dear_mun | Two Muses, One Post!

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Two Muses, One Post!

[ There's an older gentleman, dressed to the nines, sitting upon a bench on a porch. His head slightly bowed, he plays a long flute - the bawu. He says nothing. This is how he calms himself but, make no mistake, he's highly alert.

Beside him, sitting on the porch instead of the bench, is a wider, more heavy-set man. With his cowboy hat and grease-stained shirt, he's about as slovenly as the other man is groomed.

The age difference between them is apparent, their family resemblance less so. It's unmistakable that the man with the bawu is the elder of the pair, but they're still men over what one would term their 'prime'. There's a sense of waiting about them.

The younger man, Budd, drinks from a beer bottle, and chews thoughtfully on something he's apparently keeping tucked against his cheek. ]

Well, she did it, in the end. I coulda called you, but me? I thought my figures were a bit different. Didn't really predict this as our afterlife, neither.

[ He's not talking about just one thing, or just one woman, although the statement fits one moreso than the other. ]

Guess that's why I don't gamble no more. Heh heh heh.

[ And he spits a long, tar-like substance out of his mouth onto the dirt. ]

[[ OOC NOTE: You will be dual-tagged by Bill and Budd in this rp. Both will reply to you. Both may chime in on their brother's conversation with your character. Budd's account is

texasfuneral and they're both mine. ]]

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[The landscape is obscured by shimmering heat waves and the woman seems almost to melt out of them. This is no ethereal ingenue, though; her step is measured, but determined.

She stops a few yards short of the men, thumbs looped through her belt buckles, one palm resting against the Firestar .45 holstered at her hip. Instead of threatening, the gesture is familiar and therefore almost reassuring.]

You won a couple hands if I remember right.

[ The flute doesn't falter much, though Bill's eyes move at the sound of a voice. Her voice.

There's a measured pause in a melody that has no definite time signature. She's addressing Budd. He plays softer. ]

[It's dangerous to take her eyes off either of them but when Bill pauses she looks to him, trying to meet his gaze. When he resumes playing, she smiles.]

[ She came, seemingly, from nowhere, but Budd only gives the barest twitch of surprise before glancing up at her. There's a wry sort of smile. Whether it's for what she said, for sneaking up on him, or the hand on that gun, it's uncertain.

But come on, Kiddo. What's the use in shooting at a couple of old ghosts? You had your revenge. Budd's got a few hard feelings, but mostly, it's not too bad to see you. Never were very terrible on the eyes, Mamba, poison that you were for his big brother. ]

Yeah, I wasn't too damn bad, 'til the five of you sat down at the table. You know, I blew every bit of retirement money I had in Reno. I win a few hands, then I'd lose it all.

But, you know? I'd do it again, if I had the chance.

[ This last bit, Bill makes the softest huff into his instrument, striking a wispy note.

Budd's burned through a good bit of his cash, too. With and without Bill's permission. ]

Edited 2012-11-06 10:34 (UTC)

[ He holds her gaze... winks with that cool, flirtatious air he's always had. Play you a song, viper?

He's a dangerous man. But she's in no danger from him now. Not here.

Right now, she's the only one left looking after B.B. Even if he didn't love her (and he does, much to Budd's predictable chagrin), that'd stay his hand from anything serious. ]

I'm sure you would, coming up on top now and again. Still, you can't tell me you wouldn't've changed a thing.

[This isn't perfect by any of their definitions. Admitting that is the closest she'll ever come to an apology.]

[For years, that look had been her reason for living. Her smile breaks into an easy grin, and inclines her head in something that is more than a nod but less than a bow. There is no man on the planet who can charm a woman quite like Bill.]

She's been asking for another goldfish.

[ In turn, the corners of his old eyes crinkle ever so faintly. They don't call him Snake Charmer for nothing, but he never counted on being bitten quite like she'd sunk herself into him, in both good and bad terms.

As she addresses him, the melody eases off, and Bill leans back, his head thumping back against the wood of the chapel. That chapel. The den of many mistakes and suffering. For the both of them. ]

And? What are your thoughts upon this goldfish probability?

Edited 2012-11-06 10:59 (UTC)

[ His smile slacks off a little. His eyes grow distant for a moment, then focus in. ]

I'd have never made a deal with that hateful bitch who wanted your hanzo. That's my regret. If I'd have lived, I might have moved outta that nowhere dustbowl and on into the city. Better titty bars there. Fish and the sea.

[ To which he grins a little again. ]

[When she looks forward she gazes straight at him, trying not to see the building she last saw painted with her friends' blood.]

