A/N: Argh, I've got a horrible cold...
Third Time's the Charm
Jodie smirked at Akai's chagrined expression, feeling very smug.
"You must have cheated."
"Aw, come on! Being a sore loser doesn't suit you, after all."
"Then please explain how you guessed that James was going to make me go disguised as a waitress."
"Just because you can't tell that our boss is ever so slightly perverted doesn't mean I can't, you know. I'm amazed that I'm the first one to notice." Her grin widened further. "Anyway, remember the bet!"
She took a furry object from her purse. "Now be nice and put on the cat ears, Shuu!"
.o.
"Two hours, eleven minutes, and thirty-four seconds," Jodie cheerfully announced. "Way over what you thought you'd take." She didn't seem to mind the slammed door in front of her or the selection of expletives rained down upon her head from behind it. "Besides, you should really cut your hair anyway. It would've lessened the amount of time you waste in the shower, and this wouldn't have happened."
"Anyway," she shouted over the sound of painful headbanging on the other side of the door, "You lost the bet, and you know what that means! Hurry up and get dressed---- four hours of shopping aren't going anywhere by themselves!"
"I... am never agreeing to making a bet with you. Ever. Again"
.o.
His voice was cold, completely devoid of emotion. Just that by itself was enough for her to realize what happened.
"The next time I see Akemi, do you think it'll be outside the morgue?"
Forcing cheerfulness into her voice, she replied. "Don't be such a pessimist! She's survived with the Black Org for way longer than you! In fact, I bet a dollar that you guys are going to have a nice, happy date some time in the near future, just like the kind of stuff you see on fortune cookies."
"What, no embarassing event to force me in to this time?" Akai's voice had warmed up to an almost human level.
"Nope! I'm being nice on you for once!"
It was the first bet she'd lost.