[He's all but forgotten their text conversation. If only because her well-being right now completely outweighs embarrassment. Maybe she'd slipped. Or maybe she was too exhausted. Or something.]
[Either way, he'll stand here, supporting her. Until she gives him a sign it's all right to let go.]
Do you need some water?
[Even as he asks, he hooks his foot around a chair to pull it over. No easy task, while holding up another person.]
[Allura could hear the concern in Shiro's tone and her expression softened more. The last thing she wanted to do was made him worry unnecessarily. Taking both her hands and placing them on his chest, she pushed gently to straighten both of them up as she found her footing again.]
Thank you for your concern but I just slipped. I didn't notice the counter was wet. I assure you I am not about to keel over. [She pays his chest softly, doing her best to reassure him.]
[But she welcomes the chair. Lingering for a few more seconds, Allura pulled away to sit down sighing softly.]
This is turning out to be quite the eventful evening.
[It probably shouldn't register as much as it does -- her hands on his chest. Both of them. And... patting him. Their conversation starts to come back to him, and he can feel his cheeks start to turn color. Along the tips of his scar.]
That's -- that's good. Guess we're both worried about nothing, huh?
[Brush it off. Totally. Nothing weird here.]
[He does, however, keep an arm hovering near her, to make sure she doesn't slip again or something. Until she actually sits, and he can lean back against the counter.]
No kidding. Did... you still want to try it? The cheese, I mean.
Can't let you come all the way down here empty-handed, can I?
[She's laughing. It's... it's a good sound. There really should be more of that in the Castle. Hers and everyone else's.]
[Fortunately for his waning dignity, he turns to collect the bowl when she speaks up again. Keeping the sudden, startled expression on his face from her. Keep it cool, keep it together. You're the Head Of Voltron, you've got this.]
[He does not got this.]
[The blush is still on his face when he turns back around, bowl in hand.]
If that's all you wanted, you just had to say so... [WAIT.] More cheese for me, right?
[Fortunately, or unfortunately, Allura didn't seem to notice the rosy color that had sprung up on his face. Allura had only spoke the truth. Sure, she was partly curious about what on Altea the Head of Voltron was eating. But mostly... that was just a poorly veiled excuse to enjoy his company. Even with all the fumbling around, she had. Very much so.]
Do you mean more for you? Or... more for your shirt? [She cocks a brow at him.] How did you even manage that? I was envisioning you lying alone in bed with a bowl when you sent the measage.
[The smile on her face faded slightly as a teensy twinge of concern rippled through her. Allura knew the year Shiro spent as a prisoner with the galra had taken a heavy toll on his mind and body. But Shiro didn't appear to of had another episode, so she lets that thought go with a long exhale, nodding sympathetically.]
I don't blame you. The rest of the paladins are certainly a spirited bunch. [Allura turned her attention to the bowl Shiro set on the table, eyes widening upon seeing its contents.] My, that is... a bold shade of green.
If the armor has a 'mute' button, you should really let us know.
[For his part, he's just kidding. It hadn't been anything bad. For once, the normal kind of startle people got at loud noises. Especially since Lance's variety of loud noises were hard to mistake for anything else.]
[He smiles, though, going for reassuring.]
Hey, he promised me it was real. It tastes fine, at least.
So what I'm hearing is that they have excess energy which could be put to better use with some more training?
[A smirk had appeared back on Allura's face, shooting it over the counter in Shiro's direction before turning back the bowl.]
I'm sure it is if Hunk gave it to you. He's quite skilled in the kitchen. Guess there's only one way to find out.
[Allura reached for the utensil left in the bowl to scoop a nice small bite full, popping it into her mouth. After a seconds of silent chewing her eyes lit up.]
Oh, this is good. I am sorry to have ever doubt you.
[Does he feel a little bad selling the others out to more training? Maybe. Just a little. Is it totally warranted? Yes. Yes it is. So he won't feel too bad.]
[He's smiling back, though, nodding when she goes for the leftovers. Hopefully they're not cold by now...]
[But then, it's clear it went over perfectly, and he's grinning again.] I'm just glad you like it! Now I look less crazy when I say I miss the stuff!
[Inwardly she smiled to herself, making a mental note to tell Coran to set up a new training regiment for the paladins. Of course, as the head of Voltron Shiro also just volunteered himself to join them. Buuut, she would tell him about that later. She didn't want to ruin the moment.
Allura gave him a questioning look as she went in for a second bit of the noodles.]
You mean this is something you used to have on Earth?
[Hey, honestly, he'll accept it. He's the last person to fight against extra training. Probably because they need it, the more they have the better they'll function. All that good stuff.]
[He nods, ducking his head slightly to study the bowl instead.]
As close as we can get, out here. But yeah. [When he laughs a little, it's quiet, more rueful than anything.] One of the things I missed most.
