'tis the damn season.

one - welcome home

a/n: hiii,, i'm so sorry if this is very fast and all over the place, i haven't truly wrote fanfiction like this in a LONG time. everything aside though i hope everyone enjoys !!

"Ladies and gentlemen, we're beginning our final descent into Mitras International Airport," the pilot's voice began as it chimed in through the overhead intercom, "Please make sure your seat belt is fastened, trays are put up, and all carry-on luggage is properly stored."

You let out a soft sigh as you put up the tray in front of you as instructed. The couple sitting next to you did the same. The pilot continued talking, but you only listened to bits and pieces of it from there. It was just basic information; the flight was arriving on time, what the outside temperature was, and so on.

Turning slightly to your left, you slowly pulled open the window shade and winced at the sudden change in brightness. You'd left it closed the whole flight, as did everyone else - common courtesy on 8 hour flights where you're flying through daytime, and over ocean at that. It took a few moments for your eyes to adjust, but once they did you peered down at the ground below. Everything was small, and didn't look familiar.. but why would it look familiar from thousands of feet in the air? It's been three years since you left, and you haven't been home since.

As you were taking in the sight of the ground below, you felt a tap on your shoulder. It took a moment for you to register, too consumed in your own thoughts. However, when you did turn your head, you saw it came from the girl sitting next to you. She seemed to be your age - maybe a few years older.

You tilted your head in question, waiting to see what she wanted.

"Are you visiting? Or returning home?" the girl asked, her French accent immediately catching your attention. It's all you've heard for the last six months, so she's definitely visiting.

"A mix of both," you replied, having to lean in a little so she could hear you over the buzz of the engines, "I'm from Trost, but I've been living and studying abroad for the last three years."

Normally, you aren't too thrilled to share bits about your life to strangers - especially at the end of a red-eye. However, something about this girl put your usual agitation at ease just a little.

"Oh, that sounds lovely!" she exclaimed, dimples forming in her freckled cheeks as a smile crossed her lips, "My fiancé is from Karanes. We're flying home to visit his family for the holidays."

You watched as she motioned to her right, bringing your attention to her fiancé. He had his earbuds plugged in, invested in one of the movies the airline offers. He didn't even notice that she was talking about him, too engrossed in whatever he's watching.

Giving a small nod, you flashed a gentle smile towards her, "I visited Karanes a few times when I was growing up, it's really beautiful there."

She nodded in agreement, going on about her previous visits to the city. You listened the best that you could, but between the hum of the engine in your ear, and simply being worn out from not sleeping, you lost focus a few times.

The girl snapped you back into focus once she shifted the topic once more, gently nudging your elbow with hers.

"Do you have anyone special back home?" her head tilted to the side, green eyes twinkling in the reflection of the light coming in through your open window.

Those words caused an ache to form in your chest that you haven't felt in quite some time. Teeth biting down on the inside of your cheek, you briefly pressed your lips together and shook your head, "Just my mom."

"Aw, well family's just as special," she nodded, noticing your shift in mood, "I'm Holly, by the way."

"Y/N," you returned, shifting in your seat. Being on this plane for this long has made your ass ache.