Chapter 18: Jeff
As time allowed Bea was back on her feet and relatively cured in that small time lapse of three days. She didn't take much of the drugs Bill left behind, a few that following morning and stored the rest away for future use. Bill had plenty, he wouldn't need them returned.
It was early that afternoon when Beatrix decided to stop by the hacienda to inform Bill she was back to tip top shape. She arrived in a pair of khaki blue pants and a tight fitting t-shirt of an off white color with a design embroider in red and a pair of sandals to finish it. As she approached the door the blonde took notice that the door was ajar. That was odd. Slender brows furrowed. She took steps inside and through the hallway in a cautious manner. As she neared the living room she could distinctly hear Budd's voice mixed with Bill's and another that was unfamiliar. Upon entering the living room she took in a group of men chatting and laughing together. By the looks it almost appeared as if they had a poker game going.
This was different. "Look what the cat dragged in," came Budd's voice with a chuckle to follow.
Beatrix canted her pretty blonde head and held a bemused facade. "Fuck you, Budd," she greeted with a fake smile.
"Hi to you too, Bea," he gave her the same fake smile and went back to shuffling a stack of playing cards.
Bill looked up from his newly dealt hand of cards, his hard gaze softening at Beatrix's arrival. "Ah, Kiddo...hola..." Bill was looking super casual, barefoot, shirt halfway buttoned. He looked like he had been out in the sun the entire week. This was Bill in 'hanging out with the guys mood'. It was generally safe territory.
The third man, a stranger to Beatrix looked up as well when the tall blonde walked in. He appeared to be in his late twenties maybe thirty at a stretch. He wasn't super good looking in that male model sort of way but had attractive features, a lean face, green eyes and a head of brown hair that he appeared to be growing long as it was beginning to reach well past his chin. It was obvious at first glance that he was an intelligent person and perhaps a tad quiet. But first appearances were sometimes misleading as people tended to find out in life. The stranger was wearing a light brown button up shirt patterned in palm trees and a pair of jeans. The rest of his build and attire was obscured by his sitting position at the bar. He gave Beatrix a pleasant smile as she entered.
Bill made the introductions, "Beatrix," whenever he used her real name it was an instant guess that their new guest was somebody he knew well, "...this is Jeff...he's something of a pet project of mine." Bill put his arm around the young man's shoulders in a fatherly fashion, "He's got a ways to go but he's getting there."
Jeff laughed, "Well...thank you Bill...I'll take whatever compliments I can."
Bill chuckled, "Good kid...of course you should." He gestured to Beatrix, "Jeff...this is Beatrix Kiddo..aka Black Mamba...she's my best killer." Bill seemed to be in a habit of introducing Beatrix in this way lately. He seemed to take quite a bit of pride in it.
Jeff gave Beatrix a polite nod, unable to stand up with Bill's arm around his shoulders. "Beatrix, very nice to meet you."
"Oh," Bill began again, "And Kiddo...this is my asshole brother Budd...he's a drunk and a lecherous stalker of hookers."
Budd tipped his head to Beatrix in an overly polite manner. He wasn't that upset about Bill's joking introduction as he received it quite often and both men seemed to be in relatively good moods. This was rare. "Always a pleasure to meet you, Bea."
The tall blonde had held a bemused expression but it flipped to amusement. If Bill and Budd could be in good moods Beatrix could certainly return the favor. "Surely, no matter how many times we've met it is always an experience, Budd," Bea replied coolly but kept a friendly undertone.
"You damn well know it, sista." Budd winked and began to deal out the cards.
Enough attention was given to Bill's brother and Beatrix turned her blue eyes to Bill's new protégé. It had been awhile since Bill had taken up a new student and she wasn't sure why he chose now to do so. Such was the mystery of Bill. "And it is a pleasure to meet you Jeff." This time she flashed a polite and warm set smile. "And where are you from, Jeff?" Curiosity was beginning to peak.
Jeff looked briefly at his newly dealt cards and then laid them facedown, his attention turned towards Beatrix. "Well originally San Diego. I spent some time up in Seattle and eventually ended up in Chico."
"Fucking armpit of California," Bill mumbled, scowling at his cards.
"I thought that was Sacramento," Jeff replied with a raised eyebrow.
Bill made a small 'hrmf' noise and went back to his cards.
"Anyways," Jeff turned back to Beatrix, he seemed like pretty personable guy thus far, "I met Bill while I was living in Chico. I guess he saw some potential in me," he shrugged a bit. "I've been training off and on with him for the last seven years or so."
"Jeff here," Bill chimed in, "was obviously wasting his talents working as a bodyguard for some asshole cocaine dealer."
Jeff shrugged again. This guy was totally Californian. "It was a job I guess...the dealer ended up getting killed though...so," he laughed, a nice enough laugh, "...I guess I didn't do my job that well." He smiled at Beatrix in a friendly way. "Bill tells me he can turn me into a first rate assassin. So of course, I couldn't turn that down. I told him that I hadn't done that much assassination but he swears he can fix that."
Bill threw his cards down, glaring at Budd...who obviously had just shown a far better hand. "Of course I can Jeff."
Budd beamed happily as he gathered his winnings and started counting the pot. Beatrix remained across from the gathered men, her appearance calming but held a haughty cross stitch.
"Seven years, aye?" She noted with a slow nod. "I've only known Bill for..." A trail of to count. "Six years and half of that wasn't necessarily spent with him."
Budd chuckled. "Three years spent training with that bastard Pai Mei. Longer than Elle took too."
"Elle spent a shorter period of time there because she's a bitch," Beatrix reinstated.
"And you ain't?" Budd put on a lopsided grin as he flicked the bundle of dough in his hand before stashing it to the side.
Scowling the blonde turned back to Jeff. Budd kept on side tracking her. "Well, Bill here can perform miracles when it comes to digging out that killer instinct. Some have it more than others. Take Budd here for example." Budd muttered something about bitch and fuck but shut up and went back to reviewing his new hand.
Jeff watched the banter between Budd and Beatrix with a good mix of fascination and amusement, his eyebrows raised.
Bill smirked. He knew Beatrix would wonder about the seven years. He had a lot more going on then many of those who knew him realized. He didn't feel the need to explain himself and rarely did.
"Hah, well...I've heard about this Pai Mei character..."
"He's not a...character Jeff," Bill corrected, "He...WAS...the high priest of the White Lotus Clan and a martial arts genius...a mean old bastard at that."
Jeff nodded, noting his mistake, "I was sorry to hear of his death. I would liked to have trained with him."
Bill scowled, "Hrm...well...some say he had it coming..." he left it at that. "Budd you fucker..." he tossed his cards down again. "Your cheating."
Jeff didn't seem as into the card game as the other two men, but was obviously going along for obligation. "What about you Beatrix," he asked, sorting through his cards, "What's your story?" His green eyes glanced in her direction.
Bill raised a jaded eyebrow, but remained silent.
Beatrix caught Bill's brow raise as well as the glance from Budd. She decided to put on her sweet blonde facade and leaned casually against the wall opposite the poker table.
"Oh, I'm your regular girl. Brought up in the slums of Texas with my whored mother and knowing of my father that supposedly went off and drunk himself to death," all of this was told in a light story teller tone. "Stuck in high school until I was eighteen. Almost did the whole nine yards too. But, that wasn't until Bill 'discovered' me. Came to work for him at nineteen and that's where I've been since." Always quick and to the point. She never gave much information just enough to clear the question.
