Not This Time [Tokyo, Japan]

[Nox]

Nox paced in the terminal. He didn't want to fly. Didn't fucking want to be here. But it was a no layover flight from Tokyo to Moscow. He could do this! He told himself over and over again. He'd done it since crashing twice. He could do it one more time -- then never, ever have to do it again.

He had no intentions of leaving Moscow again. At least not anywhere he needed an airplane for. Half the trip was the journey right?

Nox was certain Hayden hadn't followed him. But there was no guarantee. This would work.

Everything he owned was in one little pack. One pack that would tuck in the top of an airplane carryon-stow -- that included the earthern ware terrarium that held his growing plants. They almost pushed their glass lid from the seal -- almost. It was time to prune them. Or give them to Raffe and start over. It was almost Christmas time...

Fuck! Nox hadn't realized how much time had passed how his usual turkey dinner with Aurora was missed. It had just been after Halloween when he left. He missed his favorite holiday because he was too busy brooding -- over what? a lost love. Or was it more than that. He lost himself.

Well consider himself found. Even if Raffe weren't part of it -- not that he would stop trying. He made a promise and he'd keep it to the best of his ability. He'd talk to Raffe when he got home. He owed him a dinner anyway. Maybe they could talk. Maybe not. But Nox would reach out, offer a hand. Raffe's call. It always felt like Raffe's call. When did he get what he wanted?

The terminal started loading the plane. He was the first in line for his section. He was in and seated and trying not to panic before anyone else. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! The seat next to him remained empty.