Chapter Text
Sonny fidgeted and blew into his fists as Pete picked the bodega lock. He softly coughed; the crisp early winter air wasn’t helping his cold at all.
“Almost…almost…got it!” Pete whispered triumphantly as the lock clicked open. The back door opened with a creak and they hurried into the little store. Sonny almost deflated from the slight warmth of the interior, thought it wasn’t much better than the outside.
“Wha-” Sonny coughed again. “What are we looking for?”
“I’m looking for food that can last a while,” Pete answered. “You’re keeping watch, remember?” Sonny nodded and headed over to the row of shelves near the door when he felt dizzy. His head throbbed, forcing Sonny to lean heavily on the counter for a bit.
“Kid, you okay?” Pete asked.
Sonny shook his head and blinked, clearing his vision, “Y-Yeah, I’m fine,” He said, and proceeded to the closed grate, allowing him to peek out of the door. Noises of Pete rummaging around and stuffing things into his pockets echoed around him as Sonny watched the streets. They were just about empty, since it was so late. In fact, it was so peaceful and it felt so nice to be shielded from the elements for a change that Sonny sank to the floor and felt himself dozing off.
A few moments later, movement entered his vision and Sonny blinked out of his daze. There was a man coming down from the stoop right across from the bodega. Sonny got to his feet to get a better view and noticed that the man seemed to be heading in their direction.
“Pete…” Sonny whispered. “Pete…!” But fear had just about closed up Sonny’s throat. They were gonna get caught! Sonny cleared his throat and raised his voice frantically. “Uh…Pete?”
“Almost there…”
The man spotted them and began to pick up his pace.
“Pete!” Sony hissed, but Pete shushed him.
“I’m almost done.”
Sonny hurried over to the counter where he was, “Pete someone’s-”
“Yo! What are you doing to my bodega?!”
The door slammed opened, the bell ringing madly, and Pete shot up like a deer in the headlights, “Run!”
Sonny and Pete booked it out the back door just before the owner turned the lights on and they ran down an alley. Unfortunately, Sonny’s head decided to throb, making his vision blur. “C’mon, Sonny!” He heard Pete yell.
“Pete, w-wait!” Sonny cried, when his foot caught something. Pete vanished from view around the corner, just as Sonny yelled out in pain, his ankle twisting. Sonny fell to the ground, his head smacking the concrete, and his head pain flared up. Sonny groaned and held his head, barely registering the hand on his shoulder. Sonny blinked the spots away and slowly turned to see the face of the bodega owner. Sonny instantly jumped and scrambled backwards.
“Whoa, hey!” The owner exclaimed, something akin to shock on his face. Sonny tried to get up, but his ankle exploded in pain, causing him to hit the concrete with his shoulder, letting out a loud yelp.
The owner made towards him, “Are you-” Sonny continued to scoot away from him, fear written all across his face. This couldn’t be happening! He couldn’t get caught! He couldn’t go back there! He wouldn’t!
“Hey, calm down!” The owner exclaimed, holding his hands out, “I’m not going to hurt you.” Sonny shook his head, his eyes glassing over, and tried to stand again, but the pain was too great, making him fall again.
“Hey- Careful!” Sonny’s head shot up as arms appeared around him, keeping him from hitting the ground again. He looked at the owner’s face, finally realizing that he actually seemed…concerned about him. He’d never seen anyone worry about him before.
“Easy,” The owner said softly, gently sitting Sonny against the wall. “Let’s have a look at that.”
Sonny flinched as the owner held his leg and examined his ankle, feeling the bone with his hands. “Does it hurt bad?” The owner asked, turning his ankle slightly. Sonny let out a small yelp and nodded, biting his lip to hold back the lump already in his throat. The owner continued to feel his ankle and grimaced, “Well, I don’t think it’s broken,” He said. “But I don’t think you’ll be walking on it anytime soon.” Sonny felt his heart sink even deeper; now what was he going to do? How could he get back with a bad ankle?
“Jesus, kid, you’re white as a sheet!” The owner said, his hand suddenly appearing on Sonny’s forehead. “And you’re burning up; what have you been doing?!”
‘Robbing your store?’ Sonny said silently, still not finding the strength to speak. And why would this guy care? No one’s ever cared, so, why should he?
“Can you stand?” The owner asked before shaking his head. “No, stupid question…c’mere.” Sonny’s eyes widened and he couldn’t stop a small squeak from escaping as the owner slid his hands under his legs and behind his back, lifting him into his arms. “Don’t worry; we’re not far from my place,” He said.
