A Gunsmith Cats 'Fic

1 Volume 1

By; Talis13

Standard Disclaimer- Hola folks; All characters belong to Kenichi Sonoda; I'm just borrowing them in a meager attempt at my first GSC fan fiction. So be gentle. ^^

Author's note- Just for reference, this is an alternate reality fic I suppose. If you have a problem with characters being 'out-of-character' you might wanna back out now. I took liberties because the characters weren't represented on a broad enough base: everybody has feelings ya know. ^^Another note- I've changed the character ages a bit. For example- Rally is 21 in my story. May would be 19. Bean will be 27. Thanks and feel free to leave constructive feedback. Thanks!

 

Rally Vincent tied the dark Gunsmith Cats (the gun shop she owned and operated), apron around her thin frame carefully. She watched silently as 'Minnie' May Hopkins stumbled into the bright morning sunlight. May was Rally's coworker; she was of small stature; probably 4' 8" or so. She also had sunny blonde hair that was cut just above her shoulders in a bob with bright green eyes. Her short dark skirt and white button down top suited her nicely: although she was still half asleep, yawning as she sat behind the counter.

"Good morning Minnie May." Came Rally's singsong voice from behind the counter.

May looked over at Rally and scowled. How could she be that chipper this early in the morning? Not to mention, 'with it'. Rally's black hair hung above her shoulders in perfect order as usual; her blue eyes and cheerful smile complimented it. She wore a dark turtleneck shirt and blue jeans along with the customary apron; she believed in looking 'professional' with customers. May snorted. "Good? Its like, nine in the morning!? How the hell early do you get up anyway?"

Rally smirked. "That wasn't very lady like May. And besides getting up early is a good habit to be in."

May's eyes rolled and she looked out the window. "Ugh. Whatever." She looked carefully at the window again. "Eww. Mind if I clean those windows? They look nasty."

Rally's eyes widened. "Oh my God! Did Minnie May just volunteer to work? Call the paramedics!"

May's scowl deepened slightly. Rally smirked. "Sorry May. Just couldn't resist. Sure, knock yourself out. Cleaning supplies are under that cabinet along with towels in case you forgot."

She ignored Rally and dug through the cabinet and retrieved some cleaning solution, towels and turned towards the closest window beginning the task. Rally shrugged and turned back to the clipboard she held in her hand. She was ordering more supplies and needed to get the order out today.

She ran through the list several times before turning back to the clock. It had only been an hour?! "Hey May?"

May looked up from her window, holding a towel out from herself with a grimace."Yeah Ral'?"

"Could you watch the front for me? I need to run to the back and double check stock." Rally asked.

"Sure." May replied as she finished off the last window, and then walked behind the counter. Rally left through the side door and May looked around, unenthused. Suddenly, she pulled out her new Vogue magazine, a smile growing on her face.

Rally looked at the monitors to her side to make sure May was occupied and then begin taking a stock sample. May idly flipped a page, glancing periodically at the clock. She looked up and saw a black Camaro Sport Coupe park across the road. She shrugged and looked back down. "Looks like Rally's type. Miss Ga-Ga for big engines and horsepower to burn." She mumbled, wondering when she started picking up on Rally's car habits. She flipped another page and looked up again. A smile started to play across her cupid-like face when she saw whom the driver of the car was. He walked steadily across the street pausing momentarily at the door and then swinging the door open reasonably steady.

May looked up with a smile. He was tall; over six feet tall. Dark hair was fairly long and cut just above his shoulder blades at his back and stuck up wildly at the front. A heavy black jacket draped over his broad shoulders, down to a thin waist and blue jeans with black boots completed his look. A red bandanna circled his forehead and his look accented with dark Oakley sunglasses covering what she knew were sharp eyes. May saw an eyebrow arch behind the glasses and she grinned, it turning into a smirk. "Do my eyes deceive me? Am I in the presence of Bean Bandit, the great Roadbuster himself? To what do I owe the honor?"

Bean removed his sunglasses with a graceful arch of his hand and put them on his shirt collar, revealing striking brown eyes. "Its nice to know I'm appreciated by someone in this establishment." He stated with a smirk.

"Who said I appreciated you?" May asked, feigning innocence.

"I'm gonna get you sprite." Bean stated with a grin; he knew she hated that nickname as he discovered from somebody else calling her that.

May scowled and leaned over the counter, grabbing Bean's jacket collar and jerking him to her eyelevel, all in one smooth motion. "You better not call me that ever again, otherwise you're gonna be eating a couple of 'May Specials' if you catch my drift Bandit."

His hands went into the air in defeat and she released his collar. May looked through the window with a pout. "If not from Rally then someone else." She mumbled. And then jerked back to Bean. "What are you doing here anyway?"

"Do I have to have a reason to come?"

"Yes you do. Especially you. Especially if it involves money of any kind." May paused, arching an eyebrow. "Does it?"

"Actually-"

Suddenly Rally walked through the door, sealing an envelope and almost handing it to May. "May could you-" she looked up and her eyes widened slightly at meeting deep brown and a barely visible blush covered her cheeks. "Uh.hey.Bean."

May looked at Rally in surprise: no way! Rally Vincent crushing on Bean Bandit!? Some guy that's supposedly an enemy?! Although ever since their little run to New York, they seemed on better terms. But still! It was the idea! Then she looked over at Bean; he was smirking, head tilted to the side, and eyebrows raised, playing the good hearted bad ass of course. May almost passed out on the spot; him on her too!? This was rich! Absolutely, amazingly, impossible. They were perfect for each other, but she assumed they would never figure it out as everybody else had. They obviously weren't dating yet; but May could fix that. May smiled innocently and took the letter from Rally's still outstretched fingers. "Sure Ral' I can take this to the post office for you. You want it second day, right?"

Rally snapped out of her slight daze and met sparkling green eyes nodding. "Yep. Thanks May. Oh, and try not and stay out too long, okay? I do want to have lunch at a decent hour today." She finished with a roll of blue eyes, slipping back into business mode. May smiled at her professionalism on occasion.

"Sure, no prob. I'll be back in a bit." May stated as she walked silently out the door, only glancing back once at Rally's now more animated figure.

Rally smiled sheepishly at Bean, it turning to a smirk. "So, how have you been? I haven't seen you on any wanted posters lately." She stated. "You must not have been busy."

He acted hurt for a split second and then turned back to her. "Ouch. I think you have me in the wrong babe. I'm not always the one on the posters."

Rally looked up feigning surprise. "That's right! Its usually whomever you're driving around."

Bean winced. "Ouch again. Have you been practicing?"

She replied with a silvery, tinkling laugh. "Practice makes you a sharp shot you know."

He had to admit, she had an infectious laugh. He shrugged slightly coming back to his senses. Rally looked up at him with bright blue eyes and a smile. "So what brings you to these parts anyway?"

"Two things really. First is that I'm thinking of buying another gun. Any suggestions?" he asked with straight look.

"What about that 'knife- fetish- thing' of yours?" She asked, genuinely curious and leaning on the counter slightly.

"I still have the 'knife-fetish-thing'." He stated while gesturing to make a point. "You should know that. But this is just a back up."

"What, in case you run out of knives in that huge cabinet of yours?" she replied off the cuff and turning to find a particular catalogue for him to browse through.

Rally glanced up and noticed him looking sideways and slightly confused. Then she realized her slip-up; he didn't know that she and Misty were in his room before his last New York run!1 He looked down at her quickly. "How did you know about that?"

Rally paged nervously through her catalogues while silently praying. I hope he doesn't ask how long we were there!! "Umm, lucky guess?"

He gave her a condescending look and she changed her mind, throwing her hands into the air "All right! All right! Misty and I broke into your place before that kerasine run of yours! Okay!?" She replied with a sigh, waving a hand for emphasis. Please don't ask how long we were there or what I saw!!2 This thought caused a blush to start once more.

He noticed this and looked at Rally's bowed head with a smirk. "That's interesting." He began. "So, how long-" he was cut off at the slight ring of the bell at the door.

