A day later, Bill's living room was occupied by all of the members of the Deadly Viper Association, even O-Ren; whom, on a whim, Bill had ordered home from Tokyo. No doubt the Chinese/Japanese half-breed was not exactly happy, nor awake from the sudden long flight back. The others had been fairly easy to round up; Budd being back and Elle and Vernita just returning from assignment.
Bill had very much enjoyed his little interview/lunch with Aiyana Espona, who impressed him enough to get the job; the shooting having been the real clincher. Speaking with her during lunch, he found her easy to get along with as well as a woman with a good amount of assassination experience.
After she had left for the day, he felt confident in his choice, not that that was generally an issue with Bill.
Now, Aiyana had returned to go over and sign her contract with Sofie. Bill was likewise confident in Sofie's abilities to handle the matter alone. He'd gone over the contract earlier. While Sofie and Aiyana were going over business matters in one of the back rooms, often used for such things, the Vipers had one by one strolled into his living room upon Bill's summons.
Bill was now sitting perched on one of the bar stools looking down menacingly at the group of four individuals sitting in the living room. He'd already been going on for over five minutes, telling them a little about the new recruit and his reasons for filling Beatrix's vacant post. There were times, where Bill did explain himself, thoroughly, and this was one of them. Then, he finally got to the point he'd really called this meeting for.
"Lastly," he spoke slowly, eyes boring into each of the Vipers, "I would expect all of you to be on your best behavior with Miss Espona." He smirked, "I realize this is often a very futile request, but..." the smirk dropped, "...I'm fucking serious about this. She's a professional, more so than most of you at times, and should be treated as such. Keep personal matters to yourself...Vernita," he looked right at the dark skinned woman for a few long seconds and then moved to O-Ren, "And...be nice...O-Ren, try it." His glare slid to his brother, "And Budd...she's not here for you to hit on, she's here to work for me." Bill could only hope his brother would lay off the very good looking Aiyana, for her sake. "And Elle," Bill paused and suddenly smiled broadly, "Elle...come here...sit next to me," he held out an arm. Elle looked quizzical for a second but was quickly up on her feet and sitting down next to Bill. Bill's arm snaked around her shoulders, as his hand quickly clamped around her neck in a vice-like grip. Elle's eye went wide with shock and anger for walking into that trap. "Elle," he hissed at her, "...don't...even...do...anything. Remember, she's not Beatrix, she's a completely different person."
Elle nodded emphatically, not able to speak very well with Bill's fingers pressing into her windpipe.
"Very well," he replied after a few long seconds, and released her.
Looking pissed, Elle quickly retreated back to the couch she'd been on before, ignoring the smirk from Vernita and the look of pity from O-Ren.
Bill knew Elle required a little more...poignant reminder than the rest and he ignored the blonde's sharp blue eye. "Everyone is clear on this...that Miss Espona should be treated as an equal," his gaze flicked to O-Ren momentarily, "..like one of us...because, as of today, she is. And, another matter," he leaned back, crossing his arms, "...I would...prefer...that...the...relationship between Beatrix and I not be mentioned to Miss Espona. Now, I'm sure she'll find out eventually, but for the time being...best she not know."
"Why not?" Vernita spoke up for the first time.
Bill raised a brow, "Because, Vernita...somehow I think that bit of information might just make her the slightest bit uncomfortable."
Vernita fell silent, not looking entirely convinced on that matter.
Elle appeared as if she was dying to say something, but instead she sat silent and sulking, a hand nursing her throat.
Bill leaned back, pleased, "Well then...I hope that's settled."
Shortly after Bill had 'threatened' his Vipers into behaving, the half French/Japanese waltzed in with Aiyana close behind. Sofie was carrying a manila folder wide with paperwork and put it on the bar for Bill to store away for safe keeping when he had the chance.
All four Vipers looked up at this entrance and didn't give Sofie a second look, but instead steadied on the new girl. Her slender and curvy figure was adorned with a pair of casual but nice corduroy denim colored pants, a button up white blouse decorated with a subtle flower print, and a pair of high heels that clicked on the floor as she entered. She was beautiful. None of the Vipers expected anything less from Bill, and naturally she was a woman. Upon first judgment she seemed to have a nice and somewhat cocky demeanor.
"If you need me, call me, Bill," Sofie said to break the silent stares. She flashed an overly 'teacher's pet' type smile and turned to stroll out, but before she made it half way across the living room area O-Ren popped up and grabbed her good friend. The half breed gave Bill a fleeting glance before she casually 'walked' Sofie to the door. O-Ren would come back; she was just walking Sofie out…..and discussing a few matters in the process.
