Meiko and Luka went out for burgers the next day. But there was a lot more to do and to take care of than that.

First, there was Luka's phone. Her salvaged sim card still worked, so it was virtually like her old, water-soaked one. Then, there was all the documentation: she got a new passport and most of her medical release paperwork. All that was missing was proof that she was mentally fit to fly.

Luka was dead set on passing that evaluation, so when the therapist got in touch with her, she scheduled as many appointments as she could.

The following two months were grueling. Luka's shoulder eventually healed so that she was able to return to the gym. This, along with the therapy generously funded by Miku's father, helped her get her life back on track. The world quickly stopped caring about them. Miku wasn't on TV anymore. She'd answered all the world's questions. Luka got to spend time with her family and friends with a newfound appreciation for them.

But Gakupo wouldn't have any of that. When they found the plane's black box, they'd located his body. Their best guess was that he'd suffered a traumatic head injury which prevented him from leaving the cabin, news which devastated Luka. When she went to his memorial service, she was welcomed warmly by his family and peers. Still, she couldn't get out of her mind the fact that she could walk around, love and be loved, while he was stuck at the at the bottom of the ocean.

The therapy helped more than Luka could say, but two months could only do so much. She wasn't given medication quite yet; her nightmares were constant, but manageable. Except without being able to step in a cockpit, without being exposed to that next storm, Luka didn't know how she'd fare. She didn't know how they would even test for it.

Her evaluation did come eventually. Her arm was barely out of a sling, merely to test its mobility. They asked hundreds of questions, and it took literally all day. And with every question, Luka had to stop her leg from bouncing; was that answer the final nail in her coffin? Was it the one that decided that she couldn't fly anymore? In the moment, there was no way to know, so she powered through, answering each question honestly, to the best of her ability.

The decision came days later. It was in a sealed envelope, and merely holding it was enough to make Luka's heart race. She brought over Meiko for emotional support, but could barely even read the letter herself. Luka ended up handing the letter to her friend, for her to tell her what the decision would be.

Luka felt like passing out when she heard that she was fit to fly.

With that hurdle conquered, she got in touch with Miku's father to get a new suit. She was told to go to some expensive tailor's shop, where a wiry man spent hours toiling over her form, comparing fabric swatches, and sewing.

Days later, she owned the most beautiful suit she'd ever even seen. It was made with the most luxurious material she'd felt, and complemented her form fabulously.

She felt equally dressed for flying as for the runway.

This meant that just over two months since the crash, she was ready to fly once again. She kept a few therapy appointments on her agenda to tie up any loose ends, kept her gym membership because she liked the way it made her feel physically, and was otherwise ready to go.

Then it was just a question of waiting for Miku to want to fly. Luka partially expected that she would have to wait a while. She hadn't been in touch with the younger woman much beyond telling her the news of the evaluation. She'd told Miku's father as well, and she knew that he knew because he was the one who sent her to the tailor. So surely, they were aware that she was ship-shape, ready to depart, itching to fly.

Luckily, she didn't have to wait long. Less than a week after being ready, she was bounding down the stairs, patting herself down. Phone? Check. Keys? Check. Notebook? Check. Her bag? Check. She felt her bag for her wallet, her important documentation, her hat, and a snack for the flight, which consisted of a cereal bar and some potato salad. Once outside, she hailed a taxi, got in, and set off for the airport.

She pulled out her phone and texted her parents, then Meiko.

Heading out for a weekend, I think. Finally!

The reply took a few minutes, but eventually the brunette texted back, Hey, congratulations! Have fun flying again!

I will!

Let me know when you're home, okay?

Will do, Luka texted. And I'll try to keep the plane out of the water this time.

I wasn't going to say it, but yep. Stay safe, you hear me?

I'll do my best.

Moments later, they pulled up at the airport, and Luka rushed to the plane, walking only to maintain decorum, as always. Once there, she found that she'd arrived first, so she opened and entered the plane, taking in its pristine interior.

It was still like new; if Miku had been flying it often, it didn't show. The different interior would take some getting used to, but it was nothing that bothered her.

She became more solemn when she turned towards the cockpit, however. She walked slowly through the galley, passing the rest area for pilots with a mere glance.

Luka opened the door to the cockpit with all the deliberation she could manage. She kept breathing and didn't freeze up. With a sigh, she eased into the pilot's seat.