Sonny blinked, finally finding his voice, “You’re not…turning me in?”
The owner smiled at him, “You didn’t take anything, so I don’t see any need to.” He answered. “What’s your name?”
“…Sonny.” Sonny answered numbly, just about in shock from what the man had just said.
“I’m Usnavi,” The owner answered, chuckling when Sonny made a face. “I know, weird name.” He said. “My parents saw a ship that said US Navy on it when they immigrated here and decided that would be my name.” Sonny couldn’t help letting out a small giggle and he was carried out of the alley.
They made it to the street and Usnavi pointed to a stoop just across the street from the bodega, “My place is just up a few flights of stairs,” He said. Sonny tried not to stare at him as he hiked up the stairs, still carrying him with no sign of dropping him. Was this really happening right now? Sonny still couldn’t comprehend what was even happening!
They eventually reached a door, and Usnavi jerked his head towards it, “Think you can turn the knob for me?” He asked. Sonny slowly reached out and did as he was told, and the door swung open, allowing them inside. A wall of warmth instantly hit him as Usnavi ventured into the little apartment. It was small and really wasn’t much, but to Sonny, after two months of sleeping on the streets or in an abandoned warehouse with Pete and his crew, it looked like a palace.
Usnavi managed to close the door with his foot and brought Sonny into a small bathroom. “You should get yourself cleaned up,” He said, carefully placing Sonny down, careful to not put weight on his bad ankle. “Think you can shower by yourself?”
Sonny silently nodded and Usnavi smiled and stood up, “Alright; but let me know if you need any help, okay?” And he left, closing the door. Not sure what else to do, Sonny did as he was told, carefully getting undressed and into the shower. The warm water felt like a heavenly punch to the gut as Sonny felt the invisible dirt and grime be washed away. It felt so good he almost didn’t want to leave. Sonny turned off the water and wrapped a towel around his shoulders just as he heard a soft knocking at the door.
“You all done in there, Sonny?” Usnavi called.
"Y-Yeah…” Sonny called softly.
Usnavi slipped inside, holding a small bundle, chuckling slightly at the sight of him nearly cocooned in the large towel. “I don’t know if this will fit, but I wore it when I was around your age, so, it should work.”
The next thing Sonny knew, he was wearing slightly oversized, but comfortable pajamas; a blue and white shirt with a racecar on the front and blue bottoms with white polka-dots. Sonny let out a few rough coughs and Usnavi felt Sonny’s forehead and steadied him; Sonny hadn’t even realized that he had started to stagger from dizziness.
“Still burning up,” Usnavi commented. He scooped Sonny up again and this time carried him to a small bedroom, which Sonny assumed was Usnavi’s. But what caught him by surprise was Usnavi pulling back the covers and placing Sonny in the bed, rather than setting down some blankets on the floor or something.
“I’ll be right back,” Usnavi said and exited the room. While he was gone, Sonny glanced around the new space. It was pretty plain, with a dresser and small closet. But Sonny’s gaze was drawn to the nightstand next to him, where a small framed photo sat, containing a bunch of smiling faces that Sonny didn’t know. Usnavi came back into the room before Sonny could really look at it, holding a glass of water, and some kind of red bottle. Usnavi placed the water on the nightstand and sat on the bed next to Sonny, pouring red syrup into the lid of the bottle.
“Drink this,” Usnavi said, holding the little cup out to him. “It’s gonna taste gross, but it’ll help you feel better.” Sonny glanced at him and did what he was told. He grimaced at the bitter taste but forced himself to swallow before sticking his tongue out in disgust. Usnavi handed him the water and Sonny downed it with ease, washing the terrible taste away.
Usnavi chuckled, “That wasn’t so bad, was it?” He teased, earning a small glare from the boy in return, but the effect was lost as his eyes began to droop. Usnavi gently pushed Sonny down onto the pillow and pulled the covers up, “Try to get some sleep, okay?” He said softly. “We’ll figure out what to do with you when you wake up.”
Sonny almost protested, but he was just too tired, and the bed was so soft. But Sonny was right; Usnavi was going to turn him in, he just knew it! Those thoughts, along with all of Usnavi’s kind gestures swirled in his head as the medicine kicked in, putting Sonny into a deep sleep.
Usnavi couldn’t help but stare at the boy currently sleeping in his bed as he quietly exited the room. He closed the door and sat down on the couch; what did he just do? He goes out to the bodega ‘cause he forgot something, finds two punks robbing his store, and it turns out that one of those punks is just a kid?
