#took some creative liberties bc jimmy wasn't really self-depreciating during today's stream but he definitely has been in the past

[inaris-mage-of-storms]

When he stepped out back for a break, Tango looked up the definition of 'muscle memory' on his phone.

The ability to reproduce a particular movement without conscious thought, acquired as a result of frequent repetition of that movement.

Frequent repetition. Yeah, that was what he thought. Tango sighed, leaning his head against the brick wall and staring up at the sky. Jimmy had mentioned a brief stint in restaurants previously, and it didn't take long for his muscle memory of kitchen tasks to kick in, but there were other habits that came just a little too easily for Tango's liking.

The way he grinned expectantly after teasing or goading them, and looked confused when they didn't insult him back. How easily 'sorry' fell from his lips over and over for the smallest mistake, even for mistakes that weren't his. The way he laughed after getting flustered and fumbling something was adorable, but the oh my gosh, I'm so stupid! that followed was less so. The way he said I'm an idiot with such levity, said it like it was an immutable fact, didn't sit well with Tango.

All habits that came to him easily, like muscle memory. Like the result of something that had happened over and over and over.

It wasn't the first time he had noticed these little habits, but they stood out more now that there wasn't anyone around who was actively teasing him. Before, it had seemed like an act, a call-and-response game Jimmy played with his oldest friends. Now, seeing the response without the call, it just seemed...

When Skizz said you were great, Jimmy! You absolutely crushed it! after a particularly hectic shift, Jimmy's eyes widened with genuine surprise before a grin spread across his face.

"Really?" he asked, a little hesitance in his voice, like he fully expected Skizz to take it back and tell him no, he was awful.

"Really!" said Skizz, but exchanged a glance with Tango. The compliments came thick and fast after that, from both of them, and Tango loved the way Jimmy absolutely thrived under them. He would do anything to protect that smile, and he knew Skizz would do the same.

"Hey. Jimmy."

Jimmy turned to look at Tango while Skizz locked up the building. "Yeah?"

Tango smiled. "You're amazing."

He could see Jimmy's ears flush even under the dim streetlight. "I am, aren't I?" he said happily.

To anyone else the comment might have come across a little cocky, a little overconfident. But Tango heard the hesitance behind it, the uncertain hope of someone finally beginning to realize their worth.

Skizz laughed. "Look at this guy and his well-deserved confidence!" he teased, ruffling Jimmy's hair. He and Tango exhanged another look, this time one of victory rather than concern. "But yeah, you are, and don't you forget it!"

Jimmy beamed. It didn't matter how their shifts in the restaurant went anymore, thought Tango. Angry customers, burned food, broken dishes; he'd get over all of it, as long as Jimmy was smiling like that at the end of the day.

}{ Part Two }{