Page 65 of Should Our Stars Collide

He lets his thumb brush lightly over Kieran’s knuckles, gently coaxing him to relax.

It works; of course it does. This is Kieran, and whether he likes it or not, subconsciously he trusts Ash. Or at least his body does.

His mind is the only thing that needs convincing.

When his grip loosens, Ash takes the opportunity to intertwine their fingers. Kieran’s palm is clammy, but he doesn’t mind, riding the high of being allowed to do this.

Kieran doesn’t protest, just exhales through his nose like he’s trying not to die.

“Breathe, Kieran, you’re okay. I’m right here.”

Kieran squeezes his hand so hard Ash’s knuckles crack.

The plane lifts off.

No one dies.

Kieran keeps his eyes shut during the ascent. Ash shamelessly uses the opportunity to stroke his hand and whisper calming words into his ear.

The minute they’re level and the seatbelt sign turns off, Kieran’s eyes are snapping open.

“You can let go now,” he says, voice strained. He’s looking straight ahead, his expression forcefully neutral.

“So can you,” Ash throws back at him. Not to be an ass, but because he doesn’t want to let go.

A muscle in Kieran’s cheek jumps, and he shoots Ash an impressive side glare.

He doesn’t let go.

Neither does Ash.

“Hey,” Kieran starts, cheeks flushed. “In the video, the other me said I was about to learn fucked up things that would be hard to believe. What are those?”

“Not really a conversation for a pressurized cabin full of strangers,” Ash says. “And you’ll want the whole gang around.”

“There’s a gang?”

“Sure is. Dawson, Cal, Gabe and Ellis. And Zeke too, I guess. Although I have a feeling he’ll be stripped of his membership soon,” Ash says, only half-joking.

“When I get my hands on that little shit…” Kieran growls, squeezing Ash’s hand.

“Ouch. Don’t take it out on me. If you want, I’ll hold him while you beat him up.”

Sorry, Zeke, but I have a heart to win over. We weren’t that close anyway.

“Do we have to tell them, though?” Kieran asks, suddenly nervous.

“About the time-travel?” Kieran nods. “We’ll have to, because I honestly can’t think of another way to explain how you suddenly forgot some very important pieces of information.”

“The amnesia bullshit worked for Dickhead. Can’t see why we can’t take some inspiration.”

“Cal wasn’t faking.” More likeCal wasn’t Cal, but that’s a story for another time. With less people around.

Kieran scoffs, stubborn as always. Damn, just seeing that pouty,grumpy expression is getting Ash all riled up.

Stand down, Ash Junior. Not the time.

“Anyway, you can just tell me the information I’m missing. I can fake it,” Kieran suggests.