Chapter Text
The restaurant across the street was almost empty. Jimmy watched the family inside. The kids were playing at the counter. The mom, Linda, seemed more content talking and joking with everyone then cleaning. The dad, Bob, peeked his head out from the kitchen. He barked at them. Telling them to get back to work. The family all laid into him, throwing napkins, and hurling insults. He laughed it off retreating into the kitchen.
How do ya’ stay open when you never have any customers? You guys scare off anyone who comes into your place, bunch of weirdos.
Jimmy turned his focus back to his own restaurant. It was still noisy with the chatter of the last of the lunch crowd. He collected glasses around the bar. Trev was wiping down the other end.
His own kids were hanging around too. Jimmy Jr was busing tables for his after school shift. He had his headphones on. Oblivious to the world around him, he danced between tables and sashayed to the kitchen.
Jimmy sighed, Why couldn't that kid be normal?
Speaking of normal, the twins were sitting at the counter together. They swung their legs in unison while they bent their heads over their homework. One would call out a question, then the other would answer something and they'd both scribble it down.
Jimmy leaned over to check their work. He'd never been very quick at math, but the messy handwriting, and unintelligible notes around the problems seemed ridiculously complex for third graders.
He raised an eyebrow at them. “You figuring this out okay?” He didn't direct the question to one or the other. They always answered together regardless.
“Yep!”
“Yes!”
“Andy's really good at times tables.”
“So is Ollie!”
“Aw, thanks, Andy.”
They gave each other a quick hug, then bent their heads back over their work again.
“Seventy-two times six hundred!”
“Forty-three thousand, and two hundred!”
Jimmy didn't know if that was correct. The twins were weird. Maybe because they were twins. Andy and Ollie always did everything together, almost in unison. Sometimes he wondered if it was because of the divorce. They'd only been five when their mom left. He couldn't remember if they'd been so in sync before.
At least they were doing their homework; not bothering the customers. Definitely preferable to when they turned the counter into their art studio. The scraps of paper and glue stuck to the counter with a vengeance. The glitter was a nightmare. Jimmy cringed at the memory of the last craft project they'd done.
Trev wiped around the twins’ spread out books and papers. He talked to the kids, nodding at their rushed replies. Then he filled a cup with juice from behind the bar. He gave it to the twins to share before returning to his tasks.
Jimmy smiled to himself watching as the twins kept passing the cup back and forth between them.
He spoils them.
Jimmy appreciated the time Trev took to say hi to the kids, or help them, or give them a snack. It nagged at Jimmy though that his bartender was the one doing that. They were his kids. He didn't want Trev feeling like they were to much of a burden.
Jimmy tried not to take his frustration out on Trev about it. The guy couldn't understand why it hurt Jimmy to see him with his kids. The shame he felt about being a shitty father. Trev just wanted to help him.
Jimmy didn't know a lot about autism. He couldn't understand the way Trev's brain worked so differently from his own. He tried to help though. Giving Trev breaks when he was overstimulated, if just turning down the music wasn't enough.
Jimmy didn't like being noticed for it. He was just kinda doing the bare minimum he thought. He was just trying to make Trev feel okay at work.
He didn't want people treating Trev differently either. It was Trev's business, and he didn't like talking about it much. So Jimmy tried not to draw attention to it.
In their own way, Andy and Ollie were arguing. Each tried to get the other to take the last sip. Eventually they knocked over the glass in their argument, spilling juice over the freshly wiped bar.
Jimmy tensed, he started to walk over, to tell them off for making a mess. But Trev turned to them immediately.
“It's alright, here just wipe it up.” He smiled reassuringly and handed them two rags. He helped them pick up their homework.
Jimmy huffed, again Trev was being inconvenienced. He had a job to do. They had to prep for dinner. At least the twins cleaned up quickly.
They try to be helpful.
There was a crash from the opposite side of the dining room. Followed by a swear and the hurried sounds of crunching glass. Jimmy stepped around the bar and strode over.
“Damn it Jimmy Jr! Can't you pay attention?” He huffed looking down at the mess.
“I was trying to.” Jimmy Jr started gathering the broken dishes into his bus tub.
Jimmy crouched down beside him. “This is the third time you've dropped my plates this month.”
“I’m sorry.” Jimmy Jr snapped. He grabbed a shard of glass from under a chair. Frowning at it before dropping it in the tub.
“You need to focus on your job.” Jimmy indicated his son's headphones.
