A Gunsmith Cats 'Fic
Volume 9; Happy Birthday Rally…
By- Talis13
Standard Disclaimer- Most characters are not mine; they belong to Kenichi Sonoda.
Summary- Rally celebrates her 22nd birthday!
Rally looked silently out the window of Gunsmith Cats; the gun shop she owned. Snow flittered down from a murky gray sky down to the concrete of the road. Dead leaves from the fall gusted into the air as well as old faded flyers and bits of paper. Propping her head on her hand, her gaze trailed across the street towards the old apartment building and the other shops down the street, some abandoned, some not. She watched as people walked along the sidewalk; some couples, some with children and some people by themselves. She turned when she heard the door to the backroom open and shut with a 'slam'. May stood, looking perturbed. Rally arched an eyebrow but didn't say anything. May pouted her chin out. "You know what? Ken's a jerk! That's what!! You know how we were going out on your birthday to that one restaurant?" Rally nodded. "Well, guess what?!"
"Um-"
"Ken 'has plans' already!! He's going out of state or something! Can you believe that bullshit?! I told him not to plan anything on your birthday!!" May huffed, hands on her hips as she scowled.
Rally sat back. "Well, I mean, its no big deal really May-"
"Yes it is!! We always go out for your birthday Rally!"
"Well, we can still go out-"
"Ken asked me to go with him, can you believe that?! I told him it was your birthday and he said don't worry about coming then!"
"So you told him no?"
"No. I told him I'd think about it." May sighed sadly, hands falling to her sides.
Rally arched an eyebrow and grinned. "Uh, May, I don't mind if you go with him. Besides, we can just go out after you get back."
"Really?" May looked up hopefully. "You really don't mind? Really?"
"Really." Rally stated. May ran over and hugged her.
"You're the best Rally! Really you are! And we'll definitely go out when we get back!"
Rally smiled as May let go. "No problem."
"Wait. What are you going to do on your birthday then? You should go out and have fun you know."
Shrugging, Rally smiled. "I don't know. I'm sure I'll think of something May."
May looked thoughtfully over Rally's head before meeting her eyes with a gleaming smile. "Okay Rally. No prob." Rally arched an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. They worked the rest of a slow day in the shop.
That evening, Rally sat at the table, finishing her pasta. May looked back at her from the calendar with a smile. "Its only a few days until your birthday honey. How's it gonna feel being twenty two?"
Rally smiled. "I don't know. I don't feel different yet if that helps. So, when are you and Ken leaving? And where are you going?"
May turned with a small frown. "Sorry again for my lack of resolve Rally. Well, we're leaving tomorrow morning at eight from the airport. And we're going out to LA. Ken has to talk to somebody about some special effects thing he might be working on."
"Its alright May; I really don't mind." Rally grinned as she walked to the sink. "LA huh? How long will you guys be gone?"
"Probably a few days. Maybe three of four depending on how it goes." May shrugged as she walked through the door. "Well, I'm going upstairs."
She heard Rally respond before she grabbed the cordless phone and jogged up the stairs. Flinging her bedroom door open and closed, she walked over to the bed and lay back after dialing Bean's number. It rang twice. "Yo, Bean Bandit."
May smiled. "Hey Bean, its May. And I've got a favor to ask."
"Hey sprite. Sure, shoot." He replied.
"I wish you wouldn't call me that…" she mumbled before continuing. "Well, we always go out for Rally's birthday-"
"Wait, when's her birthday?"
"Holy shit Bean!" May giggled. "Its in like four days! You didn't know?!"
"No!" his voice broke slightly in panic.
May giggled hysterically. "Okay, all right, calm down. Anyways, here's the thing. We always go out for Rally's birthday. Well, Ken has to go to LA and I'm going with him. Rally insisted that I go with him actually. Well, I don't want her bored on her birthday! Which is where you come in." she ended with a cat-like smile.
"Ah. What day is her birthday?"
May rolled her eyes. "You are such a lost cause Bean Bandit. Its on the ninth honey. Of this month before you ask."
"Smartass."
May smiled. "Thanks. Anyways, the plan. Since you seem to be at a loss anyways, I think you should come over for her birthday. Do something. I don't want her by herself on her twenty-second birthday!" May whined; she wondered if Bean even knew how old Rally actually was.
"She's only twenty two?"
"Yes Bean. Why?"
"Uh, nothing I guess." He mumbled. "So what do you want me to do?"
"Judging by her high regard of you, you seem to be quite a romantic anyway, but do something with that. Be romantic and surprise her. You could go right up to her birthday without saying a word about it and really surprise her on her birthday."
Bean stood thoughtfully, shrugging into his flak jacket. "That's not a bad idea."
"You got an idea already?"
"I think so." He replied as he zipped the jacket. "Thanks for the warning though May. I think she would have been unhappy otherwise."
"You're welcome. And now you owe me one." May replied. "I'm leaving tomorrow, so make sure you check on Rally, 'kay?"
"Sure sprite, I will." He replied. "I gotta go. Talk to you later."
"Later Bean." Both hung up and May sat looking thoughtfully at the ceiling above her. She then got up and began to pack.
The next day, Rally was at the airport seeing May and Ken off. She hugged May with a smile. "Be good in LA May."
