When morning came, Aerrow walked quietly to the kitchen. It was still early, and he didn't want to wake Phoenix. Aerrow was wearing a white T-shirt and green swimming trunks, since the boys had decided to try Tropica again. Piper hadn't come out of her room the whole rest of thee day, so they had cast a vote without her.
When Aerrow opened the door to the kitchen, he found Piper there, already remaking the sandwiches. The Navigator had figured out where they were headed just by figuring out the ship's course.
"Hey Piper", Aerrow said as he came in, "Are you okay?'
Piper turned and greeted him with a half-hearted smile. She had a midnight blue swimsuit on with denim shorts on over it. Her hair was in a loose ponytail, and her crystal necklace shined like it was recently polished.. Aerrow thought she looked stunning, and his face showed his approval, earning a blush from Piper.
"Nothing is particularly wrong with me Aerrow. All I have to do is make a life-changing choice in two days, and quite possibly leave you guys forever. But if I choose to stay with you guys, a whole Terra might have to suffer. There is nothing wrong at all. Nope, I never felt better." Piper sighed and went back to the sandwiches.
She looked so sad and dejected that Aerrow couldn't restrain himself. He walked up behind her and hugged her. Piper jumped in surprise, and looked tilted her head up to look at him with wide eyes. Pushing her head back down, he rested his chin on her hair and closed his eyes.
"Who would have guessed you had all this pressure resting on your shoulders." Aerrow whispered soothingly into her hair. "You're always so happy and cheerful all the time. You could have told me you know."
He felt Piper lean against him and relax. "The reason I left my Terra was to get away from all that pressure. If I told anyone about my position, it would have made all my efforts pointless. I would have told you if I thought it was necessary. You're my best friend."
Friend. Aerrow didn't know why, but that word made his chest tighten.
Suddenly, the kitchen door flew open, and the rest of the team, plus Phoenix, waltzed into the room. Piper and Aerrow flew apart, both of their faces as red as Aerrow's hair. Fortunately, no one saw them in their former position, or at least Aerrow and Piper didn't think any one saw. Phoenix looked at the two teenagers who were desperately trying to act as if nothing was wrong, and smiled.
"So dudes." Finn said ass they finished their breakfast. "When will we get there?"
"In a couple of minutes." Piper answered him.
"Sweet! Come on Junko, let's get our boards, shades, and martini glasses!" The two ran out of the room.
"Wait! You're not old enough to drink yet!" Piper ran after the two.
Radar followed, but turned at the hall and headed to the room he and Aerrow shared in search of his sand toys. Stork left to steer the Condor. Soon, only Aerrow and Phoenix were left.
"So Aerrow." Phoenix broke the awkward silence. "Did you take put any thought to our little conversation? I saw you and Piper in your cozy little position earlier."
Aerrow blushed. "Y-yeah, I thought about it. And I've decided to take your advice."
"Good. You seem like the good, responsible type. But remember. Don't you dare break her heart. Or you'll have me to deal with. Understood?"
Aerrow gulped. "Y-yes sir."
Phoenix grinned. "Good. Piper deserves someone like you."
Suddenly, Stork's voice sounded over the loud speakers. "Terra Tropica dead ahead! Home of UV rays and deadly skin cancer. I hope you enjoy yourselves."
So there is a little bit of fluff in it, and a small bit of seriousness from Phoenix. I don't mean for him to be so serious, but that's kind of how it's working out. He'll loosen up later though.
