One Long Flight 💙

Distractions

Aisling let out a sigh as she glanced around her new apartment. "Thanks for helping me find this place, Tara." She turned her attention back to her friend, seeing a small smile on her lips. It had been a month since she had left New York and returned to Boston, settling into her own apartment.

"Of course, Aisling. Are you and Chris really over?"

Aisling shrugged, her expression conflicted. "For now, yes. We are. Maybe things will change in the future. But right now, Tara, I can't be with him. No matter how much it hurts."

Understanding, Tara nodded and pulled her friend into a hug. "I get it, Aisling. I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. Just please, don't tell him where my apartment is?"

"Sure," Tara agreed with a reassuring smile. She went to open the door and found Sebastian standing there, his hand raised as if he was about to knock.

"Sebastian! What brings you here?"

He held up a bottle of Macallan in his hand. "Housewarming gift. I thought about a plant, but then I remembered you might not be the best with those. So, Scotch it is."

Aisling laughed, nodding. "Scotch is definitely a safer choice. Come on in." She ushered him inside, taking the bottle from him.

Tara smiled and said, "I'll catch you guys later."

As Tara left and closed the door, Aisling pulled Sebastian into a warm hug. "I'm really glad you're here." She felt him hesitate slightly before they separated.

"I know you've just moved in. I wanted to come and see how you're settling in."

Aisling noticed his hand reaching toward her hair, brushing a strand behind her ear. She caught his hand and held it. "I'm doing okay, I guess. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure."

Sebastian sighed softly. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Aisling let out a frustrated sound. "Not really. How about we order some junk food, pick a movie, and just relax? I have a spare room if you want to stay over."

Sebastian's smile brightened. "Absolutely."

✈️

After sharing food and watching a movie, they retreated to their respective rooms for the night. Aisling lay in her bed, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts swirling. Eventually, she let out a sigh and decided to get out of bed. She knocked on Sebastian's door, finding him awake and gazing at the ceiling as well. He sat up as she entered, a small smile on his face. "I'm sorry. I'm not used to sleeping alone."

Sebastian chuckled, patting the space next to him on the bed.

She crawled in beside him, feeling his arm pull her close to his chest. "Thank you for checking up on me."

He shifted, getting more comfortable. "Well, it wasn't entirely selfless, if I'm being honest. I wanted to see you."

Aisling let out a soft sigh. "I had a feeling." She sat up, meeting his gaze. Sebastian mirrored her, sitting up as well.

He reached out, his hand gently cupping her cheek, and their foreheads touched. Aisling's breath caught in her throat as she felt the weight of the moment.

"Seb..." Her words trailed off as he pressed his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. A soft whimper escaped her as she instinctively placed her hand at the nape of his neck. Their lips moved together, a slow and tender dance that deepened when she parted her lips, allowing his tongue to tease hers.

Sebastian pulled her onto his lap, his kisses trailing down her neck. Aisling let out a needy groan but then pulled away, resting her forehead against his. "Sebastian, this would just be a physical thing from being lonely. I love Chris. He's the one I want. I'm waiting for him to figure things out, to choose me. And as much as I'm tempted by this, I don't want it to be a distraction."

Sebastian sighed, nodding in understanding. "I know." He lay back down, looking up at the ceiling. "Just rest."

As Aisling nestled herself on his chest, she heard his quiet promise. "I'll make sure he comes back to you, Ais."

✈️

Early in the morning, a knock echoed at Chris's door, and to his surprise, it was Sebastian. "What brings you here?" Chris asked as Sebastian walked past him and entered the house.

Sebastian offered a casual explanation, "I came to visit Aisling at her new place, and Scott mentioned you were in town."

Chris let out a sigh, his worry evident. "How is she? Are you...?" He trailed off, struggling to voice his concern.

Sebastian's chuckle held a mix of understanding. "Are we together? No, of course not. She's still in love with you, Chris. She's waiting for you to make a choice, to fix things. How are you planning to do that?"

"I don't know." Chris sank onto the piano bench, facing Sebastian.

Sebastian's tone turned serious. "You've made some mistakes, Chris. You've been selfish and hurt her. You're risking losing the best thing that's happened to you. She won't wait around forever. You need to make things right before it's too late." His voice carried a note of frustration.

Chris let out a frustrated groan. "I know, okay? I know! What do I do?"

Sebastian's chuckle was laced with a hint of exasperation. "Groveling might be a start. But seriously, Chris, she needs to know that you value her. That you're truly listening to her and that her feelings matter to you."

Chris nodded, his expression a mix of determination and uncertainty. "I understand that, but I don't know where to begin."

Arms crossed, Sebastian confronted his friend. "I can only guide you so far, Chris. Ultimately, you're the one who has to fix this. However, I might have an idea that could serve as a good starting point."

Standing from the bench, Chris faced Sebastian earnestly. "I'll take any advice you can give, Sebastian."

After Sebastian left, Chris picked up his phone and dialed Patrick's number.

Patrick's voice came through with a hint of resignation. 'Chris.'

"Sir, I know you probably have every reason to avoid talking to me, but I need your help again. I'm trying to make things right with Aisling. Can you please help me?"

Patrick let out another sigh, his tone softening slightly. 'If it means you're serious about fixing things, then I'll see what I can do. What do you have in mind?'