[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.]
[Allura's heart leapt in her chest, her eyes quickly darting between their hands and his smile. What she felt towards Shiro was different from the rest of the paladins, that she knew to be true. But out of a sense of duty, she never allowed herself to admit it fully.
But you know what? Life is short. You never know what tomorrow may bring. She might wake up and another 10,000 years may have passed her by leaving everything she knew behind again.
Shifting her weight in her seat, Allura slowly leans in closer as she spoke.]
Shiro, I feel like I must confuse something. I may have... selfish reasons why I want you to stay.
[Just to emphasis her point, the hand under his slide out to lace their fingers together.]
[Some part of him definitely registers the change. The difference in tone and the way she leans forward more. The rest of him is too busy getting literally lost in her face. And eyes. And the marks under them.]
[Wondering if they feel different than her skin, somehow. And then kicking himself for wondering it, because how dare he? There's nothing appropriate about that thought. She's like their commander. She's... the heart of it all.]
I... [And then there are fingers in his.] Allura...?
[His brain may have short-circuited there.]
Fff Fff swear I can type. This is why I shouldn't write late at night OTL
[Welp, she is really doing this right now. Too late to back down. The words already left her mouth, which was starting to feel a bit dry. Commit to it.
By this point Allura was leaning halfway across the counter that seperated them, her blue eyes fixed on him trying to read his expression. Shock surely, yet maybe not grasping fully what she was trying to say. Her grip of his hand tightened slightly.]
What I'm trying to say is... I respect you a great deal Shiro. During our time together I have grown fond of you. Beyond the realm of just friendship. I... I habor feelings for you.
[THERE! She said it! Oh quiznak she actually said it! She's not panicking. You're panicking!]
[It's coming. It's dawning slowly, a light slowly brightening in a room. His eyes widening bit by bit. Looking between her face and their hands as she continues, and the weight of it all sinks in.]
[Honestly, for a minute, he feels like his heart is lodged so firmly in his throat, he could choke. Excitement, uncertainty and a weird sort of hope conspiring to make his one hand go cold.]
[At least there's only one palm to get sweaty.]
I ... [One word scratching its way out of his mouth. Both hands curling around hers, like some precious, vibrant thing. Everything else rushes in, like a tidal wave on his tongue -- how there are so many better people than him, how she deserves better, how...]
I think I'm dreaming. [Here goes. If it's really a dream, this will end like all the others.] Because I've... I care about you, too.
A lot.
[Not... as eloquent as he wanted, but it's. It's a start.]
[Allura could see Shiro slowly piecing everything together and her heart pounded in her ears. Nervously waiting for him to respond to the bombshell she had dropped on him, she hoped he couldn't feel how fast her pulse was racing through their joined hands. Calm down, everything will be okay. At best, he feels the same and they can talk about it and at worse... they go back to being friends and fighting the galra would be a welcome distraction.
When he finally found his words, cupping her hand in his refocused her attention. She involuntarily held her breath, hanging on every word. Half expecting him to add 'but' at the end she hesitated.
But it never came.
Wait. So he does feels the same? Right?... She didn't have the strength to fight the smile that now graced her face.]
I feel like the one that's needs to be pinched. [Shaking her head at herself.] By 'a lot' you mean...?
[He swallows. It's hard to get enough air, really. Because he's so focused on her. On what the answer is going to be. She'd already said she had feelings, but -- well. Maybe she'd change her mind. It's a possibility.]
[That's his luck, really.]
[Her hand is suddenly the most interesting thing in the room. Fingers running over her knuckles. Along her own fingers. Just for something to do with himself that doesn't entail fretting over what she's going to say next.]
[When she speaks, his answer is, immediately, a nervous laugh. Something halting and utterly unlike himself.] I uh. I guess that didn't help, huh?
I mean... [He can feel his face heat.] I mean I think I've had those feelings too.
[A huge sigh of relief escaped her as her whole body unclinch.]
Oh thank heavens. I thought my heart was going to give out. [Taking a moment to breathe easy, she gazed dotingly at him.] And I would do that again without a second thought.
[Then Allura bent over to place a soft kiss on the back of Shiro's knuckles. In all honestly, she would rather be aiming her lips a little 'higher', but the counter that divided them prevent that. She had half a mind to volt over it to be on the same side as him but... that wouldn't have been the most graceful of maneuvers and there was a high chance of her knocking over the bowl of green noodle cheese spilling it over both of them.]
[Okay, he has to laugh. It's halfway between incredulous and relieved, but it's real.]
You thought your heart was going to give out? I thought I'd pass out. [Or stop breathing. Or both. Both was an option right.]
[... Both seems like it's going to be an option when she combines the touch to his hand, the words. He never thought he could feel too warm and too cold at the same time. His hand doesn't shake, not like he thought it would, when he tilts it, curling over her cheek instead of her hand.]
