Kill Bill: Prequel Volume 1

by Bloody Satisfaction

Have you ever wondered how the relationships in Kill Bill Vol1&2 became to be? How did it all start? This story is an indepth look, for TRUE KB fans. This is a prequel to help answer the questions that have been plaguing everyone.

26. BumbleBeaKiddo and Buffalo Bill

There was this really cool bar in southern San Diego called, "The Mod Shack." Despite the name, it was actually a pretty neat place....for a bar. It had the usual, TV's, enclosed video poker machines, pool and darts. But it had some charm as well. The booths were upholstered in velvet and the tables were deco paged with old gaming boards and cards.

The group of DiVA's were seated at the "Monopoly" table enjoying some well needed down time. Old "love beads" were strung around the ceiling, mixed with colored Christmas lights. The walls were decorated with old 70's movie and concert posters. They were sitting under a huge poster of a 1976 Elvis concert. The lighting was low and tinted with multiple colors, but still manageable. Retro hits were playing on the neon jukebox.

Smoking was not allowed in this part of the bar....which really helped to improve the atmosphere. Even the food was pretty damn good for a place that specialized in drinks. The crowd was young but generally the professional well behaved sort. There was your typical mix of people there for fun with friends and those looking to pick up on other people.

Bill and Budd had been playing pool for sometime. Bill hated playing his brother, because...despite pool being a game of strategy and tactics, Budd beat him nearly every single time. The women were seated at the table, enjoying a moment of "normal" contentment. Vernita was sitting on the side across from the bar, scoping for men....she always seemed to be on the lookout for her "rich doctor" as she called him. Elle was a little put out she couldn't smoke, but she was happy enough to drink. Apparently, her hangover hadn't doused her fondness for alcohol. The conversation was amiable and thus far void of too much tension.

O-Ren was helping Vernita with her scooping of hot guys. The half breed never had any intentions on dating and this was a known fact with everyone but that didn't mean she couldn't have fun playing match maker.

Beatrix sat by O-Ren which put a two woman distance between herself and Elle. The two blondes were on civil terms for the night but that didn't mean they couldn't be cautious. As to exactly why Bill had invited them all to the bar was a puzzlement. He either had an assignment he wanted to go over or it was for simple fun. As was the mystery of Bill. No one was complaining.

"Bumble-Bea Kiddo." Beatrix almost choked on the martini she had been drinking. She began to cough violently and O-Ren had to slap her back, perhaps more harshly than needed to recover the blonde. A short lived glare was given to O-Ren for the 'aid' and quickly spun around to see who exactly had caused the disturbance. She had her wonderments. "Bobby Allerton," she noted. It was unclear wither she was happy to see this stranger that she apparently knew.

Either way she rose to her feet and embraced the young man. The embrace was received warmly and she took a step back. Her lips formed a thin line, amusement flickering in her blue eyes as she surveyed him. This man was around Beatrix's age, short brown hair, he had the beginnings of a goatee, and he wore casual clothing suiting to his character. "Wow, fuck, what are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here, what are you doing here? Last I saw you, what...five, six years ago you were...hell...I think you were beating the shit out of some chick." Beatrix laughed unevenly to that and side glanced to the woman at the table. She was receiving scary looks. "Oh, Bobby, these are my..." Brows furrowed. "Friends."

Bobby tipped a polite nod to the three. "This is O-Ren, Vernita, and Elle." She motioned to the man beside her. "This is Bobby. We lived in the same town."

The women stared at Bobby for a moment, just as shocked as Beatrix that she had managed to run into somebody from her hometown in this place. They had pretty much severed all ties to their former lives when joining the DiVA's....there were truly rare occasions when that life came back to intrude into their new one.

Vernita smiled her broad white smile, "Nice to meet you Bobby...Bumble Bea Kiddo...," she almost snorted, looking at Beatrix with amusement, "I like it." She smirked, not in the slightest surprised that Bobby had last seen Bea beating the shit out of some chick.

Elle didn't say anything, but she watched in silent interest at the new arrival as she sucked up blue liquid through a large straw. Elle was becoming harder to read lately....as if her emotions had become clouded over.

Bill hadn't missed the arrival either, he turned the corner of the pool table in a slow stroll...his hard gaze floating their direction over the rim of a beer bottle. He locked in that gaze for a moment, and then with a turn said something to Budd and setting his bottle down went to set up his next shot.....which just happened to be facing the table of women and the younger man........who had just happened to embrace Beatrix.

Verntia scooted over, "You should join us Bobby.....we don't bite...well Elle does, but I'll protect you....we are in dire need of a fresh face and I'm sure you and Beatrix have a lot to catch up on." She gave Beatrix a look of pure curiosity and perhaps even approval.

Beatrix was hesitant to allow Bobby to sit with them. They weren't your typical group of company to catch up with. But, she didn't have a choice; Bobby was already sitting down in the vacant chair next to Elle. Beatrix returned to her seat. Her emotions mixed.

"So, Bobby, how do you know Beatrix?" O-Ren was the first to ask a question at the young man. She was fascinated by Beatrix's blast from the past. As stated it was rare for a past life to come along and sneak up on you. So, when it managed the task it was logical to take advantage.

"Oh," Bobby turned to face the Chinese-Japanese woman. He appeared mellow and well put together. He was a nice guy who was probably set on a wife, kids, and a white picket fence some day. "We went to school together. Well, before Beatrix dropped out."

Beatrix took a long gulp of her drink. All Vipers knew how secretive she was on her past and anything about it. So this was terribly unsettling for her but deep down she was happy to see a 'friendly' face. "Beatrix dropped out of school?" O-Ren reinstated. Her brown eyes flickered to the blonde before coming back. "Why?"

Bobby shrugged. "Hell if I know, she always was secretive about that kinda stuff."

"Oh, yes, she can be quite secretive," O-Ren mused and lowered her red shaded lips to her straw and sipped in an almost sadistic manner. Bobby gave O-Ren a bewildered look and turned to Beatrix. For a guy he didn't look too intimidated by the assortment of woman at the table. "So, Bea, what have you been doing?"

"I work," the tall blonde stated bluntly.

"Oh really? That's great. What do you do?"

Vernita was watching Bobby with as much abated interest as O-Ren. Elle seemed a little more distant, although her eye continually kept flicking between Bobby and Beatrix with alertness.

Vernita didn't press Beatrix about her dropping out of school....she'd most likely had a better family life than her blonde counterpart, but she'd grown up in a rough neighborhood where a good amount of people dropped out of school at an early age. But it was amazing how secretive Beatrix was about her past....hell, they all were...but Bea was even more so than the rest.

And then there was always the awkward "work" question. Vernita jumped in, "Bea doesn't really like to talk about her work," she nodded towards the blonde, and leaned across the table in a mock whisper, "She's kinda ashamed...low paying type of thing, long hours....bad apron, hair net...." She grinned and leaned back, "I'm a teacher myself, grade school....I love kids." Well, it was a partial truth. "What about you Bobby, what do you do?" This guy was so two children, a dog and a mini van......and he was good looking...and he seemed genuinely nice....but Verntia doubted he was a doctor.....too young, best to check though.

"I'm an accountant. You know, dealing with all those shitty bills from shitty people," Bobby replied to Vernita. O-Ren exchanged sympathetic looks with Vernita as they found out that the young man was no doctor.

Just then, Bill, who had been doing a damn good job of both playing pool and watching the table closely came sauntering over...in a convincingly casual manner. He leaned against the side of the booth, thumb hooking around his belt, the other hand dropping onto Beatrix's shoulder. Supplying a wide smile, he said smoothly, "Why don't you introduce me to your young man here Kiddo..."

O-Ren was about to speak when Bill showed up. She glanced to him and a devilish smile tinted her features. "Bill," Beatrix said almost in a start. She had been so immersed with Bobby that she hadn't heard him approach. For some reason she was more happy to see him than anticipated. She straightened up her composure. "This is Bobby. Bobby," she motioned to the older man at her side. "This is Bill."

Bobby, being the polite young man he was leaned over with an out stretched hand. "It's very nice to meet ya, Bill."

Bill shook the younger man's hand heartily, "Bobby, pleasures all mine," he smiled. Bill was so good at "acting" amiable, nice and charming that it was often hard to tell when he was faking it or not. "Did I hear you say you're an accountant?" He shook his head, "My sincere apologies," he gave the younger man an apologetic smile, "You know what they say though....that accountants secretly have the most exciting lives. For the rest of us, it's just the same old boring nine to five."

Vernita was smiling softly, her look darting to Beatrix now and then to check on her reaction.

Bill looked as if he was about to sit, then changed his mind. He glanced at Bobby, "Hey, let me get you a beer...it's on me....I just ran dry on mine. What's your poison Bobby?" He pointed at the young man, and snapped his fingers, "Wait...I bet I know....." he stood, tapping the table top with his knuckles, "Be right back."

