On my next free day, I end up heading to the store to restock on first aid supplies and get some things for Ryu. I make my way to the discount store near my mom's apartment as it's where I usually shop.
Inside, I start with the kitten's items before moving through the store to get anything I may need. I'm looking through an aisle when a hand reaches out for something to my right and I feel my chest ache.
A dark, untreated burn scar shows from under a hoodie sleeve. It looks like the person has been burned again and again. Before I can stop myself, the words are out of my mouth.
"...hey, are yo-you alright?"
A tall man with a face mask glances down suddenly, before snapping his gaze to his hand. He tugs down the sleeve to cover the burns. His voice is rough but young when he speaks.
"Fine."
His tone is familiar but I brush it off as a coincidence, too worried to think on it all that much.
"I'm s-sorry if I'm overstepping but I just... I can help- with the burns I mean."
"I'm fine. You shouldn't wander around trying to help every stranger you come across."
"...at l-least let me get you some first aid stuff... I'll pay. Pl-please?"
He sighs gruffly before shrugging. "Whatever."
I offer him a smile before leading the way to the first aid supplies. Picking out the things he'll need, I go over the proper treatment and care in a gentle whisper. He seems to be listening, albeit self consciously.
When I head to check out, I glance over to him. He has a conflicted look in his eyes and his voice is softer now. "Why are you really helping me? I could be a bad guy, you know."
I smile gently. "I th-think everyone deserves help... even bad guys- but something tells me y-you aren't as bad as you think you are."
I pay for the supplies and the other things he came to buy. He follows me out of the store and I hand him the bags. He's quiet before he nods in my direction.
"Thanks, I guess... but you're wrong."
And then, he's gone. Disappearing effortlessly into the crowd. I find myself wishing I had gotten his name.
---
AU where local scarred
man has emotions
Reader, is a Good Person:
do you need help?
Actual Villains:
are you kidding me?
Thank you for all your support!!
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• Benevolence •
Fanfiction[Y/n] has wanted to be a hero for as long as he could remember. The act of helping people filled him with a bright feeling he couldn't explain. Armed with his determination to become a hero and save others, [Y/n] will have to overcome both personal...
