A/N: Thank you for the awesome reviews and support! I hope my story continues to please you! And welcome any new readers! And thank you so much for loving my sister's pictures! She drew Miles exactly as I imagined him. So sexy. Lol. And thank you for the birthday wishes!
Due to time constraints, we couldn't see short stack's parents until during spring break.
On the way to the airport, she kept warning me about them, saying "Don't smile randomly because they consider that rude" or "Please don't play loud music in the house; they are prone to migraines."
My response was "Why don't I just lie in the corner and photosynthesize?"
I already had a 13 hour flight to look forward to, and short stack's 'kind warnings' weren't helping at all.
I parked the jeep in the designated area, hoping nothing would happen to my baby while we were gone. Short Stack told me to pack light, so all I had was a small suitcase and my carry-on bag.
"I'll carry your bag." I offered while taking her bag anyways.
"But I'll have nothing to carry then!" She pointed out, giving me at angry pufferfish look.
"Exactly!" I smirked, taking her hand in my free one before walking towards the airport entrance.
After our little make-out session back during Thanksgiving, I've gotten better at being affectionate without blushing at every damn thing. Of course, it is still pretty fucking difficult when she looks at me with those big brown eyes and that damning smile, and not burn up.
When did everything about the short stack become so appealing? Two years ago, she was just another face in the crowd, and now, the sight of her makes me weak in the knees.
That temptress.
"Miles?" Short Stack's soft voice snapped me out of my daze.
"Yeah?"
"You're about to walk into a wall."
Once all the security clusterfucks were done, the two of us settled in on the plane, waiting for takeoff.
I gazed around the plane's interior, impressed by the food carts and foldable trays, while Short Stack was the definition of flight veteran with a blank face.
"Is the chow on the plane any good?"
"It's not that bad. Nothing five star gourmet, but it'll do."
I was about to respond when the flight attendant's voice came on the intercom.
"Good evening, passengers! Please fasten your seatbelts and remain in yours seats during takeoff."
'Y'know, Short Stack." I started while buckling up. "This is my first time on a plane."
"Really now. Well then, I guess you are really excited."
"Oh, I was, but not anymore."
"Why's that?"
"Because plane takeoffs scared the shit out of me."
"….Oh, crap."
It was at that moment the plane started moving, and I tighten my grip on her hand.
"Young-ja," My voice shook a little. "I believe this is well within my rights as your boyfriend to ask you to hold my hand."
"I'm here for you." She winced as my grip tighten. "But, you'll be fine. I promise!"
The plane started to rise off the ground, and I swear I felt my soul leave my body.
"Miles!" Young-ja took my face in her hands, ripping her limp hand from my iron grip in the process. "Just look into my eyes until we're up in the air, alright?!"
I did as she requested, and I felt myself slowly calm down.
"Feeling better?" She asked once my muscles relaxed.
"Yeah. Thanks, short stack."
"You're welcome." She laughed and pecked me on the lips. "But you could've told me earlier. I would've canceled the trip immediately ."
"But that wouldn't be fair. You hate long car rides but came to see my parents anyways for their blessing. I want to do the same. Regardless of whether they'll hate me or not, they still are your parents and I want to make a good impression."
Short Stack flushed a dark red, and I did a mini mental victory dance since the tables had now turned.
"Anyways," I continued, taking her hand in mine again. "I'd like to thank them too for bring you into my life. As cheesy as this may sound, my life wouldn't be the same without you."
She buried her face in my chest, the heat from her cheeks radiating through my jacket.
'Mission Accomplished.' I fist pumped.
"You're such a cheeseball, Miles Upshur." Her voice was muffled, but I still could detect the embarrassed tone.
"Only for you, short stack. Only for you."
Five hours into the flight, and I was bored out of my mind.
At least during car trips you can see the passing scenery and get out when you want; all you could do on airplanes was watch the in-flight movie and sleep.
The only good thing about this trip was that I had the aisle seat so I could stretch my legs, and the company I had.
I glanced over at short stack who was writing something in her songbook.
'Probably another song. Her brain is always composing something.'
Young-ja really is an amazing young woman. Name a band or a symphony, and she'll tell you everything about it. This girl truly lives and breathes music. I admire her determination to know everything about her major, but I feel that is her parents' influence. One time during a study date, I was trying to get her to take a break and cuddle with me on the sofa, but the shrimp kept telling me "Sorry, Miles. I have to study. I need to do my best on this assignment." Then she told me her parents receive reports from the college about her progress, and if she didn't have high marks, they would basically disown her.
'Yesh,' I thought to myself. 'She is already in the Honor's Program, get off her back!'
The only good thing about this is that music is Young-ja's passion, so it comes easily to her.
Still, I wish she would stop doing this for her parents and for herself instead. I also wish she would stop working herself to death and stop to the smell the roses once in a while.
Regardless, I love her for all she is and isn't.
Yes, love.
These past two years as friends, and now a couple, have made me realize I love Young-ja. It wasn't a romantic epiphany at all. During Christmas break, we went to IHOP for the breakfast special. Both of us were half-asleep and dressed like bums since we stayed up all night watching
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reruns. She sat across from me with frizzy hair, an oily face, and bags under her eyes, and I thought to myself 'Dammit, I love this girl." Originally, I thought it was nonsense from the lack of sleep, but as I become more conscious, I realized my feelings were legit. Then I proceeded to squeal like a fucking teenage girl into my palms while Young-ja stared at me like I was insane. That is why this trip is so important. If I receive the Parks blessing, then I will confess to her. If I don't, I plan to confess anyways. To be honest, I don't give a shit if they like me or not, but I know it would mean the world to Young-ja if they did.
Pulling myself out of memory lane, I yawned and laid down on her lap, halting her movements.
I gazed up at her, watching her try to look annoyed but ended up laughing and leaning down to kiss my nose.
'Every single kiss you give me drives the arrow deeper. And every witty remark and irritated gaze keeps it there.' I intertwined our fingers and kissed the back of her hand. 'I'm in love with you, short stack.'
A/N: Yup, Miles is in L-O-V-E! I really wanted to write a chapter about Miles' thoughts. I believe he is a hardass, but when he cares about someone, he gets all gooey and sweet! Next chapter we meet Young-ja's parents! And, since I like to listen to music when I write, give me some songs to listen to! I would love to hear them, and let them inspire me! :D