"Now, I just need that Phoenix crystal and I'm all set." Piper swiftly pulled off her googles as the sweat trickled down her forehead. Just as she was about to tinker with the Sage-Emerald Light hybrid crystal lying next to her hand, the door swooshed open to reveal Finn holding the desired crystal she needed. Stepping inside, he placed the stone into her outstretched hand and leaned against the counter. She replaced her googles back and a moment of silence ensued, save the sound of pressurized electricity and clinks each time the stone was touched with a chisel.
After a while, she straightened up and pushed her eyewear up until they were resting on top of her head. Finn was wearing a black T-shirt with the words, "Atmos' Greatest Sharpshooter" on the front and washed out jeans. For once, his hair wasn't spiky, so it flopped into one of his eyes and the rest was pulled back to make a rattail.
"Piper, I know you love studying crystals and all. I mean, you are the crystal Specialist." He paused when he heard her offhandedly hum in response, silently urging him to get on with it. "But… well, why do you need a Phoenix crystal?" Said Specialist sighed as she placed down her tools so that she was fully focused on the sixteen-year-old in front of her.
"Why is my needing a Phoenix crystal so important to you?" She shot back in annoyance and curiosity. The blond just looked down at his feet for a moment, sorting through his thoughts before he said anything.
"Look, Piper, I know we don't usually see eye-to-eye; but that doesn't mean that I don't care about you." Amber eyes widened in surprise and she blinked a couple times to process if what she was hearing was correct. "I mean, yeah we fight and stuff, but we have fun doing it. Besides, you know me, I love being in the know." Taking her silence as a cue to continue, he did. "Personally, I'm just asking so that Stork doesn't give us all a one-way pass to Sky's Expanse again, if anything goes wrong." Hearing her laugh, he smiled and they shared a rare moment of amiable companionship.
"Alright, Finn. I'll tell you." He waited patiently for her to continue. Leaning forward, she whispered, "I wanna see what's out there." Seeing the vacant stare, she added, "I mean, beyond the Atmos and even beyond that."
"You mean… you wanna find out what else exists?" The Navigator was taken back by the statement that all she could do was nod numbly. It took a while before she found her voice.
"Well…yeah. I mean, there's gotta be more out there than just what we know, right?" Finn smiled down at her and nodded.
"Yeah, there's gotta be." He cocked his head to the side in likeness to being thoughtful as he looked down at her work desk. "And you just have to be the one to find it, huh?" Upon looking back up, he was met with a hurtful expression. "Aww, come on, Piper. I'm just teasing you. Besides," he paused as he nudged her gently in the shoulder closest to him, "I don't think anyone else would be fit to find out what other crystals can be used to finish off the Cyclonians." She grinned widely as she threw her arms around his waist. The sudden movement threw the unsuspecting blond to teeter backward as he steadied himself. Once he was stable, he slowly wrapped his arms around her. I can see why Aerrow would be so fond of her: her smile makes her one of the most beautiful out there. He smiled as he felt her arms tighten slightly. I just wish he'd stop tripping over the fact that he cares more than he lets on… especially since Piper feels the same way.
"When are you planning to leave?" He felt her sigh as she shifted in his arms.
"In two days." She shifted again before she continued. "I can't travel without a storm." Finn's eyes widened as he unconsciously tightened his hold on his cousin.
"Pi, we may be the Storm Hawks, but that's supposed to be the worst storm to hit in the history of Atmos." He sighed as he leaned down to whisper, "I can't let you do that." Aerrow would throw me off the Condor and into the Wastelands (without my Skimmer and a parachute) if he found out. Her head shot up so that she was looking at him, her eyes flashing dangerously.
"Finn," she ground out through clenched teeth. "I'm going to use that storm and that is final." The Marksman only looked at her with such a seriousness that her resolve began to dissipate.
There is no way I'm becoming a Finn flambé because she wants to go exploring, family or not. "Piper Melonia Stonemake. You. Aren't. Going." By this time, the Specialist was struck dumb. So bad, that she didn't even notice the small smirk on his face. "Unless I know how long you're going for and I can help you pack."
The bluenette didn't know whether to slap him silly or jump for joy. "Thank you!" The blond visibly relaxed at her response and she giggled. However, when her giggling fit subsided, she began to worry. "What about the others?"
"No sweat, I can handle Aerrow." He chuckled when he saw her face sport a light dusting of pink. Pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, he said, "you just get ready."