Complete

14: Flight

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Local time is 6.30 pm and the temperature is 22°C.

For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the Captain turns off the Fasten Seat Belt sign. This will indicate that we have parked at the gate and that it is safe for you to move about.

Please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought on board with you and please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as heavy articles may have shifted around during the flight.

If you require deplaning assistance, please remain in your seat until all other passengers have deplaned. One of our crew members will then be pleased to assist you.

On behalf of Thai Airways and the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. Have a nice evening!"

Waiting for the other passengers to leave first, Gulf lazily climbed out of his seat. Although Gulf appeared to be collected, his heart was pounding like crazy.

You are a frequent traveller Gulf, landing is normal.

Okay.

Landing is normal. After all, I have flown all over the world for perhaps a little over a hundred times. I am used to taking off and landing.

But Mew picking me up is not normal!

What was I thinking when I asked him to pick me up?!

Gulf dragged his feet to the immigration checkpoint, dreading to reach the arrival gate.

I must look horrible from the 16-hour flight. I bet whatever impression he has of me is going to be tarnished. Marred. Tainted.

After going through immigration and showing the necessary documents, Gulf went through the arrival gate.

A mixture of nervousness, excitement and longing washed over Gulf as he looked around trying to find Mew.

Gulf bit his lower lip nervously as he checked his phone. It is 8pm. He should be here by now.

As Gulf walks through the arrival gate, Mew's smile grows of its own accord.

Mew took in Gulf's appearance, wanting to imprint his image in his mind.

His fluffy hair, over-sized hoodie and loose sweatpants made him look so cute.

Seeing Gulf look around like a lost puppy made Mew want to pamper and protect him.

Walking up to Gulf, Mew saw those liquid caramel eyes light up when Gulf spotted him.

Mew engulfed Gulf in a hug, taking in his scent.

Realizing that he missed Gulf much more than he thought he did.

Feeling a pair of arms wrap around him, Mew smiled.

Looks like I am not the only one who felt a sense of longing.

Just then, an announcement played over the audio system of the airport.

"This is an announcement for passengers on flight 232 to Boise. The flight has been delayed due to bad weather conditions."

Gulf tugged the corner of Mew's shirt, softly saying, "Mew, we should probably go before the weather gets worse."

Reluctantly, Mew let go of Gulf.

Stupid airport. Should I just buy it over?

Making a mental note to ask Bright to acquire the airport, Mew took Gulf's hand-carry luggage in one hand and held Gulf's hand with the other.

"Although I want to spend more time with you," Mew smiled at Gulf who was looking at their intertwined hands, then at Mew, before hurriedly looking down. The tip of his ears a little red.

"I should probably fetch you back home before the weather gets worse."

"Okay." Gulf's hand tightened around Mew's.

---

"Due to the bad weather, flash floods have occurred. Flooding on Khao San Street in Bangkok. Khao San Street will remain closed until Saturday after –"

Switching off the radio, Gulf whined. "Meww I am so tired. I planned to eat and then flop onto my bed but this weather heartlessly destroyed my plan."

Mew pondered for a bit before saying, "How about you stay over at my place? It is only five minutes away from here."

From his peripheral vision, Mew noticed Gulf's hesitant face.

"Gulf, I will honor, respect and cherish you till the day I die. I won't do anything that you don't want, don't worry."

"Don't talk about dying!"

Gulf smacked Mew's arm hard, tears threatening to trickle down his face.

Why did I feel an unbearable ache when the word "die" left his mouth?

Driving quickly to the roadside and parking his car in a safer place, Mew unbuckled their seatbelts.

Mew swiftly embraced Gulf, gathering Gulf closer to him.

"Sorry Gulf."

Mew softly muttered, repeating it until he felt Gulf calm down.

"You owe me food!"

Gulf beat Mew's chest, burying his face.

"Anything you want." Mew chuckled, patting his soft hair.

Gulf looked up at Mew, his eyes still a bit teary yet holding a hint of mischief.

"You said it! I want KFC, pizza, sprite, macaroons..."