Aiyana stood there feeling quite awkward, but it didn't appear in her body posture; which had shoulders up tight and head high. It wasn't until Bill waved her over to sit next to him on the couch did her tension begin to dissipate.
Budd, the cowboy, seated in his usual rocking chair, made a small noise in the back of his throat that signified many things. He propped hands on his thighs, eyes on Aiyana, and muttered, "Nice…" Of course the whip-cracking glare he received from his brother made the sibling immediately shut up and he settled back.
It had been years since Bill really employed someone into the organization. Yes, there had been Jeff, but he was a protégé and protégé's usually didn't become official members for at least a year in the organization. And even those were few and far between. Actually, the last official new member the squad had had was Vernita, whom came in four years ago; during a time when Elle still had two eyes and Beatrix was off training with the renowned bastard Pai Mei….whom was still alive at the time. Vernita hadn't been 'picked on' as most newbie's were by the elitist; they had too much fun fucking around with Beatrix. Actually, Elle, Budd, Vernita, and O-Ren felt mutual that they could all behave now that the 'catalyst' to most of their bickering was dead. But like hell they'd tell Bill that, and this mutual feeling had yet to be tested.
Everyone waited for Bill to begin the introductions.
Bill had given a silent nod to Sofie as she left, remaining silent and watching intensely as O-Ren momentarily joined Sofie on the way out. He felt somewhat bad for Aiyana as she stood there under the heat of six...no...five probing eyes, and made sure to have her join him; hoping that would make her a little more comfortable during the rather daunting moment of being the 'new girl'.
Vernita felt pretty neutral about this Aiayna. She was pretty, but that wasn't a surprise. Beyond that, it was difficult to tell much about her so far...she dressed nicely, looked physically capable, confident...and she wasn't a blonde, so that was good. Vernita wasn't about to make friends, she was still fuming over Beatrix; even if the bitch was dead.
Elle was still smarting over the humiliation of being lured in by Bill, only to be physically threatened. Bastard...she hated it when he did stuff like that to her. But, she was able to move enough beyond that to take a long look at this new chick. Yeah, she was hot...big time 'duh' on that one, but she seemed kinda snobby, and that was fine with Elle. She didn't want to get to know anybody really anyways, that just wasn't something she did. This Aiyana looked like a killer, that much was for sure, and Elle liked that. Like Vernita, she was pretty neutral.
"Miss Espona," Bill started in a brisk manner, still remaining on fairly formal terms with her,"...I'd like you to meet the members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. The Japanese, Chinese woman who has so boldly taken a step out of my meeting is O-Ren Ishii, codename: Cottonmouth." He motioned to Elle, who tried to look genial and failed miserably, "To my right...is Elle Driver, codename: California Mountain Snake." Elle gave a short nod, and suddenly decided to chew on her fingernail. "Moving on," Bill continued smoothly, motioning to Vernita, "...is Vernita Green, codename: Copperhead." Vernita nodded, mumbling a quiet but friendly, "Nice to meet you." Bill raised a brow, "And last, but certainly not least, is my younger brother Budd, codename: Sidewinder...and yes, I know it's difficult to believe, but we are…sadly….related."
He paused, turning towards Aiyana, "Elle, Budd, Vernita...," he trialed off looking irritated that O-Ren wasn't there at the moment, but dropped the scowl, "...this is Aiyana Espona, whose codename from now on will be Cobra. Miss Espona, during assignments codenames are to be used...but while meeting like this, or in private with fellow squad members, real names are perfectly fine." He leaned back, starting a new train of thought, "Each member of this organization is skilled in all realms of assassination, but there are certain specialties that each is somewhat more of an expert at." He indicated each Viper, "Vernita is an expert with knifes, Elle is an expert sniper as well as hand to hand combat fighter, O-Ren...who's still not in the room, is best with Japanese weapons...katana's etc, and Budd...he's the marksman...although Budd," Bill chuckled, "Miss Espona here gives you a run for your money...in fact, I think she can outshoot you, easily," his eyes flashed with age old sibling taunting.
"You forgot yourself Bill," Elle said, there was no missing the touch of spite in her voice.
"Why...I'm good at everything Miss Driver," Bill replied in a haughty tone, and wearing an expression that made it difficult to tell if he was joking or actually being serious.