May waved a hand. "Me in trouble? Don't be silly. And don't forget, have a happy birthday sweetie! I hate not being here, but we'll go out when I get back okay?"
"I will. And don't worry about it May! I'll figure out something to do. You guys have a good trip, okay?"
"Sure, we will. And I'll call on your birthday, 'kay?" May replied before she began to follow Ken onto the plane.
Rally smiled and stuffed her hands into her jacket pockets. "Thanks May. I'll see you later this week. Have a safe trip." May smiled and waved, then boarded the plane, leaving Rally in a slowly emptying airport terminal. She turned and walked back down the long hallway and to the large parking lot.
Sunday went by without a lot of excitement for Rally. She slept in late, had a late brunch and then was back at home, watching Cartoon Network. She glanced over at the phone; she hadn't talked to Bean all weekend, which was odd. He might have been on a job too. She pursed her lips, shrugged and picked up the phone dialing his cell phone number. She let it ring several times before hanging up; must be busy. She leaned back into the couch to watch television.
Monday morning, Rally was sitting behind the counter at the gun shop watching it snow. The biting wind whipped through the streets, blowing snow up and around in a flurry of white. She turned back to reorganizing her gun displays. Sitting back in a chair in the middle of the shop, she looked at the now blank wall thoughtfully. One hand propped up he dark head. Black hair was held back by a triangle headscarf. It had two split rows of blue, gray and white print, with another white row in the middle with blue and gray butterflies on it. This matched the plain gray shirt she wore with black jeans and boots. She pushed the shirtsleeves up and reached for a handgun to hang up when the door gusted open and someone came in. She looked up with a smile towards the prospective customer.
It was a young man that came in and watched as Rally stood up and flashed a smile. He pulled the scarf down and smiled. "Good morning."
"Good morning! And welcome to Gunsmith Cats. What can I help you with today?" Rally replied brightly.
"Just wanted to go out to the shooting range if I may." He replied with a smile.
"Certainly! Let me get the paperwork for you to fill out." Rally walked behind the counter to the filing cabinet pulling out paperwork and then a pen. "Okay. Go ahead and fill these out and I need to see two forms of identification as well as the gun you plan to use."
He nodded, pulling out his wallet, laying down his identification and then pulling a handgun out of his shoulder holster under his jacket; it was a SIG P226. Rally lifted it in her hand. "Not bad." He smiled and filled out the paperwork. Pushing it back towards her, he also purchased ammunition to use. Rally pointed towards the range door. "Make sure you grab proper protection before you start please. Its right inside that door to the right. Also, please put your empty shell casings into the recycle bin before you come back out."
"Thanks." He replied before grabbing his ammunition and gun and walking through the door. Rally walked back over to her mess on a side counter. She decided to put the revolvers up first and grabbed a Colt Service Revolver.
Around twelve thirty, the young man came back out of the shooting range and walked back up to the counter to retrieve his identification. Rally came back around the counter, pulling the cards over and handing them to him with a smile. "Thanks. And here you go."
He picked them up, stuffing them back into his wallet. He turned towards her with a smile and a wave. "Thanks. You've got a pretty nice place here. Maybe I'll be back."
"That'd be great. Thanks and have a good day!" Rally replied as he walked out the door.
She looked at her now partly finished wall of revolvers. They were all organized by size and price, neatly lining the rows. The phone rang and she walked over, picking it up. "Gunsmith Cats, how can I help you?"
"Hey Rally! Its me!"
Rally smiled. "Hey May! How's LA?"
"Great! I really like it here with Ken." She sighed. "Well, what's happening?"
"Nothing really. Yesterday was boring as hell. Today I'm just reorganizing the gun displays." She replied with a shrug as she picked up another handgun.
"Oh? You talk to Bean lately?" May asked, eyebrow arched.
"Nope. I tried to call him yesterday as I haven't seen him since like, last week sometime, but he wasn't answering." She shrugged. "I assume he's been busy."
"Oh." Came before a small pause. "So what are you doing for your birthday tomorrow?"
Rally shrugged even though May couldn't see it. "I'm not sure. I think I might go to Olive Garden to get dinner. Maybe desserts shop for a little cheesecake."
"As long as you're NOT at home Rally Vincent!!" May grinned.
"I know, I know!" she replied with a laugh. "I'll be fine."
"Well, I need to be going Rally. I'll be sure to call tomorrow though!"
"Great! Talk to you later Minnie!"
"Later Ral'!"
Both hung up and Rally turned towards the clock; it was about fifteen 'til one. She lay the handgun back on the counter, locked the front door and then walked through the back, picked up her jacket and then locked the back door, walking towards her house. The wind whipped around her, causing snow to flurry back to the ground once more. She walked into her house and set about getting something to eat.
Around one forty-five, Rally had finished her lunch and was walking back over to the gun shop. Snow was slowly piling up around her feet; a couple of inches at least. She stepped in the back door of the shop pulling her gloves off and putting them in her jacket pocket. Shrugging the jacket off, she walked through the back room, smiled at the blue stuffed bear at the doorway and walked back into the front shop, flipping the sign back over to open. Hands rubbing together happily, she began once more to arrange handguns; it was an all day process much to her delight. She had gotten only three or four placed when the door gusted open with freezing cold wind a lot of snow. She hunched her shoulder and turned to look, cringing at the cold. Bean stood grinning at her and she smiled. "Shut the damn door Bean! Its like fifteen below outside!!"