Jeff stared at Beatrix. His childhood hadn't been a picnic but still.
Bill just looked amused. Typical Beatrix.
"Well...uh...," Jeff ran a hand through his longish hair. "..I'm sorry to hear that Beatrix. But it's a good thing Bill found you." He made a face like 'ok that was dumb Jeff'
Bill came to the rescue as usual, "First time I saw Beatrix," he leveled a very affectionate gaze on her, "I knew I'd found a real killer." Odd how Bill would drape Beatrix in flattery one moment and drench her with disappointment the next. Perhaps not as odd as it was typical of Bill.
Jeff nodded, only looking a little more awkward. He seemed a bit of the loner type not big into social situations. "My parents are both dead..." he said suddenly, but somewhat matter of factly, "Bill here has been something of a father to me."
"In other words," Bill leaned forward, "I give him money when he needs it."
Jeff laughed, "Well...that too...but...my father was never really into me...so...yeah..it's pretty cool. I figure being able to work for him is the best way to repay him for everything he's done for me."
Bill nodded, but didn't say anything. Rarely were his true agendas really that simple but it worked. He looked over at Beatrix. "Do you want us to deal you in Kiddo. Budd's cheating."
Beatrix was finding this Jeff character had a sweet disposition. He was surely a gentleman compared to Bill or Budd. Bill could be 'sweet' but he was never a gentleman and even when he pretended it wasn't that convincing, not to Bea.
Budd scowled. "If anyone cheats it would be Kiddo over there." He made a gesture in the blonde's direction whose slender brows rose as she pushed off the wall.
"It's nice to know what you truly think of me Budd." She took sauntering steps over to the table and took the vacant seat between Bill and Jeff, Budd was across from her.
"There are a lotta things I think of ya, Bea. I just don't tell ya." Budd began shuffling the cards for another round. "I heard Elle tried to kill you the other day." More or less Budd had brought this up as casual conversation for the table as he dealt the cards.
Bea turned her gaze downcast to show little emotion, but blue eyes glinted with fury. "We all know how much she loves me."
Budd leaned over to Jeff and said in a low tone, "Elle's the other blonde bitch I was tellin' bout." He gave a sharp nod and dealt the remains.
Jeff laughed. He liked Budd...he'd met him a few times before and he always found him very fun to be around. Less clever than his brother but far less intimidating to be around.
Bill didn't like it when Budd referred to his assassin's as bitches it reminded him too much of his childhood. But Budd couldn't help it if he was a moron. "Miss Driver..." Bill turned to Jeff, "...is something of a wildcard," he smirked, laying down a royal flush, "No pun intended."
"Shit," Jeff chuckled. "Wait," he looked a Beatrix. "You two tried to kill each other? Oh my god..." Of course, Jeff had no real idea about Elle and Bea. "Aren't you supposed to be killing targets, not each other?"
Bill frowned, "It's complicated Jeff."
"Ah, I see." Jeff was more than bright enough to figure out when to stop.
"We try to all get along," Bill almost sighed, "But, it's not always the easiest task with our sort. If you spend enough years in this lifestyle Jeff, you'll figure it out on your own."
"But all of you guys seem to get along ok," Jeff noted, looking around the table.
Bill smirked. "We get along fair enough."
"So well," Budd slapped down his hand of cards that had by far been his worst. "Bea and I get it on every night."
Beatrix laughed and put down her hand which didn't beat Bill's but it passed Budd's. Instead of slapping Budd, which she would have more than happily would have done, she kicked him. Hard from across the table, a rough play of footsie.
The man yelped and leaned down to rub at his sore calf. "We get along great," Bea said with a flat line to her tone. Blue eyes glared at the whimpering cowboy.
"Okay...okay...we don't get it on every night..but clo--" He yelled as he was hit with another harsh play of footsie. Bea shook her pretty blonde head in disgust and amusement. She turned to Jeff. "As you can see Jeff. We are one big fucked up family and like all families we have our problems...and our relationships." A fleeting glance to Bill. "But either way you look at it we respect one another."
Bill turned a look on his brother, but it melted into a wicked grin as Beatrix supplemented her own punishment. He certainly did not miss Beatrix's look either.
Jeff laughed, finding this banter between Beatrix and Budd very funny. "Yeah...I can just feel the love here..." he continued to laugh.
Bill even smiled. "Joking aside Jeff...we do have respect for one another...we have to, no matter how we feel personally. It's vital to our job...often our lives are in one another's hands. You will learn that quickly enough...if not," he paused dramatically, "...that will be the end of you."
Jeff nodded, looking far more sober. The reality of what it meant to be a part of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad hitting him. "I understand," he said finally.
"Good..." Bill seemed pleased with his protégé thus far. "If things go well...I may even send you out on an assignment or two with one of the squad members."
This seemed to please Jeff, who thus far appeared to be a very willing student. Of course, Bill wouldn't have it any other way. "Ok...yeah..I'd like that..." His relatively young face was set in concentration.
"Hrm, yes...well..we'll see..." Bill gave the younger man a skeptical look like an unsure parent before going back to his cards.
The night was damp and smelled like a rain forest after a late day shower. Amongst the gathered trees were three figures dressed in camouflage. Vernita, Beatrix, and Jeff were standing in the gap of trees; bloodied bodies soiled the ground. Vernita and Beatrix were given the job of playing babysitter on their current assignment. Bill had pinned the two women together due to the mere fact that out of all the Vipers they didn't go at one another's throats. It was the safest team to send the 'new' guy with.
The assignment was almost too easy for the two femme assassins. They were sent to hit off a degrading cocaine dealer and his lackeys. Quick and easy. Vernita had her half to kill. Beatrix took the other half of body guards, mostly using this opportunity to work on a few techniques; such as sword play and her foot work. They left Jeff to deal with the remains and the target. Of course Vernita and Beatrix kept close tabs on the rookie the entire time.
A job well done, Bea pulled out the black stocking she had been using earlier for camouflage reasons and now used it to wipe the beads of sweat off her brow. Her breathing was labored and crimson decorated small areas of her body, this time none being her own. She casually came up behind Jeff with a contented and yet pleased smile on her deadly features. "Not bad," she said. "Can't say I did much better on my first assignment."
Jeff nodded, turning towards Beatrix. His expression was hard to read...he didn't look entirely pleased with himself but he didn't look disgusted either. Killing the cocaine dealer, the target, hadn't been all that difficult. The man had taken flight, forcing Jeff to chase him for sometime. But Jeff, being in extremely good physical condition had caught up with the other man quickly and had disposed of him with a clean shot to the head. Jeff's camo t-shirt was stained in sweat and a smattering of blood, but he didn't seem to care...a good sign. A sheen of sweat covered his face and his longish hair was sticking to his forehead.
Vernita stood nearby, cleaning her favorite knife idly. Right away she thought Jeff was pretty damn cute for a white guy that is, and she kept stealing glances at his ass in those form fitting cargo pants. "Yeah, not too shabby Jeff," she agreed with Beatrix, "Far better than some of us have done at times. I was so damn scared on my first assignment I nearly dropped my weapon my hand was shaking so bad...pretty fucking embarrassing." It was hard to picture Vernita Green being afraid of much but like all of them, she was still human...well Bill was up for question on that one.
Jeff nodded again, holstering his pistol. "I just wished I hadn't let him run so far. I feel like I should have capped him when I had the chance."
