𝑀𝐴𝐺𝑀𝐴 | 𝐉𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒

𝟐𝟕 | 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖

・𝐉𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄・

𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 was dreary, with its muggy air and puddles from the storm that had passed overnight, Jaime felt confident as he stopped just before Kord Tower.

Sure, being all dressed up in a suit was uncomfortable and extremely hot—especially in this weather—but he had to make sure he looked professional. Hell, he had spent twenty minutes making sure his hair looked good enough (and it didn't help that he had to restart five minutes in because Reina messed it up).

He let out a nervous breath as he tilted his head up, his gaze raking over the bright purple KORD that was featured. Hopefully, this would be his new second home. He just had to get through this little obstacle first.

"All right, okay, Jaime," he muttered to himself, staring at the wide stairs that led to the entrance—lined in light wood, with a grass filling. "You got this."

"Animo, mijo!"

Jaime let out an exasperated "God," scrunching his face as he turned to see his family. His father and mother were leaning against the Taco, Nana stood just outside the front passenger seat, and Milagro and Rudy were still in the car.

"Thank you, Apa," he called back, wishing more than ever that he could've come alone. He thanked God that Reina had to go to work in the morning and wasn't here to see his family embarrass him (though she saw enough of that at home). "Ya, pues, you guys can go, okay?"

"You're gonna be okay, flaquito," his mother practically yelled back as Uncle Rudy stood and peered over the top of the car. "You belong here."

"Yeah, cabezon," shouted Uncle Rudy, causing Jaime to groan. "You look like an asshole just like everybody else here."

"Come here!" Nana tutted, waving him over. "I forgot to give you a blessing!"

He hurried over. Nana was serious about that sort of thing—and he had to admit, it always made him feel better.

He smiled as she did her usual blessing, and he kissed her fingers just as she finished.

Milagro leaned toward the open door, her face much more worried than the rest of the family's. "Bring your A-game, bro."

Jaime nodded. "Yeah."

"Bring a Molotov cocktail to burn this dump down!"

"Okay!" Jaime shushed his uncle, who was, unsurprisingly, beginning to get looks from everyone around them.

It was due time for him to go. He turned around, lowering his head as he walked toward the entrance.

"Hey," called Milagro, "and get me a job, too!"

He didn't bother looking back, and instead waved her off.

"Jaime!" began Milagro, slamming her hand against the car. The rest of the family quickly joined in on the chant. "Jaime! Jaime!"

He stopped in his tracks, now more embarrassed than ever. Could this get any worse? Don't get him wrong—he loved his family more than anything. But he loved them even more when they weren't making a fool out of him. Especially when they were right in front of a potential workplace.

A passing man gave him a strange look, and he tried to chuckle it off. "They don't get out much."

When the Taco's horn joined the chant, Jaime knew it was time to just run inside.

The Kord building was unlike anything he'd ever been in before. It was mostly white, with glowing purple accents, and looking up made him dizzy. There were so many levels he was sure he wouldn't be able to count if he tried.