Rally looked up with a remarkable amount of interest, even for her. There was young man with sandy hair and pale eyes standing there. He had a small case with him; probably a handgun. Rally smiled brightly. "Hi! Welcome to Gunsmith Cats! What can I help you with today?" practically came out as a cheer.

"Hello. I just came to use your shooting range if I may." He began with a heartbreaker smile. Bean scowled to himself.

Rally got out her forms and asked for his identification and explained the rules of the range as she went. He read through and filled out the sheets, handing them back, still smiling at Rally who was playing oblivious; she just wanted to see if Bean gave a reaction. It was mean, but kind of necessary for her own curiosity. The young man started through the door and Rally turned back to Bean. As the man took another look at Rally, he looked up and saw Bean's dark eyes scowling at him. He cringed and stepped quickly through the door. Rally smiled when she saw the look Bean threw the guy, but looked back down at the catalogue she left open for him. "Sorry about that." She stated hiding a smile and pushing the catalogue near him.

The scowl melted and he smiled lightly at Rally. "That's alright; you have a business to run."

"Yeah. But I really don't like guys like that. A guy like that is a perfect stranger as far as I'm concerned. He doesn't know me, much less my name, yet he's still flirting with me. May's trying to convince me that that is a good enough reason for me to get a boyfriend. Besides, I only go after guys I know and get along with." She shrugged with a grin, then looked a little sadly out the window. "Not that I see my getting a boyfriend a boyfriend anytime soon of course." Rally rolled her eyes and looked back at Bean who was fairly silent. She laughed again. "Oh, don't pay attention to my little sob story! I'm a weird girl as far as tastes! Anyways, here's something you might like."

She pushed the catalogue towards him, pointing out an older style automatic handgun. He pulled the book closer, looking at the picture. "This is a little fuzzy; are you sure you don't have an actual version I can look at?"

Rally rolled her eyes. "Whine, whine, whine."

"Hey, I thought the customer is always right?" he asked her.

"Actually, my customers usually aren't." Rally stated with a slight sigh and rolling of her eyes.

Bean laughed; it sounded like a friendly, loud, jovial laugh. Not really what one would expect from a guy that looks like he does. Rally smiled at the sound of his laugh. He looked down at her, still grinning. "I'll keep that in mind next time Miss Vincent."

Rally turned back to business, although still smiling slightly. "Well, would you like me to order in one of these?"

"Nah; I think I'll wait on ordering. I just wanted to browse anyways. Use the knives up in that huge cabinet first." He stated with a smirk.

She paled slightly; he wouldn't bring that up again, would he?!? But, Rally took one deep breath, smiled and looked up at him again. Hopefully he wouldn't. Bean looked up thoughtfully for a moment.

"Say Rally," Bean began hesitantly. "Did you have plans for lunch today?"

Rally was surprised for a moment and folded her hands on the glass counter. "Um, no, not really. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I was wondering if want to grab lunch with me today. If you have time that is." He added as he glanced at her.

Rally reduced her eye size back to normal and shut her jaw. I think he just asked me on a lunch date. "Um, yeah, that'd be great!" she replied before really thinking about it with a heartwarming smile.

He looked up surprised and then recomposed himself with a smile. "Great! Um, what time's good for you?"

"Well," Rally began as she glanced at the clock. "Its eleven o'clock now. So how about noon?"

"Sounds like a plan." Bean stated as he put his sunglasses back on with that self-assured smirk back in place. "I'll be back by at noon then."

He grinned out the door at Rally who smiled slyly. She watched him peel out in his Camaro and then smiled. "Won't Minnie May be surprised?"

At eleven thirty the young man on the shooting range walked back and dropped off his shell casings at the desk. Rally looked up and smiled and put his identification in front of him on the counter. "Thank you, and have a nice day."

"Thanks." He replied picking them up and then turned back around, walking out on the proverbial limb. "Uh, so what's your name?"

She looked up at him. "Rally."

He smiled his heartbreaker smile again, but it wasn't working on her; she was already turned back to her Guns & Ammo Magazine. Annoyance flashed across features knowing that she wasn't giving him the time of day. "Well, Miss Rally, I was just wondering if you were busy for lunch?"

Rally looked thoughtful a moment giving him a small bit of hope. Then she crushed it. "You saw that big guy that was in here when you came in? Like six foot six or so, leather jacket, longish hair, prominent jaw?"

He gulped uneasily. "Yeah."

"He's taking me out to lunch today. So, sorry, no can do." She replied easily, while flipping a page of her magazine.

He gulped again, apologized and almost ran out the door, straight into Bean, who was walking in. He could tell the Bean was glaring at him; you could just barely see it through the tinted Oakley's. The young man apologized and ran for his car. Bean turned the smile on seeing Rally as he came in. "How's it going?"

"Pretty well now, thanks." Rally returned his smile.

"Well good. So did you tell Minnie May about leaving for lunch?" Bean asked, running fingers nervously through his wild thick hair that flared over his forehead.

Rally growled. "No, because she has yet to return from the post office that is all of fifteen minutes away."

His face was blank a moment. "Aren't you worried? Does she have a cell phone?"

"No. She should be checking in shortly. I can almost guarantee a side trip to Ken's." she mumbled slightly. As if right on cue, the phone rang. Rally snatched it up. "Gunsmith Cats, how can I help you and this better be May!"

"Hehehe."

"Why, hello May, we were just talking about you." Rally growled into the phone.

"Hiya Ral' I got sidetracked to Ken's place, you know how it goes." May replied cheerfully.

"Wonderful. Well, I was just going to tell you I'm going out for lunch today, so I'll see you at one o'clock. You might as well stay out since you haven't been back for the last like, three and a half hours!"

May didn't say anything for a minute. "Gee Rally, who ya going with?"

Rally blushed lightly when she noticed from the corner of her eye Bean was watching her. She scratched her head nervously. "Uh, well, Bean asked me if I wanted to go and I said yes."

May was grinning on the other end of the line. "I see. So your little.er.big crush has a thing for you too?" she asked with a giggle.

Rally blushed brightly. "May! I- I'll just talk to you later!" she stammered as she slammed the phone back into its cradle. She took a deep breath and looked up with a shaky smile. "Heh. Excuse me a second; I need to get ready."

She walked over to the door and flipped the sign over from open to close, and took her apron off, hanging it up behind the counter. "I'll be back in just a second."

Bean nodded and watched her retreating form. Rally walked down the short hall into a nearby bathroom. She flipped the light and grabbed her lip-gloss. It was berry flavored and sparkled with light glitter. May always agreed it was a good type for her; subtle and sparkle. She also applied a small bit of lightly sparkling, blue-hued eye shadow. Looking in the mirror once, she flipped the light and walked back into the gunsmith shop. Bean turned giving her a quirky smile at her as she reentered. "Ready to go?" he asked, noting her new addition of sparkle.

"Yep!" She replied as they walked out the front door, Rally turning to lock the bolts on the door. She turned back around and found Bean waiting, opening the Camaro door for her. She looked surprised a moment, hesitant at this sudden behavior. She still had yet to figure out exactly what was going on. "Thanks." She mumbled sitting in the passenger seat and watching him walk around the car, with his loping stride, a bit of a sway to his steps. He got in and she began to buckle up, noticing the 4-point harness system. He did likewise and started the car; it rumbled to life like a well-fed lion.

"You acted surprised." Bean started as he turned a corner smoothly.

"What? About what?"

"When I got the door for you. You acted surprised." He repeated.

She thought a moment. "Well, I was, I guess."

"Guys don't get the door for you?" he asked, with raised eyebrow.

"No, not usually. That and I didn't even know you, of all people, could be a gentleman!" she added playfully, smiling and winking at him. "Imagine that; Bean Bandit getting the door for a girl. What would the masses think?!"

He grinned. "Yeah, I imagine a riot would break. But I always heard girls dug that kind of thing. So it's been kind of standard since then."

