Since I met you

"I'm going to miss you Uncle Parker." Martin hugged Parker in order to pass him all the love and respect he felt for him. After his parents death Parker was the one who never left his side, in times of joy or sadness, Parker was always there. "Come and meet us anytime you wish and Maya and kids are already planning a trip to LA." Parker said and Martin felt a sense of relief and warmth for the family he had here. But he had to go, start a new chapter of life in another country. After living in the countryside area of London for 18 years when Martin was offered the job in Los Angeles, he was excited as well as nervous. Martin has always been an introvert and decision to move to another country was very difficult and and big for him. Till now he's been photographing for a local party having on and off school, now was his turn to shine as a good professional photographer. "See you son, be careful and remember that you'll always have me Martin." Parker said patting him on the back and shine in his eyes were all the motivation Martin needed to do better. "Martin, here keep this." Maya came running along with a little girl and a boy either of her sides. "What is this Aunt Maya?" Martin asked taking the small bag she offered. "This has everything you might need there. The map, compass, book on difference between British and American English to understand them better. And ,most important of all, all the top destinations in LA." Martin and Parker shared a knowing look as Maya, so obviously excited went on to count everything she desired to see when they visit him next month. "Aunt Maya I know I'll see you sooner than I anticipated but I'm going to miss you." Martin took in Maya for a loving warm hug. "I'm going to miss you too honey. Have a lot of fun there but also stay out of danger." Maya said giggling at the joke she she made at the last of the sentence. Everyone knew, Martin Snow never gets into trouble. _____ "Sir you want something," a flight attendant pulled Martin out of the nervous thoughts he was having since he boarded the flight. "No thank you." Martin went back to staring at his book while his mind went back to unwelcoming thoughts. "I'll have a burger and juice, thank you." The guy beside Martin who's been sleeping since Martin entered, spoke up. "Hi I'm Jake." Jake stretched out his hand for Martin and Martin took it for a slight shake. "Martin." Martin said with a slight smile and again distracted himself from the charming man bedside him with the unread book in front. "So Martin. You're English." Jake tried to imitate the British accent but failed and laughed at his own joke. "Yes and you are American I guess." Martin smiled at Jake's attempt to make a joke but maintained his composure. "You got it right bud. You know what I like your aura. I feel do peaceful and well, connected." Jake said and rubbed Martin's knuckles with his own. Surprisingly Martin felt a sense of electric attraction towards Jake. Martin was not living in a closet but he never really dated anyone openly either, though he made sure to let everyone know that he likes boys. Martin couldn't believe that someone pulled his guard down so easily and fast. But this could be just a friendly touch, the thought somehow disappointed Martin even though even though he wanted to believe it was. "I don't know what to say. Thanks." Martin said and crossed arms across chest. More minutes passed in silence, Martin was okay with that but he could feel Jake fumble with his seat and stuff every now and then. "Will you marry me Martin?" Martin turned to Jake so fast that he himself was surprised at his unbroken neck. "What did you just say?" Martin asked even though he was pretty sure he heard it right. Jake's eyes were clouded and lost before he gained his composure and smiled. "I'm kidding. Just needed to break the silence you know, was getting heavy." Martin sighed with relief and smiled which almost looked forced. "So what yo-," "Jake I'm a big fan. My friends told me you are here." A girl in her teenage years approached them from the other side of the plane. "Hey girl but you better get back to your seat. We are on a plane. See you on landing." Jake winked at the girl and she returned happy as a Quoka. "Are you some kind of celebrity." Martin couldn't stop himself from asking. "I'm just an actor and a few people outside the family know me. That's it." Jake said making it not so big deal. "It's cool. I mean actor. I've never met one." Martin said and gave Jake a cute, closed lips, friendly smile which Jake reciprocated with one of his charming all teeth smiles. "Thanks man and what about you, what you do?" "I'm a photographer. Got a job in London so here I'm." Martin felt Jake's charm and energy rubbing off on him as they talked and talked the entire flight, about work, about home, studies anything that got them involved. Time went by faster than expected for either of them and soon the attendant announces the landing and they all fastened their belts. Martin braced himself for the landing, something he always hated. He repeated the chant of 'it'll be fine' several times in mind but as soon as the plane went down in a slope, he clutched tightly onto whatever was closest to his hand. Jake felt the sudden need to crease Martin's hand and hold him close as he stared at Martin's fingers digging in his arm. Jake couldn't deny the attraction he felt towards Martin ever since he opened his eyes to the boy looking in the magazine but lost in the wonderland. Jake couldn't let this chance go, he needed to ask him out.