Chapter 15: Sleepover
Vernita hugged herself closely to the floor; the soft feeling of the oriental style rug under her hands was no comfort. She cast a quick glance to her side. Beatrix was in a similar position. Both of them had pistols drawn, although Verntia would much have preferred to have her trusty knife in her fingers at this very moment.
The particular hallway they were in was just dark enough to make them both slightly nervous. The hall was lushly decorated...lots of crystal, oak and gouache velvet. It was obvious whomever resided here had a shitload of money.
It was quiet; the only sound was the rhythmic tick tock of a large grandfather clock at the end of the hall and the shallow breathing of the two female assassins.
"Bea," Vernita whispered, barely audible, "Isn't this asshole supposed to be home right now?" The two female assassins had been crouched in this position for quite some time and Beatrix felt her muscles begin to tense. Both were clad in black attire to fit into the scenery.
Becoming fed up Beatrix rose from her position, bones cracking in the process, her back than plastered against the wall, gun cocked tight to her chest. Blue eyes peered down to woman beside her. "He's supposed to be in his room. Supposedly fucking some whore but I haven't heard a goddamn thing," she grumbled half to herself.
Their targets car was in the driveway and it was well past the drinking hour. There was even a dim flicker of light coming from under the bedroom door just down the hallway. Bea could have sworn she saw some type of movement a few minutes ago. Exhaling a disgruntled breath she took a cautious side step. She caught eyes with Vernita that read clearly to back her up as the tall blonde advanced on the door.
Steps stopped as she came to the door, long white fingers laced around the doorknob, turned, and quickly flung the door open. She stepped into the door frame, gun poised at the ready but nothing was in sight. Slender brows furrowed questionably. It was defiantly the bedroom. A king sized bed in the middle, finely decorated wardrobe, and carpeting, and numerous candles flickering off a dim set of light. She lowered her gun a few inches and took another step inside. As her foot extended she felt something brush up against her leg which caused the blonde to bolt back and almost collide with Vernita.
She turned, gun extended to shoot at a...dead man? Beatrix cocked her head. On the floor was a middle aged man, thinning gray hair, fine chiseled features, and a penguin tux on. "Hey Vernita," she waved her over. "Isn't that our target?"
Vernita took a couple steps back, gun held out a arm's length. She came over next to the body at Bea's beckon, squinting down at the dead man.
"Holy shit...your right Bea...that guy was our target," she let out a short little laugh. "Strange...looks like somebody has already done the job for us." She looked back up at Bea, "Well...I don't know about you, but this is a first for me..." Vernita's head snapped back up, her gun along with it. She began slowly stalking around the room, checking every corner, the walk-in closet. She motioned for Beatrix to check the other side of the large room.
"What if that hooker killed him?" She asked softly, looking under the bed. "Maybe he was really bad..." she joked. "Whoever did this could easily still be around here..." She brushed the window's velvet curtains aside, checking outside of the house. "But...no other car...just his..." She turned back to Beatrix, "I dunno Bea...this is too fucking weird...I don't like it..."
Beatrix was over by the nightstand, skimming over pieces of paper and other useless junk. She didn't find any clues. She slammed the desk drawer she had been looking through shut. Blue eyes glanced back over to the man soaking in his own blood. "You're right this is weird. Honestly I've never had a job where the target was knocked off for me." She took a step into the middle of the room. "Bill said this guy was some top notch CEO asshole. Top notch in the area of numerous people wanting him dead besides his wife."
She grinned and sauntered over to Vernita. "We've been here for well over an hour and we would have seen movement in this room if he was killed while we were in the vicinity. Either the killer left or is still lurking around. Question is--" But she was suddenly cut off when she heard steps in the doorway. Before she could react she felt a ping in her neck. Her hand traveled up immediately to brush against the familiar shape of a dart. "Fuck."
Vernita had been listening to Beatrix, while she shuffled through a small pile of clothing in the corner. She looked up sharply when Beatrix cursed...something had happened.
The shadow in the doorway remained but it spoke up with quick words. A husky, dark, and evidently male voice, "Before you shot me," his words directed towards the darker skinned woman. "You should know that you're blonde friend has just been induced with a very potent and rather toxic poison." His words seemed so causal. "Now, unless you have no desire to make sure she lives I suggest you listen to my proposition."
"Shit!" Vernita crouched behind the bed, gun leveled at the new arrival. Her dark eyes flicked to the dart in Bea's neck and then back to the shadow in the doorway. "Shit.." she repeated. This wasn't good...not at all. They always tried to avoid situations like this at all costs. Bill would be irate if he knew. Vernita licked her dry lips, "Alright..." she lowered her gun slightly, "I'm listening..." She was, but she was also thinking as quickly and smartly as possible on how to get rid of this fucker.
Beatrix had sunk down to the bed and plucked the dart out from her neck region. She began to fiddle it between long white fingers as her head began to swim. Focusing on the dart allowed her to gain some degree of control.
The man took a step into the bedroom but kept to the shadows. There was a momentary pause before he spoke again, "The Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. Mmm..I've heard a great deal about them but never thought I'd get to meet a few." He mused this to himself. "I never much liked the idea of people paying people to kill off other people. Anyway, this man." He motioned to the body on the floor. "Was a former associate of mine. Another friend of mine was the one that called your boss to set up the assignment. I was rather against the whole fucking idea. Seemed too shallow. So, I thought, why get a bunch of bitches to kill him when I could easily get it done myself." He let out a sigh and took another step towards the bed.
Vernita's eyes kept quickly going from Beatrix back to the shadowed man. She took note of Beatrix's condition...the tall blonde was in so position to fight at the moment. That changed the odds somewhat. Vernita could only hope whatever shit this asshole had shot Beatrix up with was slow working.
"See, killing isn't my cup of tea and if the authorities ever find out that I murdered him. Well, that wouldn't go down well with my job." The figure came to the bed and sat down, miraculously still concealed to the shadows as he inched over to Beatrix whom was on the bed as well. Beads of sweat were evident on her face. The man extended a hand and intertwined them into those locks of blonde hair. If Beatrix had been in a better state of mind she would have broke his hand off for that. "My proposition, you give me a few let's say million in hard cash to fix this up and everything is honkey dorey."
Vernita listened to the man, keeping a calm concentrated facade up. Although, she personally thought this guy was pretty much scum...he didn't believe in killing yet he had gone ahead and killed this man because he didn't want him killed by an outside source? But, when the man mentioned money it all started to make much more sense. Any smartass comments that Vernita wanted to make, she kept to herself...not only was her own life on the line...but more importantly the life of her comrade.
After the man finished, Vernita nodded coolly, playing along. "Alright..." she lowered her weapon a tad more, as she watched the man toy with Beatrix's hair...asshole...,"...I think that's a fair deal...I'm sure we can work something out," Vernita continued smoothly, wishing she could get a good look at this guy, "But, before we move onto that...I want you to neutralize whatever you've just put into my blonde friend here...Once I know she's fine...then we're cool all right? How does that sound?"
The man let out a sinister toned chuckle. His fingers laced into Beatrix's hair and gripped as if to yank it out but made no movement to do so. "I'm not that stupid," he spat out. "Besides it takes three hours tops for this shit to cause any long term affects. That should give you plenty of time to get me at least half of my money."
The tall blonde although slowly beginning to go into distortion was silently thinking to herself. Of course this all had to do with money, it usually did but more so than any normal greedy bastard this one new a thing or two about playing the game. Glazed over blue eyes darted over to the man, "What type is it?"
"The poison? Do you really expect me to tell you?"
The blonde nodded her head. Like any good assassin she had her logic on different types of poison. Apparently this man was well aware of that. Dammit.
The man idly cupped a hand to Beatrix's cheek and inched towards her in an unruly manner. "You have such a pretty face. Too bad you may die," he cooed. Beatrix though made no movement to recoil, the killer glint in her eyes shinning. The man rather roughly placed lips to hers in a more than impolite face suck. Vernita watched this whole thing pan out, her expression turning disgusted as the asshole made an attempt to suck face with Bea. Mmm, bad move there buddy she noted to herself.
