Mains collantes et un estomac plein.
Serrure navigated the winding Paris streets with ease, running through thick hoards of tourists and narrowly avoiding streetcars as he went. It was a game, more than anything. One of the only sources of entertainment for a boy such as himself. He knew this city like the back of his hand, the alleyways and cobbled roadways serving as a massive makeshift playground. But it surely had its dangers. Dangers which the boy knew well and had come face to face with several times before. The mischievous streak in him made each risk far more fun to stare down than they should have been.
On this day, he found himself at the famous Place de la Concorde. This hotspot was always simply crawling with people, mostly out of towners there to snap a few photos and take in the sights. Sat up on the edge of the monstrous fountain, Serrure observed all passersby which always proved to be entertaining. But he wasn't exactly simply people watching. No, his vigilant eyes were in a never ending search for the perfect target.
Having gone over a week without a proper meal, the hunger was starting to get the better of him. So whatever he managed to lift today would not be for simple sport, but more for survival.
After an hour or two of observation, he found what he was looking for. Hopping down from the fountain's stone edging, he bolted through the crowd. Jumping over baby strollers, ducking between legs and dodging those who absentmindedly walked their paths without looking. His shoulder slammed into a large, dark haired American man. The hit sent both the boy and the man's belongings tumbling down to the ground.
Serrure immediately scrambled to his feet, picking up the fallen items and giving the man an apologetic look. "My apologies, mister," he said with a bow of his head in surprisingly perfect English. As angry as the man wished he could be, at the sight of the dirty and worn boy before him, he sighed and offered a small smile as he collected his things from Serrure's hands. "Don't worry about it, son."
The boy smiled brightly, nodded with enthusiasm and then without another word, took off in the direction he had previously been heading before the man could ask any pesky questions about his parents' whereabouts or if he'd eaten or needed shelter.
A few more unfortunate tourists were bumped into as Serrure hurriedly made his way out of the plaza and towards the downtown area of the French city. He eventually found himself at a charming indoor/outdoor bistro just a few blocks away and plopped down at a table under the terrace to catch his breath. A waitress promptly made her way over to shoo the boy but he spoke up first. "La soupe du jour, s'il vous plaît. Faites-en grand avec gressins supplémentaires et de l'eau pétillante, aussi!" he ordered his meal with a grin on his face. She paused only a moment before giving him a nod and hesitant smile, retreating back into the restaurant to deliver the order to the chef.
Serrure grinned and dug into his pockets pulling out three fat wallets and a woman's coin purse. He discarded the credit cards and personal information before rolling up the wads of cash and setting the empty wallets down. Two of which were made of fine leather. He could surely make a trade with a local vendor in exchange for enough money for a few more meals, though what he had now would suffice to get him through the next couple weeks. Plus, some new clothes and shoes which were desperately needed.
"Je vous remercie," he said as his food was placed in front of him. Immediately digging in, he knew his next stop would be anyplace where he could take a bath. As that was sorely needed as well.