"Oh! Don't mistake me! It's a wonderful gesture and I appreciate it very much!" Rally began to blush at her own enthusiasm.

"No problem." Bean responded with a smile. "So, where would you like to go?"

Rally looked thoughtfully out the window at where they were. "Umm.how about that café on Washington Street?"

"Sounds fine to me." He looked over momentarily. "I've never been there before; how is it?"

"Great!" Rally began with a bright smile. "The foods absolutely fantastic! They have this really great pasta and vegetables dish. Yum. Perfect." She finished, slipping into the 'food-dream-coma'.

Bean laughed again and continued driving. He parked about a block and a half away from the café. "Hope you don't mind a short walk. I usually don't park too close."

"Oh! No problem! I'll enjoy the walk!" she smiled once more.

They both climbed out of the car and began walking leisurely down the street. Rally felt what seemed to be a slightly uncomfortable silence fall over them. She was trying to think of something to say. "So Bean, what do you like to do? I mean, I know you obviously like knives and cars, but I mean besides that." She finished while placing her hands behind her back, looking up.

Bean looked at her a moment and then turned back to the sidewalk as he put his hands in his jacket pockets. "Well. I've never really thought about it actually. I do like to drive."

"No kidding?" Rally asked with a sarcastic edge and rolling eyes. "I mean, something I don't know about you."

His eyebrows arched and he smiled and stretched leisurely. "Well, you've apparently seen my place, so what do you think?"

She paled slightly, afraid of what this might lead to, and then tried to recompose herself. "Oh no you don't! You answer me first Bean Bandit!"

He laughed and looked at her. "Well Miss Rally Vincent, what do YOU like besides guns and cars?"

She looked skywards with a slight smile across her lips. "I like to color."

Bean stopped a moment and had to catch back up to Rally, who was still walking. "Say what? Did I just hear you right?"

She looked back at him, still smiling. "If you heard me say 'I like to color.' Then, yes you heard me right."

"Huh. I would never have guessed" Bean began. "Color what?"

"Coloring books. Like, Winnie the Pooh, Looney Tunes; cartoons basically. Although classic Pooh is cute." She replied thoughtfully. "And before you ask, with colored pencils, not crayons."

He smiled. "Gotcha."

Rally turned a moment, thinking of something. "Hm.I need a new set of colored pencils. I'll have to get some when I get a minute."

Bean opened the door for Rally and she walked through into a well-lit restaurant. Various sizes of wooden tables stood through the room. There were green and white-checked cloths over each of them. Roughly half were occupied. They walked over to the register, grabbed two menus and sat at a small table closer to the back of the restaurant. Flipping open the menu, Rally almost started drooling over the choices. "Bean if you like cheesecake, you should really try theirs. Its great."

He looked thoughtfully at the menu before speaking. "Don't know about that; but this rib dish looks good."

Rally just rolled her eyes. "Figures."3

A waiter suddenly appeared next to their table, smiling at them both. "Good day. My name is Matt and I'll be your server today. May I take your drink orders?"

"Iced tea please!" Rally stated cheerfully.

Bean smiled. "Diet Coke."

Matt nodded and walked back to get their drinks. Rally looked up suddenly. "Hey! You never answered my question! What do you like to do; and make it something I don't know!"

"Well, I do like to read." He stated slowly, not sure what she was fishing for.

"Read what?"

He cringed slightly. He should have known she was going to ask. "Well, I do like science fiction and fantasy."

"Do you have a favorite author?"

Rally actually looked interested so he answered. "Steven Brust4 is a favorite author. I especially like his books about an assassin/witch Vlad Taltos and his familiar Loish."

"I know!" Rally replied cheerfully. "I love that series too! Also any of the Dragon Lance Chronicles, or Robin Hobb's Assassin's Quest trilogy!"

Bean smiled. "So, is that good enough?"

Matt came back by with their drinks and retrieved his order pad. "Okay, now what can I get you to eat?"

Bean looked over at Rally who smiled and began. "I'd like the pasta and veggie dish please." She looked back at Bean.

"And I'll take the rib dish." He stated passing both their menus back to the waiter.

"Excellent. Those will be out shortly." And Matt was gone once more.

She turned back to Bean. "Yes. Now that wasn't too hard was it?"

"No, I guess not." He replied nonchalantly. "Coloring?"

She smiled and threw a peace sign in the air. "You bet! You'll have to try it sometimes."

He choked down a chuckle. "Are you joking? Me? Coloring? I think you've lost your mind: one too many gunshots next to your ears."

Rally pouted slightly. "It was just a suggestion."

"I know! But think about it; me and coloring."

"And? What's wrong with that? Is there anything wrong with me coloring? The girl with the gun fetish?"

"Well, no because you're this cute girl; people would expect that kind of thing from you." Bean replied before thinking. He quite suddenly realized exactly what he had just said.

Rally looked up surprised and then smirked; Bean Bandit, blushing?!? How terribly cute. He was turned slightly, completely avoiding eye contact with her for the moment. Suddenly, Matt showed up again, bearing food.

"Hello again! Ready to eat?"

"Yeah!" Rally cheered.

"Uh.sure."

Matt set the pasta dish in front of her and the smoking hot ribs in front of Bean. He also set a basket of rolls at the middle of the table. "Enjoy." And with that he left once more.

Rally dug into her dish after picking the parsley off of the top. She wrapped the noodles happily around the fork, grabbing a piece of broccoli all in one swoop. She looked up at Bean who was smirking at her delight in lunch. "Are we getting into our food?"

Rally smiled after a bite of food and waved the fork for emphasis. She grabbed a bit more of the pasta and a piece of veggie. She held the fork out to him. "Open up."

His eyebrows arched with that look of incredulity. "Huh?"

She waved the fork again. "Do we have to play airplane? Come on, it won't hurt you. And neither will I despite the fact you deserve it sometimes."

He shrugged with the hint of a smile and took the bite off of the fork. She looked over at him and raised both eyebrows in question. He looked back at her. "I have to admit, that was actually pretty good. You have decent taste Vincent."

Rally looked down at his plate of ribs with slight distaste. "Well, I can't say the same for you Bandit."

He laughed and looked down at her again. "Okay, your turn." He stated, pushing his plate towards her. She threw a hand into the air. "That's alright really!"

"Do we have to play airplane?" he asked in a mocking tone. "Come on, it won't hurt you and neither will I despite-"

"The fact I deserve it sometimes, yeah." Sighing, she stuck her fork into a small piece and bit into it. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Hey! Not bad!"

They continued eating, breaking the silence with small talk or requests to pass the salt. Rally grabbed Bean's arm and looked at the watch around his left wrist.5 She noticed the time. "Oh! I need to be getting back to the shop! It's already fifteen 'til one!"

"No cheesecake?" came from him as he grudgingly slipped his hand from her warm grasp.

"Not this time." She pouted and motioned for the waiter.

Matt came strolling back over. "Enjoy your meals?"

"Fabulous like normal." Rally replied with a smile.

"Gotta' admit, it was pretty good." Bean replied, leaning back.

"Any dessert?"

"Not today I'm afraid." Rally stated, pouting again.

"Alright," Matt began, " Will this be on one bill or two?"

"Just one." Bean jumped in.

"Alright, I'll be right back." Matt replied before going to figure the bill.

"You really don't have to do that Bean." Rally stated quickly, laying a hand on his wrist once more.

He just smiled. "Its my pleasure Rally. Don't worry about it."

A slight blush covered her cheeks as she mumbled a barely audible 'Thank you' and moved her hands back to her lap. Matt returned shortly, handing Bean the bill and wishing them a good day. Rally and Bean were walking back to his car, enjoying the pleasant sunny weather. Bean looked down at Rally and noticed she seemed uncomfortable. "You all right?"[i] he asked.

She looked up brightly. "Yeah; just thinking. Thanks for lunch by the way Bean. I appreciate it."

