Wings Of Despair - Prologue

Chapter 6 - Temporary Home

"Piece of shit, come on!" Greg grumbled. He was met with silence after he mashed the microwave's start button. "Can't have anything in this place."

The front door suddenly swung open and slammed against the wall.

"Jesus Christ!" Greg startled, his attention flinched towards the door. "I've told you to be careful with that damn door, John-!"

Yuto timidly stepped through the entryway. "Sorry, didn't expect it to open that fast."

"Oh." Greg awkwardly acknowledged, guilt bubbled in his throat from his accusation. "It's fine. Just be careful with that door, will you? Don't need anymore noise complaints."

Yuto nodded furiously. Greg sighed, then opened the microwave door in defeat. He took his meat pie out and chucked it in the bin, a frustrated huff as his eyebrows creased.

"So," Greg began, as he lent against the couch and crossed his arms. "how was the town? Busy as always?"

Yuto was unsure how to answer Greg's question, so he let his honesty lead him. "I guess? I've been pretty secluded most my life, so I don't know what is and isn't a busy crowd."

"Oh, okay..." Greg nodded awkwardly, he struggled to continue their conversation. "Well, what did you find interesting? About the town, I mean."

Yuto thought back to his adventure, then beamed when he thought of Allan. "I met someone on the bus! They were pretty cool, they got off at the Botanic Gardens stop. They work at E-" Yuto abruptly stopped, he struggled to pronounce IGA. "...Eye-gee-oh?"

"IGA?" Greg rose an eyebrow, almost teasingly.

"Yeah! Whatever that place is... Anyway, I checked out the Botanic Gardens too. Allan said it was a 'cash grab'? I'd have to agree."

Greg shook his head amusingly, face unreadable. "I'm glad you had fun, or whatever. You've had dinner yet?"

Yuto shook his head, as he entered the kitchen and burrowed through the cupboards. He didn't know any of the brands he read, so he grabbed a box of cereal.

Greg gave him a curious look, then shrugged. "If you need me, I'll be in my room."

Once Greg entered his room, he slumped onto his bed and glanced towards the ceiling numbly. He found it hard to see a future for himself. Greg pinched the brim of his nose, which knocked his round glasses a bit, then ran the same palm down his face with a sorrowful sigh.

A soft knock broke Greg's trance, as he whipped his head towards his closed door.

"Come in!"

The door slightly opened with a squeak, Yuto poked his face in-between the confined space. It was like he was anxious to enter Greg's room abruptly.

"Do you have some spare clothes I can borrow? I need a shower."

Greg paused for a bit, unsure to give a stranger his personal clothing. "...Yeah, sure. Let me have a look."

Greg rolled out of bed and sifted through his drawers. He held out some maroon sweatpants and a lime sweater, then handed them to Yuto with an approved nod.

"Thank you, thank you so much!" Yuto blabbered, as he beamed gratefully.

"Its just some clothes, its fine." Greg reassured, as he held his palms up.

Yuto smiled at him again as he left Greg to his devices. He was alone once more. Greg sat on the edge of the bed, as he thought back to Yuto's smile. The twinkle in his eyes, the genuine, raw emotions laid upon his sleeve; it reminded Greg of his mum.