"Dude, I am whipped!" Finn declared before plopping down on the condor's only remaining couch. The other members of the Storm Hawks could only nod in response, each strewn across various items in the bridge. It had been a rough week for them, and each member of the squadron was all but passing out due to exhaustion. Monday had begun alright enough, but a fierce skyicane nearly ripped the condor to shreds. After a sleepless night spent repairing the various pieces of the condor, the young crew had gotten barely any shut eye when a group of pissed off raptors had visited them, (not for a light brunch, either). And after a not-so-pleasant encounter with the Dark Ace, the Storm Hawks were battered, bruised, and flat out tired.

The week had been just short of a living hell.

But still, it was sunset and the crew couldn't seem to fall asleep. Currently, Stork was draped over the wheel, haphazardly steering the Condor, and Piper was slumped in a chair with her head in her hands. Aerrow sat across from her, wearily running his hands through his hair. Junko sat leaning against a wall with Raddar at his side. Finn seemed the most energetic of all (due to the fact he'd fallen asleep during the repairs and chores), and was growing bored with the silence emitting from his friends.

"C'mon, you guys!" he said. Leaning his legs over the back of his chair so he could face the others, he continued. "We don't have any missions planed for like a week, Stork's steering us far away from Cyclonian borders, and thanks to our many repair stops, we now have a full fridge." Junko looked up at the mention of food.

"I know!" Finn went on. "Let's do something fun tonight! I'm bored as heck and we've all been working our butts off…"

Piper was nearly too tired to argue, but of course it was Finn, so she sucked it up. "Finn, that's a stupid idea. Frst of all, what is there to do around here except for working, sleeping and….eating? Second, we're all exhausted! I'd rather sleep or work on our shield crystals so we don't have to go through this whole ordeal again!"

A twitching Stork turned around, and due to his lack of fun nature, Piper was half expecting his to be on her side. She was surprised when the Merb opened his mouth and said "I think I agree with Finn. Working hard fries your brains…mind worms love to feed on fried brain…."

"Yeah, and I'm really hungry!" Junko added. An agreeing screech was heard from Raddar, and the squadron looked at their leader for his opinion.

Giving a tired nod, Aerrow looked up. "I think Finn has a good idea. We deserve to take a break after a week like we've had. You've all shown how strong you are, pushing ourselves like this. We should take a night off to celebrate our hard work, team! Finn, what exactly did you have in mind?"

Piper looked annoyed, but didn't interrupt as she was growing curious as to what on Atmos anyone would want to do.

"Well…." Finn began. "Since we're all so tired, why don't we watch a movie? I can bring my T.V. in here!" Finn glanced around and seeing a nod or smile of approval from everyone (except for a still-sour Piper) he stood and put on an authortive voice much like Aerrow's.

"Okay, here's how we're gonna do this, Finn style. Junko, you go make up a whole bunch of your famous cheese-and-butter popcorn, and try not to eat too much of it yet, buddy. Raddar, you go and get a ton of pillows from everyone's room. Stork, why don't you push some chairs next to the cuch so we have something to lean on." Raddar saluted and ran off with the others to do his "job". "I'm going to go get the movie and TV…but I think that's everything. Aerrow, Piper, you two just stay here and…chat while I get the stuff." Flashing a mischievous smile at Aerrow, he ran off.

As Piper glanced up at Aerrow, she noticed he seemed to be glaring at the back of Finn's head. She didn't know it, but a few weeks earlier Finn got Aerrow to confess he loved Piper. Ever since then, Finn was trying to "help" Aerrow tell Piper by leaving them alone together as much as possible. That along with the horrendous pick up lines had just made Aerrow feel as awkward and nervous about it as ever.

Suddenly Piper stood up, obviously using way more effort than she should. Being the lightest person (aside from Raddar), she had been tossed around the most during the storm. Aerrow suspected she had a cracked rib, but of course Piper said she was fine as to not worry her friends. "I'm going to work on those crystals. If I could just combine them with a masking crystal, we would be much more protected against anything like this again." As she turned, Aerrow gently laid his hand on her shoulder, making her turn and face him.

"Piper, please stay and watch the movie with me…" He said softly. "You've been working harder than all of us…I'm worried about you. Please take a break?" His words made Piper feel lightheaded.

He's worried about me? Maybe he feels the same way…..No. NO, it's impossible. If I start to think like that…I won't ever get past it….

"Come on Piper! I'll be your best friend!" Aerrow said, giving her a sappy smile.

"You already are my best friend, silly!" Piper said. But it was Aerrow's smile that melted her heart; his beautiful smile that was her weakness. Sighing, she gave up. "I'll go get the blankets…" she said in a defeated voice. Aerrow's smile grew larger, and he pulled her into a sudden hug.

Piper was surprised, but hugged him back nevertheless. He gently placed his chin on her head, and both of them notice how perfect of a fit they were.

"Sometimes I get so focused all of us as a squadron, I forget we're also just a bunch of fifteen year old friends…" Aerrow said regretfully.

"We've got to make a lot of sacrifices in this war….but when we win, it'll all be worth it." Piper replied.

"I'm just glad I get to be with you…and all the other guys too. We make a great team. Aerrow said, starting to blush.

Piper seemed to blush a little too, but both of them kept their smiles.

"piper, I l—"

"Okay guys, Sky Fu Ninjas or Wooky Wacky Sky Pirates?" Finn asked, entering the bridge. Piper and Aerrow jumped apart, still smiling, and the movie night began.

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I hope you liked this! I know exactly where I'm going with this, so review and look for an update tonight or tomorrow! But you've gotta review, MORE AERROW PIPER GOODNESS VERY VERY SOON!

Love and kisses!

Kurtle