"You're very welcome." He replied as he opened her car door for her again. She hopped in and heard the harness click into place between her fingers. She heard him do the same and the engine rumble to life again. Bean put his Oakleys back on and pulled from the curb. It was a fairly short trip and silent most of the way. Rally grabbed his wrist and looked at his watch again; she could easily get used to this. "Hey, I'm impressed! I've got two whole minutes to spare." She began while looking to the storefront. "Gee, big surprise, May's not here."

He smiled at her and began, "Well, maybe we can do this again."

"That'd be great! I had a lot of fun!" Rally replied enthusiastically. "You're all right when I don't have a threat to my life!" He chuckled. She pulled Bean into a hug and grudgingly let go after mental comparisons between he and a really big teddy bear.6 "Thanks again for lunch Bean. Maybe I can return the favor sometime. I'll.talk to you later." She finished as she got out of the car and headed for her shop. She stopped at the door and turned back waving and smiling. He nodded with a smile and drove off once more.

Rally was smiling as she unlocked the door and flipped the sign back over to 'open', whistling while she well, worked. She retrieved her work apron and glanced out the window for May. Propping an elbow up on the countertop, she was still making teddy bear comparisons when the back door opened quietly followed by a loud voice. "Why Rally Vincent! You're back on time!"

Rally jumped a few inches out of her daydream. "Geez May, scare the living daylights out of me!!"

May smirked while looking at her 'boss'. "Hehe. That was a cute look." She began. "Were you thinking about Bean?" she sang.

Rally scowled and looked at the wall. "No. Of course not. Why would I do that?"

"Whatever. You're like my best friend Rally. So, how'd lunch go anyway?"

Rally got dreamy-eyes. "Great; the food was fantastic like normal!"

May rolled her eyes. "Glad it went well. Did he pay for yours?"

Looking over, Rally answered cautiously. "Yeah. Why?"

May jumped. "HAH! Told you!!"

"Told me what?" Rally growled at her.

"I KNEW he had a thing for you!" she replied enthusiastically.

"Whatever May! He bought me lunch! So what?! That doesn't mean anything!" Rally waved a hand and blushed.

A smirk crossed May's cupid-like face. "Its so refreshing to see you hung up on someone for once."

"I'm not 'hung up' on him."

"Yeah, well, keep all teddy bear comparisons to a minimum." May smirked at Rally who was blushing brighter at that. The rest of the workday went fairly smoothly, with May making sarcastic remarks, and Rally blushing and waiting on customers.

That evening, Rally was stirring the macaroni and cheese7 while May sat at the table explaining her exploitations with Ken. Rally was periodically looking at her but mostly staring at the macaroni or twirling the spoon she held between her fingers. May looked up annoyed at being ignored, and watched Rally spinning the spoon silently. "Hey Rally?" May asked; she knew Rally had something on her mind.

"Hmm?" Rally asked looking from the spoon.

"What's up? I might be able to help you know."

"I don't think so May, but thanks for asking." She then began stirring again.

May pouted. "After all this time, you still don't trust me? I was under the impression we were friends."

Rally looked up with a start. "Oh no, May! We are friends! Please don't think otherwise! I didn't mean to sound like I was blowing you off, I swear! But, I really think I should work this out on my own."

May's expression softened some as she got a couple of bowls from the cabinet behind her and set them on the table. "That's fine; but just remember I'm here to talk to if you need me. Sometimes matters of the heart are better explained."

"I know May. And I appreciate the thought."

"But, can I ask a question?" May asked.

Rally nodded so May continued. "If you don't want to answer, you don't have to, but does it have to do with Bean?"

Rally sighed lightly. "Um, yes."

May nodded and helped herself to some macaroni and cheese. They both sat at the table, Rally with a gun catalogue in front of her that she was ignoring and May with Vogue again. She glanced up periodically at Rally. Suddenly the phone rang and May jumped to get it. "Hellllooo! May speaking!" Pause. "Hey Ken! Oh no, I'm not busy!" Pause. "Sure! Let me check with Rally real quick. Rally? Are we on a bounty tonight?"

"Nope."

"Okay! Do you mind if I go to Ken's? I won't be gone long!"

"I don't believe that, but sure." Rally rolled her eyes. "I'll even let you have tomorrow off."

May's eyes got fairly large and she grinned. "You sure nothing happened? He must have put you in a real good mood." She smiled as Rally blushed. "Thanks! Hey Ken? Yeah, I'll be over a few! See you later!"

May looked over at Rally again, grin in place. "Thanks! I appreciate it! But if you need me feel free to call Ken's. I can be right back if you need me to be, okay?"

Rally grudgingly smiled. "Sure. Thanks."

May got dressed in her favorite skirt and top. She applied a small amount of makeup and ran back downstairs to the living room where Rally was eating in front of the television. Rally looked up and smiled. "You look cute May."

"Thanks! I'll be back.um, I'm not sure when exactly but definitely tomorrow sometimes!" She waved and almost ran out the door, leaving Rally still smiling in her wake. Rally looked at the clock. Only about seven thirty. She walked over to a small cabinet and opened the carved wooden door. She dug around until she found what she was looking for: her coloring book and pencils. She smiled slightly remembering earlier that day. She walked back to the table and laid the book and pencils out. She flipped slowly through the book and began coloring a picture of Snow White sitting with some 'woodland animals'; the kind that have that tendency to sing and/or dance. She was carefully outlining and filling the blocks of the picture. She finished and placed the small pencils back in the box and returned everything to its place in the cabinet. She flipped off the light and headed upstairs early for bed.

The next morning, Rally was up early like normal and ready to go. She was humming while getting a bowl of cereal. She quickly finished while glancing at the clock and then headed down to her store. Rally placed her apron on and pulled paperwork to the front countertop to work on. She went to the front door unlocked and opened it to get her newspaper off of the front stoop. She reached down for it and stopped, wide-eyed with surprise. On the step, sitting in a neat little pile was a classic Winnie the Pooh coloring book and a set of 48 Prismacolor color pencils8. She reached down for it, feeling it would disappear if she reached too quickly. She picked up both and carried them to the countertop. She opened the box of pencils, happily looking at the colors and trying them all out. After having forty- eight different colors on a scrap paper, she then reached for the coloring book, to see the pictures inside. She flipped open the first page, and stopped staring. It was colored, quite well actually, in soft, pale colors; Tigger with a scarf looking up at the sky. Scribbled along the right-hand side along the picture in rough pencil scratches was a note;

"Hey Rally;

Now I've tried it.

- Bean"

Rally started laughing and looked at the picture again, finger tracing over the note. She looked up when she heard the door open and the bell ring merrily, matching her mood; almost hoping he was there. It was not he, but she smiled anyways at the gentleman standing at the door. She almost stopped when she saw it was the guy from yesterday. Rally was proud of herself for not rolling her eyes. That was quite the task at this point. "Good morning. What can I help you with today?"

The guy smiled, still trying to win her over. "Well, two things really." He began. "One, I'd like to use your shooting range again. Two, I was wondering if you'd like to go to lunch with me today."

Rally hesitated a moment, trying to come up with an excuse of some type; ANY type. "Well, the range is where it was yesterday, and I'll have to check and see what I have going on today. We'll see."

He held out his hand. "My name's Chris, and I'll definitely check back when I'm through." Rally shook his hand politely and he went through the side door. Rally dropped to her chair. "ARGH! Why me?!?"

She sat up suddenly. "Waitaminute. If that book was on my front step this morning, that means he was up this morning. Hopefully. Hmm." She grabbed her cell phone and dialed his number. It rang a few times before someone picked up the phone.

"This better be important." Bean growled into the phone.

"He he. um, sorry Bean, its Rally." She giggled nervously.

"OH; uh, good morning. Did you-"

"Yeah!" Rally cheered. "Thank you SO much for the pencils and the book! I love it! It's fantastic!"

Bean chuckled a little, his smoky voice trailing over the line. "Good. I'm glad you liked it. So, is that why you called? Or-"

"Oh, no. Well, yes and no. I wanted to thank you but I need an excuse to leave the shop today. That guy yesterday-" Rally was cut off by Bean.