Elle thus far hadn't said anything, but she watched everything.

Vernita laughed, "Don't mind Bill Bobby...he's....a friend of ours, an odd duck....but a good guy."

Bill returned shortly, two bottles of beer hanging from his fingers. He set a bottle of MGD in front of Bobby, a bottle of Guinness in front of himself. He then sat down next to Beatrix, "Hope that's to your liking," he gestured to the bottle in front of Bobby, "Thought you might be a an MGD man....."

Bobby wasn't a heavy drinker and this became obvious when the younger man took no offense to the beer he was offered. Beatrix on the other hand knew exactly what it meant. To show she wasn't entirely amused by this she carelessly pushed her boot against Bill's. This would only be noticed by the two of them seeing it was beneath the table. Her arms than crossed atop the table, eyes turning back to Bobby.

"So, Bobby why the hell did you move out here?" O-Ren chimed in again. She seemed more interested in Bobby's past than Beatrix was. Well, Beatrix was interested but she wasn't one to ask all the questions.

Bobby lowered the bottle of beer from his lips and replied, "When I got out of high school my dad got a new job. The job was located here so I decided to take up college in this area and eventually found a job."

"You're father was a cop, correct?" Beatrix inquired.

"Yeah!" Bobby began to chuckle lightly at a memory. "Remember the time you came over and you wanted to see my dad's gun set. Damn, I thought you were really gonna shoot that squirrel."

Bill smirked slightly, returning the swift kick under the table. He then returned idly to his drink, attention still focused on Bobby. Oh wonderful....this kid's father was a cop....he hated cops.

"I'm more rational than that. Besides," Beatrix played a smile that wasn't entirely fake. "It was too cute."

Vernita burst out laughing at the mention of the squirrel...even Bill thought it was pretty damn funny. Elle managed a smirk, thinking fondly to herself about all of the squirrels she'd killed as a child.

Vernita's brow furrowed convincingly, "You don't really seem the gun type Bea...I mean, I guess you have some...violent tendencies. But man....well, I'm glad you found it in your heart not to shoot a squirrel."

"Squirrels are fun to shoot," Elle spoke up flatly. All eyes turned on her. "If you shoot them just right....their little heads explode. But, I used to like to poison them more......rat poison works well...so does antifreeze. Takes 'em awhile to die....they foam at the mouth."

Bill raised an eyebrow. He loathed Elle's inability to at least attempt to "fake it" now and then.

Vernita laughed a little nervously, "Well...uh...Bobby, tell us more about Beatrix," she ignored the glare from across the table, "I want all the dirt....she doesn't tell us anything and I need some more shit to tease her about. I'd love to hear about what she was like back when you knew her."

Bill put an arm around Beatrix's shoulders, smiling, "Yes, do tell Bobby."

Bobby chuckled unevenly. He looked pretty freaked by Elle's words but he registered it as an inside joke or something not as twisted. He turned to Vernita. "More dirt?"

Beatrix found herself nonchalantly leaning into Bill. The only one that really noticed the slight change in position between the two killers was O-Ren and she was hushed. "Don't even think about it," Beatrix threatened in a friendly tone but sometimes even her friendly threats were threatening.

Bobby ignored Beatrix in a playful manner. "The most popular girl in school, Sally Ima, was having this big party after the football game. Everyone was invited. There was beer and everything there. So, we're all gathered outside, drinking, partying, typical teenage stuff. Well, Beatrix starts to get into an argument with one of the players on the football team. I don't remember what it was about. But anyway, Bea, gets all pissed off at this guy...and you know what she did," he paused for dramatic effect. "She stuck a fork in his arm. Jabbed it right on in there." Bobby cringed. He wasn't a man that held a strong stomach. "There was blood all over the place."

Beatrix grinned from ear to ear. "Damn those violent tendencies, huh Vernita?"

Bill whistled, "That's pretty fucked up Kiddo....kinda....sadistic too...." He turned his head to the side and gave her a mock concerned look.

Verntia was laughing, "Oh, that's some good shit! I bet that guy didn't fuck around with her again...ha!"

Elle didn't seem as amused. She had gone back to her drink quietly.

"So," Vernita leaned forward, "I take it Bea wasn't exactly one of the popular kind of chicks huh? Not the type to hang around with jocks and stuff?" Vernita had been something of a jock in high school....and then there had been the quarterback episode under the bleachers....if she and Bea had gone to the same school, they probably would have hated each other.

Bill shook his head, keeping up the whole act, "It's hard to imagine a woman so pretty being so violent."

Vernita smirked, "Don't underestimate the deadliness of women Bill."

"Oh..." he returned the smirk, "I don't..."

Chuckling, Vernita turned back to Bobby, "So...were you two....just...friends in school...or...?" Vernita always had this way of asking awkward questions.

Beatrix gave Vernita a look. Bobby slugged down a sip of his beer and set it to the table with a thud. He than looked upon Beatrix with a blatant fondness. "I always wanted to be more but she refused." He laughed lightly and waved his hand. "Said she was saving herself for someone more sophisticated, charming...and...what was that word she used..." He trailed off in momentary thought.

Beatrix had her lips parted a little and canted her pretty blonde head. Bobby snapped his fingers. "Masochistic. That's what she said. She was saving herself for some sophisticated, charming, masochistic guy. Hell of a combination." He looked at Beatrix. "Have you found him yet?"

The pretty blonde put her eyes downcast and her hand slipped under the table to lie on top of Bill's hand which was residing on his thigh. "Maybe."

O-Ren found her time to cut in and she did so efficiently. "What other violent or out of the ordinary things did Beatrix do? She's always been such a little angel to us."

It took some serious effort on Bill's part to retain a neutral expression throughout Bobby's explanation. What the hell kind of girl in high school was looking for a sophisticated, charming and masochistic guy? Bill was absolutely sure Beatrix was one of a kind....well, he already knew that. But he was also damn happy she'd stumbled across him....since, in his mind at least.....he fit that bill pretty well. He was still a little unsure of Beatrix's choice, but he wasn't going to argue with it either. He squeezed her hand, holding on to it tightly. A small smirk tugged at his mouth, as he continued to face Bobby.

Vernita wasn't exactly sure how to take all of that. Her eyes flicked to Bill and Beatrix..... Something was different there, she could tell. "Well....heh....Bea has always walked to the beat of her own drummer....." she said finally, a strange feeling creeping up on her. She pulled her gaze away from the two of them and back to Bobby, "Yeah...more violent stuff....," she laughed, "We don't get out much if you cant' tell."

Bobby pursed his lips and took another swig of his beer, the bottle almost half empty. "Let me see. Damn, that was a long time ago. Six years. Looks like you've been doing really well. Who knew running away could have such a great out come."

"She ran away?" O-Ren lifted a brow in Bobby's direction. He gave a tight nod. "A few months after she dropped out of high school her mum comes banging at our door saying her lil' baby ran away. I had seen her the day before and she seemed perfectly fine. Showed no signs of wanting to run off."

O-Ren looked at Beatrix and gave her a challenging eye. "Do you always run away from your problems, Bea?"

At this Beatrix removed her hand from Bill's and settled them palm down on the table top. She leaned forward a little, her lips in a tight line. "No, do you?" She challenged right back. It was odd to see O-Ren cause a bicker with Beatrix. Obviously the half breed was having undisputed issues and also keeping to the fact O-Ren loved to think of herself as higher than her blonde warrior friend. "No, I take it. With sword in hand."

"Touché."

And slowly the "normal" conversation was degrading....

Vernita looked at O-Ren with a mixture of anger and surprise. That comment had been pretty low, and it was unlike O-Ren to pick a fight with Beatrix. Memories of their recent Las Vegas trip flashed in her mind. Something had happened between the two. O-Ren had always a bit of a snobby side, but it had never been so blatantly thrown at Beatrix.

Bill frowned, going back to his beer. He cared little for feminine bickering. Although O-Ren's comment about Beatrix always running away from her problems was very interesting to him......for a number of reasons. Of course, he'd already known about her running away from home...it wasn't so long after that that he'd found her.

Vernita tried to break the tension between the two women, "Look...guys...let's just calm down...Bea, O-Ren....let's just chill..."

"I say we let them go at each other," Elle piped up from her dark corner, "Have a good old bitch fight right here in public....You would like to see that wouldn't you Bill?"

"Not really," Bill replied, his frown deepening.

"Of course you would," Elle contradicted him softly, sucking on her straw.

Vernita buried her face in her hands. What the hell Bobby must be thinking was beyond her....but she felt sorry for the guy. She gave him an apologetic smile.

Both Beatrix and O-Ren sent chilling glares in the willowy blonde's direction. "I say," O-Ren began coolly. "We let Beatrix and Elle go at it. Bill would like to see that a hell of a lot more than Beatrix and I. Besides, they've done it countless other times and out in public would be a refreshing change. Wouldn't you agree Bill?"

