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“Will you get off my ass for one second?!” Jack hissed, not meeting Bitty’s gaze.
“What is with you today?” Bitty was bewildered, and annoyed. Jack had been snippy all through the airport, and had been less than helpful getting through security and onto the plane. “Honey, I am just reminding you to put your seat belt on. I’m not ‘on your ass’ about anything !” Years of southern charm coursing through Bitty’s veins was the only thing keeping his voice below an unacceptable volume as the plane filled up.
Jack didn’t respond, and continued to stare straight ahead at the seat in front of him.
“Honestly! I go through the time and effort of planning this whole trip, and you’ve been cranky all day, and-” Bitty stopped and immediately softened. Tears had started to fall down Jack’s cheeks.
“Oh Jack, sweetheart, what’s wrong? Honey..” Bitty looked wide at Jack’s face, but his partner remained quiet, blinking fast.
All of a sudden, Bitty felt like an idiot. The irritability all day, the slow-going, the sudden tears.
“Okay, honey, listen to me,” Bitty grabbed Jack’s hands from the tight fists they had been making in his lap. They immediately squeezed around Bitty’s smaller hands.
“Breathe with me, sweetheart. In...” Bitty modeled and Jack followed. “And out...”
They continued this way for several more repetitions, Bitty rubbing deep circles into his partner’s hands. Noticing Jack’s eyes darting around the plane, Bitty pulled Jack slightly toward him, away from the aisle.
“Honey, close your eyes.”
“Bits..” Jack’s breathing was picking up again, his body rocking slightly.
“Jack. Close your eyes.”
Jack did as he was told, squeezing them tightly shut and breathing in deeply through his nose.
Bitty released Jack’s hands, and moved to apply pressure up and down his arms.
“ Attention all passengers: we will be taking off shortly. Please ensure your seat belts are fastened.”
“Honey, I’m gonna do your seat belt up for you.” Jack made no motion to indicate he heard Bitty, but Bitty knew he was listening. “Do you want it tight or loose?”
“Tight.”
Bitty reached across Jack’s waist and clasped the seat belt together, pulling the adjustment as much as he could. He then returned to squeezing up and down Jack’s arms.
“Sweetheart?”
Jack hummed.
“Are we feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or both?”
Jack hummed again, breathing deeply.
“I see.” Bitty grabbed Jack’s hand. “Now, hun, I’m gonna start talking and if you need me to shut my mouth, you just give me a tap, alright?
Jack tapped his fingers on the back of Bitty’s hand, smiling slightly between breaths.
“Har, har. ” Bitty smiled despite himself.
“Now, I know you like talking through stuff ahead of time, and I’m kicking myself that we didn’t do it more before our flight, but you know I was so busy trying to not have a conniption between multitasking flight logistics and planning what I’m gonna tell my Mama when she finds out I’ve been fiddling with her sourdough recipe. Lord , I still don’t even know how to start that conversation… but that’s neither here nor there. I was meaning to tell you about these sorts of flights here. Now, they may be a logistical nightmare, but the flight itself is often relaxing! (Unless you’re a baby, bless their hearts but, my word, name a sound more agitating. I mean, really.) Remember to swallow a few times as we’re gaining altitude, sweetheart. It’ll help the pressure in your ears. Now where was I..”
Bitty continued talking and rubbing Jack’s hands far after the plane had reached cruising altitude, and long after Jack had completely calmed down. Jack didn’t open his eyes until Bitty took a pause to take a drink of water, having completely dried out his mouth.
“Bits.”
“Yeah, honey?”
“Thank you.”
Bitty tutted. “Oh, hun, of course-”
“And I’m sorry I was a dick all day. And that you had to deal-”
“Jack, listen.” Bitty swiped a thumb over Jack’s cheek, wiping away the tear tracks that were left behind. “I love you so much, sweetheart. And I’m sorry I got so worked up! Flying will take the patience out of anyone. I’m so glad you’re here with me. My mom loves you so much she might forget about the sourdough recipe.”
Jack raised an eyebrow. “Oh, I see. That’s the real reason I’m here.”
“I have my reasons for keeping you around, Mr. Zimmermann.”
“You’re lucky I think you’re hot.”
“Oh shush,” Bitty blushed slightly, play-hitting Jack’s arm.
Jack rested his hand on Bitty’s leg, leaning back and closing his eyes. Bitty leaned his head to rest on him, and laid his hand on top of Jack’s.
“Let’s get some rest, eh?”
“Sounds good to me, sweetheart.”