[A meaningful silence passed between them and her expression softened. Allura probably knew better than most about feeling homesick. But unlike Shiro the rest of the paladins, they had a home to go back to. Everything she had ever known had been stripped from her. Her planet, her family, gone forever.]
I believe I know what you're feeling all too well. [Her tone was low and even.] I would find it more strange if you didn't feel a little homesick.
[And then promptly Shiro'a brain begins kicking itself. Repeatedly. Because how dare he bring up homesickness in the face of someone in her position? What right does he have? Out of all of them, Allura has lost the most. They all need to be aware of this. Him especially. And then he goes and discusses missing food like an idiot wow.]
[Outwardly, he just winces. And moves to put a hand on her arm. Going for reassuring.]
I'm sorry. I didn't think before I brought it up. [Also quiet. Reserved.] We can change the subject if you want to.
[Feeling a hand on her arm, Allura raised her eyes to meet his. For a tick she held it there before moving to put the spoon back in the bowl and placed her hand gently over his.]
I'm alright. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss Altea everyday but there are so many more just like me. The galra have taken so much for far too long. Instead of dwelling on circumstances beyond my control, I use that feeling to strengthen my revolve to rid the galaxy of Zarkon and his forces. I do not wish this pain on anyone else.
[For a moment, he stares at their hands. Surprised at the gesture. But touched, all the same. A little color blossoming in his face before he pushes the thoughts aside.]
That's really brave of you to say. And I know you mean it. Every word. [Because of course she does. She absolutely does.] None of us can guess what it feels like. But I want you to know, we're here for you. If you need us.
We're in this fight just as much as you.
[They have her back. She has theirs.]
[And then he shakes his head a little, looking down again.] ... I'd rather the others saw it, to be honest with you. Me? I don't know if there's anything for me to go back to.
I know you all are and for that I am grateful. You are the paladins of Voltron after all. Without you, none of this would be possible.
[Just as a smile was returning to her fave, it quickly vanished. Nothing for him to return to? Stopping to think, Allura realized she knew very little of Shiro's past beyond his imprisonment. And even then, it was spotty at best.
Seizing this opportunity to gleam more information about him, Allura leans forward her hand still on his.]
What do you mean you're not sure you'll have anything to return to? Don't you have family?
Same goes for you. Allura, we wouldn't be able to do this without you.
[If she weren't here, if she hadn't been there when they stumbled on the Castle, then... well. They'd just be lost in space. They wouldn't have been able to find the other Lions. Nothing.]
[The earnest expression on his face flickers when she turns the conversation back to him, blowing out a breath and pushing a hand through his hair.]
I... don't know if the concept is universal but... [He spreads his hands on the counter.] Technically, legally... I'm as good as dead back home.
Keith told me. Official story is my whole crew was lost. Pilot error. When that happens in space it's -- there's no coming back from that. Not for us.
Pilot error? [Allura repeated back those words in an almost incredulous tone, eyes fluttering.] Pilot error?! You are one of the best pilots I have known. How are they allowed to get away with such blatant lies?
[Straightening back up in her chair, Allura had all the air of one of those angry PTA moms ready to storm down to her son's school to give his homeroom teacher a firm talking to.]
You're a hero, Shiro. And you deserve to be welcomed back like one.
[He doesn't realize he's leaned away from the counter slightly. The force of her reaction is a surprise, to say the least. Maybe he should have expected it. Or at least figured she'd jump to the defense of her team...]
[But still:]
Allura, it's... [It's not okay. He knows that.] They wouldn't believe me even if I tried to tell them. They -- [And he feels his voice falter.] -- didn't.
[It's not something he's talked about. Only the other humans on their team know it.]
[The hesitation in Shiro's voice didn't go unnoticed, deflating some of her steam. Though, her feathers were still a little ruffled. He... tried? That made her heart grow heavy.]
I'm so sorry. That must have been awful. [Allura again leans toward to lean on the counter to look earnestly at him.] I don't know what will happen after we defeat the galra but you will always have a home here, at the Castle, with me.
[A beat passed before she realized what she just said and her eyes flickered wide as she flounder.]
And Coran! Coran and I. Both of us. Together at the Castle.
It's not your fault. I've... I'm just trying not to focus on it. We've got a job to do, right?
[There's a war going on. There are battles to fight and a team to manage. It's better not to think about it -- not dwell on being there, making it back and... and not finding even a scrap of the help he'd thought he would.]
[It's just for a moment. Just a brief flash of memory -- the desperate moments yelling at actual human beings who should have understood but won't listen, they're just like the aliens, they're... He fades out. He's not there until the words "with me" come up.]
[Mostly because she's just as flustered as he suddenly feels.]
It -- yeah, I. It wouldn't be the Castle without you. [Wait.] You guys.