He shut the door, dusting snow off his jacket casually. He watched her eyes light up when he came in. Looking back at her he shrugged. "So how you been? Sorry I haven't been around; been busy."
"No problem Bean. I tried calling you yesterday and figured you were just busy." She turned a bright smile towards him once more. "But, I'm glad you stopped by."
He watched as she talked and casually played with a handgun, flipping it forwards, backwards, hand to hand. He arched an eyebrow; that was a nervous habit if he ever saw one. He smiled and walked behind her, pulling her into a hug, wrapping arms around her shoulders. She squeaked when his leather jacket brushed her bare arms. "Gah! Bean! Cold!!"
He laughed and let go after kissing her temple. "I don't even get a hug. I'm hurt Vincent."
She giggled and turned once more. "Fine you big baby!" she grabbed his arm and pulled herself up high enough to plant a very solid kiss against his lips. She pulled back smiling. "How was that?"
He arched an eyebrow. "Didn't know you dug the French thing." She laughed and blushed brightly, averting her eyes. He grinned at her. "But, hey I like it, so I can't really complain now can I?"
She smiled back at him, blush still retreating from her skin. "Guess not."
Bean looked around. "So where's May?"
"She and Ken went to LA for a few days." She shrugged.
"Really? You been bored?"
"Kind of." She turned thoughtfully. "But, I'll live. So what have you been doing?"
"Driving." She smacked his arm and he laughed. "Its what I do ya know."
She looked back shaking her head as she hung up the handgun she had been playing with. He arched an eyebrow again. "So why were you flipping that gun around Rally?"
"Huh?"
Bean looked; she actually looked confused. "Did you even realize you were doing that?"
"Doing what?" she asked as she hung up another gun.
Bean was gesturing as he spoke. "You were twirling that handgun forward, backwards, passing it between your hands and everything. Kind of like a living Annie Oakley or something."
Rally turned, eyes shining and put on another show. She twirled the gun faster when she knew she was doing it Bean noted. It went forward, backward, forward again in quick succession as she walked closer to him. She changed hands mid spin to her left, spun once more, flipped the gun in the air, caught it in her right and with a final spin put the gun behind her back and stood innocently quiet. She winked and blew a kiss. Bean laughed, hands in the air. "Hell, you're even better when you know you're doing it!"
She bowed and hung the gun up in one easy swoop. "Thanks. I didn't even know I did it. I don't know why even…"
"Nervous habit?"
She shook her head. "I don't know. I don't think so..." she shrugged. "Maybe it was just because I haven't seen you for a few."
"What do you mean?" he asked as he sat in a chair behind the counter; curiosity was getting the best of him surprisingly.
She shrugged with a light blush. "Well," she began mentally changing her mind about what to say before shaking her head and hanging another gun up. "No matter how long I go between seeing you, its always a surprise when I do." She bit her lip thoughtfully. "Kind of like someone punching you in the stomach and you're not expecting it. So, it's a surprise; like 'Oh my God, there he is!' kind of surprise." She shrugged and turned still blushing. "That probably sounds kind of silly huh?"
He arched an eyebrow, finding it strange that he should elicit that kind of reaction out of Rally Vincent of all people. He shook his head thoughtfully watching as she smiled sadly and turned back to her work once more. He then remembered he hadn't answered that confession of hers. "That's not silly." He replied as she turned back towards him. "I'm flattered even though I don't really deserve the attention."
Rally turned all the way around, facing him. "Don't be ridiculous! You're a wonderful person Bean! Really you are; you should know that!"
He smiled warmly at such a burst of passion in her. "Thanks Rally. I think you just made my week."
She smiled before turning back to her work. "I'm glad. You deserve it."
He just sat watching her work. His attention turned towards the wind howling around the shop. Rally noticed as well and then walked over, flipping on a small radio, hoping for a weather report. A song was just ending on the radio when the broadcaster came on. 'Good afternoon folks. We have a traffic update as well as weather conditions. The overpass at the split is a mess right now; a semi-trailer has jack knifed, causing a back up. We have yet to hear how long it will be until that's cleaned up. Downtown Chicago streets are causing a few accidents but nothing major; just remember to slow down and pay attention! Visibility is really getting low out there. Moving on, weather wise, it's snowing. Just kidding! We're expecting a few inches overnight; around seven or eight at least, right off the lake. Hopefully they'll get the plows out to clear the roads soon, but don't hold your breath. Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing after midnight with wind chills right now dipping at the zero mark. We'll have an update in the next hour. Now here's your tunes.'
Rally turned the radio down with a frown mumbling. "You know, I promised May…"
"Promised May what?"
"That I would go out tomorrow. Unless it gets cleaned up, I don't see that happening."