Aiyana's eyes flashed to each member as she was introduced and given snippits on each. So far her expression remained calm and practiced. She wasn't about to make accusations on the members she was meeting, but she received a blatant signal from each of them. Bill's brother, Budd, whom she was having trouble fathoming the fact they were related, he seemed…okay. O-Ren, the woman that was not in the room, well she wasn't sure what too make of he,r but Aiyana came to a quick decision that the woman liked her privacy. Vernita seemed to be the only one that seemed remotely welcoming, but her posture was closed off and that pushed the new girl away. And that left Elle. That was a tough one.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all," Aiyana finally said in a soft tinged but strong note.
"Well, Aiyana, since you've received Bill's introduction allow me to try mine," Budd inquired. He registered Bill's warning glare, but he didn't act on it. He did more than note the sly grins from Elle and Vernita. He leaned forward and cupped his hands in his lap. "First, welcome to the group. You'll grow to love and hate each of us," he let out a light chuckle and continued, "Let's start with Vernita. She's good with her knifes, best I've ever seen…she's an all around good gal, but she can get angry." His eyes shifted to Vernita in a genial manner. He made a 'hmm' noise. "Can't think of anything all that bad about ya, Vern."
He turned to Elle, "Oh boy, Elle. What can I say 'bout her. She's a bitch. Real mean one too. Don't get on her bad side" Of course Budd could have said a lot more true and nastier things about his coworkers, but he didn't do that as he was trying to be amiable to Aiyana. "Then ya got O-Ren, she's a bitch too but she's snotty as hell. High, loyal, and snitty. I swear that gal's gonna take over the world one-a these days."
"I heard my name," said the half breed Jap/Chinese as she re-entered the room. All eyes shifted to her.
"Ah, O-Ren, I was just telling Aiyana," Budd motioned to the lovely looking brunette next to Bill. "About all a-us."
O-Ren raised a quizzical brow and took sauntering steps over to Vernita and sat down next to her. "Did you tell her you're a moron?"
Budd puckered his lips and shook his head. "Mm, nope, not yet."
A barely audible, "Jesus..." escaped under Bill's breath, but he was smirking.
Vernita looked on the verge of laughing, but the tension of the whole situation stopped her. Elle still seemed put off; perhaps Budd's words getting to her more than she thought.
"Just ignore Budd," Vernita spoke up, looking a little friendlier towards Aiyana, "He doesn't get laid very often and he's very frustrated with his lack of ability to properly think, let alone have power over any of us female types."
Bill's head fell into the hand, his elbow resting on the arm of the sofa. So much for professionalism. He gave Aiyana a small apologetic smile.
"Chill...Bill...," Elle sneered, her eye widening, "The new girl's gotta know how dysfunctional we all are sooner or later...might as well be sooner, eh?"
"That's right," Vernita agreed with her characteristic wide and somewhat unsettling grin. "Since Bea-" she stopped short, looking as if she'd swallowed a pill too large for her throat, she retried, "It will be nice to have you around Aiyana...a fresh face is definitely welcomed." She quickly hunched down in her chair, eyes averted from Bill and instead exchanged a glance with O-Ren.
Bill was frowning now, deeply, but he didn't say anything to Vernita. "Yes, well...anyways, I would hope that you will all make Miss Espona feel welcome and show her the ropes the first few times she goes out on assignment." He glanced at the pretty brunette, "Not because I doubt your skills Miss Espona, but simply to show you how we do things around here, which may be a little different than you are used to. After a few partnered assignments, I'll send you out on your own," he gave her a knowing smile, "I'm sure you'll be fine."
"Just don't piss Bill off," Elle added, giving him a leering look. "He can be a real motherf-"
"Yes, I've already spoken to Miss Espona about the failure to comply with rules and orders," he quickly cut Elle off, glaring.
Elle snorted, leaning towards him, "I wasn't talking about not following rules or orders Bill..." she said; voice laced with girly sugar coated sweetness.
Aiyana shifted in her seat and neatly folded hands into her lap. She didn't mind the playful bickering and words exchanged. She found it amusing and gave her a great deal of information on each; such as personality and their separate relationships with one another. It was clear that the group had their difficulties and malfunctions, but what 'family' didn't. She wasn't sure whether they all 'liked' one another, but either way they appeared to hold tight bonds. She could only hope she'd fit into that bond and be an accepted participant.
Budd cleared his throat to get the heat off the tension between Elle and Bill. "I'm sure ya'll figure out each-a-us in time, Aiyana," he assured with a gentle smile. Even though Budd could be a moron, he could be a likable moron.
Aiyana received the smile welcomingly and returned it. "I'm sure I will."
