So the general fanon is that when Harry doesn’t invite Kim to transfer to the 41st, he’s so sad he breaks his “one cigarette rule” as they drive away.
However @charaname pointed out that it’s not that Kim is sad when Harry doesn’t invite him to the 41st-- he doesn’t expect to be invited. A rhetoric passive confirms this (”This truly came as a surprise to him. Not a bad one. But he’s at a loss.” Highlighted below)
This happens regardless of whether Harry chickens out and has Jean ask for him, or if Harry extends the invitation himself:
Regardless of who is asking Kim to join the 41st, he even considers refusing. He’s not sure if he’ll fit in at the Bloody Murder Precinct (as a gay man? As someone who’s non-white? as any other aspects of his character that disadvantage him in society? take your pick). He’s not sure if he’s crazy enough. He’s not sure if he can take the stress of working at the 41st.
If the thought of joining the 41st hadn’t even crossed his mind, how would he be sad that Harry doesn’t invite him? He’s miserable. Sleep-deprived, concussed, in pain. He’s likely overwhelmed by what a week this has been for him. He was going to have another cigarette anyway-- it’s the player’s action that changes this, not their inaction. If anything, the invitation delays Kim’s intention to have another cigarette.
Without the player inviting Kim, the thought of transfering doesn’t even cross his mind. How is he supposed to be sad about not being invited if he didn’t think about it in the first place?