Bean arched an eyebrow, thinking. It was the 'birthday tradition' May had mentioned. Well, maybe he could start a new tradition for her. He leaned on the counter, head propped on his gloved fist. Rally watched Bean out of the corner of her eye, wondering if he knew tomorrow was her birthday. He had been busy and she had never really told him, so she couldn't really fault him. She flashed him a smile catching a picture of him. He leaned from the stool to the counter; head propped up watching her, other hand across his thigh. Black leather jacket, blue jeans, black boots and the red headband around wild black hair. His tall length stretched across almost like a cat. She smiled at her observations before continuing.
She finished arranging her displays and turned towards the clock, wiping a hand across her face; four forty-five. She swept up the floor and then counted down the register before turning the sign over to closed. She turned to Bean with a smile. "Want to come in? Its getting nasty outside."
"Sure." He replied, standing and stretching; he almost touched the ceiling when he did so.
She turned towards him. "Where did you park?"
"Out in a side street."
"Hm. You might want to park in my driveway then. I don't know when they'll be getting the plows out. And I wouldn't want anybody to slide into your pretty car." She smiled as he helped her with her jacket.
"I'll go ahead and do that then. See you in a few." He walked out the door and Rally locked the door behind him. She walked out the door into blinding white snow; it was a good thing she had walked this path so many times before otherwise she would have gotten lost. She walked in the backdoor and slammed the door against the gust of chilly wind. She shook her jacket, hanging it up and then walked into the living room to unlock the front door for Bean.
He knocked just as she unlocked it so she opened it, letting he and cold air in the warm room. He stepped through brushing a hand through his hair and shrugging out of his flak jacket. He lay it over the easy chair and turned back around, watching as Rally smiled and headed towards the kitchen. "Want some hot chocolate?"
He arched an eyebrow. "I haven't had hot chocolate since I was a kid."
She stuck her head back through the door and stuck her tongue out. "Fine! Let me guess; you want coffee, right?"
Leaning against the sofa, arms crossed, he glanced at her with a smirk. "Fine Vincent, give me the damn hot chocolate if it'll make you happy!"
She smiled, nodded and turned back into the kitchen. Bean shook his head while rolling his eyes and walked into the kitchen as well. Rally was happily heating water and getting chocolate mix out. She had her head stuck in a cabinet as she searched for the missing cocoa. He looked over her shoulder, watching as she fumbled around in the cabinet. She smiled and pulled out the box of mix, turned quickly and he saw her breath catch. She smacked his stomach. "Don't sneak up on me Bean!"
He grinned at her, cracking his knuckles and sitting back in a chair at the table. She rolled her eyes. "You're such a brat Bean Bandit."
"You love me anyways though, right?"
She mock glared at him. "Lucky for you."
He laughed as she handed him water, mix and a spoon. She sat across from him and fixed her own chocolate after laying the big bag of marshmallows on the table. She opened the bag and dumped several into her cup. She smiled as Bean watched her with morbid curiosity. She turned and dumped marshmallows into his cup as well. "Geez Vincent, I'm gonna have a sugar overload!"
Her laughter twinkled in the dark room. "You're only young once Bean! Enjoy your marshmallows while you can!"
"Only young once; good words of advice." He mumbled before taking a sip of the hot chocolate and burning his tongue. "I'm twenty eight already, so do I still count?"
"Twenty eight isn't that old Bean." She replied seriously with arched eyebrow. "You're chipper, friendly when you want to be, adorable and have a great personality that you like to hide from everybody."
"Adorable? I don't know of anyone that has ever, ever used that term describing me." He stated as he crossed his arms and leaned back into the chair. "At least in my company."
Rally giggled before taking a sip of cocoa. She looked up with a soft smile. "Well it's true Bean. Especially when you're asleep. You look so…at ease I guess. Less on guard than when you're awake."
He arched an eyebrow. "That right?"
Rally looked up from her mug. "Yep. You're handsome anyways, but adorable when you sleep. You have that silky black hair over your face. And pretty brown eyes hidden away. Brown; like chocolate brown." She stated as she tilted her cup towards him with a grin.
He laughed and turned his face in profile to her. She saw him blush ever so slightly. He turned back to her. "Well, thank you Rally; Miss 'Velvet Blue' eyes."
Rally blushed slightly; she never quite knew why he always compared her eyes to velvet, but he did without fail. She looked back up at him as he grinned at her. "I have a question. Why do you always compare my eyes to velvet?"
He leaned back watching her sip her cocoa. His eyes trailed to her own. "Because that's what they look like. They don't look like the ocean with waves. They don't look like a clear blue sky." He paused, propping his hands behind his head. "They're darker than the sky and moodier and smoother than the ocean."
Rally listened with rapt attention; he was going into a lot of detail in her eyes. That and answering her question in a poetic manner. He continued. "They always have reminded me of blue velvet. Soft, dark and flowing." He grinned at her after these deep musings. "What can I say? I've always been fascinated with your eyes; they're gorgeous."
She blushed brightly and giggled nervously. "Um…thanks."
He smiled as he sipped cocoa after blowing over the top of it. "So. Why chocolate? You've mentioned it before and May has mentioned you mentioning it before."
Rally looked at her cup and then back up into warm brown. She smiled slightly. "Well…your eyes change color depending on your mood. They're always brown but they turn different shades."
"For example?"
She looked up a moment and then turned back to him with a smile. "Okay. Well, when you get angry for example. They turn a little darker but get this harsh…hardness behind them. Looking in your eyes then is like looking at plate glass. When you laugh, which doesn't happen much, but when it does, your eyes lighten several shades."