Vernita shrugged, "You killed him, that's what matters. When all is said and done it usually doesn't matter the means to the end."
"Yeah, I suppose your right." Jeff conceded. He seemed pretty hard on himself...a man who was constantly under the scrutiny of others and never quite pleased with himself.
Beatrix gave a friendly pat to Jeff's shoulder. "Don't be so hard on yourself. Drowning in self pity is never attractive." The blonde grinned wide as she had spilled an inside joke that only she could laugh along with. She let her hand drop back to the inside pocket of her pants.
Jeff laughed at Beatrix'swordsunknowing where it originated. "Yeah, I guess your right Bea...I should be happy with what I've accomplished." He wiped a hand across his forehead.
Vernita was smirking. "Yeah...don't go drowning in self pity and time soon Jeff."
Beatrix let blue eyes glanced to Vernita who had stolen a look to Jeff's ass. She raised slender brows, eyes sparkling with amusement. Bea had to admit the guy was hot and pretty damn sexy. Course she didn't let herself run away with that but it didn't mean she couldn't check out the goods. "Well," she said. "Suppose we should head back and tell Bill how good his 'pet project' is doing."
Jeff looked a little worried at the thought of going back to Bill, but he didn't say anything. Apparently the man made him somewhat nervous. "I...yeah...I suppose we should huh..."
"That's usually how it goes Jeff," Vernita holstered her knife, "Bill always likes to know that everything went OK. Not to mention a gory detail or two."
Bill also wanted to know that his credibility had not been ruined by his employees. Jeff bent and holstered his bag of supplies, "He sure likes gory details. It doesn't really bug me, but I really don't want to hear about it."
Vernita shrugged, "That's Bill for ya." She gestured to a clearing in the jungle, "Shall we?"
Jeff nodded, glancing at Beatrix. "Yeah...ok..."
Bill had intended to set up their particular assignment close by. For precautions or that was what appeared to be the case. What they had to be precautious about was up for question. So, it didn't take the three long to arrive back at Bill's hacienda. The three were gathered around the bar. Beatrix was planted between Vernita and Jeff on either side and watched Bill from across the way. Vernita and Beatrix were relatively calm as this was procedure and seeing that the assignment went so smoothly they had nothing to be ashamed of. For a change.
"You should be proud," Bea ended lightly. Of course she ended up playing story teller, Vernita had added in minor details but she did most of the talking. Beatrix enjoyed giving gory details. "Not just of Jeff but that Vernita and I can be such good babysitters." She smirked.
Bill faced the three of them, hands splayed out on the bar, hair tied back...looking like some malicious teacher. Jeff was fiddling with the leather strap of his carry on luggage. He hadn't said very much, pretty much letting Beatrix do most of the talking. But he liked watching and listening to Beatrix talk quite a bit so that was alright.
Bill turned his hard gaze on Beatrix, then Vernita, "Well, I am very proud that you both have turned out to be such wonderful babysitters, ladies," he said evenly.
Verntia smirked, "Yeah...well since we don't have any kids of our own..." she shoved Jeff playfully.
"Hrm...yes..." Bill mused, turning his gaze on Jeff. "So my boy...you managed to both kill your target and not get yourself killed in the process."
Jeff nodded, his green eyes hooded, "Yes Bill...just like they said...it went pretty good I think."
Bill smiled, looking vaguely proud, "Then, I would call it a success." He reached across the bar and patted Jeff on the shoulder.
This seemed to surprise Jeff a bit, and he smiled...some of his nervous mood lifting. "Heh, thanks Bill..." Jeff smiled, a pleasant sight.
Vernita looked amused. It was funny to see Bill with Jeff...made her almost wonder if Bill secretly wished he had had a son of his own. But, on the other hand, Bill in many ways was the type of man who should never have children...he was just too much of a bastard.
"Drinks!" Bill threw his hands up, and then reached down to grab glasses. Jeff smiled at Beatrix, a relieved expression on his face.
Beatrix returned the smile in a relatively warm manner which was rare on her part. Well, the assignment went smoothly, Bill didn't throw any zingers at them, so all in all she was quite content and had every right to be at a warm temperature.
Everyone placed an 'order' for a drink rather quickly. Beatrix knew she could use something to numb up a little as well to the fact her throat was parched.
When Bill turned to fulfill the orders Beatrix took this moment to turn and lean her pretty blonde head over to Jeff. Lips hovering by his ear she whispered, "Nothing to be worried about." Flashing a smile of mixed emotions, blue eyes vacant, she turned straight, arms casually folding over her chest. She wasn't entirely sure why she had to whisper that especially behind Bill's back. Maybe it was because she felt sympathy for the guy. Bill even made her nervous at times but she learned that it wasn't good to show that you are nervous, and Jeff smelled of it. The least she could do was emphasize some pointers and friendly advice.
Beatrix had been kind to reassure Jeff. Indeed, it was not good to show such blatant nervousness around Bill...the man could sense it look a dog digging up ten year old bones in the yard. If he felt the need, he would easily use your own nervousness against you. Jeff nodded silently and thankfully at Beatrix. Even though he'd known Bill for a few years, he'd never actually done any real work for him until now...he'd been more nervous about it than he originally thought. He dreaded the very thought of failing the man. But he also knew that if he wanted to thrive in this world he needed to get over that feeling and just do what he was paid to do being around Beatrix and Vernita was helping...they knew what they were doing and were good "role models."
Vernita caught Beatrix's lean to the newbie; she raised a coy eyebrow and turned back to the bar to receive her drink from Bill. Just then, the front door slammed open, followed by the tapping of heels on wood. A pair of long legs, topped off with a long mane of blonde hair, a black eye patch and a glaring blue eye sauntered into the living room.
"Miss Driver," Bill said smoothly, setting a long island iced tea in front of the woman...acting as if he had completely expected her...which he probably did.
Jeff stared at Bill, then at Elle. "Elle," Bill motioned to a stool, "This is Jeff...my newest project. Jeff this is Elle Driver aka California Mountain Snake."
Jeff had already heard a lot about this Elle, mostly from Budd...most of it bad. "Hi Elle," he offered a hand and a smile, "Nice to-"
"Hrm, shut it, sweet cakes," Elle pursed her red lips, pinching Jeff hard on the cheek as she walked by to drape herself on her stool. She went straight to her drink, completely avoiding looking at Beatrix. Jeff's jaw dropped open a bit, but he didn't say another word.
Vernita snorted into her glass it came out sounding a little louder than she intended.
"Charming," Bill drawled dryly impossible to tell if his comment had been intended for Elle or Vernita.
That warm temperature Beatrix was admitting seconds before dropped ten degrees. Blue eyes turned hard and bitter as she side glanced to Bill. He had known Elle was going to show up. Bastard. Did he want Elle and Bea to get in another 'fight'? He sure as hell sent off those signals. Beatrix had finally come to terms with the blatant fact that Elle hated her in all ways evil. It was something to live with and deal with, which Bea intended on doing. Course she kept check on what she said. Well, not completely. Even with the new information the 'teasing' placed between the two blondes was hard to break
Long white fingers laced around the tall glass of vodka mixed with cranberry juice. She almost wished she had asked for something with more of a kick. Blue hues drifted past Jeff and over to the blonde sitting beside him. Her expression came blank but blue eyes sparked with hidden disgust. They hadn't seen one other since their last assignment together. "Hello Elle," she said. "How's that leg doing?"
