p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Lunch time came faster than Roy had anticipated. His standard school routine often dragged with how predictable it had become, but now he had new things on his mind to keep him occupied. His morning had been spent mulling over what he'd found out about his tutor thus far and he had to admit - even if only to himself - that his initial perception of Jason couldn't have been further from the truth. The intricacies of Jason's character were largely still unknown to him, but there was a mysterious air about him, a puzzle to be solved. If nothing else, trying to figure out who exactly Jason Todd was would keep him entertained far more than anything else at the school so far./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"There was a small part of Roy that wanted to apologize for how abrupt and ill-mannered he'd been with the other boy. But, he was far too proud to let Jason know that he regretted the way their first encounter had gone. Roy conceded that he'd had good reasons for thinking that Jason would be a certain way, and that anyone else in his position would have been equally cautious. Just because he'd been wrong, that didn't mean he had to apologize for his preconceived notions, he was sure Jason had also expected things of him, too. Certain perceptions were inevitable, and common place among the study body. An establishment as high society as the academy came with certain expectations of all those who attended./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"So, lunch time found them sitting opposite each other at a small table in the far corner, papers spread before them as they came up with a plan. Jason took the lead, pawing over their respective schedules and highlighting the free time they shared. Roy just munched away on his food and nodded when appropriate, throwing in off-hand comments every now and then. Ultimately, he had very few prior obligations, and as long as whatever Jason proposed didn't conflict with his Friday or Saturday night plans, then he was willing to agree to anything./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"There was a slight furrow that appeared between Jason's brows as he concentrated. Roy found himself grinning despite himself, the expression looked so serious, as though the subject of their tutoring schedule was of dire importance, and demanded Jason's undivided attention. Roy pondered briefly if that was just the kind of person that Jason was, who threw himself whole-heartedly into a project. Then he wondered why he even cared enough to ponder it. Though the expression amused Roy greatly, he also found it rather endearing, which was odd. Roy generally preferred to distance himself from his school peers, and it wasn't that he considered himself above them - rather the opposite - he simply assumed that they'd see him as beneath them, and he'd rather not set himself up for that inevitable judgment and rejection. He'd perfected the art of appearing aloof. It was less complicated. If you had low expectations, you were less likely to be let down. With that in mind, Roy didn't dwell much on thoughts of any of the other students, if he could help it. So the realization that he rather liked that look on Jason's face was rather startling. To him, it showed character./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Just as Roy was having these thoughts and speculations, Jason looked up and caught him staring./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What?" He asked, almost affronted./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Nothin'," Roy replied dismissively, shrugging slightly, "Your head does this crease thing when you're thinking, s'all."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Okay..." Jason began, confused by the admittance. "What about it?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Nothin'," Roy insisted again, with another shrug, "I like it."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Jason raised a brow at that, and though Roy realized that it was an odd and perhaps a forward thing to say, he was unapologetic about it. He wasn't entirely sure why he liked that little furrow, but he reasoned it probably had something to do with the fact that Jason had looked so captivated, like what he was working on was important, was something he needed to get done right. Roy admired that kind of dedication, the idea that something that was perfectly mundane could be important to someone, important enough that they'd give it their undivided attention. So many people in this place had things handed to them, knew exactly where they were going to end up in life, and knew that they'd get there without struggle. Jason didn't seem like the others. He seemed genuinely interested in the work he did. Based on what Mr Wilson had said, Jason was an advanced student, intelligent and diligent. Jason himself had mentioned college applications. He seemed to have a steady head on his shoulders, and Roy found he both envied and admired that./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Whatever Jason was thinking, he didn't voice it. He handed Roy a few sheets of paper, indicating when they should meet. Times and places were circled and colour-coded, each subject having its own highlighter. Roy hadn't been expecting something quite so thorough, but the plan was simplistic and considerate of Roy's free-time. Jason had afforded him the time he'd