Chapter 8 - Rock's Surprise
A/N: Just a head's up again that this will be kinda like a filler chapter. There will some good comedy a little gunplay and a drinking contest which is of course a must.
Rock woke up to the sound of his alarm clock going off. He fumbled for a bit until he found it and slammed his hand on it to shit it up opening one eye he saw it was 9:15 a.m. He then rolled back to the pleasant warmth in bed with him. He opened his eyes a little more to see his beautiful girlfriend lying next to him sleeping soundly despite the loud alarm.
Rock liked seeing how peaceful she looked when asleep, compared to her normal fierce and fiery demeanour, and was careful as he got up and climbed over her to be able to get out of bed.
"Where do you think your going stud?" he heard her ask in a slightly sleepy voice.
Rock grinned as he turned to face her, she was sitting up in all her nude glory, "I was gonna fix us something to eat" he said. The sight of her in the sunlight was rather breathtaking.
She could tell what he was thinking "sound's like a plan, but there something on the plan for today that's before that" she said grinning.
Rock raised an eyebrow as she got out of bed and started walking towards him. She took his hand and held it over her shoulder making him follow her. She was leading them to the bathroom.
"Gotta get cleaned up first" she said in a playful voice.
"The shower's not very big" he said catching on.
"Not a problem Rock baby we should be ok if we stick close" she said.
She led him into the shower and pulled the curtain behind them. It was in fact big enough for two but labelled as a 1 person shower due to its dimensions, but they still had plenty of room.
Rock turned on the hot water, it hit them both making them sigh in relief. Hot water was always a good feeling in the mourning, and they both had a few sore muscles, but not all from just the big gunfight the other night.
Revy grabbed the bar of soap, but it was soaked from the water so it slipped in her hand. She then bent down to pick it up revealing her fine specimen to an admiring gaze.
"I though in prison it wasn't smart to drop the soap in the shower" Rock said playfully.
Revy chuckled "well I never thought it would have been a problem in a women's prison but I guess you caught me on this occasion" she said, but she didn't straighten up right away.
Soon moans and pleasurable sighs could be heard coming from the shower. They did still remember to get cleaned up after and finish their shower.
Rock walked out of the shower towelling himself dry. He then turned on the small stove he had in his living room/kitchen.
He then went to pickup his clothes, the way there were scattered was a pleasant bit of déjà vu, and hers as well and dumped them in his laundry hamper. He then walked to his slightly busted up dresser, grabbed a some fresh boxers, dark blue jeans, and after stepping into his closet just to his left grabbed a dark t-shirt and dark brown button up shirt, he had grown to like this kind of style when not wearing his formal business outfit.
He heard the water turn off in the shower. He walked back into the living room and put a large pan onto the not hot element. After waiting a couple minutes it was hot enough. He reached into a small cupboard he had installed pulled out a butter dish, then cut off a slice of button to put into pan. He then reached into the small fridge next to the small stove, it wasn't very well stocked with perishable food due to their sometimes erratic work patters but he kept a few things. He grabbed four eggs out of a plastic container and cracked them into a bowl then began mixing to scramble them up.
Revy walked out of the shower wearing a towel around her. She smelled something and grinned "what's cooking Rock?" she asked.
"Scrambled eggs today" he answered and he knew she would be happy with that.
"Fucking A! You got some fresh eggs here?" she asked. One thing on his list of recipes she loved were his scrambled eggs
"Ya food's surprisingly cheep around her even stolen it doesn't have much of a price" he said. He was watching the egg's in the pan started to bubble just right, he grabbed some spices out of a small rack and shook a little bit of a few of the bottles in. he then flipped over the whole with a skilled hand at it. A few minutes later he took out a couple plates and some cutlery. He then put about half of the meal onto both plates.
"Sweet thanks Rock" she said in a cheerful tone. She then dug into her helping.
Rock smiled and started eating too.
"So what's the plan for today?" she asked between bites.
Rock thought for a moment "well we got that list that Dutch left for us, and then I suppose we might as well get those three to the airport better sooner then later" he said the last in a almost tired tone.
Revy knew why and nodded "might as well, but lets take care of that soon we got something big to get to later" she said.
Rock looked up from his plate "oh what's that?" he asked.
"well we got a date with the shooting range get a measure of how good your shots are, then off to the yellow flag to get our asses drunk" she said.
Rock chuckled a little "oh I see well then I agree well get the work done as fast as we can" he said.
Rock then stood up and slipped his plate into the sink he and Benny had managed to get running again, "I'll go get you some clothes help yourself the rest in the pan" he said walking out the door. Her apartment was in the building as his just one floor up and at a different end.
He got to her room and opened took out the key he had for it.
It was just as messy as before, some empty pizza boxes, beer bottles, some dirty clothes, and various empty shells from the occasional shots she fired in a drunken stumble. He noticed also the AC unit was still shot up and on the floor.
Rock snorted then walked over her small closet sitting just behind her gun rack with some various machine guns, riffles, and a auto pistols there were of course a little dusty but much better kept then the rest of the room when Revy didn't have much time for cleaning. The only other relatively clean spot was the insider of her closet where she kept her spare clothes which consisted mostly of more tank tops, mostly black but a few other colors, and short cut jeans. There were some other clothes for when the weather got ugly or if they had to leave the tropical environment.