That was enough and Beatrix had to put her foot down. The last thing she wanted was to show Bobby how fucked up her life really was. "He wouldn't agree," Beatrix answered sharply for him. Bill didn't answer O-Ren's question and was glad that Beatrix had spoken for him.....he wasn't even going to grace any of them with an opinion on the matter. He just sat there frowning. Vernita remained with her elbows on the table, her face in her hands. Sometimes....she just wanted to get out of all of this...just...go have a normal life....

Beatrix turned her attention to Bobby whom had been deafly quiet. "I..."

At this precise moment Budd made an appearance. He was drunk but luckily not to the point where he acted like a complete moron. "What I miss?"

They all looked up when Budd arrived...a somewhat pleasant interruption.

"You missed absolutely nothing," Bill replied, a glare settling on the women at the table, Beatrix excluded.

Elle sucked loudly at her drink, nothing left but the ice cubes. She winked at Budd, "Poor Bobby here...an old friend of Beatrix's....who she didn't fuck apparently....is getting the bullshit rundown on our lives, as we pretend to be normal people and he fantasizes about asking Beatrix out again." Elle had been quiet long enough, "Vernita is trying her best to amiable, but she's not all that good at it, O-Ren's being a snooty bitch and Bill....." He fixed her with a glare, "...yup...that's what you've missed Budd." She went back to her empty drink with relish.

Bill turned to Beatrix. He'd had enough. "I'm through," he said to her, and reaching across the table he shook Bobby's hand, "Good to meet you Bobby, keep up the work crunching those numbers....people like me need accountants like you....so keep at it." He slapped the younger man on the shoulder, stood and headed for the bar. Bill had his limits for pettiness.

Vernita gave Beatrix an exasperated look.

Elle looked satisfied.

Bobby had risen to his feet when Bill departed and he now stared down at those gathered at the table. The man looked uncomfortable and shifted from one foot to the other. "Well, it was great seeing you Bea but I should get going."

Beatrix shot up from her own seat. No way in hell was she going to let Bobby be drawn away from her because her 'friends' were being complete assholes. "Actually, Bobby, I'd love to catch up more." She wove around Budd and over to Bobby. She held a placid smile on her face but her blue eyes were stinging with hostility.

"You sure? I mean...I don't want you to leave your friends."

"Who said they were my friends?" She sneered and taking Bobby by the hand, lead him away.

Budd flew his hands up in the air. "Whoo! Is it me or is it hot in here?"

"Shut up, Budd," O-Ren scolded and she snatched up her glass of vodka and downed the remains.

Beatrix and Bobby found a vacant table in the back away from everyone. The conversation was quite enlightening and Beatrix was having fun. She forgot how fucked up her childhood was but also the fun times. Not that there were many but the ones she reviewed with Bobby held a fond place in her heart. At points she wanted to stop lying and tell him what she really did for a living. She wanted to tell him that she was deadliest woman in the world and she worked in an assassination squad. But she couldn't, well, she could do anything she damn well pleased but she didn't want to ruin her good terms with Bill.

"Damn, I really enjoyed myself," Bobby said. It was well into the late hours of the night past twelve o'clock and Bobby said he had to leave for work in the next five hours. "Me too," Beatrix replied with a smile.

Bobby leaned over and put an innocent kiss on her cheek. "Hey Bumble-Bea, would you keep in touch?"

The blonde pursed her lips. No. "Yes."

"Great! Take care of yourself, okay?" She gave a tight nod and watched as he walked off. There was flicker of regret in those blue eyes.

Bill spent the remainder of the evening at the bar. He wasn't really a public bar man, or the type of man to sit at a bar and watch sports. But he ended up getting into an interesting conversation with an elderly African American man, who went by the name of "Milo." The man was amazingly wise and interesting for the kind that normally haunted these sorts of places at later hours. A blues club maybe, but not this place.

Either way, he was incredibly cool...and Bill found they had a lot in common....murdering people aside. At some point Bill had caught sight of Beatrix and Bobby talking at one of the corner tables. But he had no issue with it really. She had the right to reunite with old friends just as much as he did. Bill could be jealous and controlling and an asshole....but he also had moments of understanding. He could overreact, but he generally wasn't unreasonable.

Now, if the two started making out he'd have an issue. But, there was something in Beatrix that made him trust her when it came to such matters. Bobby seemed like a good man...in a very normal sort of way, the sort of man Beatrix would probably liked to have been with......if things were different. Bill was very aware of that, and again...there was a part of him that wanted to push Beatrix away and tell her to keep looking....he wasn't what she was looking for. But, most of him...most being the selfish and egomaniacal part, was elated that Beatrix was the sort of woman who wanted somebody like him. She didn't just want to sleep with him, which was what Bill generally ran into with women. After all...he was rich and "powerful", cultured and could smooth talk most women like that into anything he wanted...so much so that many women could look over any negative quality he possessed. But there was more to Beatrix, she didn't really seem to care about those sorts of things....and she seemed to actually want to have some sort of...relationship with him. She was strange.....and he loved that about her.

Still, Bill had to admit her and Bobby were damn cute together. But, for the most part he preoccupied himself with conversation and the rest of the night flew by.

Vernita and Elle on the other hand did faire quite as well. After Beatrix and Bill left, things got pretty nasty. Budd wasn't helping...since he'd already had a few drinks. Elle was just being a bitch, and O-Ren was completely shut off. Vernita, who was originally in a good mood became just as bitchy as Elle and they all ended up arguing over stupid shit. Around midnight Elle announced she was leaving, and felt the need to go tell Bill the same thing....which he simply nodded to and turned back to his conversation.

The rest of the feisty table broke up and everybody got ready to head out.

Soon after Bobby departed Beatrix scouted out the area to see if any of her 'friends' were still around. She had been delighted to see Bobby again and catch up on things she had long forgotten. It was a nice change of the evening. Like all of the other Vipers she cut off all access to her past life before meeting Bill but things happened. Luckily Bobby was a more pleasurable figure of her past and meeting him again had more pros than cons. During their conversation she had emerged herself in past events and experiences that seemed to project her reasons for leaving it in the first place. Sure running away had been favorable at the time but it had its consequences.

Beatrix felt waves of regret as Bobby discussed his life and where it was going. It was full of everything Beatrix had or wanted but it put the killing factor aside. She'd never regret her decisions no matter what they brought but that didn't mean she couldn't question them.

As that slimming form weaved through the crowds blue eyes passed O-Ren whom refused to make eye contact. This action brought Beatrix back to the cold reality she was living. A few more steps followed and she spotted Bill laid back at the bar, merrily chatting away with an older African American. Her steps ceased at the vacant seat beside Bill and she offered the other gentlemen a polite smile before she slid into the stool next to Bill. She didn't want to disturb his obviously interesting conversation and remained silent. Her arms folded on the counter top and blue eyes stared off, vacant in thought.

Bill seemed pleasantly surprised to see Beatrix sit down next to him. He had thought she was leaving. He gave her a small smile, reading the distracted look on her face through the dim lighting. He gestured to the man sitting next to him, "Beatrix, this is Milo....Milo, Beatrix."

Milo gave Beatrix a small hat tip and smiled at her in a gentlemanly manner, "Very nice to meet you Beatrix," he seemed charmed by her looks like most older men would, but in a very kindly way that is. He was probably in his eighties, wizened with a long and most likely very hard life. But his eyes shone like two black stones, full of life...and held more stories than most could sit around and listen to. He was dressed in a brown suit and matching hat.

He seemed like the sort of man Bill would talk to. Somewhere in his life Bill had transgressed from the student to the mentor....but, like a man who had no father, he sought mentors out no matter his station in life. "Milo and I were having a very amiable conversation," Bill smiled, picking up his drink, "The good old times and such..." he gave Beatrix a smirk.

"Indeed," Milo nodded sagely, "Bill here has engaged me in the most interesting conversation I've had in quite sometime." He chuckled, looking at Bill, "I don't know what you do in life my friend, but your not the typical sort here."

Bill laughed, "I...live...." he said with a raised eyebrow.

Milo nodded again, he seemed like the kind of man who respected such vague answers, perhaps he had secrets of his own to hide. Well, surely we all do.

Milo smiled at Beatrix again, "If I may ask, how do you know Bill here?"

When Bill used her full name, Beatrix, she was well aware that he trusted the man whom he was speaking with other than if he introduced her as Kiddo or gave her a completely different name altogether. She came away from her 'day dreams' and focused blue eyes intently on the two gentlemen before her. It was certainly a change from her earlier company, going from one young hot guy, to two...well, older men.

She blinked and kept a monotone smile across her angelic facial features. Her pretty blonde head was tilted ever so slightly so she could view both men without having to dart her focus. "We're...seeing one another." Her smile widened. Fuck the past she had here and now to look at and she had to look really hard to keep a steady head. Her discussion with Bobby broadened things for her and certainly made the answers clearer. So, her taste in men was way out there but one had to say that Beatrix was way out there herself.

