not denying it though, are you? ( a smile. ) no. that's what i thought.

pfft, i *know* you don't mean that. i've *heard* you saying otherwise.

i'll show you, if you like.

i keep my mind on the important stuff.

what is with you and food?

( there *was* something strange about k.: he could move perfectly without making a noise. he took this as his leave and climbed out of the window, smirking. the quality of kitty's clients is really down the shitter. )

is that it?

( without hesitation: ) no.

( he steps back in and looks at her expectantly. )

( she's one of those. ) okay.

( one leg out the window. a sigh. ) what?

( a shrug. ) okay. ( going over to kitty's fridge, finding it locked. he mutters something, going through the window a little put out. )

where's she going?

( coming into kitty's office through the window. ) . . . who're you? where's kitty?

and you love it.

oh, so i should just leave your ass next time?

which you would be, if it wasn't for me.

i'm glad we agree. i'll head over tomorrow.

( he takes the amulet out of the bag, dangling it in the air. ) khan won't like the delay. i'll fix it.

@howfastcanwego.bsky.social let's talk.

hot.

bitch.

( a shrug. ) if you wanna show me off so bad.

looks like i'm getting a private makeover. *and* showgirls. lucky me.

sounds like you're not as close as you think.

( now he has her right where he wants her, and she knows it, and he knows that she knows it, and she knows that he knows that . . . ) sounds good. if you're so *close*, why don't we book an appointment *now*?

that doesn't answer my question. but if i'm getting paid that much, why not?

try me.

oh yeah? what *kind* of rapport?

fine, then i'll do the next run. no, i'll come with you.

( a very intense squint of thought. ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . @mskittybanks.bsky.social, give him something to do. ( waving it off. )

don't you have assistant work to do?

can it.

is *that* why you spend so long up at valentine's?

( when k. is surprised, his face forms three perfect little Os. ) what? where are you getting that money?

how can you be in charge of me? you're scared of chipping a nail.

women. you just can't help 'em.

i *am* second-in-command.

*appl*-- you're *my* assistant! oh yeah? and just how often do you *get* a desk in a warm room? yeah, that's what i thought.

i can do math. and i cook better than *you* can. anyway, that's what you're for.

you can't offset all your work. if anyone's hiring a new assistant, it's me.

*you*?

she's obsessed with me.

( he glances at zazie, as if to share with him, well, obviously -- we just got here. ) i'd say it was a neat kill. planned. but what about that door?

move. ( crouching down to inspect the body. he takes off the remains of his helmet, turning his stiff head from side to side. ) hmmm.

i've seen worse.

it's whatever.

( staring out at the surface of the moon, ignoring them both. )

babysitting duty.