He grabbed a plate that had split in half. “You're gonna run this place some day. You need to take your responsibility seriously.” He waved the glass for emphasis before dropping it in the tub.
Jimmy Jr muttered something under his breath looking away.
“What?” Jimmy was frustrated by his son's attitude. His lack of enthusiasm with his job. And the way he seemed so intent on his dancing, all the time. It was stupid and embarrassing. He needed to get over it.
Jimmy Jr huffed, “I've told you I don't want that, Dad.”
“What, you don't want to run a successful business?” Jimmy narrowed his eyes.
What was this kid's problem?
“I don't want this dad. All this stuff.” He waved his arms around in frustration.
“It's not me. Don't you get that?” He stared at Jimmy, his eyes pleading for an ounce of understanding.
Not you, what does that mean?
This place I've worked my ass off to build. To leave something behind..
This isn't enough for you?!
Jimmy didn't say anything. He just took a few breaths. He didn't like losing his temper around his kids, especially in the restaurant.
He stood up, taking the tub with him. “Just get a broom.”
Jimmy Jr pulled his headphones back on and stalked off to the supply closet. Jimmy dropped the bus tub roughly by the sink. He dragged his hands down his face. Taking a second to feel the pressure, centering himself. He washed his hands, splashing some water on his face. He walked back out to the bar calmer.
Trev watched him curiously. Trying to see if he should interfere, maybe offer some help. Jimmy felt his eyes on him and shot him a glare. Trev looked away. He focused on wiping at the same old stain again. Jimmy wiped the frown off his face, putting on a friendly customer service smile.
Trev gripped the rag in his hands. He twisted it, wringing it thoroughly to focus his nervous energy. It wasn't a bad fight, not even really an argument. Still it made Trev feel restless, like he needed to shrink away or hide. He took a deep breath, counting to three before letting it out.
He kept his eyes down, working around Jimmy. He didn't try to look him in the eye again. His boss was a stubborn guy. He knew that first hand with his long standing feud with the burger place across the street.
Trev thought the burger guy was alright. Pretty high strung, not very business savvy, but a good guy. Bob and Linda were even nice to him when Jimmy wasn't around. He liked talking to them.
They were weird but always so genuine. Unlike alot of people they were straightforward. It made it unbelievably easier for him. They didn't talk to him any different knowing he had autism.
At the bar Trev didn't tell people about it. They had a specific picture of autism in their heads and he didn't fit it. He was too old, too independent. They thought he was asking for too much, when he needed the music turned down or a break to sit in the dark of the supply closet.
They got weird about him bartending or drinking at the end of his shift.
“Should he be doing that?”
They'd ask Jimmy when Trev was in full earshot. Like he wasn't forty years old, like his Nero-divergence meant he couldn't make a margarita. Jimmy shrugged off the comments. Reassuring the customers.
“Yeah, I know.
“He's alright, he's got the high functioning kind.
“No, he's over twenty-one of course it's legal.”
He put on his customer service voice, but he would smirk and roll his eyes at Trev. Trev would smile smugly back. It made him feel good, to have someone have his back for once. Jimmy tried to help at least.
When the lights were getting to him Jimmy let him to take a break in the supply closet to decompress. When he came back the lights were dimmed. He asked and Jimmy just winked and told him to serve the customers. Trev could just do his job.
Which was a lot better then his previous employment. Places where he had to keep it quiet. It's not like he would've been fired for it, not officially anyway. But previous bosses had encouraged him to find something other then bartending.
“It's about customer service, ya know?
“You just don't have the right tone with people.
“You're too stiff, loosen up a bit.
“Don't be so cold. Smile more.”
Trev didn't let them turn him away. Bartending was what he excelled at. He could make any drink from memory alone, and he could do it fast. Which is part of why Jimmy made sure to accommodate him.
“I need you at your best for happy hour.”
He'd joke when Trev protested he didn't have to have a break.
Trev appreciated the way Jimmy tried with his kids too. Being a single dad he had his kids most of the time. Jimmy didn't really understand their eccentricities but he loved them. Trev saw that in the way he tried to include them in what he liked. Mostly the restaurant, which they seemed fairly uninterested in. He kept trying to connect with them though.
He didn't know what the deal with their mom was. He knew they were divorced. It seemed to sore a subject to ask about. He noticed how they never talked about her.
