Even though William has Johnathan’s number, he’s not the one who texts Johnathan whenever he has a business trip to make. It is Lily, his esteemed secretary, the only Pierce that Callum had allowed into his company, who contacts Johnathan and schedules his flight arrangements. 

Without Lily on their side back then, RiversCorp. truly would have been eviscerated by Michael Pierce and his Foundation. But her double agency had cost her and her branch of the family so much, that William could not sit back and watch. He offered her a job as his secretary until the whole scandal had blown over and the Pierce name was no longer taboo. Callum had not been pleased, but William had enlisted the help of Charlotte to convince their brother. And between the two of them, Callum had folded like wet cardboard.

As such, it was Lily who texted Johnathan about William’s latest trip. Johnathan had been disappointed that it was not the man himself who spoke to him, but what was he really expecting? As CFO of Azure Airways, he had his own multitude of secretaries and assistants, as did Henry Saxe. Of course, William would have a secretary that did his scheduling for him. Nevertheless, Johnathan had already promised to fly the plane and so he would.

Johnathan mourned the fact that even if William was on the plane he piloted, they were hardly likely to meet and share a conversation. There were rules he had to follow. And they were very strict rules. Rules that kept him and everyone on the plane safe. He resigned himself to being in relatively close proximity to his crush without ever speaking to him.

Still, despite the rules that dictated Johnathan lock the cockpit doors and never leave unless his co-pilot was in there, William found the opportunity to ambush him during the only exceptions for leaving the cockpit. That was his toilet breaks. 

It was as though William had an innate sense for every time Johnathan stepped out for a quick toilet break. Without fail, he would wander over and talk at Johnathan through the lavatory door. He’d smile and ask him so many questions that Johnathan didn’t know which to answer. Frankly, Johnathan had never heard someone talk this much in his life. 

“Johnathan,” he would call. “Do you remember me? I’m William.” 

Johnathan could never forget this man. It felt weird to reply when he was trying to pee, so he waited until he’d washed his hands and opened the door to answer. “I remember,” he said.

William made a small ‘o’ of surprise but recovered quickly. “I remember you too, Mr Saxe!” 

“John,” he said, unable to tear his eyes away from William’s animated features.

“What? Is that your name? John? I like it!” he grinned. “Call me Will.”

Johnathan nodded. “Will,” he said. They were on a first-name basis now. It was far better than Johnathan himself had ever expected. He felt optimistic.

“Don’t say my name so seriously, or I’ll think I’m in trouble.” Will’s cheeks are slightly pink.

Cute, Johnathan thinks. “Hm,” he says.

Regretfully, Johnathan cannot stay and chat with Will. He must return to the cockpit, and he has already taken too long. 

He waits for Will to stop chattering but Will seems to have many words that Johnathan wishes he could stay and listen to. “I apologise, Will,” he interrupts regretfully, “I must get back to the cockpit.”

Will stops talking. “Ah, yes, of course! Sorry, didn’t mean to bother you,” he laughs awkwardly.

“It is not a bother,” he replies.

“Um,” Will blinks and looks shy.

“You are not a bother. But I do have to fly the plane.”

Will nods. “Yes, yes, of course. Well, I’ve kept you long enough! It was nice talking to you, John!” he smiles.

Johnathan feels breathless for prolonged seconds. “You as well,” he says and leaves with reluctance in his chest.

~

On their return flight to LA, Will talks to him when he comes out during his toilet breaks again. It starts a precedence for the rest of his flights. He learns to treasure these little conversations even though he’s still shy and can barely contribute as an active participant. But he listens to Will’s words and hoards them in his chest like a dragon protecting treasure. And if take far longer breaks than necessary—only a few minutes extra each time—who can say anything about it? His co-pilots have not. And Uncle Quentin is not here to remark upon his extended breaks.

On one memorable occasion—they are all memorable, but this one more so than the rest, Johnathan is taking his second toilet break and very likely his last one during this flight, so he is feeling a little reluctant to leave Will.

Will is telling him about his baby nephew, the only good thing to have come from Peter, his brother-in-law who married his sister. “He wants to get Lenny a dog!” William wails. “He’s doing this on purpose, I’m telling you, John!” 

