How to fly [one-shot]
Request: Can you write a fic with Mao as an stewardess in one of the private flights for Arashi, and have the boys all hit on her? =P I want Aiba to say something complete fail like, "I've got a packet of peanuts for you." *wink* and then Nino goes, "Aibaka, that's not a compliment."
- - -
Title: How to fly
Author: yoshi09
Genre: General, comedy
Rated: Strong T for suggestive language, and themes
Warnings: No official pairing for this fic.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inoue Mao or Arashi-- but I am so happy they're such great friends.
Summary: AU. Mao’s a private jet flight attendant. Arashi are the passengers.
Author’s note: I wanted to write a one-shot that involved my favorite Japanese band and my favorite actress in a world where they all met her at the same time. I wanted to write something short that I wouldn’t feel pressured to continue in the future, but what was supposed to be a no-more-than-500-word drabble became a 15 page monster, haha. Someone asked me for this prompt awhile ago, unfortunately I don’t remember who requested it. x_x I hope you guys enjoy it. Also, Arashi is still Arashi in here, wholly in fame and popularity, the only thing different is Mao’s occupation.
“Private! Private! Privaaaaattteeeee- ow.” Aiba Masaki rubbed the back of his head where his bandmate hit him. He gave a hurt expression to Matsumoto Jun who just laughed in his signature way that sounded more like a giggle.
“Aiba-kun, we’ve been on a private jet before.”
It was late afternoon and Arashi were walking toward their jet headed to mainland Asia to shoot a music video on location. It wasn’t going to be their first time in a private plane but it was one of the few things that reminded them just how popular they were. Because of this, the boys always felt an odd mixture of embarrassment and excitement when they were about to board and would crack more jokes to keep the mood light and happy.
“I call window seat.” Ohno Satoshi said somewhere behind them.
All the boys laughed. “Everyone gets a window seat, Oh-chan.” Nino said, patting him on the shoulder.
“Can’t wait for the good food! Right, Masaki?” Sho could not stop smiling.
Aiba, who had insisted on bringing his stuffed animal dog as a carry-on and nothing else suddenly perked at the thought. “Oi, oi, do you guys think we’ll get a hott flight attendant?”
Sho clapped his hands together and started laughing. It was Jun who asked what Sho didn’t say because he was too busy catching his breath.
“How does food make you think of the flight attendant? It’s probably a guy anyway like last time-”
“Um. Guys?” Nino said, cutting Jun off, “I think today is Aiba’s lucky break.” He made a subtle gesture with his chin at the plane. Ohno looked first, followed by the other three in turn.
A petite girl, dressed in classic dark navy flight attendant attire, had just finished crossing the last few steps of the short flight of stairs leading into the plane to greet them- as was protocol of most private jets. Her dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and the flight attendant skirt she wore skimmed just above her knee to show off what Aiba described effectively as “wow, sexy” legs that tucked into a pair of conservative pumps.
She smiled in greeting when she saw them looking at her, and folded her hands neatly one over the other in front of her before she bowed politely where she stood, just to the right and a step forward from the stairs.
Nino and Sho exchanged a glance. Ohno just stared. Jun smiled and did a motion that was half bow, half embarrassed nod. And Aiba… Aiba shouted “First!” and made a move as if to run toward her had Nino not grabbed the back of his shirt collar at the last possible second and pull him back with a strangled gag.
“This is going to be an interesting flight.” Sho said.
------
The next several minutes before takeoff were painfully embarrassing ones. Arashi had to wait for their managers and the camera crew to get in first and then the boys filed in after them, all giving the flight attendant their own version of greeting on their way up.
Ohno went up first, looking very determinedly upward into the plane’s entrance in an overly cool manner that thoroughly amused his bandmates, but he broke his character completely with an embarrassed giggle and rub at the back of his neck when the flight attendant gave him a large smile and welcomed him aboard. Sho was second, giving her his best and most professional newscaster smile that made her look a bit flustered before she averted her eyes to the ground and bowed back politely. Nino was third, who just waited for her to look back up at him and say a friendly and cheerful “enjoy your flight” to which he winked at her suggestively and said “I’m sure I will.” Aiba was fourth who did some outrageous move that was an offer of a too-enthusiastic handshake, a bow, a hug, another bow, all while holding eye contact and his stuffed animal dog, to which the flight attendant just laughed politely and graciously returned all of his friendly gestures in a courteous fashion. Jun was last, who spent the whole flight of stairs apologizing for his band mates, promising Arashi isn’t always like this, I swear, and then apologizing again because he might have just lied to her and they only just met.
After everyone had buckled in- Sho sat across from Nino, Ohno was across the aisle from Sho, Aiba across from Jun who was back to back with Nino (Jun changed seats with Aiba so he could see the shiny lights of the cockpit)- the flight attendant had walked by them and to the cockpit, smelling pleasantly, Jun noticed, of light strawberries and cream. All the boys didn’t fail to observe, however, that heels did incredible things to the backside of a cute girl wearing a skirt- especially from their vantage point sitting down and eye level.
She had come back from the cockpit and paused to check their seat belts. Aiba immediately made a show that he had no idea how his worked, pulling her away from Nino who glared murderously at Aiba, but his target missed his point because he was again, looking at a very nice view of the attendant’s backside as she leaned over and explained to Aiba patiently just how the contraption worked. Ohno and Nino suddenly had trouble with their belts too, to which Sho leaned over to whack them on the closest body part he could reach (Ohno’s shoulder, Nino’s knee). Aiba was complimenting her on how nice she was while Sho unbuckled his seat belt to help Nino and Ohno with theirs, much to their displeasure.
She began to go over safety procedures and all of them listened with rapt attention; and when describing how to unbuckle the seat belt Aiba murmured something about giving her permission to unbuckle his belt any day. Jun slouched in his chair and kicked him on the shin before any further sounds came out of his mouth. She had moved onto explaining where the life vests were located when Ohno suddenly blurted out “You have a nice voice” to which she looked momentarily surprised and then she bowed embarrassedly in thanks before she continued on a tad more awkwardly than before.
When she left to head to the back of plane and buckle her own seat belt for takeoff, it was Sho who spoke first.
“Idiots. You guys are all idiots.” He was leaning over his lap and shaking his head in his hands in utter embarrassment.
“Oi, Sho-chan, sit in an upright position for takeoff. Were you not listening to her explain the procedures?” Nino said with a serious voice, but purposely making his words condescending.
“But she’s super cute, right? I made eye contact with her twice.” Aiba said, twisting around and making it very obvious he was looking at her. Jun kicked him again. “Ow- hey, Jun, switch with me.”
Jun made a disbelieving snort. “No. You wanted to see the cockpit.”
“Juuun… but you get the best view in the plane!”
Jun leaned a little into the aisle to look somewhere at the back of the plane and then made himself comfortable in his seat again. “Yeah, she is easy to see from here.” He pulled out his DS.
“Hey! You’re not even going to be looking at her!” Aiba protested.
“Aibaka, stop yelling so much, you’re making us look bad.” Nino said a little more loudly over the roar of engine.
Aiba huffed into his stuffed animal dog.
“I wonder if she knows us.” Ohno said, mostly to Sho and Nino.
