Cops and Assassins

Part 2: Misaki

"There's no way I'm going out there like this," Misaki insisted.

In the mirror, Misaki could see Kalei pursing their lips impatiently behind her.

"Well, it's the only costume we have here that fits," Kalei said, annoyed.

"Kalei, does this really look like it fits to you?!" she exclaimed, pointing at how the slim piece of fabric they called "shorts" were tightly wrapped around only the upper half of her butt, leaving the rest uncomfortably exposed to the elements.

"If you had just remembered that it was Halloween and brought your own costume, then we wouldn't be having this problem!" Kalei snapped. "I've reminded you every day for the past three weeks, Misaki. Besides, this is a bar, so most people will probably be too drunk to even remember you. Although..." Their eyes lowered to where Misaki was pointing. "That view really is difficult to forget."

"Stop," Misaki groaned as she tried to readjust the shorts before they could creep any further into forbidden territory. "You're my ex. You can't say that."

"It's because I'm your ex that I can say that," Kalei clarified. "We both know that ship has sailed long ago, and it's not coming back if I can help it."

"Can you just pass my apron already?" Misaki begged.

"Fine," Kalei huffed, retrieving one of the plain black half aprons hanging on the wall and tossing it to Misaki. "But only because I'd rather not have our customers try to 'accidentally' fondle you or something. They won't know about the goods if they can't see them. Until you turn around, of course. So just make sure you make quick getaways."

"Wise words from a wise soul," Misaki muttered sarcastically as she tied the apron on.

"I only say wise words," Kalei replied simply.

They examined their own costume in the mirror — their tall, slender frame looked effortlessly suave as a pilot captain — before turning back to Misaki. "Now don't spend too long hiding out here, alright? This is one of the busiest nights of the year and we need all the help we can get."

"I know, I know," Misaki said. "Just... I'll be out in a few minutes, okay?"

Kalei shrugged. "Alright, but if you take too long, I'll tell Dave to stop by and annoy you into leaving."

Misaki sighed as soon as Kalei left. They both knew that Misaki might be able to avoid Dave's line of sight on the floor within the crowds and semi-darkness, but back in the empty and brightly-lit breakroom, there was no escaping him. And given that he was Misaki's childhood friend and current roommate, there was a very large possibility that Dave would tease her every day until Christmas — but only to spare her from the embarrassment of their families' joint holiday gatherings.

The apron looked slightly out of place against the costume that its packaging called "Sexy Law Enforcement" — basically an inaccurate police uniform with a lot less fabric. Along with the extremely tight black shorts, the costume set included a fitted black button-down short-sleeved shirt (with buttons that ended halfway down her unimpressive cleavage), a police hat (the only decent item in the set), a plastic police baton (completely unnecessary), and a pair of fully-functional handcuffs (sans the key). The only saving grace was that it paired well with her personal cropped leather black jacket so at least her arms could be covered.

Misaki was actually a little grateful that this costume fit her just barely. Even though United Notions Bar & Grill had a wide selection of costumes due to hosting multiple theme nights each month, not many of them could fit Misaki's toned build when she didn't have the customary "assets". And since Misaki usually had class during the bar's special events, they never bothered to have her size in stock. As such, her other options were a firefighter, a caveman, or a gladiator, and for some reason none of those other costumes came with shirts that were more than strips of fabric.

As Misaki was just about to muster up the courage to go out there and face the music, she suddenly heard Dave howling with laughter behind her.

"Damn, Misaki, Kalei was right!" he exclaimed once he managed to contain his laughter. "I hope you know how to use those handcuffs because you might have to arrest someone tonight for inappropriate conduct!"

"I'm moving out," Misaki said grumpily as she tried to readjust her shorts again.

"Aw, come on, you wouldn't do that." Dave walked up to Misaki and clapped her on the back. "You love my homemade cookies too much to leave me."

Unlike Misaki, Dave remembered his costume; he was a "Sexy Firefighter", but his version of the outfit included a fitted T-shirt. Misaki knew that about half the patrons would be disappointed by the additional layer of fabric that shielded Dave's well-known muscular physique. She also knew that he was prepared to tell all disappointed inquirers that a shirt was required by the health department, and the matter was unfortunately out of his hands.

Misaki sighed and shook her head in resignation. "You're right. I can't leave the cookies."

Dave laughed again before steering Misaki out of the breakroom by her shoulders. "Alright, Officer Misaki, it's time for you and that outfit to earn this month's rent."