Launchpad kept faithful watch over his wife as she lay in a dead sleep for nearly two days. Today, the blush returned to her cheeks, and hopefully she would wake soon.

No one had called or stopped by in two days, and Launchpad hadn't bothered with the world outside either.

Tenderly, Launchpad looked down at Avian as she breathed deeply in her sleep. When she woke, she would start to fuss about him, and try to get him to talk to Drake again. She would apologize to him for being "weak"!

Avian looked so angelic with her golden tan feathers, and golden brown hair. The sunlight from the window made her glow. How good it was to see her in the sun again!

It sounded strange to say, but Launchpad really missed her. They saw each other almost every day, but lately both of them had been so busy with fighting crime, SHUSH assignments, and just the generally weird situations they got into, not to mention the fact their house was a regular meeting place, and so often full of people...

How long had it been since the two of them had been out flying, just for fun?

Gosh. It felt like forever.

Launchpad knew he didn't have it in him to hold a grudge or stay angry for long. This annoyed Launchpad. That was the worst part. He had felt his rage deflating the moment he socked Drake, and he just took it like some sad, wounded puppy right after defending himself against a bunch of gun-toting gangsters with a sword.

Launchpad had been more frightened and humiliated than angry. Exploding at Drake (the healthiest person in the room, thanks to Avian) was a release. It had been awful to witness what was going on inside Avian's mind as she teetered on the edge, herself terrified. And Launchpad could do nothing to help her or Drake at all. Still, to kill a guy and ask Avian to perform a miracle to bring him back? Drake knew this would threaten her life too, and she still probably wouldn't say no. Drake had gambled. He hadn't counted on needing a miracle himself.

"Hey you."

Launchpad was the first thing Avian saw when she opened her eyes. She smiled and reached out to stroke his face. She knew he'd been watching over her.

Launchpad closed his eyes at her touch. He could barely see anyway.

"I'm fine. I'm really fine. Sorry for being a burden to you." Said Avian affectionately. "Toldja I just need a little rest."

"You've been out for two days." Said Launchpad, taking Avian's hand.

"Really? Thank you for looking after me."

"I said not to overdo it." Said Launchpad heatedly.

Avian glanced out the sunlit window by her bed. "Had your fight with Drake yet?"

Launchpad said nothing, but strode across the room to another window.

Avian pulled her i.v. from her arm distractedly, sliding out of bed. She slipped her arms around her husband, hugging him from behind.

Launchpad frowned at the pale blue sky outside. "I bet he didn't even think about it."

"He thinks about everything, honey. Who else could he have called?"

Yeah, I know he's smart...and calculating. He needed you to save his own skin."

"I didn't sense that from him...a spirit of trying to worm out of punishment. But you don't need me to tell you that. You know his character. You are best friends, and you love each other." Avian reminded.

Launchpad grunted.

"I think...he'll even beg for our forgiveness Launchpad." Avian smirked. "Get ready. It's not everyday you'll see such a display of humility from Darkwing Duck."

Launchpad said nothing, and Avian couldn't help but feel shame as she hugged her husband close. "Your spirit is heavy with so many worries now."

The pilot turned around to face Avian, taking her gently by the shoulders.

"Don't think that. It's not your fault."

"You are sweet." Smiled Avian quietly. "Of course it's my fault. It's because of me you suffer like this. Do you mean to say you didn't hear me blubbering the other night?" Said Avian conversationally.

Launchpad knew Avian was talking about that night at the Pink Elephant. Drake was dead before he'd hit the floor, and Avian was terrified...but she calmly used all her strength and power to bring him back. Launchpad experienced the whole thing right along with her.

"I don't remember any blubbering," Said Launchpad, teasing. "I remember knowing you love me though." Said Launchpad, his smile broadening. "By the way...it's okay to be weak sometimes."

"Well... will you undress and bathe me right now? I'm weak! Said Avian slyly.

"Don't you wanna eat something first?" Exclaimed Launchpad incredulously, his voice cracking.

"Man does not live by bread alone." Responded Avian lazily. She paused, her voice suddenly vulnerable, and said "Please I ...need you to touch me, and hold me, and be close to me. I don't want to be alone right now."

Launchpad scooped Avian into his arms and carried her off without another word.