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[cant_kim]

It's been some time since Kim was last here. She looks underfed, grubby, and scruffy around the edges again when she ducks through the door -- and surprised to be here. After a quick glance around, she allows herself a quick smile and trots towards the Bar

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[walksthebounds]

Jamie looks rather disgruntled, as he watches this scene play out.

"You get free food," he complains. "I get cranky rats."

How is this fair!

[cant_kim]

It's been about three years, to Kim, since she met Jamie; she doesn't recognize him right off.

She gives him a Look, nevertheless. "It ain't free."

[walksthebounds]

It's been longer for Jamie, but he tries harder to remember the people he meets here than he does those he meets anywhere else.

(Still, if you asked him the boy's name, he wouldn't be able to answer.)

"All I'm saying is, the bar was pretty prompt about serving you up a plate. You have any tips on how to move up to first-class treatment like that?"

[cant_kim]

A snort. "You wouldn't like, I'll wager."

[walksthebounds]

"Blood sacrifice?" Jamie guesses. "Promise of your firstborn child?"

[cant_kim]

. . . Jamie, says Kim's look, is very weird.

[walksthebounds]

Do none of the teenagers in Milliways have a sense of humor?

"That was a joke," he explains, patiently.

[cant_kim]

"Ain't very sensible," she says doubtfully. "Try gettin' yourself caught by one o' the nabs here."

[walksthebounds]

". . . they feed you because you broke the rules?"

Jamie scratches his head. "Is it some sort of parole system?"

[cant_kim]

She shrugs, and jerks her head towards the tray. "S'pose so. I got to work three more shifts."

[walksthebounds]

"That's not so bad, if you're getting free board for it," Jamie says sagely. "There's worse jobs to get stuck with."

[cant_kim]

"Better'n home," she agrees, feelingly.

[walksthebounds]

Jamie looks rueful, and a little sympathetic. "I'm guessing your world isn't one with much profitable work for common kids." (He's using this term inclusively.)

[cant_kim]

That earns him a longer look -- a quick but thorough examination of his clothes and his stance--

"Here," abruptly, "don't I know you?"

[walksthebounds]

Jamie tilts his head.

"We've met, at least. You were a bit younger then." He grins. "And crankier, I think. But it's been a while for me too, so I couldn't tell you anything more than that."

[cant_kim]

"Huh."

The unspoken sentiment: Crankier? Please.

"You don't look any older."