[ Yeah, he didn't miss that. It's hard to look at him, though, especially being as close as he is now. He remembers things---well, things that you just don't talk about in polite company with probable strangers.

But that does earn a soft scoff in response. He sounds so much like the man he'd met at first. Way too uptight. Then again, he guesses he's not exactly the guy that his---well, they never got around to boyfriend, did they? Anyways, he's just not the same as he was. Not that it matters. ]

It'll be different when it collapses on you. Or some ancient whatever the hell gets pissed off and does something about it.

[ But if that's the case, why is Jim there? Well, he always was too curious for his own good, and kind of a glutton for punishment. ]

So, which one of us is knocking first?

[ And maybe, just maybe, there's a hint of mischief in his eyes and in the carefree smile that comes to his face. ]