Good to know. I'll get in touch with Pidge and Lance, too.
...I found out from Mira that only a few days passed here. I was worried that I'd been gone for weeks. Maybe...even months. And that you'd all have disappeared before I had the chance to say goodbye.
[Allura... heard them quietly talking in their room the day before when she'd returned from getting some air, and decided it was best that she give them space. She has no idea how much Shiro recalls now of what transpired in their universe, and it nags at her all night. Yet she doesn't disturb them. They both needed one another and she's glad for both of them that he's back.
Thus it's morning, when she steps out to go train on the beach when she almost accidentally bumps into him. She blinks, and immediately recognizes the prosthetic.]
Welcome back, Shiro. [She smiles, relieved and glad to see him again.]
[ If he knew, he'd definitely be thanking her. They needed the time alone, it's true, and Shiro feels infinitely more at ease. He even looks more relaxed, and he gives Allura a smile. ]
Thanks, Allura. I hope I didn't worry you too much.
[ He knows he'd worried her; of course he does. They're friends, after all. ]
[Sometimes the best thing is not to mention it at all. She's been... quiet around the others after the trials, regardless. It's easy to play off as simply that.]
A little, but not nearly as much as Keith. [She won't lie about being worried, but how much? ...Some old habits are hard to break and it's likely obvious by now what her tells are. Her hands are clasped in front of her yet again, though amusement sparks in her eyes.] I see you've caught up to us.
[White hair and his new prosthetic. Though that is still some time between the Garrison attaching it and the last she recalls.]
[ He can't deny the fact that he feels guilty. Around Allura, it's foolish to even pretend he's not. He'd left again. Hadn't even been able to tell Keith before he was gone, back home, to die and come back to life.
... But he's here now. And he hopes he won't leave again. ]
Yeah. You'd just helped with my arm. [ He gives her a grateful smile. ] Thank you, Allura. I don't think I can thank you enough.
[ He curls his hand into a fist, marveling at how warm and comfortable it is compared to the Galra tech. He then looks at Allura, and unmistakably, there's guilt there in his eyes. ]
I just wish it hadn't come at the cost of something so important to you.
[Shiro. You both were in your shared room for nearly an entire day. That speaks volumes in and of itself. Yet despite herself, her gaze softens at the obvious guilt in his. Ah. There it is again.]
You're welcome. [For a moment, Allura looks as though she is struggling to say something before she shakes her head. Watching him be able to use it without complications is all the thanks she needs.]
I- mentioned this to Keith prior to our battle with Zarkon, but over our time together, I came to view you both and the other paladins as my family. And family is far more important than some trinket.
[Does she miss it? A little, but it's dwarfed in comparison by her friend's well being and happiness.]
[ And then... Oh. Shiro isn't necessarily surprised, but... hearing her say it, that means so much to him. Still... she's had to make so many sacrifices. But he trusts her.
If she'll allow it, Shiro pulls her into a hug. ]
How did we get so lucky to have you as a part of our family?
[It's such a far cry from the hallucination of his voice in the maze that a crack forms in her mask as he pulls her in for a hug. Her eyes sting, but she welcomes it as she returns the embrace. Allura smiles despite the tightness in her chest.
She doesn't regret making thos sacrifices in the least.]
I ask myself the same thing. [He'll have to forgive her if her voice betrays her.] Though I am still working on finding an answer.
[Just as she's working on finding an answer to all the questions their voices asked in that trial. Her voice lowers to barely a whisper.] I am glad you returned to us, and I'm sorry I couldn't tell you everything.
[It seemed cruel, and... it's still painful to talk about Lotor. Even more so now.]
I'm sure we'll find it if we stick together. We're a team, no matter what happens.
[ He pulls away from Allura, and he has the grace to not point out the way she sounds. It wouldn't be fair to her, besides, to point it out. Shiro smiles at her, and when she apologizes, he shakes his head. ]
You don't have to apologize. I understand why you didn't. If it were me in your position, I would've done the same.
[ Allura's words echo Keith's, from yesterday. They're such good people, and Shiro feels incredibly lucky that they're in his life. ]
Of course. [Anyone who so much thinks otherwise is likely going to get punched. Twice. As he pulls away, she almost freezes like a young child caught in front of a klanmüirl.
She looks up, surprised. If he recalls what the clone experienced, then he knows exactly how much she messed up... Allura's almost afraid to ask, yet he says this regardless if he does or not. She really is the lucky one.]
You never did tell me what you thought of it. [The arm, that is. Though a hint of mischief sparks in her gaze.] And I hope you won't use it to cheat too much while sparring.
[She totally hopes he "cheats". It'll be hilarious watching Lance shriek.]
[ They all make mistakes. But Shiro is of the mind that what really, truly matters, is how one deals with it afterward. Hell, Shiro's made more than enough mistakes--he's not perfect, despite what plenty of others think--but he still has amazing friends. An incredibly boyfriend. And... a family he wouldn't trade for the world.