Elle didn't look up from her drink. "Hurts like a bitch," she spat, much emphasis put on the last word.
Bill smirked, but thankfully whatever smart ass comment he was going to say didn't go into spoken word. He turned away to make himself a drink. Vernita put on an incredibly false cheerful expression. "So...Jeff...how long you planning on training with us?"
Jeff tore his eyes away from Elle with a good amount of effort, "Oh...uh...not sure, I guess-"
"Until I say he's done," Bill interrupted bluntly.
"I see," Vernita replied, glaring at Bill's back. She wasn't sure what side of the bed Bill had woken up on lately, but he sure as hell was being a fucking prick more than usual that is.
Elle made a loud slurping with her straw, "I'll have another one of those Bill honey," she cooed, lounging across the bar, emphasizing her low cut blouse and what was barely being hidden by it.
"Of course Elle," Bill replied in congenial tone, giving the blonde a small smile.
Jeff looked slightly disgusted, as well as somewhat fascinated. He had no idea the complexity of how these people dealt with one another. Bill seemed to be playing a separate game with each of them and playing each of these games with equal skill and relish. Not only that, but Jeff could literally feel a toxic cloud of hatred floating between the two blonde women. He had to admit he was pretty damn curious what the story was between the two of them. It seemed to direct back to Bill but it also seemed to be more than that.
Vernita sat tight lipped, eyes narrowed in annoyance.
Jeff bit his lip and turned to Beatrix the only one who seemed even remotely communicable at the moment, "So, Bea..anything you think I should work on for next time?" He unknowingly usurped the rule of Bill and asked Beatrix.
Beatrix was hunched over her drink, taking small sips, as blue eyes stared intensely on Elle. What was she doing? If she was trying to get Jeff's attention she had and it wasn't due to the fact that she decided to flaunt herself in front of him. And with Bill, it was easy to see that Elle was playing suck up. That annoyed the hell out of Bea. Her attention was altered upon hearing Jeff's question. Slender brows raised and she gave a cautious side glance in Bill's direction. It was customary to ask the boss those type of questions but Jeff was new. He didn't know the rules.
She knew for a fact that if she didn't answer accordingly that Jeff would be shot down for it. Beatrix pushed herself up into a regal stature, shoulders back, and blonde head tilted in Jeff's direction. "What should you work on?" She repeated in a contemplative tone. White fingers drummed dramatically against the counter top. She could have fun playing with this. "Keep closer tabs on your target. The longer they are out of your reach the harder it is to hit them off. As well as posing a possible threat to yourself and others." A pause. "And, you don't have to necessarily aim for the head. It does finish the job quick but quick isn't always the wisest. Sometimes slow and painful can be just as clean cut."
Smirking, blue eyes glossed with a hidden satisfaction, she added slyly, "Wouldn't you agree, Bill?"
"Absolutely Kiddo," Bill replied with enough enthusiasm to border on the sarcastic. He took a long sip of his drink, "I couldn't have said it better myself," he added, putting the glass down on the counter.
Elle was watching this with just a barely concealed smirk on her prominent lips. "Here's a tip for ya...Jeff," she curled a long finger in his direction, "Always...always watch your back...you can't trust anybody...that includes your coworkers." She let that sit heavily in the air for a moment, "Hrm, just a little friendly advice." She went back to her drink, an expression of forced innocence on her face.
Bill didn't seem particularly happy with Elle's "friendly advice." He was always preaching about watching each other's backs and having to put one another's lives in the hands of their comrades. Apparently Elle didn't seem to agree then again, she'd always been something of a lone wolf. Of course, Bill like everybody else there, save for Jeff, knew what the real truth behind that comment.
Jeff got off his stool, "I think I'm gunna go rest for awhile," he jabbed his thumb back towards the hallway. Bill was letting him use the guest room during his stay. He offered a small smile to Beatrix and a few nods around the room, before disappearing down the hallway.
After Jeff had left, Vernita shook her head, "Christ..." She kinda felt bad for Jeff...having to be thrown in the middle of all of this. On the other hand, she wished he would toughen up a bit and start speaking for himself. If he didn't do that he wouldn't get very far around here...that and Bill was just exploit that to it's fullest.
Bill had fallen silent; he just sat there looking happy with himself.
Beatrix had her own thoughts on the aspect of truth and trusting her coworkers. But, she wasn't about to let mind wander on that. Blue eyes watched as Jeff retreated down the hall. She didn't blame him. It could be very intimidating and uncomfortable around any of the Vipers, especially in groups. A smirk curled across her lips.
"I think your 'friendly' advice scared him off, Elle," she speculated curtly. Fingers laced back around her glass and she downed the rest of her drink and set it to the side. She decided against a refill.
Jeff had been training the last few days with Bill. Finally Bill had told him to go find Beatrix. Apparently he had some things to take care of and in Bill's mind Beatrix was the second best thing to himself. Bill had given Jeff directions to Beatrix's apartment which was fairly easy to get to from his place.
Jeff had a decent car...he wasn't so much of a car man as Bill, but he did appreciate it. He pulled his black convertible into the apartment's parking lot. Spotting Beatrix's door number, he gingerly got out of his car and walked up the few steps tot he door. He looked like hell. Bill had been beating the shit out of him. It really bugged Jeff, who was significantly younger than the other man; he was taller and possessed a much greater deal of muscle mass. But as Jeff was slowly figuring out, those things didn't always matter. What Bill had that he currently lacked was a shitload of cleverness and a lifetime of hard knocks to draw upon. Jeff had hardly even managed to land a blow on the other man. He didn't think he could stand to have his wrists twisted, pressure points pinched and limbs kicked for another second. Taking a deep breath and fighting the urge to run a hand through his hair, Jeff knocked.
For once Bill had shown consideration towards Beatrix and called her a head of time that Jeff was coming over. This gave her time to change into a pair of loose fitting sweat pants and a tight fitting tank top of a pale violet shade. Her outfit being proper for training as well as lounging around the apartment with nothing better to do. Bare feet padded against the wooden flooring upon hearing the knock at the door. She opened it without hesitation. "Hey--" She trailed off giving him a curious eye. "You look like shit." Words stated in the friendliest of tones. She ushered him inside. "Bill's been working you hard," she noted as she motioned for him to sit on the chair opposite the couch. "He sure isn't wasting time."
Jeff offered Beatrix a weary smile, "Thanks...yeah...," he wanted to tell her that she looked really good...because she did...but that felt somehow inappropriate so he followed her inside and sat down in the chair with a slight grimace of pain. "He certainly isn't wasting any time. I guess I underestimated him," Jeff conceded looking around Beatrix's small apartment.
"This is a great place," he said with sincerity, glad to change the subject from Bill. Jeff felt comfortable here; it reminded him of his place a little bit. Something about Bill's made him feel intimidated, but here he instantly could relax. His gaze lingered over Beatrix's small amount of nick knacks and pictures, he smiled a little leaning back into the chair. "I have to admit Bea, I was really happy when Bill told me he was going to send me your way. I like hanging out with you," he said this with a casual tone, "Your not like other women I've known...well," he laughed, "..Your an assassin so yeah. But, I've only known one other female killer before I met you guys but she was often mistaken for a man, and not very pleasant company." He smiled at Beatrix, "Just wanted to tell you that...ya know...that I think you're pretty cool." His green eyes lingered on her a moment before looking away.