“I’m surprised, Ohno. You’re not usually interested in girls.”
Ohno blushed and then turned to look out the window.
“He likes girls,” Nino supplied, “You just have to put alcohol in him for him to admit it.”
Sho laughed and agreed.
“But it’s the first time we all agree on a girl, huh?” Jun said, ever observant, “It’s usually just me, Sho, and Nino who have similar tastes.”
“Aiba likes super models.” Nino pointed out, turning in his seat so he could see Jun and Aiba, “She’s too short for you, isn’t she, Ma-kun?”
Aiba started laughing. “You’re just trying to get rid of competition!”
“Hey, Aiba, ask her name for us.” Jun said, with a mischievous smile.
“Eh? Why me?”
“Because you’re the one who’s made the biggest fool of yourself and the rest of us still have chances.” Nino replied.
“Oi, oi, oi! She knows me best because I talk to her most!”
The rest of Arashi could not stop laughing.
-------
They were about 15 minutes into the air when the pilot made an announcement that they were free to move about the cabin. Arashi started clapping with gusto and praise at the pilot for getting them in the air, and the rest of the plane followed suit. The flight attendant had come back a few minutes later, this time with a cart of snacks and drinks. She started with Ohno first.
“Would you like a drink with your peanuts?”
“Applesauce. Uh. I mean juice. Apple juice.” Ohno was staring at her.
She smiled at his stumble and poured the juice, gave him peanuts. Ohno accepted both from her.
She turned to Sho, gave him a smile as well.
“I’d like some water with a slice of fruit,” Sho said, pleasantly.
“Ice?”
Sho looked confused at first.
“Ice, you idiot. She said ‘ice’!” Nino said across from him.
“Oh, yeah.” Sho looked embarrassed.
The flight attendant gave him his water with lemon and then leaned down to get his peanuts. Sho could swear he saw a small amused smile on her lips. He glanced back up to see Nino shaking his head and laughing under his breath. He mouthed to Sho, “You’re trying too hard to look cool.”
She got his peanuts and placed it neatly next to his water before she asked what Nino wanted. Nino asked for cranberry juice and water, no ice. She gave him both. He smiled at her effortlessly in thanks keeping eye contact with her every time she looked at him, and when she made to give him his peanuts, Nino lightly brushed his fingers against hers to receive it.
“Ah, sorry,” she said quickly.
Nino shook his head miming no problem. Sho wasn’t exactly sure but it looked like she had a darker tint of pink in her cheeks by the time she moved onto Jun.
‘That’s how it’s done,’ mouthed Nino to Sho.
Sho was chuckling under his breath, hand over his mouth. He dropped his hand a moment to mouth back, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’
‘You totally memorized what you were going to say so you wouldn’t do what Oh-chan did.’
Sho started chuckling again at being caught.
When Sho and Nino started to hear Aiba’s voice they turned their attention to him immediately.
“Just tomato juice, please. Thank you.” Aiba was playing with his dog’s floppy ears, needing to do something with his hands. As she poured him his drink he opened his mouth again, “So… ah, do you come here often? I mean, well, you must because you work here…” Aiba started giggling.
Jun gave him a look at that said “You. Idiot.”
Surprisingly, she looked away from her pouring to make eye contact with him as she replied. “I do come here often, yes.”
Aiba hadn’t expected her to reply at all. He continued on, sort of floundering in his words, as she stopped pouring and handed him his cup. “Thank you for the peanuts. They’re probably really good.” The stewardess leaned down to get his peanuts, occasionally glancing up at him as he spoke. Aiba’s words tumbled over each other, disoriented at the idea she was actually paying attention to him, “Peanuts are nutty. I like the taste of nuts. I mean, not that way. Like, the nuts off trees. Do nuts grow on trees- (“I am not watching this,” Nino turned around.) -um. Anyway. What’s your name?”
The flight attendant giggled lightly, clearly entertained and a tad surprised that he seemed to be trying to start a conversation with her.
“Oh. I’m Inoue Mao.” She straightened, handed him his peanuts and a napkin- then she did something quite unexpected. She kept her hand in place when he took the items from her, “Nice to meet you, Aiba-san.” Aiba looked at her hand, then at her, saw that she was offering a handshake like how he offered her before he boarded the plane and then took her hand in his with gusto. They shook twice before he let go and she giggled at his expression. Her eyes wandered to the stuffed animal on his lap, and she reached over to pet it gently on its head. “That’s a cute stuffed dog.”
Aiba brightened instantly. “His name is Wan-chan.”
She laughed lightly, clearly approving the name.
“I have a dog too, at home. Wan-chan here made me miss him.” She patted the stuffed dog again.
“Do you?” Aiba said, getting more and more happy by the minute. “A stuffed one too?”
Inoue shook her head, a hand automatically going to her mouth to suppress another giggle. “He’s real.” Then proudly she continued, “a Boston terrier.”
“What’s his name? Is it a he?” Jun interjected casually.
She turned to him, all smiles, “Hug-chan’s a she.”
“Hug-chan,” Nino was turned back around, seat belt unbuckled as he kneeled on his seat with his arms crossed over the top of it. “That’s a cute name. I have a dog too. Haru-chan.”
“Is that so?”
Nino nodded. “Where are you from?”
“Yokohama- ah, I should serve the other guests on the plane now. But let’s talk more later, okay?” She bowed to each of them in apology.
Jun and Nino just smiled and gave her small waves good bye and Aiba bowed back, surprised.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Jun said, “Your mouth is still hanging open.”
Aiba looked over the moon, “She complimented me, she complimented me!”
“She complimented your dog,” corrected Nino.
“She had a conversation with me!”
“She had a conversation with you, me, and Jun.”
“I started the conversation!”
“She only replied out of pity.”
Aiba wasn’t listening, reveling in the idea he was first for once above Arashi.
“Anyway, she’s cute.” Nino stated, simply. He turned back around, flopping back into his chair.
“Hey, but did you guys notice she didn’t ask for Aiba’s name, but she called him ‘Aiba-san’?” Jun said, suddenly. “She knows Arashi then?”
“But don’t flight attendants have rosters for passengers?” Sho replied.
“I’m asking for her number.” Aiba interjected. He pressed the attendant call button, and a little light turned on above his head.
“What are you doing?” Jun jumped to press the button again so the light turned off the same time Nino ran over to whack him over the head.
“Oww~…”
“You’re an idiot, Masaki.”
“Why can’t I ask for her number?”
“Because if you scare her away, which you will, you’ll ruin it for the rest of us,” simpered Nino.
Aiba huffed again, putting his chin on the top of his stuffed dog’s head.
Suddenly, Ohno was standing. The rest of Arashi watched him as he made his way to the back of the plane, said excuse me to Inoue, and then went on until the very back to use the lavatory.
“Oh.” Sho said for all of them, in relief. “I was so sure he was going to say something embarrassing to her.”
They all laughed. “It’s a good thing we’re not like this all the time, huh?” Jun said.
------
“Do it.” urged Nino.
“Go, Sho-chan, go.” said Aiba, excitedly.
“I’m not part of this.” Jun inserted, throwing his hands up in the air before turning back to playing his DS.
