[Payne]

~six months later~

"Damn it..." Odin laid down another losing hand and glared out the window as his boss pulled the remainder of his poker chips across the small table in between them. Outside, the clouds moved by lazily, ignoring the presence of the small jet that had carried them for the better part of four hours now.

He sighed and turned his attention back to the jet's interior. "I figure we're still about an hour out of London. Shall we play chess next?"

Jean grinned at him from across the table. "You mean you need another game to lose at?"

Odin stuck out his tongue at her as he pulled the board from beneath his seat. "I honestly don't see how Will puts up with you."

She frowned. "What's that supposed to mean? You put up with me on a daily basis."

Odin shrugged in his seat as he started placing pieces on the board. "That's because I work for you."

Jean crossed her arms and glared at him. "And don't you forget it. I could fire you any time."

Now it was his turn to grin as he retorted. "You wouldn't. I make your job far too easy for you to do something like that."

They both stared at each other for a minute before breaking into laughter. To be quite honest, despite her high standards in work ethic, Jean was the best boss that Odin had ever worked for, and both of them knew it. After the fallout from the Fantasy Zero incident, several large voids had emerged within the company, and Odin had been more than happy to fill in the position at the head of the troubleshooting and testing department. The hours were good. The job was enjoyable, and he only had to answer to one person within the company. The only problem was that she was impossible to beat in a game, any game.

Jean was the first to speak as the laughter subsided, but she still wore a smile. "Sore loser... You can play white."

He leaned over and moved a piece before looking out the window again. "I had intended to."

As if she was just getting started, Jean asked another pointed question. "So, who's that package for?" She motioned towards a brightly wrapped box in the seat across the aisle while she made her move.

Odin tried to keep his focus on the board. It was obvious that she was trying to distract him from the game. She was very good at it, but he was learning. Instead of showing any concern, he answered simply. "A friend of mine is turning ten next week, and I'm going to have it mailed to her."

"Oh? You won't actually be attending the party?"

"No, it's the same day that we're starting the Alpha test for the new system. So, I'll be in the office." Seeing his chance to strike back, Odin moved his piece and leaned back again, letting Jean survey the board. "Speaking of which, with the project coming to a close, there's a chance I might need to contact you for development emergencies. Are there any hours this week when you'll be tied up?"

She flushed bright red and dropped the piece she had been moving into place. "I'll kill you for this Will..." She mumbled.

Odin raised an eyebrow at her. "What was that? You'll be otherwise occupied tonight?" He slid a piece across the board.

If it was possible, he cheeks would have turned even more red as she fumbled over the pieces to make her move. "Shut it..."

"It's nothing to get mad about. I can completely understand having prior engagements." He slid another piece into place.

"I said shut it." She was starting to regain her composure now, and her hands were less shaky as she made her move.

"Alright, I'll only say one last thing." Odin slid another piece across the board as he spoke. "Checkmate."