I don't... ever want you to have to. You mean too much.
[The unexpected hand that caressed her cheek was a pleasent surprise and Allura couldn't help but to laugh airily along with him, nesting her face against it.]
You? Pass out? Now that would have been fun to explain to the others why I had to carry your unconscious body back to your room.
[Her lips tugged up into a smirk.]
And I could say the same for you. I hope for both our sakes that we never have to go through that again.
[Ah! This counter needed to go. Even though they were just feet apart, this distance was killing her. Jumping over was out. So the only way was... Reluctantly Allura pulled away from Shiro's touch to slip out of the chair to skate around to the other side, not entirely sure what her plan was once she there. And boy, she was there now.
Without a second thought, Allura just goes in to lean herself against him. Yes, this is much better. ]
[If this is a dream he's having, then he doesn't want to wake up, for once. This is one of the few he wants to keep having. Her face is warm -- he can't help but trace a thumb up the side, wondering if it's too much to touch her marking. If that's rude.]
Could just leave me here... say I fell asleep.
[Which is hilarious. Considering how rarely that happens.]
... I'll do everything I can to keep that from happening. I always will.
[Even before they admitted this. He would have moved the planets out of orbit if it meant keeping everyone on this team safe -- Allura included.]
[At first, though, he thinks he's said something wrong, when she pulls away. There's an apology ready to spill out. But... suddenly she's leaning into him. He edges over in his seat, enough to give her some space.]
[The moment Shiro made room for her, Allura filled the space, thigh to thigh. She didn't waste anytime making herself comfortable, resting her head in the crook in his neck. Feeling the warmth of his body was pleasant and she closed her eyes a moment.]
Hey. [Allura teasing repeated his words, er... word back at him. She opened her eyes to tilt her head to look at him. They were so close now...] Um... Shiro? If it's not too forward to request.. Would you mind putting an arm around me?
[He has to laugh. What else can he do? She's repeating him and leaning into him. It's nothing like he ever thought would happen. Not between them. Or... between him and anyone.]
[But her "hey" makes him laugh. And it's an oddly free sound.]
I wouldn't mind at all.
[Oh thank Space Lion God something to do with his arm. Like drape it around her shoulders.]
[Allura took in a deep breath and held it there for two ticks before exhaling. She was completely content just sitting with him like this. If you would have told her that tonight that a comm message about strange green cheesy noodles would end up like this, she would not have believed them.
At that thought she found herself chuckling.]
Its amusing how the chain of causality works. If you didn't spill cheese on yourself there wouldn't be any reason for me to be down here. [Pause.] After realizing what it tastes like now I change my previous answer.
Turn on, despite its color.
[Allura raises her head to give Shiro a teasing look.]
[It's... definitely weird. Definitely things he's thought about before, but squashed almost immediately. Thinking it was inappropriate. Or never going to happen, because she deserved better or another Altean or--]
[She's laughing, and he can feel it against his ribs. It's a good feeling.]
And if Lance wasn't yelling, I wouldn't have dropped it in the first place.
[So... does that mean he owes Lance one? He'd never live it down. Ever. And it's with that thought in mind that he hears her last comment.]
[Shiro had the most entertaining reactions when something caught him off guard. It was endearing. Allura quickly slapped a hand to her face to conceal an amused snort.]
What kind of reaction is that? You're the one who asked in the first place.
[The was true. There was usually something that needed to get done or things to plan between the fight against the galra. But tonight was one of those rare times where nothing pressing was going on. And honestly, how could you ignore a question like that?
Unless it was from Lance, then easy.]
So that was intended to be a hypothetical question? [Allura leans in close with a playful smirk.] Or is it because since I responded that you're embarrassed about the possibility of it actually happening?
[Lance would be a very large reason why he figured she wouldn't have answered. Or even given it a second thought. Once you get inundated enough, you tune even well-intentioned versions out. Right?]
[Right?]
Pretty much. [She's so close he can see almost nothing but her eyes. And it's... weird how easy it is to get sucked into them.]
... also. Pretty much. The embarrassed part. I'm. It's warm in here.
A forced nap? Cause let's face it, he won't rest himself
Well you do appear to be a bit flushed. Are you sure you're not half Altean with how red you're turning?
[She chuckled raising a hand to brush his forehead and swept the white tuff out of his eyes, which Allura was intently gazing into. His wing eyeliner was always on point you couldn't help but to stare. Her hand came to rest on Shiro's cheek on its way back down, brushing her thumb along the ridge.]
Rest assured, I think its a bit too early for any of that. But... if we are talking in hypotheticals.... I would prefer something sweeter.
No -- No I'm. Sure. It's -- you guys don't blush? When you're uh. A little overwhelmed?