This as the blonde expected gave her the advantage. Pearly whites bit down hard on that entered appendage, pulling, until a good portion was dismembered. The man reeled back and what could be thought of as a scream was passing through his blood seeping mouth.
"Fucker," Vernita mumbled, her fingers twitching on the handle it was too close right now to do anything. But given the right opportunity she was going to blow a hole this guy's head the size of Texas. She only wished she had a bigger gun on hand at the moment.
The blonde spat out the pool of blood and body part from her mouth. Served him right. The bastard.
A slow sadistic smile spread across Vernita's face as Beatrix literally de-tongued the stupid perv. He was now learning the hard lesson of what it meant when you fucked around with the Black Mamba. Served him right. Vernita's eyes flicked down to the guy, as he flailed around to talk. She was trying not to laugh, but she had to admit it was pretty damn funny...aside from Bea currently having three hours to live that is.
"I'll .try .again, Beatrix stuttered quietly. "What poison?"
The man's scream began to die down as he turned into a rather sniffling coward. "Mwha-as-a-lat," came muffled words.
"Mashaslit?" He nodded. Beatrix used the back of her hand to wipe away the blood from her chin. "Splendid---Copperhead, shot him."
Once that man spilled the beans on the poison and Bea gave her the command, Vernita swiftly brought her gun up from its resting position. "Gladly, Black Mamba," she hissed and with deadly accuracy capped the stupid asshole right between the eyes. She relished the whole thing for a brief moment and then quickly rushed to Beatrix's side. "Ok Bea...you've gotta tell me what's the best plan here...you know what he shot you up with right?"
Beatrix had her head hung, locks of blonde hair casting against the side of her face like a mournful veil. Blue hues slowly looked up to her comrade. "No," she muttered softly. Noting the horrified expression on Vernita's face, Bea quickly corrected herself, "Yeah, I know. It's rather common in the Midwest. They use it in hospitals occasionally to subdue pain but as you can see lethal doses can do a shitload more than numb a broken bone."
She rubbed a hand over her face which only seemed to spread around the blood adding a rather peculiar tint to her finely tanned complexion. "Bill keeps an abundant supply at the hacienda."
Vernita was trying to not look too panicked. She licked her dry lips, looking Beatrix over...she wasn't really sure why..what was wrong with her was pretty obvious.
"Ok...but..shit Bea, do we have enough time to get there? Didn't that shithead say something about three hours...," she paused in thought, "Should you even move around? I could call Bill...no..no bad idea..." She put a hand on Bea's arm, "Do you feel okay enough to get up?" She put another bracing hand on Beatrix's shoulder.
"I've got four hours," Beatrix corrected smoothly. "That asshole has his poisons mixed up." If the situation wasn't so serious she would have found Vernita's evident concern somewhat amusing. Well, this was a big deal, in a sense Beatrix was dying, but she was taking it as if she was fighting off a mild flu bug. With some needed aid the tall blonde rose to her feet. Her head was swimming and she had to hold to Vernita's arm to keep a balance. "We're three and a half hours away, without traffic. I'll call Bill from the car. We'll be cutting it close."
Vernita nodded, "Ok, Bea...your the expert on this one...," She helped Beatrix stand and they began carefully but as quickly as possible walking out of the large mansion. Vernita thought perhaps it was best she call Bill instead, but she decided that Beatrix knew what she was doing and the woman, despite slowly dying by poisoning, could still handle herself more than good enough.
They finally made it down the car, a rental...some preppy sedan looking thing. Vernita helped Beatrix get in and then ran over to her own side. She had to admit she found Bea's whole almost nonchalant attitude about the whole thing very amusing...well that and very admirable. Vernita started the car and flew out of the driveway. She was no Bill, but she certainly knew how to drive...and damn quickly at that. Soon, they were able to get onto the highway, enabling Vernita to drive even faster. She risked glances at Beatrix now and then, making sure the blonde hadn't croaked on her. She could feel the sweat beginning to pool on the steering wheel under her hands. There was no other way to look at it...this was going to be a close call.
Beatrix wouldn't call herself an expert on the situation but she had an idea of what she was doing. Or at least she hoped she did. As Vernita drove like a mad woman, Bea sat back in the passenger seat, arms folded over her chest. She couldn't deny the feeling that her stomach was going queasy and her head was pounding. About an hour into the ride she stated to Vernita that she was just closing her eyes. Just incase her companion worried that she suddenly passed out or her life expectancy was cut shorter than expected.
Two hours passed by. Even under the coat of blood on Bea's face her complexion had gotten noticeably paler. Shifting her position in the seat she reached over to the dashboard and took up the cell phone. She dialed the numbers for Bill's main line, but she had to dial at least three times before she got it correct. Her fingers wouldn't stop shaking causing her to accidentally hit a one instead of a three, and so on. Success and she leaned back again, the receiver pressed to her ear. A few rings clicked before a familiar voice picked up. "Hello Bill," she greeted in an overly casual tone.
Bill had been out on the back porch and forced to run inside, was a little annoyed when he initially picked up the phone. But the second he knew it was Beatrix, and not only that, but Beatrix not sounding entirely right, his tone changed. "Kiddo...what happened?"
"I'm dying," words replied more than bluntly. She decided to be courteous and elaborate. "Son of a bitch shot me up with mashaslit. I'm--" she glanced to the clock on the dashboard with the vibrant glowing green numbers. "two hours and twenty minutes down."
Bill sat down quite suddenly, "Your dyi- jesu-...fuck," he spun around, taking a quick glance at his own clock. "Mashaslit...," he mumbled, more to himself, "...hour and a half left...tops..." He ran a hand down his face, "Ok...I'll have everything ready when you get here...don't even try to get out of the car, I'll meet you..." Bill had more than enough experience with toxins...mostly because he was known now and then to create his own. But, equally as important was knowing how to counteract those toxins. He didn't have to say much to Beatrix of course, she was well versed in poisons.
Still, Bill couldn't help himself. "Stay still Kiddo, don't move just don't do anything that could speed up the process. Tell Vernita to drive faster then she already is," he paused, collecting his thoughts, "Are we clear on that?"
"Crystal." Beatrix was well aware what to do and not to do when your body was processing a poison. She wasn't going to do anything stupid. As oblivious as she was acting to the fact that she was dying she wasn't going to make it worse than it was. The concern in Bill's voice was evident and it almost made her pleased to know that he cared.
"Talking is probably speeding it up, so I'm gonna hang up. Don't worry Bill, I'll see you in an hour."
"Alright, Kiddo," Bill hung up and began to make preparations.
She flipped off the phone, settled it back on the dashboard, and leaned back in her seat. Blue eyes glanced to Vernita. "Drive faster." Vernita looked over at Beatrix and nodded. They had already been going 75.
They were nearly to the Mexican border usually there was little trouble but Verntia swore that if there was any sign of them being slowed down she was just going to gun it. Fuck border regulations. Luckily, that never happened and they reached Bill's hacienda just about an hour later. When Vernita pulled around to the front of the driveway she could see Bill standing out on the front patio. He looked somewhat angry and was holding a small syringe in his right hand...it looked a little sadistic. Vernita grimaced, that wasn't exactly the most pleasant sight.
She stopped the car, looking over at Beatrix. "Bea...," she shook the other woman gently, "Bea...we're here..." She was getting little response from Beatrix and Vernita could only hope that they hadn't been too late. The blonde looked awfully pale even for a white girl.
Bill came jogging up the passenger seat and swung the door open. He gave Beatrix a quick concerned once over and then slapped her pretty hard on the cheek. "Wake up Kiddo...c'mon..." With no prior warning he then jabbed the syringe into Beatrix's neck and pressed down on the stopper.
Vernita watched the whole thing with wide eyes, not sure what to make of it.
