It's nothing so serious. We are having a proper bonding ceremony in a few movements, and I would like to get him a gift, but I'm ashamed to admit I don't know what he would like.
Lance mentioned knives and scorpions so you may see where I am having some trouble.
Ah. I can definitely see why you're struggling a bit. Let's see.
[ He sends that off, and then.... ]
A new pair of gloves might be a good fit. Or a nice jacket; something sturdy that'll keep him warm. And, you know, Lance isn't too far off with the knives thing... but maybe a whetstone, to keep whatever weapons he's got nice and sharp.
As someone who's known Keith for a long time... If you're bonding with him, I'm pretty sure that means anything you'd give him would make him happy. I know that's maybe a little vague, but... I'm pretty sure he'll be happy to know you thought about him.
That is convenient for me, not to have to worry about either of you, in this case.
[Thought she can’t help but worry that bonding with Shiro would just put a highlight on how volatile Allura’s own emotions are by comparison. Oh well.]
I had an encounter with an individual who appears to be neither that I have become familiar with when addressing your kind. To be allied to your species, it seems appropriate to be aware of this knowledge.
Ah, I see where the confusion is. I'm definitely not any kind of expert, but sometimes, there are people who don't feel like they're either male or female... and there are quite a few different identities out there. The person you encountered--it's a lot more common than you'd think, actually. Ultimately, it comes down to how someone feels and sees themselves more than biology.
Yes. This will increase my understanding of your species.
[It's along the lines of what Lance said too. It's complicated and up to the individual. That's all he really needs to know honestly since that at least tells him how the humans operate in regards to this.]
I will keep your words in mind for the future.
[That's his way of saying thank you. It's just as obvious as when he tried with Lance.]
Hah, well... I don't know if it's more of a human thing, but... Personally, I keep in mind that reassurance is something we require sometimes, especially when it comes to rough situations.
I think with Lance, skin care products are always a good bet... but don't ask me which ones, because that's definitely not something I'm an expert on. If you want to go for the practical, maybe something weapons maintenance-related. Or for the cute: a stuffed lion or shark.
Just that you two have gotten closer since being here, right?
Sometimes expected isn't bad. A cow might be good, though--and... no. There's at least one cow in space, named Kaltenecker, who lives in the castle with us.
Hey, Sylvia. I'd be more than happy to stop by. I'll be over soon.
[ He won't pass up an opportunity to see Sylvia... and it seems like she's feeling much, much better. That's good. And it really doesn't take long for him to come by, and when he sees her, he gives her a wave. ]
[ sylvia gives him a wave back! there are a few customers in the cafe but they're all seated and interacting with the cats. there's no line in front of shiro. ]
Hey there. I came here at the perfect time, didn't I? [ He grins, easy and warm--it's not difficult, when she seems so enthusiastic. ] Nice to see you again, Sylvia. How are you doing?
Nice to see you too! I'm good, just...living my life, y'know?
[ which is a MAJOR improvement from the last time he saw her. nearly a complete 180, actually. she's still not as chipper as when they'd first met, but she's at least got a smile on her face and that familiar enthusiasm in her voice again. that's something. ]
[ It's definitely something, and Shiro's smile shifts. Just a tiny bit. Shiro's the kind of guy who, when he's feeling a little more relaxed, doesn't mind showing his cards... and the fact that his smile is just a touch warmer and more open is because of her.
She's doing better. And Shiro's enormously glad for it. ]
I'm not doing so bad, either. Getting used to this place, for sure. [ He still isn't particularly forthcoming about himself, though; not in words, at least. He peers up at the menu. ] Let's see... What do you say to surprising me?
[ The Voltron house has three gifts on their doorstep: One of them is addressed to Shiro, signed from Sylvia with a "Happy Modranicht!" on it. It's a tiny box with ornate wrapping paper around it, and when Shiro opens it, he'll find...
A mug! It's a ceramic mug that's molded to have cat ears on one side. Enjoy your kitty mug, Shiro!
Beneath that is a slightly larger box that contains donuts from Purramid Cafe! ]
[When Shiro comes in to collect his pay before the upcoming holiday (during which the café will be closed for the employees to take a break and spend time with their loved ones), he will find there is a small box included with their hard-earned cunes. The box itself is gold, tied with a thin blue ribbon and a tag with their name neatly written upon it that they may or may not recognize as Ozymandias’ handwriting. Inside, they shall find a gold bracelet with a single charm attached to it. Said charm is a very miniature version of the sphinx kittens that roam about, carefully crafted so that these tiny replicas bear the same seemingly endless galaxy within their little forms.]
[A note is included with the payment.]