"Oh," Budd added with a pointed finger. "Don't worry 'bout assignments. Whoever you're paired up with, we'll watch your back. Don't want ya killed off that quickly."
Aiyana sat up a little bit as she felt this subject was much easier to converse with. "I don't believe that will be a problem."
The Chinese/Japanese muttered a few selected Japanese words under her breath that clearly came off as 'suck up'. Good thing for her Aiyana wasn't fluent in Japanese.
Budd cast her a look before turning back to Aiyana his smile still present. He was liking the new girl and not in that perverted sense either. "Ya can never be sure. I remember this one time," his lips twisted into a smirk at a fond memory transpiring in his head. "I think it was Vernita's fourth or fifth time out. Even though she was gettin' good, Bill wanted Bea and I…" He was obviously too immersed in his story to notice the glares he was receiving, but he had Aiyana's attention so who cared? "…to babysit Vernita. Make sure she didn't get herself killed. Anywhoo, Vernita being a cocky assed bitch ditched us and went off on her own. Luckily we found 'er before some jack ass put a bullet in 'er head." He began to chuckle. "Goddamn, remember Vernita? That guy had that gun pointed right at your 'ead and Bea just sexy-walked on over and chopped that there arm right off."
Aiyana shared in Budd's chuckle with amused curiosity. "My…my….that is something…But," her high slender brows arched. "Bea is…"
O-Ren flippantly cut in, "Beatrix Kiddo."
The name of the Black Mamba hung in the air for a few minutes.
Then, Vernita smirked, a mixed expression; it was a fond memory, but it was one that involved Beatrix. "Yeah," she said a little weakly, "...that was some funny shit..." there seemed to almost be a momentary flash of guilt on her deadly features, "That guy was so distracted, he didn't' know what hit him until he spotted his own arm a few feet away, so classic Bea...but," she pointed a finger at Budd,"...I was not being a cocky assed bitch!"
Bill hadn't said a word in return to all of this, but his facial features were drawn tightly, and he seemed to have fixated his dark gaze into one corner of the room. The subject of Viper's getting killed was a sore one for him...the subject of Beatrix Kiddo, far more so. But, he didn't' want to react too strongly in front of the newest member. That being said, if Aiyana had not been here, he would have already put an end to this line of conversation. The rest of the Viper's were taking advantage of this, and it was fucking annoying.
"Yeah," Elle drawled, "…..leave it to Bea to pull the sex appeal card...eh Bill?"
Bill said nothing, his expression unchanging.
Vernita, realizing that this was getting all too dangerous, decided to try to steer it in a slightly different direction, she focused on Aiyana with a genial look, "Beatrix Kiddo, she was Black Mamba, was one hell of an assassin." Vernita had never had issues with Bea's skills, it was her personal life that had gotten in the way, "I mean...we're all good, but she...goddamn...she was," Vernita shook her head, her braids shifting with the movement, "...vicious with style." Vernita knew O-Ren would be prone to argue with this, but she felt strongly that Beatrix had been one of the best she'd ever seen.
Elle shrugged, she wasn't about to go on about how 'good' Beatrix was...no matter what; even if, she had had complete respect for her fellow blonde...when it came to being a killer. "Yeah, she was pretty good," she mumbled.
Bill was still stoic, he didn't offer a word, a glance, or even the slightest shift in movement to any of this.
Budd shot Elle a look. "Come on, Elle. She was more than pretty good and you know it." He fixed Aiyana with another gentler look and saw the fascination in her hazel hues so he decided to elaborate. Bill wasn't stopping them. "Elle and Beatrix hated each other. They tried to kill one another more than once. Regular blonde bitch fight and I never got to see one of 'em." He scowled leaning back in his chair.
"I did," O-Ren interjected almost gleefully. Obviously the half breed was finding some sick pleasure in taking about Beatrix openly and on somewhat genial terms.
Budd wove a dismissive hand in her direction. "Yeah…shut up O-Ren." He crossed arms over his chest.
"What happened to her?" Aiyana finally spoke up; her face glowing with that innocent curiosity.
"She's dead," O-Ren abruptly stated her face emotionless.
"Oh," Aiyana muttered her curiosity dying off.
"Will all of you shut the fuck up," Bill spoke up finally, his voice vicious. He quickly patted Aiyana on the forearm, "Not you Miss Espona," he added in a far gentler tone.
This worked, and silence dominated the large living room for a few torturous seconds.