Rock grabbed some of her favoured clothes and then headed out the door.
Revy was sitting at the table finishing off the last of her eggs, damn nothing like nice hot meal, she thought. Then she heard someone knocking on the door.
She looked up and raised an eyebrow "it's open" she called with her mouth full so it did not sound like it was her talking.
The door opened and she heard a familiar voice speak "Hey Rock its Eda. You seen Revy around just tried to find her in the office" Eda said opening the door and walking in. Only to stop dead in her tracks to find who she had been looking for. However what stopped her dead was seeing her friend sitting in Rock's apartment wearing nothing but a towel and eating some eggs at his table.
Revy gave her a crooked frown and stared up at her innocently when she seemed to freeze "Eda what the fuck's up with you? You look like you got shoot in the ass" she said.
"What the fuck are you doing here?" Eda finally managed to say
"Eating breakfast what the fuck are you doing here?" Revy replied. She noticed Eda was not on church business today since she was wearing her light green mid thigh skirt, and her pink tank top, she still wore her glasses and had her Glock 17L under her left arm. Revy often wondered if she wore that outfit to not be outdone by her friendly gun/drinking rival.
"I was looking for you since I heard the boat came back in last night. I wanted you to fill me in on what's been going on. First I hear you might be going to war with fry face then I heard there was a shoot out in warehouse 13, you disappear for a day, come back don't even call, and then I find out from Bao rock got into a shoot out while having a drink with some tourists and then again you disappear after some kind of fight at your office" she said talking quickly and comically
Then after a deep breath "but forget that, why the hell are you sitting here in Rock's apartment wearing nothing but a towel, where is Rock anyway?" she asked looking around the small room.
As if on cue the door suddenly opened knocking Eda off to the side, much to the amusement of Revy, and Rock walked in and handed her some clothes "here Revy" he said.
He had not yet noticed the stunned Nun behind him.
Revy decided to take advantage of the situation. She stood up, took the clothes and gave him a kiss before walking into the bathroom. She had planed on doing so anyway the fact that she could further enjoy the look on Eda's face was just the cheery on top.
Rock smiled at the gesture. Then he followed her eyes, and noticed Eda standing, with her jaw about to be dislodged, by the door.
"Oh sorry Eda I must have hit you when I walked it, how's it going?" he asked casually.
Eda did not seem to hear him as bits and pieces took a minute to find home and she realized what she saw, Revy had been sitting wearing a towel, Rock just came in with some fresh clothes for her, she kissed him then went to get dressed, holy shit I can't believe are they?…fuck I just won the bet with Rico, were her thoughts on the matter. The next was a slight bit of jealousy and envy, she had nursed a little crush on him for a while but figured the handsome businessman was more interested in Revy, well good for her anyway this ought to do her some good, and Rock does have good luck at survivability.
She then remembered Rock had said something and she had just been standing there.
"Uh I'm doing alright Rock, I was looking for Revy because I wanted to hear about what's been going on" she explained.
Rock nodded "ya it's been something of a hectic few days" he said as he took off his brown shirt to slip his double shoulder holsters on. He then grabbed his guns and check them both before slipping them in, and put his shirt back on.
Eda watched him with interest "so it's true, you are the two-hands Jr. I heard about what happened at the bar from Bao you should have seen the look on his face when he realized the bar hadn't been destroyed, said he would be in Church next Sunday" she said laughing
Rock snorted, then at her mention of Sunday he looked up "what day is it?" he asked, he had lost track due to recent events.
Eda looked up at him and remembered why he asked "still time Rocky boy, its August 31st you still got a week" she said
Rock grinned.
Revy then came out of the bathroom, then walked to the table an slipped her holsters and guns on, "bathroom's free Rock once your done we can get out shit for the day done" she said casually.
Rock nodded then walked into the bathroom to take care of the necessary daily hygiene.
Revy meanwhile sat down on a chair and put her feet up on another. She sat staring with a casual look on her face but something in her eyes made it clear she was thinking about something.
She then became aware that Eda was now giving her the evil eye "what that fuck are you staring at?" she asked.
"Spill it bitch, how long?" she asked.
"How long what? Why the fuck are you acting so damn weird?" she returned.
"Don't beat around the goddamn bush Revy, It's pretty easy to see what's going on here now spill it how long have you and him?" she said nodding to the closed door.
Revy now looked at her "why the fuck should I answer that?" she said in a low voice.
Eda backed off slightly "shit no need to get so fucking hostile I was just asking, answer at least this are you two together now?" she asked taking notch closer into a serious tone.
Revy looked at her intently for a moment then seemed to just say fuck it inside her head "yep we are" she said leaning back grinning.
Rock then walked out the door. Eda decided not to risk any more questions "so what are you guys up to today?" she asked.
Rock and Revy both headed for the door "errands to run then were going off to the gallery" Revy said over her shoulder.
Eda raised an eyebrow, the gallery was a local shooting range that Revy went to practice at when ever they had a lull in jobs. It wasn't used much now these days since when Revy used it she preferred solitude.
"Mind if I come to I wanna hear about how fucked up the mess you guys are in is?" she asked.
