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‘Ethan!’ Benji sprinted from the plane towards his partner, who was walking slightly limply at Grace’s side. He scooped him into a tight hug. Grace continued into the plane, allowing the two experienced agents some time to reconvene.
‘It’s so good to see you.’ Benji said, his face muffled into the hood of Ethan’s coat. He pulled away, examining his partner’s face. ‘Are you hurt? I mean, obviously you won’t feel great, having nearly died in the arctic ocean, but are you alright to get on the plane?’
‘I’m fine, Benji.’ Ethan responded, softly, taking in the younger man’s frenzied expression. Benji breathed a sigh of relief.
‘Ok. I’m so glad you’re back.’ He tilted his head down to press an enthusiastic kiss against Ethan’s cheek. It was only brief, as he was forced to recoil slightly in shock. Ethan was freezing. It was to be expected, he supposed. They were still in a sub-zero climate after all. He settled instead for slinging an arm over Ethan’s shoulder, supporting him up onto the plane walkway.
They explained the plan to their new recruits, perfectly in sync with each other. The group watched in awe, both at the complexity of the plan, and their ability to harmoniously complete each other’s sentences. Benji alone as team leader had been pretty first-rate, but now combined with Ethan, the two were unstoppable.
The only sign of uncertainty were the light tremors exhibited by Ethan, amidst his carefully thought-out instructions. The rest of the team didn’t notice, too enraptured by his leadership presence. Benji noticed.
After disbanding from the rest of the group, Benji approached Ethan, hoping to talk about it. Before he could ask, Ethan turned gravely solemn. He spoke the words Benji had been anticipating, but had never wanted to hear. Luther was gone. Drawing the tremors aside for the moment, he pulled Ethan into an embrace, caressing the tear tracks cascading down his face. His own eyes welled up, and he leant his head forward, resting his forehead gently against Ethan’s.
Even in the warmth of the plane, Ethan was still frozen to the touch. His forehead felt icy and quivered lightly against Benji’s warmth, which he decided not to mention, not wanting to disturb the comfort his partner sorely needed. He used a hand to wipe his eyes, which he then extended to interlace between Ethan’s fingers.
‘I’m so sorry.’ He said, soberly.
‘I’m so sorry too.’
A few hours later, when he found Ethan huddled down into his coat by the side of the plane, fully zipped up with the fluffy hood hiding his face, it became impossible not to say something.
‘So, when you said you were fine?’ Benji questioned. Ethan raised a shaky hand, pulling the hood off his head.
‘I am. We’re still over arctic waters, it’s just a bit cold.’ Ethan insisted. Benji sighed. He seated himself on the plane floor beside his partner, draping his arm around his back.
‘Yeah, but I’m not wearing my thick winter coat, and I’m actually fine.’ Benji asserted, rubbing circles into Ethan’s spine. Ethan slouched to the side, nuzzling his head into his Benji’s neck, chasing his heat.
‘Yeah, but you’re always warm.’ Ethan chuckled. Benji gave a resigned sigh. He propped Ethan back upright carefully, before pulling the sleeves of his jumper down away from his arms and removing the woollen fabric over his head. He passed the jumper to Ethan.
‘Put this on under your coat. I’ll be right back.’ He rushed off to their supply bag, rummaging through the contents until his hand found a familiar fleecy material. He pulled the blanket out from the bag, returning to Ethan. He resumed his previous position at Ethan’s side and splayed the blanket out on top of the two of them, tucking it delicately over their feet. He tilted his head to one side, beckoning for Ethan to return his face to its prior resting position. Ethan chuckled, and moved his head obligingly.
‘Better?’ Benji asked. Ethan nodded lightly.
‘I really am fine. Just cold.’ Ethan murmured into his neck.
‘You feel freezing, Ethan.’ Benji lamented. He ran his fingers through Ethan’s still slightly ocean-matted hair, his features laced with concern. ‘Let me know if it doesn’t get any better, and we’ll get you checked out when we land somewhere safe.’
‘Ok.’ Ethan confirmed. Benji rested his head atop Ethan’s, smiling tenderly.
‘The jumper looks good on you.’ Benji complimented. He felt Ethan huff against his neck.
‘It looks a lot better on you.’ He objected. Benji rolled his eyes and scoffed affectionately.
‘Gonna have to agree to disagree there.’ Benji teased, wrapping his arm a little tighter around Ethan’s back. Ethan sunk his face slightly downwards, towards the jumper.
‘It smells like you.’ His eyes glazed over a little, and Benji pressed a kiss against his forehead, unphased by the cold. ‘I missed you.’ Ethan whispered.
‘I missed you too.’ He gazed out of the plane window, considering their position. He sighed. ‘We’re gonna be ok.’
Ethan paused. He moved his face away from Benji’s neck, looking up at him intensely.
‘I hope so…’ He said.