Disclaimer: The Storm Hawks do not belong to me, no matter how much I wish they did.

Note: I sincerely apologize for waiting so long to update. Writer's block sucks. This chapter is pretty short, but I'll try to update on a more regular basis, and I'll hopefully make up for it with a lemon in the next chapter or two. Yay, lemons! [chucks promises of lemons in the hopes of forgiveness for being a lazy jerk]

Also, thank you to all my poor readers who've waited patiently for me to get my ass into gear and update.

The Condor sailed sedately through the graying sky. Four days had passed since the Cyclonian attack. In those four days it had become apparent to the crew that Aerrow was unusually preoccupied, and all attempts to broach the subject were brushed aside.

Several misguided attempts to cheer him up by releasing a small army of chickens in the mess hall and painting Aerrow's face blue while he slept had also failed. And left Finn and Junko to face the wrath of Piper after some of the chickens had broken into her crystal chamber and messed up some of her samples. One of the chickens had even swallowed one of her more dangerous crystals, and everyone was keeping a wary lookout for the chicken with purple feathers that had apparently gained the ability to breathe fire. It had also taken quite a liking to Radarr, and as a result, the small co-pilot had hidden himself somewhere, and hadn't been seen since.

The paint incident had garnered no more than a slightly confused look from Aerrow upon arrival in the command deck as Stork started freaking out about "The Blue Death!" and passing out after howling out that they were all "Doomed!" Piper reacted less violently, merely wiping a smear of paint from his face and giving the two miscreants a rather pointed look.

Discouraged and fearful of Piper, Junko and Finn decided to put their 'cheer-up plans' on hold.

As darkness fell, Aerrow sat in his bunk, turning over the events of the battle in his mind, and more specifically, the bits involving Dark Ace and his apparent seduction. Was I misreading his intent? Was he truly attempting to do nothing more than distract me? He is my enemy. I can expect nothing but deceit from him. This was merely another cruel attempt to cloud my judgment.

"And I'm playing right into whatever twisted game he's playing."Aerrow murmured, recalling his recent mistakes and the distance he'd placed between himself and his crew. He sighed and shoved aside the strangely warm part of him that almost hoped Dark Ace's advances were genuine. Lying down, he resolved to focus on more important matters, such as defeating the formidable Ace.

The next morning, thick clouds were rolling in, obscuring the view from the command deck and slowing the Condor to a crawl.

Aerrow sat up in bed, plagued with vague dream-thoughts concerning the Dark Ace he was supposed to despise. Covering his face with his hands, he tried to drive away the traitorous thoughts.

Quiet footsteps broke him out of his inner torments. Dropping his hands from his face, he watched as Piper entered his room, settling beside him on the bed.

"Aerrow, I think we need to talk. I'm sorry for barging in so early in the morning, but I thought you might talk easier if Finn and Junko weren't running around causing trouble. Is that okay?" Please say yes.

Aerrow nodded, pulling himself further upright and tucking his knees to his chest. It couldn't hurt to talk a little. Could it?

"We're all worried about you, Aerrow. You've been so down lately. Could you tell me what's been bothering you?" She asked gently.

"It's…hard to explain," he said quietly, beginning to fiddle with the loose fibers at the edge of his coverlet, his other hand wrapped securely about his knees.

"Does it have something to do with the battle?" she prompted carefully.

Aerrow nodded, eyes directed at the fibers he was picking at.

"I-it's Dark Ace," he blurted hastily, grip tightening on his knees.

Piper nodded, and laid her hand gently on his shoulder.

"What about Dark Ace? Did something happen? You can tell me Aerrow. We've been friends for how long now?" She smiled encouragingly. Please tell me. I don't want you to suffer alone. Whatever it is, I'll do my best to help. I just can't bear to see you like this.

Aerrow glanced up from the fraying edge of his coverlet, offering her a wan smile. Steeling his nerves, he resolved to tell her the truth. She was his best friend after Radarr. If he were going to tell anyone, it would be her.

"I think that Dark Ace might…I think he…In the battle, he…" Aerrow trailed off, frustrated. How the hell can I explain this? 'I think he might desire me?' I can't say that.

Piper watched her friend struggle to find the words to explain his distress, tightening her grip on his shoulder. You can do this.

"In the battle, he acted…strange. He had the chance to kill me, but he didn't. He…" Bit me? Sucked at my neck? Aerrow trailed off, confusion dominating his features once more. "I don't really know what happened." He cast a distressed glance at a startled Piper, pulling his knees even closer to his chest.

"It' okay," Piper said, realizing that he was unable to go on. "You don't have to tell me everything right now. If you want to continue, you know where to find me." Dark Ace let him go? What the hell's going on? Piper patted Aerrow's knees, and rose.

Aerrow gave her a grateful smile, tension bleeding away.

"Thanks, Piper. I think I needed that." Even if I couldn't spit out everything.

Piper nodded warmly, and left Aerrow's bedroom, concern only slightly dissipated.