AN: Hey dudes (and dudettes :P) x These were meant to be seperate, but I'm feeling benevolent so you technically get a double whammy x enjoy!
"Sleep well?" Douglas asked, a little sarcastic. Martin shook his head gently. Only then did Douglas really look at him… Martin's eyes were red and puffy, with black rings under then. Tear-stains covered his entire face, and he was sickeningly pale, even a little blue. "My god, Martin. You look awful."
"Shut up." Martin snapped quietly, turning his face away. "This place sucks. The sooner we leave, the better."
"Are you sure you're fit to fly?" Douglas asked tentatively. The hurt look that crossed Martin's features made him immediately regret saying it, but it was a valid question… Martin really didn't look well. However, Douglas realised, a little late, that taking away Martin's ability to fly was like clipping a bird's wings. He would have no purpose, and he'd sink into a deep depression. The pang of guilt that hit Douglas when he saw a tear slip from Martin's eyes was like a knife to his heart, whatever was left of it… "Sorry," he said before he could stop himself. "I'm sure it'll be fine." And he forced himself to smile gently at the young Captain. Martin's eyes lit up a little, but he turned away in embarrassment as he realised the tear about to drip from his face. He hastily wiped it away, before following Carolyn from the lobby in silence, his face painted with an ashamed sadness which it hurt Douglas to look at.
As soon as they were in the air, Martin began to look better, healthier, and Douglas realised how much flying really was to Martin. It was his life, in more ways than one.
Martin was angry with himself. He'd let himself cry in front of Douglas. I was only one tear, but it was enough to be ammunition. He cursed himself, and remained near silent for most of the trip, ashamed and upset. He was glad that Douglas seemed to have decided he was in a gracious mood today, it caved him from the sarcastic jibes of their usual flights, although he had to say it was terribly boring without a work game going and the trip felt like it laster for days. But still, at least having Douglas nearby kept Martin sane.
Their flight to Kyoto involved a long rally of the Traveling Lemon, which Martin was of course objectional about. He didn't know whether it was a good or bad thing that this time their passengers already doubted his professionalism, so had no respect to lose. Douglas tried the hat trick again, which earned him a mocking from Martin and Carolyn. He tried various obscure places, but it seemed that, for once, Martin was having a good day. Several times, he questioned the reality of the flight.
When they reached Kyoto, Carolyn led them to the hotel, explaining that she'd already booked it, along with a profound apology. It wasn't as bad as the hotel in Sydney (technically it had been on the outskirts), but it wasn't much better… There were less insect, and at least the whole place was slightly heated, and slightly cleaner. But it was still appalling. Of course, they still had separate rooms. While Douglas and Carolyn counted this among their blessings, Martin and Arthur didn't (for very different reasons)…
The previous night, back home, had seen Martin get the best night of sleep he'd ever had in his drafty old attic, the relief of warmth and a half decent place to sleep (plus his extreme lack of energy thanks to his lack of sleep in Sydney) had meant the was out like a light as soon as his head hit the threadbare, but soft, pillow.
But here wasn't such an easy night… He wasn't cold, because he was hudded on the floor next to the heater. The floor was, admittedly, more comfortable than the 'bed', yet again, some elevated boards with a few sheets over the top in an attempt to hide the nails and splinters. However, he was still plagued by the scuttles of the invisible insectoid army. The wind wasn't as bad, but that just made the insects sound worse. He also knew, for a fact, that his back would hurt like hell in the morning – wait, was that the sunrise? Bugger.
He trudged down the stairs, flight bag in hand.
"Another good night's rest?" Douglas asked sarcastically. Martin sighed, rubbing his eyes to emphasise the point. Douglas grimaced.
The flight home was filled with sarcastic comments, mainly aimed at Martin, although occasionally Arthur received the odd snide comment, which he neglected to find insulting. Martin would have given anything to be so blissfully unaware. The statement "ignorance is bliss" was definitely proved true by Arthur. However, Martin had to admit, the sarcastic comments were better than the silence they had suffered on the last home-ward flight. Despite the irritating quality they possessed, Martin couldn't help finding them a comforting reminder of Douglas' presence, which was calming him more and more of late.
AN - Okay, this one's actually quite tame in whumpage... I wasn't expecting that.