Ohno just laughed.
“All right!” Sho said, pressing the attendant call button. “Wish me luck guys.” The light above his head turned on.
Not a minute passed and Inoue was next to Sho.
“Hello again,” she smiled at Nino when he waved at her and then turned back to Sho, “May I help you?”
As soon as she looked back at Sho, Nino was holding his hands in front of his mouth, trying to hide his snicker.
Sho suddenly looked like he forgot what he was going to say. “Um. Uh… can we get a deck of cards please?”
Inoue smiled and nodded, “Of course. I will be right back.”
When she was out of hearing distance again, Nino started laughing uproariously. “What was that?”
Sho was slouched in his chair, yelling at the ceiling through his own laughter. “It’s harder than it looks~!”
“What. Was. Thaaaat?” Nino said, practically twirling in his chair from laughing so hard.
“That was the worse pick up line ever!” Jun agreed.
“It was supposed to be a different one, but it’s more embarrassing when the person you’re saying it to is right there!” Sho protested.
“That’s so bad, Sho-kun.” Jun said, joining in Nino’s laughter.
“You do one then!” Sho said.
Jun was still laughing. “No way! Pick-up lines are the worst! They never work.”
Aiba, ever the lookout for pretty girls said, “Ah! She’s coming back.”
A few seconds later Inoue came back with a deck of cards.
“Hi, Inoue-san.” Aiba said cheerily as she passed by.
“Hi, Aiba-san.” She replied with a small giggle at his child-like action. She walked the rest of the way to Sho and handed the deck to him. Sho somehow managed to say a thank you while he tried to catch his breath from how hard he was just laughing.
“Is there anything else I can get you?” she directed the question at Sho but she looked at the other members too, pleased that they all were in such high spirits.
“You said you were from Yokohama?” Nino said when he caught her eye. “If you don’t mind me asking…” He held her gaze for a moment longer than what was polite before he continued easily, “…do you live there now?”
“Ah,” she scratched the back of her head lightly. “I live in Narita, for work.”
Aiba perked. “Chiba prefecture? I’m from Chiba! We have a lot of common, huh?”
Inoue smiled widely at Aiba’s excitement and nodded through another giggle, “It seems that way.” Her eyes glanced down the aisle quickly as if something just caught her attention. “Hm, someone in the back needs me. Sorry to cut our conversation short.” She actually sounded genuinely apologetic.
“No problem,” Jun said. “We’ll probably see you later, right?”
She was caught off guard for a moment, as if she didn’t usually get requests just for conversations, and then this brilliant smile lit up her face as she nodded. She bowed to each of them, smiling widely as if it was a very nice pleasure to just talk to people, “Excuse me.”
She was about to leave when Ohno’s voice stopped her.
“Um, Inoue-san?”
She turned in surprise at her name. “Yes? Ohno-san?”
Ohno was also surprised at Mao knowing his name, but then he remembered what Sho said about the roster.
“Are we landing soon?”
“We have about two hours left,” she replied.
“Ah…” Ohno said with a nod. Then perfectly serious he asked, “Before we land, could you show me the gate number that leads to your heart?”
The question was said in such a casual tone Inoue didn’t realize it was a pick up line until she opened her mouth to probably tell him which hangar they were landing in. She closed it promptly and then covered her mouth as she giggled in embarrassment.
“Um…” she replied, unsure of what to say. Even though her hand was covering her mouth, it couldn’t hide the bright pink that had spread across her cheeks. “You’re very sweet, Ohno-san.” She bowed politely and excused herself.
They were all looking at Ohno in awed silence. It was Nino who broke it first, “For a pick up line, that went surprisingly well.”
“I didn’t know you had it in you, Satoshi,” Sho said, amazed.
“Just about flawless.” Jun approved.
Aiba was gawking at him. “You’ve got to teach me how to do that.”
“Well,” Nino was brushing off his pants as if to say ‘that’s-that!’ “My theory that Riida is good at everything still stands.”
“Eh?” Ohno was rubbing the back of his head again, his previous cool demeanor replaced with his innocent one. “If you like someone, shouldn’t you just say so?”
They all laughed and patted Ohno on the back.
“She has a really cute smile,” Sho said, slumping back into his chair.
All the boys hummed their agreement.
“Yeah, and Jun-kun got the full view of it.” Aiba started playing with the floppy ears of his dog again.
“Be still, my heart.” Jun said, holding his hand to his heart jokingly.
All the boys laughed.
------
Arashi had changed seats for a game of Poker (Ohno didn’t feel like playing Poker and changed seats with Jun and Aiba left his stuffed dog for Ohno to sleep on and took the empty seat across the aisle from Nino and in front of Jun) when Inoue came back, this time with a small menu and a pad in her hands.
She started with Jun first. “Good evening. Tonight we have a selection of Beef Tenderloin, Moroccan Lamb Chops, Cajun Crab Cake, Caribbean Grilled Chicken, or Four Cheese Ravioli, followed by a dessert of Chocolate Souffle. Which would you like?”
Jun laughed. “The way you say them, makes them all sound really good. What do you suggest?”
Inoue smiled at his compliment. “It depends on what your mood is, Matsumoto-san. Would you like beef, veal, seafood, poultry or pasta?”
“What is in your Cajun Crab Cake?” Jun kept smiling at her too. From the corner of his eye he could see Aiba making small subtle movements with his hands.
Without looking at the menu she recited, “It’s sweet blue crab, tri-colored peppers served with a spicy creamy corn and vegetable stew.”
Jun cringed at the word “spicy.” “How about the poultry?”
Again, she recited without looking at the menu, “We have Caribbean Grilled Chicken which is a six ounce chicken breast marinated in tropical juices. It’s served with tropical salsa and a blend of wild rice and kamut.”
“That.” Jun said, approvingly. “I’ll have that.”
She smiled again, writing down a note on her pad. “And what would you like to drink?” Aiba’s movements were getting a lot more than subtle so Jun chanced a look at him and saw Aiba cupping his imaginary boobs, drop them, and then point at his face. He was silent laughing. Jun gave him a look that said ‘Shut up!’ before he answered Inoue.
“I’ll take water, thank you.”
She turned to take Aiba’s order and he perked, rearranging himself so he sat up in his seat. “I’ll take Beef Tenderloin with water too.”
She nodded and penned it down. Aiba was tall enough that sitting up straight he could see her writing on his pad, he glanced at it, then at her, and said, rather excitedly, “So, you live in Narita?”
Mao looked at him, still penning his order, “Yes I do.”
“I know of a good restaurant there!” Aiba chirped, “It’s called Keikarou, have you heard of it?”
Jun was about to kick Aiba for his shameless advertising of his family’s restaurant when Inoue replied.
“I go there whenever I’m in the area.”
Aiba’s jaw dropped.
“The fried beef and cabbage in miso sauce is really good when I go for lunch.” Inoue was smiling as she said this. “Have you tried the shorompo?” she asked, apparently a foodie, “I’m not a big pork fan but I love how they prepare it there.”
“H-Have I?” Aiba stuttered, practically bursting at the seams. “I help make them!”
“He’s lying.” Sho said interjected through a chuckle. “His mom makes them.”