Rock and Revy looked at each other then shrugged "fine with us" Revy said.
Revy and Eda heading out of the building to get to the car, which was waiting in front of them office as promised, while Rock ran to the office to grab he list and the money Dutch left on the table for them.
"So how was it in bed with him?" Eda asked feeling it was no ok for start pushing her luck again.
At this point Revy reached for her cutlass with one hand while turning around in the front seat to look back at her "are you asking for a good reason?" she asked in a fuck you voice.
Eda shrugged "I don't see why you gotta get so defensive Revy is a simple question.
Revy thought it over for a minute, not telling her would just mean Eda would be on her ass about this for a while, on the other hand giving her some few but good details might shut her up. She took her hand away from her gun then turned again to look at her friend with a devilish grin "well fine then if it will shut you the fuck up, he's sexual dynamite, with stamina to back it up" she said enjoying the twitch in her friend's eye.
Eda leaned back in her seat "lucky bitch, and he cook's you breakfast in the mourning two" she complained.
Revy just chuckled quietly
Rock arrived a few second later and hoped into the driver seat with Revy sitting next to him, she had her feet up on the dashboard an was leaning back, she then lit a couple cigarettes and passed one to Rock "so where to first?" she asked taking a drag.
"Dutch added a couple things to the list, first we gotta head to the boat shop to get out next order of fuel and some parts he asked for, then we gotta collect on that last big shipment for Rowan then another pick up on payment from Isaac and Jonny. Last thing is to go talk to Sister Yolanda about an order for some ammo and a few weapons before things get busy again" he said
Revy nodded, "not to bad we should have that shit done in a few hours. Hey Eda you know if the old bitch is busy today?" she asked.
Eda sneered "well you at least call her the Sister or something, show some manners Revy" she said knowing full well her complaint feel on deaf ears.
Their first stop was to the boat supplies dealer that Dutch had been ordering his fuel and parts from for a long time. They told them their usual order of fuel would be early, gave the assistant the list of parts Dutch wanted, then paid and left for the next item on the list.
"Fuck even the sight of this place always makes my skin crawl" Revy said looking up at the sign above the entrance to Rowan "jackpot" Pigeon's place. It was one of the more well known adult themed clubs, as well as a shop for just about anything involving sex, legal or not.
Rock couldn't agree more the place was rather unsettling. He also knew Revy was not overly fond of going inside since all Rowan ever did was tempt her with a job as an S/M dancer or as a dominatrix.
"I'll take care of this one Revy" he said.
She nodded in thanks "Just make sure you don't listen to any of his offers Rocky baby, the only goods your sampling are mine and Rowan will beg for a bullet in the head before I'm done" she called out of the car in a Revy still cheerful tone.
"I'll be sure to tell him you said hi" he said jokingly.
Fortunately for Rock there was no big "show" currently going on just a few stripped on the poles', hey paid them no notice of course, this was not his thing it was too obvious and insulting. Plus he realized the woman, attractive true, were no were near on the scale compared to Revy.
Rowan was sitting in his favoured spot near the back of the main floor. He was a tall thin man of African heritage. His normal hair style was an impressive, and somewhat gravity defying, afro, he wore a fairly well tailored suit and had a variety of rings on his fingers, his style of professionalism.
"Well well my brother from the Lagoon company, welcome, welcome. So tell me what brings you to my fine establishment today?" he asked. He a large grin on his face, showing off a lot of teeth. There were two women on either side of his as usual, both were wearing see through silk that left little if anything to the imagination.
Rock ignored them and pulled a note from his pocket "It's regarding the shipment you commissioned us for, the supply of alcohol, magazines, and other items has been delivered it's in warehouse 5 as usual" he said in his business like tone.
Rowan leaned forward to take the receipt, after his standard complaint of taxes when in fact they had not raised the price for his shipments in months.
"Huh, what's that you hanging inside yo shirt brother?" he asked.
Rock knew he was referring to his guns.
Rowan then backed away "no shit you got a piece now. I'll be damned and those look like the same as sweet Rebecca's. By the way where is she normally she with you on these runs? No matter her lose can I interest you then in a little entertainment?" he asked as usual.
Rock nodded "you right. Anyway the payment for the shipment will be the same as usual. Oh and Revy said to say hi" he said. The last part there was a change in his tone that conveyed Revy's message in a more subtle way.
Rowan seemed to take the hint and settled back down between his two ladies. After seeing his arsenal he realized the rumours that had been going around appeared to be true and decided he wanted to keep himself in decent physical condition
"So did he get the message?" Revy asked as Rock was getting back into the car.
"Well I told him you said hi then he seemed to act very intimidated all of a sudden" Rock said trying to keep a straight face.
Revy burst out laughing "Fuck that's hilarious Rock" she said holding her sides.
In the back seat Eda was looking from one to the other not getting the joke.
The next couple stops to pick up money for completed jobs went smoothly. If they did not have the money on hand to pay right away they simply were given the international number to wire it to. Normally this was the reason why Revy would always go with Rock, aside from them working well together, she would ensure with a little 'negotiation' that their clients did not try to get out or stall on paying. They all assumed at first that would be easy to do with just Rock, despite his cunning business skills.
