**Chicago Stories: A Reunion at O'Hare**

Prompt: Gunsmith cats fanfiction may picks up rally after her flight lands at ohare

The low hum of passengers filled the air as Rally Vincent stepped off the jet bridge at O'Hare International Airport, the bustle of travelers a familiar soundtrack. She clutched her small suitcase tightly, her mind racing with thoughts of the past few weeks spent overseas. It had been a whirlwind adventure, chasing leads in Tokyo, tracking stolen firearms, and hunting down high-stakes contracts. But nothing beat the thrill of returning home. As she made her way towards the baggage claim, she felt that familiar tingling at the back of her neck. Like any seasoned bounty hunter, her instincts were never far from the surface. She scanned the area for anything unusual; dark corners, suspicious characters, or that telltale glint of a weapon. But there was nothing out of the ordinary, just the usual stream of families and businesspeople, all in transit. Rally’s thoughts drifted back to her partner, May Hopkins, and how much she missed their playful banter while they worked together. It had been too long since their last case, and Rally was eager to reconnect. So much had happened since their last job, her life had tangentially spun outwards just as much as their odd encounters with smugglers and criminals. It was time to get back to reality and see where their next adventure would lead them. As she approached the baggage claim, a burst of excitement shot through her when she spotted May, red hair a vivid beacon amidst the crowd. A grin spread across Rally's face as May waved wildly, her unique mix of charm and chaos on full display. Rally quickened her pace and soon pulled her partner into a hug, laughter bubbling up between them. "Look at you! You’re practically glowing!" May teased, releasing her grip. Rally ruffled her own hair, cheeks flushing slightly. "Just the jet lag, I'm sure," Rally replied with a playful smirk. "How's the shop? Still managing to hold your own?" "Oh, you know, it’s a constant battle," May said, glancing at her watch. "I’ve had a few interesting customers. Oh! Did I tell you about the time we almost got robbed? You'll love this story, it involves an automatic water gun and my sheer genius." As they exited the terminal, the bustling downtown of Chicago greeted them like an old friend. The vibrant energy of the city was palpable, radiating a sense of freedom and danger all at once—a perfect backdrop for their lives. The vehicle May had driven today—a beat-up but reliable old sedan—had seen better days but was cherished for the memories they shared. The drive back to the shop was filled with stories. Rally recounted her latest escapades, detailing narrower escapes and high-tech smuggling rings, while May chimed in with her own experiences at the counter, dealing with an array of quirky characters. When they arrived at the Gunsmith Cats shop, the air was thick with the smell of gun oil and freshly brewed coffee. The workshop was strewn with parts and project remnants, a tangible expression of their craft. Rally took a moment to appreciate the comforting sense of home that enveloped her as she stepped inside. “You know, now that you’re back, we should probably get some action going,” May said, looking thoughtful. “I’ve got this new lead… a gang has been active in the area, and I’ve heard whispers of a big shipment coming in soon.” Rally leaned against the counter, a mixture of excitement and caution swirling within her. “What kind of shipment? Are we talking about weapons? Or something bigger?” May sensed her cautious tone. “It’s definitely weapons. No one knows the details, but we can’t let this pass us by.” Together, they began devising a plan, strategizing like always, each bouncing ideas off the other. Day turned to night, wrapping them in a cocoon of determination. Around midnight, after mapping out locations and escape routes, they both felt energized and ready. As they headed back into the city, Rally and May took turns driving through the twinkling streets. Every so often, Rally’s thoughts darted back towards the romantic possibilities between them, but she often shelved them due to their work. They had a bond built on trust and teamwork, and she wouldn’t risk complicating that with emotions. But having May beside her felt good, too good. They arrived at an old warehouse on the outskirts of the city, its dilapidated exterior hiding a potential treasure trove of illegal arms. May parked the car, and they shared a knowing look—the thrill of the hunt wrapped around them. “Let’s go,” Rally whispered, her heart racing with anticipation. As they crept through shadows, the world around them melted away, consumed by the distant sounds of the city and the closer sound of their own breath. They moved in sync, bodies trained by countless encounters and fueled by an electrifying sense of adrenaline. Upon entering the warehouse, they kept low, navigating through crates and abandoned machinery. The dim light barely illuminated the stacks of boxes, each one a layer of uncertainty. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the space, causing them both to freeze. “Did you hear that?” May’s eyes widened. Rally nodded, raising a finger to her lips. “Stay quiet. We’re not alone.” The sound of footsteps reverberated, accompanied by the clanking of metal. Heart pounding, they ducked behind a crate, straining to hear the conversation taking place. “Once we get the shipment out tonight, this city is ours,” a gruff voice said. “No one can stop us.” Rally’s mind raced. This was bigger than she had anticipated. They had to act quickly. She glanced at May, whose eyes glimmered with determination. “On three,” Rally mouthed. “One… two… three!” In unison, they sprang from their hiding spot, guns drawn. The surprise on the thugs' faces was palpable, but before they could react, the atmosphere shifted into chaos—the classic dance of gunfire and strategy. Rally and May moved fluidly, back-to-back as they took aim at their adversaries. The crack of bullets scattered throughout the warehouse until an eerie calm settled in. When the dust cleared, both women were intact, adrenaline coursing through their veins. They exchanged triumphant smiles, hearts racing. The exhilaration of victory was intoxicating. “Just another day at the office,” Rally remarked breathlessly, but inside, she felt something else stirring—a connection deeper than mere partnership. As they left the warehouse, the sun began to rise, painting the city in hues of promise. Rally slipped her hand into May’s, their fingers intertwining naturally. It felt right. “Back to work?” May asked with a grin that lit up her face. “Always,” Rally replied, knowing their next adventure was just beginning—a reunion not just of friends, but of fiery spirits ready to embrace whatever Chicago threw their way.