looked back at Bean who was grinning. "I can't believe you told ROY of all people that!!"
Grin continuing, Bean shrugged his shoulders, putting an arm around her own. "Well hey babe, it was true. And you know, May told me you compared my eyes to chocolate."
Rally was about to respond when she stopped thinking back on her conversations about Bean with May. She recalled a couple when she talked about his eyes. One was kind of incriminating though. "Ah. What might she have said exactly?"
He grinned again, recalling May's exact words. "And I quote: 'May his eyes are the prettiest shade of brown. Kind of like milk chocolate. And-'"
"Okay!" Rally yelped, suddenly remembering where exactly that particular conversation went to. "Point made and taken, thanks!"
"You don't want me to finish?" he asked. "Because I can Miss Vincent. And you've got quite a talent with description might I add."
Rally sighed, hands over her face. "Yes I know. I shall never tell her a thing again I swear to you." She mumbled.
He hugged her with a smile. "Hey babe, its alright. I'm flattered." She blushed brighter and turned into a store; Victoria's Secret it was.
Rally let go of Bean's hand and headed towards the side of the store with perfume and lotion. She trailed a finger along the clear glass shelf, looking at names as she went. Bean stood back about a step watching her; he was fascinated with the fact that she knew what she was looking for, as there had to be at least thirty different things sitting on the shelf. Fingers stopping on the glass, Rally grabbed a tall thin bottle that was filled with light pink lotion. "She said she really like this kind…" Rally grabbed the bottle glancing at the price tag. "Yow. No wonder. Oh well; it is her birthday."
Rally grabbed the bottle and then wandered into the more colorful portion of the store. Fingers trailing delicately along red lacey panties and bras, Rally stopped at the wall and looked; green. May loved green and this was something new she didn't have. Pulling the green bra down she looked at it; fine lace that made the 'barely there' effect that May was rather fond of. Rally rolled her eyes and grabbed matching panties in May's size. She glanced back at Bean with a smile. "What? Not enjoying your time here?"
He arched an eyebrow as he trailed after her. "Why do you ask?"
She shrugged and smiled. "You don't look very happy is all. Don't worry; this is the only store I want to go in."
"I see." He began as she stopped and looked at a mannequin with the same style bra that she was getting May; except the mannequin's was in royal blue. Bean grinned at her as she looked. "That would look good on you Rally. Matches your beautiful blue velvet eyes. "
She turned with a light blush. "Uh…thanks. But I'm shopping for May!" she looked thoughtfully at the blue again. "Although it is pretty."
"Tell you what." Rally turned to face him. "You get hers and I'll get that for you. How's that?"
She arched an eyebrow. "And your angle?"
"I'll get to see it won't I?"
She blushed and held a hand behind her neck. "Um, yeah, but-"
"Then that's good enough for me." He cut her off with a grin.
A salesclerk approached the two that had been looking for a bit. "Hello. Is there anything I can help you with today?"
Bean turned and pointed at Rally. "I'm with her."
"Miss?"
Rally turned, eyes catching the overhead lights nicely. "Hm? Oh! I'm finding everything, thanks." She smiled.
The clerk nodded with a smile. "I'm surprised you got him in here." Said while she pointed up at Bean.
Rally giggled. "Yeah, but it was kind of his idea, so, you know."
The clerk smiled at both as they grinned at each other. "Well, if you need any help, feel free to ask."
Rally nodded and got the royal blue bra and panties in her size with a smile. She paid for her purchases after Bean handed her money for what he bought her. They walked out the door, Rally swinging the pink and white striped bag in her left hand. "So, what are you getting May?"
He shrugged. "I'm not sure. Any recommendations?"
Rally looked thoughtfully down the mall. "Well, there were a couple of CD's she mentioned she wanted. You could get her those."
Bean nodded. "All right. Let's find them then." He grabbed her hand and pulled her into the music shop with gusto. All of the music was organized by type and then by artist. He looked down the bins and then back at her. "So, what did she want?"
Rally tapped a finger to her chin thoughtfully. "Let's see…I think she wanted Black and Blue by the Backstreet Boys," Bean rolled his eyes and she smiled. "Also Madonna's Music and the Goo Goo Dolls Dizzy Up the Girl."
Bean was muttering as he looked at her. "Bubblegum pop queen or what?"