[Yes! Shiro was right. There were bigger issues to be focused on. Like you know, staying alive long enough to even have the possibility of returning to ones home planet. Again, something nay change allowing Shiro to return, who can say? Although... There was a part of her that wanted him to stay. For her.
That thought darted across her mind and Allura felt her face grow warmer. She tried to push it aside.]
Coran and myself come with the Castle as part of the move in deal. [She chuckled.]
I know its far in the future to think about. However I wanted to let you know that you will have a place to fall back on. I know I would appreciate your company. If thats what you wanted.
[No innuendo or embarrassment or anything meant there, nothing but sincerity. It wouldn't be the Castle without her -- without either of them. This place would just... be empty. Literally and figuratively.]
[Besides... it's hard to picture any kind of life without them. Without her. It's just not something he wants to think about.]
Thank you. And... as of right now, I'm thinking I'll end up taking you up on it.
[Somewhere he didn't have to constantly explain himself, or what they'd all been through out here. He smiles, finally, and, before he can really check himself, puts a hand over hers.]
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[He's all but forgotten their text conversation. If only because her well-being right now completely outweighs embarrassment. Maybe she'd slipped. Or maybe she was too exhausted. Or something.]
[Either way, he'll stand here, supporting her. Until she gives him a sign it's all right to let go.]
Do you need some water?
[Even as he asks, he hooks his foot around a chair to pull it over. No easy task, while holding up another person.]
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Thank you for your concern but I just slipped. I didn't notice the counter was wet. I assure you I am not about to keel over. [She pays his chest softly, doing her best to reassure him.]
[But she welcomes the chair. Lingering for a few more seconds, Allura pulled away to sit down sighing softly.]
This is turning out to be quite the eventful evening.
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That's -- that's good. Guess we're both worried about nothing, huh?
[Brush it off. Totally. Nothing weird here.]
[He does, however, keep an arm hovering near her, to make sure she doesn't slip again or something. Until she actually sits, and he can lean back against the counter.]
No kidding. Did... you still want to try it? The cheese, I mean.
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I really feel like I must at this point. Otherwise we both have gone through so much effort for nothing.
[Her laughter petered off, lowering her hand to fold both of them in her lap.]
Well... not for nothing. I got to spend time with you, which is more valuable than tasting oddly colored cheese.
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[She's laughing. It's... it's a good sound. There really should be more of that in the Castle. Hers and everyone else's.]
[Fortunately for his waning dignity, he turns to collect the bowl when she speaks up again. Keeping the sudden, startled expression on his face from her. Keep it cool, keep it together. You're the Head Of Voltron, you've got this.]
[He does not got this.]
[The blush is still on his face when he turns back around, bowl in hand.]
If that's all you wanted, you just had to say so... [WAIT.] More cheese for me, right?
[WHY DID YOU SAY THAT.]
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Do you mean more for you? Or... more for your shirt? [She cocks a brow at him.] How did you even manage that? I was envisioning you lying alone in bed with a bowl when you sent the measage.
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[He pushes a hand through his hair as he sets the bowl down between them. Leaning his elbows on the counter.]
Someone surprised me. I should really be used to people yelling in the Castle by now, but... somehow, these guys always find a way.
[Yeah, that's right, he got startled and dropped food on himself. What a winner.]
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I don't blame you. The rest of the paladins are certainly a spirited bunch. [Allura turned her attention to the bowl Shiro set on the table, eyes widening upon seeing its contents.] My, that is... a bold shade of green.
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[For his part, he's just kidding. It hadn't been anything bad. For once, the normal kind of startle people got at loud noises. Especially since Lance's variety of loud noises were hard to mistake for anything else.]
[He smiles, though, going for reassuring.]
Hey, he promised me it was real. It tastes fine, at least.
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[A smirk had appeared back on Allura's face, shooting it over the counter in Shiro's direction before turning back the bowl.]
I'm sure it is if Hunk gave it to you. He's quite skilled in the kitchen. Guess there's only one way to find out.
[Allura reached for the utensil left in the bowl to scoop a nice small bite full, popping it into her mouth. After a seconds of silent chewing her eyes lit up.]
Oh, this is good. I am sorry to have ever doubt you.
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[Does he feel a little bad selling the others out to more training? Maybe. Just a little. Is it totally warranted? Yes. Yes it is. So he won't feel too bad.]
[He's smiling back, though, nodding when she goes for the leftovers. Hopefully they're not cold by now...]
[But then, it's clear it went over perfectly, and he's grinning again.] I'm just glad you like it! Now I look less crazy when I say I miss the stuff!
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Allura gave him a questioning look as she went in for a second bit of the noodles.]
You mean this is something you used to have on Earth?
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[He nods, ducking his head slightly to study the bowl instead.]
As close as we can get, out here. But yeah. [When he laughs a little, it's quiet, more rueful than anything.] One of the things I missed most.