She daintily folded her hands on the counter top. So many decisions had to be made in her life, many taking into consideration they were life or death situations. This situation could be counted as life or death. Either way she was a risk taker, an unfounded risk taker, but she took risks none the less.

Bill took it all in stride as he generally did. Although, inwardly he was a little surprised to hear the words come out of her mouth. He could see the conflict in her and perhaps......just a hint of regret? No, maybe it wasn't regret...Beatrix was like him, not the type to regret much, but...there was something there, some unresolved sadness.

Milo raised his own eyebrows, casting a glance at Beatrix, then Bill, then back to Beatrix. His wrinkled features broke out into a large white smile. "Well now," he chuckled, "....damn me, some men just get all the luck." With that, he shot back the rest of the whiskey in his glass. He then gave Bill a "cheers" with the empty glass, in the old gentleman's version of a manly "way to go buddy" nudge in the ribs.

"I was married six times," Milo said, as he set down his glass, casting his bright eyes on Beatrix. "And...now.....only now, do I realize my mistake all those years. Did I love all these women? Of course I did. Did I do everything for them that I could? Yes, that's what a man should do. But do you know what I never did?" He leveled a crooked finger at Beatrix, "I never cherished them. I never saw them for the gifts that they were." He smiled sadly, "I wasted them...."

Bill sat watching Milo, his expression difficult to read.

"I was nothing but a real asshole to those women," Milo looked into his empty glass, "Pardon my language Beatrix," he added, glancing at her again. "And now....look at me, I'm sitting at a bar in the outskirts of San Diego....alone, until Bill here showed up," he shook his old head, "Any of my ex-wives, the ones that aren't dead that is, would kill me on sight if they saw me again...well, that," he chuckled, "or they'd hire somebody to do it for them."

Bill's eyebrow rose fractionally, but he remained silent.

Milo gave them both an apologetic smile, "My apologies.....the silly regrets of an old man...nothing more." He slapped Bill, the "younger" man on the shoulder, "But heed my words my friend.....don't throw away your gifts...."

Beatrix cast a solemn eye in Bill's direction. Yet another failed attempt to read the man and eyes returned to Milo. Her own expression wasn't as unreadable. There were mixtures of sadness, fondness, and deep contemplation. Coming to a decision she idly leaned over and wrapped her arms around Bill from behind and leveled her chin against his shoulder.

"No need to apologize, I always find it comforting to hear the views of someone much wiser than myself." She offered a soft smile. "Bill cherishes me. He knows I'm unique and do a dam—" Her lips tightened. "Very good job at my work. So, I'd like to think we'd never run into those problems." False hopes to herself. She and Bill had countless problems because they both knew he was a complete asshole. But, she could dream.

"And if something did go wrong in our relationship. I wouldn't kill him for it," these set of words spoken with a good portion of sarcasm. She picked her head up. "But, thank you, Milo. For perhaps enlightening me on a few points."

Bill managed a tight smile at Beatrix's show of affection. He knew Beatrix was lying, at least partially. But was she lying to herself as well? He often wondered....he was finding she had a tendency to do that. The truth about him to herself seemed a difficult thing for her to resolve.

Milo nodded solemnly, either aware of Beatrix's idealization or brought down by the story of his own faults. "That is good to know my dear," he said gravely.

Bill said nothing about her comment about killing him, with most people this could be taken lightly......but with people such and he and Beatrix...it was a different story.

Bill brought one of Beatrix's wrapped hand's to his lips, giving it a small kiss. He raised an eyebrow at Milo, "Don't you consider yourself a better man now in the end though?"

Milo thought about this for a moment, his obsidian like gaze fixated across the bar, after a few seconds he shook his head, "No....I'd like to go back and fix it all. But," he picked up his hat, placing it on his head, "...it's far too late for that...as it is far too late for an old man like me to be out and about the town."

He stood up, "Very nice to meet you folks, Bill...Beatrix," he shook their hands in turn, and once again tipped his hat to the tall blonde, "Good luck to you both." With that, Milo left the bar.

Bill watched the old man leave, looking pensive. Bill, like most of them, rarely made any connections to others in the "real world." Bill seemed to have an easy time of doing this, since he'd been doing it for quite a long time. Although, talking to Milo, he was reminded he needed to call Estiban. He turned back to Beatrix, tilting his head a little at her, "You had a good time chatting with Bobby." A statement, not a question.

She sat up and pulled away. Beatrix gave a tight nod which left her head canted downward and remained in that position. She felt softer spoken especially after her conversation with Milo. An older man she met and only exchanged a few words with served out a larger portion of 'reality' than desired. But, Beatrix let that conversation slide and return to the previous, more enjoyable one. "When I was a little girl I didn't dream about becoming an actress, hair dresser, or even a doctor. Actually, I never came to a clear idea of what I wanted to be but I never imagined I'd end up in the profession I am in now."

Blue eyes that were half lidded inched up to meet his. "It was nice seeing Bobby again. There were a few things I had forgotten." She picked her head back up and came out of her soft reverie. She wasn't about to give him any details nor would she lead on to that she would. She returned to leaving the past in the past or at least ninety nine percent of it. "Did everyone else leave?" A casual question but it was hard to miss the blatant bitterness that it was dipped in.

Bill sat across from her, watching her with a solemn expression, although, with him solemn did not usually equal sympathetic. He supposed most people when they were younger, especially little girls...did not dream of becoming high paid assassins when they grew up. O-Ren perhaps the exception....but there were......reasons for that. For Bill, it had never been much of a choice...at least in his mind; he's been born a bastard becoming a murdering bastard had really just been a couple simple steps.

He folded his arms, leaning back. He wasn't going to give her sweet words of comfort when it came to her chosen profession, he knew better. He also knew that she enjoyed what she did far too much for him to even waste the effort. Beatrix was jarred from having her past meet her present and finding they were two different worlds.....again, not something Bill could really relate to, but something he wasn't going to push her about. It was her business...she'd deal.

Bill turned away, leaning back on the bar, "Yes, I think everybody else left.....," he cast a wary eye around the bar. It was nearing two in the morning, closing time for bars in California. The few people that remained were either very hearty or very drunk. "Apparently they ran out of fodder when you left the table," he gave her a sidelong glance and smirk.

Beatrix didn't return the smirk as willingly. At times she felt like the younger sibling in their 'group' that was always the one to be picked on or thought of in lower terms. Beatrix and O-Ren ranged around the same age, perhaps a year or two a part, which didn't necessarily count as leaving Beatrix to plausibly be the youngest of the Vipers. She still couldn't shake that feeling of being the youngster. Everyone could be picked on, it just depended on pressing the right buttons. It was almost depressing that the squad could not sit together at a bar for last an hour without someone bickering with the other. There was a power struggle between all five that no one came out winning.

"Too bad," she muttered softly to herself. Blue eyes stared off in a daze before she blinked and turned to face Bill. "Did this 'get together' have any purpose?" Her words remained soft and out of pure interest. "Putting aside that I met up with a past acquaintance because I know you didn't set that up."

Bill shook his head, "No...not really," he shrugged, "I'm starting to think doing such things is a bad idea. It only seems to cause......dysfunction." Something of an understatement. He seemed distracted, and with a shove away from the bar, he stood up. "Come on Kiddo, let's go...." His hand on the small of her back, the two of them left the bar.

Bill was relatively silent the entire way home; he nonchalantly dropped Beatrix off at her place, still seemingly distracted. With some people such moods and their thoughts were easy to read, but with Bill it was nearly impossible....he could simply be tired, introspective, or he could be contemplating the elaborate murder of a number of people. The mood seemed to fit fine....Beatrix didn't appear in much of a talkative mode either.

Before Beatrix got out of his car, Bill leaned over, "Be at my place....early," he warned with a glare...it was already almost three in the morning. "I've got an assignment for you. And not some bullshit rich asshole babysitting thing either....," he looked dead serious, "Top of the line client. Big pay....a good job. I want you on it." This was not Bill the man that Beatrix was "seeing", this was Bill her boss...a hard soul with no soft underbelly to speak of. His sharp look pinned her down until he was sure she was fully aware of his request and the importance of it.

"Now," he leaned back with a smirk, his face softening with a touch of humanity, "get out of my car," he said in a serious but teasing tone.

If Beatrix hadn't been in such a mellow mood she may have taken Bill's request the wrong way and that he was being a complete asshole about it. But, she didn't and almost found it comical. They both were susceptible to such drastic mood swings and Bea wasn't sure if that was the reason he had remained quiet during the drive. It could be due to a number of things but she wasn't going to question it. And even if she did make a comment her mind was too worn out to register it accurately.

"Right away boss," she teased back and leaned over in her seat to place a short-lived kiss on his lips. She than turned her boney little ass around got out of the car as she was so politely 'asked'.