Usnavi wasn’t sure what had come over him during the past half hour, having just offered his home to a kid he didn't know, but he couldn’t just leave that kid all on his own, especially after his partner had abandoned him. And the kid was sick; how could he just leave a sick kid that wasn’t even ten out in the street? That kid had to have parents; no self-respecting parent or guardian would let a kid that young be out like this, especially sick!
Usnavi shook his head and took a deep breath; they were gonna figure this out. He was gonna get Sonny back where he belonged, and maybe set him on the right track so he wouldn’t steal from unsuspecting bodegas anymore. But for now, he had a kid to take care of.
Sonny thought he was still dreaming when he felt the soft mattress and warm blankets on his body. He cracked his eyes open to find himself in a room he didn’t recognize. His eyes opened wide with panic when his head felt a bit heavy, and memories came flooding back to him. Sonny slowly sat up and took in the pajamas he was wearing and the bed he was in. So, it was all real; it wasn’t just a dream or some feverish hallucination, it really happened.
He heard a soft knocking at the door. “Hey,” Sonny looked up to see Usnavi in the doorway, “Sleep well?” He asked.
Sonny didn’t say anything but gave a nod, and Usnavi entered the room. “You feel any better?” He asked. Sonny still didn’t answer. Usnavi sat down on the edge of the bed and felt Sonny’s forehead, “Well, you still feel a bit warm,” He mused. “If this fever doesn’t break by tomorrow, we may have to bring you to a doctor.”
“M’fine,” Sonny muttered, even though he did still feel terrible.
Usnavi smirked, “I’ll be the judge of that,”
“Why?” Sonny asked bitterly. “So, you can turn me in when I feel better?”
Usnavi’s smile faded slightly, “I told you, you didn’t do anything wrong, so there’s no need to.” He said. “But what I am going to do, right now-” He lightly poked Sonny’s chest, “is feed you; you look like you haven’t eaten in weeks!”
Well, he was almost right. Sonny didn’t need to answer as his stomach growled on cue. Usnavi snorted and got up, “C’mon, kid; let’s get some food in you.” He got up and Sonny began to follow.
“Is your ankle feeling better?” Usnavi asked.
Sonny slid off the bed and tested his foot, “A little,” He answered softly.
“Well, don’t push yourself,” Usnavi said. They traveled to the kitchen and Sonny was seated at the table while Usnavi started to cook. Sonny simply stared at the table only shrugging when Usnavi asked if there was anything in particular he liked or didn’t like. A few moments later, a plate of food was placed in front of him, scrambled eggs and a piece of toast, complete with a glass of orange juice. Sonny stared at the plate as if he had just been given solid gold as Usnavi next to him with his own plate.
“Well, eat up,” Usnavi urged. Sonny didn’t need to be told twice. Sonny couldn’t remember the last time he had had hot food, even fresh food. Usnavi held back a chuckle as he watched Sonny just about inhale his breakfast, making him wish he could afford to give Sonny seconds.
Sonny just about licked his plate clean; he was about to ask for more, but he quickly shot his own question down as phantoms of laughter echoed in his ears. Everyone thought orphans were just needy kids who just keep asking for more, and he wasn’t gonna let himself be part of that stereotype. Instead, Sonny savored his orange juice, slowly sipping it down until Usnavi finished eating.
Usnavi put the dirty dishes in the sink and glanced back at Sonny, “I’ll see if I can find some clothes that can fit you while I wash your old ones,” He said. “I’m sure you don’t want to spend the whole day in those old pajamas all day.”
“Why do you care?” Sonny finally asked what was burning in his mind for so long. Usnavi stopped and looked at him, a confused frown on his face. “Why…” Sonny swallowed. “Why are you being so nice?” He tried and failed to keep his voice from cracking.
Usnavi’s eyes filled with sympathy and he knelt next to him, gently squeezing his shoulder. “You’re just a kid, you don’t belong out there,” He said. “And, well, if I hadn’t scared you, you wouldn’t have twisted your ankle like that, so call this a favor.”
Well…that certainly wasn’t the answer he had been expecting. Sonny continued staring in confusion as Usnavi sat back down next to him. There had to be more, there had to be! “What are you gonna do with me?” He asked softly, finishing his orange juice.
“Well, until you can walk around without passing out, we’ll figure that out,” Usnavi said. “Do you know where your parents live; they must be worried sick about you.”