“Oh! You own Keikarou?” Inoue looked intrigued.
“His parents do.” Jun said, automatically. “He’s technically the heir though.”
“That’s really great,” the stewardess said, grinning. “you have something to take care of in the future. A career ready for you.”
Arashi exchanged glances.
“Uh. Yeah!” Aiba said, seemingly cheered at the idea he was an unknown.
“I’m going to take Sakurai-san’s order now, okay?”
Aiba nodded.
As soon as she turned to ask for Sho’s order, Aiba gave Jun an exaggerated wink, which, since Aiba couldn’t wink at all, looked like a violent twitch.
Jun rolled his eyes and mouthed, ‘No.’
‘She totally wants me.’ Aiba said, stretching to put his hands casually behind his head, looking every bit like a hot shot.
Jun shook his head and leaned to look out the window. Aiba started waving his hands again for Jun’s attention. Jun didn’t change his position but looked at him with just his eyes.
‘You were staring at her boobs,’ Aiba mouthed. He started to cup his imaginary breasts again and made a kissy face at Jun.
‘Shut up. I was looking at her face the whole time.’ He mouthed back, holding back a laugh.
Inoue had her back turned to them still when she moved to take her order from Nino. Sho looked over at Aiba fondling his own imaginary boobs and blowing kisses at Jun. Sho started silently laughing, mouthing ‘Gross.’
Nino must have noticed too because he stuttered when he ordered Four Cheese Ravioli.
“Ah- I’m sorry, can you repeat that?” Inoue asked, leaning closer to listen to him.
Nino chuckled lightly and looked away, as if embarrassed. He looked back at her, giving her the full affect of his eyes. “Sorry,” he said with a small smile, “you’re really cute so it’s distracting.”
Sho saw the smooth save and shook his head, chuckling at Nino’s fluidity.
The petite flight attendant flushed a little, but took the compliment in stride. “Thank you, Ninomiya-san, for letting me know. I’ll remember to take your order while putting the note pad over my face.” She replied jokingly.
Nino started laughing, as did Sho. “Sorry, sorry,” Nino said, smiling coyly, “That wasn’t proper was it? Um. I’ll take the Four Cheese Ravioli, with orange juice to wash it down.”
Inoue nodded and took his order before she moved onto Ohno, followed by the rest of the crew.
When she was out of hearing distance again Ohno said, “She’s really nice, huh?”
“Personable, yet professional.” Sho said, “I’m surprised she was able to face you again, Satoshi, after that stunt you pulled last time. She was so red before.” Then to Nino he said, “And you!” He began to laugh really hard, “You… you’re so… hahahaha”
“Awesome? Great? Incredible?” Nino supplied, blowing at his fingernails.
“Unbelievable!” Sho finished.
“But she’s good with her words.” Nino seemed impressed.
Sho nodded. “Probably why she’s a private flight attendant.”
“I feel kind of sorry for her. She must be getting a headache from all that blood rushing to her cheeks.” Jun speculated.
“It can’t be helped,” Nino said, stretching, “I’m just so good looking.”
Arashi laughed at his pretentious joke.
“Jun was staring at Inoue’s boobs.” Aiba said, after the laughter died down.
The boys looked at Jun in surprise, Sho and Jun exchanged glances.
“I wasn’t though!” Jun said, pointing at Aiba in accusation.
“Don’t look at me with those dirty eyes, pervert.” Aiba said jokingly. Arashi started laughing uncontrollably. Jun leaned over to whack Aiba over the head.
“To be called a pervert by Masaki.” Sho said through breaths. “That’s great.”
-------
The flight ended quicker than they expected with not many more happenings after Inoue served everyone’s orders. The food was as delicious as it sounded, and as soon as Inoue came around to clear the tables of leftovers and empty dishes (receiving friendly thank-you’s and what looked like an attempt at winking from Aiba), the pilot made an announcement that they were close to landing.
They touched down without any trouble and again, Arashi started a round of applause at the pilot’s skill. Inoue was standing at the front of the plane, where she thanked them for flying with them, and bowed her goodbyes.
The boys bowed their own thanks, again in their own ways. Ohno said that he hoped to fly with her again and bowed three more times. Sho followed him out, saying it was great having her as a flight attendant and then he complimented her on how personable she was, to which she bowed humbly. Nino said bye casually, held her gaze a moment too long again to which Inoue jokingly covered her face with her hands causing Nino to laugh the rest of the stairs down. Aiba held his hand out for a handshake to which she took. He looked much more composed than when he first boarded and he leaned forward to whisper something in her ear which made her eyes widen and stutter her thanks. Aiba grinned at her and then left. Jun came last, thanked for the great service, apologized for whatever Aiba must have whispered in her ear, and then gave her a small smile which made her blush.
It was only at the midway point between the plane and the airport did Sho suddenly remember the deck of cards in his pocket. He told the other members to go on without him, to which they didn’t listen and they stood there waiting for him, curious to what he was doing, as he scaled the stairs two at a time. Luckily, the camera crew and their managers had already cleared the stairs and were walking casually to the building, only giving Sho an amused glance when he rushed by.
It didn’t take long for Sho to come back, out of breath and smiling.
“She said I could keep the cards.”
Nino rolled his eyes and began to walk again. “I could have told you that.”
“She also gave me this.”
At that the boys stopped to look at what Sho held in his hand.
“A napkin.” Nino said, bluntly.
Sho nodded. “She bowed really low when she gave it to me and asked for me to unfold it when I was with you guys. She looked really happy but a bit embarrassed.”
“Open it, open it.” Jun said with interest.
Sho unraveled the napkin.
Nino laughed.
Jun smiled.
Sho chuckled.
Aiba grinned.
Ohno said a quiet, “Amazing.”
On the napkin, in friendly but legible Sharpie was:
Arashi-san,
I am a huuuge fan. As expected, Arashi is cool and friendly! Aiba-san was my favorite member, but now all of you are my favorite. Please continue your great work!
Then underneath were small, perfect chibi version drawings of themselves, to which Ohno could not look away from.
“That’s great guys. This is really great.” Jun said, with a grin. “She knew us after all, huh?”
“We’re all her favorite!” Nino said, “Somehow, I feel cheated.” But despite saying this, he seemed really happy too.
“Oi, Aiba-kun, you were her favorite!” Sho said, clapping him on his back.
Aiba laughed sheepishly, then pumped his fist, holding onto his stuffed animal dog, into the air. “Yes! It’s a good thing I left my phone number on my seat then!”
All the boys started laughing in disbelief.
“Is that what you whispered in her ear?” Jun asked, incredulously.
Aiba let out a mischievous giggle and started running, to which all the boys ran after him.
“Hey, if she calls you, you have to let us know!” Sho yelled, grabbing for the stuffed dog.
“You play dirty, Masaki!” Nino shouted through a laugh.
“She’ll definitely not call if it’s Aiba!” Jun joked, giving chase.
Ohno just laughed.
A/N: Thank you so much to novemberbaby86 for her being so amazing and patient and betaing this fic. She caught characterization mistakes that I would have otherwise just left alone. I love her. ^_^
I did not make up the food. I got it from privatejetgourmet. It all looks so good. Also, if you were confused about their seating layout, I pictured it similar to their first private jet ride during the first AAA tour. You could find it streaming here: click.