Three hours later the annoying buzz from the alarm clock was echoing through the small apartment. Three hours ago Beatrix wasn't thrilled about getting up so early but now when it finally reached that three hour limit she was goaded. She hastily threw on a pair of loose fitting jeans, a white and pale yellow blouse, and a pair of light blue sandals to match or in this case clash appropriately. She arrived at Bill's more or less on time with a cup of warm coffee in her hand that she had grabbed at a drive-through on her way up. It was doused with a load of sugar and cream, she needed a large amount of caffeine to shake her fuzzy head.

Upon reaching the door Beatrix was greeted by the familiar form of Nikishi whom she offered a welcoming smile to. By the flow of voices from down the hall it was clear that Bill had been up for quite some time probably reviewing last minute details with a client. How he managed to feed off of only one to two hours of sleep was beyond her.

She took casual steps down the hallway and emerged into the living room where she spotted the form of Bill on the couch sitting across from a man whose back was turned to her. Her façade remained calm and held a professional outlook. "Hello Bill."

"Hello Kiddo," Bill replied in a friendly but business-like tone as Beatrix walked in. He gave her a faint fleeting smile, and then returned to a natural expression. How Bill could pull off such lack of sleep was mainly due to two things: one, he'd been living such odd hours his whole life...it just came naturally at this point, and two...he was faking it like hell, he felt terrible. He gave Beatrix's coffee a quick wanting look. "Black Mamba," he stood, making the introductions, "This is Mr. Jones," such names were obvious codes in this line of work as being extremely fake ones, and they were expected to be recognized as so, "Mr. Jones, Black Mamba.....the assassin that is going to take on your contract." Mr. Jones had stood and was now facing Beatrix, shaking her hand. He was a tall-ish man in his mid thirties. Dark grey suit, slicked back dark hair, reasonably good looking if he didn't appear so damn serious about himself. A pair of cool grey eyes locked onto her. "Excellent," he said in a voice completely devoid of any typical male prone glee at her appearance, "My client will be pleased. He knows of your work." All rich and powerful clients of Bill's always sent a middle man to do the negotiating. Business was still business, even when it came to killing people.

The trio sat down, Bill next to Beatrix, Mr. Jones across from them. There was an array of papers scattered on the coffee table in-between them. Bill began shuffling through them, "Kiddo.....it's a single target, female. She's currently residing in Boston...lower side." He pulled out a snapshot of her house.

Mr. Jones broke in, leaning forward a little, "It is very imperative Black Mamba, to my client, that you dispose of this woman as soon as possible. She is a very unstable to his......credibility. Likewise," his voice dropped slightly,"....if you encounter any.....secondary targets when you arrive...you are to dispose of those as well." This guy was a cold player, obviously he had been in this game for sometime. "I have already discussed additional payment with Bill if that situation is to occur."

Bill nodded. Additional payments were something he never turned down.

Mr. Jones stood quickly and efficiently closed and picked up his suitcase. "Then, it is all settled." He shook their hands again, "Pleasure to do business with you again Bill. My client has always been satisfied with your services; we hope to continue that trend."

"Of course," Bill replied. "Nikishi will show you out."

"Black Mamba," Mr. Jones nodded at the blonde, then turning he strode out of the room, well polished shoes clicking on the wood floor.

Sitting back down next to Beatrix, Bill slumped against the back of the couch...some....well, nearly all of the professional demeanor dropping.

His hand draped causally on her forearm, the other pinching in-between his eyes, "Fuck....that was a short night....I have to get some caffeine soon...or I may fall into a coma....."

Beatrix offered him her coffee which she was more or less through with. "It may be a tad sweeter than you prefer but than again, I didn't get the coffee to wake 'you' up," a sly smirk on her face. She than leaned forward and snatched up the scattered papers which she began to tacitly skim through. By the notes and description she was supplied with Beatrix guessed she could get this job done quick and make it home for tomorrow's late night sitcoms.

Bill took Beatrix's coffee, took one sip and set it on the table with distain. "That's.........awful," he said flatly, "I have a bag of sugar if you want that instead." She knew him all too well, coffee was meant to be drunk traight and black.

"I'm off," she declared, disregarding his taste for her coffee, and stacked the papers into a neat pile which were placed back into the manila folder. She pulled herself up and let out a soft groan of discomfort to her worn muscles that only ached due to lack of sleep, and the head ache that was beginning to beat at her temple. She turned to him. "Try not to miss me too much." Her blonde head canted and wisps of hair fell against her face that was plastered with a contented smirk. "And, please, go take a nap. Those shitty bags under your eyes aren't becoming."

He smirked, "No Kiddo....that's not fatigue, it's called getting old. Someday you'll relate." He waved his hand with well meaning dismisiveness, "Get the hell out of here.....," he slapped her knee, "And..." he added with sudden seriousness, "I don't think I have to tell you that this is a big assignment. I know you won't fuck it up." He gave her a proud look, his voice heavy with complete faith in Beatrix Kiddo.

The female target of Beatri'x lived in a fairly middle class neighborhood in the lower Boston area. The neighborhood consisted mostly of brick condos and the usual array of schools, churches and occasional small stores. Children played on the sidewalks, lined with small shrubbery and wrought iron fences. By the time Beatrix arrived there it was just passed the typical family "dinner time." It was slightly muggy in the Eastern US sort of way and the sun had just set leaving the sky a purplish blue. There was a small amount of traffic, but the streets were too narrow for most drivers...leaving area for people to walk their dogs and jog.

The information that Beatrix was supplied with led her to a row of townhouses...large enough to not be apartments, but still too small to be considered real houses. The specific address read 1062, a bottom townhouse...to the far right. There were a row of ferns and small potted plants arranged around the doorway. A welcome mat sat in front of the door, decorated with the image of a sleeping cat. A hose was lying out on the deck; a small vein of water still leaking from its nasal...apparently it had been used very recently. Two dachshund dogs were barking from the townhouse next door. Their comical forms could be spotted running around through the wooden fence that separated the two houses.

It was fairly easy to tell, just from looking at the front porch of townhouse 1062 that a woman lived there...perhaps not by herself. But she obviously took care of her home and seemed a responsible individual.....not necessarily the typical "target" type.

The pale blue Cadillac came to a halt at number 1062. Beatrix sat inside the vehicle and her eyes focused on the town house that held an exaggerated 'homey' touch. She casually exited and shut the car door behind her. She made a temporary stop on the walkway that lead up to the porch and took a moment to adjust the 9mm situated on her hip and be content with its concealment. Once everything was in place the tall blonde assassin continued up the flight of white stairs to the porch. A long white finger extended and pressed the doorbell.

Muffled voices could be heard from inside until the familiar unlocking of the door could be heard from the outside. The door with the festive wreath nailed to the center opened and to Beatrix's surprise a little girl was standing in the door frame. She appeared to be no older than seven. She wore a pink skirt and a t-shirt that had a picture of a dopey looking canine and read in bold letters: Puppy Love. She had long locks of auburn hair that were let down to go well past her shoulders and she held an expression only an innocent child could pull off. Her big green eyes narrowed up at the tall blonde. "Who are you?" She asked with an evident timid ness in her voice.

Beatrix quickly shook the surprise from her façade and put on something warmer and non-threatening. "Hello, sweetie, is your mommy home?"

The little girl remained suspicious. "Mommy!" She yelled over her shoulder. "Some lady wants to talk to you."

"I'll be right there honey," a woman's voice replied from inside the house.

There was a minute or so pause before the woman appeared at the door; next to the girl...who had to be assumed was her daughter. The first thing that one noticed about the woman was how young she was, she couldn't have been only older than Beatrix...in fact, she was most likely younger. Very young to have a daughter around seven. She was extremely pretty, and only an inch or two shorter than the blonde assassin at her door. She had long thick wavy auburn hair similar to her daughter's that went to her waist. Her large brown eyes stared suspiciously at Beatrix. She was dressed in a pair of close fitting jeans and a baby doll style t-shirt of plain blue. She was barefoot and had a ring on her middle left toe. She looked young, dressed a little young, but was living in a place where few young women like herself could afford to live.

"May I help you?" She spoke kindly but a little wearily to the tall blonde. She instinctively put a hand on her daughter's shoulder, drawing the small girl back on inch or two.

Blue eyes stared. She was so young and very pretty. The young woman, that was her target, reminded Beatrix of herself, only younger and hell of a lot more preppy. Bill nor 'Mr. Jones' ever informed her that her target would have a daughter. It was one thing to be young but it was a complete other thing to be young and have a kid. This minor detail made her blood boil. Not only was she sent to kill off some supposed bitch but she was killing off a bitch that was a mother. Her daughter would be left alone. Well, not technically, Beatrix had been told to 'hit' off any secondary targets. But, in the blonde warrior's mind secondary targets were only killed if they got in the way not because of their presence. That made it easier.

