I know I talk a lot about how part of what attracts Walt to Jesse is that Jesse doesn't treat him like he's made of glass - he treats Walt like a real man despite his terminal diagnosis. but I love it because actually the opposite is also true. Jesse is drawn to Walt in part bc Walt treats him like he can fucking take it. He can take the beatings, the abuse, the trauma, the stakes. So many people in Jesse's life see him as some completely emasculated, irresponsible kid - his own dad scoffs at his ability to find a respectable job. his friends quietly and almost pityingly doubt his ability to handle business. But Mr. White....he lets Jesse really push it. Forces him out of his comfort zone and into dangerous territory with dangerous men who wouldn't hesitate to kill him. Tells Jesse to handle it like a man, to be an adult and figure it out for himself. Lets Jesse take the brunt of the brute force straight on without the cushion of pity. And I think as much as it pisses Jesse off (which it clearly really does), it also might make him feel, idk, tough. hardened. resilient. Walt pushes Jesse right to the brink before stepping in to deal with all the damage. Jesse doesn't just want to impress Walt - he wants to live up to and fulfill Walt's standards, satisfy whatever abstract notion of 'a real man' that exists in Walt's mind. They both feed each other's egos by tearing themselves apart. insane