Dear Shiro,
This business is thriving as well as it has due to your hard work and dedication to the Purramid Café. Please accept this bracelet as a token of my appreciation for all that you have done for the café and our patrons.
The charm attached to this bracelet has been enchanted to allow for the summoning of one the sphinx kittens for a short period of time once you have activated the spell. Care for it well and cherish the time that you have with it, as this divine beast shall serve your loyal companion in that time.
Take care and spend the holiday well! I shall not accept anything less from you.
Sincerely, Pharaoh Ozymandias
[Should Shiro decide to activate the enchantment, the kitten will manage to hang around about 2-3 days.]
[Shiro will find a gift wrapped in front of his bedroom door. Inside is a jacket, in black, with a familiar symbol on the front. Along with a hand written note.] Shiro,
Even though we are a long way from home - even farther, for you - I want you to know that I value and admire your leadership. Even if, for now, we spend more time shepherding cats than fighting Galra.
It is good practice to keep our skills sharp.
I think my father would be proud, to know that you are the lead of Voltron, and I share his feelings. You inspire me not only to be a better leader but a better person as well, both here and back home. I am truly honored to consider you my friend, and my family.
[On the day of the holiday, a plate of homemade cookies and a sample of herbal tea mysteriously appears on his doorstep. The wrapping is decorated with a fresh lily flower (actually a Fae magic product, designed to fade away from existence in a few hours) and a ribbon. The attached handwritten note reads as follows:]
Happy Modranicht! Let’s have another great year here in Aefenglom!
[ On this holiday, Shiro will find two wrapped (albeit not well) packages wrapped in kitty print wrapping paper from Keith outside his door. The first is a hat with a short note with just a :P written on it.
The second is a wam sweater. Let's ignore the fact that the model is a girl... This one comes with a longer note attached. ]
Hey Shiro,
I'm not good at writing these things, but thanks. For everything, you know? You put up with a lot from me over the years and I don't know where I'd be without you. But being bonded made me realize I've been pretty selfish leaning on you all the time. I just want you to know that whatever you're worrying about, you don't have to carry it alone. You can talk to me whenever about whatever. Even if it's three in the morning. I'll be awake anyway so it's no problem.
text | @princessallura also nice I get to break in your ic inbox!
allura slidin into shiro's dms first, how scandalous
What's on your mind?
:3a also this is dated shortly after they went to the carnival together
eyes emoji!!!
Now you've got me really curious, though.
That icon is cute
We are having a proper bonding ceremony in a few movements, and I would like to get him a gift, but I'm ashamed to admit I don't know what he would like.
Lance mentioned knives and scorpions so you may see where I am having some trouble.
isn't it though!!
I can definitely see why you're struggling a bit. Let's see.
[ He sends that off, and then.... ]
A new pair of gloves might be a good fit. Or a nice jacket; something sturdy that'll keep him warm.
And, you know, Lance isn't too far off with the knives thing... but maybe a whetstone, to keep whatever weapons he's got nice and sharp.
no subject
[Hm.]
Gifts on Altea tend to be more symbolic.
But I want it to be something that will make him happy.
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If you're bonding with him, I'm pretty sure that means anything you'd give him would make him happy.
I know that's maybe a little vague, but...
I'm pretty sure he'll be happy to know you thought about him.
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[Implying that she's been thinking about this a lot, ahem. Still, she wants something special.]
What would you want, if someone were to bond with you?
Speaking of, have you found one yet?
[Because she's going to fuss over you until you do, Shiro.]
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Honestly, I haven't thought about it too hard. Maybe something I can wear that's not my paladin armor--I wouldn't say no to a nice jacket.
[ It's the only thing he can think of, mostly because he hasn't thought about gifts in a while! ... Alright, that's a pretty sad thought. Moving on. ]
Keith actually offered back when I was here a couple months ago.
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[Thought she can’t help but worry that bonding with Shiro would just put a highlight on how volatile Allura’s own emotions are by comparison. Oh well.]
I will tell him to get you a jacket.
text; un: no
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What do you need?
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[Because there is someone here who is making him wonder...]
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Goodness.
It takes a while for Shiro to answer. ]
That's... a pretty complicated subject, if I'm completely honest.
Is there something on your mind?
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I'm definitely not any kind of expert, but sometimes, there are people who don't feel like they're either male or female... and there are quite a few different identities out there.
The person you encountered--it's a lot more common than you'd think, actually.
Ultimately, it comes down to how someone feels and sees themselves more than biology.
Does that help at all?
no subject
[It's along the lines of what Lance said too. It's complicated and up to the individual. That's all he really needs to know honestly since that at least tells him how the humans operate in regards to this.]