Sonny stopped and slowly put his cup down. This was it; Usnavi was gonna bring him back to that terrible place. May as well get it over with. “I don’t have parents…” He said softly.
Usnavi blinked, “What? But, then, where do you live?”
“Nowhere,” Sonny answered.
“C’mon,” Usnavi faced him fully. “You had to have lived somewhere, right? There’s no way a kid your age could last on the streets himself.”
Sonny bit his lip, “…Bentley’s Home for Children…”
Usnavi frowned in thought at the familiar name, “But that…” He started, “That’s all the way in Queens! How in the world did you get all the way out here?!”
Sonny shrugged, “Walked.” And partially ran, but Usnavi didn't need to know that, Sonny decided.
Usnavi’s face became drawn in realization as everything finally clicked, making the whole situation that much more complicated. He wanted to ask why Sonny had run away from a place that was capable of giving him food and shelter, but judging by Sonny’s tone, he had a feeling there was a good reason behind his running away, so he didn’t press.
“Well,” He licked his lips. “Do you have anyone to take care of you? Anyone at all?”
Sonny’s eyes widened for a split second and his mind went to Pete and the gang. But then he remembered the one sentence that their crooked leader had stuck in his head:
“If you get left behind, you stay behind, but you take our existence to your grave if you have to.”
Sonny clenched his fists; none of the guys were going to come for him, and he made a promise. His eyes glassed over as he thought of Pete, who had taken him in and seemed to so nice. He thought he had finally found a friend…but he was gone.
Sonny shook his head, staring at his hands on his lap, “There’s nobody…” He said softly. He didn’t bare to look at Usnavi, who was staring at him. “Nobody takes care of me…”
Usnavi ran a hand down his face, letting out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. Out of everything, he definitely didn’t expect this; now what was he going to do? Usnavi couldn’t just throw him out; he wasn’t heartless. He guessed he could contact Bentley’s and see if they could get him…but something told him that Sonny would never forgive him if he took him back there. He glanced at Sonny as the boy sniffed and wiped his nose on his sleeve and he felt a tug at his heart.
Usnavi quickly got up, “Wait here,” He said. “I’ll go find some clothes for you.” Sonny didn’t answer, but he didn’t move and Usnavi hurried into his room. He dug through his closet in the box he had pulled down last night, which contained all his clothes from childhood. As he rummaged through them he couldn’t help but feel like these clothes were gathering dust after all these years. Sonny could put them to good use…maybe he could-
‘No!’ His mind snapped. ‘You can’t do this! You can barely take care of yourself!’
Usnavi grabbed some long pants and a turtleneck and peeked back out the door. Sonny was still sitting at the table, gazing around the apartment with wide, innocent eyes before coughing roughly. Usnavi took a deep breath and left the room, placing the clothes on the table as he entered the kitchen, “These should fit you just fine,” He said.
“Kay,” Sonny said softly, not looking at him.
“If you like them, you can keep them if you want,” Usnavi said, “The pajamas too.” He paused. “But on one condition.”
Sonny dared to peek up at him, “What?”
“Stop saying nobody takes care of you,” Usnavi answered.
Sonny frowned, “Why?”
Usnavi took a deep breath; yeah, he was definitely doing this; yeah this was a bad idea; but Usnavi didn’t care. “Because, I’m not nobody,” He said.
Sonny stared at him for a few seconds before realization dawned on his face, his eyes growing as large as the sun. “Wha…”
Usnavi couldn’t help but smile, “You’re staying here, with me,” He said as firmly as he could.
Sonny’s eyes filled with tears again, “R…Really?” He squeaked, making Usnavi’s heart almost melt.
“I’ve made up my mind,” Usnavi said, sitting back down next to him. “I know I don’t have much, and, yeah, I don’t have a lot of money, but it’s gotta be better than living on the streets, and you’ll-oof!”
Usnavi grunted as a small body slammed into his chest. Sonny clung to him tightly, his legs hanging off Usnavi’s chair as he had leapt onto him from his own. Sonny buried his face in Usnavi chest, hot tears pouring from his eyes as he hiccupped on small sobs.
Usnavi smiled and returned the hug, pulling Sonny up and positioning him so he was on his lap. He could barely translate Sonny’s sobs, but they definitely sounded along the lines of ‘thank you’. Usnavi gently stroked the boy’s curls; at that moment, he didn’t care at what big a risk he just took. Just this alone was worth it.
“Welcome home, Sonny,” He whispered, hugging the boy tightly.