Bean looked up, arms crossed in front of his chest once more. "So, where exactly does the chocolate reference come in at?"
"Chocolate." She sighed and looked up with a smile and closed eyes. "Your eyes turn milk chocolate brown in…the heat of passion let's say. Gorgeous, liquid chocolate." Blue eyes opened once more, looking across the table with a smile.
Bean had a quirky smile on his face that Rally rather liked. "That right?"
Rally arched an eyebrow with a grin. "Yeah, that's right." She stood, put her cup in the sink and stood behind him, her arms wrapped around his neck. She leaned down next to his ear. "Kind of like right now. They're turning that smoky brown color that leads to that liquid look. Very pretty by the way."
"You'll note I'm not arguing, right?"
Rally's laughter tinkled like a silver bell. "Duly noted!" She stood up. "How did we start talking about eye color anyways?!"
He shrugged and held up his cup. "Chocolate, remember?"
She laughed. "Okay! My fault! But I feel much more informed now!"
"Glad to be of service to you Miss Vincent." He stood up and stretched.
"Want to watch television? I want to see the weather channel."
He shrugged. "Sure."
Around ten o'clock, Rally looked up at the clock with a sigh. "It's getting late."
Bean glanced at the clock and then stood, grabbing his jacket. "I gotta get going, otherwise I'm gonna be later than hell."
"Can't tarnish your sparkling record."
He just gave her that look. "Funny. I have a reputation to uphold Vincent."
She just smiled angelically. "Of course. Don't let me stand in your way Bean."
Walking him to the door, Rally smiled once more. "Thank you for coming by, by the way."
He returned the smile. "You're welcome. I don't want you alone all week you know."
"Thanks." She paused and then looked back up at him. "You going to come by tomorrow?"
He had to hide a smile, although it took some amount of effort. He looked down with a shrug. "I'm not real sure if I'll have time. But we'll see."
She looked a little downcast. "Oh. Um, yeah, I understand Bean. No big deal…"
He hugged her close, putting a finger under her chin and lifting her eyes to his. "Don't look so unhappy babe. You're still on my mind whether I'm here or not. You always have been."
"I know. And you're on mine too." She whispered with half a smile. "Be careful out there Bean. Even you have a little trouble in snow and slush."
He flashed another aggravating, toothy grin. "Come on Vincent; would I ever admit to having trouble with something like that?"
She arched an eyebrow delicately. "Of course not. Sparkling image to maintain."
He hugged her. "You really have picked up on my habits haven't you?" he leaned down kissing her. "I'll see if I can't stop by tomorrow babe. See you later."
"Later Bean. Be careful." She replied softly out the dark doorway. She watched as he cranked up the car and drove off with little trouble even amidst the snow. She shut the door silently.
The next morning, Rally was up fixing breakfast when the phone rang brightly. She grabbed the cordless on her way into the kitchen. "Hello?"
"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Raaaalllllllyy, happy birthday to you!"
Rally laughed. "Thanks May! You always seem to be able to make me smile."
May giggled into the phone. "Hope you're having a good morning honey! I saw the weather in Chicago; ick!"
"Yeah I know." Rally sighed as she put a pastry in the toaster. "I'm still going to try and go out tonight though since I did promise you I would."
"Don't go getting yourself killed doing it though!!" May squeaked. She paused a moment. "Why don't you ask Bean to come?"
"Well, I asked if he could come over today, but he wasn't sure." She replied a little downcast. "So, I don't even know if I'll see him today."
"Aw, cheer up Ral'! I'm sure he'll try and make it out! Does he know it's your birthday?"
"Not that I know of. He never asked and I never really offered it up." Rally shrugged.
"Why not?"
"Umm…" Rally tried to decided what to say. "I guess I'm just worried he'll think I'm too young for him or something."
"Don't be silly Rally! He loves you more than anything! You're selling yourself short and you shouldn't! Too young…" May mumbled into the phone with a frown.
"Well! He's twenty eight May! There's a what? Almost seven-year age difference between us? I have no idea what he'd think if he knew exactly how old I am!!"
"You worry too much." Came succinctly from May.
"Did you tell him it was my birthday today?"
May paused and then shrugged; white lie for the common good. "No."
"Then I have nothing to worry about! My secret is safe!"
May rolled her eyes. "Until you never celebrate a birthday during the year. Yeah, bright idea Rally. You should have company on your birthday sweetie. That's my point here."
"Yeah I guess." Rally mumbled between bites of pastry.
"And he's perfect company. Especially for you."
"Yeah, I know May. I just don't want to put him on the spot bringing my birthday up on the day of!"
May grinned. "Ah, don't worry about it then. Maybe he'll figure it out or something."
Rally rolled her eyes. "Unless someone hands it to him, he probably won't. I don't get a lot of cards or gifts or anything, so there isn't a lot in the way of clues May."
"Maybe. But, I guess you'll see, 'eh?"
"Guess so." Rally replied.
"Well, I'm going to go. I'll call tonight to find out where you ate, 'kay?"
"Sure May. Feel free."
"Great! Well, have a happy birthday and I'll talk to you later birthday girl!" May cheered.