She blinked hard and averted her gaze to the floor. "Yes, you can," she spoke softly and hinted hostility in her tone. She glanced to the little girl whom was plastered to her mother's legs and fiddled with a piece of her hair. Beatrix cut her gaze to her target. She had to remain focused and stop side tracking. "It would be best if your daughter went upstairs before I tell you...why...I'm here."

The woman stared across the doorway for a moment, her arm wrapping tighter around her daughter. But, it appeared she was not completely clueless. Finally, she nodded silently, her soft auburn eyes hardening a little on Beatrix. She may have been young, but she obviously had a past.....a past with somebody who didn't want her living any longer.

Finally, she bent down to face her daughter. Her slender hands rested on the young girl's shoulders, "Alice, baby...I want you to go upstairs for a little bit, ok?" The girl looked confused. "Go play in your room for awhile....remember the new horses mommy bought you yesterday? I bet they'd love to play with you..." She stroked the girl's hair, so like her own. "Mommy and this pretty lady need to talk about some grown up stuff."

The girl still looked confused, but she slowly began backing away. At the last moment, the young woman reached out and grabbed the youngster and embraced her, crushing her small form against her own, "I love you very much, remember that honey," she kissed her daughter's cheek tenderly. Alice again looked confused, this time at her mother's sudden show of strong emotion and she stared up at Beatrix with large eyes. Slowly, the young woman pulled away, swiping a quick hand across her cheek. "Now, got upstairs Alice....go....." She watched her daughter hesitate and slowly melt back into the house.

Turning back to Beatrix, this time with a hardened expression on her pretty face, the young woman motioned, "Come inside," her voice was suddenly very flat.

Beatrix watched the exchange between mother and daughter with a bitter longing and remorseful features. Why the fuck did she have to have a kid? "Thanks," the tall blonde said keeping a similar flat tone. The door was closed and the two pretty young women walked into the living room. It was nicely decorated; a sofa, marble fireplace, love seat, doll house in the corner, and a various other toys scattered around the floor.

The tall blonde kept a steady eye on her target, Sarah, was her name, stand in the middle of the room. Silence filled the tense area. Beatrix casually pulled out the threatening weapon from her side and poised it at Sarah in a professional manner but if someone 'professional' was there it would be easy to see that the blonde was being careless. The gun was only taken to ensure her own safety. Sarah didn't look like she had ever handled a gun in her life and had no ideas to try and beat Beatrix to the punch. "You know why I'm here," she began at a steady level. "I may be cold hearted but I can thaw. So, before I 'do' anything, please, throw in your two cents."

Sarah looked a little frightened when Beatrix drew her weapon, but she didn't freak out. She licked her pink lips, hands going from her sides to fold across her chest...hugging herself protectively. She took a couple deep breaths, eyes drawn to Beatrix's gun.

"I......" her voice shook a little, and she gave up speaking momentarily. Sarah was reacting fairly well considering....but she was still a "normal" person, and normal people tended to get a little frazzled when faced with the end of a gun barrel...and ultimately their own life. She wasn't a killer, she wasn't a hardened woman...she was a young woman who'd made a mistake. Many young women make mistakes, but Sarah's just happened to be with the wrong person. She took another deep breath, trying again, "Look.....please.....I know.....I know what this is about.....but you can't kill me.." panic started to leak into her voice as she lost her resolve, "You can't...." her voice shook again, and she put a slender hand to her mouth to stifle a sob. "Robert hired you......to kill me," this time a sob escaped and Sarah promptly sat down on the nearest easy chair. She bent over, grasping her knees. She almost looked as if she was going to be sick, which would be fairly understandable. "Why...why...." Of course, Sarah knew why...because Robert....an extremely powerful man was married. Her existence served as a threat to his credibility as a "wholesome" man. Sarah's daughter, Alice....was his. And thus, the little girl's existence was a threat perhaps even more so.

Sarah tried again, this time looking up at Beatrix, her face tear stained, "Please....you must understand," she was pleading to Beatrix as a young woman like herself, "....I didn't do anything wrong.....I loved him.....I thought I did....he......said he loved me.....," she sniffed, ".....fucking asshole...." she trailed off, tears flowing again, "....I didn't do anything wrong!" It all became clear, Sarah could afford to live here, because until now Robert had provided for her, kept her quiet. But now, quiet was simply not good enough. "You can't kill me!" Sarah's voice rose. Catching herself, she glanced nervously upstairs, "You can't.....please...," her voice lowered a little, "I was only sixteen...I didn't do anything wrong....." she broke down again, head falling into her hands. "What about my daughter.......oh Jesus..."

This was one of those moments where Beatrix despised her job. As much as she enjoyed killing people it was never easy when a target broke down in tears and began begging for mercy. Especially, in this case, when the target didn't deserve to die. As void and emotionless as Beatrix could try to make herself it was never easy to make herself completely lack empathy. She lowered the gun to aim at the floor and not Sarah's head. "Stop crying," came a hostile demand from the assassin. "Your daughter might hear you." As Sara took stifling and shaky breathes to try and put herself together Beatrix started, "This is my 'job' and I was hired to dispose of you. I can't say I agree with the reason for disposal but..."

She poised the gun back up and cocked the hammer. Her pink lips formed into a tight line and blue eyes burned with more than fire. "You have my deepest regards..." At this precise moment the pitter-patter of tiny feet could be heard running down the stairs followed by little Alice emerging. This little girl was an eaves dropper and considerably smart for her age. Seeing the gun Alice dashed to her mother, stood in front of her facing the 'wicked' woman with the gun, and outstretched her tiny arms as a shield. "Don't hurt my mommy!" She yelled her voice dropping to whimpers.

The little girl had guts; Bea had to give her that. But, dammit, the secondary target was getting in the way. Beatrix pursed her lips and slender brows narrowed. "I know you want to protect your mother but...please..." her own voice cracked. "Step away." She couldn't shot down a little girl, never. God, she had to walk away.

Sarah immediately went on the defensive. "Get away Alice!!" She tried to move the girl, but Alice wouldn't budge, whimpering she clung onto her mother, wrapping her arms around her mother's neck. "Alice! No....go upstairs now!" Sarah yelled. It was motherly instinct. Any loving mother would easily die for her own child, just as much as they would kill anybody who tried to harm their child. There was nothing stronger than the bond between a mother and her child....and Beatrix had just unknowingly walked into the middle of that bond. Sarah, still crying, struggled with her daughter, "Baby.....you can't be here.....," she said in a softer voice, "This is mommy's business....I don't want you to get hurt...do you hear me?" She grabbed the whimpering child by her face, looking at her daughter closely. "Let go of me! NOW!"

Alice failed to comply. She couldn't understand what her mother was saying. She only knew somebody was going to hurt her mother and she couldn't allow that. She cried, only holding on tighter.

Sarah turned her head, looking up at Beatrix. For the first time, real anger shown on her face. "You can't hurt my child," she snarled in a low deadly tone, "If you touch her, I swear to god....I don't know how, but I will do anything I can to hurt you...." She wrapped a protective arm around Alice's shoulders, still glaring daggers at Beatrix. "You won't kill her." At that moment, Sarah cared nothing for her own life over the life of her daughter.

Beatrix's finger tensed on the trigger. Alice only cried harder but she wouldn't move an inch. Why wouldn't she move?! Deep down Beatrix clearly understood the bond between a mother and daughter. She never had one as tight but she longed for it just as she longed secretly for a life away from this. If Sarah wasn't such a vulnerable target Beatrix would have no problem gunning her down. When a warrior is immersed in battle the vanquishing of thy enemy is one's only concern but Sarah wasn't an enemy. She was a scared young woman trying to protect the life of her daughter and subconsciously her own.

Dammit, she was Black Mamba, the deadliest woman in the world, and she couldn't allow human emotion to falter her abilities. She had a job to do and she couldn't let it go unfinished. Gulping down a lump in her throat, her facial features vacant, she pulled the trigger. The gun shot rang out with the screams of both mother and daughter but when the smoke cleared there was no bloody mess to be seen, except for a shattered window behind them. The tall blonde stood there, gun lowered to her side, lips pursed, head canted downcast, and blue hues half lidded. "You're right, I won't." She effortlessly slid the gun back to its holster and her gaze leveled back to Sarah. "When I leave I want you to leave. Pack up all your belongings that matter and move away to somewhere were he can't find you. I'd recommend a name change as well," these directions said in an eerily calm tone that was only to shake the other emotions threatening her.

At Beatrix's words, Sarah broke down with sobs of relief. She clung onto her daughter as the reality of what could have happened and what just did happen washed over her. After a few moments, Sarah gained back some of her composure, "Thank you...." she whispered, tear stained eyes resting on Beatrix with gratitude. She untangled herself from Alice, "Come on Alice.....let's go pack up some of your things." It took a little coaxing, but the little girl eventually ran upstairs. Halfway up, Sarah turned around and went back down, telling her daughter to start packing without her.

