Chapter Text
The sounds and fast paced environment of the John F. Kennedy International Airport were doing nothing for your already frayed nerves. Flying was never fun for you. It never had been and never will be. The fact that you were going to be thousands of feet up in the air in what was, essentially, a tube with wings, didn’t make you feel safe at all.
Unfortunately, flight was rather needed in your line of work. You were a researcher for the Religious Studies Department at Stony Brook University, your speciality being polytheistic religions. Travelling was a must and not having time on your side meant that you had to get to where you needed to be as fast as possible, thus, flying was your only option.
The sound of the overhead system ringing through the airport snapped you out of your nervous daze.
“Good afternoon passengers. This is the boarding announcement for flight 73A to Hamilton International Airport New Zealand. Please make your way to the gate and have your boarding pass and identification ready. I repeat, this is the boarding announcement for flight 73A to Hamilton International Airport New Zealand. Please make your way to the gate and have your boarding pass and identification ready. Thank you.”
Looking up, you saw the LED board confirm the message.
“Dammit all…”
You stand from your spot on a random bench and grab your small carry-on roller bag from the seat beside you. You start to make your way to the gate on shaky legs that want to do nothing more than drag your happy ass back home and back into bed.
As you approach the gate the attendant gives you a sympathetic smile as you shakingly hand her your pass and ID. She was a kind, middle aged woman with bright eyes and an even brighter smile.
“Is this your first time flying, honey?”
“N-No...more like my hundredth, but it never seems to get any better for me.” You end your statement with a nervous chuckle before averting your eyes elsewhere.
“Well, don’t you worry, the captain for this flight is a veteran pilot who makes sure to take care of his passengers. Plus, you’re first class! The stewardesses will take care of you and anything you need! Don’t be afraid to ask!”
With a slight nod and shaky smile you thanked her and made your way onto the plane. Once you were on, the stewardess helped you find your seat and placed your carry-on bag in the overhead compartment. The seat was nice and plush, helping calm your nerves a bit as the other passengers filed in and took their seats. Fate was on your side this day. No one had the seats on either side of you. The group mentality that people wanted and needed their own space was working in your favor.
Time ticked by and as it did the stewards and stewardesses helped direct everybody in the safety procedures and practices. Time ticked by even slower as the plane finally took off and was in the air. Your hands gripped the armrests tightly as you bit your bottom lip, trying your damnedest to even out your breathing. Once the sign went off for no electronic devices, you quickly pulled out your phone and headphones. Plugging it into the charger near the window, you started up your standard playlist and quickly popped the earbuds in. The noise cancelling technology ensured you would have only one thing running through your ears as you closed your eyes and let yourself be taken elsewhere.
“How does a bastard, orphan, son of a whore and a Scotsman, dropped in the middle of a forgotten spot in the Caribbean by providence impoverished, in squalor, grow up to be a hero and a scholar?”