Specifically she asked if she could have another Emilio. And seeing a chance to continue a master's lesson, I explained to her that there were other goldfish but Emilio was not coming back, that he was gone for good. She looked at me with those big sad eyes said "But I just want him." It nearly broke my heart.

Can't say I didn't see it coming. I regretted it too, though not as much as you did. The deal fell through, if it makes a difference.

[ The place where some punk-ass kid suggested he give her away. Foul-mouthed, spiked-haired, good for nothing white trash. "Tommy" wasn't good enough for his girl. Honestly, no other man would have been.

And he shot her there. He let the other four beat her and then he shot her. He didn't lie when he said it was a masochistic act. He might have then, but the words came true when there was a bullet in her head. His blood-stained, vengeful angel.

But Bill looks, as he almost always does, completely at peace, eyelids lowering slightly with her tale. He can imagine the scenario happening. The edges of his lips quirk. ]

The truth isn't gentle, Kiddo, soften it as we may. It's a different sort of hard for you, I know. So far, so good.

What happened next?

Edited 2012-11-06 11:55 (UTC)

[ There's the start of a little chuckle. ]

So I heard.

...

[ But then he chuckles again, and that chuckle erupt into the raucous sort of laughter that's loud, belly-deep, and uncontrollable. Budd is wiping tears away from his eyes when he manages to get ahold of himself, ignoring Bill's roll of the eyes nearby. ]

You know how she always was about that damn eye of hers, that fuckin' cyclopian bitch. Oh, god.

[ He wheezes, begins to choke a little, and hacks his hole chunk of chewing tobacco out onto the dirt. He holds up a hand, as in 'give me just one moment, I am trying not to literally piss myself here' as he sucks in breath. When he's almost back to normal, he takes a good drink of his beer and looks back up at her, grinning so hard it hurts. ]

You snatched that other fuckin' eye out. Shit, Kiddo, let me shake your goddamn hand.

[Tommy had been gentle and naive as a puppy, sweet and companionable but little more than an accessory to her new identity. There was never any way they would have lasted, probably would have called it quits by now and she'd have only cried when someone was watching.

To be honest, she hadn't cried for him at all. She'd cried for B.B., and she'd cried for Bill. But that was over now. Her gaze wanders from the building, settling on his quirked lips.]

I told her we could get another fish, any one she wanted, because that kid can play me like a fiddle. She thought very hard for a moment and said "No. Emilio was the best fish and he was my fish. I don't want another one."

[For a long while B just watches Budd laugh, curious more than anything else, but the second he explains it she bites back a chuckle herself and quickly sobers, trying and failing not to look pleased with herself.]

It'd be an honor. [And as she extends a hand toward Budd, she really means it. The bastard had managed to get one over on her, after all, and that was not a small feat.] I just hope that mamba didn't get her.

[ He didn't cry for Beatrix more than a few stray tears, but that's the most he's ever cried, the most upset he's ever been in his life. But even if he didn't cry, he mourned her quite deeply. Deep is just something Bill does best, all around.

But his face brightens into a more obvious smile. ]

Ha!

[ The bawu set in his lap, he closes his eyes and silently chuckles a second more, face pinched into a smile that simultaneously looks like it hurts a little. Oh, oh, B.B. ]

She's so damn smart, Kiddo. But like all other little girls, she'll say one thing and mean another.

If you haven't already, pick out a fish and bring it home. She'll resist you, of course, but given a few days, she'll start to come around.

[ His eyes open again, and there's something conspiratorial about his gaze, like he's letting her in on a secret. ]

You'll know when you catch her by the bowl, doing everything but directly looking at that bowl or talking to that fish. And that... is when you net her in. [ A little smile. ] You tell her the new fish is lonely. Make sure you come up with a name by then. Then you take her to the pet store and...

[ He spreads his palms. ]

She picks out a friend. Mother and daughter, matching set.

Oh. But. Don't allow a pair of beta fish, whatever you do. Actually may be best to stay clear of beta fish in general, at least for another year or so.

Edited 2012-11-06 16:08 (UTC)

[ Budd extends his hand, a bit moist as it is, and grips it in a firm handshake. Good game. He always told Bill that he thought you deserved your revenge, and you got it. Good for you, Bea. Truth be told, he's sad he didn't die by your had, Beatrix. Everyone else got an awesome, bloody death. His was painful as fuck, but treacherous. Maybe that's what he deserved for retiring anticlimactically, but... damn. ]

You'd be so lucky. She probably killed it and ate it. Snake-eaters, them California Kings. Crazy ass bitch.