Approaching Beatrix, Sarah wrapped a slender hand around the tall blonde's wrist. She fixed her with a deep look, her large brown eyes boring into Beatrix's blue ones. "I don't know who you are......or who you work for," she said in a whisper, her voice far older and wiser than her age, "But, I want you to know....that...what you just did was right," her chin shook with emotion, "It was very right." Sarah's look turned almost sympathetic, as she continued to stare right into Beatrix's face, "What.....a frightening life you lead....so sad...lonely. I don't know if I should envy you...or pity you....but.....thank you for what you did....thank you...for sparing the life of my daughter." Her grip tightened a little, "Someday....perhaps you will know what its like," she gave Beatrix a small teary smile, "...when you carry that life within you....and then see it grow up.....," she wiped a tear away, "...only then are you truly a woman." She shook her head, "I've never killed anybody, but......I would like to believe that creating life.... not taking it away is what makes you human...."

Sarah let go of Beatrix's wrist, her eyes downcast momentarily. She looked like she was going to say something else, but then she turned and with one last whispered "thank you" to Beatrix, the young woman bound up the stairs...looking like nothing more than a child herself.

There are always points in one's life that stick out against the others and what transpired stuck out far. The tall blonde warrior stood in the midst of the empty living room with shattered glass on the floor and stared. Her expression was void but her eyes burned with inner turmoil. She kicked up a shard of glass with the toe of her boot and proceeded outside. A longing glance was given to the town house before she slid into her car.

Once seated in the passenger's seat and long white fingers clenched tight around the steering wheel she broke down. Her forehead hit against the middle of the wheel and her shoulders slumped forward. "I don't know if I should pity you...or envy you." Words repeating fluently in her mind. Right now she felt pity. Pity for the shit she'd have to deal with when she got back. Bill envied her, he had complete confidence in her ability to finish a job and now she'd be thrown out to ask for forgiveness and pity her for a mistake. But, in her mind it wasn't a mistake. Sarah and her daughter didn't deserve to die because of some assholes raging hormones and that he took advantage of a vulnerable mind.

She slowly lifted her head from the wheel, blue eyes puffy but she shed no tears. If Beatrix shed a tear it wouldn't be for anyone but herself and she didn't want to supply herself with self pity. Her body moving in a numbed state she put the keys into the ignition, started up the car, and began to drive.

It was drawing into the late evening when Beatrix turned down the street where Bill's hacienda was located. She halted the car in front of the house and made no turns to move into the driveway. She just didn't move. Blue eyes staring intensely at the vibrant abode with the pretty painted pillars and lights assorted the walk way, holding that Chinese meets Japanese with a touch of old school decorative.

In actual fact she didn't have to go in. She didn't have to tell Bill a damn thing. She could just walk away. She'd never have to face the consequences for her actions. Her knuckles were turning white on the wheel and the engine buzzed. Runaway.

It was actually both Bill and Nikishi who eventually spotted Beatrix sitting out in the driveway...still sitting in her car.

Bill, out of very understandable paranoia, always walked the parameter of his abode before nightfall. He had to be cautious and he had long grown used to being constantly wary...even of his own surroundings. As he often said, he hadn't survived this long in the "business" by being stupid. Sometimes, like tonight Nikishi would join him. The two of them had a strange but professional relationship. There was no doubt that Bill dominated over the quiet Japanese woman, but there was also a strong resolve in Nikishi that he respected. She was, in all essence one of his employees, and he treated her as such. The two of them rounded the side of the house, chatting amiably. But neither of them missed the idle car in the driveway for very long. It was getting dark, but Beatrix's blonde head could be clearly seen over the steering wheel. After an exchanged glance, the two of them began towards the car. There was no missing the vacant look on Beatrix's face as one got nearer to the vehicle.

Bill smirked, perhaps misinterpreting the whole thing. He opened the door, Nikishi hanging back a few feet.

He leaned into the car, "What the hell are you doing Kiddo?" He laughed, reaching a hand out and placing it on top of one of hers on the steering wheel.

Beatrix had become so immersed in her own thoughts that when Bill put his hand on hers she jumped. She took in a quick breath, turned off the engine, and collected herself. What had he just asked her? The blonde blinked hard. "I was thinking," she mumbled gently. She had been thinking about running away. She desperately wanted to but this time Bill was there to stop her.

Blue eyes stayed fixated on the windshield and tried to avoid his gaze. Well, if she couldn't run away she could make a damn well worthy effort to procrastinate. But she always sucked at procrastinating and it would just make the situation worse. She had to come out with it. No beating around the bush. "It's unfinished," her voice dropped to a whisper.

Bill's hand tightened noticeably on Beatrix's. His former humored mood disappeared like smoke. He sat there for a few long seconds in silence, his hard glare on Beatrix...who was currently staring with her eyes fixated to the front. With a sudden turn, he spoke to Nikishi, "You can go home Nikishi," his voice was soft....not exactly a good sign when it came to Bill. Niikishi nodded and quickly scuttled away to safety. No amount of good pay was going to keep her here for what was about to happen.

Turning back to the car, Bill picked his hand up and used it to turn Beatrix's face to his. It was almost an intimate gesture, except for the fact that Bill looked far from fond of Beatrix at the moment. He looked utterly irate. "Get out of the car Kiddo.....now...."

Once Beatrix had somewhat mechanically removed herself from the vehicle, Bill took a few steps away. He turned his back on her and remained silent for at least a minute. He could have been simply trying to gain some control over his temper...but most likely he did it as an intimidation tactic. Bill was quite fond of intimidation tactics. Finally, he spoke up, still quiet, "Explain."

Beatrix stood there, blue eyes solemnly watching his back, and her hands tight to her sides. She had rehearsed an explanation beforehand but when it came to the final performance she was forgetting her lines. Finally gaining enough control and not allowing Bill's intimidation tactics to falter her, she spoke. Her voice kept quiet but auditable, "You sent me to kill a young woman and her daughter..."

She trailed off as if waiting for a reaction but when she received nothing but a cold shoulder she continued. She detailed and exaggerated the point that she would have killed Sarah with little problem, she had planned to kill her. Her daughter wasn't getting in the way but everything changed when Alice ran back into the room to protect her mother. She wouldn't have been able to get a clear shot at Sarah without wounding Alice and she wasn't going to risk it. She let them go. The pretty blonde tilted her head down and turned her gaze away. "I couldn't do it, Bill. I couldn't kill a little girl."

Bill listened to Beatrix's explanation without a word. Senseless interruptions were signs of a man with no control. He'd listen, he'd process....and then he'd react.

Finally, he turned around and fixed her with a look of disappointment, and unabated anger. He hadn't looked at her like that since the time she'd attacked Paco. Things may have changed a little since then, but that didn't change the fact that he was incredibly disappointed in her. She had let him down. Once again, right as he had gained full confidence in her......she'd destroyed that foundation with one swift action.

"I think," he began softly, "You know how I feel about unfinished business." Of course she did. "I can't believe you fucked this up," his voice stung with disappointment. She knew how important this assignment had been. He hadn't even addressed the issue of the little girl yet.

He walked slowly towards her, "You....are a killer.....not a nanny...you are not allowed maternal feelings Kiddo. When you are on assignment, you are not a woman.....you are a killer.....you are not human....you are a killer." He tiled his head down, giving her a sharp upwards glare, "Key word....killer...." He continued his slow steps, "Killers do not discern between adults and children, they do not discern between men and women......and they," he rose an angry finger, his voice steadily rising "...do not have feelings towards their victims. And they DO NOT leave things unfinished!" He snarled, "Goddamnit!," the first sign of unchecked anger, "....you know better. You are not allowed exceptions to the rule....you kill for me, and you do not have the right to make that choice! The little girl was in the contract.....you cannot break the contract....."

He stopped right in front of her, lifting his chin, "I should never have sent you......it's clear to me now, you aren't capable of being what I want you to be."

Beatrix made an evadible wince. He struck without laying a hand on her flesh but she felt the sting. Even if she was close to Bill's height she still felt small and defenseless. She had to get herself back in order. She hated to show that she was feeling intimidated by his anger. Pink lips formed into a stretched frown that hid the wave of sadness and blue eyes bore into his. "That's right," her voice shook but she was gaining back her hardened shell. "I'll never be what you want me to be. I have a heart when it comes to irrational situations."

She slowly tilted her chin up. Her lower lip quivered but she held it straight. "You can't control me. I refuse to allow you to mold me into one of your fucking pet projects. Right now, you're pretty fucking scary but that won't send me back to finish the job. I made a choice, it was the right choice and the fact that you can't see that just goes to show that you have no heart."

Her voice lowered, "You're incapable of love. Love for yourself, a child...me..." Her head tilted. "As the old saying goes...Rules are meant to be broken."