Thank you for reading!
- - -
Title: How to fly
Author: yoshi09
Genre: General, comedy
Rated: Strong T for suggestive language, and themes
Warnings: No official pairing for this fic.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inoue Mao or Arashi-- but I am so happy they're such great friends.
Summary: AU. Mao’s a private jet flight attendant. Arashi are the passengers.
Author’s note: I wanted to write a one-shot that involved my favorite Japanese band and my favorite actress in a world where they all met her at the same time. I wanted to write something short that I wouldn’t feel pressured to continue in the future, but what was supposed to be a no-more-than-500-word drabble became a 15 page monster, haha. Someone asked me for this prompt awhile ago, unfortunately I don’t remember who requested it. x_x I hope you guys enjoy it. Also, Arashi is still Arashi in here, wholly in fame and popularity, the only thing different is Mao’s occupation.
“Private! Private! Privaaaaattteeeee- ow.” Aiba Masaki rubbed the back of his head where his bandmate hit him. He gave a hurt expression to Matsumoto Jun who just laughed in his signature way that sounded more like a giggle.
“Aiba-kun, we’ve been on a private jet before.”
It was late afternoon and Arashi were walking toward their jet headed to mainland Asia to shoot a music video on location. It wasn’t going to be their first time in a private plane but it was one of the few things that reminded them just how popular they were. Because of this, the boys always felt an odd mixture of embarrassment and excitement when they were about to board and would crack more jokes to keep the mood light and happy.
“I call window seat.” Ohno Satoshi said somewhere behind them.
All the boys laughed. “Everyone gets a window seat, Oh-chan.” Nino said, patting him on the shoulder.
“Can’t wait for the good food! Right, Masaki?” Sho could not stop smiling.
Aiba, who had insisted on bringing his stuffed animal dog as a carry-on and nothing else suddenly perked at the thought. “Oi, oi, do you guys think we’ll get a hott flight attendant?”
Sho clapped his hands together and started laughing. It was Jun who asked what Sho didn’t say because he was too busy catching his breath.
“How does food make you think of the flight attendant? It’s probably a guy anyway like last time-”
“Um. Guys?” Nino said, cutting Jun off, “I think today is Aiba’s lucky break.” He made a subtle gesture with his chin at the plane. Ohno looked first, followed by the other three in turn.
A petite girl, dressed in classic dark navy flight attendant attire, had just finished crossing the last few steps of the short flight of stairs leading into the plane to greet them- as was protocol of most private jets. Her dark hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and the flight attendant skirt she wore skimmed just above her knee to show off what Aiba described effectively as “wow, sexy” legs that tucked into a pair of conservative pumps.
She smiled in greeting when she saw them looking at her, and folded her hands neatly one over the other in front of her before she bowed politely where she stood, just to the right and a step forward from the stairs.
Nino and Sho exchanged a glance. Ohno just stared. Jun smiled and did a motion that was half bow, half embarrassed nod. And Aiba… Aiba shouted “First!” and made a move as if to run toward her had Nino not grabbed the back of his shirt collar at the last possible second and pull him back with a strangled gag.
“This is going to be an interesting flight.” Sho said.
------
The next several minutes before takeoff were painfully embarrassing ones. Arashi had to wait for their managers and the camera crew to get in first and then the boys filed in after them, all giving the flight attendant their own version of greeting on their way up.
Ohno went up first, looking very determinedly upward into the plane’s entrance in an overly cool manner that thoroughly amused his bandmates, but he broke his character completely with an embarrassed giggle and rub at the back of his neck when the flight attendant gave him a large smile and welcomed him aboard. Sho was second, giving her his best and most professional newscaster smile that made her look a bit flustered before she averted her eyes to the ground and bowed back politely. Nino was third, who just waited for her to look back up at him and say a friendly and cheerful “enjoy your flight” to which he winked at her suggestively and said “I’m sure I will.” Aiba was fourth who did some outrageous move that was an offer of a too-enthusiastic handshake, a bow, a hug, another bow, all while holding eye contact and his stuffed animal dog, to which the flight attendant just laughed politely and graciously returned all of his friendly gestures in a courteous fashion. Jun was last, who spent the whole flight of stairs apologizing for his band mates, promising Arashi isn’t always like this, I swear, and then apologizing again because he might have just lied to her and they only just met.
After everyone had buckled in- Sho sat across from Nino, Ohno was across the aisle from Sho, Aiba across from Jun who was back to back with Nino (Jun changed seats with Aiba so he could see the shiny lights of the cockpit)- the flight attendant had walked by them and to the cockpit, smelling pleasantly, Jun noticed, of light strawberries and cream. All the boys didn’t fail to observe, however, that heels did incredible things to the backside of a cute girl wearing a skirt- especially from their vantage point sitting down and eye level.
She had come back from the cockpit and paused to check their seat belts. Aiba immediately made a show that he had no idea how his worked, pulling her away from Nino who glared murderously at Aiba, but his target missed his point because he was again, looking at a very nice view of the attendant’s backside as she leaned over and explained to Aiba patiently just how the contraption worked. Ohno and Nino suddenly had trouble with their belts too, to which Sho leaned over to whack them on the closest body part he could reach (Ohno’s shoulder, Nino’s knee). Aiba was complimenting her on how nice she was while Sho unbuckled his seat belt to help Nino and Ohno with theirs, much to their displeasure.
She began to go over safety procedures and all of them listened with rapt attention; and when describing how to unbuckle the seat belt Aiba murmured something about giving her permission to unbuckle his belt any day. Jun slouched in his chair and kicked him on the shin before any further sounds came out of his mouth. She had moved onto explaining where the life vests were located when Ohno suddenly blurted out “You have a nice voice” to which she looked momentarily surprised and then she bowed embarrassedly in thanks before she continued on a tad more awkwardly than before.
When she left to head to the back of plane and buckle her own seat belt for takeoff, it was Sho who spoke first.
“Idiots. You guys are all idiots.” He was leaning over his lap and shaking his head in his hands in utter embarrassment.
“Oi, Sho-chan, sit in an upright position for takeoff. Were you not listening to her explain the procedures?” Nino said with a serious voice, but purposely making his words condescending.
“But she’s super cute, right? I made eye contact with her twice.” Aiba said, twisting around and making it very obvious he was looking at her. Jun kicked him again. “Ow- hey, Jun, switch with me.”
Jun made a disbelieving snort. “No. You wanted to see the cockpit.”
“Juuun… but you get the best view in the plane!”
Jun leaned a little into the aisle to look somewhere at the back of the plane and then made himself comfortable in his seat again. “Yeah, she is easy to see from here.” He pulled out his DS.
“Hey! You’re not even going to be looking at her!” Aiba protested.
“Aibaka, stop yelling so much, you’re making us look bad.” Nino said a little more loudly over the roar of engine.
Aiba huffed into his stuffed animal dog.
“I wonder if she knows us.” Ohno said, mostly to Sho and Nino.
“I’m surprised, Ohno. You’re not usually interested in girls.”
Ohno blushed and then turned to look out the window.