However as Revy predicted it was no longer an issue. Since he was now carrying the same guns that she carried, the only difference his being black stainless, and the rumours that had been circulating around Roanapur that made him sound like a the second coming of Two-Hands no one tried anything with him concerning payment for jobs. So Revy got to relax in the car, she still think she would tag along anyway since she enjoyed him company.
It was difficult for her to say exactly why. Even when she thought to herself she could not peg it precisely, there was just something different being around him. She had always thought that way ever since they became buddies, in they own way, after the fight in the food market, true she did not behave overly different towards him then she did with others but a sense of security and sureness was felt when they worked together. Even during that gunfight on the ship she knew it was his first in that kind of cluster fuck, she had this feeling she could count on him, he had not disappointed her, he had been quick on his feet and good with his shots. Aside from the business being with him on a personal level was also very good, though words were hard to find for it, she could tell he cared for her deeply, and she felt the same. It had been a long time since anyone had gotten this close but she felt no fear or reason for pause.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Eda "hey Revy, stop staring out the window get back to filling me in on what's been going on and tell me how good Rock's been getting with those gun's" she said.
Revy shrugged and continued explaining from she had left off after them having their shootout in the warehouse, to the run for the beach. She left out her part of her and Rock during their time at the beach since she did not want her nun friend hearing that and it also it was something between them and only them. Rock came back from their last payment check up and got into the car.
"Ok next is the Church, then gotta drive them to the airport, finally" he said.
Revy looked him at him knowingly. He wanted them out of the city not only because he was concerned for their safety the thought of them here was difficult for him.
Eda meanwhile was confused "Why we going to the airport?" she asked
Revy snorted. She then resumed her story from when they got back to the office yesterday to Rock having to go meet with Balalaika. Then to the fateful meeting with their guests from Japan.
"Holy shit I was right those tourists I saw were here looking for you Rock" she said surprised.
"You met them?" he asked.
Eda nodded "Ya they asked me for directions to your office" she said
Revy and Rock turned to look at her in shock. Then Revy glared at her.
"What's with you two?" Eda asked
While they were driving to the Church Rock continued the story about his meeting with Balalaika, going quickly over the details of what she told him, then moving on to his little family reunion.
When Eda heard that the younger woman was Rock's ex who had come along with his parents to reclaim what she felt was property she was surprised that one of their stops wasn't the morgue.
Rock then quickly went over his night at the bar then onto his car chase to the office. Then finally to the run from the office and the rescue of his guests from the merc ship.
"You're fucking kidding me. Revy you and Rock teamed up for a gunfight?" She yelled.
Revy gave her a smirk "That's right and Rocky baby was pretty good at it too" she said
Rock smiled, true he was still not of the opinion guns always was the answer but he would do what he had to protect his friends and Revy.
Revy then finished off the story of after rescuing the clients and coming home then their meeting with Balalaika last night. Again she kept some details to herself such as the one where Rock had told that bitch that she was his girlfriend. That would be something she would keep to herself, not for any practical reason, but just because she liked it.
A short drive later and they arrived at the church of violence. It looked much like any other church, it was located on a hill and was not in a crowded location. There was the Chapel, the storage shed, and the Living quarters located nearby.
Rock spot the ever vigilant parrot near the gate that would start squawking when people arrived right now its current phrase was "rawk grenade launcher, grenade launcher".
Revy and Eda got out of the car with him so they could also go meet with Sister Yolanda, who was the current mother superior of the Church here.
They all headed for the living quarters. Eda led them to the waiting room and went to go get Yolanda.
Rock sat down on the couch and Revy sat next to him, looking slightly bored. Rock found it hard not to grin at the expression on her face.
A few minutes later Eda returned. Sister Yolanda was a woman in later 60's. She had a kind face and a gentle demeanour. She wore en eye patch over her right eye aside from her Nun's habit. Despite her appearance she leads the Rip-off church quite skilfully in dealing drugs or weapons to the rest of the city with the skill that won the respect of leading mafia heads such as Chang and Balalaika. Rock had once heard from Revy that she even used a Golden Desert Eagle which surprising skill.
Rock and Revy noticed Eda had changed into her own Nun's habit, Yolanda was not fond of her casual clothes.
"My, if it isn't Rebecca and Rock from the lagoon company, such a pleasure to have you back. What do you say to a nice cup of tea?" she asked taking a seat on the couch in front of them.
Rock was going to decline since he and Revy wanted to finish this up, but he knew it would help to keep Yolanda in a good mood for negotiating on the price of the ammo and weapons. Revy had long since given up arguing at least for this kind of errand, so she didn't say anything.
The only other resident of the church walked in with a fully stocked tea tray. His name was Ricardo, or Rico as he preferred, he was the new apprentice to the church. He young anywhere from 16-18 years old, he was a friendly and likable guy, he wore his own priest's uniform and his long brown hair was unkempt as always. He held a great amount of respect for Yolanda and Eda, whom he nicknamed Granny and Sis respectively. He set the tray down on the coffee table and severed a cup to everyone in the room.
"Hey Rock, Revy nice to see you guys back again how ya been?" he asked with a cheerful smile.
Rock smiled and nodded. Revy also said hi, she thought the kid was alright.