Bill look hardened further, if that was possible. Leave it to Beatrix to turn it around and stab him with his own cruel intentions. He remained silent for sometime, sorting through what she had just said....and the reactions that could ensue. In the end, he chose bitter compliance. "My entire life, I have never been allowed the luxury of love," he finally said...still angry but noticeably subdued, "Love clouds judgment...it contaminates decisions that could normally be made without a second thought. A killer cannot have a heart Kiddo...at least not a fully formed heart," he said with a touch of sympathy.

He could face the fact that Beatrix didn't want to be one of his "pet projects", he could even face that thought of her having moments of inner turmoil. But he couldn't face the prospect of her not finishing assignments due to her "irrational feelings." On top of losing credibility, it made her a risk to her safety and the safety of the entire operation. To be truly effective, one had to shut off......no matter the situation. Beatrix had just proved where her limit to shut off failed to work.

"Take a good look at me," Bill said, "I am not a man who was born to love, to care....let alone," he let out a bitter laugh, "...have children." It was a true statement, but she also knew that he did care....and so thus, it was something of a lie as well. He shook his head, realizing he was getting a little off topic here. "I'm far too old to break my own rules now." Children, like women and men had all fallen under Bill's feet through the walk of his violent life. For Bill, it was all about the moment. If, at that moment of pulling the trigger he could allow himself to not care...then the act of murder was as easy as flipping off the television. He may have cared before, and he may care after....but the moment of truth was where it mattered....fuck the rest of it.

He crossed his arms, "This isn't about me, it's about you..., " somewhat of a lie, "...and your failure to go through with an assignment. What am I going to have to do? Screen all assignments for you to make sure your fragile heart can handle the situation? You do realize what 'deadliest woman in the world' means don't you?"

"Yes," she replied, her tone leveling down. As upset as Beatrix was she felt relieved in an almost disappointed way to know that Bill didn't love. Not the way she wanted. But, than again, she could never be what he wanted. It was an even trade off. But, he was right. She let him down no matter the way one looked at it. This had been an important client and now they'd probably lose him. The deadliest woman in the world couldn't be tacked down by emotions. Perhaps that was a clear sign to herself that she wasn't the deadliest.

She slowly brought her gaze back to his. Blue eyes flickered with numerous emotions, the prominent ones being; sadness, regret, and uncertainty. Lips parted inches as if to speak but nothing came out. Her lips tightened back into a straight line and let silence linger seconds longer before trying again. "Than maybe...I don't deserve that title."

"Maybe you don't," Bill replied....never the man to gloss over or sugar coat anything. Bill was a realist, in the grittiest sense. And that was that. She had let him down and he had proven to be as loveless as expected. A disappointing exchange, but one that did hold some relief in its bluntness. The client was as good as gone. Once he found out that the target had skipped town....he'd most likely never use Bill again. A good multi million loss in the end. Not only was he disappointed that she didn't follow through on the assignment, but he was also disappointed that she was so very close to being the best assassin he'd ever had work for him. She'd come so close......she had everything there....but she couldn't take that final step and that left her just below the mark.

"I don't know what else to say to you Kiddo," Bill said coldly. He could get angrier, but she already knew what she had done. Beatrix was not as easy to intimidate and scare into submission. She was well aware of herself and her faults. He was also partially held back due to a myriad of feelings he had for her. There it was, a perfect example of emotions hindering what should be done. Nobody had left a mission unfinished for him......in years.....The consequences had been nasty. But he was just standing there. He threw his hands up, angry at himself for not being more harsh. But he could see the mixture of emotions on her face and knew she already knew that. "Fuck!" He swore loudly out of pure frustration.

Beatrix's angelic features twisted. She wanted that sugar coating and she wanted that title. That was her title. The deadliest woman that worked for the deadliest man. This was why she'd never climb up to Bill's stature; he'd always be a better killer even putting their skills aside. It'd be a dream for the student to surpass the teacher.

She blinked hard in a start at his patent curse. She knew what had to be done. She tilted her head back up to a regal posture. "Put all your emotions aside. You're a killer, Bill, you don't allow emotions to get in the way of your actions," she stated coldly, her tone dripping with mockery. As much as she mocked those words she held high truth to them. She knew deep down that no matter their feelings for one another work came first and she was his employee, and she deserved the same treatment as any one else.

Bill surpassed a slightly shocked expression. She had just dared him to punish her.....she was goading him on to do his worst. This was most definably a first. She didn't want "special treatment", he could understand that. But....he had not expected her to go this far with that concept.

Well....if that's what she wanted....so be it. She was probably waiting for him to balk, to grow weak and give into his emotions. If that was the case, then she was going to be sorely disappointed. He was the hardest bastard she'd ever meet and he wasn't about to be anything less.

Bill smirked, more than a little sadistically. "Very well Kiddo," he took a few long steps, so that he was standing directly in front of her, chest to chest. Within a few seconds, Bill...in an extremely sociopathic manner, shut off every strong feeling he had for her...and those feelings were quite strong. By the time he was in close proximity of her, she was nothing more than a faceless human being to him....a nearly six foot tall mound of flesh and blood, that hit the right way would die within a matter of seconds. A frail human being, so easy to manipulate. This was not something normal human beings could do. This ability generally belonged to serial killers, brainwashed marines and cold blooded assassins. A large number of individuals like this were currently in prison for the rest of their lives, well....that or dead..

"First off," Bill began in a cold slow tone, his face extremely close, but completely devoid of any affection, "You will be withheld pay for the next six months.....no matter the circumstances. This will amount to only a small fraction in payment that you have lost me. Secondly, you will be required to go on partnered assignments until I decide you are capable of going by yourself again. Thirdly, I don't want you anywhere near my house until I decide I want you around again." He looked completely shut off. A hand shot out and wrapped around the bottom of her jaw line in an iron grip. She could have easily gotten out of this, but she didn't. At moments like this, Bill always remembered being eight years old and watching Estiban beat a number of women senseless into an inch of their lives. The look her gave Beatrix was pure evil, masochistic and hallow as a dead tree.

"You have disgraced me, and thus...I disgrace you." With little effort, he shoved her hard...causing her to lose her footing and land flat on her back in the dirt. Standing over her, foot on each side of her body, Bill stared her down. It was a classic situation...what all men secretly wanted...standing over a helpless woman. "Don't fuck with me Kiddo..." he said in that same cold tone of voice, "This is what you wanted....you got it. Don't think you can control me with womanly guises. I don't need to remind you, that I made you...and I will break you if I have to." He kept standing over her, "Do you understand me? You do something like this one more time....and you're out..."

She gave a tight nod of her pretty blonde head. As much as she wanted this the actual reality was more than she cared to endure. The consequences for her actions were acceptable but when he stood over her in such a manner it scared the shit out of her. Beatrix knew Bill could be cold, cruel, and sadistic, but there were very few and rare times she saw the 'real' side of it. Just as it was rare that she encountered his sweeter side.

Her killer and defensive instincts kicked in and she felt she had to defend herself. It'd be so easy to take a swing at him but she wouldn't. That'd be crossing over into a death pit. She wanted desperately to take back her challenge. But she had asked for it and she sure as hell got it. Her breathing had picked up in pace and her nostrils flared not because she was irate but out of unconcealed submissiveness. Bea shut lids over blue eyes tightly to tighten away her emotions. The creases in her eye lids softened but she did not open her eyes. Her eyes told too much. "May I get up now?"

Bill let her question hang in the air for a good thirty seconds before he replied. "Yes," he said finally, and backed away from her, his expression still cold.

He watched her pick herself up, and attempt to regain some dignity. Bill knew how horrible it was for somebody like Beatrix to loose her dignity....mainly because he was exactly the same. He knew that forcing her into undignified and submissive situations was one of the few things that really scared her. She, like him, did not like losing control. He also knew she didn't give a shit about her pay....but it was all part of the punishment and he wasn't going to treat her any different...just as she had requested.

He gestured to her parked car, "As per my request, you're required to leave. I will call you when I have a partnered assignment set up for you. Don't call me." He turned halfway around, "Have a pleasant night Kiddo," with that he turned his back on her and strode back towards his house...hair blowing in the wind, boots kicking up dust. Part of him, wanted to turn back and tell her it was ok....be sweet, or at least be somewhat nice to her...but that just wasn't who he was.

Bill appeared perfectly composed, in that sadistic sort of way....but inside...his chest felt heavy....his heart, if he had one...which was still up for debate, was tight with pent up emotions. He'd been able to shut off....he knew he could...but he also knew that this had been more difficult than it usually was. He cared a great deal for Beatrix, perhaps more than he was willing to admit to himself.....he'd do just about anything for her...but he couldn't and he wouldn't compromise himself. He didn't regret what he had just done, she'd asked for it. But, he did wish she hadn't of asked.