“He likes girls,” Nino supplied, “You just have to put alcohol in him for him to admit it.”
Sho laughed and agreed.
“But it’s the first time we all agree on a girl, huh?” Jun said, ever observant, “It’s usually just me, Sho, and Nino who have similar tastes.”
“Aiba likes super models.” Nino pointed out, turning in his seat so he could see Jun and Aiba, “She’s too short for you, isn’t she, Ma-kun?”
Aiba started laughing. “You’re just trying to get rid of competition!”
“Hey, Aiba, ask her name for us.” Jun said, with a mischievous smile.
“Eh? Why me?”
“Because you’re the one who’s made the biggest fool of yourself and the rest of us still have chances.” Nino replied.
“Oi, oi, oi! She knows me best because I talk to her most!”
The rest of Arashi could not stop laughing.
-------
They were about 15 minutes into the air when the pilot made an announcement that they were free to move about the cabin. Arashi started clapping with gusto and praise at the pilot for getting them in the air, and the rest of the plane followed suit. The flight attendant had come back a few minutes later, this time with a cart of snacks and drinks. She started with Ohno first.
“Would you like a drink with your peanuts?”
“Applesauce. Uh. I mean juice. Apple juice.” Ohno was staring at her.
She smiled at his stumble and poured the juice, gave him peanuts. Ohno accepted both from her.
She turned to Sho, gave him a smile as well.
“I’d like some water with a slice of fruit,” Sho said, pleasantly.
“Ice?”
Sho looked confused at first.
“Ice, you idiot. She said ‘ice’!” Nino said across from him.
“Oh, yeah.” Sho looked embarrassed.
The flight attendant gave him his water with lemon and then leaned down to get his peanuts. Sho could swear he saw a small amused smile on her lips. He glanced back up to see Nino shaking his head and laughing under his breath. He mouthed to Sho, “You’re trying too hard to look cool.”
She got his peanuts and placed it neatly next to his water before she asked what Nino wanted. Nino asked for cranberry juice and water, no ice. She gave him both. He smiled at her effortlessly in thanks keeping eye contact with her every time she looked at him, and when she made to give him his peanuts, Nino lightly brushed his fingers against hers to receive it.
“Ah, sorry,” she said quickly.
Nino shook his head miming no problem. Sho wasn’t exactly sure but it looked like she had a darker tint of pink in her cheeks by the time she moved onto Jun.
‘That’s how it’s done,’ mouthed Nino to Sho.
Sho was chuckling under his breath, hand over his mouth. He dropped his hand a moment to mouth back, ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’
‘You totally memorized what you were going to say so you wouldn’t do what Oh-chan did.’
Sho started chuckling again at being caught.
When Sho and Nino started to hear Aiba’s voice they turned their attention to him immediately.
“Just tomato juice, please. Thank you.” Aiba was playing with his dog’s floppy ears, needing to do something with his hands. As she poured him his drink he opened his mouth again, “So… ah, do you come here often? I mean, well, you must because you work here…” Aiba started giggling.
Jun gave him a look at that said “You. Idiot.”
Surprisingly, she looked away from her pouring to make eye contact with him as she replied. “I do come here often, yes.”
Aiba hadn’t expected her to reply at all. He continued on, sort of floundering in his words, as she stopped pouring and handed him his cup. “Thank you for the peanuts. They’re probably really good.” The stewardess leaned down to get his peanuts, occasionally glancing up at him as he spoke. Aiba’s words tumbled over each other, disoriented at the idea she was actually paying attention to him, “Peanuts are nutty. I like the taste of nuts. I mean, not that way. Like, the nuts off trees. Do nuts grow on trees- (“I am not watching this,” Nino turned around.) -um. Anyway. What’s your name?”
The flight attendant giggled lightly, clearly entertained and a tad surprised that he seemed to be trying to start a conversation with her.
“Oh. I’m Inoue Mao.” She straightened, handed him his peanuts and a napkin- then she did something quite unexpected. She kept her hand in place when he took the items from her, “Nice to meet you, Aiba-san.” Aiba looked at her hand, then at her, saw that she was offering a handshake like how he offered her before he boarded the plane and then took her hand in his with gusto. They shook twice before he let go and she giggled at his expression. Her eyes wandered to the stuffed animal on his lap, and she reached over to pet it gently on its head. “That’s a cute stuffed dog.”
Aiba brightened instantly. “His name is Wan-chan.”
She laughed lightly, clearly approving the name.
“I have a dog too, at home. Wan-chan here made me miss him.” She patted the stuffed dog again.
“Do you?” Aiba said, getting more and more happy by the minute. “A stuffed one too?”
Inoue shook her head, a hand automatically going to her mouth to suppress another giggle. “He’s real.” Then proudly she continued, “a Boston terrier.”
“What’s his name? Is it a he?” Jun interjected casually.
She turned to him, all smiles, “Hug-chan’s a she.”
“Hug-chan,” Nino was turned back around, seat belt unbuckled as he kneeled on his seat with his arms crossed over the top of it. “That’s a cute name. I have a dog too. Haru-chan.”
“Is that so?”
Nino nodded. “Where are you from?”
“Yokohama- ah, I should serve the other guests on the plane now. But let’s talk more later, okay?” She bowed to each of them in apology.
Jun and Nino just smiled and gave her small waves good bye and Aiba bowed back, surprised.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Jun said, “Your mouth is still hanging open.”
Aiba looked over the moon, “She complimented me, she complimented me!”
“She complimented your dog,” corrected Nino.
“She had a conversation with me!”
“She had a conversation with you, me, and Jun.”
“I started the conversation!”
“She only replied out of pity.”
Aiba wasn’t listening, reveling in the idea he was first for once above Arashi.
“Anyway, she’s cute.” Nino stated, simply. He turned back around, flopping back into his chair.
“Hey, but did you guys notice she didn’t ask for Aiba’s name, but she called him ‘Aiba-san’?” Jun said, suddenly. “She knows Arashi then?”
“But don’t flight attendants have rosters for passengers?” Sho replied.
“I’m asking for her number.” Aiba interjected. He pressed the attendant call button, and a little light turned on above his head.
“What are you doing?” Jun jumped to press the button again so the light turned off the same time Nino ran over to whack him over the head.
“Oww~…”
“You’re an idiot, Masaki.”
“Why can’t I ask for her number?”
“Because if you scare her away, which you will, you’ll ruin it for the rest of us,” simpered Nino.
Aiba huffed again, putting his chin on the top of his stuffed dog’s head.
Suddenly, Ohno was standing. The rest of Arashi watched him as he made his way to the back of the plane, said excuse me to Inoue, and then went on until the very back to use the lavatory.
“Oh.” Sho said for all of them, in relief. “I was so sure he was going to say something embarrassing to her.”
They all laughed. “It’s a good thing we’re not like this all the time, huh?” Jun said.
------
“Do it.” urged Nino.
“Go, Sho-chan, go.” said Aiba, excitedly.
“I’m not part of this.” Jun inserted, throwing his hands up in the air before turning back to playing his DS.
Ohno just laughed.
“All right!” Sho said, pressing the attendant call button. “Wish me luck guys.” The light above his head turned on.
