Falling at 30,000 feets

The apartment door clicked shut behind them with a soft, final sound that sealed out the noise of the city. The quiet that followed felt... different. Not the usual comfortable silence of their shared space, but something heavier-charged with unspoken words and the lingering tension from the restaurant.

Jane gently slipped her hand out of Jayden's grasp, her fingers lingering for just a moment before falling to her sides. The warmth of his touch stayed with her, a faint heat against her skin.

"I'm heading to my room," she said, her tone light but carrying a distance that made Jayden's chest tighten slightly. "It's been a long night. Good night."

"Good night," Jayden replied, his voice quiet as he watched her turn toward the hallway that led to their separate bedrooms. They'd always kept their own spaces-

She had barely taken a step when-

"Wait."

Jane paused and turned slightly, her hand already on the hallway light switch. The warm glow from the living room lamp cast soft shadows across her face, highlighting the tired lines around her eyes.

"You still haven't told me," Jayden continued, moving closer to her, his hands tucked into his pockets. "Why you dislike the Chief Pilot."

Jane exhaled slowly, her shoulders sagging just a little as she leaned against the wall. "Reuben told me he abandoned his fiancée for five years," she said plainly, her voice carrying none of the anger she'd shown earlier. "Left her without a word, disappeared to pursue his career. I don't like irresponsible people. That's all there is to it."

Jayden's gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. He knew the story she was referring to-knew it better than anyone, because he was the one at the center of it. But he couldn't tell her that. Not yet.

"Have you ever considered," he asked quietly, his voice gentle, "that things might not be exactly as you heard? That there might be more to the story than what people say?"

Jane let out a small laugh-light, but without much humor. "Maybe," she said, unconcerned as she pushed off the wall and started walking again. "But why are you so invested in other people's business? He's just some guy at the top of the company I'll probably never meet."

She tilted her head slightly, looking back at him with a faint smile.

"We should focus on our own lives. We have enough to deal with as it is."

Jayden hesitated, his mouth opening to say more-then closing again. What could he tell her? That he was the man she was talking about?

"But-"

"Actually," Jane cut in, folding her arms lightly across her chest as she stopped in the hallway, "I've been so busy with work... with the promotion and everything... I never asked what you do. For a living, I mean."

The question hung in the air, simple but loaded with meaning.

Jayden stiffened slightly, his jaw tightening as he looked away for a moment. Memories flashed through his mind-images of cockpits, of controls he'd spent years mastering, of the day the medical board had told him he could no longer fly.

"Captain Blackwood... your hand injury is no longer physical. It's psychological. The tremors you're experiencing under stress are a sign of deeper trauma. We recommend grounding you indefinitely. Consider therapy-you need to address what happened before you'll be fit to fly again."

His fingers unconsciously flexed at his side, remembering the way his hand had shaken during his last flight.

"Not convenient to say?" Jane asked, bringing him back to the present. Her voice was gentle, not accusatory-just curious.

Jayden looked back at her, his expression calm despite the turmoil inside him. "...I'm currently unemployed," he said, the words feeling heavier than they should have.

A pause. He watched her face, waiting for judgment-but it never came.

"But I used to be in the same field as you," he continued, his voice steady. "You transport people... I transported cargo."

Jane blinked, processing his words. So... a courier? she thought, though she kept the thought to herself. She'd always assumed he worked in some kind of logistics, but she'd never asked for details.

Then she nodded, her expression softening with understanding. "That's fine," she said simply, stepping closer to him and lightly patting his shoulder. The touch was warm, reassuring.

"I was just promoted," she added, a small smile touching her lips. "My salary has doubled-I can support both of us for now."

Jayden looked at her, surprised. He'd expected her to be disappointed, or at least concerned-but her face showed nothing but kindness.

"Take your time finding something," she added, her voice warm. "No pressure. You should do something you actually enjoy-something that makes you happy, not just something that pays the bills."

She turned to leave again, her hand already on her bedroom door handle.

"If there's nothing else, I'll go get some sleep-I have an early flight tomorrow-"

"Wait."

This time, Jayden reached out before she could move away-his fingers closing gently around her wrist. His touch was light, not restraining, but firm enough to make her pause.

Jane turned back, her eyes wide with slight surprise as she looked at him.

Jayden reached into his coat pocket, his hand closing around the small velvet box he'd carried with him all night. He pulled it out, flipping open the lid to reveal what was inside.

A delicate necklace caught the light-silver chain with a small pendant shaped like a compass rose, inlaid with tiny blue sapphires that sparkled like stars.

