Crinkled / Quackhalo

Mile High Baby

Darryl walked across the vast runway in awe. Attached to his arm was Alexis, who left the suit and gold chains at home in favor of a Hawaiian shirt and sweatpants. Much to Darryl's objection, the beanie remained in place.

"Is this- oh my goodness Alexis, is this yours?" Darryl said, referring to the shiny private jet that loomed in front of them. In absolutely no world could his teacher's salary be able to afford such a luxurious form of transportation.

Alex gave a gentle hum of acknowledgement, more focused on the curious sparkle Darryl had in his eyes. It was cute seeing a grown man be so excited by a jet, especially since Alex himself had gotten numb over the course of dozens of work flights.

Darryl took a few hesitant steps towards the open stairs leading up. Somehow the jet seemed to get bigger the closer he got. He looked over to Alex to see if it was okay to proceed.

With a nod, both men began their way up into the aircraft. Alex had unlatched his arms in favor of taking Darryl by the hand. The inside managed to be more stunning than the outside, it truly was something Darryl didn't believe he'd get to experience.

Lush beige lounging chairs and couches lined either side, yet it was so spacious. A minibar, kitchen, tvs, smooth wooden tables- even a king size bed had been built in. The faint smell of cleaning supplies and upholstery filled the area. New car smell was the best way Darryl could think to describe it.

Alex took him to a well cushioned couch, casually wrapping an arm around Darryls stiff shoulders. He continued to watch Darryl's eyes as they danced around the plane's interior. For a moment Darryl paused, letting out a quiet laugh.

"What's so funny?" Alex tilted his head slightly, catching Darryl's gaze with his own.

"I just remembered- I'm terrified of flying." Darryl looked to the ground, his laugh stopping along with the enthusiasm he just had for being in a private jet.

"Oh? It took getting you on a jet to remember that?" Alex teased.

"Sorry."

"How bad is it? Like can you not fly at all?" Alex asked, worried that Darryl would walk out before their fun began.

"Well I uh… I've flown a few times before out of necessity, but it's not my favorite. I usually try to sleep through it-" Darryl got embarrassed as he spoke, trying to downplay the fact that he's deathly terrified of being in a jet that could malfunction and crash at any given moment.

"Not today doll. I'll make sure you have a good time, you won't even realize you're on a plane because you're having so much fun. I promise." Alex pecked Darryl on the cheek, a bright crimson blush immediately flooding to the kissed skin.

"But Alexis-" Darryl protested, the fear setting in the longer he thought about it.

"But nothing. This plane gets regular inspections, top quality maintenance, and a pilot that's been flying accident free for the past three decades. I wouldn't put you on it if I truly felt like your life would be at risk."

Darryl nodded slowly, his heart clenching in his chest as the door closed. Goodness how he wanted to go back out to the runway beneath them as fast as his legs would let him. That way he'd be sure that the ground beneath them was there to stay.

"Mr Maldonado, guests. We will be departing to Mexico in the next 5 minutes, please remain seated until we are in the skies. As per request, there will be no interruptions during the duration of the flight. If there are any immediate issues or concerning turbulence, I'll tap back in. Otherwise, enjoy the flight." An older voice dripped clearly from the ceiling speakers. The flight had yet to take off and Darryl's body had already begun trembling.