ethereal (k.l.)

•FORTY•

a/n: you guys know the drill: i didn't write for so long because of stupid life shit sooooo please enjoy this chapter 💛

•••

I decided to leave Danny's sooner than I had originally planned. Finals were coming up, my mom was stressed, and I didn't want to force Kian to stay here any longer. He promised his mom he'd be back in a couple days, so now it was time to go. I had my bag packed and I was ready to leave. Kian was outside putting our stuff in the Uber while I said goodbye to Danny.

"I'm sorry we didn't get to hang out much." He said while nervously scratching the back of his neck.

"It's okay, I liked getting to know you." I smiled politely, he did the same. I wasn't planning on having a huge emotional goodbye with him since we've really only known each other for a few days. But I definitely felt like I had a second parent in my life, even though I knew things would probably go back to normal once I go back home.

"I did, too, kiddo." Danny said. I hesitated and thought for a moment, but I ended up wrapping my arms around him in a hug. He seemed caught off guard until he returned the embrace. He's helped me get through this drama, and I wanted to show him that I really appreciated it. He talked with me and let me know that I could always come back if needed. I'm actually really glad I decided to find him.

Kian and I got in the Uber and started our drive to the airport. He held my hand the entire time, which kept a small smile on my face. I was pretty nervous about going back home, walking in the school's hallways, having to see Rachel and deal with whatever she had to say. But I knew that I'd be able to get through it.

Soon enough, we were going through airport security and boarding the plane. Kian and I took our seats and I immediately slipped my hand in his, staring at our tattoos side by side. The permanent ink on our skin was so beautiful to me. It was a rash decision, but it was one I'm proud of. Kian's the love of my life, I don't see anything changing that, no matter how many uncertainties lurk about in the world.

I felt his head lean down to rest on my shoulder. I looked over and saw that his eyes were closed and little snores were passing through his parted lips. Kian's grip on my hand had loosened, and I could tell that sleep had taken over him. Of course he's tired, running after me and trying to deal with my problems must be exhausting.

My fingers brushed his hair back from his forehead so I could plant a small kiss on his skin. I nuzzled against him and felt his warmth wrap around me like a blanket. Soon after, my eyes shut and I was fast asleep in the comfort of his arms.

•••

Kian's car was waiting for us in the parking lot of LAX. We decided to drive to his house first so I could have a little more time to avoid going home. As soon as we walked in, Karen came running from the living room and wrapped her arms around Kian. I stepped back and let them have their moment.

"You're home early, are you okay?" She asked him with a concerned look etched on her face.

He nodded, "Yeah, Mom, we're good. We just decided to come back sooner than planned." He pulled her into another hug while he spoke.

Once they released each other from their second embrace, Karen turned to me with a sympathetic smile. She placed her hands on my cheeks. "Davina, I'm so sorry, honey. How are you holding up?" She gave me a hug as well.

"I'm okay, Kian helped a lot." I sent him a smile as she stepped back and held my hands. When Karen's fingers ran over my tattoo, she looked down and stared at the ink. My breath caught in my throat as she seemed to understand what the 'k' stood for.