Beatrix wanted to laugh but not the kind of 'I'm laughing at you' but more in the manner of 'I'm laughing with you'. Instead she let a pleased smirk cross her angelic and yet devilish features. She was use to that type of flattery and when she received it from someone like Jeff she took it personally. A good kind of personal. "Why thank you, Jeff," she replied warmly. Jeff was growing on Bea. She especially liked that he found her apartment nice. Instead of the constant critique she received from Bill and the rest. He was also very nice, not sweet, but nice. She still remained a sucker for the nice and relatively normal guys. Course she still kept a check on herself because she knew the cold hard facts.
She settled in a chair across from him, arms daintily hanging on each side, one long leg crossed over the other. "I don't blame you for wanting to come here. When I first started training with Bill it was hell. I couldn't wait to leave and go anywhere but there." Her smirk lingered. "As much as you hate it, it does pay off in the end. So, don't get yourself too discouraged."
Jeff grimaced, "Yeah...I know it will pay off. But man," he chuckled, rubbing a large red mark on his forearm, "I don't know how you guys put up with it." Jeff didn't specify if "it" was Bill himself or the training. "I think I just needed to get away from him for awhile. I think he knew that too." He leaned an elbow on the arm of the chair, watching Beatrix. It still amazed him that somebody like her was doing this sort of work. Maybe he was a little old fashioned, but it seemed like a woman so stunning as her should be doing something far more genial. He'd never say that to her of course...she might not take it the right way and he'd probably just come off sounding sexist...which he certainly wasn't. Jeff really just wanted to keep sitting here and talking, but he knew he had come here for a reason, "So...I guess you have some sort of training in mind?" He smiled, "I don't really want to...but...we probably should huh..."
Beatrix rose back up to her feet and kneeled over to roll away the coffee table to give them needed room. "Yeah, sadly I gotta teach you something or Bill will get on my ass about it." She flashed a sly grin. "And we don't want that."
As he stood she positioned herself to stand opposite him. "Well," as she spoke, hands came up to pull layered locks of blonde into a pony tail. "We'll start with basic hand to hand combat. Usually we're occupied with some type of weapon whether it is guns or swords but you can't always rely on them. I am efficient in tiger-crane style but which ever method you choose is perfectly fine with me."
Jeff nodded, falling into a fighting stance. He'd studied a couple of different martial arts forms throughout the years...most of them more street based...harder, brutal styles. Bill had introduced him to a little bit of kung fu, but Jeff remained much more a karate type of guy. He had a hard time getting into animal stances but he was quickly realizing that he had underestimated kung fu styles. "Ok," he nodded, hands coming up to defend himself, "Bring it on," he smiled, swiping a few strands of dark hair out of his face.
Beatrix gladly took his invitation. Taking on her infamous tiger-crane stance she allowed a few heart beats to pass. Then she attacked. She came at him with swift and according movements. Most of the strikes she attempted to take at him were held back as she didn't want to hurt him. This was a learning experience.
"Dodging is perfectly fine...and effective," she spoke through a labored breath. Bangs of blonde hair were already plastering against her forehead. "But...try to strike..back. Creativity is a plus. I've made up numerous...bizzare tactics when on the spot... You'd be surprised..how easily they form."
Jeff grinned, relieved that Beatrix was being a far more gentle and understanding teacher than Bill. He nodded, swiping some more hair out of his face...his breathing a little labored from dodging her quick attacks. He'd already seen Beatrix in action and he sure as hell knew she could fight. "Ok," he nodded, stepping back again. He understood what she was saying, but he still had a hard time doing unorthodox maneuvers. He threw a few high kicks at her, all of which she easily dodged, stepped out of the way of or deflected. Trying a new tactic, he made a quick half step and threw a strike at her head...
Beatrix easily ducked out of this one as well. The guy was good for a beginner she'd admit that. She popped back up to her full height. "Good." She used the back of her hand to wipe the beads of sweat off her brow. "Now, try aiming those kicks lower. The legs can be a terribly vulnerable area for anyone when hit correctly."
Jeff nodded, once again relieved to be training with Beatrix. If Bill had been here, he probably would have just kicked him in the shin to prove his point and then kneed him in the crotch just for emphasis. Sadistic bastard.
"Ok Bea," Jeff said sincerely wanting to learn. "I always tend to kick a little high for some reason..." He tried again, aiming his kicks lower at shin level. Mixing it up with a couple different kinds; stomps, scrapes and even a short axe kick of course Beatrix evaded all of them. He was working up a bit of sweat now, and was actually finding this pretty enjoyable. He came at Beatrix again, with a series of low kicks interspersed with some straight punches.
This was a learning experience and Jeff was learning. At times she wondered that if this style of teaching was used on her instead of cruel sadistic teachings from both Bill and Pai Mei; if her own fighting style would be different. In most cases it probably would have been. She wasn't complaining about the way she had been taught, well, maybe just a little. But, she most likely couldn't be labeled the deadliest woman in the world if she endured sympathy from anyone.
Bea evaded most of his kicks and punches but she was becoming lazy and let up too much. Jeff contacted with a hit to her side which made the tall blonde winced in mild pain. She straightened up quickly with a satisfied grin. "Very good."
For a second, Jeff almost asked if she was OK...but he had to remember that this was no normal woman...this was Beatrix. "Thanks...and uh...sorry..." he said with a little grimace. But did not stop his attacks, he was starting to get into this and didn't really want to slow down to ruin his flow. He executed a huge spinning roundhouse, that was exactly the opposite of what Beatrix had just told him to do. She ducked it easily and he came around for another kick. Again, if that had been Bill...Jeff would have paid for it in some incredibly painful way. Of course, Beatrix blocked that one as well. But Jeff was pleased he had at least been able to land one maybe he was getting better. He gave her a small smile as he continued to advance.
Beatrix returned the smile in a sly manner, that killer glint burning in blue eyes. She was glad to know that Jeff was gaining more confidence in himself. Without confidence he'd be shot down easily. She recoiled a fraction of a step. Her breathing came in hard huffs, beads of sweat running down her face. "Word of advice...never...say you are sorry...because..in actual fact...you aren't sorry you did that." Words given she quickly ran at him. She decided that she spent enough time holding back. Long white fingers curled into a fist as she brought it into his stomach. A punch that could send anyone keeling over in pain. She hoped that Jeff wouldn't fall into that percentile.
She was right about the sorry thing. Bill had already told him that two days ago but he had already forgotten. Jeff had completely not expected Beatrix to come at him so quickly and her fist to his stomach was so sudden and so powerful he hardly had anytime to prepare. "Oh shit!" He gasped, grabbing at his gut. He took a couple steps backwards, but didn't loose his footing.
After a few seconds, he stood up...a mischievous grin on his face. "Alright..." He stepped back into a fighting stance. Beatrix had just upped the ante, and he was going to go in for the whole pot. Jeff had always been a fair grappler...he'd even done a little bit of wrestling in high school and old habits die hard.
He dipped low and then changed direction, dipping even lower. He wrapped a strong arm around her knees and spun to his side, throwing her bodily onto the carpet. Luckily Beatrix had moved things out of the way, because if not she would have gone right through the coffee table. Wasting no time, Jeff go her into a figure four leg lock putting on a good amount of pressure.
Beatrix let out a groan of pain. This was rather uncomfortable and it was something she wasn't used to. It was nice to know that Jeff could open up and demonstrate his own unique fighting style. On her back she tilted her chin down to her chest and blue hues stared intensely at his turned form. Long arms helped her to push her upper body a few inches off the floor and proceeded to wrap them around his neck. Her classic choke hold but not nearly as deadly. Just a small amount of pressure was put on his trachea.
