Angel

Part 7

August 12th, 1980

~

Lindsey was terrible hungover the following morning as he climbed the steps to get on the plane. After leaving Stevie's room, he uncapped the first bottle he could find in his. He winced, seeing what was left of it, when he woke up just a few short hours ago. Queasy and with a pounding headache, Lindsey slumped down in the nearest unoccupied seat. 

Stevie arrived shortly after. She passed Lindsey, their eyes locked only for a second as she went to find an empty seat. She covered herself with a blanket and pulled out a book from her bag, indicating that she should not be bothered by anyone. 

Soon after liftoff, Lindsey turned to search for Stevie. He doubted that she wanted anything to do with him, but he feared that he wouldn't get another chance to talk to her any time soon. It was still rather early in the day and Lindsey noticed that mostly everyone was attempting to get some sleep during the short flight. 

"Can I sit down for a minute?" Lindsey asked quietly. Stevie didn't say, no, so he guessed, that was a form of a yes. "I'm so sorry about last night."

"You don't have to keep saying that." Stevie sighed, pretending that she was still reading her book.

"But I am. I shouldn't have-"

"I'm not mad at you about last night, Lindsey." Stevie interrupted him. "Rough sex is nothing new between us." She added in a whisper. 

"I just thought the night wasn't going to take a turn like that." Lindsey gave her an apologetic look, when she faced him. "Honestly, I wanted to talk. That's all."

"And I didn't." Stevie shrugged. "Seriously, it's alright. Stop thinking about it." She managed to smile a little and Lindsey frowned. 

"We've always been fucked up, but I'm completely lost this time, Stevie." Lindsey admitted. "What are you mad at me about? Please, tell me, what did I do?"

"Nothing." Stevie shook her head, he stared at her expecting something more. "You didn't do anything wrong. You... you were there for me, when I needed you. You stayed to make sure I was okay. You cared."

"And that's why you're angry?" It didn't make sense to him.

"I'm not angry at you." Stevie emphasized, looking at him, hoping that he understood and she wouldn't have to spell it out. She breathed out heavily. "I let you get close, Lindsey. I can't let you be that close to emotionally. It... it never ends well."

"So, you prefer when scream at each other?" Lindsey scoffed, shaking his head. "That's-"

She placed her hand over his and give it a gentle squeeze, she smiled at him sadly. "It's easier that way." 

With more questions than answers, Lindsey dragged his feet back to his seat after she showed no signs of wanting to continue with the conversation.