[You can say embarrassed, Shiro, it's not going to bite you. Part of him wants to reach out and hold her face in return, as odd as that sounds, but wonders if it would be too forward.]
[Plus, it's not bad, actually, someone else a little in charge. For a change.]
Good... to know. [He's bright red. Bright red and reaching up to cover her hand in his real one.] Early, though, yeah. I...
That was a joke. [She chortled, shaking her head.] Of course we blush. I am guilty of turning red my fair share of times, some of them tonight.
[Her eyes searched his face. It was quite red. Usually he had this air of confidence about him, leading the other Paladins. Seeing him flustered like this was down right irresistible.]
Just a bit. I may be able to provide assistance for it.
[Closing the small gap between them, Allura placed a soft testing kiss on his lips. Hey, if he can't talk, no need to worry, right?]
[For her dignity. He didn't want to embarrass her. Or pressure her or ... do anything to make her uncomfortable. She's too important. For more reasons than what they'd just been talking about.]
[More reasons than just how he felt about her.]
Promise, I'll get better at this... I -- [It's probably for the best that she shuts him up. Really. His eyes go wide, there's a brief moment of him stiffening in surprise. But...]
[... he tilts his head. Pressing back. Carefully.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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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.
no subject
[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.]
no subject
But you know what? Life is short. You never know what tomorrow may bring. She might wake up and another 10,000 years may have passed her by leaving everything she knew behind again.
Shifting her weight in her seat, Allura slowly leans in closer as she spoke.]
Shiro, I feel like I must confuse something. I may have... selfish reasons why I want you to stay.
[Just to emphasis her point, the hand under his slide out to lace their fingers together.]
no subject
[Wondering if they feel different than her skin, somehow. And then kicking himself for wondering it, because how dare he? There's nothing appropriate about that thought. She's like their commander. She's... the heart of it all.]
I... [And then there are fingers in his.] Allura...?
[His brain may have short-circuited there.]
Fff Fff swear I can type. This is why I shouldn't write late at night OTL
By this point Allura was leaning halfway across the counter that seperated them, her blue eyes fixed on him trying to read his expression. Shock surely, yet maybe not grasping fully what she was trying to say. Her grip of his hand tightened slightly.]
What I'm trying to say is... I respect you a great deal Shiro. During our time together I have grown fond of you. Beyond the realm of just friendship. I... I habor feelings for you.
[THERE! She said it! Oh quiznak she actually said it! She's not panicking. You're panicking!]
I saw nothing! you're good!
[Honestly, for a minute, he feels like his heart is lodged so firmly in his throat, he could choke. Excitement, uncertainty and a weird sort of hope conspiring to make his one hand go cold.]
[At least there's only one palm to get sweaty.]
I ... [One word scratching its way out of his mouth. Both hands curling around hers, like some precious, vibrant thing. Everything else rushes in, like a tidal wave on his tongue -- how there are so many better people than him, how she deserves better, how...]
I think I'm dreaming. [Here goes. If it's really a dream, this will end like all the others.] Because I've... I care about you, too.
A lot.
[Not... as eloquent as he wanted, but it's. It's a start.]
no subject
When he finally found his words, cupping her hand in his refocused her attention. She involuntarily held her breath, hanging on every word. Half expecting him to add 'but' at the end she hesitated.
But it never came.
Wait. So he does feels the same? Right?... She didn't have the strength to fight the smile that now graced her face.]
I feel like the one that's needs to be pinched. [Shaking her head at herself.] By 'a lot' you mean...?
[Her thought trails off. She needed to confirm.]
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[That's his luck, really.]
[Her hand is suddenly the most interesting thing in the room. Fingers running over her knuckles. Along her own fingers. Just for something to do with himself that doesn't entail fretting over what she's going to say next.]
[When she speaks, his answer is, immediately, a nervous laugh. Something halting and utterly unlike himself.] I uh. I guess that didn't help, huh?
I mean... [He can feel his face heat.] I mean I think I've had those feelings too.
Ever since you gave yourself up for me.
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Oh thank heavens. I thought my heart was going to give out. [Taking a moment to breathe easy, she gazed dotingly at him.] And I would do that again without a second thought.
[Then Allura bent over to place a soft kiss on the back of Shiro's knuckles. In all honestly, she would rather be aiming her lips a little 'higher', but the counter that divided them prevent that. She had half a mind to volt over it to be on the same side as him but... that wouldn't have been the most graceful of maneuvers and there was a high chance of her knocking over the bowl of green noodle cheese spilling it over both of them.]
no subject
You thought your heart was going to give out? I thought I'd pass out. [Or stop breathing. Or both. Both was an option right.]
[... Both seems like it's going to be an option when she combines the touch to his hand, the words. He never thought he could feel too warm and too cold at the same time. His hand doesn't shake, not like he thought it would, when he tilts it, curling over her cheek instead of her hand.]