Bill leaned back, taking a deep breath. He regarded one of his rings for a moment, frowning, trying to decide on how to word this. He almost felt like he'd been cornered into some therapy session: 'Hi, my name's Bill, I'm a murdering bastard who fell completely in love with a woman who not only worked for me, but was half my age. Then she went off and got killed and left me a complete goddamn fucking wreck' No, that wouldn't do.
He cleared his throat, concentrating on talking to Aiyana and nobody else. "Beatrix Kiddo," he began, and there it was, the narrator tone, "...was a woman who came into my employ about five years ago. She was very young when I met her, but skilled...I saw her potential right away. She...had reasons to want to leave her current lifestyle and I offered her to take her up as a protégé. "He glanced at the brunette, "That is how I've gained most of my employees Miss Espona. Of course, I was right; she was a natural born killer. She was exceptionally talented with all forms of weaponry, but...I was most impressed with her sword skills...which I spent a great amount of time working on with her. Like others here, I had her trained by a legendary kung fu master by the name of Pai Mei. She was there for three years. On her return, well," he smiled, and there was no missing the fondness there, "…she proved to become one of the best killers I've ever seen. She...," he trailed off, apparently running into a difficult emotional roadblock. tThere was a momentary softness in Bill's eyes, directed at something that was no longer there, "...she and I...were close." He shifted a little on the couch, recovering himself, "She was killed over a month ago, on an assignment. You, Miss Espona, have taken up her place...and...I am happy to have a woman of your skills here with us now."
He fell silent...not sure how he felt about saying all of that. It had all been fairly impersonal, but it had only proved to bring Beatrix back up to the forefront of Bill's mind. Nobody had moved much as they listened; perhaps most of them were afraid of what was going to happen.
"She was a very special person...to me...and...others," Bill added softly, not giving a fucking shit what anybody else in the room thought. "Her loss...is deeply felt throughout this organization." He rubbed at his chest idly; knowing that had been a pretty pathetic explanation for how much Beatrix had meant to him...but, he felt it best to stay as distanced as possible at the moment.
Aiyana listened to Bill with a placid demeanor and sparks of sympathy. She wasn't uncomfortable knowing she was replacing someone so well thought of and missed in the organization, but then again she didn't know about the complete relationship Bill had with Beatrix. She pursed her lips idly taking all of this in. A momentary thought flickered on a daunting question that if this Beatrix Kiddo was as good as her coworkers believed she was, than why had she been killed on assignment? She wouldn't ask this as it was an unusually cruel remark.
"I'm very sorry," she said slowly and gently with a generally sympathetic smile.
Budd was staring at his brother with an emotionless façade. He knew that took a hell of a lot for Bill to come out and say that stuff, especially when it was about Bea. But as hard as it was, Budd believed that getting that out was good for Bill; in a healing and moving on type of sense. "Don't get all teary eyed over it, Aiyana," Budd directed with a lop sided grin. "We're all dealing."
"Right…we're all dealing…very…well," O-Ren added, her soft brown eyes lingering on Bill for a lengthened moment before turning away. She hated when Bill spoke about Beatrix like that, as she thought the complete opposite. But after being so ruthlessly slashed for voicing her opinions the other month, she kept mute on the remainder of the topic.
Ignoring O-Ren, Bill tried to pull himself out of the dampening mood that he'd suddenly succumbed to, "Well...," he forced a smile, "...that is the risk one takes as a killer...and we are all aware of those risks." That was typical Bill advice, that he only spewed out half heartedly at the moment. He was only making himself a hypocrite by saying that and he knew it.
Elle had sorta zoned out during the whole "Bea talk", she could care less about hearing Bill lament, and he was only half assed lamenting anyways. She knew, knowing Bill, he was far more passionate than that...he was holding back; which was probably for the benefit of the new girl.
Vernita looked contented enough, she found she liked talking and hearing about Bea in the past tense; as if once Beatrix was gone and dead, she could remember her fondly again...as long as she didn't think too much about the last six months or so.
"Hey Bill," Vernita spoke up, eyes a little distant with remembrance, "...do you remember the one time Bea pulled that fast one on ya...she told you she hot wired one of your cars, the black Ferrari, and had the paint sand blasted off and powered coated in baby powder pink?" Vernita laughed, "That was so funny...the look on your face...when you bolted out to your garage...to find the car gone..."
"Not funny," Bill shot back, although he was starting to smile as well, "She did take the car though...and she had some fucking nerve to do that too. I do recall Vernita, that it was you and her both who were in on that..."
"It was my idea," Vernita admitted, "But Bea hotwired the car..."
