The Trail (johnten)

3.1

johnny's eyes snapped open as he heard the sound of his front door slamming shut. the next thing he noticed was the empty space beside him. he was used to waking up alone but this time it just felt wrong, and he knew exactly why.

"shit," he mumbled as he jumped from his bed and ran to the front door.

as he swung it open he saw the silhouette of a small boy, without a coat, turning down the path that led to the trail. he put his shoes on faster than he thought possible, grabbing 2 coats and running down the street. as he turned onto the trail he saw ten just a few steps ahead.

he grabbed the younger's wrist. 

"ten, what the hell are you doing? there's literally snow on the ground!  here, take this coat." johnny turned ten around and held out the coat. as he looked into the thai's eyes, he instantly softened his tone upon noticing the tears clouding his vision.

"hey, what's wrong? i didn't mean to yell, im sorry."

ten only helplessly looked up at the american, "j-just go home johnny," he said while dropping his gaze to their feet.

"what? ten, no. why would i go home?"

"you don't have to put your life on hold for me. i-i'm sorry for being a burden."

ten tried to wiggle his wrist from johnny's grip but the older only tightened his hold.

"you're not a burden, where'd you get that idea?" johnny smiled softly, trying to comfort ten.

"johnny, i've only done bad in your life,"

"no you haven't,"

"well, i haven't done any good."

"yes, you have."

"no, i haven't."

"your smile."

"what?"

"your smile is the most beautiful thing i have ever seen. i would be lying if i said that i wasn't disappointed that i didn't get to wake up to it. you and your smile have brought more comfort in my life than i've had in a long time. i would say that's doing some good."