Prowess

Theft

It was in the little world of renegade inhumans that Arthur and Abigail met Austin. He was a strong, tall boy, with dark hair and dark eyes and a literally charming smile.

As soon as Austin set eyes on Arthur, he knew he would be an easy prey. The man, big as he was, had a heart of gold, and Austin just had a talent to figure those things out... He spoke to Arthur only a couple hours after the couple had arrived, catching him by himself.

-Hello-he approached.

Arthur raised his eyes from the suitcase he was looking through. He opened a sweet smile.

-Hi there!

-I'm Austin... I just wanted to welcome you here...

The man stood, offering his hand to the boy.

-Arthur. Nice to meet you!

Austin plopped down next to Arthur on the floor.

-So... What's your power?-the kid asked.

-I've got healing powers...

Austin almost chuckled when the man wiggled his fingers whimsically.

-What about you?-Arthur returned the question.

-I'd rather not talk about it-Austin responded, averting his gaze.

Arthur nodded solemnly and didn't push it. Austin knew he wouldn't.

-Where's your wife?-he asked after a short pause.-What's her ability?

Arthur looked around the camp, unable to find the woman. His eyes returned to the suitcase.

-I don't know really... She has got superhuman strength.

Austin's eyebrows arched.

-Does she now? But you look stronger than her!

The older man smirked.

-Not all strength comes from the muscles, kid.

The boy stared at him, perplexed. It took Arthur a while to realise and return his stare with a confused frown of his own. That snapped Austin out of his shock. He forced himself to get his head back in the game. He needed to eat.

-Oh, it's nothing. I'm just not used to being called a kid anymore...

It was more true than he cared to admit.

Arthur officially gave up on his suitcase to pay attention to the boy.

-Seems tough...

-It is... Most of the time I don't have food to eat. I haven't been to school in ages and as an inhuman no one will hire me...

Within Arthur's core something whispered to him. "Give him money". The man found himself reaching for his wallet. He retrieved a clump of money and was in the process of handing it to Austin when Abigail returned, snapping him out of it.

-What the hell are you doing?-she demanded, mostly to her husband.

-Damn it!-Austin murmured, drawing her attention to him.

-Excuse me?

Arthur interrupted the brewing argument.

-W-where were you?

-I went to get us food. I come back and you're about to give all our money to a stranger?

-It's not a stranger, it's a hungry kid!

The security in Arthur's voice startled Austin and he wondered if the man was still under his spell. Either way, he didn't want to get in trouble with the woman - as much as he was all for trouble. As such, Austin stood and dusted the dirt off his clothes.