Title: No Substitutions Allowed
Author: sockie1000
Summary: Sometimes, it sucks to be the new guy.
Author's Note: This is a quick, unbeta'd pick-me-up for Warrior's Bride.
"Here you go," Michael said, tearing off the top sheet of a yellow legal pad and handing it to Rick.
"What's this?"
"The items I need you to procure."
Rick scanned the list, disbelieving. "You need me to get these things?"
"Success is a precarious thing," Billy piped in from his spot lounging on one of the hotel beds, hands laced behind his head as he watched a foreign game show. "Never underestimate the importance of small details."
"And you are uniquely qualified," Michael added.
"How?"
"Well, you're darker than the rest of us, so you're more likely to fit in and not pick up a tail," Michael replied. "And you're fluent in Spanish, so you're a perfect fit."
Rick glanced at the list again, then back up at Michael suspiciously.
"Plus," Billy added, not bothering to take his gaze away from the bonus round, "Michael doesn't want to go, I'm too conspicuous with my accent, and if Casey goes, there's likely to be an international incident."
"There's likely to be an international incident if they don't have," Rick paused to scan the list before settling on, "Twinnings English Afternoon?" he asked dubiously.
"Aye."
"Because-"
"Because if they substitute it with English Breakfast, I'll try to kill the store clerk, that's why," Casey replied matter-of-factly, breaking from his stretching to answer.
Michael shrugged nonchalantly. "We do have precedent."
"And it is quite a delightful blend," Billy commented.
Rick looked down at the list again and sighed. Somehow, he thought spy work would be more glamorous that running to the store to buy groceries.
"This is because I'm the youngest, isn't it?" he asked, somewhat petulantly.
"Nay," Billy shook his head sagely. "It's because you're the rookie."
Which wasn't any better.
"Just look at it as a learning experience," Michael offered.
"And what exactly am I supposed to be learning?"
"Counter-surveillance techniques, stealth, emergency exit routes in the city," Michael shrugged. "You name it."
"But mainly you're learning it's best not to be the new guy," Casey deadpanned.
Michael smiled but didn't deny it.
"So, I'll have to do this until someone new comes along?"
"Unless you get killed first," Casey replied, entirely non-helpfully.
"Fine." Rick muttered, rolling his eyes as he walked to the door. "I'll be back in an hour." He left, shutting the door behind him.
Billy grinned and looked over at Michael. "I'll wager twenty bucks that he brings back English Breakfast just to spite Casey."
Michael glanced at the closed door and then grinned back. "You're on."
fin
Hope you enjoyed this, W.B. Now go forth and conquer the grocery store! ;)