He stepped closer, his movements slow and intentional as he lifted the necklace from the box.

Carefully-

He placed it around her neck, his fingers brushing lightly against her skin as he fastened the clasp at the back. The metal was cool against her neck, then quickly warmed with her body heat.

"This is a belated wedding gift," he said quietly, his voice barely more than a whisper as he stepped back to look at her. "I heard husbands are supposed to give gifts... regularly. I wanted to get you something meaningful."

Jane's eyes widened slightly, her hand rising instinctively to touch the pendant. It was lighter than she'd expected, but it felt solid-real.

"...Thank you," she said softly, her voice thick with emotion she wasn't quite ready to name. "It's beautiful. I love it."

Jayden smiled-a small, genuine smile that made his eyes crinkle at the corners. He reached up, his hand hesitating for just a moment before brushing a loose strand of hair from her forehead, tucking it gently behind her ear. His fingers lingered against her temple for a second, warm and gentle.

"Good night," he said, his voice soft.

"...Good night," she replied, her gaze locked with his for a long moment before she finally turned and opened her bedroom door.

She walked into her room, closing the door softly behind her.

Jane sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers still resting on the necklace. The pendant was warm now, matching the temperature of her skin.

Her thoughts drifted as she stared at her reflection in the small mirror on her dresser, watching the way the sapphires caught the light from her bedside lamp.

He's trying...

Trying to act like a husband. Trying to be someone she could rely on. Trying to make their marriage feel like more than just a piece of paper and a practical arrangement.

A small smile formed on her lips as she traced the compass rose with her finger. He'd said it was meaningful-and she understood why...The compass felt like a promise-of finding their way, of staying on course.

Then... shouldn't I try too?

The thought lingered-warm and unfamiliar, like sunshine breaking through clouds after a long rain. She'd spent so long focusing on her career, on proving herself as a pilot, that she'd never really considered what it meant to be married. To be part of a partnership.

And for the first time since their marriage-

It didn't feel like an arrangement anymore.

It felt like something real.

The next day, Jayden and Michael sat down in Aurelia's cafeteria-Plates of grilled chicken salad and fresh fruit sat before them, steam rising from their cups of coffee.

"So how was last night talk?" Michael asked, spearing a piece of cucumber with his fork. "Did you finally tell her who you are?"

"No talking while eating," Jayden said, his focus fixed on his food as he carefully arranged his salad into neat sections. "And no speaking after lights out-"

Michael looked up from his plate, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "Hmm," he said, leaning back in his chair. "I guess last night didn't go well." Leaning over to Jayden and slinging his arm casually over his shoulder, he shook his head sympathetically. "I feel you bro... it's pathetic. The great Jayden Blackwood-hiding from his own wife."

Two air hostesses sat at a table behind them, their voices carrying clearly across the quiet room. The first-Maria, with dark hair pulled back in a tight bun-leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Jayden and Michael.

"That guy that is sitting beside First Officer Torres is the externally appointed Chief Pilot," she said, her voice low but excited. "I saw his name on the executive roster this morning-Captain Blackwood."

"So handsome," the second air hostess-Lila, a blonde with bright pink lipstick-giggled, twirling her hair around her finger. "Too bad he's not straight," Maria replied, nodding toward Michael's arm draped over Jayden's shoulder. "Look at the way they're together-so close."

The second hostess widened her eyes in surprise. "You mean First Officer Torres and him-they are gay...?"

"Yes," Maria replied, her voice softening with admiration. "But don't spread rumors... they defy societal norms, bravely staying together despite the industry's old-fashioned ways. I'll guard their secret with love." She looked at them with a warm smile. "What a perfect match," Lila sighed. "Don't worry, my lips are sealed."

Michael and Jayden were completely oblivious to the conversation, finishing their meal and stacking their plates neatly on the tray. They headed back to Jayden's office, walking side by side down the polished corridor-Michael still chatting animatedly about his latest date, Jayden nodding absently as he reviewed documents on his phone.

As they entered Jayden's office, Lila dragged a cleaner-an older man named Carlos-toward the doorway, her eyes bright with gossip.

"Did you hear that First Officer Torres and the new Chief Pilot are gay...?" she whispered in his ear, glancing back toward the office door.

Just then Jane had turned the corridor and heard their conversation.

"No way," Carlos replied, wiping his hands on his apron. "I've worked here for ten years-Michael Torres has dated half the air hostesses in this building."

"Hm," Lila said, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "So he's playing both sides. What a player." She and Carlos walked away, their voices fading as they moved down the corridor-but their gossip was no longer audible to Jane.