Not a minute passed and Inoue was next to Sho.
“Hello again,” she smiled at Nino when he waved at her and then turned back to Sho, “May I help you?”
As soon as she looked back at Sho, Nino was holding his hands in front of his mouth, trying to hide his snicker.
Sho suddenly looked like he forgot what he was going to say. “Um. Uh… can we get a deck of cards please?”
Inoue smiled and nodded, “Of course. I will be right back.”
When she was out of hearing distance again, Nino started laughing uproariously. “What was that?”
Sho was slouched in his chair, yelling at the ceiling through his own laughter. “It’s harder than it looks~!”
“What. Was. Thaaaat?” Nino said, practically twirling in his chair from laughing so hard.
“That was the worse pick up line ever!” Jun agreed.
“It was supposed to be a different one, but it’s more embarrassing when the person you’re saying it to is right there!” Sho protested.
“That’s so bad, Sho-kun.” Jun said, joining in Nino’s laughter.
“You do one then!” Sho said.
Jun was still laughing. “No way! Pick-up lines are the worst! They never work.”
Aiba, ever the lookout for pretty girls said, “Ah! She’s coming back.”
A few seconds later Inoue came back with a deck of cards.
“Hi, Inoue-san.” Aiba said cheerily as she passed by.
“Hi, Aiba-san.” She replied with a small giggle at his child-like action. She walked the rest of the way to Sho and handed the deck to him. Sho somehow managed to say a thank you while he tried to catch his breath from how hard he was just laughing.
“Is there anything else I can get you?” she directed the question at Sho but she looked at the other members too, pleased that they all were in such high spirits.
“You said you were from Yokohama?” Nino said when he caught her eye. “If you don’t mind me asking…” He held her gaze for a moment longer than what was polite before he continued easily, “…do you live there now?”
“Ah,” she scratched the back of her head lightly. “I live in Narita, for work.”
Aiba perked. “Chiba prefecture? I’m from Chiba! We have a lot of common, huh?”
Inoue smiled widely at Aiba’s excitement and nodded through another giggle, “It seems that way.” Her eyes glanced down the aisle quickly as if something just caught her attention. “Hm, someone in the back needs me. Sorry to cut our conversation short.” She actually sounded genuinely apologetic.
“No problem,” Jun said. “We’ll probably see you later, right?”
She was caught off guard for a moment, as if she didn’t usually get requests just for conversations, and then this brilliant smile lit up her face as she nodded. She bowed to each of them, smiling widely as if it was a very nice pleasure to just talk to people, “Excuse me.”
She was about to leave when Ohno’s voice stopped her.
“Um, Inoue-san?”
She turned in surprise at her name. “Yes? Ohno-san?”
Ohno was also surprised at Mao knowing his name, but then he remembered what Sho said about the roster.
“Are we landing soon?”
“We have about two hours left,” she replied.
“Ah…” Ohno said with a nod. Then perfectly serious he asked, “Before we land, could you show me the gate number that leads to your heart?”
The question was said in such a casual tone Inoue didn’t realize it was a pick up line until she opened her mouth to probably tell him which hangar they were landing in. She closed it promptly and then covered her mouth as she giggled in embarrassment.
“Um…” she replied, unsure of what to say. Even though her hand was covering her mouth, it couldn’t hide the bright pink that had spread across her cheeks. “You’re very sweet, Ohno-san.” She bowed politely and excused herself.
They were all looking at Ohno in awed silence. It was Nino who broke it first, “For a pick up line, that went surprisingly well.”
“I didn’t know you had it in you, Satoshi,” Sho said, amazed.
“Just about flawless.” Jun approved.
Aiba was gawking at him. “You’ve got to teach me how to do that.”
“Well,” Nino was brushing off his pants as if to say ‘that’s-that!’ “My theory that Riida is good at everything still stands.”
“Eh?” Ohno was rubbing the back of his head again, his previous cool demeanor replaced with his innocent one. “If you like someone, shouldn’t you just say so?”
They all laughed and patted Ohno on the back.
“She has a really cute smile,” Sho said, slumping back into his chair.
All the boys hummed their agreement.
“Yeah, and Jun-kun got the full view of it.” Aiba started playing with the floppy ears of his dog again.
“Be still, my heart.” Jun said, holding his hand to his heart jokingly.
All the boys laughed.
------
Arashi had changed seats for a game of Poker (Ohno didn’t feel like playing Poker and changed seats with Jun and Aiba left his stuffed dog for Ohno to sleep on and took the empty seat across the aisle from Nino and in front of Jun) when Inoue came back, this time with a small menu and a pad in her hands.
She started with Jun first. “Good evening. Tonight we have a selection of Beef Tenderloin, Moroccan Lamb Chops, Cajun Crab Cake, Caribbean Grilled Chicken, or Four Cheese Ravioli, followed by a dessert of Chocolate Souffle. Which would you like?”
Jun laughed. “The way you say them, makes them all sound really good. What do you suggest?”
Inoue smiled at his compliment. “It depends on what your mood is, Matsumoto-san. Would you like beef, veal, seafood, poultry or pasta?”
“What is in your Cajun Crab Cake?” Jun kept smiling at her too. From the corner of his eye he could see Aiba making small subtle movements with his hands.
Without looking at the menu she recited, “It’s sweet blue crab, tri-colored peppers served with a spicy creamy corn and vegetable stew.”
Jun cringed at the word “spicy.” “How about the poultry?”
Again, she recited without looking at the menu, “We have Caribbean Grilled Chicken which is a six ounce chicken breast marinated in tropical juices. It’s served with tropical salsa and a blend of wild rice and kamut.”
“That.” Jun said, approvingly. “I’ll have that.”
She smiled again, writing down a note on her pad. “And what would you like to drink?” Aiba’s movements were getting a lot more than subtle so Jun chanced a look at him and saw Aiba cupping his imaginary boobs, drop them, and then point at his face. He was silent laughing. Jun gave him a look that said ‘Shut up!’ before he answered Inoue.
“I’ll take water, thank you.”
She turned to take Aiba’s order and he perked, rearranging himself so he sat up in his seat. “I’ll take Beef Tenderloin with water too.”
She nodded and penned it down. Aiba was tall enough that sitting up straight he could see her writing on his pad, he glanced at it, then at her, and said, rather excitedly, “So, you live in Narita?”
Mao looked at him, still penning his order, “Yes I do.”
“I know of a good restaurant there!” Aiba chirped, “It’s called Keikarou, have you heard of it?”
Jun was about to kick Aiba for his shameless advertising of his family’s restaurant when Inoue replied.
“I go there whenever I’m in the area.”
Aiba’s jaw dropped.
“The fried beef and cabbage in miso sauce is really good when I go for lunch.” Inoue was smiling as she said this. “Have you tried the shorompo?” she asked, apparently a foodie, “I’m not a big pork fan but I love how they prepare it there.”
“H-Have I?” Aiba stuttered, practically bursting at the seams. “I help make them!”
“He’s lying.” Sho said interjected through a chuckle. “His mom makes them.”
“Oh! You own Keikarou?” Inoue looked intrigued.
“His parents do.” Jun said, automatically. “He’s technically the heir though.”
