[Will's quiet, watching Jaime with all the attentiveness usually reserved for students desperately trying to be top of the class. And that "you caught me" vibe vanishes the more Jaime speaks, replaced by all-too-real smile. Tension is gone; in its place is relief and another reminder of a realization he had long ago.
So maybe the kid isn't great with wordplay or banter. So fucking what. He's observant, and quick with his observations, and better yet, he's gentle with bringing them to light. Like being awoken by softly tinkling wind chimes instead of having cymbals clashed right next to an already sensitive ear. He wonders who else sees this side of Jaime. Who picks up on it. And, always, hopes no one who'd use it to their advantage gets a look at him. The real him. Jaime's is a rare type of goodness that needs to be present and encouraged, not warped or slaughtered. He's quiet after, that dumb smile on his face, and then finally:]
Whatever your job is paying you isn't enough. [Praise delivered with Utmost Fondness. Perhaps it seems abrupt, a bizarre change of topic to get away from Will himself, but the confidence behind his words is as genuine and steady as marble steps.] I will keep it in mind and do that from now on. It was never my intention to disrespect you—but you realize this is one of those it's not you it's me issues, don't you.
[Not a question. A valid point. A good point. Evidence Jaime is likely the smartest mechanic in that garage.]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2016-06-30 08:25 pm (UTC)So maybe the kid isn't great with wordplay or banter. So fucking what. He's observant, and quick with his observations, and better yet, he's gentle with bringing them to light. Like being awoken by softly tinkling wind chimes instead of having cymbals clashed right next to an already sensitive ear. He wonders who else sees this side of Jaime. Who picks up on it. And, always, hopes no one who'd use it to their advantage gets a look at him. The real him. Jaime's is a rare type of goodness that needs to be present and encouraged, not warped or slaughtered. He's quiet after, that dumb smile on his face, and then finally:]
Whatever your job is paying you isn't enough. [Praise delivered with Utmost Fondness. Perhaps it seems abrupt, a bizarre change of topic to get away from Will himself, but the confidence behind his words is as genuine and steady as marble steps.] I will keep it in mind and do that from now on. It was never my intention to disrespect you—but you realize this is one of those it's not you it's me issues, don't you.
[Not a question. A valid point. A good point. Evidence Jaime is likely the smartest mechanic in that garage.]