Jeff grabbed at Beatrix's ankles as she put him into a head lock. He could tell she wasn't going full force on this one but it still wasn't very comfortable. He managed to sit up, her legs still around her throat. After a moment of struggling, Jeff threw himself sideways, flipping Beatrix over onto her stomach. This put a lot of strain on his neck, but Jeff managed to wriggle his way out of the hold. Of course, if she'd been putting that one with her full strength he probably wouldn't have been able to do that.
He leapt onto her back; wrapping her around her torso, wrist turned up in a wrist lock...well he had to thank Bill for that one. He dug his knee into her lower back, allowing only a portion of his weight to go into it.
Blue eyes sparked. Beatrix knew when she had put herself in a tight spot and this was tight and terribly uncomfortable. She felt like a human pretzel. Good thing she was flexible or the position she was in would have hurt a hell of a lot more. Suppressing her pain her mind turned quick for a solution. It didn't take long for the Black Mamba to come up with a defense. She could hear his labored breathing from behind her, a few inches away. Perfect. Bea shot her head back, the back of her blonde head making contact with his forehead which considering was a very dangerous blow.
"Fuck!" Jeff instantly let go of Beatrix's wrist, his attention coming to focus on his forehead. He had not seen that one coming...in fact...nobody had ever done that to him. Not even Bill had attempted anything like that. Jeff fell backwards onto his back, hand on his face. He cursed, but after a moment let out a short laugh, "That was...augh...holy shit..." He groaned. Getting hit in the forehead was never a picnic, especially when it had been the back of a head that had done the hitting. He squeezed his eyes shut, aware that if this had been a real situation he most definitely would have been the loser.
The second Jeff was off Beatrix came to a sitting position. She rubbed gingerly at her wrists and than to the back of her head. It hadn't exactly been a picnic for her either. But, when in doubt use your head and she sure as hell had. Eyes turned to him. "Just because I gained the upper hand doesn't mean you can't reclaim it," her voice was leveled but held a sadistic tint. The training had almost turned into the makings of a real fight and when she had that adrenalin running it was hard to ignore killer instincts. "So, get off your ass, suck up the pain, and attack me." A demand.
Jeff opened his eyes, staring back at Beatrix...a glint of anger came over his face. There was something very Bill-like in the way she had said that, and it kinda pissed him off. He could almost hear the man's soft but menicfull tone. "Alright," he snarled, leaping at her from his curled up position...demonstrating how strong he truly was. He caught her across the throat with a forearm and slammed the back of her head onto the ground...his arm pressing down on her windpipe. In the midst of his maneuver he managed to pin down her knees with his own. He wasn't about to let her get another unexpected shot in...not this time...
Whoever said anger was no way to solve anything didn't know shit about the rules of being an assassin. Bea had managed to get Jeff angry which in itself was an accomplishment. The man seemed too nice to get angry, but than again, he wouldn't have gone into this job field if he didn't lash out now and then. Unexpected or not Bea had to get herself out of this. She wasn't sure if Jeff had any point of control when he was angry. Elle had no control, Bill had control as well as Vernita and O-Ren at times. Long white fingers came around his forearm that was starting to block off oxygen to her lungs. At first she tried to pushing his arm off and when it didn't budge she added to it by digging her nails into his skin.
Jeff gritted his teeth, his normally pleasant features turning more intense. He was completely oblivious to the fact that he was straddling a beautiful woman...he was far too focused to notice. That was probably a good thing, because he would completely loose any sort of concentration that he had gained. "Not..gunna..work..." he grated through his clenched teeth, as he watched her nails dig into his skin. He watched her struggle, knowing that he could only take the choke so far.
Beatrix knew for a fact that she was like a cat. She had nine lives. During her life time she was down to eight. If she didn't think of something quick she'd go down to her seventh. And she really wanted to save that life for a situation that was real. This was training. You aren't supposed to die in training. Blue eyes burned but her face held little emotion. Her gaze darted to the side where she spotted a pen on the floor. Gasping she snatched it up, held tightly to it, and in a flash had the point jabbed up against his chest prodding into his skin but not piercing. "Let. Go." She chocked, blue eyes staring into his. The pen was a threat, if he didn't pull off and proceeded to choke her she'd have no choice but to jam the pen into his chest. Which could get unnecessarily messy.
The pen was just random and brutal enough to throw Jeff completely off. He quickly removed his arm from Beatrix's throat, a hand coming up to check his chest, purely out of instinct. He blinked, "Sor-...ah..." He gave her a small apologetic smile. "I guess I got a little too into that..." he admitted. Despite that getting a little too intense, Jeff felt like he already gained a good amount of knowledge...he had to admit there was something to be said about getting really angry. Of course, Bill had already told him a number of times to check that anger. Jeff realized that it was a fine balance between being too mellow and being out of control. He smiled down at Beatrix, "That was cool!"
Beatrix tossed the pen away, glad she didn't have to resort to that. Instead of answering him she was switching between gasping breathes and shallow coughing. A hand came up to cup over her mouth in the process. As the coughing subsided she nodded her head. She removed her hand, blue eyes staring at him. The killer glint gone and replaced with mixed emotion. "That it was." She continued to lay there regaining herself. Now she knew that if she ever wanted to get Jeff angry she just had to give a demand. Similar to what Bill did. Ah, that was it. She sounded like Bill and that pissed off Jeff. She found that utterly amusing.
As hard as that training had been Bea learned that she not only taught Jeff a few things but herself as well. It was nice to know that she could come up with the cleverest, sickening, and sly ideas in any perilous situation. A timid smile crossed her pale pink lips. "Good job."
Jeff gladly took the compliment. He hadn't been getting very many lately. "Thank you," he nodded. It was then that he truly realized the current and somewhat suggestive position he was in. "Ah...shit..." he gave Beatrix a sly grin and crawled off of her. He sat down on the carpet, looking tired. He wanted to tell her he was sorry for nearly crushing her windpipe...but he knew better now than to try to apologize for his actions. Besides, Beatrix could handle it.
He crossed his legs, leaning backwards against the couch. "I guess even a pen can be a deadly weapon then," he chuckled indicating Beatrix's recent choice of weapons. "I would never have thought of that," he shook his head, "Still so much to learn."
Beatrix was still on the floor but she had her back up against the wall, legs bent to her chest, and arms draped at her side. Her breathing remained on the shallow side but she knew it would clear up. Blue eyes glinted with amusement to his realization of the position they fell into. Bea didn't care, it could happen. Although nothing like that ever happened with Bill. Something to dawn on later when she was bored.
She waved a dismissive hand at him. "You'll learn everything in good time. Rome wasn't built in a day." She flashed a coy smile. "Mm...Creativity is a must. Almost any sturdy object can be used as a weapon. Just use your imagination. Now, that pen being wedged deep into your chest..." She wiped a hand across her forehead. "Hell, that would have been creative. I almost wanted to see what would happen...but...I don't lack rationality." Words spoken in a sarcastic tone but if he saw her eyes they told more of the cold truth. Beatrix Kiddo was no angel.
Jeff laughed good naturedly, "I don't think you lack rationality Bea...you're one of the most rational people I've ever met. Whoever said that to you is a real fucking moron."