"That guy from yesterday that was hitting on you?"

Rally cringed. "Unfortunately. He's on the range right now, but he's expecting an answer for lunch when he comes back in." she finished with a sigh.

"So," began Bean, "see you at noon?"

"Oh thankyouthankyouthankyou!" Rally squealed quietly. "My treat today!"

Bean laughed. "Great! See you later Rally."

"Bye!" Rally laughed as she hung up the phone. May really should be proud of her at this point.

She helped a customer that had come through the door, pick out the correct ammo for a handgun, and then moved on to another young woman looking at handguns. Rally turned back to the clock after the small rush of people; it was ten thirty. She was expecting Chris to be back in at any moment. She sighed when she heard the door open again. She placed a smile on her face; professionalism was key. As she turned, her eyes lit up and she had a real smile on her face.

"You act tired. Or annoyed." Bean stated as he pulled off his sunglasses and looked down at Rally with that smirk in place.

"Both actually!" Rally replied cheerfully. "You're early." She pointed over her shoulder at the wall clock.

"Yeah; I'm always on time." He looked around, eyebrow arched. "Where's May at?"

"I gave her the day off. She wanted to visit with Ken last night." Rally rolled her eyes.

"Well," Bean began tentatively. "Since I'm here kinda early, need a hand with anything?"

"Well, I could set you to cleaning the windows, but May did that yesterday, plus it wouldn't be very nice to a friend." Rally finished with a smile as Bean broke into laughter. "But, I guess you can help me behind the counter if you want. Prove to me how much you know about guns."

"Easy. Got someplace I can hang my jacket?" he asked with arched eyebrow and a grin.

"Yep. Hand it over." Rally reached for it and almost dislocated her arm. "Gaah! Geez Bean, how much does this thing weigh!?"

"Sorry. I wouldn't hang it on anything that isn't really sturdy."

Rally hefted the jacket and felt the soft leather on her hands. She could feel the feel the ceramic plates and chain mail9 in it shift when she walked too. She walked over to a small closet and set the jacket on a box inside. "No wonder you're bulletproof." She mumbled.

"Hey, every bit helps." He stated with a grin as he sat on a stool behind the counter. She walked over and poked him in the chest. "That's cheating though. Besides, I think May was right about you."

"Uh, what'd she say?"

"And I quote; 'He's like a gorilla in a flak jacket.' Was about how it went."

Bean laughed. "I'll have to thank her for such a wonderful description."

Rally smiled as she sat down across from him at her paperwork. "Careful how you thank her though. I don't need any more explosives going off than we have now, thank you very much."

"Aww, you worry too much babe. What are a few explosives among friends?" Bean replied as the front door opened and a couple of people walked in. Rally helped one and Bean helped the other. Bean the man he was helping, were respectively arguing the merits of knives versus handguns towards the end. But, Bean made the ammo sale after Rally arched an eyebrow at the knife discussion. They both sat in their respective chairs and Rally looked at the monitor to the shooting range. "Uh oh. Looks like he's packing up." She stated with a sigh.

"I'll talk to him." Bean stated assertively.

"You really don't have to you know."

"I know. But it would be my pleasure." He replied with a slightly cruel looking grin.

"Well, here's your chance." Rally replied with a wink.

Bean smiled and flipped the page of the magazine he was looking at, and leaned back propping a boot on the footrest of her chair. Rally bent over her paperwork, smiling slightly. Chris came around the corner and came to a screeching halt when he saw Bean behind the desk. He picked the pace back up slowly and walked over to Rally. "So?" he asked her smugly.

"'So' what?" she asked.

"Um." He glanced at Bean who was still looking at the magazine. "Howaboutlunch?" he asked in a rush.

"You shouldn't mumble in a lady's presence." Bean's low voice chimed in, filling the room.

Chris froze again. "Um, sorry. So, would you like to go to lunch?"

Rally cringed. "Sorry, I'm afraid not. You understand?"

His eyes rolled. He then noticed Bean had a remote interest in the conversation at this point. He sighed. "Sure. If you didn't want to go, you should have just said so." He stated crossly.

Bean stood up from his chair and looked Chris squarely in the eye. "Do you have a problem with that?"

Chris gulped. Loudly. "Uh, n-n-no. No, I don't. Sorry sir."

Bean nodded and sat back down. Chris grabbed his gear and practically flew out the door. Rally's chiming laugh range out amidst her giggles. "You're absolutely horrible! What's sad is you actually didn't DO anything! That's absolutely hilarious!"

"I do try." Came across sarcastically as he smiled. "But, I don't mind doing that for you."

She blushed and smiled. "Thanks Bean. I appreciate it." She glanced at the clock again; eleven forty-five. "Ahhh, almost lunch time."

"So, where are we going?"

Rally looked up from her paperwork again, mouth agape. "You know, I have no idea. Where would you like to go? I chose last time; so it's your turn!"

"Well. how about Chinese?" Bean asked.

Rally managed to just barely choke down a cringe. "Sure. As long as its not take out."

"No problem. You driving?"

"Of course! I love to drive." Rally replied brightly.

"No, really?" Bean stated sarcastically.

"Stop being a jerk Bandit!" Rally punched his arm playfully. He jumped from his seat grabbing her hand, and started to tickle her. "Gee, tough Rally Vincent isn't ticklish is she? Woman with the gun fetish? Tough girl that she is?"

In the middle of a laugh attack, she could not answer clearly. "St- stop it Bean!" she managed amidst her giggles.

He stopped, smiling, and she leaned against him, trying to catch her breath back. She rested hands against his chest and inadvertently looked up at his dark brown eyes, smiling. Rally felt his arm encircle her waist closer. Oh my God.what were they doing: although the idea of kissing him really started appealing to her.and then the bell on the door jingled merrily. She sighed, although she would have sworn he did too, and they let go of each other. She turned towards her last customer before lunch. A man stood before her, smile playing on his lips at the two behind the counter; he asked about ammo for his handgun, which Rally found and rang up for him, still blushing slightly. He left within a few minutes.

"Okay! I am officially ready for lunch now!" Rally stated with a grin as she lifted the apron from around her neck and hung it on a peg behind her. Bean agreed and went to get his jacket from the closet. Rally flipped the sign over while waiting for Bean to come back from the hall. He came out and they went out the door, Rally pausing to lock the bolts. They walked behind the building where Rally's GT500 Shelby Cobra was parked. Bean got Rally's door and then let himself in the passenger side. The clicking of seatbelts was heard just before Rally fired up the car. It purred to life and Rally pulled smoothly away from the curb with a smile.

"So where to exactly Bean?"

"How about the corner of Fifth and Main?" he replied.

"Sounds good to me!"

Rally flipped the radio on to an alternative-rock station, listening to some harsh, but still appealing music in her ears. She turned the volume up and listened a moment, fingers still on the knob. Sounded like The Offspring as music blared across the speakers.

If you could only read my mind

You would know that I feel waited, so long

Someone almost just like you

But with attitude, I've waited

So come on

Get out at close time

Pull out those highlights

Come around now can you see

I want you

In a final soon

I want you bad

Complicated

X Rated

I want you bad, bad, bad, bad, bad

Rally quickly turned the radio back down to where you really couldn't hear it and pulled her hand back from the volume switch with a blush. Baaaaad song choice right now. Bean looked over surprised and then smirked at her blushing. "Don't like that song?"

"No, song's fine!" she squeaked. "Er.no, actually, no I don't like it!!" He arched an eyebrow.

Within ten minutes they were near the restaurant. Rally pulled near the curb about a block away. They got out, locking the doors and quietly walked down the street. Rally looked up at Bean and smiled slightly, before turning back to the sidewalk before her. He just caught her smile towards him; he put his arm around her waist and continued walking. Rally blushed and then smiled, putting her arm around his waist as well. Unbeknownst to Rally, she had a small audience across the street.

"Oh my God! This is great Ken! Look, look, look!" May squealed while pointing animatedly across the street.

Ken looked up, wondering what in the world she was going on about. His jaw dropped. "Wait-a-sec. That looks like Rally."