"Like coming home," she whispered to herself, pulling out the checklist. "I got this."

She ran through the checklist as usual, doing working a little more thoroughly than before, but with a breezy efficiency that she'd missed. While she was performing her exterior walk-around, however, she was caught off-guard, interrupted almost, by the sound of luggage wheels on cement.

"There you are."

Luka looked up to see Miku, sporting a surprisingly warm smile. Luka smiled in return, lowering her checklist.

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes," Miku said, going past the stairs to walk straight towards the pilot, a huge roll-away in tow. "How have you been?

"I've been fine."

"New suit, I see," Miku said with an approving nod. "You look good."

"Thank you."

"How's the shoulder?"

"All healed up," Luka said, demonstrating by rolling her shoulder for a bit. "And how have you been?"

"Oh, bored out of my mind. And it's all your fault!"

Luka blinked at the turn in the conversation. "I'm sorry?"

"I broke up with my boyfriend, like you told me to. Well guess what? Half my friends took his side, and the other half took mine. That means half as many parties that I'm invited to!"

"Oh. Well... I can't apologize for that."

Miku's angry expression melted away. "No, it's all right. I've been much happier since, really. Less on my mind. Plus, all those interviews secured me a few extra parties, so I'm not missing out on too much. I made new friends in high places, so honestly? I've been doing fine."

"Ah. That's good to hear."

"I suppose I owe you again, for helping me get rid of that dead weight. But now I need to find a new boy to spoil me, and that's such a chore."

"I'm sure you'll find someone."

"Hm. Help me with my luggage? Carl isn't here again."

"Of course. Leave it by the stairs, I just need to finish my pre-flight check."

"Very well."

Miku did just that, leaving her luggage by the stairs before heading into the aircraft. Luka watched her depart before returning to her work. That didn't take very long, so she was soon hauling Miku's bag up the steps, placing it in the cabin near the girl's chair.

"Your luggage, Miss."

"Thank you," she replied, looking at herself in the pocket mirror. "Is your co-pilot here yet?"

"No."

"Good. Then I can relax for a bit. Tell me, what have you been up to?"

"It's all surprisingly dull, really. All I've been doing is wait for this day."

Miku smiled. "Happy you get to fly again?"

"More than I can say."

"As am I. Don't get me wrong. Lily and her co-pilot were competent. But I trust you."

Luka nodded. "Thank you. I need to get back to—"

"No, stay," she almost whined, pointing at the chair across from her. "Stay and talk with me for a bit."

"But if we want to get to your destination soon, then—"

"Oh, I don't care. You can do all your pre-flight stuff when Lily shows up."

Luka sighed, then sank into the seat. "So where are you heading to this time?"

"Another party. A rather nice one, I have to say. It almost makes me regret breaking up with my boyfriend, though. I don't have a date."

"Ah, I'm sorry."

"A bunch of famous people will be there. Good food, good drinks, good company, at a good place. What more can a woman want?"

Luka shrugged. "A good hobby?"

Miku laughed. "This is my hobby."

"Fair."

"A good husband, really," Miku mused. "A rich one."

"I'm sure you'll find someone, eventually," Luka said. "Maybe you'll find him there."

"Maybe."

Luka heard footsteps coming up the entry ladder, so she stood. "Sounds like Lily is here. I'll be getting back to work."

"Of course. So sad. I'll see you when we arrive."

"And not a second sooner," Luka promised with a grin. "Have a pleasant flight, Miss."

"Thank you."

Luka met Lily at the top of the stairs.

"Ah, you're back!" the blonde greeted her, stretching out her hand. "Nice to see you again!"

"Likewise."

They shook hands, exchanged pleasantries, then went about work. Lily double-checked her work outside before joining her in the cockpit. There they went over the remaining checklists, got clearance from departure control. Then, it was time to go.

Luka chuckled. "I'll let you take care of the announcements to the cabin, if you want," she said with a grin. "She thinks you have better customer service."

Lily laughed, then clicked on her microphone. "This is the co-pilot speaking! We are ready to depart, so please make sure your seat belts are buckled, your tray table is stowed, your seat is up— Oh, this is a private jet. Never mind! Seatbelts stay on though, please! Keep the aisle clear and all belongings either in the overhead storage or otherwise secured and out of the way. Thank you!"

Luka rolled her eyes with a grin. "I could've said the same with half as many words."

