58 Turbulant affairs (2/2)
Xavier gave her a questioning gaze. ”Alright fine. First question, what were your motives that night? I have a feeling it wasn't because you fell madly in love with me at first sight.”
Jos squeezed her eyes tightly shut. Embarrassment and shame gnawing away at the very depths of her dark, shriveled soul. ”I was trying to prove to Russ and myself that I could be attracted to someone else... that... that...” a tear streamed down her cheek. ”That he wasn't the only one.” Sad eyes met his, ”I owe you an apology, I used you... I played with your emotions...” More tears streamed faster down her face. ”I fear deep down, I'm still using you in a way.”
Xavier's expression darkened as he released her. He pushed himself up from the sand before turning back toward her and holding out his hand. ”I believe it's time to head back. I'm sure you're tired.” The usual tenderness was gone replaced with hurt and what seemed like suppressed irritation.
Jos frowned and looked away, ”I'm sorry. I shouldn't have answered... that honestly... I guess...”
His jaw twitched as he replied, ”No, I appreciate your honesty. There are far too many people in this world that would rather kiss my ass and lie than be honest and risk my... disapproval.” He motioned to her with his extended hand. ”Come, it's getting late you really must be getting tired by now, and I have files I need to review before the meeting in the morning.”
***
Russ stared out the small window into the dark void that was the night sky at such a high altitude. No doubt they were still over the massive expanse of ocean known as the Atlantic. His frown deepened. In only another few hours he would be flying over the home he had never known. {Just as well be India, it's just as familiar.} He scoffed at his own thoughts. His attention was pulled away from his brooding thoughts to the passenger next to him. Orion let out a less than manly squeal as the plane continued bouncing through the turbulence.
”My gods!” Orion cried out through clenched teeth. ”Why you mortals choose to fly in these abominable contraptions is beyond me!”
Russ chuckled and turned his attention back out the window. ”Do you know a quicker way of getting 'us mortals' to the other side of the globe?” He didn't bother waiting for a response as he rested his head against the glass and cranked up the music in his headphones.
A calm almost robotic voice coming across the intercom system woke Russ from a fitful sleep.
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”-Please remain seated with your lap belts fastened as we make our final descent into New Delhi, Inda. It is now 12:23 am. The ground temperature is 63 degrees. The forecast for your day today is-”
The robotic voice continued as Russ searched for his seatbelt in a sleepy haze. He glanced over to Orion who was still snoring loudly. The small fold-down table in front of him was now covered in mini bottles of various liquor bottles and a few empty mini cans of soda. Russ shook him roughly as he said in a mocking ton ”Looks like 'Orion, the great hunter, son of Poseidon, tamer of beasts...' and all that other bullshit you're known for is no match for a simple mundane flight.”
Orion jerked away kicking and slapping into the air in front of him. His confused struggles were not helped as the plane began its descent. ”THE FUCK!”
”Easy killer.” Russ gave him another good shake.
Orion turned his frustrations toward Russ slapping his hand away roughly. ”For the love of Hera! STOP SHAKING ME!”
Russ through his hands up in an over-exaggerated shrug. ”Fine keep making a fool of yourself. I think there's still a bottle or two you haven't knocked into the floor. Maybe you should kick the person in front of us's seat a few more times. I'm sure the people at the front of the plane haven't figured out what a chicken-shit you are, yet.”
Orion gripped the arms of the chair so tightly his knuckles were turning white. He growled through clenched teeth. ”I'll have you know I'm a son of the sea NOT the bloody sky! It is perfectly logical for a son of Poseidon not to like flying, as a son of Zeus wouldn't like traveling by sea.”
Russ chuckled as he gazed out the window at the dazzling lights of the city illuminating the night sky. ”Whatever you need to think to help you sleep at night, man.”
Orion was about to reply with a witty, snarky remark when the plane hit the landing strip with a thud, causing him to grip the arms harder and clench is jaws so tightly his teeth felt like they would crack in his skull.
Once the plane had come to a complete stop and the flight attendants had instructed the passengers on the correct exit strategy, Russ stood smiling devilishly at his now green travel companion. ”I'm hungry what do you say we grab grub?” When Orion dry heaved at the mear thought of food, Russ huffed out a mocking laugh. ”Thought so, big and bad indeed.”
Orion stuck his foot out causing Russ to trip as Russ tried stepping over him. ”Aren't you the 'big and bad' one wolf?” He pushed himself up from his seat slowly as to not agitate his sickness farther. ”You can eat once we get to the palace. There's no time to screw around.”