May nodded and smiled proudly. "Yep!"

"Ooookaaay. But the guy with her looks like-"

"YES! Its Bean!!" May giggled wildly. "Can you believe it?"

"NO. I can't. You wanna join them for lunch?" Ken replied after a moment. "I have to see this for myself. I'm almost positive my mind's playing tricks on me."

"If they'll have us." May replied with a wink.

Ken and May walked across the crosswalk. May called out. "Rally! Wait up!"

Rally glanced back and shared a wink with May before speaking. " Hey May! Enjoying your day off?"

"Yeah! Quality time with Ken." May replied before squeezing Ken's arm. "Can we join you guys for lunch?"

Rally looked at Bean who shrugged. She then looked back at Ken and May. "Sure! Its your favorite May; Chinese food."

May was cheering as Ken led her behind Rally and Bean. Bean opened the door, allowing Rally and May in first followed by Ken and then himself. They were quickly shown a table and then handed menus. Rally slid in one side and May the other followed by Bean and Ken respectively. Ken kept glancing up at Rally and Bean speculatively as if he expected one of them to disappear in a puff of smoke. May poked him once, mumbling something about staring. "So what's everybody getting?" May asked cheerfully.

Rally shook her head. "I'm not sure. maybe the fried rice. Yeah, that sounds good; with egg rolls."

"I think I'll get the General Tsao's Chicken and rice." Ken mumbled slightly.

"Lemon chicken, white rice and egg rolls." Bean commented.

"And I shall get-" May flanked back down at her menu. "Vegetable stir- fry!"

The waiter came by and got their food and drink orders. May looked over from Ken to Rally. She and Bean were in a conversation of some type; she could have sworn she heard Rally mumble something about- coloring? "What are you two talking about?" May asked.

"Coloring." Rally replied simply while holding her smile.

"What of it? The merits of it or something?" Ken asked quizzically, with arched eyebrow.

"Sort of. Do you color Ken?" Rally asked him suddenly.

"Noooo. Why?"

She shrugged and grinned at Bean who was grinning back. "I told you." He stated.

This was when May noticed something odd about Rally; she was almost totally relaxed. That never happened. But, there was Rally Vincent, head propped up by her elbow on the table, smiling and giggling and having fun. Acting flirty- WHOA! Hold on a sec- this was RALLY for pete's sake. Flirty. May's mind literally revolted. Rally? Having fun!? Being flirty?! Yeah right. She and Bean were trading quips with occasional insight from Ken. How abnormal. Truth was stranger than fiction.

The waiter dropping off Bean and Rally's rice dishes respectively brought her out of her reverie. "Wait!" May yelped just a little too loudly. Rally stopped the fork of rice half way to her mouth. May smiled slightly. "Heh. Coloring; now I get it! So she's explained her little obsession to you huh?"

Rally rolled her eyes and then proceeded to eat. "Yes May. What of it?"

May pouted. "I asked Bean, Rally."

Rally's eyes rolled once more and Bean jumped into the conversation to avert a mini war across the table. "Yeah, she's mentioned it, why?"

"Well, what do you think? Don't you think its weird?" May questioned.

"Nah, seems okay to me." Bean replied before grabbing a bit of rice.

"Honestly?"

"Sure." He replied again. Then added thoughtfully. "We all have our hobbies to relax."

May looked up with a devilish gleam in her eyes. "Oh. You mean like strip club hopping Bean?"10

Rally choked on some rice. "MAY HOPKINS!!"

Ken was rolling his eyes at his wildly giggling girlfriend. Bean grinned down at May. "Yeah, something like that. But what do YOU like to do in your free time?"

"Hmm.well, I do like watching things explode." She replied. "Nothing big of course, but small explosions are nice."

Bean was smiling and Rally cocked and eyebrow. "No kidding May? Gee, nobody here would have guessed that!" Rally replied sarcastically.

May stuck her tongue out at rally. "Huh. So?! I do like spending time with Ken though." She stated glancing and winking at Ken.

Eyes rolling, Rally sighed. Ken looked up. "Hey, it's a gift."

"What about you Ken?" Rally asked as she pushed some rice around on her plate.

He was silent a moment as he grabbed a piece of chicken. "Well, I've never really thought about it. I do like reading though, when I have time."

Rally glanced up. "Really? Reading what?"

"Comic books."

Everyone at the table was dead silent and all motion came to a stop except for Ken, who was still eating. He glanced up at them. "Yes?"

He heard somebody cough a bit and then looked back up. "Its not THAT much of a surprise is it?"

"Well, sort of." Rally began tentatively.

Bean, on the other hand, was all into the notion. "Really? You didn't strike me as the type. Which do you like to read?"

"Batman, Xmen, you know, classic stuff." Ken replied.

"Huh. That's cool. Personally, I like Poison Elves. Drew Hayes kicks ass." Bean stated while grabbing another bite.

"I like Fushigi Yuugi and Sailor Moon."11 May added. "There's some great artwork in those two books."

Rally was silent for a bit, just pushing food around on her plate; this really wasn't her place. May's eyes widened slightly in recognition; Rally probably felt out of place amongst a bunch of comic fiends. She knew Rally did not like comics as much as she. She was not sure what to say when Ken spoke up. "What about you Rally?" May wanted to stomp on her boyfriend that instant. Instead she just stomped on his foot. He cringed at impact.

"Um, I don't actually read comics much." She replied, still making eye contact, solely with her food.

May looked over at Rally. "Hey, its no biggie Ral'! I know you don't like comics that much, but it's alright!"

In reply, Rally glanced across at Ken and May, who was looking on encouragingly. Bean noticed the silence and Rally's abnormally withdrawn figure. She looked really uncomfortable. He grabbed her chin so she faced him. "It really isn't a big deal Rally. Its just a pastime, hobby, you know, whatever."

Her blue eyes sparkled against her dark skin as she looked up at him. She managed a small, wavering smile. Bean smiled slightly in return and let go of her chin. Ken looked on, gaping at the two. May poked him hard in the side. She noticed that both she and he were done with their meals. "Well guys, we really should be going; I have the whole day off after all! Come on Ken." She stated as she grabbed Ken's collar and hauled him out of his seat. He was still staring.

"What?"

"We're leaving Ken." May stated sweetly while grasping his arm in a death grip.

"Ouch." He winced. "Okay, okay! See you guys later."

He picked up their bill; they paid and headed out the door after May waved once more. Rally began to slowly finish her rice again. Bean looked over at her. "Um, what's up Rally?"

"Nothing." She stated as she took one last bite of her rice. "Are you ready to go?"

"Sure, if you are."

She nodded and he helped her out of the booth. Rally blushed lightly at the gesture as he pulled her from the booth towards himself. She grabbed the bill from the table nervously. She paid and they walked out the door. "So what time is it Bean?"

He glanced at his watch. "Twelve-forty."

She nodded. "Okay. So, where to now?"

"We could go back to your shop, ride around; whatever you'd like Rally." He finished with a warm smile.

Rally glanced up just in time to catch it: such a cute smile to go with handsome features. Not something you expect out of tough Bean Bandit. She felt his arm settle around her shoulders. "You act like you need a hug." He stated.

"Probably wouldn't hurt at this point."

He squeezed her shoulder comfortingly at this point and smiled down at her. She glanced briefly at him and returned the smile. They walked down the street towards her Cobra, both silent the whole time. Rally unlocked Bean's door and then walked around the other side to unlock her own. Bean was already buckled up when she hopped in and heard the 'click' of her own seatbelt. She pulled from the curb and headed back towards her shop. They were both silent the whole time.

Rally pulled in the back of her shop and turned the ignition off. They both heard the hum of the engine die to silence. Bean looked over, trying to think of something to say; why is it he can tease her and mess with her, but not hold a normal conversation with her?! "Thanks for lunch today Rally." That wasn't so hard, right? It was a start.

"No problem. It was my pleasure." She replied with a warm smile.