"I bet, but I like to have fun with it," Lily joked back. "What point is there if we're not having fun?"

"True."

Luka pointed the plane down the runway and took it to the air.

After that, there was nothing left to do but fly.

Life returned to a comfortable routine for a bit. Luka got to stay at a luxurious resort for the weekend while Miku partied, wherever she was, sans toxic boyfriend. Lily even joined Luka at times, and they bonded for a few days, swimming at the pool, having drinks, and sunbathing while surrounded by what they considered to be absolute luxury.

Luka learned that Lily was a competent pilot, if somewhat fresh out of school. She had enough hours to qualify of course, and had the grades to impress, so it was no surprise why Miku's father had hired her. Luka had a few more years of experience, but they didn't make it any earnest competition, just a bit of friendly ribbing between new friends.

Then there was the flight home with a plane full of Miku's friends in tow. Luka didn't get to speak to Miku at all then, or even hear how she acted around them. She was barely even acknowledged when she announced that they were ready to go, waved off like a common servant.

Insulted by the demeaning treatment, Luka was in a cross mood for almost the entire flight home, but when Lily pressed about it, she merely dismissed it.

And then it was life back home, away from work, but with her own friends and family, her sessions at therapy, and her gym workouts. When her paycheck came in, it felt like free money. Paid to fly to luxurious resorts to stay there for a few days and fly back? Insanity. But it felt good. Life was good. Luka felt as though she was on top of the world, as long as she wasn't asleep. Nightmares still lurked in the dark corners, becoming ever shorter and rarer, but very present still.

After seemingly no time at all, it was time for the next flight, and Luka was back on her way to the airport, sending a text to Meiko and family that she would be gone for another few days, and that she loved them and would be home soon.

Once again, she got to the hangar first, and once again, Miku was right behind her, this time accompanied by Carl, who dragged two huge suitcases up the ladder and into the cabin.

"Hello!" Miku greeted Luka as she got on the plane.

"Welcome!" Luka called back from the cockpit, going over her checklist.

"Are you coming out here or not?"

Luka paused, hands on her checklist. She glanced over her shoulder, looked at her work, then sighed and left her seat.

"Is something the matter?" she asked as she entered the cabin.

Miku smiled at her as if their last encounter hadn't ever happened. "I just wanted someone to talk to. Carl left after putting my luggage away, and it can get so lonely."

"No friends with you this time either, Miss?"

"No. I'm flying solo."

Luka nodded. "I understand."

"Please sit. We have some time before Lily arrives."

Luka complied, brow furrowed. "How do you know?"

"I texted her to be here at a later time, duh."

"Wait, why?"

"I have my reasons," Miku said with a mysterious smile. "First off, I want to apologize for the way I acted on our last flight."

"No, I understand. A reputation to maintain, right?"

"Exactly. I can't be seen mingling with the underlings," she said breezily.

Luka bristled. "If that's how you see me—"

"I don't. Not by a long shot," Miku said. "You're special. I owe you. But the people around me, they just don't get it."

"Hm."

"Anyway, how have you been?"

"Life's been fair."

"Good. Good."

"How about you?"

"Oh, I'm so glad you asked!" Miku all but gushed. "This week is my birthday week!"

"That's right."

"So that means that you've been working for me for almost a whole year now," Miku said with a wide grin.

"That's something." Luka cracked a smile. "Maybe I can keep our crashes to zero for next year."

"Perhaps. That would be ideal. But you see, for this week, I have a conundrum."

"Yeah?"

"There will be a party all for me on my birthday. My best friend Rin is hosting it," Miku said, glancing out the window. Her nails tapped on the arm of her chair.

"That sounds great."

"Oh, it's fantastic. She has exquisite taste, so it'll be fabulous. The peak of luxury, with the best guests, the best food and drink, all for me."

"So what's the issue?"

"I don't have a date!" Miku exclaimed dramatically. "Since I broke up with Mr. Toxic, I haven't found anybody! Even at the party last time, there was nobody."

"Surely there can't be 'nobody.' I mean, look at you."

Miku laughed, her hand stroking her hair. "Of course there was interest. I have my fair share of suitors. But you see, you taught me to have standards. Why settle for low-brow, ungrateful swine when I can have so much better?"

"Well, it's good you're sticking to your standards, then. Don't settle."

"But it's my birthday party! I need to have a date!"

