“Because you would tell me if you were, right? Mad, I mean. Not drowsy, though you could tell me that too.”
Joker eyed his friend. “When have you not known I was mad at you?”
“True. But this is different. I’ve never broken your leg before.”
For fuck’s sake. “You didn’t break it. The fall did. And it’s not broken. It’s a fracture.”
“Your bone is no longer solid.”
“It’s not liquid either.”
Ace rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean.”
“I’m not mad.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
Ace opened his mouth, and Joker sighed.
“If you ask me one more time, I will be.”
“I still feel bad.”
“I’m sure you do, and you should prepare for the day I start rubbing this in your face mercilessly.”
Ace winced. “Too soon.”
“Go away.”
“Will that make you feel better?”
“Yes.”
“Okay.” Ace stood. “But can I get you anything?”
“More ibuprofen.”
“You can’t. It’s too soon. Can I get you something else?”
“Vodka.”
It was Ace’s turn to sigh. “Again, painkillers.”
“I’m Russian. It’s fine.”
“I’m just going to go.” Ace motioned to the door, and Joker nodded. He turned his attention back to the TV. A wise decision. Ace left, and Chip lifted his head. He huffed at Joker.
“Why are you sassingme? This ishisfault.”
Chip responded with a quiet bark in Ace’s defense. Traitor.
“Whatever. He’ll get over it. You’re supposed to be onmyside.”
The door slowly slid open, and Joker opened his mouth to tell Ace to get lost when a puppy bounded in. Oh, that sneaky bastard. Cocoa darted over to the bed and stood on his hind legs, whining and barking, his tail wagging his entire body and his giant ears irresistible. They were in that wanting-to-stay-up-permanently phase, so one sort of drooped to the side against the other straight one. Puppies were everyone’s weakness, but German Shepherd puppies, especially, were Joker’s.
“I see how it is. Well played, Sharpe. Well played.” Joker leaned over and picked up Cocoa, placing him on his lap. Cocoa crawled up Joker’s chest, shoved his little head under Joker’s chin, and fell asleep. That sneaky son of a bitch. How dare he make Joker feel all warm and fuzzy!