Maybe every couple of months or so the kids would visit her. They looked excited to see her. But they usually came back disappointed. In the visit or in having to say goodbye so soon, Trev wasn’t sure.
Jimmy would stalk around the restaurant, or stand brooding behind the bar when they were gone. He wouldn't admit to it, but he missed them. Trev thought he must be concerned about them. Being with their mother, it's hard how much a parent can hurt you.
Trev wanted to help. He liked the kids. They were all a little weird like him. He saw them everyday after school and they were used to him. He thought they might even like him.
Andy and Ollie, he had trouble figuring out which was which, were always hanging out at the bar while their dad worked. Trev would check in with them. They'd talk excitedly to him about their day. They could almost speak in unison. Loud and happy, interrupting each other and losing their trains of thought.
The older one, Jimmy Jr, was a passionate kid. They'd talk about music, he wanted to dance professionally. Trev liked finding CDs to show him. Whatever had a good beat, something he could dance too, he loved.
Trev looked out for them when he could. Talking to them seemed to help, letting them know someone wanted to listen to them. Jimmy was always working, and their mom never called as far as he knew. Sometimes he overstepped, did to much. Jimmy would let him know, a bit harshly sometimes.
“They're not your problem. They're my kids.”
Trev just nodded and backed off. Whatever he wanted to say he kept to himself. He couldn't comment on Jimmy's parenting, he was just his employee.
I wish you'd let me help you.
Jimmy Jr swept up the broken dishes quickly and roughly. He stomped by the bar to the kitchen. Trev wanted to leave, check how he was doing. Maybe help him calm down. But he saw Jimmy's resigned frown and decided to stay at his post. Jimmy Jr walked out with his coat, his shift having just finished.
“I'm going to Zeke's.” He didn't look back at his dad.
“Fine, be back before dark or I'm driving over there.” Jimmy warned.
Jimmy Jr nodded quickly, hurrying out of the restaurant before his dad could ask about his homework. Jimmy frowned, and started prepping for the dinner crowd. Trev's gaze kept sliding back to him. Watching his stiff shoulders, his clenched jaw, the way he kept glancing at the door.
Trev got too busy with the evening rush to watch Jimmy. It's not like he wasn't fine, he just wanted to keep an eye on him. He seemed upset. Sure enough, Jimmy snapped at a customer for drinking out of a glass that wasn't theirs. Trev stepped in to handle the situation.
He put a hand on Jimmy's shoulder. “Hey, you should check in with the kitchen.”
He knew better then to tell Jimmy to take a break. He was still the boss. Jimmy looked at Trev’s hand and shut his mouth. He deflated walking away without another word.
Trev remade the drink, smoothing things over with the customers. He waited for Jimmy to come back. He got ahead on drink orders, fixing drinks to distract himself. After awhile, when Jimmy still wasn't back, Trev asked one of the servers to cover for him.
He checked the kitchen first. The cooks were joking around while the premade food stayed warm, ready to be ordered. The dishes were starting to pile up a bit. Jimmy wasn't there to tell them to get back to work. Trev didn't bother saying anything to the guys, he walked off to find Jimmy.
He wasn't in the restroom, the dining room, or the back alley. Finally Trev thought to check the supply closet. It was the place he went when he felt overstimulated. He found the darkness and the organized rows of toilet paper and cleaning supplies calming. He opened the door softly, the light was on inside.
Jimmy was leaning against a shelf with his eyes closed. He snapped them open when Trev came in.
“Oh, Trev.” He ran a hand through his hair and straightened up. He kept his eyes away from Trev's face. He turned around to rummage through the shelves.
“Jimmy?” Trev stood in the doorway, not sure what to do.
“I just needed to find a..uh..” Jimmy tapped his hands against the shelves nervously until he latched on to something. He turned around gripping, “A plunger. Yeah there's uh a clog.”
Trev could just nod. “Uh-huh.” He noticed how red Jimmy's eyes were.
“Are you okay?” That felt bold to ask his boss.
Jimmy put on a smile. “I just gotta unclog…a thing.” He waved the plunger for emphasis.
“Just had to find a plunger, okay?”
Trev didn't point out there were multiple plungers in all the bathrooms. They were often necessary after eating the food they served. He just wrung his hands and nodded looking at the floor.
Jimmy relaxed a little. “I uh..before with that customer did you handle it?”
Trev nodded. “Yep, I uh, comped their orders.” He looked a bit nervous.
Was that the right thing to do?