Lids had been closed over blue hues as the blonde sat back in the passenger seat. She grimaced in pain, let out a small whimper as the needle was rather fiercely plunged into her skin, and seconds following her body went jagged. Lucky for Bill he was well aware that this was a normal reaction. No sooner had her body gone limb like a child's play thing did she inhale a gasp of air and her muscles tensed back. Eyes squinted shut as the toxin was counteracted and left her system. Lids than shot open, blue eyes wide and lips parted as if she had just awoken from a coma. Why was her cheek burning? Her gaze dropped to Bill and out of the clear blue she slapped him. "I was awake."
Bill had expected all of those reactions, save for the nasty slap at the end. "Fuck!" He reared back, nearly hitting his head on the roof of the car.
Vernita laughed relieved to see that Beatrix was back to her "normal" self. "Good to see ya back Bea!" She grinned.
Bill, while obviously far less jovial, did looked relieved. "Ya know, it's a good thing I decided not to move to the Gulf," he looked down at Beatrix, "Much longer Kiddo and you'd have been no more." He cast a silent glare at Vernita who wisely did not respond. "When your ready, let's get inside I want to know what happened."
Once Beatrix found her legs were steady she followed the two inside. They congregated in the living room as usual and established on the couch. Vernita and Beatrix took turns telling bits of the story, adding in what one would leave out, and refining some of the minor details as they told the story. During a portion of their story telling; Vernita was kind enough to grab a wet rag for Beatrix to attempt to wipe away the blood from her face. It had long since dried and felt rather uncomfortable and not to mention made her feel unbelievably dirty, in the manner it was meant.
The crimson shaded rag was draped across the blonde's lap, arms settled at her sides, and one long leg crossed over the other. Her expression was placid but still held a stoned tint. "And that is how this particular money seeking greedy son of a bitch met his end," the blonde finished off in conclusion to the story.
Bill sat across from the two women, looking angry but in an interested way. He found it equally as annoying that their target had already been offed. This was not the first time that his Viper's had been put into threatening situations that were far beyond "normal" assignments. It always managed to really piss him off.
"And...,." he leaned forward, "You...bit this guy's...tongue off?" He made a pained expression. Beatrix never ceased to amaze in her ability to draw blood.
Vernita nodded for Bea, "Oh yeah...you should have seen her Bill...this asshole deserved no less...believe me."
"Well...," Bill concluded, "...I doubt the world is going to miss him. And our target got it anyways..." He fixed them both with a glare, "That doesn't mean I'm happy about this whole thing."
"There wasn't anything we could do Bill," Vernita attempted to defend them. Bill just frowned at her.
Beatrix wasn't going to allow Vernita to be shot down for a mistake that was more or less her fault nor was she going to take any shit from Bill. "Do you think we're any happier about the whole thing?" She pointed out bluntly. Her eyes narrowed. "This time it wasn't entirely our fault. We were being cautious and the fucker just came out of nowhere. You can't tell me that you haven't run into a situation such as this before. Cause you wouldn't have taught me all that dandy etiquette on toxins in the first place."
Bill's eyes flashed, "I taught you that "dandy etiquette" hoping you would never have to use it. The simple fact that you did have to use it makes me really angry." He didn't have to point that out verbally, it was already pretty obvious. "I've run into every situation possible Kiddo," he replied nastily, "Don't even try to patronize me."
Vernita sat tight lipped. Unlike Beatrix she knew when to stop when it came to Bill then again unknown to Vernita , Beatrix had this problem with Bill in more than one way.
"And I'm not singling you out here Kiddo," Bill continued on undaunted, "You're just as responsible Vernita."
"Bill...she's right...," Vernita began feebly, "We did the best w-"
"If you had done the best you could have then Beatrix would not have nearly died in my fucking driveway," Bill's voice rose. Bill rarely yelled...it just wasn't his style...but that did not mean he was any less vocally powerful.
Vernita licked her lips, looking over at Beatrix. "Perhaps...Bill..." she began again, calmer, "...you're overreacting...just a bit here...," She regretted it the moment she said it.
"I'm not overreacting," Bill hissed, "This is goddamn reality Vernita. I swear, if I weren't around all of you would have easily gotten yourself killed by now."
Not being in the most stable state of mind Bill's anger only caused Beatrix's mood to worsen. She wasn't entirely sure why he was getting in such a fit over this but she had her guesses. Guesses she wasn't going to make evident in front of Vernita for privacy sake. Blue eyes began to ignite with an intense flame. Bill was, to put it lightly, upset and when he was upset Beatrix either back downed or pursued it. More than likely she was known to pursue it, especially when this was clearly an over reaction.
"Ah, yes, if it weren't for the Great all powerful Bill we all would be dead," she mocked bitterly. "Well, fuck, Bill, thanks for being there."
Oh shit, Vernita thought...It's all over now... She only wished she could make some sort of quick escape. Her eyes flicked nervously between the two of them.
Bill leaned forward, hands on the coffee table, "Your welcome Kiddo!" he answered in anything but a grateful tone of voice. "And you SHOULD be thanking me, not rambling that smart ass mouth of yours! Who needs dangerous assignments when you're such a smart ass huh? You're just going to end up getting yourself killed by your own damn means!"
Vernita really, really, really wanted to say something about Bill being just as much of a smart ass as Beatrix but it was an easy choice to not say that one out loud.
He tilted his head sarcastically, brown eyes widening, "Oh...I bet you just can't wait to fling some more of that sass this way..."
Vernita cleared her throat in an attempt to break this death lock battle, but neither of them seemed to notice.
"Gladly," Beatrix replied to the sass remark as she found herself leaning forward and her own white hands moved to the coffee table.
"Where do you think I learn most of my sass from? It's not just because I'm blonde. You're just as much of a smart ass as I am. We learn from the best." Brows rose knowingly but blue eyes glared. "And what makes you so sure I'd be dead if it weren't for you? I can more than easily handle myself in any situation. And I'm not being cocky about it because we both know that is more than true. Don't flatter yourself by thinking you're the reason I'm still breathing."
Bill's eyes narrowed. He knew that she was in part, speaking the truth. But he sure as hell wasn't about to give in now...he could play this little game. "Well," he smirked, "I can see you've certainly inherited a number of things from that blonde head of yore's and rationality is certainly not one of them."
Vernita leaned back as far as the couch cushions allowed giving Beatrix and Bill as much room as possible. Vernita had seen Bill get really nasty with a number of his employees but they had often done less than Beatrix and he was being far less nasty with her than he had been with them. There was defiantly something about these two...Vernita wasn't sure what exactly, but there was no denying it.
"Of course I'm the reason you're still breathing...," Bill replied, eyes locked on Beatrix's, "...breathing the air that you deserve at least. I'm not downplaying your abilities...but who enabled those abilities?" He let out a breath, appearing to loose some steam. Perhaps Beatrix had won this round. "All I'm asking is you be more damn careful and," he gave her a glare, "...stop being so flippant about it for Christ's sake!" He gave a humored smile, "That's my job not yore's..."
Satisfied that she had won this round, Bea pushed off the coffee table and settled back against the cushions. Blue eyes had warmed up a degree or two. "You could have," she rose a single white digit. "Just as easily asked us to in a polite manner to be more careful next time. Than we could have avoided this whole quarrel." A grin played across her lips knowing that statement was false. It wasn't in Bill to be polite about anything and everyone knew that. "And, where in the fine print did it say the assignment of being the facetious one was your job? It fits me a hell of a lot better than it does you." She flipped a civil smirk.
"Oh really?" Bill raised an eyebrow.
Vernita almost groaned. Just when she thought it was over. "I don't think so Kiddo..." he shook his head. "If you're the facetious one it just makes you out to be a real bitch, but for me, it's merely charming." He flashed a broad smile.
Vernita shot Bill a look of 'What the fuck?' Typical male asshole comment.