His eyes widened a little as she went into detail about the pen. "Well..heh, I'm glad you didn't take the experiment to the next step..." his eyes glinted, "But, hey maybe on your next mission you should pack some pens...try it out. I'd love to see that." There was something about her that made him believe she might just do it too. He liked that about her though.
There was a few seconds of uncomfortable silence as the two of them continued to catch their breath. "We should go out for a drink Bea," Jeff said quite suddenly, "That is if you are ok with that."
Blue hues widened and lips parted in a sudden shock. In all actual fact Beatrix had never been 'asked out'. Sure, she had in her younger more naive years but never in her older more mature years. Especially by someone nice and was cute to boot. Lips closed and her blonde head canted. "I'd love to." She let a full blown smile cross her face. She did love the idea. It was a yearning for something normal that prodded her in that direction. Of course Kiddo remembered her challenge with Bill but that didn't mean she couldn't go out for a 'friendly' drink. He was a coworker and coworkers had drinks together. She didn't recall ever going out for a drink with any of the other Vipers but there was a first time for everything.
Bill looked up from his newspaper as Beatrix strode in...late...not just late, but a good hour and a fucking half late. He set the paper down with a loud crumple, glaring death in her direction. "I was just contemplating celebrating yet another birthday as I waited for you," he spoke quietly, which with Bill didn't always signify a good thing. "I'm used to your rather tardy time keeping Kiddo, but this is fucking ridiculous." He let his feet drop off the foot rest with a loud thump and stood up, buttoning his jacket in the process. "I was under the assumption that when you told me you were going to be here at six...that you would be here at six...or at least something decently close."
He frowned, ceasing his lecture. She had seemed rather...distracted the past couple weeks. This wasn't the first time recently that she hadn't come on time. Something was up and he sure as hell was going to get to the bottom of it right now. "I assume you have an explanation." This said in that tone that was truly Bill.
Beatrix stood there quietly. She tried not to be late but she was held up or in truth she got lazy. For the past few weeks she had been spending quality time with Jeff. She was helping him improve on his fighting skills with regular training sessions, which he seemed more than thankful for. Training was followed by numerous trips to the local bar or coffee shop. For once in her life Beatrix felt normal. That was a hard feat to pull off but she had done it and she loved it. Of course, all things great had to come to an end. Bea wasn't ending her time with Jeff but spilling the blood. Sooner or later Bill would want to know what was going on. Beatrix was showing strange behavior over those past few weeks. She could handle this. She crossed arms over her chest and put on a fierce facade. "Oh, I do." Blue eyes returned his glare. Any happy feeling she had had vanished the moment she stepped inside. "I was out...with Jeff. Having coffee."
"Ah, I see..." Bill said with a little raise of his chin, "Having coffee with Jeff...that's very quant of you Kiddo. I thought you two were supposed to be training...not...fornicating. What's next? Going out to a baseball game? Mini van? Maybe with a 'soccer mom' sticker on the back?" He snorted, going over to the bar, "Please..." He frowned in her direction, "I should have known..." His voice dropped.
"So...," he picked out a glass, "...here I bring in some blood and you're already sleeping with this guy..." He poured himself a drink, looking extremely unhappy. "Maybe you are your mother's daughter after all."
Oh, that was low, even for Bill...well...maybe not for Bill. Beatrix felt her jaw drop but she immediately picked it back up and put it firm set. Blue eyes shot bullets into him as she followed hotly behind. "Jesus Christ, Bill!" Her tone louder than intended. That hurt but she wasn't going to let it seep through her cracks and give him that satisfaction that he had indeed gotten to her. "I didn't sleep with him. We've been having coffee, going out, and training. That's all. You make judgments too damn quick." She pointed a finger at him in a hostile manner. How she wanted to hit him. "So, take it back. Right now."
Bill didn't appear to be phased. He set down his glass and walked right up to her, glaring. "No," He let that sink in. "I don't take anything back. And I have every right to make quick judgments. You know I often have trouble believing anything you say," he said hotly. At closer inspection, it was obvious that Bill was far angrier than he was putting on. Control could only conceal so much especially when a massive amount of jealously was involved. Then, a rare moment ensued. Bill, so blinded by anger and jealousy...most of it rather immaturely derived, had nothing to say. He simply stood there, staring Beatrix in the eyes like a cat watching a crawling spider just waiting for her to make the wrong move...waiting for her to give him any excuse to continue along this ridiculous path.
The fact that this was so incredibly ridiculous was what boiled Beatrix's blood more than anything. Blue eyes stared back at him, a temperature thirty below freezing. How could he have made such a cruel accusation towards her? That hurt but she wasn't going to let it falter her character nor was she going to allow the stoned silence to pursue. She stood there, shoulders back, head up, eyes locked, and her features undaunted.
Her blonde head canted delicately to the side. She spoke, her tone leveled but was laced with venom, "Okay, Bill. Since we appear to be in such a dilemma over the fact that I could be lying. I'm going to tell you the truth." A heart beat. "We did fuck but only once and it was...great. Did you really expect to bring some guy into the squad and not expect one of your precious little Vipers to fall for him. Yeah, it's shocking that it was me but.." She shrugged. "I always manage to surprise you."
Bill's expression changed little as she spoke. "Yes, you never fail to do that Kiddo, that's for sure.." His voice was equally as chilly. He didn't know if she was still telling the truth, and he honestly was beginning not to care. He pursed his lips, looking like he was going to say something else but instead turned back to the bar apparently through with the stare off "Well, then...that's that." With Bill it was likely that it wasn't. He drowned another shot, slamming the glass down just a tad too hard.
Beatrix remained standing in her recent position trying to appear unaltered by her interaction with Bill. That's that? That couldn't be that. She had experienced Bill's moments of being horrifically pissed off more times than she'd care to count and she knew how the process went. This was far from over and the fact that Bill turned calm and let it slip by was very unnerving for the blonde. Just the sound of the door opening resounded through the living room broke the silence. A few seconds later, Jeff looking casual in a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt entered.
"Hey Bill...Bea," he nodded towards the blonde with a small smile. Unknowingly Jeff had just walked into the middle of an immensely complicated relationship...a viper's pit of sorts.
"How's the training going Jeff?" Bill asked nonchalantly, leaning up against the bar.
"Oh, it's going great Bill...really good," Jeff nodded.
Bill smiled bordering on a smirk, "I bet it is my boy...I bet it is."
Beatrix warmed up a few degrees when Jeff entered the room and began a casual conversation with Bill. She wanted to tell him to leave. Bill had something up his sleeve and Beatrix wasn't entirely sure what it was.
She decided to chime in before further dialogue could be exchanged. "Yeah..." she came out of her reviver and walked over to join them at the bar. Her demeanor had changed dramatically; she was warm, inviting, kind, and played the part of an all out happy, 'normal' blonde woman. "Jeff is a quick learner. I think by the end of the year he should be ready for something more challenging." Beatrix hadn't looked Bill in the eyes since their past stare down and she didn't intend to for some time.
Jeff looked flattered, "Hah...well thanks Bea...I guess I'm picking up on things a little faster," he shrugged a little.
Bill's lip curled, he almost looked amused, "Always up for a challenge Jeff?"
Jeff nodded, completely unaware to any innuendo, "Oh yes...definitely...I mean...I don't always perform it great the first time but eventually I come around and get it. And Bea's turning out to be a really good teacher..." He looked a little worried, hoping that Bill wouldn't take that bad. Bill was a good teacher...but...well Bea was a lot more understanding...among other things.