Rally laughed. "Thanks and talk to you later May!"
Both hung up the phones as Rally finished off her breakfast with a glass of orange juice. She got hot water and made a mug of hot tea before putting on her jacket, grabbing her mug and walking out towards the shop. The blistering cold nipped the air and everything around it. Rally shivered in her boots. Digging around in her pocket, she pulled out the key to the shop and shut the door quickly behind her; leaving behind cold air and snow for the warm backroom of the shop. She brushed the snow from her jacket, hung it up and walked to the front of the shop. Pulling the gray Gunsmith Cat's apron on, Rally walked over and flipped the sign to 'open', ready for what was looking like a pretty slow day due to snow.
At five o'clock, Rally flipped the store sign to 'closed' and hung the apron back on its peg. As she walked back into the back room, she looked at the calendar; mostly wishing May was here on her birthday. She sighed and pulled her heavy jacket on. Stepping out the door, Rally was struck by blinding snow and freezing wind. She locked the door, hunkered her head down and walked into the darkness near her house. The moon wasn't out because of the clouds so she was relying mostly on the small amount of light from the streets.
Finally reaching the back door, Rally sighed unhappily. This had been a slow, rotten day pretty much. She kicked something from the door and stopped, looking down. A package; from California? She smiled and unlocked the door into a backroom. She shrugged off her jacket and flipped on the light after relocking it. Ripping open the box with a pocket knife she pulled out a letter.
Dear Rally,
Hey, it's May! I just wanted to send you this to tide you over 'til I get back home sweetie! I just had it delivered overnite so you'd get it. Make sure you go out tonight, because I'm calling later dammit! Have a happy birthday and see you in a couple of days Ral'!
Love, MayPS- I don't know if you've heard that song Jaded or not, but it reminds me of you and Bean. I just don't know who's playing which roles. Hehehe…
Rally laughed and pulled out what May sent; it was a CD by Aerosmith called Just Push Play. It was the new one she didn't have yet; she hadn't even heard Jaded yet! She ripped open the packaging on it as she stepped out of her shoes and into the kitchen. She stopped mid step and mid paper-tear, and just looked with her jaw hanging agape. The table was neatly set with two places, hot dinner on it. Wine glasses were set out sparkling under the candles that were burning on the table. Rally walked over slowly to the beautifully set table, eyes wide and jaw still open. She snapped her jaw shut and looked at flowers that were laid at one of the places. Purple lilies, her favorite mixed with dark red roses. She picked them up, holding them to her face. She felt the soft petals brush her cheek and smelt the clean roses' scent, breathing deeply of it. Her head snapped up when she heard someone clear their throat. She looked up biting her bottom lip happily. Bean stood leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching her. She wasn't sure how long he had been there or how long it had taken him. She ran over and he grabbed her in a hug. "Thank you so much Bean! You're absolutely wonderful! I love you, thank you!"
She heard his deep chuckling. "You're very welcome Rally. You thought I'd leave you alone on your birthday?"
"I didn't think you knew was all!" she replied as he set her back on the floor. "Did May tell you?"
"Yeah, but not until a few days ago." He grumbled. "You should have seen me scrambling." He shook his head and rolled his eyes. "And I don't scramble."
Rally laughed. "Don't worry about it! You're wonderful! This is wonderful! Really!"
Bean still held her hand and watched her happiness. "Well, you ready to eat?"
"Absolutely!" she replied as he pulled her towards her chair, pulling it out for her. "And I know it's good if you made it!"
"Thanks for the faith Rally." He smiled at her across the table between the taper candles set between them.
Rally smiled happily and then turned towards her dish. Pasta; he definitely knew the way to her heart and stomach; pasta with vegetables and chicken. Even fruit salad as a side. Both began to eat, Rally looking up happily every so often with a smile. Eventually Bean looked at the CD next to her. He point with his fork. "What's that?"
"New Aerosmith." She replied with arched eyebrow as she passed it over the table to him. "May sent it to me from LA. I think she feels guilty."
"Hmm…" he looked down the track lists, still eating. "I think I've only heard Jaded once or twice."
"Really? I haven't heard any of them, so it's all new to me! Although May wrote in her letter that Jaded reminded her of you and I although she doesn't know who's playing what part. I didn't get that but it could be-" she was cut off by Bean's laughter. She looked up. "Do you know what she was talking about?"
His laughter died back down although he still wore a grin. "Yeah, that makes sense. You'll have to listen to that first then. Leave it to Minnie May…"
She tilted her head with a smile at his smile. "We'll have to do that then." She began to eat before looking back up. "Do you have a job tonight?"
"Did. Cleared the schedule."
"You didn't have to do that!" she squeaked. "Your work is important to you! I know that much at least!!"
He looked up. "You are too. It wasn't a big deal anyways. Don't sweat it babe."
She sat quietly thinking. "Only if you're sure it can wait."
"Positive."
"Well…okay then I guess." She mumbled before getting up to get the fruit salad from the fridge. She came back after getting the bowl and a spoon, and set it on the table. Opening the bowl, fresh fruit smells came wafting up from the mix. "Mmm…smells yummy." She scooped out two bowls full, passing one to Bean and then sat back at her spot, fork at the ready. She took several bites before looking back up. "So how long did this take you?"