Yolanda then spoke "Before you tell me what it is you've come here to acquire. Rock is my eyesight finally starting to go or is that a gun I see under your arm?' she asked spotting only one of Rock's 92's under his right arm.
Rock was finding the reaction to his guns still funny as always, Revy snorted next to him.
He then reached up to pull his black cutlass Jr. from its holster, "Ya are quite right Sister Yolanda" he said setting it down on the table in front of her. She picked it up and examined it, after a moment she chuckled.
"Well this is certainly a pleasant surprise. I never expected you to start carrying a gun with you, and it's the same as Miss Rebecca's no less this is quite amusing. However I believe you are right handed, why is it this if for your left unless.." she said pausing to look up at him.
"You are correct again Sister" he said as he shifted his shirt to show his other 92.
At the sight Rico's jaw dropped and Yolanda burst out laughing "My, my carrying two the same design as Rebecca's is this you attempt at flattering the young lady" she said teasingly
Revy just scoffed at the old bitch's talk, Rock just smiled nervously and took his gun back, then sipped his tea.
Eda however decided to add to the moment "Your not wrong Sister Revy was so flattered that they are now seeing each other" she said cheerily.
Revy and Rock looked up at her stunned "Eda you fucking big mouth" Revy said shouted angrily. Both her and Rock were each blushing slightly.
Rico and Yolanda however looked shocked then annoyed. Both of them reached into their robes and pulled out a wad of cash and passed it to Eda.
Rock and Revy made irritated looks then Rock leaned over "Revy why do I get the feeling that if had timed this better we could have made a lot of money" he said sarcastically.
Revy sighed "ah fuck" she said then gulped down her own tea
"Well Rock I must certainly say you are a surprising young man. I wish only the best for you both. Now then perhaps we should get down to the business at hand, I assume you are hear for a weapons shipment request concerning the impending hostilities I've been informed about?" she asked.
Rock nodded then took out a short list Dutch had written down for the Sister.
"Yes, Dutch asked me to give you this order" he said passing the list to her.
She picked it up and skimmed the content, the list contained a order for ammunition for their arsenal, mostly ammunition for their 9mm an Dutch's two favoured weapons, Dutch had also decided to restock his supply in their Anti-tank rifle, Remington 700 sniper rifle, Arwen 37 grenade launcher, and a few others they kept aboard the boat.
"We currently have a some of these items in out storage shed which I will be willing to let you take know, the more sizable ammo is located at out warehouse I'll have it shipped to you boathouse, Dutchy boy can pay us the usual way" she said.
They got up and followed Eda and Rico out to the storage shed with had a hidden trapdoor that led into a well constructed ammunition storage room.
Rock and Rico carried out a few boxes of 9 mm rounds, around 350 bullets per box, followed by a couple for Dutch's revolver and shotgun.
They then said goodbye to Yolanda and Rico and drove away, Eda decided to stick with them to go to the gallery for some fun.
"Alright one more thing to care of then" Rock said looking at his watch, they had made good time it was only a little past noon.
"It's on our way, the place is along the same road that heads for the airport" Revy said lighting up a smoke.
After a ten minute drive back into the city they arrived at the motel that Balalaika had sent his parents and Shino to stay the night.
"I'll go get them" Rock said in a less then enthusiastic voice.
"What's the deal with Rock you'd think he was going to a damn funeral the way he looks" Eda said.
Revy took a moment to explain a bit of his past life back in Japan, what the situation was with his family, and brushed a bit on the details concerning 'the bitch' Shino.
Rock meanwhile asked for the room number his parents had been given. He knocked on the door.
His mother was the one who answered, she seemed surprised to see him but did not look afraid, that made it a little easier for Rock to look at her, "oh Roku-Rock did you come to take us to the airport?" she asked.
He nodded "ya I figured you would want to get back home soon" he said casually.
She nodded, then stepped back to let him in. He could tell all three of them had slept here, most likely too afraid to be left alone. His father was leaning over the bed he had slept in packing up what he had brought with him. He barely looked over his shoulder when his son walked in. Shino was sitting on the other bed her small bad already packed, she looked up at him as he entered, her eyes went first to the gun's he wore under his shirt.
"We'll be down soon son" Sarah said
Rock nodded then turned to leave. He walked back out to the car, and lit up a smoke while he waited behind the wheel.
Revy and Eda noticed how quite and brooding he looked after coming back out. Revy shifter he had so it sat on top on his in the middle of the front seat. Rock looked at her out of the corner of his eye and smiled lightly.
Soon enough their soon to be departing guests arrived. Instead of bunching up in the back seat like last time Revy moved over into the middle of the front seat to sit right against Rock so Sarah could sit up front and Hideki and Shino sat in the back with Shino sitting in the middle next to Eda.
"Oh you are that sister who gave us directions nice to see you again" Sarah said turning around to smile at her. Then she spotted the Glock under her arm. She wasn't surprised by it though.
"Nice to meet again as well please call me Eda, I'm a good friend of Rock and Revy" she said pleasantly.
There was a bit of small talk between Eda and Sarah but for the most part it was a quite ride to the airport, two hours of this is sure gonna see fun, Rock thought dismally. He was concerned either his father or Shino might try saying along the lines to get him to come home and leave this city, and in Shino's case leave Revy.