"Almost." Rally smiled brightly as she yanked him down towards the rock/ pop bins. She scoured the first racking, pulling out Black and Blue and then headed down to 'M'. She pulled out Music and then went down to 'G' getting Dizzy Up the Girl, pulling it out and adding it to the stack in his hands. Bean periodically rolled his eyes as she pulled music out. They started to the register before Rally stopped at a display on the wall, looking. A poster of the band Crazy Town was hanging on the wall as well as their CD The Gift of Game. Rally shrugged and pulled one down. "I'm getting this one. Both May and I love that song 'Butterfly', so this will be for both of us."
Bean just smiled and they paid for their purchases. Back out in the mall Rally grabbed Bean's hand with a smile and trotted towards a pharmacy. "I want to get some cute wrapping paper."
He nodded as they walked in and down to the gift wrap section. Rally stood mulling over wrapping paper. She pulled out decorative 'Happy Birthday!' paper, but it was missing something. She then pulled out paper with cute animals on it, but shoved that back in the rack. Digging for a minute, she found what she was looking for; sparkling wrap with 'Happy Birthday!' scrawled neatly across it as well as what looked like different colors of fireworks. She smiled and pulled that out, then walked over to get a card. It didn't take long to find one; it was a matching card in a way. It was bright and sparkly, much like May herself. She grabbed an envelope and turned when Bean wandered back up. She smiled at him. "Ready to go?"
"Sure." Rumbled from him.
They walked up to the cashier and paid for their purchases. Wandering leisurely back into the mall, Rally swinging her bags and looking periodically at Bean who was walking with his usual easy, long-striding lope. She was mentally comparing the clothes he wore on a usual basis. She loved the jeans and t-shirt look he had. It was so…him. Today was a little variation on that. He was wearing a similar outfit to when they were at the docks fighting Grey. He had his customary blue jeans and boots with a dark green t-shirt. But instead of the heavy flak jacket he wore, he had on a heavy vest similar in make to the jacket. It did its job well stopping bullets. And his black hair was slicked back out of his eyes, showing how pretty the brown color was. She blushed lightly and swung the bag with a little more nervous energy. He looked down at her. "You all right?"
She smiled brightly. "Yeah, of course!"
They walked out of the mall and towards his car. He unlocked the doors, opening Rally's for her. She hopped in silently and buckled her seatbelt thinking; about life in general. Bean started the car and put his Oakley's on, glancing around before pulling out of the parking spot. Rally pointed at him. "Question."
"Yeah?"
"Why are you wearing sunglasses now? Its almost eight o'clock! Don't you have trouble seeing?"
He grinned. "Sunset."
"Huh?"
He pointed and Rally turned and put a hand over her eyes. "Ow." She fumbled in her jacket until she pulled out her sunglasses. She turned back to him, still seeing stars and grinning. "Smartass."
He laughed, turning that canine grin towards her once more. "Told ya."
"Hush." She laughed; it tinkling like a silver bell. "I'm still seeing stars."
"From the sunset or from me?" he asked, smirking at her.
"Ooh, that was funny." She began before turning with a smile. "Although you're definitely part of it." He bowed his head in her direction and hit the gas.
After returning to her house, Rally came in through the door, Bean behind her into the living room. Sniffing the air, it smelt like somebody that knew how to cook was in the house. "Who's in the kitchen?! It smells fantastic!! I love you whoever you are!"
"HEY! I'm the one that loves him!" May chirped from the kitchen.
Rally put her purchases in the closet and then walked into the kitchen. "Mmm. Smells yummy. Whatcha making?"
Ken looked up from the stove with a smile. "Well, as May explained it to me, neither of you know how to cook, so I'm being nice."
Bean laughed as he strolled into the kitchen. Rally smacked his stomach. "So?!"
Ken smiled. "Well, I'm making baked pork chops, mashed potatoes, dressing and there's cold pasta salad in the fridge until it's all done."
"Yum." Rally trotted to the fridge, flinging the door open. She reached in and grabbed a big Tupperware bowl. "I didn't even know we had Tupperware." She mumbled, hugging the bowl.
May laughed. "Me neither until Ken made me look for a bowl!"