She stopped slowly beside the spot where they'd been standing, her hand tightening on her folder as she listened to their retreating footsteps. Chief Pilot Blackwood... she thought, her brow furrowing.

Meanwhile inside Jayden's office, Michael collapsed into the leather chair across from Jayden's desk, stretching his arms above his head. "I need a nap," he groaned. "All this matchmaking and secret-keeping is exhausting." He reached for the box of tissues on the desk-and sneezed loudly, three times in a row.

"Who is thinking of me?" he exclaimed, dabbing at his nose. "Someone must be talking about me."

"Maybe one of your dear ex-girlfriends," Jayden said, not looking up from the stack of documents on his desk. his pen moving steadily as he made notes in the margins.

"Hey!" Michael exclaimed, pointing at Jayden dramatically. "You know me-every relationship of mine ends on good terms. I always make sure they're taken care of." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And I give them generous compensations-last one got a brand new car. They were all thrilled. So why should they curse me?"

"You should settle down," Jayden said, finally lifting his eyes to look at his friend. His gaze was steady, daring almost. "And stop making your father worry."

Michael groaned, slumping back in his chair. "Don't start with that-"

A knock on the door cut him off.

"Captain Blackwood, I'm here to submit the copilot replacement report," Jane's voice called from outside. "It's Captain Harley."

Inside his office, Jayden quickly raised his head up from his desk, his eyes wide with panic. He'd completely forgotten Jane was supposed to submit her report today-

"What do we do...?" he whispered, pushing his chair back slightly. "She can't see me here-she'll know I've been lying."

Michael quickly stood up from his seat, his mind racing. "Don't panic... just find somewhere to hide."

After some seconds of silence, Jayden's eyes darted around the office-bookshelves, cabinets, the small storage closet in the corner. All too obvious. "Quickly," Michael urged, waving his hands frantically. "Go hide..."

"Where??" Jayden asked, his voice rising slightly with panic as he heard the door handle beginning to turn.

"I'm coming in," Jane said from outside, her hand already on the latch.

"Quickly..." Michael hissed, grabbing Jayden's arm and pulling him toward the desk. "Bend over your desk-underneath it. She won't see you if you stay low."

Jayden had no time to argue. He quickly bent over, crawling under the large mahogany desk-but in his panic, he misjudged the space. His head bumped against the underside of the desk, then rolled forward, coming to rest on Michael's lap as he tried to force himself further under.

At this exact moment, Jane walked in.

The sight that greeted her made her freeze in the doorway-Michael standing beside the desk, his hand resting on Jayden's shoulder as Jayden's head was positioned in his lap, his body bent awkwardly under the desk. It looked for all the world like Jayden was giving him a blowjob.

The thick folder of reports dropped from her hand onto the ground with a loud thud, papers scattering across the polished floor.

Jane stared, her eyes wide with shock and confusion. Her face flushed bright red, and she quickly turned her head away, her hand flying to cover her mouth.

⸻

"You two-!" Jane's voice cut sharply through the office, echoing off the high ceilings and polished wood walls. Her face was flushed with anger, her eyes wide with what looked like a mix of shock and betrayal.

Jayden's head was still lowered, his face hidden just long enough for the situation to look far worse than it was-his body bent awkwardly under the desk, his head resting against Michael's legs as he'd tried to scramble out of sight. Before he could straighten up fully, before he could even get his hair out of his eyes-

Michael jumped in front of her, his hands raised defensively.

"It's not what you think!" he said quickly, waving his hands in a panic as if he could physically block her understanding, could rewrite what she'd just seen. "We were just-"

Jane's eyes narrowed into sharp slits. She hadn't even fully processed who was there yet-only the image burned into her mind.

Then-

Jayden stood up fully, brushing dust from his shirt and pushing his hair out of his face. His eyes met hers, wide with panic and something that looked like shame.

"Jane, I can explain-"

"No need," she cut him off, her tone instantly shifting from angry to cold, controlled, professional. The same voice she used when addressing unruly passengers or dealing with safety violations. "I already understand. There's no need to say anything more."

Michael froze, his mouth hanging open. "What do you think you understand?!" he cried out dramatically, throwing his hands up in the air. "Don't jump to conclusions! This isn't Jayden's fault-it's mine"

Before he could say anything else-

Smack.

The sound echoed through the quiet office like a gunshot.

Michael clutched his cheek in shock, his eyes watering as he stared at Jane in disbelief. A bright red handprint was already forming on his skin.

"Of course it's not Jayden's fault!" Jane snapped, her voice rising with anger as she stepped between him and Jayden, as if shielding her husband from harm. "He trusted you-treated you like a friend-and this is how you repay him?"