However the drive to the airport was quite. Rock did enjoy sitting close to Revy for the ride, she eventually leaned towards him to get comfortable, her one leg was pressed against his the other on the other side of the gear shift.
Eventually they arrived at the airport. Rock got out along with Shino and his parents. Revy also decided to go with them since she figured it would be easier for Rock if she was around as well.
Rock lead the way and once they got inside he and his father went to deal with the attendant at the counter since there actual depart flight was scheduled for later.
Meanwhile Revy was sitting in a hard plastic chair with a torn up cushion lighting a new smoke. Shino and Sarah were standing off to the side a little fearful of her due to the sight of her cutlasses. They both remembered seeing how skilled she was with them on that boat.
Shino then walked forward "I want to talk to you about Rokuro" she said in a tone that made it clear she still saw Revy as beneath her.
Revy looked up at her with not much expression on her face, she would not shoot this bitch but hitting her again would certainly be fun to take the high and mighty sneer on her face.
"Then fucking talk already" she said in a low tone with no apparent anger. She knew this woman just wanted to rile her up.
Shino waved aside the foul language "What makes you think you are worthy of him, he is better off with someone like me who will make sure he keeps on he right path in life not some gun totting criminal path" she said as though she was passing judgement.
Revy felt a surge of anger and wanted to really hit this bitch but she knew it would be easier to cut her down with words.
"Then what the fuck makes you worthy, you just want him back since he dumped you ass and you can handle it you obsessed with control over everything in your life, besides what good have you ever done for him?" she asked again in a low voice.
"hm, he needs someone to show him what to do that's why he's following you around if you had not sunk your claws into him he would be back in his proper place behind me in Japan" she said.
Revy snorted "dumb bitch you really don't know him at all, he never saw anything with you he was stuck in a fucking rut in that life and the mirage kept him from seeing things clearly. You for one, he realized what you were and knew you would drop his ass any minute, so he just jumped the fucking gun and left you. Who the fuck ever said I sunk his claws in him, I invited him to join us and we've been partners ever since, he's certainly been closer to me then ever to you in all this time" she said
"You, you just seduced him with your smutty methods into clouding his judgment" she said now grasping at straws.
"Wrong again bitch Rock and I started this thing together. Something else you might not have realized but picked up those guns because I often had to save his ass when the shit hit the fan. The last time I got hurt and he wanted to be able to do more for me and the people who he thinks as family. I never heard him once mention you or doing anything for you, he's put his life on the line for us and we've done the same for him something I doubt you would do" she said her voice had remained cold and without any emotion but the point was made clear and concise.
Shino did not have anything else to work with "you bitch. I swear I will get revenge on you for this and how you've humiliated me" she said before walking away. Revy noted that she spoke as though this was all about her.
Sarah watched the argument go back and forth she seemed surprised by what both woman had said. After Shino walked away she walked forward to the woman whom she could tell cared deeply for her son.
Revy looked up again "do you have anything to say about Rock to?" she asked in a exasperated tone looking away in disinterest
Sarah looked down "I suppose I deserve that. I guess in this short time I've come to realize how horrible of a mother I have been to my own son. I could blame the way we are raised, it wasn't really his fault about those stupid exams but he was blamed" she said sadly
Revy eyes flicked back to her.
Sarah took a seat next to Revy "I can see why he cares for you and the others, you took him in and helped him if he had come back home right away his father would have most likely kicked him out and I would have been right behind him he is my husband after all" she said
Something now made sense to Revy, she's more of the follow the crowd type then to stand up maybe she could try standing up by learning to treat Rock better
"I don't think I can make it up to him, the best I can do is try to convince Hideki that we are still his family as well aside from you, I can tell my son cares for you and I can see you care about him as well" she said perceptively.
Revy looked over to Rock standing at the counter. She was right for a long time Revy had began to care a lot about him.
Sarah saw her eyes shift and smiled. Then she noticed the two men coming back she stood up then turned to face Revy "I know I may not have the right to ask this now, but please take care of him I do want him to be happy and I see that in his eyes with you" she said.
Revy looked up at her, and then replied "I won't do it because you ask. I'll do it because of how I feel" She said tossing her cigarette butt into the trash.
Sarah nodded. She then turned to her husband who informed them they had managed to trade their tickets in to leave on the next flight which was in ten minutes.
They gathered their bags and headed for the terminal.
They turned to say their goodbye's to Rock
"Rock please come visit us next time your in the country, you are welcome there" his mother said in a genuine kind voice. She had surprised them by using the name he went by now. She then nodded to Revy.
"Take care of yourself son" his father said. He did sound like he was trying to be genuine, he was not very good at this yet.
Rock smiled anyway and nodded to both of them.
Shino then glared at Revy "don't worry Rokuro I will take you away from this someday" she said before turning and heading off to the plane with Rock's parents behind her.
"You alright?" Revy asked putting a hand on his shoulder
"Yah, I'm good thanks Revy" he said smiling at her
"Ah it's nothing, come on lets go we got some target to put holes into" she said blushing a bit in embarrassment.
Rock chuckled as he followed her back to the car.
