#and stubornly call it 'learning lessons'

[currently-evil]

Since we all make headcanons about Neil and driving, my headcanon is that thanks to Mary's lessons and the fact that they lived not only in the USA but also all over Europe, Neil is able to drive both automatic and manual cars perfectly.

Opposed to Andrew who has no idea how to use manual gear shift and absolutely refuses to admit that weakness to anybody.

Just imagine sometimes in the future, when Maserati will break down, Neil buys Andrew a real Italian sports car. Beautiful sleek beast, that purrs like a cat, and moves like a dream.

But its manual.

Just imagine Andrew sitting inside it for the first time, physically itching to let that beast free.

And at the same time burning with frustration about absolutely being unable to do that.

His hands tightening on the steering wheel, his irritation breaking through his mask of apathy.

And poor Neil sitting next to him, knowing Andrew enough to realize something is wrong, but having no idea what. Freaking out, has he done something wrong? Maybe this surprise was a bad idea, maybe he shouldn't take away Andrew's right to choose his new car, maybe this was just him forcing the car on Andrew... maybe... maybe..

Imagine the mental strength Andrew has to wrangle not to return to his old habits of isolation and to fight his instinct to never reveal anybody any kind of weakness. He does it through gritted teeth but he admits what's going on, because he absolutely doesn't want Neil to believe he did something wrong.

And them small scoff of amusement mixed with disbelief from Neil when he hear the explanation and soft and amused but honest and delicately excited:

"I could teach you, if you want"

Them both spending evening on empty parking lots to learn. Their hands interlocked on gear stick, and Neil's soft voice in Andrew's ear giving him instructions, patient corrections.

Andrew is a quick learner, especially when it comes to cars. But... he might pretend to need a few more lessons.