Summary: Why is Carmen acting all happy?

Disclaimer: I'm just a fanfiction writer. All hail the rightful owners.

Content Warning: Rated T for… an off color comment Lars Vegas makes and the ensuing next few lines of discussion.

Dedication: To justanotherelphie. Merry Christmas, and I hope you don't find this depressing.

"I'm telling you there's something different about her!" Moe whined, as the lead henchmen sat around a table to eat their lunches. "I just don't get it."

"And this is something new?" Sara asked scathingly.

"But there is something weird about Carmen." Hannah lisped.

Archie speculated. "She's in a good mood."

There was a long pause.

"Naw... that can't be it." Lars finally said.

"Carmen doesn't get good moods," the mad scientist added helpfully.

Archie countered. "Well she's got one now. I ruined a heist yesterday and she let it go." He'd been expecting one of the famous Carmen Sandiego dressings down… and all he'd gotten was a shrug and instructions not to do it again.

"And she's been smiling a lot" Hannah continued. "Not those evil grin things but… like a nice smile."

"Kind of pretty…" Lars remarked. Then he colored when the entire group looked funny at him. "Never mind."

Sara finally admitted. "Well she did give me extra time on one of the machines… without arguing about it."

"And I heard her whistling the other day." Moe commented.

Everyone's mouth dropped open.

"You know… sort of happy trill…"

"Happy?" Sara asked in a completely incredulous tone. "Why would Carmen be happy?"

Moe paused. "I have no clue."

"It's not that she's usually unhappy per se…" Archie muttered.

"But whistling?" Hannah asked.

"Maybe she's had a good run… you know loot wise." Moe suggested.

"No… I don't think that's it." Sara derided. "I mean, when's the last time you folks have actually managed a clean getaway?"

"Maybe she ate some chocolate?" Hannah suggested. "What? That does it for me!"

"So your theory is that she's been on a diet for the past ten years?" The scientist asked.

"OK no, I guess not." Hannah trailed off, embarrassed.

They all thought for a few minutes.

Lars Vegas shrugged. "Maybe she got laid."

Hannah punched him in the arm.

"What?" He snapped. "That'd do it!"

Sara glared at the smart-mouthed henchman. "Maybe, but you've got the same basic issue as the chocolate. Do you really think she's been deprived for the last ten years? With her looks?"

"Well then, that's definitely not it." A bright voice behind them said.

The minions screamed and jumped.

"Oh relax." Carmen said, having a seat. "I'm not going to kill you. I'm in a good mood, remember?"

Somehow, no one looked any less nervous.

"Uh… how much of that did you hear boss?" Moe asked.

"Currently your theories on my disposition range from increased henchmen competence to chocolate and sex." Carmen recited in a chipper but rather terrifying tone. "Have I missed anything?"

They all blushed.

"Since I'm in hot water anyhow," Lars finally said. "Can I ask why you were happy in the first place?"

"Well you see I…" Carmen began.

"Meow!"

Everyone jumped again.

Carmen reached into the front pocket of her coat, and withdrew the most adorable little white furball. "I got a cat." She informed the group, cradling the kitten in her hands. "And if you'll excuse me I think Carmine wants her lunch." Then their boss gave Lars a quick slap upside the head and walked away before anyone had a chance to recover.

The group stared at each other for a while.

"Oh." Lars finally said.

Moe continued to eat his sandwich. "I told you there was something different." He announced happily.

Sara frowned. "That cat is going to be a complete terror when it grows up."