Rally took the bowls from May and opened the salad. Inside, pasta curls in white sauce was decorated with bits of block cheese, small green onions, tomato pieces and pepperoni. She stirred it and then proceeded to hand dishes to everybody. May, Bean and Rally sat at the table. Rally looked up. "Ken? You coming?"
"Yeah. I just want to finish this real quick."
Rally shrugged and they began to eat with occasional companionable conversation. After Bean had eaten about half his pasta, he looked up at May. "So May, how old are you gonna be next week anyway?"
"I'm going to be twenty!" She chimed with a bright smile.
He smiled at her as she looked at Ken with a lovely smile as he sat next to her at his dish. "And what are you expecting to do for your birthday then?"
"Aw, Bean, you know me! Party Queen baby!" she cheered, fork in the air.
Bean arched an eyebrow. "And what do you mean by 'party'?"
"I wouldn't ask that if I were you." Rally added before taking a bite of pasta.
Bean arched an eyebrow but May spoke before he could respond. "What Bean, you don't like my parties? You do remember the Halloween party, right?"
He arched an eyebrow, slowly a canine grin spread across his handsome features. "Okay. Yeah. You've got a point. You threw a great party."
"Except I don't think we're talking about exactly the same parties." May grumbled while Ken chuckled and Rally dug through her salad with a grin.
"Well, its all the same anyway right?" Bean asked, pointing his fork at her with a smile.
May arched an eyebrow and eyed him for a moment. "Suuuuurrrre Bean. Whatever."
Ken got the pork chops out of the oven and everybody crowded to get a plate. Dinner went quickly and turned into 'television time' after about forty minutes. Bean looked at his watch as he sat across the table from Rally as she sipped iced tea. He looked up. "Well, I need to be heading out."
"Job tonight?" she asked after setting her cup to the side.
He nodded and stood. "Yeah." He yawned.
Rally stood and walked with him to the door and outside. She glanced at him. "You alright?"
"Just a little tired is all." He rolled his shoulders, stretching.
"Well, just be careful Bean. Call if you need anything."
He smiled at her, pulling her closer to him. "I'll keep that in mind Miss Vincent."
She reached a hand behind his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. He broke away slowly, watching her blue eyes. May burst out the door. "Hey Bean! I'll call you when I set a time for my party!"
He nodded. "Sounds good May." She waved and went back into the house. "Well, I'll take off. See you later."
"See you later Bean." Rally replied as he got into his car. She waved as he left and then turned, heading back into the house.
May happily took phone calls all day the day before her party; people needed to know what to get her. Rally watched with morbid curiosity as May gushed to people that were bringing her gifts. May hung up after her most recent call. Rally snapped out of her watching. "So how many people did you invite to this thing May?"
May looked up thinking. "Well…I just invited all of my friends, old girlfriends in the street business in town and told them to invite all their friends too."
Rally nodded. "I see. So, a roundabout number would be-"
"I don't know. Around a hundred people maybe? It depends on how many people are invited by the people I invited."
Rally looked confused. "Um. Okay. I guess. Where are you holding this bash?"
"Ken rented me a hall downtown!" May replied happily as the phone rang once more. She picked it up with gusto. "May speaking!" Rally tuned her out and left the room shaking her head. She walked into the living room and sat down to watch Cartoon Network.
Around seven o'clock the next evening, Rally sat in her Cobra, brightly wrapped present next to her on the passenger seat. She drove smoothly down the streets downtown and pulled slowly near the hall that Ken had rented. People were there in droves; Rally grinned. Birthday party indeed; May would turn it into an orgy if she could. Parking the car, she scanned the nearest parking, looking for what Bean may be driving, but didn't see anything. Of course he might have just parked elsewhere's too. Shrugging, Rally hopped out of the car, package in hand and started across the street to where streamers were draped across the doorway and music blared into the street. Others were entering the building, many with packages in hand.
Inside the building, Rally looked around. Streamers were strung everywhere and helium balloons adorned the ceiling. There was a decorated staircase to a second floor. Gripping the gift in her hand, Rally edged into the mixed crowd. A lot of people crowded in the hall; she tapped one girl in a bright dress on the shoulder. The girl turned. "Yeah?"
"Hi. Do you know where May is?"
"Um…I think she and her steady are upstairs honey."
