owo whats this ?
You strolled through the baggage claim, up the escalator and through the sea of people waiting in lines to buy tickets or check their luggage. You fiddled with the edge of your shirt, your backpack heavy on your shoulders. You didn't know if you were anxious or excited, probably both. It was always this way whenever you had a big trip. You had been flying alone for a while, but this was different. You wouldn't be seeing family. You'd be seeing her. You were giddy with the thought of seeing her. You picked up your pace, a new spring in your step as you walked through the security line.
Finally past security and free of the agonizingly slow lines, you briskly made your way to your gate. It was on the far side of the airport, so you had a ways to go. Even though you'd left home early, you had a few delays. There was only 30 minutes until departure. You checked the ticket for the gate number once more and made your way over, not stopping for anything on the way. This was the closest you'd ever been to missing a flight. The only thing on your mind was her, you had to reach her. If you missed this flight... That wouldn't happen.
You finally reached the gate, doubled over and panting. You'd seen people run through airports before, and made fun of them, but you never thought you'd do the same. You walked up to the desk and slapped your envelope on the table, flashing your wristband to the attendant.
"Flying alone, minor. Sorry I'm late." He laughed and picked up the envelope, inspecting the ticket inside.
"It happens to the best of us. You're right on time really, we're just about to start boarding. Why don't you go ahead and find a nice seat."
"I've never been first class before," you wondered aloud.
"You know what I meant. Get going before the angry moms start showing up." He flashed you one last smile as he scanned your wristband and you walked into the tunnel. The anxiety seemed to wash away when you stepped into the beige boarding tunnel, as if you had walked under a waterfall. This was your place, odd as it was, it was always comforting. No matter whether you were coming or going, the beige walls, black ridges in the floor, the sounds of suitcases rolling on the hard plastic, you loved it all. It was over soon when you reached the door.
"There's our solo-flyer!" You were greeted by an excited attendant, she seemed new.
"The one and only." She smiled and led you through the cabin, making light conversation and asking about your trip.
"Alright, seat 38A. If you need anything just press this button. Or just yell, I'll be right back here."
"Got it! Thank you." She smiled and walked back into the attendant station while you tossed your backpack into the overhead bin. This will be a long flight.
You watched as the plane filled with people. A cute old couple, a few rowdy teenagers (that quieted down after a scolding and a pair of headphones), and a surprisingly small number of babies. Still, it was way too many babies. The best number was 0. The two seats beside you were filled by a professional looking man and a stout little woman. Good company, you guessed. At some point the woman left for an empty seat near her family. Good for her. As everything calmed down and people stopped moving the pilot made his announcement and you were off.
The man you shared your flight with was quiet for the most part, but very sweet. When the woman left, he moved to the center seat (after asking if that was okay, of course). He was very tall and had a warm bronze complexion. His smile was contagious. He seemed like some sort of performer or politician. You had idle conversation as the plane climbed through the clouds. You talked about high school, business, and music. His face lit up when you mentioned your instrument.
"I play too! I've been playing for years," he said in a smooth accent.
"Oh really?!"
"I never thought I'd be good at it, but look at me know. I'm on my way to a national conference in a fancy suit." He let out a deep hearty laugh.
"That's amazing. When did you first pick it up?"
"Oh way back in my junior high years. My director always thought I was up to no good, but he still believed in me."
The pleasant conversation carried on for some time, but eventually you both got too tired to keep on. He turned to watch some movie, drifting to sleep occasionally while you battled sleep yourself. With only her on your mind, there wasn't much to keep you awake. You were very excited to get off the plane and see her. Thinking about waiting until everyone else was off the plane to see her made you frown. You eventually succumbed to the warm embrace of sleep and drifted off, dreaming of your special girl.
You woke up to a light nudge on your shoulder and came to, leaning against the man seated next to you. You quickly sat up and turned to apologize, but he just laughed and told you it was alright.
"I'm really sorry Mr...?"
"Muhammad, but you can call me Avdol. It's okay, I've dozed off on strangers a few times myself." You laughed it off with him.
"Thanks for waking me up, Avdol."
"Of course. It's about time to go anyways." He looked to the front of the cabin where people started to move towards the front of the plane. "I usually wait a little, to avoid being pushed around. Is that alright with you? I have you trapped in here."
"Oh yeah, I have to be the last one off anyways." Excitement built in your chest as the last few children were ushered off by their parents. Avdol stood and retrieved his things from the overhead bin, including a gorgeous canvas case embroidered with his name. If the case was that pretty you could only imagine what was inside.
"Whoa," was all you could say. He laughed and pulled down your backpack, placing it in the aisle seat.
"I get that a lot. Why don't you come down to the amphitheater tonight and see what's inside?"
"Sounds like a plan!" You shouldered on your backpack and followed him through the cabin, the overly excited rookie attendant on your heels. The spring in your step returned as you bounced through the walkway. You nearly squealed when you walked out into the gate. You looked around, searching through the see of people.
There she was!!! You abandoned your new friend to run to her, your arms wide open. You caught her in a hug, falling to your knees. She barked, her whole body wiggling with excitement. She gave you so many kisses you were sure you were dripping with saliva. And boy was she beautiful. From her lush blonde coat to the little curls on the edges of her floppy ears she was so pretty. And her eyes, wow her eyes. One was a warm brown, the other a deep forest green. Her fur feathered off in soft plumes that hung from her tail. Your puppy, Star, all grown up.
"There's my baby! How's my sweet Star, what a good girl you are!" Her handler giggled as you ruffled her coat, softly patting her head and brushing down her sides.
"She was so excited to see you I thought she might jump onto the plane herself."
"There's my other girl!" You stood and gave her handler a hug, planting a light kiss on her cheek. "Thank you so much Anne."
"I can't say no to a cute puppy. She's been great, I'm sad to see her go. But I am happy for you!"
"Yeah, now that I'm out and on my own I can take care of her. You can always come visit." You carried on the conversation as Anne led you through the maze of terminals and back to the car, letting you lead Star. You'd be staying for about a week, returning home with your puppy after so long. It had only been a little over a year but it felt like forever. Ever since you had to give her up, you'd missed her so much. You were so glad you had a friend like Anne to take care of her. It also helped that she was a dog handler, so you didn't have to pay for training classes.
Now that you were with her again, the days you spent alone seemed so far away. You couldn't imagine life without her. She was your shining star, brighter than any other in the sky.
Jokes on you guys its a puppy lol
and just a psa I do NOT condone bestiality, this is just a cute idea I had to play the pronoun game with
OOF also, Avdol in this one is based off of a real person I flew with lmao. I fly so frequently I could probably make like 6 chapters based on my flights
~Jade (I start band camp tomorrow rip me)