I will keep your words in mind for the future.
[That's his way of saying thank you. It's just as obvious as when he tried with Lance.]
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My messages are always open if you need anything else, by the way.
[ He's glad Kolivan is making friends! (????) ]
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[..........okay and for him too. Definitely for him.]
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But it's nice to have a reminder sometimes.
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I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.
Do you?
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[Kolivan this is not how you hold a conversation. Like, at all.]
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Personally, I keep in mind that reassurance is something we require sometimes, especially when it comes to rough situations.
[ It's a good thing Shiro can roll with it! ]
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[ so you know, if you feel a burst of Feelings from Lance-- ]
text' un: keith
can't believe i'm asking this but
do you have any idea what lance might like for his birthday?
other than a pretty girl that is
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[ SHIRO. ]
I think with Lance, skin care products are always a good bet... but don't ask me which ones, because that's definitely not something I'm an expert on.
If you want to go for the practical, maybe something weapons maintenance-related.
Or for the cute: a stuffed lion or shark.
no subject
what makes you say that?
you don't think a lion or shark would be too ... expected?
maybe a cow
are there actual cows in space or did lance make that up to mes with me?
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Sometimes expected isn't bad.
A cow might be good, though--and... no. There's at least one cow in space, named Kaltenecker, who lives in the castle with us.
surprise! 8/1 un: sylviak
just wanted to let you know that i'll be at the cafe today if you wanna stop by for a drink. no pressure if you're busy!
[ what she isn't telling him is that his drink will be on the house. let it be a surprise, since he surprised her with donuts...! ]
chinhands!! un: shirogane
I'd be more than happy to stop by. I'll be over soon.
[ He won't pass up an opportunity to see Sylvia... and it seems like she's feeling much, much better. That's good. And it really doesn't take long for him to come by, and when he sees her, he gives her a wave. ]
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[ sylvia gives him a wave back! there are a few customers in the cafe but they're all seated and interacting with the cats. there's no line in front of shiro. ]
Hey there, stranger!
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Hey there. I came here at the perfect time, didn't I? [ He grins, easy and warm--it's not difficult, when she seems so enthusiastic. ] Nice to see you again, Sylvia. How are you doing?
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[ which is a MAJOR improvement from the last time he saw her. nearly a complete 180, actually. she's still not as chipper as when they'd first met, but she's at least got a smile on her face and that familiar enthusiasm in her voice again. that's something. ]
What about you? What can I make for you today?
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She's doing better. And Shiro's enormously glad for it. ]
I'm not doing so bad, either. Getting used to this place, for sure. [ He still isn't particularly forthcoming about himself, though; not in words, at least. He peers up at the menu. ] Let's see... What do you say to surprising me?
12/21
A mug! It's a ceramic mug that's molded to have cat ears on one side. Enjoy your kitty mug, Shiro!
Beneath that is a slightly larger box that contains donuts from Purramid Cafe! ]
modranicht gift!
[A note is included with the payment.]
Dear Shiro,
This business is thriving as well as it has due to your hard work and dedication to the Purramid Café. Please accept this bracelet as a token of my appreciation for all that you have done for the café and our patrons.
The charm attached to this bracelet has been enchanted to allow for the summoning of one the sphinx kittens for a short period of time once you have activated the spell. Care for it well and cherish the time that you have with it, as this divine beast shall serve your loyal companion in that time.
Take care and spend the holiday well! I shall not accept anything less from you.
Sincerely,
Pharaoh Ozymandias
[Should Shiro decide to activate the enchantment, the kitten will manage to hang around about 2-3 days.]
Modranicht!
Shiro,
Even though we are a long way from home - even farther, for you - I want you to know that I value and admire your leadership. Even if, for now, we spend more time shepherding cats than fighting Galra.
It is good practice to keep our skills sharp.
I think my father would be proud, to know that you are the lead of Voltron, and I share his feelings. You inspire me not only to be a better leader but a better person as well, both here and back home. I am truly honored to consider you my friend, and my family.
Sincerely,
Princess Allura
Modranicht gift
Happy Modranicht! Let’s have another great year here in Aefenglom!
M⚜️
Modranicht!
The second is a wam sweater.
Let's ignore the fact that the model is a girl...This one comes with a longer note attached. ]Hey Shiro,
I'm not good at writing these things, but thanks. For everything, you know? You put up with a lot from me over the years and I don't know where I'd be without you. But being bonded made me realize I've been pretty selfish leaning on you all the time. I just want you to know that whatever you're worrying about, you don't have to carry it alone. You can talk to me whenever about whatever. Even if it's three in the morning.
I'll be awake anyway so it's no problem.
- Keith