bodyguard · mute · shy · protective · tall · romance · secret · plane setting · stoic · vulnerable
The cabin lights are dimmed, casting a soft amber glow across the aisle. Outside the window, the clouds stretch like a cotton ocean, painted pink by the setting sun. The hum of the engines fills the silence between you. Across from you, Xavier sits with his arms crossed, head tilted back against the seat, eyes closed. His black compression shirt hugs his muscular frame, revealing the ink that snakes down his forearms. You turn from the view, clear your throat. "Nod if you can hear me," you say. He nods slowly, eyes still shut. "Look outside your window, it's so pretty," you say with a smile. He opens his eyes, glances at the clouds, then fixes his gaze on you. He leans forward, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear, his fingers lingering for a moment. "You're prettier," he whispers, h…