Luka gulped, then looked out the window. "I don't know what to recommend."

"I had an idea," Miku started suddenly. "How about you go with me?"

Luka frowned. "I'm..."

"I know. I just called you an underling. You aren't exactly the target audience for these parties. But I think you'd fit in just fine. And frankly, I think you deserve a little something after all you did for me. You deserve a little touch of luxury. As a treat."

"But I'm a woman?"

Miku laughed. "I don't care. I just need a date."

"But won't that send the wrong message?"

"Luka, darling, men love nothing more than girls who kiss girls," Miku said, raising a knowing eyebrow. "I'll be irresistible. And who knows? So will you. You might meet someone at the party, too."

"I'm, uh, flattered, I guess. But I don't think—"

"You can't say no," Miku said. "You can't leave me stranded like this."

"I can say no for multiple reasons. First, you're right. I'm not the target audience. I like a little pampering, but being surrounded by a bunch of rich folks sounds like the opposite of a fun time to me."

"You don't have to mingle. You can stand in a corner and be all mysterious," Miku said.

"Sure, but that's not the only issue. Second, I don't feel right being your, I don't know, arm candy? Is that the right term? Your lure for the next boyfriend."

Miku pouted. "Please?"

"And third!, you need to make up your mind. Am I an underling, undeserving of respect, or an equal deserving of a touch of luxury?"

"I need—"

"I know, I know, your reputation. But I don't care about your reputation. You can't just bat me around like a tennis ball depending on how convenient it is for you. Either you respect me or you don't."

Miku's smile fell. "If you come with me, you'll have my respect forever, always, no matter who is there."

Luka blinked. "What?"

"You heard me."

"You mean asking for your respect isn't enough? I have to go to a party first to prove—"

"You get to come to my birthday party!" Miku corrected. "Please."

"I don't think I can. Find someone else." Luka stood and turned on her heel to head towards the cockpit.

"There's nobody else I'd even consider," Miku suddenly admitted. "Please. I owe you so much."

Luka groaned. "How about you invite me because you want me there, instead of endlessly obsessing over those IOUs?! You know how I feel about those. I don't care about the score. Just do something because you want to, damn it."

"Fine. I want you to come."

"You can't just say that now and expect me to believe it."

"I mean it, though," Miku said, and there was a shift in her tone. She was quieter, more grounded. "Granted, I had all those other reasons to invite you. But there's nobody else I'd rather invite than you."

Luka hesitated. "You'll respect me anytime, anywhere?"

"You have my word."

Luka let out a sigh of surrender. "I don't even have anything to wear."

"You have your suit! You look so dashing in it."

"I'd rather not wear my work clothes to a party."

"Then I'll have clothes made for you. Whatever you like."

Luka took off her cap to run her hand through her hair. "Do you even know how much older I am than you?"

"Oh. No. How old are you?"

"I'm twenty-three."

"Oh, that's fine! I don't care. The way you said that, I thought you were, I don't know, thirty or something. Not that you look it."

"You don't mind?"

"Not at all. I've dated older than you."

"Then I'm out of excuses. Fine. I'll come with you to your birthday party."

"Yay! Excellent. I'll arrange for your clothes right away."

"Is there, I don't know, a dress code?"

"There will be, but the tailors will be informed. They'll educate you on good taste."

Luka nodded. "I need to go do my checklist now."

"Okay!"

She left the cabin, making a beeline for her seat. Once there, instead of picking up her checklist, she picked up her phone.

Hey, guess who just got invited to be Miku's date at her birthday party?

Then she returned to her work, at least for a little while. Soon enough, her phone vibrated, and she looked at Meiko's reply.

No fucking way. Please don't tell me you're doing it.

I'm doing it. I have reasons.

All of them being that you have a huge crush on her.

Luka rolled her eyes. Cut it out. I'll explain when I'm home.

Okay. Stay safe and don't be stupid, okay? She looks like nothing but trouble.

Luka read it, but didn't reply, putting her phone away just as Lily started her trek up the stairs.

"Hello again!" she greeted. "How are things?"

"Just fine. Want to do the outside check?"

"Yep. Just need the checklist..." Lily leaned over to grab the clipboard. "There we go. Be right back!"

Luka watched her go, then looked past where the blonde had disappeared through the cabin exit. Not far away on the other side of the galley, was Miku.

Her date.

She groaned and got on with her work.