"And," he continued in a more serious tone of voice, "If I were to...politely," he nearly spit the word out, "...tell you to be more careful you wouldn't take it as seriously as I wasn't you to. I don't need to be liked...what I need is my Viper's doing the best damn jobs they can."
Vernita almost said something along the lines of, 'Well, I think we already do that.' But, Bill wanted to be right...so she let him be.
Beatrix laughed. Where'd Bill get off that he was charming? He sure as hell wasn't being charming at this moment in time and even when he was for those special moments reserved for Beatrix Kiddo she wouldn't put Bill and charming in the same sentence.
Her laughter died down quick and her own facade turned serious. "Asshole." She shook her head in mild disgust. "I thought we were doing a pretty fucking good job already. But, lol-and-behold our boss thinks otherwise. Well," she crossed arms over her chest. "Do tell what we are doing wrong." She quickly put up a finger. "Not counting what just happened."
Bill frowned. She'd called his bluff.
Vernita looked nervous. Nobody talked to Bill like this...not even his own brother.
"Your not...doing anything wrong per say," Bill replied smoothly, "I never said you were doing anything wrong did I? Not counting what just happened of course...What I did say was you should be more careful. And you," he pointed at Vernita, who's eyes widened, "Need to get better about watching your comrade's backs. You," his finger turned on Beatrix, "...not only need to be more cautious about your smart ass mouth but you need to get better control over that little temper of yore's. I'm not criticizing your skills, but what I am criticizing is your practices."
Vernita looked confused. What exactly was Bill talking about? How had this whole thing started really? Bill was a hardass, but he was being way overly critical as if he was attempting to cover up for some emotional weakness involved in this whole "slip up" of an assignment. Vernita's eyes flicked to Beatrix.
"You think I'm bullshitting you," Bill glared, "...but I'm not.."
"Wasn't going to say you were," Beatrix replied coolly. Her gaze slipped to Vernita to take note to her reaction before returning to that so-called hard ass. She knew she was playing at high stakes, especially now. No one talked to Bill the way she did and the disturbing part was she could get away with it like no one else could. "I'll try to remember that tid-bit of advice about controlling my temper." Her chin tilted down to her chest. "But, I'd give the same advice to you."
Bill looked amused in a pissy sort of way, "Oh...wait, now you're giving me advice?"
Vernita swore at this moment they sounded just like this old married couple that lived down the hall from her as a child.
"Wait..wait..." Bill said quite sarcastically, "Do tell me...since you're feeling oh so verbal tonight...I want to hear what your wise perceptive mind has come up with..." It was obvious he was baiting her. Bill often liked to do this...and when somebody took the bait, he'd chew them up and spit them out. But this was no "somebody" this was Beatrix...she appeared to be something of an exception.
Verntia stared at Beatrix apprehensively.
Beatrix was more than aware that she was being baited and she decided to nibble at the bait rather than hook on to it. She shifted her position to appear rather overconfident. "I am just giving friendly advice. You have just as much of a control issue as I do. Don't deny it.This evident lack of control clearly feeds off of your need of knowing when to react and when to over react. One day you are going to loose that control to an extent where seeing the difference between reacting and over reacting has no stop sign. And, in loosing so, you will do something you'll greatly regret. I'm just pointing that out to perhaps prevent it."
Bill raised his eyebrows, taking all of that in.
Vernita suddenly felt very, very uncomfortable...as if she had just stumbled into a private conversation that was far from her own.
Bill leaned forward, towards Beatrix, "I'll keep that in mind Kiddo," he said in odd mixture of sarcasm and biting realization.
"Well..uh..," Vernita stood up suddenly, "Ya know...I think I should get going...um..I'll call you later Bill..." She began making a hasty retreat towards the door. "I'll talk to ya later Bea," she gave the tall blonde a knowing look and almost ran out of the house.
Bill stood up as soon as Vernita left, frowning. "Very perceptive little observation there Kiddo," he said calmly but again bordering on the sarcastic. He began stalking towards the back patio, "Now, if you don't mind...I'm going to go take my overreacting self outside to my lovely Oriental garden and do some practicing. You may join me if you so desire, if not. I'll call you soon." With that, he turned and went outside, bare feet padding along the cobblestones.
Beatrix knew it was the wiser choice to leave and go home but she wasn't in the wiser state of mind this night. She was psychically worn down and the after affects of the toxin was still lingering in her veins. None the less her own heavy boots padded against the floor in a less elegant manner as she walked across the threshold to the outside patio.
Intense blue hues watched Bill from the side as she walked over to the sword rake. Long white fingers extended as she removed a heavy steal Chinese sword, of low quality as it was usually used in the manner of practice. The sword hanging vertical to her side, Beatrix turned to her 'master'. She gave him a coy smile and said calmly, "I do recall you saying not too long ago that my foot work needed practice."
Bill turned slowly towards Beatrix, a bemused smirk on his face, "Yes, your footwork is often sluggish and at times almost clumsy," he replied mercilessly. "Certainly," he made his way over to the sword rake,"...in need of some practice." With a sadistic glint in his eye, Bill spotted a similar straight steal sword to Beatrix's and removed it in one quick crisp motion that left the blade ringing.
Just then, a four set of tall Chinese lamp style posts that surrounded the courtyard came on in response to the dying sunlight. They bathed the entire garden in soft but effective yellow tinted lighting.
Bill grinned, "Now...if that isn't dramatic timing...," but he never finished the sentence, nor did he have any intention to. Instead, he swiftly brought the sword up into a fighting stance and made a deadly swing towards Beatrix's head. Of course, this would have probably been the end of any "normal" person...but Bill knew well enough that Beatrix would not only see it coming, but she knew full well what to do. He may have often spoken critically to her, but when it came down to it, Bill had absolute faith in Beatrix's abilities.
Beatrix swiftly ducked away from the approaching blade, her own sword coming up in the process to heed a stop to his own. Metal clashing to metal sending off a faint vibration on impact and subtle ringing. The atmosphere couldn't have been bathed more perfectly in the reflective light and dying sunlight. She took a jump back and settled into a regal warrior stance. Her form perfectly silhouetted by the casting lights. She raised the sword over her head and immediately sprang at him by pushing off from her back heel, she'd use more foot movement for this one.
In-between looking intensely concentrated, Bill flashed an amused grin at Beatrix. It had been sometime since they had a "friendly little contest"...he forgot how much he enjoyed it. Bill parried her sword with his own blade...following that up with a couple more parries as Beatrix was not so easily undaunted. Bill was under the practice, that one should never take more than two steps backward in retreat whenever possible. Lunging forward he began a series of full blown swings he wasn't about to hold back at all especially with Beatrix. He even threw in a good amount of tricky footwork, allowing him come at her from different angles and different heights. Yet, she blocked everything. His only break came when he took one hand off the hilt of his sword, and reaching out, he snatched Beatrix's wrist. Yanking her hand free, he wrapped her arm around her back and kicked her legs out from underneath her so she fell face forward. It was a dangerous move when your opponent had a sword in their hands. Not only that, it was as cheap as hell.
Bill took a few steps back, sword at the ready. She was going to be royally pissed about that one and was no doubt going to make him pay for it one way or another.
The tall blonde was now belly down on the cold cobblestone. Lucky for her she knew to keep arms extended when falling so she didn't accidentally allow her blade to go through her own chest. She rolled onto her back; legs bent, and with little effort preformed a front flip which brought her back to a standing position. Hands came back to tighten around the hilt as she took a ready stance. Blue eyes burned with intensity and the desire to strike him down for that cheap shot. But, she was smart enough to keep her anger in check as she was taught it was foolish to attack your opponent in full raged anger. It took away from the concentration and skill.
She swiftly ran at him like a wildcat with a warrior cry to match. Blades clashed, slashes were parried but, Bea twisted herself to allow her back to turn to him at a point. One hand coming off the hilt and bent, her elbow shooting back to make contact into his gut.