"Um," he began hesitantly. "I do have a question though."

Rally looked up at him encouragingly, so Bean continued, still cautious. "I've really enjoyed going out to lunch with you these last couple of days Rally. And, um, I was wondering if you'd like to go out to dinner Friday night?"12 He finished while tapping his fingers nervously on the dashboard.

Rally grabbed his hand from the dash. "That would be fantastic. I would love to go out to dinner Bean."

He let out the breath he did not realize he was holding, before letting the grin spread across his face. "Great! Oh yeah; the place I want to go is formal dress by the way, so-"

"Pick out a dress?" she asked with raised eyebrows. "I've already got one, but thanks for the warning."

Bean got out of the car, with hand on the door and a slight smile, he looked back down in at her. "Great! I'll see you Friday night around seven, alright?"

"That'll be fine Bean. See you then." She smiled and he nodded, shutting the door and walking around out front. She got out of her car and walked to the store through the back door, but not before she heard Bean's Corvette roar to a start and drive off. She grinned and walked into the shop. She flipped the sign and got her apron. May should be extraordinarily proud of her at this point. The rest of the workday went quickly, much to Rally's delight.

That evening, Rally was cooking some Couscous mix on the stove. It only took about ten minutes, if that. She heard a bang as the front door opened and Minnie May skipped into the living room. "I'm hooome!" she called cheerfully.

"In the kitchen May!" Rally responded with a grin.

May came into the room with a mischievous smile. "Well, well, well Rally Vincent. You and Bean looked awfully cozy today. Didn't know friends liked to play tag like that."

Rally stuck her tongue out at May. "So?"

"Aw, I think it's cute. Nobody will believe you two are actually going out, you know."

"We're not going out!" Rally responded, almost dropping her spoon. "Technically."

May stopped hanging up her coat and taking off her shoes, running back to Rally, one shoe off, the other still tied. "Wait, wait, wait!! What does technically mean?!" Rally just shrugged and May continued. " Rally Vincent!! Tell me what that meant! Wait." She stopped, thinking a moment. "Did he ask you out?"

Rally blushed lightly and May squealed. "Oh my God!! How cute! This is an honest to God date Rally! This is great!! Your dream guy asked you out!!!"

"Hold on a sec May." Rally stated, pointing the spoon at May. "What makes you think he's my 'dream guy'?"

May gave her a patronizing look, hands on hips. "I'm not stupid Rally. I know you like him; and have for awhile now."

Rally did not say anything for a moment, as she thought about what May said. "I suppose so." She stated quietly.

"OF COURSE SO!!" May yelled. "You're perfect for each other!! Come on, I should know, I'm like your best friend Rally! Best friends know these things."

Rally started laughing. "Okay, okay!! You win; I concede defeat."

May watched as Rally served them each a dish of hot Couscous and glasses of lemonade. As they began to eat, May looked up. "Say Rally, where are you guys going?"

Rally shrugged. "I don't know. He didn't really say. He just said it was formal dress dinner."

"Ahh. Sounds nice. So what are you wearing?"

"You know that one purple-blue color changing dress I have?"

"The peacock dress?" May asked before grabbing a spoonful of food.

Rally smiled. "Yeah. I want to wear that one. Plus I don't have that many anyways."

"We could get you a new one." May added.

"I don't have the cash for it right now. Besides, I think the peacock dress will be nice." Rally replied.

"Agreed." May smiled brightly and then looked up. "HEY! Let's close the shop Friday!"

"Why in the world should I do that?!" Ray asked, incredulity in her eyes.

"You almost never go out on dates! This would be great and give us time to get you ready!!" May replied happily.

Rally looked over at May. "I don't think I'll sleep with him the first date May." She stated, deadpan.

May rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I know. This is you we're talking about. Besides, I give you two, at most until the third date. You both want it. And no, I was NOT talking about sex yet! I meant, like getting your dress, makeup, shoes, matching everything, hair done! You know, the works!!"

"We are NOT shutting the gun shop down Friday. Period." Rally responded. "And what was that 'both wanting it' bullshit." She mumbled nervously.

May pouted. "Fine. But I get to do your hair and makeup."

"Fine. You can help with that." Rally replied.

Silence ensued a few moments. May looked up. "Are you excited?"

Rally was silent a moment, just finishing off her food. A smile slowly arced across delicate features. "Yeah, I am."

May smiled and they cleaned up. It was late so they both went to their respective rooms for the night. "Good night Rally. The next two days are gonna fly, so I'd be thinking about it." May called out.

"I will May. And goodnight." Rally called before both lights were out and they were both asleep for the night.

The next morning, Rally was up early per normal, deciding on what to wear. She went with a short black skirt, matching flat shoes and a long- sleeved, white shirt. She finished dressing and was in the middle of breakfast when May stumbled downstairs to eat. "Ooh, you're early May."

May glared at Rally and sat at the table, shoveling cereal into her mouth. They both finished breakfast, and headed down to the store at the back of their house. Both put on the aprons and Rally unlocked the door, getting the paper from the front step. May grabbed a clipboard and began taking a stock sample. She was halfway through it and looked up at Rally, who was finishing helping a customer. "Hey Ral', postal order comes today, right?"

"Yeah, it should be today. We're running low on some stock." She replied before turning back.

May nodded, making scratches on her papers, and then walked over to sheets that had special orders on it and sorted them; those which Rally needed to work on, call for more specifics, and those that were finished. She looked up and noticed the post office carrier coming up with a couple of large boxes on a dolly. May walked out the door. "Hi! Is that our order?"

The man looked down; she was such a sweet girl. "Certainly is miss. Sign please?"

"Of course!." She signed and he dropped them off behind the desk. May waved to him as he left.

Rally turned with disbelief after watching May. "Why do you act so innocent in front of that poor guy?"

May shrugged and opened the boxes. "I don't know. Habit?"

Rally rolled her eyes as May unpacked the new ammo. She turned back to the special order gun she was working on at the moment. May was busy packing away the ammo when she heard the door open and she looked up. "Welcome to Gun-" there was a person standing there, a Ruger 85 in his hand, pointing right at May. Rally heard the abrupt stop and turned to see a man standing there, pointing a gun at May. May's eyes were wide, but more from surprise, than anything else. Rally brought out a small Smith and Wesson Revolver Model 657. It had a small three-inch barrel on it, aiming it at the guy who was less than six feet away. He whipped towards her, ready to fire, but Rally pulled the trigger on her own gun, firing three shots; his thumb, and both knees. He collapsed to the floor amidst colorful cursing. Rally jumped the counter and ran towards him, training the barrel on him, finger just off of the trigger. "Who the hell are you?"

He snarled at her. "What? You're not gonna kill me?"

"No stupid, I just asked you a question! Answer! Otherwise, you're gonna feel a little more pain than your hand and legs." She aimed the barrel between his eyes and smiled.

His paled slightly. "Fine. FINE! I'll talk! Just call an ambulance, hmm?"

Rally nodded at May who called the police and medic. "They'll be here in a minute Rally." She called cheerfully.

"Fine. Flip the sign over May." Rally ordered as she did as asked. "Now you." She began towards the man. "Name and business with threatening my coworker."

"I'm a trafficker! Coke mostly. But, my delivery man got cut short; I was told that was your fault. Heard it from some of Goldie's old crew." He spat.

"Delivery man? Who?" Although Rally was afraid she already knew.

"Roadbuster. So its true I'm assuming."

"Apparently. Now, answer my other question; name?"

"Charles Dearbird."

"Hey! He was one of the few on the hot sheet this morning Rally!" May chirped from her seat with an innocent smile.

Rally's eyes widened. "You don't say? Excellent timing! Thanks." She stopped at the sound of sirens approaching. "Well Mister Dearbird, you have a date with the police. And, if Roadbuster isn't delivering drugs, than that means, you're out of luck for pushing in my city, now aren't you?"

The police came from where May let them in. "Thanks Miss Vincent, we'll take care of him. And sorry for the trouble." One officer stated as they loaded Dearbird on a stretcher and outside to the ambulance. "We'll call with any info on him, alright?"