He shrugged. "I'm not sure. A few hours. I wasn't sure if I could get it done in time after you ate lunch or not; so I was a little worried. I finished maybe fifteen minutes before you came in."
She smirked. "You've always had impeccable timing."
"Not that you would have admitted that less than a year ago."
"Not a chance." She replied. "Especially to your face."
He laughed. "Thanks. I probably wouldn't have admitted that you could drive your Cobra well at the time either though."
She smiled. "Well, I for one, am glad that's behind us at this point!"
"Me too." He grinned at her. "Oh yeah, happy birthday Irene."
She closed her eyes and licked her lips in annoyance. "That's so very annoying Bean." She looked up with a smile. "So, to make this more fair, what's your first name?"
He glanced up quickly. "What makes you think Bean isn't my first name?"
"Call it a hunch." She replied as she finished off her dish of fruit with a grin.
Bean dropped his fork in his bowl. "I see. Well, why should I hand over this information?"
Rally sat with hands folded primly in front of her on the table. "Two reasons. One- because I'm your GIRLFRIEND! Two- because I asked."
He smiled at her. "And if I don't?"
Rally stood and walked slowly around the kitchen. "Well, let's see…I could threaten you. I could get somebody to beat you up. Actually, several somebodies…not that that's a guarantee or anything." Bean laughed and she continued. "I could borrow several sets of your keys and loose them. I could 'accidentally' lock you outside in the cold."
"Do you think of these things in advance?"
"Nah. I play it off the cuff." She smiled before continuing. "Or I could get you where it would really hurt."
"And where's that?"
"Right in the balls honey." She winked and left into the living room.
Ben followed shortly after, pointing at her. "That's playing dirty."
"Since when have you been interested in playing by the rules?" she asked with a smirk.
"Well…never..." he mumbled. "But that's not the point!"
"Then just tell me what your first name is. That's not hard. I'm not going to laugh; I don't like my first name which is why I use my middle name usually."
He sat next to her on the couch and reached over, pulling her into his lap. "Well…you do have a point. And you made several good arguments of things you could do…some admittedly hurt worse than others, but you can't win them all." He held Rally closer as she snuggled into his warm embrace. "Well, my last name is Bandit. My first name however, is Bowen."
"Bowen? What type of name is that? It's cool sounding; you don't hear it much."
"Couldn't tell you. And glad you like it, because I don't really use it anymore." He shrugged. "I never really used it past my teen years anyways."
"Why's that?"
"I went more by Bowie then."
She stopped thinking a moment. "Don't tell me-" she grinned at him.
Bean arched an eyebrow. "The Bowie knives; good girl. Glad you're learning something from me. Yeah, I started playing with knives when I was still a kid basically. I got good with the Bowie, so that's what name I got associated with. It's still my favorite knife. Pull lots of tricks with it."
"Huh. That's an interesting name history." Rally mused. She lay her head back against his chest, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I want to thank you Bean."
"For what?"
"For what you did for me today. I really appreciate it."
"You're welcome. But I'm not done yet." He began as he leaned back against the couch. They were both silent for a few moments. "So you're twenty two huh?"
Rally's head shot up and she sat up. "I didn't know May told you how old I was!!" she squeaked.
He sat back. "Well, yeah. I was curious. Why?"
"Um..well…" Rally was scrambling for a reply. "Ah…"
He chuckled at her lack of actual response. "Why are you worried, I guess is a better question."
"Well," she bit her bottom lip in thought. "I just thought that maybe you'd think I was too young for you or something… May said that was silly and it really didn't matter but I-" she was pulled forward into a lengthy kiss.
Bean leaned back from her, his hand still holding the right side of her face softly. "I'm not one to play by age. I don't go for girls that have jailbait written on them, okay? And I know you don't. Besides, I just judge a girl by how well I can get along with her and her personality, okay? If a girl can't give me a run for my money, it's probably not gonna be worth my time."
Rally giggled looking directly into brown. She placed a hand over his still next to her face. "Well, I know I can do that if nothing else Bean."
"That's very true Miss Vincent. I don't see many women in my line of work. Of the one's I have seen though, you have definitely been the least expectant; in a number of occasions." He shrugged and grinned at her. "I felt a reaction from you every time though. Surprise, surprise."
She smiled knowingly at him once more amid lowered eyelids. "Nice to finally hear that though."
He grinned at her and set her on the cushion next to him. "Wait here." He got up and went back into the kitchen. Rally sat back and hugged a couch pillow. When she heard Bean come back through the doorway, she turned and looked with bright eyes. She followed him until he stood in front of her and placed a cake on the coffee table. She fell to her knees next to the cake and looked at it. Bean sat on the floor next to her and leaned back against the couch, propping his arms up on the seat cushions.
The cake was mostly white icing covering it. Decorative blue icing in light and dark decorated it as well as purple roses. In the middle was Happy Birthday Rally written in script. She ran a finger along the bottom tray and, licked icing from her long fingers. She looked at the number candles on it; a set of two's. She smiled at that and turned the smile towards Bean who was watching her with a slight smile of his own. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders hugging her. Rally smiled brightly and hugged him back with abundant energy. "Well. Now you get to make a wish."