Just as Bill suspected, she came at him with full force. But she was not showing as much anger as he guessed she was probably feeling...that was good.
But he had not expected her elbow. After moving behind him, Bill was sure she was going to put him into some sort of grip and throw him...the elbow came as somewhat of a surprise.
You could only do so much to prepare yourself to get elbowed in the gut...only true "Zen" masters could manage to remain invulnerable to that attack. Doubling over in pain, Bill was forced to let one hand go on his sword to clutch at his stomach. This put him in an extremely vulnerable position, but there was little he could do at the moment but wait the few seconds until he could stand up straight. A satisfactory smile tugged at her lips. It was a pleasure when she could get the upper hand with Bill. This was rather rare and when it did occur it didn't last all that long. She had to take advantage of it while she had the time.
Seeing him double over in evident pain she whipped the blade around, the cool metal coming to settle against his crouch. She flipped the blade again to come to his shoulder and once more to settle against his neck. Beatrix applied little weight against the hilt, only allowing the sharp point to dig into the tender flesh along his neck.
She grinned wide and slender brows raised. "I'd more than happily slit your throat but I'm feeling generous today."
Bill watched in angered horror as Beatrix flipped the blade from one bad spot to another. Oh no, he wasn't about to allow her to win that easily.
He turned his head slightly to the side, careful of the blade tip. "I'd more than happily let you slit my throat," he said with a smirk, "but...I'm not feeling that generous myself."
With that he fell. Well, to the untrained eye he looked like he fell but it was more of a controlled throw of oneself to the ground. This allowed him to move away from the blade and avoid another quick slash from it. In the process of falling, he entangled a leg between Beatrix's feet and once on the ground, he rolled over just enough to cause her to loose her own footing.
"Ha!" Bill laughed, "Gotcha!"
This had to be the second time to count she landed on the ground. She let out a soft grunt of discomfort as she hit the ground on her back the sword slipping from her hand in the process. Seeing him in a sitting position she quickly crawled over to him, in a somewhat sloppy but accurate fashion, mounted onto his back. Long white arms wove around his neck but instead of her usual choking method she just sat there. Similar to a piggy-back-ride fashion. Grinning from ear to ear she rested her head on his shoulder. "You sure you aren't feeling generous?" Words drifting almost seductively to his ear, of course this was all playing along for the game.
Now...that was a change. Not that Bill was complaining but it had definitely caught him by surprise. Beatrix certainly had a knack for that.
He had been expecting her to apply that death grip chokehold of hers...of course, he would then have been forced to attempt to flip her over his back...but...she'd quite suddenly changed the rules...at least for the moment.
Bill smiled coyly, turning his head slightly to look at her. "I certainly don't lack generosity...but generally it takes a little persuading..." he replied in a voice equally as laden with threatening innuendos as Beatrix's.
Beatrix nestled her cheek against his neck in a less than affectionate manner. "Persuading takes time and effort and at the moment," she lifted her head back up. "I'm lacking in those categories." In a movement that resembled a lightening strike she leaned and pricked up her fallen sword lying within arm's length. Still mounted on Bill's back she whipped the blade around to settle against his Adam's apple. Even if he were to try and flip her over the blade being at such an angle could cause unnecessary bleeding.
And...once again...Beatrix had changed the rules.
Bill froze...realizing his situation. There was really no way to escape this one without death inducing injury. "Well...Kiddo..." he said in a slightly tight voice. "I'm afraid you've got me at a bit of a disadvantage." More like she had him right where she wanted him. He hunched slightly under her weight, not making any sudden movements.
He laid his hands in his lap casually, "So...now...the merciless killer has her prey...," he began in a dramatic overtone, "...she's left with the daunting decision...Does she show compassion to the uncompassionate? Or does she break the cycle and show mercy...hrm...only time will tell..."
This brought a smirk to grace her facial features. She always found it either overly amusing or overly annoying when Bill spoke in his narrator tone. Casually she tilted her head down so that her forehead was now residing against the back of his head. Silent debate over her options persuaded.
Bea picked her head back up. "You know," she began in her own tall-tale-voice. "It doesn't say much when the student manages to get the best of the master. Especially when the student was at a disadvantage and the master happens to be the infamous Bill." She let her legs slip as she dismounted and let the sword slip away from his neck. Now standing a few inches behind him, one hand still clenched to the hilt of the sword, blue eyes intensely remained. Bill still remained sitting with his back to her...legs crossed...almost as if he was meditating.
"Ah...but you forgot one thing there Kiddo," he said finally, having dropped the narrator tone, "No matter the outcome you are still the student, and I am still the master. And in this case, what the student lacks is the ability to go through on her actions. By backing off you have now allowed me another chance" he shook his head, "...bad move Kiddo..."
In an instant, Bill made a blind grab behind him twisting Beatrix's sword wielding wrist in a painful grip that if not held back or placed a weaker wrist than Beatrix's could easily have broken it. Simultaneously, he knelt forward slightly, just enough to kick a leg out from underneath him. His bare foot connected solidly with Beatrix's shin. He then let go of her wrist, letting gravity do whatever it wished. This bizarre maneuver left him splayed out on the ground, but he was able to pick himself up quickly and lunge over to his fallen sword. "That..." Bill breathed through strands of hair, brown eyes flashing"...is why you should never, EVER show compassion in battle."
Once again the blonde haired warrior was back on the ground. Her legs bent up to her chest in a fetal position, her wrist gingerly clenched to her chest as it was still throbbing in pain.
Her breathing came harsh and she nodded her pretty head vigorously. She than began to pull herself into a sitting position, her expression almost reading that she was done and psychically worn out. But in reality she was nowhere near finished. This wouldn't be proper training if she allowed Bill the satisfactory of winning. All in all this was mainly a lesson in which she was to learn things. She was learning. Intense blue eyes stared up at him, her mind racing. It was only right he join her on the floor. It made her uneasy how he was towering over her form.
Beatrix casually but with strikingly accurate and fast movement she extended that long leg and hit it back against the side of Bill's own lower calf causing him to stumble and begin to loose his balance. A hand shot to the side and grabbed for her fallen blade, whipping it around to snatch against the fabric of Bill's pants leg as he came down to the ground. She hadn't drawn blood but he'd have to sew or throw out those pants.
Bill landed hard on the cobblestones, Beatrix's sword blade tearing the leg of his pants. He laid there for a moment and then rolled onto his back, laughing. Doubtfully most people would find themselves laughing in that situation but this was Bill.
"Now...that's more like it Kiddo..." he exhaled in a satisfied tone, staring up into the now dark sky. "How's that wrist of yore's?"
Beatrix pulled her legs into Indian style, her wrist coming back to nestle against her chest, cradling it as if it were a small animal. Blue eyes settled on Bill, expression monotone. "It hurts," she admitted lightly. Well, it didn't hurt that bad but it was throbbing which was getting to the point of being annoying. But as she always had to remind herself, she's had a hell of a lot worse. Her pained wrist was now a minor inconvenience. "Who won?" Her words spoken in a casual note. She knew there were no true winners when it came to training but it was always fun to ask.
Bill remained laying on the ground, his face turned up to the night sky. He shook his head, "Nobody won Kiddo," he said in a suddenly serious tone. "If this had been a real battle...then yes...somebody would have won that winner being the one who's still alive. Even then...," he continued with a frown, "...I always like to think that even the winner loses something...every time. But," he looked over at Beatrix,"...for the sake of amusement...I'll consider you the victor. For the simple fact that," he gestured to his pant leg, "...you tore my fucking favorite pair of pants!"
Beatrix laughed out loud. "Mm..yeah..sorry about that, baby," she cooed through dying laughter. Even though she laughed at his last remark she still kept the whole assumption about winning in the back of her mind. He was completely right on that one and in later times she'd come to realize that even more. She shifted her position to idly settle on her back, horizontal to Bill's body, her pretty blonde head resting inches from his. Blue eyes settled on the sky above, the stars brightly shinning. "Has my footwork gotten any better?"
