Paying Debts

Chapter Two: The Confusion


And he wanted to touch her. He used to touch her: a reassuring hand on her shoulder, a comforting hug when she looked blue. But it was different now, and the boy who was now a Sky Knight was no longer an innocent. He was dedicated to Atmosia's cause, invigorated with a sense of duty and honor after a reunion with the Oracle and the revelation of his true heritage.

A war several years too long. Just last week the Storm Hawks had another close call with the Nightcrawlers, and in retrospect Aerrow blamed himself for another missed opportunity to take Cyclonia down permanently.

Stress was getting to him and he rubbed his temples remembering how he jumped away from Piper. It was unfair; she was just curious and couldn't be blamed for it. That moment when their fingers touched, a shock of pleasure raced up his spine and thrilled his heart before the guilt set in and sucker-punched him in the gut.

No, he couldn't. This was Piper, one of his best friends, and he couldn't think of her like that. He wouldn't confuse feelings of attraction with those of friendship; at least, not now.

But if not now, then when?

If only he had the courage to do something about it. If only he had Finn's overabundant confidence or Junko's sweetness - but he didn't. He was Aerrow, son of the Storm Hawk, and had a mission to plan.

A vision flashed before his eyes, he imagined touching her hair, brushing her lips with his tip of his finger – he imagined more.

He told Stork to mind the Condor while he headed down to the hangar bay for some hard training and maybe a ride or two on his skimmer. He made a pit stop in the locker room to grab a towel and quick change of clothes. As he climbed down the ladder eager for some fresh air, a familiar voice hailed him.

"Aerrow! Just in time, man. Wanna watch me beat Piper?"

The redhead closed his eyes and sighed. Of course she had to be here. There were drawbacks to having such a small ship, and this was one of them. He was rude once today, he wouldn't do it again. Aerrow stayed to watch them fight. It was no surprise when she bested Finn with her array of attacks, but he did confirm the sharpshooter was getting better at mimicking his opponent's methods of offense. Nearly an hour later, Finn rested his hands on his knees and called it quits. He stank and desperately needed a shower.

And he knew she would be thirsty… tired. She tried to follow Finn but misplaced her towel. All the muscles in Aerrow's body seized up and without thinking, he came up behind her and offered his instead. Hovering over her slender body that glistened with perspiration, he laid a hand on her shoulder and watched as his fingers removed traces of her sweat.