How I feel when I'm around you (System Of A Down)(EN)

First flight

-Nikki-

The alarm goes off suddenly with much noise, interrupting my sleep, and unfortunately I can't ignore it so I turn it off, then I snort and yawn.

Finally the day of the departure for the tour with the guys has come, I have to get ready and get to the appointment we set up in a hour. My bags are ready since a couple days, it feels like I'm moving again since I'm taking all my stuff with me, not much things though; I'll miss this flat a bit but I'll probably get it back at the end of the tour, the owner is such an adorable old lady who accepted to do this for me.

I skip breakfast because I'm not hungry and I'm also afraid of getting some stomach sickness while travelling, so I go ahead; I dress up with a Batman black t-shirt, a hoodie with a zip, usual ripped jeans and combat boots and I choose to not put on make-up or accessories since I don't want to open my baggage. Once I'm ready I do a check-up of the stuff and of the place, then I pick up my leather jacket, my backpack and my bags and leave, stopping for a moment at the reception to leave the keys for the house owner.

After going out on the street I'm lucky enough to catch a taxi in some minutes and I get to the guys' house kinda early.

«Nikki! Welcome!» after knocking on the door Shavo opens it and welcomes me, making me go in and put down the baggage near the guys'. «How are you doing?»

«I'm fine, thanks» I answer after the greetings, smiling. «What about you and the guys?»

«We're fine, don't worry» he laughs. «We missed you after that period you've been with us, to be honest.»

«Oh, how sweet! You're not mocking me, huh?»

«Surely not! And I think the one who missed you the most is the midget.»

«Odadjian!!»

Just in that moment Daron appears in sight and gives the bassist a glare before turning towards me. «Hello lil thing, what a pleasure to see you!» he greets me, giving me a half hug. «Did you take a stock of plastic bags with you?»

The guitarist's question leaves me perplexed. «Bags? Why?»

«Well, just so you won't puke on me while travelling...»

«Daron!»

«Yup, I took a very big stock so you can use them too» I laugh and answer after Shavo's reproach to his band mate.

«How gentle!» he says, arching an eyebrow.

Serj and John reach us in that moment, ready to go.

«C'mon, gnome, when we're on the plane you'll have the chance to be goofy as pastime activity» the singer says, half serious.

«As you wish, tall man» the other returns, grimacing.

It seems like we're lucky today because we easily catch a taxi and despite the traffic we arrive at the airport very early and then we go ahead with the check-in and what's needed while Serj explains me everything since it's my first time.

After doing everything there's still a half hour of waiting; the guys hang around, not particularly keen on interacting, and I sit there with my thoughts. There are only five of us because the other guys of the team will come on another plane due to lack of available seats, and the place is slowly becoming filled with people.

After what seemed to be a long time I resurface from my mind thanks to Shavo who warns me about the flight being announced; we run to the gates and after a while, with mixed feelings of fear and excitement, I'm on a plane for the first time. I notice the guys are checking their seat number on the tickets and I do the same, mentally taking a note.

«Seems like our seats are near to each other, what a coincidence» Serj says, surprised in a positive way. «C'mon, let's settle down, we're about to leave.»

My seat is on the outer part of the central section of seats and the not big distance from the window will allow me to look out every now and then even if I'm afraid I'll get dizzy because of this; I sit down gracefully, putting my black backpack near my feet and looking for a moment at Serj who's settling down in the seat ahead, followed by John, before getting distracted.

«Heeellooo!»

I jump and go back to reality and see the singer leaning towards me together with the bassist and the drummer, then I realize where the guitarist sat down... he's in the seat next to mine and seems that he's been the one who greeted me happily.

«Be a good boy, gnome, and don't harass our tech» the older of the four says, with a distrustful face.

«Don't worry, old man» the other answers, leaning against the seat with his arms crossed behind his head, and after a joking glare they all sit down again.

Finally the announce that asks us to fasten our seatbelts comes and I hurry up to do it, afterwards I try to get mentally ready to the take-off, suddenly feeling kinda scared.

«Are you scared, lil thing?» Daron asks; he probably noticed my stiffness.

«Just a bit, rude guy. It's my first flight.»

«Breathe deeply and try to keep calm... take-off and landing last just a bit and in a while you won't even notice anymore we're moving.» A short pause, then he picks up a pack of chewing gums and lends it to me. «Chewing on a gum, as well as swallowing or yawning, will help against ear pressure.»

I gladly accept the offer and just after putting the gum in my mouth I feel pushed against the back of the seat so I understand the take-off is happening... damn, so that's it?!

After a while everything goes back to normality and the ear pressure stops and a voice announces that now it's possible to use electronic devices.

«What are you doing?» I ask, seeing the guitarist searching for something in his backpack.

«I'm in the right mood for some music, don't want to sleep yet» he answers, pulling out his iPod and a pair of earphones. «Care to join?»

«Gladly, but first let me check out what stuff you like» I take the device from his hands and scroll down through the songs... among all, I recognize songs from bands like Slayer, Kiss and Black Sabbath. Uhm, the guy has a nice taste.

«That's good stuff, lil thing, isn't it?» he says, with a crooked smile, taking it back and lending me an earphone.

«Sure, rude guy» I sigh with fake resignation, relaxing and adjusting myself on my seat «I have to admit you've got good musical taste.»

[Author's note: heeeeere I aaaaam! :D I'm back to writing and I'm back with another chapter! Please bear with me, I never travelled by plane so I had to ask people and do researches on internet for a lot of things of the chapter :'D special thanks to I-will-be-there for the help and thanks to all the people who stop by to read, vote and comment! <3]