A Leap of Faith... I'm Not Caving In

So Close, No Matter How Far

*Matts POV*

"Matt? Dude, wake up."

"Hmff."

"Come on mate, the flight is nearly over."

I opened my eyes slowly, whilst showcasing the grumpiest looking face I'd probably ever pulled. Jet lag was a bitch.

I looked around at the plane I was currently on, and took note of Padge, who'd been the one waking me up. "Where are we?" I mumbled, barely forming the words.

"We're about two minutes from landing." Upon that news, I was wide awake, and Padge moved back against his seat, startled slightly at my sudden movement. I sat straight up and looked through the window. We were back in London!

"Calm down Matt, you won't see her from here just yet." Padge laughed, but I ignored him. I truly felt like a kid again. It was like this every time I came home from a tour, since the very first one at the beginning of our relationship a year and a half ago, to now. The London landing stage was always my favourite part. I never thought at 38 years old I'd feel like this over a woman, but hey, I guess that's true love for you.

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain with the last announcement of the flight. We are now preparing to land in lovely, sunny London, so please buckle up and remain seated until authorised to leave the plane. It's been a pleasure flying with you all, and we hope to see you again soon."

I barely paid attention to what was being said on the overhead speaker, but I buckled up anyway out of habit. The minutes went by painfully slowly but eventually it was time to exit off the plane and step back onto good old, British ground.

We stood waiting for our luggage on the conveyer belt thing, and everyone kept glancing at me as I kept my eyes on the little flap door that the luggage comes through on. They knew what I was planning, I do it every time. As soon as I see my suitcase, I grab it and I practically run. I know where she meets me, it's the same place every time. This routine is so common in fact, that if airport security saw a man grab a bag and run, they'd probably chase him for fear of a danger threat. But they knew who I was, and had seen why I do it, so they leave me be. Some of them find it funny to watch, others find it endearing and cute.

Out the corner of my eye, I saw Jamie collect his bag, along with Ryan. Where was mine, goddamit.

A few more minutes went by and I finally saw mine, along with the rest of the boys stuff. I bit my bottom lip in mild determination and went to grab the bag with the others following close behind me.

As soon as my hand touched it, I was off. The others laughed at the familiar scene, but continued to follow behind me at a fast walking pace, except they couldn't keep up. I couldn't exactly run fast with my rucksack and suitcase dragging behind me, but my god it never stops me trying.

I skilfully dodged strangers and groups of other holiday makers and businessmen, repeatedly saying sorry to everyone but no one in particular at the same time. It seemed to take an eternity but I finally reached the main terminal hall. I went through the last check out system and briskly walked out into a small open space to look around. The others somehow managed to catch up with me and joined me in looking for their owns wives and girlfriends. My eyes eventually caught a figure and my heart stopped.

There she was.

I couldn't fight the smile even if I wanted to. She clocked me too and I just ran. I didn't apologise to anyone this time, and within seconds I had reached her, dropped everything I was carrying and grabbed a hold of her. I picked her up and spun around again and again, burying my face in her hair and welcoming myself with the familiar scent of her favourite perfume.