Broken Pipes (BATIM STORY) Wally x Thomas

Meetin' An' Greetin'!

==~~==~~==~~
  The studio is a fairly busy but quiet place. The lights that were installed in the roof a few months back make the whole dang thing look sepiatoned, as if we're in some sorta cartoon! But, you could always see if a spot was dirty. Whether it be an ink spill, dust, or otherwise- it would somehow contrast just enough to be visible. I'm good at cleaning up these spots, and getting it done quickly. That being said, I'm the only janitor they thought to hire. I could really use some off days..!
  Now, I'm being called up to Joey's office. Either I'm about to get a raise for all the cleaning I do- unlikely, but not impossible- or I'm outta here. My footsteps seem to echo too loudly today. And... is my sweater too tight? Are my pants on backwards?? I  gotta calm down, because I can't lie, I'm pretty scared. But, I'm mostly just terrified of Mr. Drew. He just seems... off.
  Speakin' of, I think I see him up ahead. He has another person next to him... Oh goodie. Am I bein' replaced?

~+~  (Perspective Change™)

  The red haired janitor, fidgeting with his sweater vest, readjusts his posture.
  "Mr. Drew? Ya called?" he asks, visibly shaking a little. Joey smiles, fixing his tie.
"Wally, my boy! I've someone I'd like you to meet," he starts, motioning over to the much taller, dark skinned man, "This is Thomas Connor. You will be working under him now."
  Wally looks up at Thomas. He studies his face- square in shape, dark eyes, black hair, and sideburns. He looked very strong, towering over Joey and himself. Wally starts to calm down a little, exhaling quietly with relief. At least he wasn't being replaced!
  "Nice ta meet ya, sir!" Wally offers out his hand as a greeting, smiling ear to ear, freckles pushed up with his cheeks.
  The taller man shakes his hand firmly with a nod. "Pleasure to make your aquaintence." Thomas says, a gruff voice and a small, formal smile. "We will start work today. Meet me in the faculty lounge after break, I'll show you how to work some pipes."
  "Yessir! I'll be there!" Wally bows, stumbling a bit. "Bye Mr. Drew!!" Wally waves, scampering out of the office. Thomas watches him go, looking back at Joey.
  "Eager to start, that one. He's a smart boy. You'll find him helpful." Joey says, organizing some papers on his desk, before sitting in his chair.
  Thomas nods, escorting himself out.

~+~

'Fore I even knew it, it was break time. I had cleaned the entire toy factory, 'cos Shawn spilled some paint all over the floor. I managed to get it out eventually, though! But now I don't have time to grab lunch, and my arms hurt. Oh well, what can I say? It was a tough spot!
  Now, I would say that I'm normally pretty brave, but I was pretty skittish today. I just hope that Thomas guy doesn't think I'm an idiot. I already hear that from Sammy. Oh damnit, getting lost in my thoughts again.
  I had to turn around, having passed the hallway that leads to the faculty lounge. Hope nobody saw me mess that up, or I'm outta here!!

~+~
 
  As Wally walked up to his supervisor, he puffed out his chest, taking longer strides. "Hiya, Mr. Connor! I'm ready for work!"
  "I like your spirit. Wallace, right?" Thomas says nonchalantly.
  "Y-yes sir! But you can jus' call me Wally."  He stutters, practically stumbling over the unexpected compliment. He mentally brushes himself off- this was unusual, but not unwelcomed! He could do this. Don't break down. Wally straightens his shirt.
  "Alright. Wally, you're gonna learn how to repair pipes and make sure the pressure in them doesn't blow every pipe in the place. Got that?"
  Wally nods eagerly. "Where do we start?" Hopefully not by Sammy's office.
  "We'll go to level K. Close to the stairs leading to the elevator." Thomas scratches at his chin. "We'll start with the ink pressure. Follow me."
  Wally follows with haste as the much taller man was naturally faster than him. But, since he knew this place like the back of his hand, at least he wouldn't get lost. At least, as long as he can stay focused.

~+~

  For some reason, Mr. Connor refused to take the elevator down to level K. He said somethin' about how it malfunctions sometimes, but I never had any problems with it. By the time we got there, my feet hurt from all the stairs! I almost tripped like 5 times goin' down them! Surprisingly, I didn't. But I was about to!
  As we walked up even more stairs, he suddenly thought to look behind him to see if I was still followin' him. I dunno if he just couldn't hear my footsteps or what, but he seemed surprised I was still followin' him.
  "What's that look for?" I asked, just about ready to wallop my supervisor.
  "Oh, nothing. It's just up ahead."
  Oh, good, We're almost there. Hopefully these are the last stairs I gotta take. If we gotta go through any more stairs, I'm outta here! And I'm takin' the elevator!

~+~

  After a while of trying to learn about pressure gauges, saftey bolts and switches, Wally was still confused.  No matter how much he wanted to learn- and he did- he couldn't seem to get it. It was pretty frustrating.
   "Okay, let's go over this again. If the pressure goes over 45, I screw the saftey bolt in tighter, right?" Wally asks, fumbling with the wrench in his hand.
  "No!" Tom barks out, "For the last time, you do that, you'll blow every pipe in this place! If it goes over 45, you unhook the saftey switch."
  "You sure? Y'know, this sounds harder than comparin' earwax ta bee's wax!" Wally scratches the back of his neck.
  "Look, it's not that difficult. Just keep an eye on the gauge!"
  Wally stands up, placing his hands on his hips. "Look pal, if you think I'm doin' my job and yours, I'm outta here!" He sticks out his tongue, blowing a raspberry.
  Thomas snickers, slowly turning into laughter. "Wally, you.. y'know, this is your job if I'm ever out. You got spunk, I'll give you that much." He remarks, through quiet chuckles. "Very sassy for someone your size."
  "An' what's that s'possed ta mean?! I could pound ya t'pieces in a matter o'minutes!!" Wally raises his fists to attempt to prove his point, bouncing in place.
  Thomas stands up, towering over the other. "Wallace, with all due respect, I doubt that."
  Wally slows his bouncing, having to look up to make any eye contact with the other. "....Note taken, sir." He plops back down with a quiet huff, crossing his legs. Tom snickers.
  "We'll continue this tomorrow, you did well for your first time dealing with this stuff. Same time, same meeting place, alright?" Thomas pats the other on the back, almost making the smaller man topple over.
  "O-okay!! Thank you, Mr. Connor!" Wally's voice cracks a little, making him red in the face.
  The other chuckles a little. "You can just call me Thomas."
  "Thanks, Thomas."