Shiro chuckles quietly. ]
Like I'd use my arm for evil. [ The playful look in his eyes says otherwise. ] But to answer that... It's perfect. A lot more comfortable than the Galra tech. It feels warmer.
[Okay, that's fair. Though she hopes she can at the very least make it up to Keith for pressuring him to lead in a way that wasn't his own back then. Slowly. By actually listening-]
[Allura sighs, shaking her head as she finally pulls away.]
If you can punch as hard as Keith can kick, I'll be impressed.
[Her... abdomen may still be bruised a little from their sparring while he was gone. Owie. Totally worth it to get that grin out of him, though. Even if it was only temporary.]
She was about to make a comment on it, but his question forces that thought aside. She lets out a sigh.]
It.. has been a challenge, I'll admit. Though I haven't truly had a chance to settle just yet.
[She means the water and then the trials, which she... has only barely talked to a few people with about. And of them, only Keith knows who and what she heard.]
[The differences in technological advancement are not lost upon her, as is how it's affected her alchemy. Yet, adapting is something her race is known for. She's accepted this challenge.
It'll just... take a little for her to manage not to accidentally burn things that aren't supposed to be burned. brb joining the prep team]
Thank you. [Though the way she says it, it's not just for the offer.] I was about to head to the beach to train, if you'd like to..?
[She needs to grow accustomed to her limitations and she's been slowly paranoid about being ineffective in a fight ever since the maze.]
[ It's, honestly, been some time since he sparred. Shiro feels rusty, and he doesn't want to be a burden on any of his friends or teammates. Or, really, anyone else here. ]
[A princess in recovery and a rusty captain walk out onto the beach...]
I'll warn you; I'm not as strong as I am in our reality. ...Could probably still throw you, however.
[It's an easy tease as she leads the way out. She's not quite recovered from the battle and then the trials; she'd had to fight monsters alone for a good portion of it with only her fists or whatever she found laying around, and it likely showed while sparring with Keith.]
[ And it gets him to laugh lightly. Yeah, even if she's not as strong, she's still ridiculously strong, he's sure. There aren't many people who can throw him such a long distance so effortlessly. ]
Don't worry. I don't doubt that at all. ... I'd rather not experience it again if I can help it, though.
[In agility, possibly. Strength is mostly limited to an earthling's level, as annoying as it is for her. She has to be careful how much of her usual strength she uses or she's exhausted.
... Something flickers across her expression for a split instant but lingers in her eyes as her chin lowers so slightly it's barely noticeable.]
I don't think I'll be throwing you into an escape pod any time soon.
[Not without him grabbing the back of her shirt with his new prosthetic and dragging her with him, anyway. She slows down enough to walk by his side.]
... And I promise not to do so again in a similar context.
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11/7
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[ Shiro certainly sounds happy to hear from her. ]
Yeah, I'm here. How've you been?
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Better. Just wanted to say hi and make sure you're still around.
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I'm definitely still here. [ He doesn't plan on leaving... if he can help it. ] We've been pretty worried about you, actually.
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...I found out from Mira that only a few days passed here. I was worried that I'd been gone for weeks. Maybe...even months. And that you'd all have disappeared before I had the chance to say goodbye.
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[ He pauses. ]
That's right. But what matters is that we're all still here, together.
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Thanks, Shiro. It's really great to hear from you again.
12/25
Thus it's morning, when she steps out to go train on the beach when she almost accidentally bumps into him. She blinks, and immediately recognizes the prosthetic.]
Welcome back, Shiro. [She smiles, relieved and glad to see him again.]
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Thanks, Allura. I hope I didn't worry you too much.
[ He knows he'd worried her; of course he does. They're friends, after all. ]
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A little, but not nearly as much as Keith. [She won't lie about being worried, but how much? ...Some old habits are hard to break and it's likely obvious by now what her tells are. Her hands are clasped in front of her yet again, though amusement sparks in her eyes.] I see you've caught up to us.
[White hair and his new prosthetic. Though that is still some time between the Garrison attaching it and the last she recalls.]
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[ He can't deny the fact that he feels guilty. Around Allura, it's foolish to even pretend he's not. He'd left again. Hadn't even been able to tell Keith before he was gone, back home, to die and come back to life.
... But he's here now. And he hopes he won't leave again. ]
Yeah. You'd just helped with my arm. [ He gives her a grateful smile. ] Thank you, Allura. I don't think I can thank you enough.
[ He curls his hand into a fist, marveling at how warm and comfortable it is compared to the Galra tech. He then looks at Allura, and unmistakably, there's guilt there in his eyes. ]
I just wish it hadn't come at the cost of something so important to you.
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[Shiro. You both were in your shared room for nearly an entire day. That speaks volumes in and of itself. Yet despite herself, her gaze softens at the obvious guilt in his. Ah. There it is again.]