“Yes, that's good. Uh...” Jimmy sighed, lowering his plunger.
“I don't mind, whatever I can help with.” Trev looked up at him again earnestly.
Jimmy gave him a small smile. “Has it been long? I probably should get back out there.”
“It's alright, I got ahead a bit. I can go back out and cover for you.” Trev shook out his clenched hands. He wanted to help Jimmy, give him time, like he'd done for him.
“If you need a minute, or if you wanna talk...” He trailed off, feeling like he'd over stepped.
Jimmy tensed. “That's not your job. You're my bartender.”
He paused. “But uh, thanks.”
Trev felt like he needed to say more. “I’m here for you as a friend.”
Jimmy sighed, he put the plunger back and stepped around Trev to close the door. He swallowed. He didn't have that many friends. It was hard to figure out where he stood with people.
Was that the wrong thing to say?
The closet blocked out most of the noise from the restaurant. Jimmy put a hand on Trev's shoulder. They were standing close together in the confined space.
Jimmy was looking at him intently. Trev tried to look him in the eye. He tried not to shy away from the contact. It was too light, he needed more pressure. He regretted everything.
Fuck, I was wrong. I'm so stupid, we're not friends. He's my boss. He's going to tell me to back off..
"Thanks." Jimmy spoke softly. “Trev, that means a lot, ya’ know?
“It's been a lot since.. well the kids..and the restaurants been busy. Which is good, don't get me wrong, it's just..” Jimmy seemed so tired.
“.. a lot?” Trev swallowed, still unsure of himself.
“You get it.” Jimmy smiled, relieved. He leaned his weight on Trev for a minute. It was more comfortable that way for Trev. He relaxed too. Studying Jimmy's face up close, he could see the dark bags, the tired creases. He wanted to stay like that, close to him.
Jimmy continued. “And you, you've been such a help. Done me a lot of favors that's for sure. And I've seen you with the kids…”
Trev tensed. Looking at Jimmy uneasy.
Had he crossed a line?
“I get kinda sensitive about it. Since I can't be there all the time. But you've been great with them.” Jimmy was smiling at him with such intensity.
Trev swallowed, nodding again.
Jimmy continued. “It's not your job-” He paused. Trev opened his mouth to protest. He liked helping. But Jimmy silenced him with a look.
He repeated himself, continuing. “ It's not your job, but thank you.”
Jimmy's hand on his shoulder, his intent gaze, and the physical closeness made him a bit uncomfortable. His face felt hot, his palms were sweaty. Words were flitting out of his grasp. He felt dumb, but he nodded again.
“I wanna be your friend too, ya know? So ask me for anything, okay?” Jimmy bit his lip anxiously, seeming uncomfortable with his vulnerability.
He's really nice looking right now.
That thought made him feel even warmer. Trev focused back on Jimmy’s words. He was waiting for an answer. Trev took a breath to collect his thoughts. Figure out what to say, what to do with the emotions boiling up inside his stomach.
He managed to stutter out an answer. “Yeah, I will. Thank you.”
Jimmy held Trev's gaze, his eyes flicked down briefly. He looked like he wanted to ask something else. Then the door opened. Jimmy took a quick step back, dropping his hand from Trev's shoulder. Trev looked up at the bus boy, Mike, who was standing there looking shocked.
“Uh…I just need some.. I'll come back later.” Mike stammered, backing away from the scene he'd walked in on. His face was red as he walked away hurriedly.
With a regretful look at Trev, Jimmy followed after Mike. He seemed frantic as he called after him.
“No, it's fine I was just.. helping Trev..we were…” Their words trailed off as they turned a corner.
Trev felt confused. He went back to the bar. He wiped his hands on his apron nervously. He was seriously behind. The server, Jamie, wasn't experienced with bartending at all. He had to focus on catching up, getting all the drinks mixed and served. When he finally looked up again he saw Jimmy wasn't coming back to the bar.
He was running food to tables. He wanted to ask him if something was wrong. But Jimmy wasn't looking his way and he couldn't leave the bar.
He saw Mike walking to the kitchen. Trev tried to wave at him. Maybe ask him what's up. When he saw Trev he blushed and avoided eye contact. Hurrying into the back.
Trev tried to shake off the bad feeling he had. That something was wrong. He knew something about Mike seeing them in the closet upset Jimmy. He just wanted to figure out what and how to make it better. He'd have to wait, and hope Jimmy would tell him later.