"If we gotta down, at least we're going down together."
Piper could not believe her ears. Was it the persistent headache that spoke? Her jarring fever that helped her hallucinate it? Did Aerrow really confess his undying love for her?
No, impossible. Aerrow would never say such a thing. He was a good friend and caring leader, and that was why he resolved to die with her.
And yet… Piper looked carefully into his eyes. Was there something more in there? That glimmer of love couldn't possibly be imagined, could it? There was something in the quirk of his eyebrows, the gentle smile, the compelling grip of his hand on her wrist...
He must love her.
After all, it was he who unhesitatingly offered his breather when Domiwick stole hers. He who comforted her after "Lark" betrayed her. He who desperately tried to get her back when she pretended to leave the Storm Hawks. He who took her on almost all his recon missions: to investigate the key, to shut down the Talon Academy… He who encouraged her, even after she nearly trapped him in outer space forever.
No, no, no. She was just fooling herself. Persuading herself that he loved her, because this was the last chance they would have together, the last chance for her to confirm her suspicions. Her hopes must be interfering with her judgment.
Suddenly,
I love you, Piper.
What? Now she was really hallucinating. Aerrow just spoke in her mind and said the four words she wanted him to say most. But it felt so real, as if the love he held for her had spread out from his heart, into her arm, traveling into every part of her.
As if a shield of warmth had restored her from the darkness and doubt eating her up inside.
For a moment Piper could still feel the doubt squirming in the back of her mind. But as Aerrow took her hand and offered her his confident smile, she finally let herself believe.
She loved him.
And he loved her.
It was as if lightning had struck the ground, illuminating the truth in the darkest of nights. Piper knew what their last attack would be.
"Lightning Strike!"