One Long Flight 💙

Hour Six

She sighed, sensing Chris's gaze upon her. "I'm okay, Chris."

He replied gently, "I know. But it's okay if you're not."

A nod passed between them as she turned to meet his gaze. "I know. Why are you so nice?"

A chuckle escaped him. "I don't think I'm doing anything out of the ordinary."

Raising her hand, she gestured to the air around him. "You radiate it."

He laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "You might be slightly intoxicated, Aisling."

Her own laughter bubbled up. "I'm not, actually. I just mean that you exude kindness."

Another chuckle followed from him, a shrug accompanying it. "I try to be a good person. That's all anyone can do."

She held his gaze, a small smile playing on her lips. "That's just it, Chris. I don't think you even have to try." She leaned over, resting her head against his shoulder. "Play another game with me. Distract me."

"Sure. How about 20 questions? Or we could just talk. Take turns asking questions."

She nodded, finding comfort in his presence. "Sounds good. You go first."

His question hung in the air. "Have you ever been in love?"

Her laughter was soft. "No. Have you ever had a crush on an animated character?"

He chuckled, playing along. "Ariel or Jasmine. You?"

"Definitely Jasmine." Her smile widened at his laughter. "What's something you wish you were good at?"

He sighed, pondering. "Hmm, maybe learning languages. I struggle with it. Baths or showers?"

"Baths, for sure. With lavender bath soap. When's your birthday, Chris?"

"June 13th. And yours?"

"August 11th." They settled into a comfortable rhythm as he leaned back in his seat, resting his head on hers. "Have you ever been in love?"

His pause was palpable. "There were times I thought I was, in the moment. But looking back, I'm not so sure. What's your favorite flower, Aisling?"

She chuckled. "Daisies. And your favorite color?"

"Blue. How about you?"

"Purple. Apart from me, who was the last person you kissed?"

Chris's laughter was spontaneous. "Probably my dog, saying goodbye."

She joined in his laughter. "That's adorable. And also, what a loser."

He laughed, turning his head to meet her gaze, mirroring her action. "And how about you?"

She laughed, shaking her head. "Honestly, I'm not even sure. It's been so long. So, the bar is set really low for you, Chris."

He shook his head, laughter continuing to bubble up. "Good to know I don't have to try too hard."

"Favorite ice cream flavor?" she asked, changing the topic.

He groaned in mock agony. "Ugh, tough one. Maybe cookies and cream. How about you?"

She considered it for a moment. "Hmm, rocky road." Her eyes met his again. "Are you a shower singer? You strike me as a shower singer."

He nodded, a grin tugging at his lips. "Absolutely. And what's your favorite dessert?"

"Hmm, pie. Specifically, apple pie." He observed her studying him for a moment before she posed her next question. "Have you ever been told 'it's not you, it's me'?"