Ascendant

"I hate this place," a voice whispered irritably to itself. "I hate this place, I hate this place. I hate this place." Tev shoved through a crowd of people blocking the glass doors. Sweat accumulated over his brow. He double- and triple-checked his pockets, wary of thievery in the aggressive friction of bodies and luggage.

Another voice jested, "what are you mumbling over there?" She could barely raise her volume above that of the babbling people that engulfed them. Tev turned to see Ree just behind; her height had its perks. "Go that way," she pointed above many heads.

Tev followed her instructions with a groan. Soon enough, they found themselves out of the group and near the baggage claim area. There were no vacant seats. He slapped his back against a wall and slid to the floor, sitting cross-legged. He wiped the sweat from his redding forehead. "God, I love this place."

Now, they were far enough away that the chatter was little more than distant murmurs and the airport's PA system announcements were clear again.

Ree scoffed. "Told you we should come here early," she said, towering over Tev.

He shook his head and playfully punched her in the shin. "I think someone was pulling my hair." He carefully patted the thick, brown curls that poofed outward from his head. "Like someone's kid or something. It hurt!"

"What can I do about it?" She looked around and found no luggage carousels activated yet. She clicked her tongue and shrugged. "And here I thought we were going to be late. What's taking so long? I thought Ashton would be landed by now. It's already thirty past."

"She wouldn't lie. Check the flight board and I'll get the number. . ." Tev whipped out his phone and charging cable and plugged the device into the wall. It died earlier during the long car ride here. Once his phone booted up, he eagerly browsed through the recent unread messages from Ashton:

not ready for another flight *cries*

lady heard my tummy growl she gave me some lunch money (shh dont tell her i spent it on a plush. ill show you when i get there!)

rees going to be there right? can u tell her not to piss off the front desk again pleeease?

OH YEAH! flight # is PS752 if u need it

its here...FYI i aint leaving the plane sober :x

i wonder what the lady would think of me not getting food...

ill see u in 2 hours!! <3<3

Tev's heart fluttered as he read the messages and his body was excited with a familiar, shivering warmth. He finally keyed in his response.

SORRY! Phone died. Here at baggage claim. Hurry up and get your butt out here dummy

"Yo!" Ree called, pulling Tev's attention. "One of the flights says delayed. Is that hers?"

"Oh, erm. It's P-S-7-5-2."

"Okay, nevermind then." Ree twirled her short, wavy brown hair. "Looks like someone isn't doing their job then." She nudged Tev's foot with her own. "I'm going to get some coffee. You got any change?"