Michael blinked, completely lost.

"Repay him... how exactly?!" he sputtered, rubbing his cheek gingerly.

"You even tried to force him!" Jane continued, grabbing Jayden's arm and pulling him gently but firmly away from Michael. Her eyes were blazing with protective fury.

"Force him to do what?!" Michael shouted, utterly bewildered.

"I saw everything!" Jane shot back, her voice cracking slightly with emotion. "The way you were holding him down-"

"I was trying to push his head further under the desk so you wouldn't see him!" Michael interrupted, his own voice rising now. "I wasn't-we weren't-!"

Jane turned, glaring at him with a warning that carried real weight-she was a pilot, trained to stay calm under pressure, but right now she looked ready to take him down with her bare hands.

"Let me make this clear-if you dare lay a finger on my husband again, I won't show you any mercy," she said, her voice low and dangerous. "I'll report you to HR, I'll have you grounded, and I'll make sure you never fly with Aurelia again. Do you understand me?"

With that, she dragged Jayden out of the office, slamming the door behind them with a force that made the walls shake.

Behind them-

Michael stood frozen, hand still on his cheek. The red mark was already darkening, and he could feel the sting spreading down his jaw.

"...What did I do to deserve this?" he muttered, his voice full of wounded disbelief as he sank into the nearest chair. "I was just trying to help..."

⸻

Out in the corridor, Jane didn't slow down. Her heels clicked sharply against the tile floor as she pulled Jayden along, her grip on his wrist firm but not painful-almost protective, like she was guiding him away from danger.

"Jane..." Jayden said carefully, trying to step in time with her long strides, trying to regain control of the situation before she dragged him all the way to the parking lot. "There's been a misunderstanding. A big one."

She stopped abruptly and turned to him, her expression shifting from determined to confused.

"What could possibly be misunderstood?" she asked, genuinely baffled as she looked up at him. "I saw what I saw, Jayden. And I heard the rumors today-everyone's talking about it."

Jayden opened his mouth to explain-I'm the Chief Pilot. I was hiding because I didn't want you to know. Michael was just helping me.

Closed it.

Because there was too much to explain. Too many secrets stacked up between them. And none of it was safe to say-not now, not when she was already so upset.

"I heard the rumors today," Jane continued, folding her arms across her chest as she leaned against the wall. "About Michael Torres... and the chief pilot. Everyone says they're together."

Jayden's heart skipped a beat, his hands unconsciously clenching at his sides. She's talking about me.

"No wonder he abandoned his fiancée for five years," she added, her tone edged with disdain as she shook her head.

She huffed softly, her expression softening into something like pity.

"It's even more unfortunate that he shares your surname," she said, pouting slightly as she reached up to brush a strand of hair from his forehead. "What rotten luck. People might get confused and think you're related."

Jayden's thoughts spiraled into chaos. She thinks I'm just some unemployed cargo pilot with the same last name as the Chief Pilot. She thinks the Chief Pilot is cheating on his fiancée and having an affair with Michael. And she thinks Michael just tried to assault me.

I definitely cannot reveal the truth now.

"...Yeah," he said slowly, choosing survival over honesty as he nodded along with her words. "What rotten luck."

Jane looked at him again, her expression softening almost immediately-all the anger and protectiveness melting away into genuine concern. She reached up to cup his face gently, her hands warm against his cheeks.

"Did he do anything to you?" she asked, her eyes scanning his face quickly, as if checking for injuries. "Before I walked in-did he try to hurt you?"

Jayden blinked, caught off guard by her sudden tenderness. He'd been prepared for anger, for accusations, for her to walk away in disgust-not for her to hold his face like he was something precious.

"...No," he said honestly. "He didn't get the chance. You arrived just in time."

Jane nodded, satisfied with his answer. She dropped her hands to his shoulders, giving them a reassuring squeeze.

"Good," she said firmly, her protective edge returning for just a moment. "Thankfully I arrived in time. I won't let anyone hurt you, Jayden. Not while I'm around."

She took his hand again-this time more gently, her fingers lacing through his as she started walking toward the elevator.

"Don't worry," she added, her voice softening once more. "I won't let him do anything to you. I'll make sure he stays away from you from now on."

Jayden looked down at their joined hands, feeling a mix of guilt and warmth flood through him. She was protecting him-protecting the lie he'd built between them.

"...Thank you," he replied, his voice quiet.

But in his mind-

Michael... I'm sorry. Very sorry.

Because explaining this? Would only make things worse.