Complicated Feelings
Despite his entire body feeling like it was going to collapse at any minute from the fight Drake had just endured, he still refused Launchpad's offer to lean against him for support, stating simply that all heroes must be resilient and able to walk tall and unscathed after any battle. Which, he was neither of those things but he digressed.
After only a few more excruciating steps, Drake opened the door to their shared house and fell right to the floor, causing the pilot to nearly trip in after him. Launchpad one-handedly picked him up by his cape and got him upright, his hand still on his back as he used his foot to kick the door closed.
"Gee, DW.." Launchpad frowned slightly, looking at the state of his partner. He knew it came with being a hero, but it didn't make it any less heart wrenching, and he couldn't help but pull Drake closer, only loosening his grip when he slightly tensed due to his sores. "I think that might've been one of the toughest fights you've ever had to face.
"Aww, LP.." Drake giggled, his head dizzy and his voice reflecting that. It was almost a deja vu moment of that time during the Moonvasion, except he had fallen into the pilot's arms and wasn't pulled into them. "No need to get all worried, I'm Drakewing, remember? I always.. get back up."
Drake looked up at his sidekick, remembering that moment not too long ago when Launchpad had helped him back to his feet at the door, and even now when he realized if Launchpad wasn't holding him as he was, the lack of support would leave him hopeless.
"Especially when I have someone like you by my side."
His voice went quiet when he said it, almost like it wasn't meant to be said aloud, but his mind refused for it to be kept a secret.
Launchpad blushed, managing to restrain himself from covering his face in flattery and dropping the hero. Instead, he averted his gaze from Drake and looked over at nothing in particular, his shoulders raising in a half-shrug.
"Just doing what any sidekick would do, you know."
Drake repeated the word over and over in his head, shaking his head. He knew it wasn't the right word.
"Sidekick? No, no.." He turned himself in Launchpad's arms, so that they were facing each other, their beaks inches away from bumping into each other. "I'd say more like.. partner."
Launchpad didn't even bother thinking as he stepped back, his whole face burning red as Drake yelped and hit the ground, groaning as he could feel the bottom of his chin start to sting with pain.
"Oh, heh.. sorry." Launchpad said sheepishly as Drake managed to get himself up that time, brushing his outfit with his hands. He looked back at Launchpad, only to see an empty spot where he used to be.
"Launchpad?" Drake called out, only to be startled by the sound of some kind of aircraft bang against his wall, and then grow more distant as it flew off into the sky.
Drake stumbled quickly over to the window, lifting it open as he barely caught the sight of Launchpad leaving in his plane, and he watched it, dumbfounded.
Had he read the signs wrong? He was sure there was something there between him and the pilot. Maybe he hadn't taken things too quickly, he wasn't exactly thinking right when he'd said it. Maybe Launchpad thought it was just a result of his brain being knocked around during their last fight, when that was far from the case.
The hero sunk down on the couch. He knew Launchpad would be back eventually, after all they moved in together, but he couldn't help but feel guilty for driving him away. He hoped things wouldn't be too different between them.