"I'd appreciate that, thanks Officer Daten." Rally replied. She looked down. "Ugh. Get me a mop May. He bled everywhere."

May happily retrieved the mop and Rally got to cleaning up her store again. She looked at the clock after finishing; it was twelve o'clock. "Morning flies when it's exciting!" May stated happily as they closed the store for lunch.

"No kidding." Rally replied as they walked outside to their house. They walked into the kitchen and May fixed a couple of Microwave dinners.

May looked over at Rally who was staring off into space. "Say, Rally?" she looked up so May continued. "Was Dearbird talking about that bet between you and Bean?"

Rally shook out of her thoughts. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure. We're probably going to have more people like him coming in May. I want you to be ready, all right? Bean is the best getaway driver; people are going to be pissed."

May shook her head. "Yeah. Just you be ready too alright?"

Rally smiled and nodded. "No problem May. Hopefully we'll both be okay, you know?"

May nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah." She paused thoughtfully. "That bothered you though, didn't it Rally?"

Rally was silent a moment. "Some, yeah. But, I'd rather deal with people like that than the drugs, you know?"

May brought the dinners over. "Yep, I agree." They both began to eat and the phone rang. May sprang and got it. "Hiii! May speaking!" she stopped abruptly and then walked down the hall. "Be back in a minute Ral'!" she called out and then locked herself into her room. "Hey Bean! Nope, not a bad time we just started lunch! Now, what did you need?"

"I was just looking for a little of your advice May." He replied over the phone. "You and Rally are close, right?"

"Best friends!" she responded cheerfully.

"Well." he hesitated. "I was just wondering if you knew what kind of flowers Rally liked."

May grinned. "Ooohhhh. That is so sweet Bean! Who knew? She'll love it! As far as flowers, she likes carnations, and roses, but her absolute favorites are purple lilies."

Bean sounded surprised. "Well, that was easy enough. Thanks May. I'll probably-"

"Wait, Bean?" May began.

"Yeah?"

"We had a problem that I thought you should be aware of. Its great what's happening between you and Rally, but this 'problem' will probably happen again." May began tentatively. "See, someone came after Rally today because of that bet you guys made awhile back."

"You mean about driving drugs?"

"Yeah. I mean, it didn't bother Rally that much, and I know she doesn't want you to get hurt trying anything, but I thought you should know."

Bean nodded over the phone even though she wasn't there. "Yeah, I understand. There really isn't a whole lot we can do about it short of starting a war with all of Chicago, you know."

"I know. Just thought I'd mention it." May replied, twirling the cloth of her skirt around her finger.

"I understand May. And thanks letting me know. The advice too." He added.

"Yep. No problem Bean! I gotta go, lunch is almost over! I'll see you Friday then!"

"See you then." And they both hung up. May had a thoughtful look on her way back downstairs. Rally looked up.

"Gee May, get lost?"

May jumped out of her daydreams. "Hey! No, I just like to take my time."

"Wonderful." Rally rolled her eyes. "But lunch is over." She pointed at the clock. "Are you carrying anything?"

"A couple of flashbangs; nothing lethal though. Plus I've got a few more smoke and flashes in the shop." May replied after checking her stash.

Rally nodded. "Okay. Just be careful." And they walked back down to the shop. After reopening the store, Rally sat back with the special order guns and May sorted the stock and cycled through fax requests. She was making notes to return the first fax when several people came into the shop. Both May and Rally were busy for a while. Sending people to the Shooting range, helping with ammunition, taking orders and checking identification. May sat down after she finished her last person, and sipped on Mt. Dew. Rally finished with her last person, looking out on the closed monitors on the range and then turned back to May. "Exciting enough for you?"

May nodded primly. "Although watching you jump tables and shoot people's legs out from under them is amusing as well."

Rally rolled her eyes. "Thanks May, that means a lot, to keep you amused."

May smiled and they continued working the rest of the day. After Rally counted down the register and May swept, they both retired to their house behind the shop once again. "I'm beat." Rally stated as she began making Fettuccine noodles from the package.

"Yep. But tomorrows the big day!" May stated with a squeal.

Rally turned with a smile. "Big day huh?"

"Sure! I already found all of your makeup and your shoes and purse." May listed things off her fingers.

"So that's what you were doing during lunch, huh?"

May stopped. "Uhh.yeah! Yeah, it was! Hehehe." Okay, almost blew it. She sighed.

Rally finished up the noodles and brought May a bowl before getting herself one. They ate silently and Rally looked periodically from her magazine out the darkening window. May finished up and grabbed Rally's dish before washing them in the sink. "What are you thinking about?"

"Oh, nothing really." Rally replied, sipping her iced tea.

"Rally Vincent, tell me the truth!" May replied, looking over her shoulder.

Rally sighed. "Fine! I was just wondering if this thing with Bean was serious or not, you know?"

May dried her hands on a towel and looked up at Rally. "Its as serious as you want it to be Rally. I know he's serious, if that helps. What are you really worried about?"

"Well," Rally began as she twisted a napkin in her hands. " What am I supposed to do when he drives for a prison breaker or something next time? Or, what if someone tries to kill him to get to me!?"

"Well Rally, you both have a lot of enemies; and odd lifestyles, okay? People are going to try to get to each of you using the other, because they will find out, you know? But, at least he isn't your normal civilian and can take care of himself. Not to mention being a bulletproof ox." May rolled her eyes as Rally smiled. "But you aren't a normal civilian either Rally. You both can take care of yourselves, you know? I have all the confidence in the world. As far as Bean driving some prison breaker away, you're gonna have to expect it. He dabbles in that stuff; that's how he makes his money. So, I wouldn't worry about that too much. Okay? You can't do a whole lot about that anyway."

Rally looked up with a small smile. "Thanks May. I think that actually helped some."

"What do you mean some?!? I'm sure I helped more than some!!" May yelled.

Rally began laughing. "Okay! OKAY!! You helped put it into perspective. How's that?"

"Better." May threw her nose into the air and crossed her arms. "You're welcome for the help though. Both cleaned up and went to bed later that night. The day of Friday approached and was lived through quickly as much to the delight of Rally as well as Minnie May. The evening date approached.

Continued in Part 2.



----------------------- 1 She's referring to when Bean made his last drug run to NY to pick up the drug kerasine. Rally & Misty broke into his apartment to find out where he was going. Read the manga for the scoop. ^^

2 Basically, Rally saw Bean in the buff; I was rolling 'cause Rally was hilarious and I really wanted to include some reference of that occurrence. ^^

3 This is my reaction. Every time I've seen or read something involving Bean, he gets ribs when he gets food. Shrug. Like the anime Riding Bean, and the Bean Bandit manga line of Gunsmith Cats.

4 Steven Brust is one of my fav authors. Bean is referring to The Vlad Taltos Series, which I highly recommend; if you can find it. Apparently there're out of print now. Good Luck though! ^^

5 I'm mentioning this because that was one thing I loved about Bean in his anime; he always wore a sports watch on his wrist over his glove. I found that to be the coolest thing; too bad he didn't do it in the GSC comic.

[i] In editing this thing.like, five months later since I started, this has become his catchphrase, I've noticed. It will ALWAYS come from Bean before Rally. ^^

6 I've read this one great fanfic arc that this is what he reminds me of in that, so shameless plug for another's story goes here.

7 I can't cook either, so this is what I tend to fix quite often. ^^

8 If you've seen my artwork on my pages, you know this is the ONLY colored pencils I use; it's the best!!

9 These were the items that Misty discovered were in his jacket; when it fell and broke her foot. *_^

10 This is what Bean does on a normal basis after a job.

11 Comics began for me with X Men. I then moved to small press and Sirius; Poison Elves. And Currently read a lot of Japanese manga; Sailor Moon, Fushigi Yugi (when I find it), Card Captor Sakura, St. Tail and of course, Gunsmith Cats.

12 Its currently Wednesday in their world peoples.