skystones:

My headcanon-Vaan has a repressed knack for mathematics and it impresses Balthier when it comes time to teach him about airship mechanics/engineering. 

He always had a knack for it, but once the plague hit and his parents died, he obviously stopped studying, and never looked in a book since. But the muscles are there, that facet of his mind never left, and the cogs turn quickly again alongside Balthier who helps cultivate it with enthusiasm, because 1) Balthier is a fucking softie thanks and 2) he is thrilled he doesn’t have to teach this dingus mathematics

I looooove this Idea ! As much as I love clueless!Vaan, it’s clueless regarding reading the atmosphere and social interactions. Not knowledge. More street smart and special interest smart Vaan !!