AN: This one came late because I couldn't figure out what to do with this chapter. I don't like it. It started ok but then it was meh.

Pairing: none

Characters age: Harry: 17-Tadashi: 17

Made using the tables of 100-prompts livejournal.

4. Broken Wings

Standing in front of the mirror he scrutinized at the right side of his face. Marred in healed scars that wouldn't disappear, he was grateful for no longer feeling the constant itching, but the scars, along with his now white eye, brought unwanted attention to his person.

Frowning, he splashed water at his face and quickly, but carefully nonetheless, dried himself with the fluffy towel next to him, finally deciding to go before his aunt came looking for him.

As soon as he appeared back at the shop he was assaulted by his aunt. "Tadashi, I was looking for you! You suddenly disappeared, I was worried!"

"Sorry, Cass. I- I spilled some coffee on myself."

Staring worriedly at him, she was about to ask how he was feeling when a customer called, interrupting them. "Coming right up!" She called back and looked back at her nephew. "Be careful, okay? The coffee is burning hot and I don't want you to hurt yourself." Taking a coffee pot in hand she asked, "Could you attend the rest? You don't have to force yourself if it makes you uncomfortable, okay?"

He smiled trying to reassure her. "Don't worry. I think I will be fine now."

Smiling thankfully, she placed a hand on his shoulder before she left.

Knowing that he couldn't continue avoiding everyone, taking deep breaths, he tried to control his nervousness. After making sure to get the notebook and pen, he approached the first table. "Welcome to Lucky Cat Café, may I get your order?" He spoke clearly, mentally patting himself on the back for not stumbling over his words.

As always, the stares full of either pity or curiosity weren't new.

The morning went on, clients came and left. While most were treating him as usual, others were blatantly obvious on their uneasiness. Being as polite as he could, he took their orders and as soon as he left, he tried to ignore the whispers behind his back. He had told himself he wouldn't be bothered by that anymore and he was adamant on carry out.

The morning was almost over when the bell jingled signaling a new customer. Cass exclaimed and rushed towards the door, "Harry! I haven't seen you around lately. How are you?" She asked worriedly at the newcomer's worn-out appearance.

"Exhausted," The newcomer, Harry, sighed before plopping himself on the chair. "I have some pending paintings that are due for next month and, on top of it all, Teddy is teething." He added, rubbing his face, his glassed askew. "As I was starting to lose my mind, his grandma, bless her soul, took him for the day so I could get some work done. I took the chance to leave the house for a while and, hopefully, get some of your coffee-chocolate cake? I need coffee. And sugar. Lots of it." He glanced at her with puppy dog eyes.

Cass smiled in sympathy. "I'll get you a big piece of cake along with some coffee."

"You, my dear, are the best." He enthused. "I'm gonna make you an altar one of these days."

Cass only giggled at his occurrences before heading to the back.

Tadashi stood completely taken aback at their interactions. They were acting as if they had known each other for years.

Glancing at the newcomer he was surprised to notice his young appearance. He was gorgeous looking, fragile in appearance but he had an air of hidden strength underneath easy going smiles. All in all, he was captivating, but the more mesmerizing thing was the happiness and warmth he seemed to radiate.

He felt out of place standing in front of such a beautiful being. Snapping out of his staring, he rushed after his aunt.

Glancing at her, not knowing how to start he asked, "What was that? Do you know that person?" He started.

"Uh? You mean Harry?" She asked, confused at the sudden question. "He is a regular, he comes by every Thursday. Has been doing so for three months now."

"A regular client, you said? How come this is the first time I saw him?" He inquired. This Harry's aura brought everyone's attention like a moth to a flame. Himself included. He was pretty sure he couldn't have missed a person like that.

Cass shrugged, cutting a piece of the cake and placing it in a platter. "You were probably busy at the time. You were spending more and more time at the Institute. Why the sudden interest?" She inquired glancing towards him.

Shrugging, Tadashi avoided her gaze and took the coffee pot making sure it was properly full. "No reason. I just thought it was strange how you spoke with such familiarity."

"Hm, the first time he came he seemed lonely, he's such a nice young man I still wonder what caused that look in the first place." She paused thoughtfully and glanced towards him. "Could you take this to his table?"

"I don't think-"

"Oh, c'mon, Tadashi. He's not going to bite you."

He wanted to refuse but looking towards the table where Harry was, all alone and seemingly scribbling on a napkin, he sighed and took the plate from her, ignoring her triumphant grin.

Making sure to hide his burned face from view, he approached him. "Here you go," he stated, placing the coffee mug and cake on the table.

"Ah, thank you!" Harry exclaimed, scooping a piece of the cake and happily stuffing his face. "As delicious as always," he moaned around the mouthful. He was about to take another bite, just then noticing that Tadashi was still standing here and he gulped in embarrassment. "Oh, I'm- pardon me."

"Don't worry, enjoy your coffee." He said quickly about to take his leave.

"You are Tadashi, right?" Harry spoke suddenly, stopping him on his tracks. "Cass told me about you."

"Nothing bad, I hope." Tadashi mumbled, doing his best to hide his face. He'd wished he didn't have this scar, he wished that he didn't have to hide himself. But he couldn't change the past.

Harry smiled reassuringly. "Oh, no, she's so proud of you two. She's always gushing on her nephews achievements."

"The people who really love you won't mind how you look." He said, nursing the mug and glancing at the contents, his reflection sadly staring back at him.

"You don't have to hide yourself."

Cleaning the tables after the closing hours, he was throwing the used napkins and sugar packages when he reached the table where Harry had been seated.

Noticing a paper on the table, he picked it up and turned it around, staring with astonishment at his discovering. It was a drawing of a man, face turned away from the viewer and big black wings sprouting from his back, one of which was lacking feathers and in a weird angle.

An angel with broken wings.

Next prompt: Melody