"Look, I've got fifty bucks, right here," Johnny pleaded at the lunch table.
"Do not insult me with monetary offers," Rebecca answered as she popped a grape into her mouth.
"What, then? A favor? I could do your chores for a month, clean your room, do your laundry…"
"No."
Blink giggled. "You're gonna have to do better than that."
Rogue leaned across from where she sat next to Bobby. "Ah might be able to get my hands on a lil' extra dessert for the next month."
"That is tempting, but no."
"I got it!" Johnny declared. "Signed edition of a Harry Potter book!"
Rebecca perked up interestedly. "You possess one?"
"Well, no, but there's always eBay…"
"Then, no."
Just then Caitlin arrived with her food tray of ham steaks and mashed potatoes. "Hey guys, sorry I'm late, class ran over… Never shoulda taken Logan up on filling in for him, his classes are nuts, I like the little kids better…"
As she sat, she glanced around bemusedly. Everyone was avoiding her gaze somewhat guiltily.
"What?" she asked flatly.
"They are attempting bribery," Rebecca answered from across the table, popping another grape into her mouth.
"For what?"
"Your ticklish spot."
"Really, guys?" She glared around at her friends. "Really?"
"See, y'all went about this the wrong way," Rogue explained softly. "Should have gotten Cat here to reveal what Becca really wants, before she found out what it was for."
"Becca would never betray me like that," Caitlin declared confidently. "Um, you wouldn't, would you?"
"That depends, Caitlin."
"Um, okay, depends on…?"
"What you will give me for my silence."
Johnny thrust a fork into the air triumphantly. "Let the bidding begin!"