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(Continuing from this.)
[After getting off the comms with Shiro, Allura left the bridge to head for the kitchen. On the way there, she gave herself a mental pep talk not to say any more embarrassing things and not think about Shiro's abs. Instead she tried to preoccupy her mind with the mystery of the green cheese.
Turning the corner from the hall, Allura spotted Shiro's figure standing in the kitchen. Reflexively a small smile crept on her face as she glides over.]
Evening Shiro.
[After getting off the comms with Shiro, Allura left the bridge to head for the kitchen. On the way there, she gave herself a mental pep talk not to say any more embarrassing things and not think about Shiro's abs. Instead she tried to preoccupy her mind with the mystery of the green cheese.
Turning the corner from the hall, Allura spotted Shiro's figure standing in the kitchen. Reflexively a small smile crept on her face as she glides over.]
Evening Shiro.
[There... may have been more than a few moments where the frequently flustered leader of the team dropped his head to the counter. And gently beat it against the top. Because that was a spectacular failure of events. Incredibly so. It was like Murphy's Law steamrolled into his comm and usurped his text messages.]
[But, fortunately, by the time she arrives, he's recovered what composure he's ever got, and, also, cleaned up the mess he accidentally made of himself. Shirt back on, counter cleaned. Winner.]
[Right?]
Is it? Sometimes I wonder.
[Because they're in space -- get it?]
[But, fortunately, by the time she arrives, he's recovered what composure he's ever got, and, also, cleaned up the mess he accidentally made of himself. Shirt back on, counter cleaned. Winner.]
[Right?]
Is it? Sometimes I wonder.
[Because they're in space -- get it?]
Well saying 'Good Morning' wouldn't have felt right since I have been awake long enough for it to be evening. Though I suppose you do have a point. It is hard to discern time without being on a planet with a day/night cycle.
[Allura ventured further into the kitchen to join the black paladin by the counter, pausing just barely an arm's length away in front of him. Despite her earlier pep talk on the way over, she found her eyes scanning over the exact thing she told herself she would not be thinking about. Of course it was only to confirm Shiro did in fact clean himself up.
Or that's what she told herself.
Okay, now she was staring. Making a very deliberate effort to look directly up into Shiro's face Allura noticed something peeking out from behind the tuft of white.]
Are you feeling alright, Shiro? Your forehead seems a bit red. [She made a small gesture to point at her own.]
[Allura ventured further into the kitchen to join the black paladin by the counter, pausing just barely an arm's length away in front of him. Despite her earlier pep talk on the way over, she found her eyes scanning over the exact thing she told herself she would not be thinking about. Of course it was only to confirm Shiro did in fact clean himself up.
Or that's what she told herself.
Okay, now she was staring. Making a very deliberate effort to look directly up into Shiro's face Allura noticed something peeking out from behind the tuft of white.]
Are you feeling alright, Shiro? Your forehead seems a bit red. [She made a small gesture to point at her own.]
Right, right... it was a joke. It's all right.
[He actually grins at her, a little -- her and her explanation. It was cute, endearing. All of it. Even if he hadn't been entirely serious. But, hey, in her defense, his sense of humor is a little on the odd side.]
[And he's rambling. In his brain. Good work, Team Leader.]
Huh? [He'd been so busy eyeing the remains of the green macaroni and cheese, he hadn't seen where her eyes were wandering. Either place. His cheeks abruptly turn the same color as the aforementioned red mark.] Oh -- yeah, I'm.
Good. You?
[He actually grins at her, a little -- her and her explanation. It was cute, endearing. All of it. Even if he hadn't been entirely serious. But, hey, in her defense, his sense of humor is a little on the odd side.]
[And he's rambling. In his brain. Good work, Team Leader.]
Huh? [He'd been so busy eyeing the remains of the green macaroni and cheese, he hadn't seen where her eyes were wandering. Either place. His cheeks abruptly turn the same color as the aforementioned red mark.] Oh -- yeah, I'm.
Good. You?
O-oh, right. A joke. Of course I knew that.
[Allura lowered her hand as she felt the temperature of her face rise, tinting her cheeks with a hint of color. The princess' plan to smooth over the awkwardness between them by conversing in person was not going as she had envisioned. The text conversation was still fresh in the forefront of her mind. She needed to get back on track.]
I'm doing well. [A beat.] However, I am a bit concerned about your eating habits. Where is the green cheese of unknown origins? [Allura flashed a playful smirk at him.]
[Yes, nailed it.
Still trying to play it cool, she reached out to place her hand on the counter, resting her weight on it... not realizing that it was damp. Whether it was from Shiro's hasty clean up or left there by the others earlier in the day, it hardly mattered now. The moisture was enough to make Allura's hand slip out from under her.
And her with it.]
[Allura lowered her hand as she felt the temperature of her face rise, tinting her cheeks with a hint of color. The princess' plan to smooth over the awkwardness between them by conversing in person was not going as she had envisioned. The text conversation was still fresh in the forefront of her mind. She needed to get back on track.]
I'm doing well. [A beat.] However, I am a bit concerned about your eating habits. Where is the green cheese of unknown origins? [Allura flashed a playful smirk at him.]
[Yes, nailed it.
Still trying to play it cool, she reached out to place her hand on the counter, resting her weight on it... not realizing that it was damp. Whether it was from Shiro's hasty clean up or left there by the others earlier in the day, it hardly mattered now. The moisture was enough to make Allura's hand slip out from under her.
And her with it.]
It's okay. I know I've got a weird sense of humor anyway.
[As much to reassure her as himself, to be honest. But then she drops her head, and his concern is right back where it started. Front and center. Even as she's telling him otherwise.]
You sure? I can grab you a seat. [Oh. Right. The reason she's here.] It's right --
[Here.]
[He sees her hand slide. And the rest of her start to follow. He doesn't even think abut it -- it's an instant reaction. Ducking around the counter to reach for her. To grab her and steady her before she can fall all the way to the floor.]
[As much to reassure her as himself, to be honest. But then she drops her head, and his concern is right back where it started. Front and center. Even as she's telling him otherwise.]
You sure? I can grab you a seat. [Oh. Right. The reason she's here.] It's right --
[Here.]
[He sees her hand slide. And the rest of her start to follow. He doesn't even think abut it -- it's an instant reaction. Ducking around the counter to reach for her. To grab her and steady her before she can fall all the way to the floor.]
[Everything happened so fast. Allura's eyes had snapped shut in anticipation of her back slamming on to the cold hard floor. However, she was only half right. Something cold was pressed up against the small of her back but it was the cool grip of Shiro's right arm, holding her in place.
Eyes fluttered open, finding the two of them in what looks like a failed attempt at dipping. The heat in her cheek rose higher as she sheepishly smiled up.]
I would like to revise my previous statement. I may be a little bit tired...
Eyes fluttered open, finding the two of them in what looks like a failed attempt at dipping. The heat in her cheek rose higher as she sheepishly smiled up.]
I would like to revise my previous statement. I may be a little bit tired...
Okay -- Can you stand?
[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.]
[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.
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.
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.
[A hand came up to her mouth as she laughed.]
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.
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.
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?
[WHY DID YOU SAY THAT.]
[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.]
Edited 2017-07-24 07:52 (UTC)
[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.
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.
Me. That was the goal.
[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.]
[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.]
[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.
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.
[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.
[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.
I think you heard correctly.
[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!
[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?
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.
How weird is that?
[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?
[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.
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.
[If she needs to.]
[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.]
[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.
[Her hands gave Shiro's a little squeeze.]
I promise you, you will see Earth again.
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.
[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.
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?
[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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