Work Text:
The C-wing area was practically empty, other than you and Jean. He was hunched over some paperwork that seemed to be never ending. You had become restless, placing your pen on your desk, no longer finding the will to keep writing.
Electro-chemistry: You know what would help with your boredom? A little speed. With that you could fly through all of your paperwork and maybe even Jean's!
You shake your head in an effort to dismiss the thought. You had continued to stay sober since returning from Martinaise and you really wanted to keep it that way. However, that way of thinking was not enough to keep away the longing.
Electro-chemistry: Just a small hit, Harry-boy! Then you won't be longing anymore!
You let your eyes wander around the room, looking for something to focus on other than the craving. You wished that there were more people here that way you might be able to strike up some kind of conversation. Your eyes settle on Jean, since writing. As you watched him write your eyes focused on his watch.
Perception (Sight): It wasn't anything out of the ordinary with its simple black strap. The curiosity lied rather in the face. A hairline crack ran almost the whole length of the glass. It would seem to be more of a blemish rather than a real inconvenience since the numbers are still legible.
"Your watch is cracked." You pointed out, as if the other man might have missed it. Jean looked up from the paperwork he had been plucking away at as he narrowed his eyes slightly at you.
"Wow! Thank goodness for your fucking detective work or I might have missed that. Thank you, Harry." His voice was thick with sarcasm as he continued to look at you through narrowed eyes.
"Why don't you replace it? If it's cracked." You were unphased by the look you were getting, mind too focused on the watch. Your eyes flickered to the cracked glass before returning to Jean. Reaction Speed: Though it was almost missed due to the glance back at the watch, there was a flicker of emotion that passed through Jean.
Empathy: He seems bothered that you are questioning it. Perhaps the watch has some sort of sentimental value to him?
The emotion passed and his earlier annoyed look returned. "What? On this shitty salary?" He scoffed before continuing. "It's still usable so what's the point of wasting money?"
Drama: He's deflecting, sire. This is not the real reason that he still wears it.
You frowned as you glanced at the watch again. "Where'd you get it from?"
Empathy: The emotion passed through his face once more and this time you can place it. Hurt. He is hurt that you are asking this.
"No one! It's just a stupid fucking watch that I like wearing. That's it! Not everything is something you can turn into a mind project, Harry!"
Logic: He is correct about that. There is no need to make this into a mind project when you already have the answer laid out in front of you.
Empathy: If you push him too far, he is going to shut you out. Though your relationship seems to be getting better, there is still a fine line when it comes with his patients regarding you.
"Did I give it to you?" There was a moment of silence before Jean seemed to deflate in front of you. He placed his pen down on the desk as he sighed.
"Fine, yes. You gave me this watch. It was a gift to celebrate our first year as partners." He looked down at the watch, fingers going to fiddle with the strap.
Encyclopedia: You suddenly remembered going and picking out the watch. You had been looking for something practical over flashy, thinking that Jean would appreciate that more. You knew which one you wanted to buy a week before you actually did. You had pondered if you should get the back engraved or not. You couldn't decide what to say in the small amount of space provided.
Encyclopedia: You did get it engraved in the end. You decided to keep it simple with the date that you became partners. He had been surprised when you gave him the box and was touched by the gesture though he felt a little guilty that he hadn't thought of giving something to you. He's worn that watch every day since then.
You stare at the glass as Jean runs his thumb over it. How long ago did it break?
Half Light: You broke it. You showed up late at his apartment one night drunk and high like you always did. Jean had already had a shitty day at work and you got into a heated argument. You shoved him and he fell, catching the watch on the edge of his coffee table. He was angry for a long time afterwards even though he kept wearing it.
Empathy: He kept wearing it because it reminds him of who you once were. A time when you were not just partners, but friends. When he felt like he could rely on you to have his back. He misses that.
"I'm sorry." You blurt out suddenly. He startles slightly, as if he had forgotten you were there.
"What?"
"I'm sorry. About the watch. Breaking it." You gesture lamely towards it.
He shrugged, going to pick up his pen. "I got used to the things you did, Shitkid." His tone was dismissive.
"I could...I could see if I could get the glass replaced. Or maybe I could get you a new w-"
"Harry." You paused your rambling to allow him to speak. "Just leave it."
"But I'm sorry…"
Jean sighed before he pointed his pen at you. "Don't fucking tell me that. I have heard you say those words too many times. If you really are sorry, show me."
Suggestion: By buying him a new watch?
Espirit de Corps: By doing his paperwork?
Volition: By staying sober.
"Okay." You nodded your head as you reached for your own pen. "Can do."
Jean studied you for a moment before he nodded back, letting the room go back to silence.