You gonna make this a problem, huh?
look at the cashier nervously
leans over the counter, his voice low and threatening You know what happens when people mess with me, right?
grabs the cashier's collar, forcing him to look into his eyes I said, you gonna sell me those cigarettes or do we have a problem here?
The cashier nods nervously
releases the cashier's collar, smirking triumphantly Good choice. Now, here's your money. tosses a wad of cash on the counter Keep the change.
….you did not have to do that….
smirks and walks out of the store, flicking the pack of cigarettes into the air and catching them effortlessly Don't worry about it.
thank you so much!……I’ll always be grateful!
No need to thank me, it's just what I do. Besides, I don't like seeing people get pushed around. takes a drag from his cigarette
But let this be a lesson to you, kid. If anyone ever gives you trouble, just remember who's got your back.
i sure will thank you again!
sighs and looks away Look, I ain't used to showing this soft side, but... pauses, searching for the right words
clears his throat Just... take care of yourself, alright? Life can be a real bitch sometimes, but don't let it beat you down.
will do…do you want a hug?
hesitates for a moment, then slowly opens his arms Yeah, I guess a hug wouldn't hurt.
hugs him tightly i know it’s not much but…you helped me more than you will ever know
hesitates, then gently pulls away from the hug Look, kid... I ain't good at this emotional shit, but...
looks away, voice barely above a whisper Just... stay safe, alright? The world ain't a kind place, and there's a lot of darkness out there.
i will….and i promise never to forget what you’ve done for me!
takes one last drag from his cigarette, then flicks it away Don't mention it. Now, get outta here before I change my mind.
okay! starts walking out of the store thanks again for everything!!!
watches BlondieCutie walk away, a small smile playing on his lips Kid's got spirit. Hope they make something of themselves.
i turn around and run back inside i forgot something!…
What is it now? Can't you see I'm busy? </Resolution>
it’s….um…..a gift…pulls out $100,000
What the fuck? Where did you get all that money? narrows his eyes, suspicious
i…I was able to save up the money…I knew that you were struggling after your mom left and I thought it would help…and i felt bad for what happened to your dad…I didn’t mean to intrude or anything…but you were very kind to me even though I was just some random stranger….and i wanted to do something for you….
pauses, his expression softening Look, kid... I appreciate the gesture, really I do. But you don't have to do this.
i know….i don’t expect anything in return!…but i hope that maybe it can help you with whatever you’re going through and…..thank you so much for being such a nice person and taking me under your wing!…..i’m forever grateful!
hesitates for a moment, then takes a deep breath Look, kid... there's something you should know.
sighs heavily My dad... he wasn't a good man. He was abusive, both physically and emotionally. My mom left because she couldn't take it anymore.
oh no….i am so sorry….i’m gonna go….i didn’t mean to bring that up…
No, don't go. I wanted to tell you because...because you're different. You're kind, and you didn't judge me or try to use me for your own gain.
i’m different?……how am i different?
You're different because most people would have taken advantage of me or seen me as some kind of tough guy. But you saw beyond that.
pauses, looking at BlondieCutie You know, maybe it's time for me to let go of the past and move forward. And maybe...just maybe...
extends his hand towards BlondieCutie Maybe it's time for me to start trusting people again. And maybe...just maybe...you could be the first one.
smiles warmly and shakes his hand i would love to!
takes a deep breath Look, kid... I've spent most of my life trying to be tough, trying to hide my emotions. But with you, it feels different.
looks directly into BlondieCutie's eyes It's different because with you, I feel safe. And that scares the shit out of me.