Chapter 9: Poofy skirts

"Move," Brown hissed at Piper, who was struggling to climb through his small window because of her very big, poofy skirt. "They'll spot us if you don't hurry the hell up!"

"Perhaps," Piper narrowed her eyes at him as she tugged at her skirt hard, trying to wrench it through the frame. "If you weren't so intent on handing me ridiculous costumes, we'd get somewhere."

He couldn't help but bite his bottom lip sensually as he raised an eyebrow, eyeing her up and down with a smirk on his face. "But it's very amusing, and let's face it Piper, you pull it off well. And of course, it's necessary," He added when Piper glowered darkly at him, biting a laugh back. "I have to disguise you somehow, and you ruined your other outfit. Not that I'm complaining." Brown let himself smirk again, remembering vividly how Piper's old costume had been ripped, showing a lot of bare skin...

She glared at him darkly, causing him to chuckle in amusement before offering his hand to try and help her out. She snorted before violently pushing her way through herself.

"As you'll learn very soon, I don't need you for help." She smiled sweetly at him before rolling her eyes, the smile swiftly leaving her face as she turned to walk. He grinned after her before following, the grin never leaving his face.

"You still haven't found him."

"N-no… no master."

"This is disappointing, Clerk. Very disappointing…"

The man bowed his head. "Master. I am so-

"-I do not trust Brown any longer. You will command your fleet to find him. Find him: or else, Clerk."

"Master." He bowed again, trembling. When he looked up, the hologram of Cyclonis had gone.

"I can't talk about it," Piper stormed past him and shoved in more items into her bag. "Aerrow, please. Just trust me."

His hand closed around her upper arm as he swung her around to face him, his dark eyes matching the scowl on his face. "I'm your Commanding Officer and I asked you a question. Now tell me what the hell that guy is doing on my Condor."

She pulled his head down to kiss him roughly before breaking away, her hand still pressed against the back of his head. "Aerrow. Please just understand this is something I have to do."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Is this about the compass?"

She pressed her lips tightly together. Aerrow sighed, before looking out of the doorway. Brown stood at the frame, his arms crossed casually as he watched the scene before him. Aerrow looked back down at Piper, who was looking up at him almost pleadingly, her beautiful bright eyes looking up and into his…

"How long?" He heaved a great sigh. Piper's face broke into a smile as she kissed him again.

"I'll be as quick as I can," she whispered, before picking up her bag: but Aerrow caught her arm again as he remembered something.

"Have you taken… you know." He lowered his voice and head, "That… pill?"

She nodded, before making to try and move once more: only he pulled her back again to kiss her fiercely, the bag dropping to the floor as they wound their arms around each other. Brown looked away, swallowing hard as if pushing down bitterness. When he sneaked a look, he almost felt a little touched. They were leaning their foreheads against each other, their eyelids closed delicately. Piper kissed him again slowly before suddenly, she was gone: already having walked past Brown. He thought he had heard a small sob as she passed.

Brown turned to move to follow but Aerrow called him back.

He turned reluctantly, looking over at him. "Yeah?"

Aerrow's eyes were hard. "I want her back in one piece. Untouched. And happy."

Brown would of argued, but when he looked back into Aerrow's face, he realized Aerrow needed a reassurance only he could give him. Slowly, he nodded.

"Of course."

Aerrow nodded too before looking away: Brown took this as his cue to leave. He did so, feeling something unpleasant creep down his spine…

"You okay?"

Piper wiped her cheek quickly before nodding a little bluntly. "Course I am. Can we go now?"

"…Yeah."

Piper looked up and attempted a smile. "You losing your nerve?"

Brown only offered his hand, watching as, slowly, she accepted it. He pulled her up and took a deep breath.

"Never," He said simply, before dropping her hand and starting to walk towards his skimmer. Piper watched him as he climbed onto it, looking over his shoulder at her.

"Are you losing yours?"

She smiled slightly, walking over to sit behind him and wind her arms around his waist. "In your dreams, Brown."

A/N: Sorry it's been late. And it's quite rubbish. I'm losing a little faith in this fic: not too sure about it. Gah.

But anyway. Reviews make me smile ;)