Soon enough they were standing at the gallery
It looked like a kind of outdoors paintball arena. There were various kinds of debris all over the place ranging from old cars, chunks from highway dividers, hastily constructed brick walls and stolen parts of what might have been houses under construction. This part was used mostly as a Roanapur version of paintball where some gangs of kids and teenagers would resolve things. However ever since Hotel Moscow and the Triads really began to run the show the kiddie gangs were too worried about attracting attention and the place became deserted. There was also a shooting range which is what this place had been originally. The entire area was crowded with trees but the grass was low to due to so many years of booted feet running around and law of sunlight. They parked the car in the shade and all got out.
"So where to first?" Rock asked.
Revy pointed over to the shooting range "lets see how straight you shoot first" she said. She knew Rock had talent to really learn this and his skills certainly had gotten a good jump with all this trial by fire shit but it didn't hurt to start with the basics.
Eda also watched with interest as Rock pulled out his black stainless 92's. It was certainly intriguing to see him holding them.
Revy set up a paper target and sent it to about 100 yards and told Rock to fire a few rounds for the best target zones, head and center chest.
Rock started with just one gun in his right hand. He put his mind back into the way he had been on the boat. He fired four times.
Revy pulled the target back. She was impressed three bullets had gone through the chest mostly in the upper area but would take down the average person, the last had hit just the base of the neck.
Another target was sent down this time 200 yards. Rock fired five rounds this time, two hit the chest, on the head, the last two lower stomach regions. He tried aiming for various areas as sometimes you only had a window of one area of the body. Eda could not believe she was seeing this. Then it made sense when Revy explained he had been practising privately for a while before this whole thing started. Revy mainly wanted to come here just to asses his skills while not trying to dodge bullets as the same time.
The next dummy was set up about 300 yards away this time, this was where even Revy would not make a hit in a single shot. He emptied the clip in his gun. When it came back about half his shots hit good areas some would not drop a person right away but sometimes even just a graze of clip throws your aim off to get an opening.
Revy was quite satisfied with the results. She also knew Rock was not the type to crack easily under pressure and knew how he handled himself in a gun fight. He would not let her down. She was actually glad that he was not bloodthirsty though it was not him, but she did wonder how far he might go if she or one of the others were in a tight spot.
Rock reloaded his gun with a new clip, he had left his all but of one his 3 mag carriers. Revy said she just then wanted to see him using both guns now.
It was then Eda went back to the car to grab a beer from the trunk. When she got there she spotted something on the ground "hey Revy come here and check this out" she called back. The shooting range was about 30 feet away from where the car was parked.
Revy turned "wonder what the fuck she's yelling about now, be back in a sec Rock try using both of them now" she said walking over to the car.
A minute later she found Eda standing by the bushed off to the left of there the car was "what do you want ya loud bitch" she asked.
Eda then turned holding a bottle of booze "some asshole must have dropped this lucky us huh?" she said.
Something in the back of her head suddenly said, ok where have I seen this before, then Eda looked down again time spotted a money clip "nice must be my lucky day" she said then as she bent down to pick it up. Revy jumped forward.
"Eda stop dammit" she yelled.
In the distance Rock turned at the sound of Revy's yell.
Revy tried to knock Eda away. It had been a futile attempt.
A large net had dropped down on them both.
"Fucking great. Way to go Chewbacca, just had to be so damn greedy" Revy deadpanned.
"Fuck!" Eda said
The net was large but not heavy they just had to lift up with their hands as to not get tangled when they stood up. Just as they threw off their net they heard laughter. Eda and Revy looked around to find then surrounded by a bunch of punks, most of them around the age of 19-22. She could tell they were a bunch or rats from the city. Those who did not really find a place in the city
However she could tell they were dumbfuck just by the sight of them. They were all wearing baggy clothes and had high calibre revolvers, or larger shotguns, some double barrels ones as well. Those were not weapons you used in a this kind of terrain, you would likely bump the gun against a tree turning, the revolvers were a step better but most of them clearly did not look strong enough to handle the recoil, and of course their clothing would prevent quick movements unless you were used to them, fucking great jumped by a bunch of fucking posers,
"Eda you fucking dumb whore" she said.
"Shit" she said clearly pissed off
The punks were all laughing "dude that movie idea really did work, damn we got us some hot babes this time, and a car two" one of them with a bald head said.
"Fuck ya, now you two bitches take of those holsters and toss them away" he said.
Revy could not help with sigh at how fucking stupid they were, never tell your enemy to toss them away it was either drop them or hand them over. Still they got lucky saying take them off by the holsters. Revy an Eda then removed the guns and toss them towards the car, if they could get an opening to cover the car was closest and could pick up.
A couple of them walked forward while the others kept their guns up.
"Fuck bro this ones hot look at that tight ass" one with a revolver said looking at Revy. The fact that they did not recognize her meant that had not been in town long.
"Ya but I think the nun outfit is hotter" the other said.
"Listen baby I'll treat ya alright and if you behave we may just rob you and not kill you" he said reaching to grab her ass.
Revy turned on her heel then punched him right in the face breaking his nose. He went down screaming in pain.
The other one tried to pistol whip her but Eda aimed a punch and sent him down into the dirt.