requested without argument. Roy was grateful, and felt a pang of guilt at leaving Jason to set this up alone. They still had a few minutes left of their lunch break and they spent it exchanging friendly conversation./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""So, how long have you been drumming?" Jason asked suddenly, offering a little smile that looked genuine, like he was really interested. Roy couldn't remember if anyone had ever been interested in his drumming, his band mates aside. He felt a pang in his chest./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Not long, about a year, I've always been interested, y'know? I went to this battle of the bands gig at a local club, and I don't know, guess I was inspired." Roy shrugged. "Bought myself a kit, taught myself to play, and a couple of months ago I went back to that bar, asked the guy who owned it if he knew any bands who needed a drummer." He explained, as if it wasn't a big deal, as if he wouldn't give anything to be able to drum for the rest of his life./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You're self-taught? That's pretty impressive, dude. I get that it can be hard to stay focused on something that doesn't interest you, and I know school can get really boring, really fast. But, if you could just put a little of that passion you have for drumming, into getting your grades up, it won't take us long. I promise." Jason smiled again, a little broader now. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He was impressed. Roy was clearly capable of applying a great deal of determination and perseverance, and though many people might have seen Roy's musical talent as a distraction, for Jason it was just proof that Roy was someone who was willing to work for what he wanted. It was simply a matter of getting Roy to want more for himself in his educational pursuits. All Jason needed to do was motivate him. He believed that the elder boy must care about his grades, it was just getting him to admit that and apply himself that was the issue, if he could do that, everything would fall into place. Roy had this air of arrogance to him, but years on the streets had honed Jason's senses when it came to reading people. He had the sneaking suspicion that Roy wore a front, that he acted like he didn't care because he thought it was easier. But, Jason really suspected that if Roy cared as little as he claimed, then he wouldn't have spent his entire lunch break watching Jason hash out intricate timetables./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Roy gave a small smile, ducking his head and rubbing absently at the back of his neck, as though uncomfortable with the praise. It was as if he didn't know to respond to it. For some reason as he watched Roy fidget, he was struck with the impression that Roy wasn't used to being complimented or encouraged. The thought made him a little sad. Maybe Roy's lack of motivation really just stemmed from a deprivation of encouragement?/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What about you?" Roy blurted after a few seconds of awkward silence, "You play any instruments?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Jason shrugged a little and shook his head slightly, "I dabbled in guitar a little bit, I learnt a few songs, it wasn't something that I ever really pursued far, I liked it, but it was always a way to pass time."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Jason wanted to say more, wanted to tell Roy how admirable his pursuit of drumming was, regardless of what anyone else said. He wanted to tell Roy that it took a strong person to go after what they wanted, and he shouldn't let anyone tell him otherwise. He wanted to press for information, try to confirm his suspicions. But it would be rude and invasive, and unlikely to endear him to Roy. It wasn't exactly an appropriate thing to come out with during their first real conversation. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Now that they were on equal footing, no false perceptions or defensive anger between them, they found they enjoyed each others company. It was what it was. If they were going to be working together for the perceivable future, it was nice to know that they'd be able to get along. It was unfortunate that they'd had no prior knowledge of each other. If they had been acquaintances - or at least known of each other - before being called to Mr Wilson's office, perhaps the tension wouldn't have been there at all. That thought gave Jason an idea./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Jason thrust his hand out, offering it to Roy in the space between them. "Let's start over," He suggested, "I'm Jason Todd, your tutor."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Roy smirked a little, couldn't help but find the whole ordeal a little funny. But Jason had this hopeful little grin on his face and Roy didn't have the heart to deny him. He appreciated the olive branch, regardless. He clasped his hand in Jason's and gave it a firm shake as he met Jason's eye. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Hi Jay, I'm Roy." He humored the younger boy, and thought it was more than worth it when Jason let out a little chuckle before relinquishing his grip./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The nickname came as a surprise. A lot of people called him Jay of course, why wouldn't they? It was a perfectly standard contraction of his name, and he welcomed it from anyone who used it. But, it just sounded a little familiar, considering that he and Roy didn't really know one another, couldn't yet call each other friends. Though he was surprised to hear it, it was a pleasant surprise, definitely a step in the right direction./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Things were looking up./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"There was a small part of Roy that wanted to apologize for how abrupt and ill-mannered he'd been with the other boy. But, he was far too proud to let Jason know that he regretted the way their first encounter had gone. Roy conceded that he'd had good reasons for thinking that Jason would be a certain way, and that anyone else in his position would have been equally cautious. Just because he'd been wrong, that didn't mean he had to apologize for his preconceived notions, he was sure Jason had also expected things of him, too. Certain perceptions were inevitable, and common place among the study body. An establishment as high society as the academy came with certain expectations of all those who attended./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"So, lunch time found them sitting opposite each other at a small table in the far corner, papers spread before them as they came up with a plan. Jason took the lead, pawing over their respective schedules and highlighting the free time they shared. Roy just munched away on his food and nodded when appropriate, throwing in off-hand comments every now and then. Ultimately, he had very few prior obligations, and as long as whatever Jason proposed didn't conflict with his Friday or Saturday night plans, then he was willing to agree to anything./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"There was a slight furrow that appeared between Jason's brows as he concentrated. Roy found himself grinning despite himself, the expression looked so serious, as though the subject of their tutoring schedule was of dire importance, and demanded Jason's undivided attention. Roy pondered briefly if that was just the kind of person that Jason was, who threw himself whole-heartedly into a project. Then he wondered why he even cared enough to ponder it. Though the expression amused Roy greatly, he also found it rather endearing, which was odd. Roy generally preferred to distance himself from his school peers, and it wasn't that he considered himself above them - rather the opposite - he simply assumed that they'd see him as beneath them, and he'd rather not set himself up for that inevitable judgment and rejection. He'd perfected the art of appearing aloof. It was less complicated. If you had low expectations, you were less likely to be let down. With that in mind, Roy didn't dwell much on thoughts of any of the other students, if he could help it. So the realization that he rather liked that look on Jason's face was rather startling. To him, it showed character./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Just as Roy was having these thoughts and speculations, Jason looked up and caught him staring./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What?" He asked, almost affronted./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Nothin'," Roy replied dismissively, shrugging slightly, "Your head does this crease thing when you're thinking, s'all."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Okay..." Jason began, confused by the admittance. "What about it?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Nothin'," Roy insisted again, with another shrug, "I like it."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Jason raised a brow at that, and though Roy realized that it was an odd and perhaps a forward thing to say, he was unapologetic about it. He wasn't entirely sure why he liked that little furrow, but he reasoned it probably had something to do with the fact that Jason had looked so captivated, like what he was working on was important, was something he needed to get done right. Roy admired that kind of dedication, the idea that something that was perfectly mundane could be important to someone, important enough that they'd give it their undivided attention. So many people in this place had things handed to them, knew exactly where they were going to end up in life, and knew that they'd get there without struggle. Jason didn't seem like the others. He seemed genuinely interested in the work he did. Based on what Mr Wilson had said, Jason was an advanced student, intelligent and diligent. Jason himself had mentioned college applications. He seemed to have a steady head on his shoulders, and Roy found he both envied and admired that./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Whatever Jason was thinking, he didn't voice it. He handed Roy a few sheets of paper, indicating when they should meet. Times and places were circled and colour-coded, each subject having its own highlighter. Roy hadn't been expecting something quite so thorough, but the plan was simplistic and considerate of Roy's free-time. Jason had afforded him the time he'd requested without argument. Roy was grateful, and felt a pang of guilt at leaving Jason to set this up alone. They still had a few minutes left of their lunch break and they spent it exchanging friendly conversation./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""So, how long have you been drumming?" Jason asked suddenly, offering a little smile that looked