I don't... ever want you to have to. You mean too much.
[To him, to everyone.]
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You? Pass out? Now that would have been fun to explain to the others why I had to carry your unconscious body back to your room.
[Her lips tugged up into a smirk.]
And I could say the same for you. I hope for both our sakes that we never have to go through that again.
[Ah! This counter needed to go. Even though they were just feet apart, this distance was killing her. Jumping over was out. So the only way was... Reluctantly Allura pulled away from Shiro's touch to slip out of the chair to skate around to the other side, not entirely sure what her plan was once she there. And boy, she was there now.
Without a second thought, Allura just goes in to lean herself against him. Yes, this is much better. ]
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Could just leave me here... say I fell asleep.
[Which is hilarious. Considering how rarely that happens.]
... I'll do everything I can to keep that from happening. I always will.
[Even before they admitted this. He would have moved the planets out of orbit if it meant keeping everyone on this team safe -- Allura included.]
[At first, though, he thinks he's said something wrong, when she pulls away. There's an apology ready to spill out. But... suddenly she's leaning into him. He edges over in his seat, enough to give her some space.]
Hey. [WHERE DOES HE PUT HIS HANDS NOW.]
Just finished S3 omg @A@~
Hey. [Allura teasing repeated his words, er... word back at him. She opened her eyes to tilt her head to look at him. They were so close now...] Um... Shiro? If it's not too forward to request.. Would you mind putting an arm around me?
IT'S A RIDE ALL RIGHT
[But her "hey" makes him laugh. And it's an oddly free sound.]
I wouldn't mind at all.
[Oh thank Space Lion God something to do with his arm. Like drape it around her shoulders.]
IT IS! SOMEONE IS A CLONE JUST WATCH
At that thought she found herself chuckling.]
Its amusing how the chain of causality works. If you didn't spill cheese on yourself there wouldn't be any reason for me to be down here. [Pause.] After realizing what it tastes like now I change my previous answer.
Turn on, despite its color.
[Allura raises her head to give Shiro a teasing look.]
8C these poor people
[She's laughing, and he can feel it against his ribs. It's a good feeling.]
And if Lance wasn't yelling, I wouldn't have dropped it in the first place.
[So... does that mean he owes Lance one? He'd never live it down. Ever. And it's with that thought in mind that he hears her last comment.]
[Please excuse the inevitable sputter.]
I uh. That's. Good.
Poor Shiro. He cannot catch a break
What kind of reaction is that? You're the one who asked in the first place.
he'd like 10 breaks and a nap please
I didn't think you'd actually answer me. I mean -- you have way better things to do.
[Yes, he is reaching critical levels of flustered at this moment. He really hadn't expected her to respond. Or... any of this.]
We got cryo pods for that
Unless it was from Lance, then easy.]
So that was intended to be a hypothetical question? [Allura leans in close with a playful smirk.] Or is it because since I responded that you're embarrassed about the possibility of it actually happening?
do cryo pods count as a nap
[Right?]
Pretty much. [She's so close he can see almost nothing but her eyes. And it's... weird how easy it is to get sucked into them.]
... also. Pretty much. The embarrassed part. I'm. It's warm in here.
A forced nap? Cause let's face it, he won't rest himself
[She chuckled raising a hand to brush his forehead and swept the white tuff out of his eyes, which Allura was intently gazing into.
His wing eyeliner was always on point you couldn't help but to stare.Her hand came to rest on Shiro's cheek on its way back down, brushing her thumb along the ridge.]Rest assured, I think its a bit too early for any of that. But... if we are talking in hypotheticals.... I would prefer something sweeter.
... truth there
[You can say embarrassed, Shiro, it's not going to bite you. Part of him wants to reach out and hold her face in return, as odd as that sounds, but wonders if it would be too forward.]
[Plus, it's not bad, actually, someone else a little in charge. For a change.]
Good... to know. [He's bright red. Bright red and reaching up to cover her hand in his real one.] Early, though, yeah. I...
I am so tongue-tied right now, aren't I?
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[Her eyes searched his face. It was quite red. Usually he had this air of confidence about him, leading the other Paladins. Seeing him flustered like this was down right irresistible.]
Just a bit. I may be able to provide assistance for it.
[Closing the small gap between them, Allura placed a soft testing kiss on his lips. Hey, if he can't talk, no need to worry, right?]
no subject
[For her dignity. He didn't want to embarrass her. Or pressure her or ... do anything to make her uncomfortable. She's too important. For more reasons than what they'd just been talking about.]
[More reasons than just how he felt about her.]
Promise, I'll get better at this... I -- [It's probably for the best that she shuts him up. Really. His eyes go wide, there's a brief moment of him stiffening in surprise. But...]
[... he tilts his head. Pressing back. Carefully.]