Bill turned to look back up at the sky as Beatrix did the same. To any onlooker this must be one hell of a bizarre picture but Bill never gave a fuck what anything thought. He considered her question, "Yes...I think it has...," he concluded with a nod, "Just don't be afraid to switch it up a bit. You don't want to throw yourself off balance, but you also want to always have the element of surprise on your side. Which, "he added with a smirk, "...is something you are not lacking Kiddo...just remember you can use that talent anywhere. Most typical fighters don't expect you to suddenly fall...or jump...flip or..." he waved his hand, "I don't know...do one those funky ass spin move things that kids nowadays do...ya know...My point being...don't feel bound by tradition. You are your own person...do what works for you." Not sure where the hell that came from, Bill fell to enjoy the view for the moment.
Another vital stash of information given from her master and as the student she'd always remember it.
She laughed but with a lighter note than before. Her hands came to fold on top of her stomach to cease the laughter. A smile tugged at the edges of her lips but she would not fully expose it. She allowed silence to pursue and enjoyed the soft chirping of the night creatures, a coyote howling off in the distance.
Beatrix blinked and her head turned slightly to him. "I know why you over reacted earlier," she admitted quietly. Where this was coming from she wasn't sure. "You just want to make sure I stay safe. I really do appreciate that Bill, but as a wise man once told me, you can never be safe in this line of work."
Bill smiled in that way that meant, only to those who knew him well, that he had been caught one way or another, "Ah, yes...it appears you've found me out there...guilty as charged. I'm afraid," the smile faded a bit, "...I'm finding myself in something of a bind with you Kiddo. This is something of a new problem for me...which is surprising coming from an old dog like myself. And that wise man was certainly right...but...I'm finding myself having strong personal feelings towards the prospect of your demise." He shook his head, "This is not good at all...," he was of course jesting some but there was a good amount of serious truth as well. A man such as Bill simply could not afford to have such strong emotional attachments. He loved...but he always loved carefully. He even hated at a distance. There was a small part of him that wanted to tell Beatrix to forget about him...just do her job...and nothing else. He was a dangerous man to be involved with...he knew that. But he was far too selfish to do that...that and he was beginning to care far too much to do that.
"To be honest with you," he said finally in a softer tone of voice. "...I find the whole thing rather unsettling...I need to be able to send you out and not have such reactions. I just need to sort it out..." He trailed off, not sure what he meant by that.
It 'almost' stung at Beatrix's heart to know Bill found their whole relationship unsettling. That the whole aspect of the two of them together was wrong and it should never have been a thought between them. But hadn't they already come to the conclusion that the two together was a risk and they both had been willing to take it?
Even with a compromise such as that second thoughts were allowed. She never expected Bill to have second thoughts. She was allowed. Beatrix finally gave a tight nod. "Take all the time you need. Just remember that we challenged one another, decided to take a risk, and I'd hate to back out now."
Bill turned to her with a sudden move of his head, "I never said I was going to back out," his eyes flashed with challenge. He loathed the mere thought of backing out of something he'd already set himself to. "I just said I was finding this particularly...challenging." Perhaps he had worded all of that wrong...or perhaps he shouldn't have even said anything to begin with. Fuck. That rarely happened to him. He frowned. "I've never...ever...backed out of a risk in my entire life and I ain't about to start now Kiddo...I can assure you that!"
He turned his head away again, "And I didn't mean unsettling in a bad way," he added in a softer tone. "Besides, out of all the risks I've ever taken in my life...and there's been allot...this is probably my favorite." Well, Bill wasn't going to win any Mr.. Romantic contests in his lifetime...far from it. But, in his own odd way, he knew how to word things.
Well, Beatrix wasn't going to feel all out flattered by that remark but it gave some kind of twisted comfort. She shifted her position from staring at him to turn back to the sky. A hand came up and idly raked through those clean cut bangs before settling back to her stomach region. "I'd never expect you to back out of a challenge Bill...maybe that came out wrong..." She trailed off to gather her words. "I haven't taken nearly as many risks as you have in my short, twenty four years of living but I've had enough to know when the perfect risk comes along." Blue eyes twinkled. "As long as we're clear on the rules I believe we can win...or in your manner of thinking win some and lose some." She flashed a sly smile in her direction.
Bill frowned, crossing his own arms across his chest. "Perhaps...that's the problem...I'm unsure what the rules are," he admitted. "In the past...well," he smirked,"...I always made the rules. But not with you Kiddo...I'm not about to do that with you. You're too smart for that." That and she meant for too much to him to treat just like every other woman he'd been with...of course he wasn't about to say that...far...FAR too sweet.
He nodded, "There is always loss in every gain...no matter what...it's inevitable. But, in the end...if the gain is high enough...then...fuck the loss, it was worth it." Bill had no idea what he would actually lose out of this endeavor...that was for him to find out later on.
He looked over at her fully catching her "perfect risk" comment. Well...nobody had ever addressed him as so...it was amazingly flattering in an odd way that he could truly identify with. He returned Beatrix's sly smile. "I think you have more than enough experience to know what you want...I've always appreciated that about you...your wise beyond your years."
Beatrix smiled wide. She was flattered by that, but she was never one for blushing or girlish giggling, smiling did just as well. Deciding she was getting bored of the same position she effortlessly flipped onto her stomach, propping up her upper body with bent elbows. She went to lean her chin in her open palm but as she bent her wrist she felt the sharp stinging reminder of Bill's minor demonstration. She muttered a curse and settled her chin up with just one open palm. "I was never clear on the rules to begin with. So, we're best off making them up as we go along," she stated in a placid tone. Her head turned back to him and she stared. There was more on her mind but she didn't want to come out and say it. She blinked and her smile turned mischievous. "I'm tired and I should go home but I'm starting to find the floor too comfortable."
Having spent many of his years sleeping on sumi mats and equally bizarre bedding, Bill didn't find the stone ground all that uncomfortable. Although, it had been some time since he had laid like this under a night sky...it even brought on a slight pang of nostalgia. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath of the night air. The distant sound of coyotes and the nearby sound of crickets combined to make perfectly blended background of noise.
Bill's own version of a mischievous grin slid onto his face in response to Beatrix's words. He turned towards her and replied in a tone of voice that was both matter of fact and laced with innuendo. "Then you should stay."
Beatrix stared at Bill with raised eyebrows. She was shocked. Did she hear him correctly? She let out a light laugh and canted her head down to stare at the cobblestone. She had to let this register. It wasn't necessarily what Bill said exactly but more the matter in which it was brought up. "Okay," she stated in a blunt tone.
She shifted to lay on her back once more as her lonely arm was getting tired of supporting her upper half without help from her other arm. Once settled she spoke up, the mischievous smile remained on her lips, "We can have a slumber party! Should I make some popcorn? Oh, and we can rent Showgun cause that's the best movie for our type to watch." Of course, she said this in an overly dramatic girly manner more or less to get on his nerves.
Bill raised an eyebrow, amused by both Beatrix's apparent shock as well as her suggestion. "A slumber party?" He laughed, "Can't say I have had one of those in...numerous decades. But, hell I'm game. Hrm...you mean Shogun Assassin?" He nodded his approval, ignoring her purposively put on girly voice, "Fucking brilliant movie. The Lone Wolf and Cub sequels never quite measured up that original." Aware he had just gone off subject, he rolled over onto his side facing Beatrix. "Did you say something about making popcorn?" He smirked, playing along...
Okay, so she had gotten the movie name wrong. She only saw it once when she was younger and that was only because she snuck into a midnight showing when she was sixteen. Beatrix pulled herself up into a sitting position, legs bent up to her chest, and that pretty blonde head canted down at him. She was displaying mostly mocking enthusiasm but she couldn't help but feel a ting of excitement towards this new game. "Splendid." She clapped her hands together in excitement. A quick wince as her wrist came to cradle back against her chest. She scowled quietly. You never know how important a certain limb is until you lose it temporarily. She sprang up to her feet. "Anyway, I'll go make the popcorn." She raised a single brow in his direction. "You do have popcorn, right?"
