1. Hit or Miss

Chapter Forty-Two

The plane ride was amazingly easier for a nervous flyer. I remember someone once telling me it does get easier and I will never have to admit to them they are right. I walked through LAX's airport a little more confident. I didn't have a stalker psycho to worry about and it was nice. I looked around after grabbing my stuff from claims for Mark. I had to remember he was not a beacon of hair, but the floof he had going on I couldn't miss either. I walked outside to at least grab some air when a voice caught me off guard.

"Excuse me miss, but I believe it is me you're looking for?" Mark's voice was very noticeable and I laughed as he approached me.

"It could be, I mean unless I suddenly changed my mind?" I chuckled as he smiled. He was about a few inches under six feet and I never realized this before. We hugged and he attempted to take my things.

"Oh come on, let me be the nice host!" he begged. I laughed as he smiled. I shook my head at his kindness, but really it was okay.

"I appreciate it Mark, but you're fine! I remembered not to bring so much this time!" I smiled, but Mark looked confused.

"You've been out here before?" he asked tilting his head. We walked through the parking lot and I explained some of my stay with the Grumps.

"I um, was almost living out here due to-" I began and he suddenly pointed to me with a look of realization.

"I know who you are now! Oh holy shit, the-the pictures! You're from the convention! Dan mentioned you before when I came to hang out the day he said he like carried you back to his place! Wow, I should have known, really I'm so sorry to just not pay that much attention!" Mark smiled shyly and I shrugged.

"It's fine, and yeah that whole dead sleep thing wasn't a joke. I had had a night terror the night before and never got to sleep." I nodded as he looked shocked.

"He told me you did that, and then worked all night!? Holy shit you're nuts!" Mark high-fived to my crazy. I laughed as we reached his car. I threw my stuff in his backseat and he opened my door for me.

"Thanks man!" I said in a friendly manner. He slipped in on his driver's side and nodded.

"Not a problem, just trying to be a nice guy, so did you get a chance to see much while you were here?" Mark was great at keeping conversation. I explained some of the date Dan and I had, which felt easier to say out loud than I thought, and he smiled at the tale.

"Ya know, like I know, that things, from what I heard, got really tight and hard before you left, but you both seemed to really care about each other. Just a thought. Sorry if it like upsets ya. I really don't wanna hurt your feelings or anything." Mark was making sure to sound sincere. I smiled warmly at him and nodded.

"Honestly I don't see anyone anymore. It honestly feels nice to kinda talk. So no worries and thank you." I looked over as Mark came up to a light. He stopped and smiled at me.

"Friends definitely are great to have! I love those guys, they have become a huge part of my life. Now, how is your relationship with them anymore?" Mark was curious in a way that reminded me of Barry. I was able to just talk and answer his questions.

"Arin actually emailed me as I was heading home to pack yesterday!" I smiled sort of excited.

"Wow, that's awesome, I'm so sorry if I seem prying like a nosy Nanny, but what did he say?" Mark shrugged with me as I snickered.

"He mentioned that he was writing me on his behalf and told Dan to write his own letter. So that was interesting. He also mentioned that he missed me and they all miss me, and they all consider me family still. It was very nice to hear, but I at the same time am also subscribed now by Game Grumps along with Ninja Sex Party. It sort of rattled me, I won't lie." I looked out the window then noticing I was getting quiet. Mark noticed as well. He let me just sort of be in my head for a bit before turning onto a street. It had a few houses and a couple apartment complexes by them. I noticed they were more townhouses which to me, seemed perfect.