Elle barely remembered this incident, it must have happened right when Beatrix had returned from Pai Mei's and she was getting ready to go herself. Vernita had just started at that point, and was something of a troublemaker; not that she still wasn't in some ways. "What happened to the car?" the blonde asked, curiosity causing her to speak up.
"They parked it twenty miles from the Mexican border, in the parking lot of an incredibly sleazy strip joint," Bill replied, humor flickering in his eyes. "I had to do some serious threatening to get the information from you two."
Vernita waved a hand, "We were just fucking with you Bill...you were all stressed out about something…..I dunno...," her smile grew more contemplative, "Good times..."
"Hrm, yes," Bill agreed quietly.
Budd was chuckling lightly at the story and Aiyana had on an amused smile. She found it a tad odd talking so freely and 'fondly' about a member that was dead, when a new member was right there, but it appeared the group needed a few laughs and she wasn't one to intervene. Besides, laughing and chatting over funny stories was a good way to break the ice.
"A lesson to be learned," Budd said, his words pointed in Aiyana's direction. "Don't ever touch Bill's cars. He treats 'em like their his fucking kids, which is all good cause he shouldn't have kids to begin with….so cars are the best bet. Anywhoo, don't touch the cars or pretend your gonna fuck with 'em."
Aiyana gave a tight nod to this. She liked cars but she knew a threat when she saw one. "Highly noted," she reassured.
"Mmm," the once mute O-Ren began in a low and somewhat eerily calm tone, "I remember that time Elle had just returned from Pai Mei. Beatrix followed Elle around for five days straight, bugging and harassing her about that missing eye." The half breed flashed a genial smile in the willowy blonde's direction. "It was very amusing when she'd come up with what she thought Elle may have said or done to the ancient kung fu master. My favorite was when she accused you of sleeping with him and he thought you were a lousy fuck, so he plucked out your eye."
Budd chuckled. "Yeah, and she finally stopped harassing Elle when Bill became fed up and threatened Bea by saying he'd pluck out her own eye….so she and Elle could be twins, that is if she didn't shut the fuck up. I think the being twins part scared 'er more."
The mood seemed to quickly have lightened, and while it felt weird...talking like this, especially amongst killers and a new member, it also seemed to have been desperately needed. The last two months had been particularly bad, and even throughout the past year or so there had been a slow escalation in tension amongst everybody.
Vernita was laughing, and even Bill was chuckling with amusement. Elle, well…..she was smirking; she wasn't the type to laugh non-wickedly at much, especially when she was partially the butt of the joke.
"I remember the eye thing," Vernita was still laughing, a hand slapping on the arm of the couch, "That was so fucking funny...Elle...seriously...," she burst into more laughter, "...I wouldn't be able to look at you again...if Pai Mei had plucked your eye because..." she stopped to succumb to more laughter, "...because you were a lousy fuck."
"I did NOT fuck that ancient foolish old…..bastard!" Elle spat back.
Bill was smirking; sitting back with an expression of dark humor, "Hrm, one eyed blonde twins," he murmured in his brother's direction, winking...as he made an eye popping out motion, accompanied by an 'eye popping out' sound. Ff course there was no doubt that Bill could have really done it, if he'd chosen to.
Elle rolled her eye at Bill, not finding him very funny at all. She knew very well what she'd said to Pai Mei to cause him to pull her eye out, but she sure as hell wasn't going to tell everybody what it was; not because it was anything earth shattering, more because she liked to keep up the mystery of it. Maybe someday...
Vernita, having recovered herself, looked at Aiyana, "Sorry Aiyana...I'm sure this seems a little weird to you, but...we've all been pretty fucking stressed out lately...nice to crack every now and then," she smiled, a real smile...the type of smile she used to share with 'friends.'
"I could tell you some stories about Budd," Bill started, "But...I don't think I want to scare all of you ladies off like that."
"Heh, wouldn't scare me," Elle snorted.
"Don't count on it Elle," he gave her a wolfish grin, "And besides," he waved the idea away, "...I'm sure we're getting a little off the topic of the meeting here. I'm sure Miss Espona is wondering what planet she just landed on."
Vernita gave Bill a scowl. Ah, so there it was...Bill attempting to reel the whole thing back in.
"Oh no, I find this quite fascinating," Aiyana reassured. As she had perceived earlier, the laughter and sharing of stories had lightened the group. The smile she had received from Vernita had been a prominent result. The less tense her coworkers were the easier time she'd have getting along with them. It was funny how laughter could fix such a problem.