The first one got up "you fucking bitch, that does it I was gonna be gentle now I'm gonna make sure your fucking bleeding by the end of it after all the guys get a turn then I'm gonna shoot you" he yelled.
Rock had arrived on the scene around the moment when Revy first punched the guy, he figured they would back off now, however these guys were not familiar with who they were dealing with. He was struggling at first with going in to shoot them, but that was resolved when they said they were going to rape then kill his girl.
"If I were you guys I'd fucking turn around now and just walk away, we don't any unnecessary damage here" he said in his harder toned voice.
The dozen or so punks turned to look at him a couple still kept their guns on the ladies. The couple closest did not notice his guns in his holsters, and dropped their guns down "who the fuck are you?" one with a double barrel shotgun asked.
"I'm the girl's boyfriend but you should be more afraid of pissing her off. Like I said just walk away now I and I can promise you that you won't be hurt but if you don't you will regret it" he said in his calm but Revy style voice.
Revy meanwhile grinned evilly chuckling quietly. Eda looked to her and was unsure of what was so funny.
Some of them seemed a little unsure of his confident tone.
Then one spoke "Fuck him I seen him in town he just a fucking pussy who won't carry a gun. You fuck off or we'll shoot and make you watch" he yelled.
"Last chance" Rock said. His hands clenched ready to move.
The two standing in front of him apparently were sick of him and slowly raised their guns to scare him. That was a big mistake. Rocks hands moved with surprising speed and he pulled his guns out and shot each of them once dropping both of them in a second. They were shots and would most likely not die soon.
The others all turned at the sound of his shots "you fucking bastard" the apparent leader yelled. They all turned on him then forgetting Revy and Eda. This was what he wanted. Only three or four of the remaining 10 had revolvers and would be to fire they were grouped to the left of the ladies without much cover.
He turned slightly to adjust his line of sight and fired again, two shots from his left gun took out one of the revolvers and his two from his right gun brought down two others.
Rock then moved to his left to get behind a couple trees as they all fired into the tree which was too thick for their guns to get through to him. He waited and listened, as Revy said instinct was a big part aside from practice and reading tactics books.
They all had powerful weapons, but were in a location with good cover, they also had less rate of fire then his 92's.
Sure enough he heard the gun fire lessen as they had to reload. He moved again. Jumping out to his first spot he fire two shots from his right gun, then one from his left gun. Two of the shotgun holders went down without a sound the last revolver took his in the arm that was holding his gun.
The rest dived behind some trees. There were now only half of them remaining that still held weapons.
Rock then moved at a quick pace around the trees to get on their left, he had the advantage of mobility due to their larger weapons. Rock then heard the tell tale sounds of Revy's cutlasses and Eda's Glock. While their attention was on him they had moved back to the car to pick up their weapons and were now ready for revenge.
Rock then turned around and headed back the way he'd run heading for the car to avoid a stray bullet from them.
He found them standing a few feet in front of the car both shouting curses and death threats of a wide variety.
Rock then stepped up next to Revy and added in the firing. He emptied his two current clips and as he reloaded he heard the sounds of them running away. In the distance they heard a vehicle turn over, and start moving away slowly. The six that rock had shot only one was still alive and was now running to catch up with the rest before they got too far.
Rock sighed and put his guns away.
He heard Revy putting in new clips before putting her own gun's away. He turned to Revy
"well that was fun practice, you alright Revy?" he asked a minute before she jumped him pushing him against the car and putting her arms around her neck before locking her lips on his. Rock was surprised then just put his arms around her and returned with force.
Eda meanwhile was staring at them like they were purple "will you two fucking cut that out"
Revy then broke away "Fucking A, Rocky baby that was great" she said her eyes shinning with lust.
Rock grinned hungrily.
"Don't fucking start" Eda shouted.
Revy then back out of his arms "Eda I was just in a fucking good mood because Rock turned me on with his shooting, now you just killed it and you're the reason we got ambushed by some fucking punks, now gonna have a second asshole to shit through bitch" She yelled butting heads with Eda.
Rock then put a hand on her arm, she turned to look at him "Rock please don't tell me to let it go?" she asked.
Rock grinned evilly "no you are right Revy it was Eda's fault but I've got a better idea" he said.
Revy was now interested "what would that be?" she asked.
Rock then pulled an innocent face "well since Eda has been very fortunate with some betting today concerning us, and considering due to her mistakes we just ended up using some of the bullets we bought I think it's only fair she pay us back by buying us the first few rounds at the Yellow Flag tonight" he said.
Revy's eyes widened in excitement "I like the way you think Rocky baby" she said before turning on Eda.
Eda meanwhile looked shocked at the thought of having to buy them a few rounds. She then hung her head in defeat and got in the car.
Revy smiled up at Rock "well finish the other business later" she said.
He smiled and nodded. They both got in the car to head off to their favourite bar and having a few rounds courtesy of Eda.
A/N: hope you all enjoyed this chapter, next one the first bit will be a little like this one the will move into the start of the up coming war. Look forward to seeing Greenback Jane return as part of a plan to find the supposed sponsor in Japan. My little star wars joke was a tribute to Chewbacca on Endor before falling for that trap. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter i look forward to your reviews. Stay Tuned : )