The slight hangover was expected given she’d downed some twelve or so shots before Uncle Brown stopped her. But thankfully they’d all had the foresight to go drinking on a day they wouldn’t be working, lest Dad chew them out for unprofessionalism. Walking into the precinct after her mandatory post-drunk day, she only had to deal with the usual headache that came from greeting soldiers in the morning.

“Mornin’, Frank. Eddie.”

They both nodded to her as she passed, making the short trek through the PIB office space.

It seemed that ever since that cat invasion they’d been getting more and more soldiers lately. Just the other day she’d caught a marine rummaging through the charm cabinet. And before that there were airmen chatting up Uncle Brown. Though she didn’t recognize any of them, she at least remembered enough from Dad’s meetings to know who they all were. And why Uncle Brown seemed so on-edge around them.

They were Dad’s private taskforce. A collaboration of different military branches coming together for…something. He never really gave her the details. The only people that really knew about it were probably Mom, Dad, and maybe the Secretary of Defense. It was doubtful even the President knew the full details.

“Mornin’, Eric,” she said, slumping into her chair.

He pushed over a pipping mug, Alice taking it and letting the warm coffee chase away dreariness.

“Looks like we’re clear for the moment,” he said. “No jobs yet.”

“Great. Another day of riding the clock, then.”

“At least we have more time for paperwork.”

Alice let out a loudest groan in response. Only he would like the idea of pushing more papers.

Her gaze drifted around, watching the mages working away on their computers. Filing away reports as they usually did. It seemed everyone had forgotten the soldier’s presence after a while. Everyone except Little Ms. Perfect, that was.

Just like Uncle Brown, Felissa always looked exhausted these days, the make-up barely working to conceal her saggy eyelids. She didn’t even antagonize her as much anymore, something which Alice was perfectly fine with. Less trouble on her part. But Eric was too much of a softy not to point it out every chance he got. Something he even did today as he caught Alice watching.

“We could try talking to her,” he said.

Alice immediately shut that idea down.

“Screw that. Only words I got for her are ‘get bent’ and ‘die sad’.”

“She’s already looks sad, Morino.”

“Not the point, Eric,” she groaned. “Nevermind.”

He just looked at her. Though he was fun when he wanted to be, sometimes he really was too straight-laced for his own good. She sat back in her chair, watching the major put on a smile for the passing soldiers. Even she had to admit, it felt a little more forced than usual. She finally sighed.

“Gonna need a bigger coffee for this one,” she said.

“I will accept those terms,” Eric said, already getting up.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

Alice quickly regretted her choice, but she followed him anyway, reluctantly making their way to Felissa’s office space.

Considering there were only two majors in the PIB Angelas precinct, Felissa was always doing some level of paperwork at her desk. Especially considering she doubled as the mayor’s secretary in her free-time. Eric was the first to knock across her door, Alice tending to her newly acquired coffees like they were her lifeline.

“Hmm? It’s open,” Felissa called when she spotted them, the forced smile returning.

Eric did a salute before obliging. Of which Alice refused to join in. Felissa’s gaze ran over her a moment, but she seemed too tired to point it out. Or maybe she just knew better. She was just plopping in one of the chairs when Eric spoke up.

“We brought you a coffee.”

Alice blinked, Eric suddenly gesturing at her well-earned gifts.

“I’ve been told you share the same preference,” Eric went on, looking to Alice expectingly.

Only then did realization dawn completely. The jerk hadn’t bought two coffees for her. He wanted her to share! You conniving son of a- Felissa was looking at her now. Alice cursed under her breath, extending one of the drinks out. Of which Felissa seemed to eye suspiciously before taking.

“T-thank you,” she said.

“Uh-huh,” Alice said, dryly.

She made a mental note to slug her partner later, instead popping the cap off her drink and sipping it down. At least the caffeine was still good. Eric smiled, taking the seat next to her.

“So how can I help you two?” Felissa said, setting her own drink aside.

Eric cleared his throat. “We were actually more concerned about you, major.”

Felissa raised a brow. Eric always tended to prefer the blunt approach. Alice made an attempt to smooth things over.

“He means you look like a zombie,” she said. “It’s weird.”

“Concerning, more like,” Eric said. “Is everything alright, major?”

Felissa seemed to relax a bit at that, the look in her eyes growling a little less icy.

“Your sweet, Genry,” she said. “But I assure you, I’m fine. I’m a lot tougher than you’d think.”

As she said that, Alice couldn’t help but remember her words at the Wreck Site. The wavering look in her eyes when she’d told them about the senator. She’d told them the vets would handle things. But the way she’d said it…It was almost like she was trying to convince herself.

“We don’t doubt that,” Eric said. “But even the strongest mage has her limits. You may be our superior, but we are allies all the same.”

Alice resisted the urge laugh at that. What kind of cheesy line is that? Apparently Felissa felt the same way as she let out a small snicker, trying to hide her smile behind a hand. But Eric didn’t seem to take offense, only looking at both of them in confusion.

“That we are, Genry.” She looked back at him. And even her for a moment. “I appreciate the sentiment. Really.”

Eric seemed to take that as enough confirmation, nodding in understanding.

“Just figured we’d let you know. We won’t keep you any longer.”

Alice tried not to show how relieved she felt at that. Down or not, being amicable with Felissa was about as good as their relationship could ever get. And the major more than likely knew that herself as she offering them a final wave.

The walk back to their desk was a quiet one. At least until they were safetly alone again. Upon which Alice immediately slugged him in the arm.

“Thanks for the warning, ass,” she said.

Eric rubbed his shoulder.

“It was a necessary evil.”

“Uh-huh. Next time you’re feeling generous, why don’t you gimme a head’s up?”

“I suppose I can accept those terms”

Alice grumbled in response, slumping back in her chair. Just because her partner wanted to play nice didn’t mean she had to. He was lucky she felt charitable.

Chugging the last of her coffee, she settled in for another day of pushing papers and waiting for assignments. What with the recent spike in supernatural activity, there was bound to be work for her eventually. Even with the so-called twins out in and about. Who ever they were.

Maybe I’ll actually get lucky and find another demon.

She smiled at the thought even if she sincerely doubted it.