“That’s really great,” the stewardess said, grinning. “you have something to take care of in the future. A career ready for you.”
Arashi exchanged glances.
“Uh. Yeah!” Aiba said, seemingly cheered at the idea he was an unknown.
“I’m going to take Sakurai-san’s order now, okay?”
Aiba nodded.
As soon as she turned to ask for Sho’s order, Aiba gave Jun an exaggerated wink, which, since Aiba couldn’t wink at all, looked like a violent twitch.
Jun rolled his eyes and mouthed, ‘No.’
‘She totally wants me.’ Aiba said, stretching to put his hands casually behind his head, looking every bit like a hot shot.
Jun shook his head and leaned to look out the window. Aiba started waving his hands again for Jun’s attention. Jun didn’t change his position but looked at him with just his eyes.
‘You were staring at her boobs,’ Aiba mouthed. He started to cup his imaginary breasts again and made a kissy face at Jun.
‘Shut up. I was looking at her face the whole time.’ He mouthed back, holding back a laugh.
Inoue had her back turned to them still when she moved to take her order from Nino. Sho looked over at Aiba fondling his own imaginary boobs and blowing kisses at Jun. Sho started silently laughing, mouthing ‘Gross.’
Nino must have noticed too because he stuttered when he ordered Four Cheese Ravioli.
“Ah- I’m sorry, can you repeat that?” Inoue asked, leaning closer to listen to him.
Nino chuckled lightly and looked away, as if embarrassed. He looked back at her, giving her the full affect of his eyes. “Sorry,” he said with a small smile, “you’re really cute so it’s distracting.”
Sho saw the smooth save and shook his head, chuckling at Nino’s fluidity.
The petite flight attendant flushed a little, but took the compliment in stride. “Thank you, Ninomiya-san, for letting me know. I’ll remember to take your order while putting the note pad over my face.” She replied jokingly.
Nino started laughing, as did Sho. “Sorry, sorry,” Nino said, smiling coyly, “That wasn’t proper was it? Um. I’ll take the Four Cheese Ravioli, with orange juice to wash it down.”
Inoue nodded and took his order before she moved onto Ohno, followed by the rest of the crew.
When she was out of hearing distance again Ohno said, “She’s really nice, huh?”
“Personable, yet professional.” Sho said, “I’m surprised she was able to face you again, Satoshi, after that stunt you pulled last time. She was so red before.” Then to Nino he said, “And you!” He began to laugh really hard, “You… you’re so… hahahaha”
“Awesome? Great? Incredible?” Nino supplied, blowing at his fingernails.
“Unbelievable!” Sho finished.
“But she’s good with her words.” Nino seemed impressed.
Sho nodded. “Probably why she’s a private flight attendant.”
“I feel kind of sorry for her. She must be getting a headache from all that blood rushing to her cheeks.” Jun speculated.
“It can’t be helped,” Nino said, stretching, “I’m just so good looking.”
Arashi laughed at his pretentious joke.
“Jun was staring at Inoue’s boobs.” Aiba said, after the laughter died down.
The boys looked at Jun in surprise, Sho and Jun exchanged glances.
“I wasn’t though!” Jun said, pointing at Aiba in accusation.
“Don’t look at me with those dirty eyes, pervert.” Aiba said jokingly. Arashi started laughing uncontrollably. Jun leaned over to whack Aiba over the head.
“To be called a pervert by Masaki.” Sho said through breaths. “That’s great.”
-------
The flight ended quicker than they expected with not many more happenings after Inoue served everyone’s orders. The food was as delicious as it sounded, and as soon as Inoue came around to clear the tables of leftovers and empty dishes (receiving friendly thank-you’s and what looked like an attempt at winking from Aiba), the pilot made an announcement that they were close to landing.
They touched down without any trouble and again, Arashi started a round of applause at the pilot’s skill. Inoue was standing at the front of the plane, where she thanked them for flying with them, and bowed her goodbyes.
The boys bowed their own thanks, again in their own ways. Ohno said that he hoped to fly with her again and bowed three more times. Sho followed him out, saying it was great having her as a flight attendant and then he complimented her on how personable she was, to which she bowed humbly. Nino said bye casually, held her gaze a moment too long again to which Inoue jokingly covered her face with her hands causing Nino to laugh the rest of the stairs down. Aiba held his hand out for a handshake to which she took. He looked much more composed than when he first boarded and he leaned forward to whisper something in her ear which made her eyes widen and stutter her thanks. Aiba grinned at her and then left. Jun came last, thanked for the great service, apologized for whatever Aiba must have whispered in her ear, and then gave her a small smile which made her blush.
It was only at the midway point between the plane and the airport did Sho suddenly remember the deck of cards in his pocket. He told the other members to go on without him, to which they didn’t listen and they stood there waiting for him, curious to what he was doing, as he scaled the stairs two at a time. Luckily, the camera crew and their managers had already cleared the stairs and were walking casually to the building, only giving Sho an amused glance when he rushed by.
It didn’t take long for Sho to come back, out of breath and smiling.
“She said I could keep the cards.”
Nino rolled his eyes and began to walk again. “I could have told you that.”
“She also gave me this.”
At that the boys stopped to look at what Sho held in his hand.
“A napkin.” Nino said, bluntly.
Sho nodded. “She bowed really low when she gave it to me and asked for me to unfold it when I was with you guys. She looked really happy but a bit embarrassed.”
“Open it, open it.” Jun said with interest.
Sho unraveled the napkin.
Nino laughed.
Jun smiled.
Sho chuckled.
Aiba grinned.
Ohno said a quiet, “Amazing.”
On the napkin, in friendly but legible Sharpie was:
Arashi-san,
I am a huuuge fan. As expected, Arashi is cool and friendly! Aiba-san was my favorite member, but now all of you are my favorite. Please continue your great work!
Then underneath were small, perfect chibi version drawings of themselves, to which Ohno could not look away from.
“That’s great guys. This is really great.” Jun said, with a grin. “She knew us after all, huh?”
“We’re all her favorite!” Nino said, “Somehow, I feel cheated.” But despite saying this, he seemed really happy too.
“Oi, Aiba-kun, you were her favorite!” Sho said, clapping him on his back.
Aiba laughed sheepishly, then pumped his fist, holding onto his stuffed animal dog, into the air. “Yes! It’s a good thing I left my phone number on my seat then!”
All the boys started laughing in disbelief.
“Is that what you whispered in her ear?” Jun asked, incredulously.
Aiba let out a mischievous giggle and started running, to which all the boys ran after him.
“Hey, if she calls you, you have to let us know!” Sho yelled, grabbing for the stuffed dog.
“You play dirty, Masaki!” Nino shouted through a laugh.
“She’ll definitely not call if it’s Aiba!” Jun joked, giving chase.
Ohno just laughed.
A/N: Thank you so much to novemberbaby86 for her being so amazing and patient and betaing this fic. She caught characterization mistakes that I would have otherwise just left alone. I love her. ^_^
I did not make up the food. I got it from privatejetgourmet. It all looks so good. Also, if you were confused about their seating layout, I pictured it similar to their first private jet ride during the first AAA tour. You could find it streaming here: click.
Thank you for reading!