genuine, like he was really interested. Roy couldn't remember if anyone had ever been interested in his drumming, his band mates aside. He felt a pang in his chest./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Not long, about a year, I've always been interested, y'know? I went to this battle of the bands gig at a local club, and I don't know, guess I was inspired." Roy shrugged. "Bought myself a kit, taught myself to play, and a couple of months ago I went back to that bar, asked the guy who owned it if he knew any bands who needed a drummer." He explained, as if it wasn't a big deal, as if he wouldn't give anything to be able to drum for the rest of his life./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You're self-taught? That's pretty impressive, dude. I get that it can be hard to stay focused on something that doesn't interest you, and I know school can get really boring, really fast. But, if you could just put a little of that passion you have for drumming, into getting your grades up, it won't take us long. I promise." Jason smiled again, a little broader now. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He was impressed. Roy was clearly capable of applying a great deal of determination and perseverance, and though many people might have seen Roy's musical talent as a distraction, for Jason it was just proof that Roy was someone who was willing to work for what he wanted. It was simply a matter of getting Roy to want more for himself in his educational pursuits. All Jason needed to do was motivate him. He believed that the elder boy must care about his grades, it was just getting him to admit that and apply himself that was the issue, if he could do that, everything would fall into place. Roy had this air of arrogance to him, but years on the streets had honed Jason's senses when it came to reading people. He had the sneaking suspicion that Roy wore a front, that he acted like he didn't care because he thought it was easier. But, Jason really suspected that if Roy cared as little as he claimed, then he wouldn't have spent his entire lunch break watching Jason hash out intricate timetables./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Roy gave a small smile, ducking his head and rubbing absently at the back of his neck, as though uncomfortable with the praise. It was as if he didn't know to respond to it. For some reason as he watched Roy fidget, he was struck with the impression that Roy wasn't used to being complimented or encouraged. The thought made him a little sad. Maybe Roy's lack of motivation really just stemmed from a deprivation of encouragement?/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What about you?" Roy blurted after a few seconds of awkward silence, "You play any instruments?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Jason shrugged a little and shook his head slightly, "I dabbled in guitar a little bit, I learnt a few songs, it wasn't something that I ever really pursued far, I liked it, but it was always a way to pass time."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Jason wanted to say more, wanted to tell Roy how admirable his pursuit of drumming was, regardless of what anyone else said. He wanted to tell Roy that it took a strong person to go after what they wanted, and he shouldn't let anyone tell him otherwise. He wanted to press for information, try to confirm his suspicions. But it would be rude and invasive, and unlikely to endear him to Roy. It wasn't exactly an appropriate thing to come out with during their first real conversation. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Now that they were on equal footing, no false perceptions or defensive anger between them, they found they enjoyed each others company. It was what it was. If they were going to be working together for the perceivable future, it was nice to know that they'd be able to get along. It was unfortunate that they'd had no prior knowledge of each other. If they had been acquaintances - or at least known of each other - before being called to Mr Wilson's office, perhaps the tension wouldn't have been there at all. That thought gave Jason an idea./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Jason thrust his hand out, offering it to Roy in the space between them. "Let's start over," He suggested, "I'm Jason Todd, your tutor."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Roy smirked a little, couldn't help but find the whole ordeal a little funny. But Jason had this hopeful little grin on his face and Roy didn't have the heart to deny him. He appreciated the olive branch, regardless. He clasped his hand in Jason's and gave it a firm shake as he met Jason's eye. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Hi Jay, I'm Roy." He humored the younger boy, and thought it was more than worth it when Jason let out a little chuckle before relinquishing his grip./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The nickname came as a surprise. A lot of people called him Jay of course, why wouldn't they? It was a perfectly standard contraction of his name, and he welcomed it from anyone who used it. But, it just sounded a little familiar, considering that he and Roy didn't really know one another, couldn't yet call each other friends. Though he was surprised to hear it, it was a pleasant surprise, definitely a step in the right direction./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Things were looking up./p