Falling Together

Crash

(Frank's POV)

Beads of sweat were trickling down the bridge of my nose.

It was very visible in the small airport bathroom mirror, I just hoped no one came in and saw me in this state.

I've aways hated flying, I've tried to avoid it as much as possible.

But I made the 5 hour trip from Belleville to Los Angeles a couple of times a year to visit my parents.

And every single time was hell.

I tried to make the journey as comfortable as possible though.

My black memory foam travel pillow was clipped to the zip of my carry on bag, that helped me sleep sometimes.

As did the anxiety medication I always had tucked into my jeans pocket.

Or I'll just try to drown my thoughts out with music blasting through my headphones into my ears.

I splashed some cold water onto my face a few times before patting my skin dry and leaving the bathroom.

Good timing, my flight was boarding.

I took my place in the cue and soon enough, I was in my seat.

This is when my anxiety starts to really get bad.

I pulled my meds from my pocket and swallowed two pills with some water I had bought after going through security.

My head was starting to hurt and my palms were getting sweaty.

'You can do this, it's okay, everything is going to be okay. You're in control of your emotions, you can calm down.'

I repeated that to myself over and over again in my head.

It's something I was taught in therapy.

I personally think it's bullshit but I'm willing to try anything when I fly.

I looked out of the window, I was sitting right above the left wing.

The plane started to fill up a bit more as more people started to board.

The seat beside me was still empty and god I hope it stays that way.

Even though people don't tend to make conversation with me, I still prefer to not have someone next to me.

My wish wasn't granted though.

The seat beside me was soon claimed by a guy, he looked around mid twenties.

He had short, light grey, almost white hair and he wore black sunglasses, despite there not being a speck of sun in sight.

He took his seat and pushed his brown shoulder bag underneath the seat in front.

He turned to face me, he was breathtakingly beautiful.

His skin was pale white and once he took off his glasses, I could see his hazel coloured eyes.

He smiled a little.

"Hi, my name's Gerard Way."

Please, please don't talk to me.

He's attractive as hell but that doesn't lessen my anxiety.

"Uh, hi. I'm Frank Iero." I squirmed in my tiny aeroplane seat.

"Iero? That's an unusual name."

He buckled the pathetically thin seat belt across his lap and pulled it tight.

"I guess," I shrugged, just wanting to sit in peace.

"Why are you travelling to LA?" He asked, clearly wanting to carry on the conversation.