Bill stared up at Beatrix...he had only been joking...but she was really serious. She was actually going to go make popcorn. He sat up, laughing, "What? Ah...I think I have popcorn...somewhere," he looked at her quizzically, "It's..ah...," he stood up, "Wait..wait..let me help you...I can't actually remember." Shaking his head, still laughing to himself...Bill led her back into the house and to the kitchen.
After a few minutes of mumbled curses, Bill found a box of popcorn that...judging by the box graphics was a good five years old. "Well," he set the box down on the counter, "...I'm sure it's still edible..." he chuckled.
Beatrix picked up the five year old popcorn box and inspected it thoroughly. A broad smirk across her face the entire time. "Well," she concluded as she began to tear the box open. "If we get food poisoning and die I'll blame you." She gave a tight reassuring nod to that statement and proceeded to take out the popcorn and put it into the microwave. She laughed to herself as she set the timer on the microwave for three minutes, standard popcorn time. She glanced over her shoulder at him. This was a whacky idea but she wasn't going to start complaining.
"There's enough preservatives in that crap to make it last through World War III," Bill quipped, leaning back against the counter, crossing his arms. "I assure you..." He shook his head again with a smile. This was completely unexpected...and a little silly...but there was also something refreshing about it all. Striding over to the bar, Bill poured two drinks and returning to the kitchen he handed one to Beatrix.
"I'm not trying to get you drunk," he smirked with a tip of the head as the microwave beeped. "I'm just afraid I'm a little out of refreshing cold Coca Cola products at the moment."
"An alcoholic beverage and popcorn is the perfect combination" Beatrix remarked as she took the glass and downed a small sip before setting it down to the counter and moving to retrieve the popcorn. "You could have just as easily poured me a glass of water as you could have poured me a glass of wine." A long hand reached up to the microwave door, pulled it open, and took out the steaming bag. She shook it around aimlessly to get the last cornels popped. Blue eyes darted to him, her smile turning sly, "I'd suggest we should get in our pajamas before we start but I wasn't planning to sleepover..." She trailed off a moment, her head canted. "And I was looking forward to showing off my see through white silk nightgown."
Bill was about to make some comment about wine versus water, when he was stopped short by Beatrix's nightgown comment. "Well," he laughed, eyebrows raised. "I beg you not to forget it next time..." he smiled coyly, taking a suspiciously long drink from his wine glass and mentally lingering on that thought for a few moments.
"But, since you so did not come prepared...I'm sure I can find something," he said setting his glass down. He gave her an intense look, "I'll be right back." Moving like he was afraid she wasn't going to be there when he returned Bill disappeared down the hallway.
Opening his large walk in closet, Bill let out a long breath as he quickly sifted through handfuls of hanging clothing. One would certainly love to read his mind at this moment.
Bill emerged a few minutes later in oriental inspired black silk pajamas, a folded set of clothing in his arm. He gave Beatrix a look, "I wear these all the time..." He handed her the folded clothing. They were off white and silk-ish in nature. "Sadly, these will be far less flattering to your form than your usual choice I'm sure but they will do."
While Bill had run off to retrieve a set of makeshift pajamas Beatrix finished preparing the popcorn. She was leaning casually on the counter as Bill walked back in, a ceramic bowl of popcorn in front of her that she had previously been picking from. She pushed off and took the folded set of clothes. Her expression was mixed but amusement rained above the rest. "I'll be sure not to get them dirty," she assured with a grin as she sauntered past him and off to the bathroom.
It didn't take Bea long to change. Lucky for her she was tall, coming not even a few inches short of Bill, which made the clothing situation much easier. Bare feet now padded against the wooden floor as the tall blonde came back into the kitchen. The material was soft against her skin, rather baggy, and flowy, her hair was down to set just past her shoulders. Not matter what her appearance was she still managed to look extremely cute in a pair of male pajamas. Slender brows rose as she did a little twirl around, blue eyes cast down as she inspected herself. "Do I look like you?" She inquired in a casual note laced with sarcasm.
Bill froze midway into shoveling a handful of popcorn into his mouth. He had been musing over her "I'll be sure not to get them dirty" comment with a good amount of gusto when she walked back into the kitchen. Beatrix had this wonderful ability to always look damn good. No matter what and that was no exaggeration. This included slightly baggy, male pajamas. He took in her entire appearance with a raised eyebrow, "Oh...no...far...far better looking," he replied with uninhibited awe. "If I ever looked that good...well," he chuckled, "I'd...never leave myself alone." Before she even had time to touch that comment, Bill began anew.
"Now...are we going to fight over the movie? Or are you going to make the womanly executive decision?" He gave her a mock serious expression.
Beatrix still held a bemused facade from his previous comment on if he looked as good as she did. Arms folded across her chest in an elegant manner as she let the moment of annoyance pass. She took a step forward and picked up the popcorn bowl. "The woman always makes the final decisions in any relationship," she informed, her facade coming back to that mixture of emotions. She walked into the living room, popcorn bowl in hand. "We are watching Shogun Assassins, and," she gave him a side glance as she set the popcorn down on the coffee table. "If we are still awake by the time it's over. We'll watch what you want."
Bill wanted to tell her that Shogun Assassin was too long...not to mention that she was damn right about women always having the final decisions but he wisely kept his mouth shut. He followed Beatrix into the living room, "Hey, I like Shogun Assassin," he said earnestly, throwing his hands in the air. To no surprise, Bill had an extensive movie collection...a large amount of them being bloody 70's samurai and kung fu movies. He sifted through the movies finding Shogun Assassin and picking out Circle of Iron as his choice.
"Wait!" He held up a hand as Beatrix sat down on the couch. He disappeared back down the hallway and returned shortly with an armful of bedding and some pillows. "If we are going to do this slumber party thing...then we'd better do it right." Bill took his time arranging everything...almost to a laughable point. Then, going back to the kitchen and once again returning, he finally settled down with his glass of wine and notably the entire bottle. Bill may have let Beatrix choose the movie, but he sure as hell was not going to let her wield the remote. That was a man's job...and a real man would never give up his remote. He started the movie and got comfortable. It was a snug fit between the two of them with all of the blankets but Bill sure as hell didn't seem to mind. Wine glass in one hand he casually draped his arm around the back of the couch behind Beatrix's shoulders.
"Did you know that this movie was banned in Japan when it first came out?" Bill began, but quickly got the 'just shut up and watch the movie' look from Beatrix. "Ah, right..."
The familiar little boy's voice of Lone Wolf began the movie..."When I was little...my father was famous..."
Beatrix had to admit she hadn't felt this content and all out comfortable in a long time. As silly and laughable as the situation was she was finding it more so enjoyable. She even had plans to store this night in her Pandora's Box of 'happier' memories.
The movie continued to go along smoothly. Bill not being able to help himself gave out random facts every so often. Beatrix either gave a nod to acknowledge it or a glare to state simply 'shut up'. Both were used at an even amount.
About a quarter into the movie the blonde had consumed at least two glasses of wine and more than her helping of popcorn. Usually when she drank wine she became bubblier, immature, rowdy, but mostly due to the fact she had had a long day it had the complete opposite effect. Her body was engulfed in two blankets for other reasons than being cold. Bea had gradually shifted her position on the couch so that her legs were tucked beneath her form and her head was lying against Bill's shoulder. Many would call this the casual couple's moment. Snuggling together and watching a romantic movie with wine and popcorn. Well, they were snuggling but one wouldn't necessarily call their movie choice romantic.
Likewise, Bill had consumed his own fair share of wine. His head was swimming a bit, but he had to admit that this was turning into a very good night. He hadn't felt like this in a long time. A very long time. And no doubt the last time he felt like this he had ideally replaced feelings of true happiness with naive romantic lust. He knew better than that now...there were rare moments of true contentment, especially for murdering bastards, and it was best to capture those moments in their true form.