You're welcome. [For a moment, Allura looks as though she is struggling to say something before she shakes her head. Watching him be able to use it without complications is all the thanks she needs.]
I- mentioned this to Keith prior to our battle with Zarkon, but over our time together, I came to view you both and the other paladins as my family. And family is far more important than some trinket.
[Does she miss it? A little, but it's dwarfed in comparison by her friend's well being and happiness.]
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[ And then... Oh. Shiro isn't necessarily surprised, but... hearing her say it, that means so much to him. Still... she's had to make so many sacrifices. But he trusts her.
If she'll allow it, Shiro pulls her into a hug. ]
How did we get so lucky to have you as a part of our family?
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She doesn't regret making thos sacrifices in the least.]
I ask myself the same thing. [He'll have to forgive her if her voice betrays her.] Though I am still working on finding an answer.
[Just as she's working on finding an answer to all the questions their voices asked in that trial. Her voice lowers to barely a whisper.] I am glad you returned to us, and I'm sorry I couldn't tell you everything.
[It seemed cruel, and... it's still painful to talk about Lotor. Even more so now.]
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[ He pulls away from Allura, and he has the grace to not point out the way she sounds. It wouldn't be fair to her, besides, to point it out. Shiro smiles at her, and when she apologizes, he shakes his head. ]
You don't have to apologize. I understand why you didn't. If it were me in your position, I would've done the same.
[ Allura's words echo Keith's, from yesterday. They're such good people, and Shiro feels incredibly lucky that they're in his life. ]
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She looks up, surprised. If he recalls what the clone experienced, then he knows exactly how much she messed up... Allura's almost afraid to ask, yet he says this regardless if he does or not. She really is the lucky one.]
You never did tell me what you thought of it. [The arm, that is. Though a hint of mischief sparks in her gaze.] And I hope you won't use it to cheat too much while sparring.
[She totally hopes he "cheats". It'll be hilarious watching Lance shriek.]
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Shiro chuckles quietly. ]
Like I'd use my arm for evil. [ The playful look in his eyes says otherwise. ] But to answer that... It's perfect. A lot more comfortable than the Galra tech. It feels warmer.
And I can throw a pretty great punch with it.
[ shiro, ]
1/3
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[Look at how much she believes that, Captain. Look at it.]
fin
If you can punch as hard as Keith can kick, I'll be impressed.
[Her... abdomen may still be bruised a little from their sparring while he was gone. Owie. Totally worth it to get that grin out of him, though. Even if it was only temporary.]
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Yeah? I guess you'll just have to wait and see. And I'm definitely not going to go easy on you, Princess.
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[And throw him into the ocean like the misbehaving predatory cat that he is.]
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[ Pls do not yeet. ]
Anyway-- I wanted to ask you. How have you been doing here? I know it's a lot different from being up in space.
[ Read: He's a little concerned, gurl. ]
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She was about to make a comment on it, but his question forces that thought aside. She lets out a sigh.]
It.. has been a challenge, I'll admit. Though I haven't truly had a chance to settle just yet.
[She means the water and then the trials, which she... has only barely talked to a few people with about. And of them, only Keith knows who and what she heard.]
But I am adapting.
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[ He doesn't have an issue roughing it. But there are still a few things he misses. Like easy meals and heaters. ]
I'm glad to hear it. And you know if you need anything, we'll all do what we can to help.
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[The differences in technological advancement are not lost upon her, as is how it's affected her alchemy. Yet, adapting is something her race is known for. She's accepted this challenge.
It'll just... take a little for her to manage not to accidentally burn things that aren't supposed to be burned.
brb joining the prep team]Thank you. [Though the way she says it, it's not just for the offer.] I was about to head to the beach to train, if you'd like to..?
[She needs to grow accustomed to her limitations and she's been slowly paranoid about being ineffective in a fight ever since the maze.]
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Join you? Yeah, that sounds like fun.
[ It's, honestly, been some time since he sparred. Shiro feels rusty, and he doesn't want to be a burden on any of his friends or teammates. Or, really, anyone else here. ]
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A princess in recovery and a rusty captain walk out onto the beach...]I'll warn you; I'm not as strong as I am in our reality. ...Could probably still throw you, however.
[It's an easy tease as she leads the way out. She's not quite recovered from the battle and then the trials; she'd had to fight monsters alone for a good portion of it with only her fists or whatever she found laying around, and it likely showed while sparring with Keith.]
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Don't worry. I don't doubt that at all. ... I'd rather not experience it again if I can help it, though.
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... Something flickers across her expression for a split instant but lingers in her eyes as her chin lowers so slightly it's barely noticeable.]
I don't think I'll be throwing you into an escape pod any time soon.
[Not without him grabbing the back of her shirt with his new prosthetic and dragging her with him, anyway. She slows down enough to walk by his side.]
... And I promise not to do so again in a similar context.