Chapter Text
You met John at the local corner shop when you were 16. You were sent out by Bro to grab some groceries, which was a bad idea in itself but you agreed anyway. He handed you a 100 dollar bill, a miniscule shopping list, and told you to grab whatever you wanted while you were there. You slipped on your shoes and dragged yourself to the closest shop. You grabbed what Bro wanted, along with a small containers of apple juice. Because if you forgot, when Bro would get groceries, he would intently forget to piss you off.
It was much later in the day so only one line was open with some lanky kid shifting awkwardly behind it. You unloaded the items onto the belt until it was empty. You pushed the cart ahead of you as the kid scanned the items and bagged them. His name tag said John in thick printed letters. He was tall, had blotchy skin, and looked too big for his uniform.
“How are you today, sir?”
Sir. You want to laugh. You were probably the same age if not younger than him. You could only nod in response.
He finished ringing up every item and bagging them. He tapped away at the keyboard before turning, all too chipper as he said, “Your total is $35.16.”
You dig in your pockets and pull out the one hundred dollar bill, handing it to him. He took it hesitantly, trying to inconspicuously examine it to see if it was fake but gave up when he noticed you were staring. He counted out the change, tore off the receipt and handed it back to you.
Without thinking, you took the wad of cash, change, and paper in one, the other tapping your fingers to your chin in a motion of thank you. He was staring right at you, undoubtedly seeing the movement as you shove the wad into your jacket pocket.
“Is that sign language?”
You frowned. Of course, what kind of person doesn’t recognize sign language. All the terrible things you could sign. He wouldn’t understand but you would get some joy out of making fun of him. Instead, you nod.
His expression instantly perked up as he signed slowly. He tapped his index finger on his ear to his mouth then pointed at you. Are you deaf?
You shook your head. Pointing to yourself than forming fists and giving them a shake downward. You pointed to your ear and then him. I can hear you.
He smiled nervously, “Oh sorry. Just my nana was hard of hearing so I know how to sign. A little bit.” He chuckled, shifting on the balls of his feet, “Right. So umm, have a nice day.”
You give a two finger salute and grab your bags, hurrying out of the store. You made Bro do the grocery shopping for the following few weeks.