"Thanks." Rally turned and waded through the people and to the stairs. It took a few moments, but she finally made it to the second floor landing. Upstairs was where most of the drinking and debauchery was happening. Rally rolled her eyes. She stopped at the end of the hallway and looked in a far room. May was perched happily at a table, presents stacked around her. She was in process of unwrapping as people gave them to her. She had a very vast new assortment of underwear and sex toys by that point. Rally shook her head and wandered up to the table. She pushed the present in front of May's nose. She turned, smile on her lips. "Rally! You made it!"
"Of course I made it. I wouldn't miss your birthday you know." She replied with a warm smile. "Go ahead and open that; I want to make sure you don't have it already."
May giggled and ripped into the paper. She opened the box. "Yay! No! I don't have this yet! Is it new?" she pulled the bra out.
"Yeah, some new set at Victoria's Secret." Rally replied with a wave of her hand.
May nodded and then happily pulled out the bottle of lotion. "This is my favorite Rally! Thanks so much!!"
She then opened the card, pulling the bright paper out. Confetti fell out of it and brought a giggle from May. She read the card. 'To my best friend. Hope you have the nicest birthday possible. Love, Rally'. "Aw, That was so sweet Rally! Thank you so much!" she pulled Rally into a hug, who returned it with a smile.
"No problem May. You're worth it even though you are a lot of trouble." Rally stated with a laugh. Suddenly, there was a scampering of feet to the flooring. May, Ken and Rally all jogged out to see what the ruckus was. May tapped somebody on the shoulder. "Hey Karen? What's going on?"
"Oh hey May! Um, couple of guys starting to get into it down there." Karen shrugged pointing. "Don't know what exactly's up though."
May pushed through the crowd, finally reaching the top of the stairwell. She looked down at the crowd circled around the two guys. May rolled her eyes and tromped down the stairs with a frown, both Ken and Rally trailing after her. She came to the circle edge that opened up for her. She stood, hands on her hips, glaring at the two. "Are you two dummies trying to ruin my birthday for God's sake?! What's going on Trent?"
"He's being a bastard, that's what! Just force your way through anything huh?" Trent stated with a glare thrown.
May frowned again. "Enough Trent. Your turn Bean."
Bean rolled his eyes. "Hell, I'll back up what he just said."
May's frown continued. "Both of you quit and take it up outside, not in here! Got it?"
"Yes ma'am." Trent replied as he stalked off.
"Sorry May." Bean replied with a shrug.
"Rally! Do something with your boyfriend! He's being bad!" May ordered at Rally who was trying to hide a grin.
"Geez May, he's always being bad. I can't seem to do anything about that issue myself." Rally replied as she latched onto Bean's arm. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head.
May smiled slightly again at her two friends. "Well, just don't let it happen again Bean."
He nodded in agreement and pulled out the CD's he wrapped and handed them to her. She took them with a happy smile. "Thanks Bean!" She demolished the paper and squealed happily at her three new CD's. "These are GREAT! Thank you so much Bean!" she jumped and he caught her in a hug. She kissed him on the cheek.
"You're welcome May. And happy birthday." He replied as he set her back on the ground. "Quite the party you got going here."
She smiled and winked. "Only the best thrown by me pal. Well, I'm going back upstairs to open more gifts. See you guys later."
Rally finally took notice of what Bean was wearing. He had his normal laced black boots, but he also wore black jeans for a change. She arched an eyebrow as she studied his figure. She went from the jeans to the white t shirt that complimented his physique rather nicely. Rally let out a whistle. "Woo. Just noticed what you were wearing there."
He turned with a smile, arms out to the side. "Ya like it? Had to dig in my closet to find the jeans."
"Like? Hell, love is more like it." Rally stated as she grinned at him.
"Love works." He replied as he put an arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer. "Love works well."
She giggled as her fingers hooked onto one of his belt loops on the jeans. "Glad it works Bean!"
She turned when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Roy Coleman stood behind her. "Hey Roy!"
He smiled in return. "Hey. You have any idea how many of these people would be in jail if they were caught here?" he pointedly looked at Bean.
Bean turned his aggravating canine smile towards Roy. "I think 'caught' is the operative word her Detective."
Roy arched an eyebrow at the blatant taunting. "Rally do you- never mind. Anyways, you know where May is?"
Rally pointed at the stairwell. "She went back upstairs. She has a huge mountain of gifts she's working through. Miss 'Party Queen' is having a ball."