Johnathan nods. 

“Everyone knows I hate dogs! Why a dog? There are so many pets, and he wants a dog!” William complains, pouting at Johnathan. Johnathan wants to kiss the pout.

He settles for saying, “perhaps you may suggest other options?”

Will visibly brightens. It is comparable to the sun shining after the clouds have moved away. “John, you’re so smart! That’s a great idea, but it has to be something that’s cute and cuddly and not too small.” He makes a face. “Lenny might try to eat it and we don’t want that.”

“How about a rabbit,” Johnathan says.

Will gets a gleam in his bright, silver eyes. “John, do you like bunnies? Is that why you suggested them?” he smiles knowingly.

Johnathan feels his ears heat up. He nods. “Hm.”

“That’s adorable. Who knew a big man like you would like rabbits,” Will says laughingly. But his tone is not mocking, so Johnathan does not feel embarrassed. Will thinks he’s cute! He looks away, feeling very shy all of a sudden.

Will takes his hand. Johnathan freezes.

“Don’t be embarrassed, John,” Will tells him earnestly. “Bunnies are adorable. I like them too.”

Warm, amber eyes meet quick, silver ones. “I have two bunnies at home,” he says shyly. 

Will’s eyes widen, and he gasps. “Show me, please?”

Johnathan nods. Unfortunately, it is yet again time for him to return to the cockpit so his co-pilot can take his toilet break before they begin descent. “I will send you pictures,” he promises.

Will is slightly disappointed, but he nods in understanding. “Do you have my number?” he asks.

“I can ask your secretary,” Johnathan tells him. 

“Ah!” Will slaps his own forehead. “I totally forgot Lily has your contact,” he grins sheepishly. “I was wondering how you always know to be available when I need you.”

Johnathan feels the corners of his mouth tilting upwards. His ears burn when Will watches with wide eyes and red cheeks, but he doesn’t try to hide his smile. “I will send you pictures,” he says before returning to the cockpit.

~

By the time Johnathan is done with his post-flight duties, Will and his secretary are long gone. He is disappointed, but he finds a tiny, origami bunny left on the seat where Will had sat for the flight. And when he checks his phone in his hotel room, there is a text from an unsaved number.

Unknown 

Got your number from Lily! Ps. It’s Will 

Johnathan is slightly embarrassed by how he stops everything in favour of saving Will’s number, but no one is here to witness his appalling behaviour, so it goes unnoticed. Henry would tease him if he knew. 

He pulls up his album of bunny photos where numerous pictures and videos of his rabbits are stored. Then he sends Will a good selection of ten photos and one video where their noses are twitching. He also sends Will a close-up shot of his origami bunny.

John

The white one is Salt and the black one is Pepper.

It is just about dinner time, so Johnathan occupies himself with calling for room service. His phone lies silent and face up on the bedside cabinet. It dings multiple times just as dinner has been dropped off. Johnathan ignores his food in favour of checking his messages.

Will

Ahhhh so cute!!! 

JOHNNNNNN

Your bunny names are the best!

I love them already!!

And you got my gift :D 

Johnathan makes the executive decision of deciding that it doesn’t count as talking during meals if it’s texting. Uncle Quentin doesn’t like when anyone texts and eats at the same time. But he’s quite sure the rule only applies when he has company anyway, which he clearly does not.

John

Thank you for the gift. It is much appreciated. I will send you more pictures if you want.

Will

YES. WANT.

Johnathan feels warm. He sends a few more photos. 

He and Will exchange more text messages, but after the flight today, Johnathan is tired. 

John

Will, I apologise, but I must sleep soon.

Will

So early, John?

John

Yes, flying a plane is exciting but exhausting.

Will

Ah, John! I almost forgot!

You should go and sleep! I shall not disturb you anymore!

Good night, John!!

John

Not a disturbance. Good night, Will.

Johnathan silences his phone then. He goes through his nightly ablutions quickly and meditates until it is nine. Then he goes to bed with a cuddly, warm feeling in his chest.