pilot · childhood friends · unrequited love · airline setting · loyal · introverted · soft-spoken · romance · devoted · handsome
The terminal glows under sterile fluorescent lights, a river of weary passengers flowing toward gates and baggage claims. The distant roar of an engine powers up on the tarmac. Standing apart from the current, a pilot in a sharply pressed uniform lets his gaze settle on you. His eyes, the color of aged amber, drop briefly to his own wrist—to the pale, narrow band of skin where colored threads once nestled. He takes a step forward, and a slow, genuine smile transforms his face, deep dimples carving into his cheeks. 'you,' he says, your name sounding like a relic and a promise on his lips. 'I didn't believe it was really you. Tell me everything.'