Roy smiled. "Great. Thanks kid. See you later."
Rally smiled as he walked off. Bean turned towards her. "Kid?"
"It's a pet name I guess." She shrugged and then turned. "You used to call me kid ya know!"
He grinned. "Guilty I guess. I stopped though."
She arched an eyebrow. "Probably not by choice I'd wager."
He shrugged and looked around the room. "Damn. Ken actually went all out didn't he?"
"Yeah he did." Rally mused, hand at her chin. "Its so nice to see them both so happy."
"Yeah."
"I can see them getting married. Soon." Rally stated.
Bean arched an eyebrow. "That right? Why?"
"They've been together for…well, a long time really. And they're so happy together is all." Rally ended with a thoughtful sigh.
Bean tightened his grip around her waist. "You want to go out?"
"Sure, why not?" she replied as they headed back through the door against the waning stream of traffic.
After getting to the door, both stopped, looking outside. The red and green streamers draped around the door looked like they were melting into the building and down to the ground. Rally held a hand outside the doorway. "I don't suppose you brought an umbrella with you, did you?"
"Um, no, 'fraid not."
Rally sighed and then looked up with a smile. "Oh well. It's just a good thing its still a little warm. A little rain never hurt anybody. Come on!"
She pulled Bean out into the downpour of rain. It was just the slightest bit chilly as she laughed and held her face up to the rain, it streaming down her dark skin and slicking her hair back from her face and her clothes starting to stick to her. She came back down from a cloudy high and turned to Bean. "Where are you parked at?"
He nodded down the street. "Couple of blocks that way. You?"
"Across the road there in the lot. Come with me and I'll give you a ride to your car."
He couldn't argue the logic in that and she pulled him by the hand across the fairly silent road and into the lot. Pulling her keys out, Rally unlocked their doors and both got in. Rally pulled a couple of towels from her back seat. "Here. Sit on this so you don't get the seats wet."
She tucked one under herself as he did so as well and looked up with a grin. "You certainly come prepared."
She shrugged. "Hey, never hurts you know."
The engine turned over with a growl and Rally carefully maneuvered out of the lot after turning on the headlights and went into the street. She started in the direction he mentioned. "So what did you drive?"
"Boss 302." He replied. "Should be coming up here."
She noticed it and pulled up behind it. "And here you go."
He stopped a moment and then turned back towards her, his hand on the door. "You want to come over?"
Rally smiled warmly. "Sounds lovely. Sure."
He grinned. "Great. I'll meet you there then." He got out of the car and strolled over to the Mustang. It came to life and he pulled out, Rally trailing him by a couple of car lengths. Rain beating on the window, she glanced out the side window periodically. It was therapeutic to watch the rain she decided.
Coming up behind him at his garage, she saw the door slide up. She pulled the Cobra in behind the Boss and pulled in at the end of the garage. Bean had come up to her, getting the door for her. She looked up surprised. "Thanks." She mumbled as he grabbed her hand, helping her out.
He closed the door and pushed her gently against the wet car, trapping her. She giggled. "Ack! Wet! Wet car!"
He grinned. "That's very observant. But you're soaked anyways Vincent."
Her blue eyes lowering demurely, he bent down kissing her, which Rally happily returned with a passion. They were against the car for several minutes before Bean pulled back, looking at her. Blue looked peacefully back at him, soft smile on her face. Her black hair was in disarray, sweater and jeans soaking wet. But he still thought she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Rally looked up at the high ceiling of the garage, hearing the rain beat down on the metal roof. It was rhythmic and soothing; like a heartbeat. Her fingers rested gently against his chest, heat radiating from him, despite the rain and she smiled, listening to the rain. He ran a hand down her hair. "You want to go inside?"
"I wouldn't want anything else." She whispered with a smile directed at him. He smiled, dropping a kiss on her temple and they walked into the stairwell to his apartment.
Author's Notes- Hi. So, that was Volume 7; not a lot of action (like normal *^^*), but lotsa mush; which I like personally.^^ Well, Volume 8's coming up; and it's December! I love holiday writing whether it's the actual month or not, so nyah. G Just kidding. It IS a Christmas story though. Mush and action mixed gingerly; shaken not stirred. Coming up next! Let me know what you thought!!