But... she ain't never gonna top Crazy Juggernaut Bitch.

[ This last title he says with a true tinge of respect and amusement. ]

And if she does turn up, what're you gonna do? Ain't you retired now with B.B. and all?

Get the fuck out of here.

[This must be the six feet under club.]

[ Both men look, but Bill almost immediately returns his attention to his bawu and continues to play. Soon, perhaps.

Budd, though, there's a lopsided grin on his face. ]

Think we were here first.

[ He tips his hat slightly in greeting. ]

Welcome to Hell. Looks a lot like El Paso, I know.

[Budd's the one he wants anyway although he's keeping an eye on the flute player because any friend of that man's face is a foe of Freddy's. He points at Budd.]

You should be full of fuckin' holes, scumbag.

[ Wait wait, that's... actual rage there, isn't it? Budd gives a few, short, confused grunts of a chuckle. ]

Well, damn. If I had a dolla' fer every time someone told me that...

[ Squint. Veeeery familiar sort of squint for Mr. Orange, too. ]

I know you, buckaroo? You one of them windowshoppin', slack-jawed, mouthbreathers I thrown out?

Edited 2012-11-07 05:12 (UTC)

[Whoa nobody's called him a mouthbreather since highschool. He narrows his eyes too.]

Is that what your boss told you?

[To his credit, or Blonde's, he sure doesn't remember the guy sporting a mullet.]

[ Fuck you. This is Texas. And Budd didn't graduate highschool, so there you go. ]

Well, my boss don't tell me shit now. I'm fuckin' dead.

[ The resemblance is uncanny, but yeah, he's older than Mr. Blonde. Heavier too. With a cowboy hat, and hair that's all business in the front, but a party in the back. ]

I don't know who the hell you are. Granted, though, I don't think I've been legally sober for the... past five years?

[ He chuckles, glancing at the man on the bench nearby... who ignores them both. ]

[It's just not as hardcore dropping out of college...to be a cop. He'll keep quiet on that part, Blonde or not this guy doesn't seem like the type to be friendly to lawmen.]

So hell's a drunk tank. Right.

[Orange is still skeptical. He upnods to the other man but he's still speaking to Budd.] Who's that?

[ You're absolutely right, cuz all he did was drop out of highschool, help run a brothel, secure drug-runners, and become one of the five most deadly assassins in the world. He's just a big pussy.

But seriously, probably better off not telling him you're a cop, dead or not. ]

Nah. I'm the drunk tank.

[ He smirks. There's a very simplistic, slobbish air to him, and he just spat out some tobacco chew, but he's alert and watching the younger man. He doesn't have a weapon right on his hip, but he's not a small guy. He's pretty sure he can fling this scrappy sumbitch over his shoulder if he got the urge to. ]

That's old Snake Charmer. Don't pay him no mind - he's just broodin' cuz his ex-girlfriend killed him by makin' his heart explode in his chest. Pretty fresh.

Who're you?

You and me both, brother.

Already got me one of them, but hell, what's another? Not like anyone's allowed to expect anything from me now.

So you bet on the wrong horse, huh?

A horse... of a different color.

[Hey hey what did Orange ever do to deserve getting picked up like the pocket-sized thing he is??]

He doesn't look fresh.

[Which is the closest he'll get to saying Bill looks like he's been dead, at least by comparison. Orange is taking note of the story though, can't make this shit up not even in the after life.]

Orange. [But no Christian names.] I got caught up in a mess.

[ To which Budd chuckles. Oh look, Bill's actually glancing over again, too. ]

Good thing you ain't a lady, else you'd have to worry 'bout him provin' you wrong.

Mm. Sorta figured a squirt like you didn't exactly kick it in his sleep.

Orange? [ Judging your pseudoname. Judging. ]

[ Bill lowers the flute to settle in his lap, leaning back against the wall. ]

As messes go, fresh young men tend to be full of them.

[Oh shit he's got the old man's attention. Better keep an eye on him. It's obvious Freddy's trying to keep his eyes focused on Bill while he's talking to Budd.]

I'm not a squirt.

[Spoken like a squirt.] It's a phoney name. A guy like you's probably got one or three.

Heh heh. One or three, huh? That's some countin' skills you got, Orange.

You're about right.

All I'm sayin' is, you had the chance to pick out anything for a fake name... And you choose a citrius fruit?

The better question here is why.

Why use a false name? What good do you think it'll do you now?

Edited 2012-11-08 05:08 (UTC)

....Yeah? I bet your brother is a son of a bitch.

[If he looks anything like you!]

Dead wrong. I should have bailed.