"I see," Bill raised his eyebrows.
Jeff gave him a weird look...realizing that perhaps there was more going on here than he originally thought. He reached over and put his arm around Beatrix's shoulders in a friendly manner, maybe even a little protectively. He had no idea. "Bill you've got a really special woman working for you...I'm sure you already know that...but," he smiled, "...I just wanted to tell you personally."
"Oh," Bill replied, his voice weighty with meaning, "I know." His dark gaze flicked to Beatrix, then back up to Jeff. "But, thank you for informing me Jeff...I nearly forgot there for a moment."
Beatrix held an expression on her face that clearly read 'oh shit'. The arm around the shoulder was nice and all but it should never have been psychically done in front of Bill. The flattery was nice as well and she knew Jeff was just being sincere but damn him.
Bea was growing nervous and that was rare for her. She wasn't entirely sure why. Perhaps it was due to Bill's demeanor or a tinge of guilt? No. She was too self assured to feel guilty about anything. Long white fingers came to fiddle aimlessly with the loose tie to her belt. She lifted her head up, eyes stayed away from Bill. "Well gentlemen, thank you for the compliments." She flashed a timid smile. "But it's not necessary."
Bill raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. He really wanted to rip Jeff's fucking arm off and stick it down his fucking throat but he was better than that. He might have done that twenty or so years ago but not now. That didn't make it any easier to watch though...that was "his woman" that Jeff currently had his arm around. Well, she was somewhat of his woman...it wasn't exactly official in a relationship sense but that didn't mean that he couldn't consider Beatrix his woman nonetheless. The very thought of the two of them sleeping together or doing anything that would lead up to that just made his blood boil, so he defensively assumed Beatrix had been lying and shoved the thought aside.
Yes Bill was angry...but it wasn't blind anger...at least not at the moment. He was conflicted on the issue. He was not Estiban. Bill knew that Beatrix had the right to choose whomever she wished to be with, he could not and would not force her to do anything. Bill also knew that he wasn't exactly the role model of fidelity either...he couldn't expect the same from Beatrix. He really couldn't blame her actually. Bill liked Jeff, he didn't adore him, but he liked him...he was a good man...for a killer. He was far closer to Beatrix's age and certainly not a bastard like himself. Part of Bill missed his younger days...he'd been something of a lady-killer back then..no pun intended. Of course, he'd used that handsome face to his full advantage...what man wouldn't? But Bill also was one never to dwell on the past...he couldn't go back...he was the man he was now and that was who he was. He was happy in his own skin and he never made excuses for himself. So be it.
Jeff of course had no clue about the two of them and Bill didn't expect him to. He couldn't blame the guy either...this was Beatrix! Bill was well aware of her charms...oh...very aware. There had been times with her that had taken more control than he had ever used before. Bill knew that Jeff didn't even compare to himself when it came to that ability to control. Thus, Jeff wanting to be with her made perfect sense really. Well, that was all well and good...but all men, and certainly Bill included, could be jealous assholes. And no amount of logical inner dialogue changed that fact. It didn't change the insistent jealous voice in the back of Bill's mind that told him to just get rid of Jeff, isn't that always what the alpha-male did? It would be so damn easy and he'd likely not loose too much sleep over it. But again, check...check and balance.
Jeff removed his arm from Beatrix's shoulders, still smiling. "Ok Bea...but we are telling the truth ya know. I think Bill knows a thing or two about women...so his compliments are easily worth two of mine."
Ass kisser. "Hrm, can't deny that one Jeff," Bill mused a little absent mindedly as he poured himself another drink.
Jeff laughed, "I think you miss kicking my ass Bill," he misinterpreted Bill's moodiness.
"You have no idea," Bill replied with a weighty voice and knocked back another shot.
Beatrix continued to fiddle aimlessly with the string of her belt. A nervous gesture that was rare but would most likely be used more than this once. Once a habit was formed it was hard to break it. A side glance was stolen in Bill's direction. If anyone could guess his emotions more clearly right than it was Beatrix Kiddo. He wasn't just angry there was a thicker cloud of emotion lingering over him. He was jealous, plain and...well...not all that simple.
In actual fact she was 'his woman' and no matter how many times either of them would deny or question it, it always came back. But, that didn't mean she couldn't go out on a tangent. Bea was a sucker for the relatively normal, nice guys. There were more examples of this than necessary. As hard as she tried to work on a normal relationship with anyone it always shot back at her. In the end there was no denying the truth but Bea sure as hell kept on trying. A foolish cause.
Further words exchanged between the two gentlemen. She felt as though she was being torn in two, not putting much logic to the statement. Even so, Beatrix needed to clear her head. There were too many thoughts rolling through that some were being tangled with others. She casually stepped away from Jeff and came over opposite Bill from the bar. Making no manner of eye contact she snatched up the glass he had been currently using and poured herself a shot.
She downed it quick and set it to the counter with a thud. If Bill was going to drown his emotions and inner turmoil that they both appeared to be having, Bea damn well sure could do the same. Blue eyes came void but she held a weary smile on her face. "I think I should be heading out." There was no added excuse to that statement rather than the plain truth that she wanted to get away from Bill. An unsteady glance was given to the older man and than back to the younger. "Jeff, could you walk me out?" Only reasons for asking were she didn't trust the two men alone, mostly Bill.
Both men turned to look at her...Jeff's reading like a simple beginner's book on worry, Bill's more like a 1,700 page Tolstoy novel. "Of course Bea," Jeff nodded, the concern evident on his face. He gave Bill a nod, which was halfheartedly returned. Jeff stood up and came up next to Beatrix. "Well...Bill...I guess we are heading out. I'll keep in touch."
"Of course," Bill replied.
Jeff smiled a little tightly, "Ok, Bea..." Thankfully he just put a hand lightly on her back in a supportive manner as they left.
Bill watched them leave fiddling with his shot glass. After the front door shut, he had the sudden urge to throw the glass as hard as he could at anything. But, with a frown he shoved the glass and the bottle away from him. He had better things to do then wallow in jealousy. And he knew he was far better a person than to dwell on things he could or at least shouldn't do anything about. Shoving away from the bar, he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. People came and went, but there was always business to be done.
Out in the driveway, Jeff stopped and turned to Beatrix. "Are you Ok Bea?" She seemed really distracted, almost worried but there was more there and Jeff couldn't quite place it. He'd never seen her like this...well, he hadn't known her that long, but he still found it alarming. His green eyes searched her face for any sign of clear understanding.
He could search for hours, days, weeks, even years and he'd never figure it out. Beatrix was a complex person and at times she even had difficulty understanding herself. Now far away from Bill her worry and nervous actions were beginning to dissipate. Blue hues turned up to Jeff and she put on a smile. It was fake but it passed nicely as the real thing. "I'm fine," she assured quickly to not further his worry. The tall blonde leaned forward and placed a peck on his cheek before retreating to her car. "I'll see you later," she called over her shoulder. She slipped into the car and drove away with a screech to the tires.
Bea wanted to get home and allow herself thinking time. Her idea of thinking time was getting in a pair of sweats and beating the shit out of someone; sadly that wasn't an option. So, she had a large vertical block of wood in the back of her apartment with numerous indents caused by a blade. When you couldn't attack skin, wood was the next best thing. It wouldn't solve her problems but it would help relieve tension, at best.