Budd had been giving his brother a well mannered glare. He had done some pretty fucked up things in his life, and he didn't want them shared. But there were also those amusing points that only Bill had witnessed, putting a thicker bond between them. He kept his eyes on Bill. "Yeah, well, nothing was scarier than that time Vernita told you to go fuck yourself and Bea insisted she already had."
"She did what?" O-Ren was now in full attention. "Why was I not there for this?"
Budd shrugged, he was still keeping on the amused side as if the whole group was still in 'funny story telling mode'. "Mmm…" he pursed his lips. "You were pissed off and left early."
Aiyana had been silent for a long time as she listened intently to the stories told. She was interested, and this one in particular caught her attention. A smirk etched over her features. "Beatrix certainly was the frisky and impulsive one."
"Yeah…" Budd trailed off a moment, taking note that he wasn't getting the same laughs as earlier stories had.
"Oh Jesus," Vernita made a face, "Yeah, let's not talk about that..."
Bill's lip twisted. Somehow...somefuckinghow, he knew that was going to come up. Sometimes, he swore he worked with a group of old gossiping knitting circle women than a group of trained killers. They simply couldn't resist the temptation to drop that saucy little morsel right in front of the newest member. At least it had remained a little vague...for the moment.
"Yes," he spoke up with a feral glare, "Let's not." Goddamn, was there anything left sacred in the world? Apparently not. He'd let the meeting get a little casual, but he was not about to have his rather personal affairs shared with Miss Espona. Not only that...he didn't need to be reminded of the memories of sleeping with Beatrix. Because...honestly, he was just a little deprived in that department at the moment; another fact that did not need to be brought to the forefront of this meeting.
Budd shifted in his seat. "Let's order pizza," he declared suddenly way off topic.
O-Ren scowled from her side of the room. She swore every fucking time they held a group meeting Budd insisted they order pizza. She hated pizza. Fucking pizza and what was with that sudden topic change? Fucking topic change. She crossed arms over her chest in a huff.
"No pizza!" Elle shouted, getting up from the couch she'd been lounging on, "I'm so sick of you and your pizza fucking Budd!" Elle had had to endure more pizza then ever lately on her assignments with Budd, and she swore she was going to fucking puke if she ate another slice.
Vernita was giving Aiyana a smile, finding her 'frisky and impulsive' comment about Beatrix highly amusing, even if Bill had selectively ignored it.
Bill stood, frowning…..heading for the bar, "We'll order something...Budd, you can order pizza for yourself...I'll order...," he was about to say El Casa Beuno, but...that only reminded him of his last evening with Beatrix. In fact, he hadn't ate their food since then. "...I'll order Chinese," he corrected himself with a mutter and produced his cell phone from his slacks pocket.
Meanwhile, Vernita had moved over to take Bill's place next to Aiyana, "I know that was all a little weird," she murmured lowly to the brunette, "...but you seemed to handle it well...I think you'll do just fine here. I still remember what it was like to be new," she smiled, rather personably. "There's a lot of...history between all of us, I'm sure you'll find out more as you go...but, I bet in no time you'll be one of group." Vernita wasn't sure why she'd suddenly taken such a liking to the newbie...but, there was something about her that she liked. And maybe...just maybe...she was feeling the need to find somebody she could confide in; since she'd burnt that other bridge months ago.
O-Ren was looking pissed off from having the former topic changed, and Elle was harassing Budd as he tried to call the pizza in; mostly just to be a bitch. Bill glanced harshly at Vernita and Aiyana, talking closely, as he dialed into his cell phone. He swore to God...if Vernita was gossiping, like she was prone to do, he was going to seriously cut one of her toes off this time.
"No, I want pepperoni, not fucking peppers," Budd growled into his cell phone in high irritation. "Jesus Christ, Elle, shut up," Elle was standing behind him making crude 'chatter' while he was trying to place in his pizza order.
O-Ren was watching this exchange from across the room with a mixture of amusement and bemusement. There was only so long she could watch Elle torment Budd before she became bored or wanted to join in. She wasn't in the right mood to join in, so her hard brown eyes shifted to the two women on the couch.
"I appreciate that," Aiyana was saying in response to Vernita. She had on a soft smile and an equally welcoming demeanor. Out of all of them, she was beginning to grow partial to Vernita and perhaps Budd only because he had been the most friendly….giving her small bits of advice throughout the meeting.
"You'll find in time we aren't all fun to get along with," the half breed seemed to just appear on the other side of Aiyana. It was a little strange to see O-Ren suddenly being personable, but Bill told her to be nice so she was being…nice. Although even Aiyana found this behavior unnerving and she hardly knew the woman.