Hardy-fuckin-har.

[That one was close to home.]

[Well. This is awkward. Don't ask how she happens to have one other eye.

Or whether or not she's dead. Even if she knew she would rather not fucking say.]

You'd win that one. If you're puttin' in an application, I'm guessin' you are too.

You can bale hay, and hay's for horses.

Rest easy. I'm not.

[Especially to any motherfucker wearing that face.]

You know what I mean. So you lost big too?

[He flaps his hands while he talks cause that's how he rolls.]

If you got one it's your alias, it's the name you go by professionally. Three or more's the limit for a guy who's gotta make his identity disposable, real dirty work. Two's for superheroes, like Batman the Dark Knight.

[That's your geekout for the day, Budd. Back to Bill.]

Who knows where the fuck I am. Could be limbo, not my final destination.

[Beatrix doesn't doubt it for a second – Bill would never be the type to measure sorrow in quantity of tears. They'd broken each other's hearts. That was all either of them needed to know.

Half-smiling back at him with a sadness that she can't hide in her eyes, she approaches slowly, cowboy boots crunching in the sand. When she reaches the chapel's porch she leans against a pillar directly across from him, reserved as always but holding back. As always.]

I know she will, and I know she is. [Look at her daddy, after all. She fixes him with a bittersweet smile.] No beta fish, don't worry. The only blood and guts I'll let her see are on celluloid.

[It was a hell of a game. She still wants to see Elle dead, and not only because of what the bitch did to Pai Mei. Budd had deserved to die, but he hadn't deserved to be done in by a covert fucking bushwhack.

That's not viper style. Not that Elle ever played by the rules.]

Retired to a point. B.B. deserves to grow up without seeing death again but if Elle shows hide or hair anywhere near us, I'll make sure she's in no shape to turn up again.

[ That reservation is something Bill always liked about her (the list of things he likes about her is very long, perhaps longer than she knows), but he holds back the smile that threatens him to see it. He's patient, after all. Because he knows that now, if he plays his cards just right, he'll be able to have her closer still. Half the reason he loves that reservation so much is being able to break it.

He doesn't move, save to play his fingers slowly along the bawu in his lap. ]

I could always count on you to rise to a challenge. I could just always count on you.

I'm not worried at all.

If still she's alive... Sister, you can count on it. She spouted some shit off about why and how she killed me, but the bottom line is that bitch was just mad as hell when she thought I got to you first. I always knew she was capable of doin' what she did to me. I just didn't think she would.

Like I said, I'm done with gamblin'.

Or maybe I'll pick it up again, who knows. Maybe if I walk far enough, I'll find me Hell's Black Jack table. Consequences I get now can't be much worse, right? Guess we'll just have to see.

[ He takes a swig from his bottle, only to find he's just taken his last swallow. ]

Ah, Hell.

[It's hard not to move closer now. She wants to reach out and touch his hand and if it weren't for Budd's presence she might even draw herself up to him for a kiss, but she's afraid if she does he'll fade back out of existence.]

I'm not letting you down on this one.

We've always known she was capable of the worst. It's impressive as hell as long as she's not focusing on you. [A half-smile. Your death was a great diversion, Budd; thanks for that much.] But impressive or not, there's no way in hell I'll let that two-faced bitch hurt my baby.

[Too bad they're on church ground. This is the first time in five years B's wished she could buy him a drink.]

What've you got left to lose, huh?

I don't doubt it for a second.

[ There's one of those easy, small smiles. He's not nice, but he can be sweet. ]

I deserved every bit of what happened to me, so don't think what I'm going to say is me trying to make you feel any regret.

But I wish... I could be there to help you raise her the rest of the way. I don't think I'd have been around too much longer, but I'd give anything to be there when she went to school for the first time.

Cuz you're gonna be a wreck.

You know how I kicked it, so let me be the one to remind ya: That bitch don't do fair. I can almost guarantee that she ain't gonna show her face before she lands the first blow.

And if you do ever see her again, you kick her ass up and down and, when you're sittin' there decidin' what to do with the body, you give ol' Paula a thought.

[ He tosses the bottle and digs a little irritably into his jacket for another wad of tobacco. ]

I don't take back none of what I said to you, but you'd have made one hell of a sister.

How's that niece of mine anyhow? I only saw her once, and she was still in diapers then.

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Two Muses, One Post!

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I LOVE THIS SO MUCH I CANNOT ARTICULATE.....

TOO MUCH AWESOME FOR ONE THREAD

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oh gosh that icon

dem boys

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TOO MUCH AWESOME.

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