How weird is that?
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I believe I know what you're feeling all too well. [Her tone was low and even.] I would find it more strange if you didn't feel a little homesick.
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[Outwardly, he just winces. And moves to put a hand on her arm. Going for reassuring.]
I'm sorry. I didn't think before I brought it up. [Also quiet. Reserved.] We can change the subject if you want to.
[If she needs to.]
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For a tick she held it there before moving to put the spoon back in the bowl and placed her hand gently over his.]
I'm alright. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss Altea everyday but there are so many more just like me. The galra have taken so much for far too long. Instead of dwelling on circumstances beyond my control, I use that feeling to strengthen my revolve to rid the galaxy of Zarkon and his forces. I do not wish this pain on anyone else.
[Her hands gave Shiro's a little squeeze.]
I promise you, you will see Earth again.
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That's really brave of you to say. And I know you mean it. Every word. [Because of course she does. She absolutely does.] None of us can guess what it feels like. But I want you to know, we're here for you. If you need us.
We're in this fight just as much as you.
[They have her back. She has theirs.]
[And then he shakes his head a little, looking down again.] ... I'd rather the others saw it, to be honest with you. Me? I don't know if there's anything for me to go back to.
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[Just as a smile was returning to her fave, it quickly vanished. Nothing for him to return to? Stopping to think, Allura realized she knew very little of Shiro's past beyond his imprisonment. And even then, it was spotty at best.
Seizing this opportunity to gleam more information about him, Allura leans forward her hand still on his.]
What do you mean you're not sure you'll have anything to return to? Don't you have family?
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[If she weren't here, if she hadn't been there when they stumbled on the Castle, then... well. They'd just be lost in space. They wouldn't have been able to find the other Lions. Nothing.]
[The earnest expression on his face flickers when she turns the conversation back to him, blowing out a breath and pushing a hand through his hair.]
I... don't know if the concept is universal but... [He spreads his hands on the counter.] Technically, legally... I'm as good as dead back home.
Keith told me. Official story is my whole crew was lost. Pilot error. When that happens in space it's -- there's no coming back from that. Not for us.
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[Straightening back up in her chair, Allura had all the air of one of those angry PTA moms ready to storm down to her son's school to give his homeroom teacher a firm talking to.]
You're a hero, Shiro. And you deserve to be welcomed back like one.
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[But still:]
Allura, it's... [It's not okay. He knows that.] They wouldn't believe me even if I tried to tell them. They -- [And he feels his voice falter.] -- didn't.
[It's not something he's talked about. Only the other humans on their team know it.]
Thank you, though. For saying so.
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I'm so sorry. That must have been awful. [Allura again leans toward to lean on the counter to look earnestly at him.] I don't know what will happen after we defeat the galra but you will always have a home here, at the Castle, with me.
[A beat passed before she realized what she just said and her eyes flickered wide as she flounder.]
And Coran! Coran and I. Both of us. Together at the Castle.
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[There's a war going on. There are battles to fight and a team to manage. It's better not to think about it -- not dwell on being there, making it back and... and not finding even a scrap of the help he'd thought he would.]
[It's just for a moment. Just a brief flash of memory -- the desperate moments yelling at actual human beings who should have understood but won't listen, they're just like the aliens, they're... He fades out. He's not there until the words "with me" come up.]
[Mostly because she's just as flustered as he suddenly feels.]
It -- yeah, I. It wouldn't be the Castle without you. [Wait.] You guys.
You and Coran.
[NAILED IT??]
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That thought darted across her mind and Allura felt her face grow warmer. She tried to push it aside.]
Coran and myself come with the Castle as part of the move in deal. [She chuckled.]
I know its far in the future to think about. However I wanted to let you know that you will have a place to fall back on. I know I would appreciate your company. If thats what you wanted.
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[No innuendo or embarrassment or anything meant there, nothing but sincerity. It wouldn't be the Castle without her -- without either of them. This place would just... be empty. Literally and figuratively.]
[Besides... it's hard to picture any kind of life without them. Without her. It's just not something he wants to think about.]
Thank you. And... as of right now, I'm thinking I'll end up taking you up on it.
[Somewhere he didn't have to constantly explain himself, or what they'd all been through out here. He smiles, finally, and, before he can really check himself, puts a hand over hers.]
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Fff Fff swear I can type. This is why I shouldn't write late at night OTL
I saw nothing! you're good!
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Just finished S3 omg @A@~
IT'S A RIDE ALL RIGHT
IT IS! SOMEONE IS A CLONE JUST WATCH
8C these poor people
Poor Shiro. He cannot catch a break
he'd like 10 breaks and a nap please
We got cryo pods for that
do cryo pods count as a nap
A forced nap? Cause let's face it, he won't rest himself
... truth there
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