milliways_bar | (no subject)

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A small girl in a nightdress wanders down from the guest corridor.

Because Liam knows what she's capable of, there is a piece of paper firmly attached to the front of her clothes.

"My name is Megan. If I'm alone, my daddy is asleep upstairs in [insert room number here] and I've escaped. Please don't send me through the front door."

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Megan looks at her blankly and shrugs.

"Mummy. Daddy."

Virginia laughed.

Okay, too young to know their names yet. Not that I could tell. Oh God, I'm so bad at this kid thing.

At least she isn't crying or anything.

She found the door with the same number as the one on the piece of paper pinned to the girl and knocked on it sharply several times.

There's a short pause, then Liam opens the door, sleepily at first though his attention sharpens the next instant. Megan lets go of Virginia's hand and runs to him, arms outstretched to be picked up, and he does.

"I need to do something about that door", he mutters, before turning to Virginia with an apologetic smile. "Thanks for bringing her up."

Virginia crossed her arms. "Yeah you do. Your kid was loose in a bar." She had to admit, "The sign was ingenious though."

The grin turns rueful. "A lot of people know her here, so I was almost sure she'd be looked after, but I thought the sign might be an idea. 'Specially since the last time she was in here alone, it was because she found a portal of her own, at home. I didn't want anyone thinking they were doing the best thing by putting her through the front door - she'd either end up alone in the city, or at home without me when we left together, which I'd rather not try explaining to my wife."

Virginia laughed. "I don't think I'd ever want to explain losing a kid to my ma--fiance either," Virginia said. "Don't they have those child safety locks or something, though? Maybe the magic bar could conjure them up for you."

She held out her hand. "Virginia Lewis, by the way."

"Not a bad thought, actually", he says pensively. "We're not here permanently, just staying with my brother for a little while, but while we're here..." He grins and shakes her hand. "Liam Pace."

"It is so nice to meet somebody who isn't a cannibal or living fairy tale or the personification of magic, let me tell you," Virginia said.

He blinks slightly at that... but, Milliways.

"Yeah, us mere mortals are in the minority round here, it seems."

"I guess I'll let you go then," Virginia told him. "Y'know," she gestured towards his clothes. "Pajamas and everything. It was nice meeting you."

He laughs.

"Yeah - nice to meet you too. I'll see you round."

"Bye Megan!" She waved to the little girl.

Megan waves back, smiling.

"B'bye!"

Virginia walked away, smiling and hoping she'd be the sort of parent Liam seemed to be--aside from losing her child at strange bars.

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