"Hm…what do I want? What do I want…" she looked at the cake and smiled blowing out the candles. She clapped. "All right! Got 'em both!!"
Bean smiled and handed her the plates he had brought. She took them and looked for a knife. He watched her a moment. "What are you looking for?"
"Knife…" she mumbled looking under the paper plates. He smiled and pulled a switch knife out of a pocket. She winked at him and took the knife with a smile. "Thanks."
He nodded as she cut into chocolate cake and he chuckled. "You seem fascinated with chocolate for some reason, so I got that."
She pointed the knife at him. "And that's YOUR fault by the way." She passed him a plate with a smile. "Although chocolate is the best."
"You get no argument from me lady." He replied as he passed her a fork next and took up his own. She nodded in agreement as they both ate in relative silence. After both were finished, Rally picked up the plates, taking them into the kitchen and put in the sink. She heard Bean put the cake in the box and then into her fridge. She turned back to him with a soft smile; Bean smiled, grabbed her hand and pulled her back into the living room. He set her on the sofa and walked over to where he had his jacket draped over the stair banner. Digging in his pockets, he pulled out a bright box, strode over sat in the chair next to her and handed her the box with a short kiss. "Happy birthday baby."
She took the box with a small smile and twinkling blue eyes. It wrapped in bright paper with cute cartoon animals on it and a multi-color bow that hung splayed over the package. She tugged at the bow after glancing at him. It came off and she set it on the sofa arm, beginning to rip open the paper. It fell to the floor in a whisper as she looked at a longer red velvet box. Right before she opened it, she heard Bean's breathing stop as he inadvertently held his breath. She heard the box open with a 'click' between her fingers. As the light caught on the jewelry she looked down in surprise. It was a slender gold anklet glittering brightly back at her. She looked up at him. He grinned. "The girl at the counter said girls like this kind of thing. I have no idea. If you don't like it, we can find something you do."
She pulled the flat chain out looking at it. Slowly a smile grew across her features as she caught his eyes. "Bean it's beautiful. You don't have to take it back; it's perfect."
"Well, it's fourteen carat gold if that helps." He shrugged as she watched him fidget nervously.
She smiled at him. "You worry too much Bean! It's lovely!" she set the box down and leaned down, clasping it around her slender right ankle. She stood in a pose. "How's it look?"
"Perfect." He wasn't actually looking at the chain; rather her eyes.
She rolled her eyes with a grin. "Geez Bean, it'd help if you'd actually look at the chain."
He glanced at it with a nod and then back to her face. She laughed. "Guess that'll have to do!"
Bean was about to speak when the phone rang once more. Rally walked over to the table and picked it up. "Hello?"
"What's up birthday girly!"
"May! Hey, what's up?"
"Ah, not much. Just calling to check up on you. Did you get to go out?"
"Ah, no, actually I didn't."
"Rally! It better be the weather!"
Rally smiled. "Nah. Bean came over and had this whole meal cooked and gave me chocolate cake and even this really, really, pretty gold ankle bracelet. He's the absolute best May! Totally romantic and everything! You should have seen it!!" she gushed into the phone.
May laughed. "I'm glad to hear it Rally! Sounds like your evening has been all right then. Did you get my package?"
"Yes, I did, thanks! I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet though." Rally replied before Bean came up wrapping arms around her waist and nuzzling her neck warmly. Her eyes closed slightly. "Ah…"
May giggled. "I think you got other things on your mind right about now honey! Or at least one of you does."
"Umm…" Rally waited a moment to answer as she felt him nip her earlobe. She giggled. "No, I think both of us qualify at this point May."
"In that case, I'm gonna let you go to your Bandit-style birthday party Rally. I'll talk to you in a couple of days!"
"Bye May." Rally sighed into the phone as she heard May laugh and hang up the phone. She turned back to Bean who lifted his attention from her neck as she turned. She looked up at him with bright blue eyes. She noted that dusky chocolate look to his eyes once more and she smiled, wrapping her arms around his neck as he lifted her up against himself. "Chocolate."
"Probably by now." He mumbled before kissing her again.
"Let's go upstairs." She gently ordered.
She heard him take a deep breath. He lifted her up, putting a hand under her legs and holding her steady as he walked up the stairs with her. "Works for me."
She giggled as she nuzzled his neck like a kitten. "Thanks for such a great birthday Bean. It's been great."
Rally saw him smile down at her. "Hell, it's not over yet."
Licking her lips slightly she returned the smile. "I know. I'm glad patience isn't one of your virtues."
Bean laughed at that statement as he opened her room door. "Yeah, me too. Happy twenty second birthday Rally." She turned a sly smile at him as the door shut behind them.
Author's Notes- Hello all. Glad you made it this far. I still hear those people in the peanut gallery grumbling about 'lack of action'. I warned you at the beginning of this series; its extraordinarily mushy with action thrown in occasionally. ^^ Hope you liked my presentation of Rally's 22nd birthday; seemed like something fun to write about; Bean's 28th birthday was more humor, this one was more…mush, definitely. Along the lines of May's b-day too. ^^This one is also about ten pages longer ^^;;. Scary I know. But, Volume 10 coming up!