Try Again (I_Am_Wildcat x Reader)

3

Time flew by and before I knew it, it was PAX time. We were all flying down like, a week early so we could all hang out for as long as possible with each other considering this was the only time we really got to hang out in person.

I was nervous because I heard that Tyler and I had booked the same flight. I, at least, wanted to see everyone before I had to see him. That way I'd be so distracted by everyone in front of me I wouldn't be able to focus on him.

Especially Brian. I'd been talking to him almost nonstop since the conversation we all had about PAX. We texted, skyped, played together. You name it. We'd became pretty close and I really wanted to see him. I was probably going to freak out when I met him and I don't know if I wanted to see Ty's reaction even though Brian and I were just friends.

I was really anxious about flying alone, even though it was only a two hour flight. I was 21 and plenty old enough to be by myself but I hated being alone in a crowd of people. It made me kind of wish that I actually would see Tyler so I would have someone familiar around. Then again, it would only cause drama. 

I didn't see him when I was in the waiting area or boarding the plane. I took my seat and tried to stay calm as the people walked around me. I felt like all of them were staring and judging me.

Then I saw Tyler walk onto the plane. I resisted my urge to call out to him, although it didn't matter because he spotted me anyways. I'm sure I was a mess, and my breathing was weird so that made me self conscious.

I tore my gaze from his and looked down, plugging my headphones in my ears. I was so conflicted in this moment. I wanted him no where near me but I wanted someone I knew to be with me and he was the only option.

I could feel him staring at me and eventually I felt him touch my shoulder. I looked up startled and pulled out an earbud.

"Are you okay?" he asked me nervously, pulling his hand back.

"I-I'm fine," I stuttered like an idiot.

He kind of just stood there a moment, looking at me as I fidgeted with my phone case. It was like that for a bit until a loud speaker came on, announcing that everyone needed to take a seat.

"Can I-" Tyler cut himself off as I looked at him, "Can I please sit with you?"

I opened my mouth but nothing came out so I just nodded and turned back to my music playlist I was setting up. We were silent for a long while until the pilot came on and told everyone we were leaving in two minutes.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Tyler asked me again as my breathing picked up.

"I'm sure, Ty." I almost called him 'babe' out of habit but I stopped myself. That would've been embarrassing. "You don't have to worry about me."

"Okay," he said quietly, looking down at his shoes.

I refrained from sighing as the pilot explained we were about to leave. It was a really weird feeling, taking off in a plane. My knuckles turned white as I clutched onto the arm rests. I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the headrest.

My hands, and eyes, were still clinched tight for sometime, until I felt Tyler's hand touching my own, unattatching it from the rest and linking his fingers with mine. My heart was beating rapidly and I couldn't tell if it was from the plane or him holding my hand. I opened my eyes and looked from our intertwined hands to his face.

I couldn't help but relax a bit. Tyler always made me feel grounded and I guess now I needed that more than anything.

"Look," he started, looking into my eyes, "I know I was an asshole. I'm sorry about everything. I wish you knew how much I regret it. But, it's too late to take it back and I know that. I'm not going to ask you to take me back because that would make me an even bigger dick, but I do want us to at least be friends, and I want you to know that I'm here for you. No matter what."

"Ty, I-"

"You don't have to say anything," he told me, "I know that was a lot to take in."

I nodded as he squeezed my hand reassuringly. This was going to be a long flight.