"Until we find something to loathe about you, Miss Espona, we'll keep you in line," O-Ren offered a thin smile.
"Thank you," Aiyana said slowly and with a touch of uncertainty.
Vernita shot a vicious glare at O-Ren. Fucking bitch. She could never quite understand what O-Ren's deal was exactly.
"Don't worry about any of that," Vernita reassured Aiyana, her glare still partially on O-Ren, "You'll be perfectly fine...Bill seems to like you and he's definitely the best person to have on your side." She fell silent, realizing exactly what she'd just said, that she'd just made herself a complete hypocrite when it had come to the matter of Beatrix. She quickly recovered herself, flashing Aiyana a smile, "Well...whatever...don't take anything around here too seriously."
Elle had managed to drive Budd half mad by the time he got the pizza ordered. Now she was milling around the living room, following Bill around, who had just finished ordering and wasn't looking all too pleasant.
By the time all of the food arrived everybody had wandered out onto the back patio. The large plethora of food, Bill never ordered on the short side of things, was scattered along the long adobe style table that dominated amongst the smaller patio furniture.
Bill had remained fairly silent and sullen as he sat down, Hanzo sword in hand. Nobody paid much attention to that fact; it was a fairly common sight. Everybody else was scattered along the table, snatching at food and attempting to keep the conversation away from being too angry and violent.
Vernita had sat down next to Aiyana and as far away from O-Ren as possible. Elle had tried to talk to Bill, had received a very nasty look, so she decided to sit next to Budd; mainly to keep giving him shit about the pizza.
Budd had gone beyond the point of mad when Elle continued to harass him, even when he was eating the fucking pizza. She had her plate of assorted Chinese cuisine and his plate had been stacked with two slices of pepperoni pizza. He had finished off his last slice and got up to retrieve another, even with Elle's constant crude remarks.
"Wow, that's really something Vernita," Aiyana commented after Vernita had gone over one of her more 'typical' assignments. Throughout dinner, Vernita had been genial enough to give Aiyana tips and friendly advice when it came to working for Bill. She was very formal about the whole thing; either because she didn't know Aiyana all that well yet to give more detailed tips or it was because she wasn't 'allowed'. Either way Aiyana was thankful for it and enthusiastically responsive. "Do you usually have that much trouble during an assignment?"
"Nah, not usually," Vernita waved her chopsticks, "Some assignments can be pretty boring, but...there are enough freaky weird ones to keep things pretty exciting. Sometimes, you run into a pretty bad situation, and you wonder how the hell your going to get out of it alive...but," she shrugged, "….you know how it goes...you always end up pulling through, while your target doesn't fare so lucky."
It was obvious that Aiyana and Vernita were getting along quite well. Everybody else seemed to have taken to her fine, or….they at least didn't hate her. O-Ren was just being typically snobby and distanced and Elle was being typically cynical and uncaring; it wasn't really personal.
Bill was thankful that his brother hadn't taken obvious passes at Miss Espona, but that didn't exactly mean the young woman was in the clear on that one. As everybody ate, Bill preferred to simply watch and remain silent; he was sometimes prone to this type of stoic observation and, like the Hanzo sword, nobody found it out of character. Besides, the rather...colorful conversation of the meeting, the new recruit seemed to be welcomed well enough. He was anxious to get everybody back on assignment and get things back and rolling. The sooner Miss Espona got acquainted with the DiVA's style of assignments, the better. Bill certainly wasn't hurting financially, but...he was a workaholic, and work proved as a good distraction from more personal matters.
Slowly, the meal wound down; leaving a group of empty take out boxes on the table. When Nikishi appeared to clean up, Bill stood, and setting down his sword, helped the Japanese woman with her task.
Getting the hint, everybody slowly began to work their way back inside and get ready to leave. "It was nice to meet you," Vernita shook Aiyana's hand, "Hopefully we'll get partnered up on an assignment soon," she smiled.
"Me too, it was great meeting you," Aiyana replied with a smile. She offered a smile to the rest, but only received subtle smiles back and an overly warm smile from Budd on her departure. She thanked Bill for the evening. It had been a…pleasant, informative, and educational meeting. Aiyana learned a great deal about her fellow employees in a short period of time. She already held a respect towards them, but she found them a tad on the unprofessional side, especially when she acted so professional. It was irritating to the brunette, and she could only hope they didn't act in such a manner on assignment. But they wouldn't be one of the top assassination groups in the world if they were unprofessional. So, allowing the events of the night sink in, Aiyana headed home.