When Beatrix had contently laid her head against his shoulder, he couldn't help but idly play with her hair now and then. At one point he even casually bent over and kissed the top of her head, then went back to watching the movie. It had been purely instinctual and he'd drank enough wine to not even really notice.
Bill knew Shogun Assassin pretty much by heart. He had even been in Japan when the original had come out and had a chance to see it before it was pulled from theatres. The English version wasn't bad but as always the Japanese was far superior. There was such a vast amount of gore in the film, all of it in that wonderful 70's fashion, that Bill couldn't help but chuckle now and then. Eventually he threw off his blankets, feeling far too hot for their need. Glancing over at the wine bottle, Bill noticed it was empty. Probably a good thing actually. Tilting his head down, he spoke to Beatrix, "Still awake Kiddo?" He wasn't entirely sure to be honest. Her breathing was very slow, but that could just be the wine. "If your drooling on my silk pajamas right now I will not be entirely amused..." he chided with her in a soft voice.
Beatrix had had her eyes closed. She wasn't sleeping but her eyelids had grown heavy and she found it easier to let them win. It was easy to imagine the film in her mind as the sound traveled to her ears as well as the vibrant colors flashing through her closed lids.
A smirk tugged at her lips as she let out a soft moan as if she was really being awoken by his voice. "Yeah.." She tilted her head up and used the back of her hand to wipe away the 'imaginary' drool. "Opps." She giggled in a more girly manner than she intended. Damn wine. She let the giggle pass as quickly as it came and blinked. "I can't believe you would even think that I drool. Do you know how unlady like that is?" She stated with a low ounce of annoyance in her tone.
Bill smiled down at her. Hrm, obviously Beatrix had overdone the wine just a bit. "Well Kiddo," he raised his eyebrows, "...judging by some other unladylike behavior on your part, I wouldn't put it past you," he said in a good humored tone. He brought a hand up to push the away stray strands of hair on her forehead.
He shifted his position slightly his arm wrapping around her shoulders. Despite looking a little baked out, Beatrix had something of an angelic look about her at the moment. Of course, Bill knew better than to believe that trait ran throughout her character but there were rare moments. "Is it time to tuck you in or would rather stay put here?" Bill inquired softly, pushing away more locks of golden blonde in a rather worshipful manner.
Beatrix had a tendency that when she got drunk her personality changed to being overly angelic or a pure devil. To anyone she was more fun when drunk, to a point. Brows furrowed as her slow moving mind put his question together. She then laughed. "For a second there, I thought.." She took a breath to stop her laughter. "I thought you asked me if it was time to fuck you."
Bill laughed...not some chuckle or smart ass snicker...a damn hearty laugh. It took him a moment to get himself back together. "I said...tuck you in," he began laughing anew, head falling back against the couch. He was trying his hardest not to make a reply to that one...there was so much material...it was extremely tempting.
Bea tilted her head down, locks of blonde hair draping over her shoulders to veil the sides of her face. Slowly she picked her head up, blue eyes peering up at him in that cute angel facade; her cheeks took on a rosy tint from the outburst of laughter. "Don't...don't comment on that." She cleared her throat casually. "We haven't watched your movie yet."
He held up a hand, still chuckling, "I won't comment...well, I can't promise...but I'm attempting not to." Ok, Beatrix had most definitely had enough to drink. He had to admit she was pretty damn charming when drunk...in sort of an evil cute way. He'd seen her tipsy a few times but never like this...never to the point where she made a Freudian slip that big. And that had been a dozy. Yet, knowing that he had somehow just found out some hidden thought of hers...no matter how much it had been alcohol induced, was definitely a turn on.
He looked down at that angelic face coyly, "We haven't even finished your movie yet...," he gestured towards the TV with his free arm, "Getting a little antsy are we?" He raised an eyebrow in a suggestive manner.
Beatrix was glad he laughed at her accidental slip up. She was more than glad that he took her word and didn't comment on it, as hard as a task as it was. If her mind was in more of the proper state she would have taken more notice to what that slip up had actually meant. But, she wasn't going to dawn it, by tomorrow morning she'd most likely have forgotten half of the night.
Her head still tilted in Bill's direction, pale pink lips formed in an 'o' shape. "We haven't?" She craned her head to stare at the television. Indeed the movie was still playing, if she calculated correctly it was about three quarters of the way through. "I didn't realize...we should finish watching this." She nodded her head sternly.
Bill was more than just a little amused by all of this. "I'll keep this in mind...next time, not so much wine for you Kiddo," he grinned, giving her shoulders an affectionate squeeze. "Of course we should finish watching this...the best part is coming up...the epitome of true vengeance," Bill widened his eyes dramatically. "The true moment of the anti-hero." He settled back against the cushions to watch the rest, his arm still around the form of the wine hazed Beatrix. But it was harder to concentrate now, what with that rather interesting interruption and all.
Forty-five blood spattered minutes later, the movie came to its fulfilling conclusion. And like all good samurai films, vengeance had been exacted. By the time the credits were rolling, Bill found himself with his head tiled back eyes nearly closed. Beatrix hadn't said a word since they restarted watching again, he wondered if she was asleep or simply drifting around somewhere in-between.
During those last forty-five-minutes of the film Beatrix had drifted in and out of slumber land. Her dreams consisting of the sounds from the movie and colors reflecting inside her eyelids to create some bizarre pictures in her head. This didn't last long as she felt Bill's head idly sag against hers in a soft thud of skulls. She let out a soft groan and shifted her body against his, lids slowly creaking open to see the fuzzy colors on the television screen. She cleared her throat. "Bill," her voice over laced with a sleepy tone. "The movies over." A hand came up and gingerly brushed long white fingers against his cheek. "Now who's drooling on their pajamas?"
"Huh?" Bill snapped awake, squinting down at Beatrix. "Hrm...augh..I hope not," he mumbled drowsily, too out of it to make any sort of witty retort. "I was...just...shutting my eyes there...for a moment..." He rubbed his face with his free hand. He squinted at the television screen. "It's over..." he said absently, digging around in the blankets attempting to find the remote in a fumbly tired manner. "Fuck," he cursed. "I hate it when this happens...I swear my couch eats remotes just to piss me off...," he mumbled to himself. After a few minutes of searching and attempting not to accidentally touch Beatrix's rear end in the process, he found it. "Gotcha you bastard," he remarked with a good amount of satisfaction. "Now..." he fixed Beatrix with a tired zoned out look, "...what was happening next?"
Beatrix had held a wide smirk on her drowsy and overly drunken features. She found the whole situation with the remote overly amusing. As Bill came to sit back up, Bea had put her head into his lap, her head tilted, blue eyes staring at him. "I think all remotes enjoy pissing us off. Mine does the same thing." She blinked.
"I don't know," she replied in a lazy manner. "I do believe it would be the best plan of action to.." A hand came up to muffle an oncoming yawn. "Go to sleep." She held up a single digit. "In separate rooms."
Bill smiled drowsily down at her, hand stroking her hair. "Of course Kiddo..." he dipped his head politely. She was right of course. Helping Beatrix get up on her feet, Bill rounded up the blankets. After putting everything back, he insisted Beatrix take his room. It was by far the most comfortable spot in the house and she looked like she needed to sleep off more than he did. Despite, perhaps some unwillingness on her part, he kept insisting until she gave in. This of course was a lot easier with her in her current state.
Bill had a huge California King and even a tall woman such as Beatrix would feel dwarfed in it but it was, without a doubt, a very comfortable sleep. Before parting ways, Bill gave Beatrix a small kiss on the cheek, a gesture more remonstrant of their former relations. The soft lighting from the room only emphasized her current angelic look. "Sleep well Kiddo and don't drool on my pillows," he whispered with a smirk and then padded down the hallway towards the spare bedroom.