[Closed]

[padadin]

Who: Five lions and a rock
Broadcast: No
Action: On the Iskaulit
When: Beginning of the month

[Seeing the destruction of the planet has been hard on everyone, but it definitely has a specially bad effect on this particular group. Losing a planet like this is what the pilots fight to avoid, what Shay almost got through. It's incredibly frustrating.

So add that to the fact they aren't all living in the same ship like it happens at home, and well. These little family is some serious need of bonding time. Just making a pile of astroexplorers and letting them bask in each other's comfort.

That's how they end up having a sleepover on the Iskaulit, the lecture hall to be more precise. They push away tables and chairs, scatter all the pillows and blankets they brought from their own ships, and get comfy for a night with friends.

There are snacks (courtesy of Hunk of course), some non-alcoholic drinks (while Shiro wouldn't mind them drinking a bit, he thinks them being kinda down is not a good moment for that) and probably some games that could go funny enough... or an absolute mess when their augments decide to glitch.

Watch out for the pillow fight. Shiro plays to win.]

Comments

B

[the_tailor]

Surprisingly? Yeah. It's...kind of nice not to have to constantly fight like we did back home.

[By now, he's feeling even more relaxed, and a little more open. That he trusts Shiro so much helps in him talking more.]

Honestly, I missed just being a teenager.

[padadin]

It does feel like a break, doesn't it?

[Being entertainment doesn't exactly amuse him, but he can't deny what Lance just said. He's noticed, too.]

I'm glad something good is coming out of this. Being a teenager is what you should be doing at your age, not fighting a war. [He shakes his head - damn, this is not the topic he should be bringing up in this happy meeting.] Sorry. It's your turn now.

[the_tailor]

[It's alright. They can switch the subject.]

Okay, sooooo... Other than getting to relax, is there anything particular here you're grateful for over being back home?

[padadin]

[There's no hesitation, he quickly nods to that question.]

Of course. I'm getting to know you all better without the war on our shoulders. I'm exploring the universe, and meeting all kinds of interesting people. As much as it pains to give Atroma any credit, [He pulls a face.] this is what I signed up for at the Garrison. How about you?

[the_tailor]

The same, really. Reality show shenanagins aside, this is exactly what I signed up for as well. And the whole bonding time with you guys? Getting to know you better, getting to know the others better, learning all these new things? ...Yeah. It's good.

[padadin]

[Suddenly, a bit of a grin.]

Meeting your lost twin adds to it too, doesn't it?

[the_tailor]

[He laughs, pulling his blanket around him a little more.]

I can't believe how alike we are! We're definitely the same person in different realities. I mean, weirder things have happened around here.

[padadin]

Definitely. But let's not start on the topic of different realities, please. [He doesn't want to think about certain alien.] You're next.

[Yeah, he's counting "what about you" as his question, SUE HIM.]

[the_tailor]

What? You're not missing a certain person from back home?

[Lance smirks. He can't help but tease.]

Get ready for the classic sleepover question, Shiro. Do you have a crush on anyone?

[GOIN' RIGHT FOR IT.]

[padadin]

No. [It's kinda growled. Don't even try, Lance.

The next question makes him all tense, but keeping a poker face, he arches an eyebrow.]

You really meant it when you said you wanted to be a typical teenager, huh.

[WHO IS DODGING, NOT HIM!]

[the_tailor]

[He tries anyway.

And he notices the tension. But...he's still gonna press a little.]

I really meant it. Yes or no?

[padadin]

[Shiro sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose as he answers.]

No, Lance.

[His tone implies enough is enough but... yep, that's a mark appearing on his face. A very purple mark.]

[the_tailor]

Yes, Lance.

[The blue paladin reaches out to poke Shiro's cheek where the mark is.]

That's funny. This one's a different color. The other one you had from the game was black, but this one's...purple.

[padadin]

...what?

[He pushes Lance's hand away and grabs a glass to check his reflection on it.

Yeeeeep. That mark is purple. And he knows exactly what it means.

With a groan, Shiro facepalms. Pathetic. He's so, so pathetic.]

[the_tailor]

There, there, buddy. You shouldn't be embarrassed just because you have feelings like any other human being. I mean, she's a really bombass girl, so who can blame you?

[He pats him on the shoulder.]

[padadin]

You don't even know-- [Oh, who is he trying to kid. Another sigh. He uncovers his face and grabs the glass again to frown at his reflection as if it had betrayed him. Stupid glitch.] I'm not embarrassed. [A tiny black mark appears - he is, a little bit.] Just frustrated.

[the_tailor]

I mean, it could be worse. It's not like there's ever been bad blood between you guys or anything. Not to mention, you're a heck of a catch, so I doubt she'd resist your charms for too long.

[Another pat!]

Though there's the whole "married to the job" vibe she has going, but not like you two don't have that in common either.

[padadin]

[Oh gosh, no. Nononono. He doesn't want to hear this, he can't.]

Nothing is going to happen, Lance. Drop it.

[the_tailor]

I'll drop it, but you know that suffering without taking a chance is stupid, don't you?

[padadin]

There are no chances. Sooner or later, it'll pass. [Keep telling yourself that, Shiro.] Are you taking any chances beyond your usual flirting?

[the_tailor]

What's that supposed to mean?

[Eyebrow raise.]

[padadin]

[Determined face to get attention off him!]

Exactly what I said. I guess that's my question. You flirt a lot, but there's nobody you want to take a chance with?

[the_tailor]

What? No! Please. As if a catch like this doesn't want to keep fishing himself.

[He says it defensively out of instinct. A mark appears on his own cheek, though--a line in bright red.]

[padadin]

[...ah. Well then.

The thought crossed his mind, he has to admit. But he didn't see it as possible - after being in Lance's mind during calibrations, he's been blaming the boy's weird mood on his issues.

This, though. It leaves no room for doubt. His eyes soften.]

...Red.

[the_tailor]

Red? What about red? Yes, that's a color, what--

[He feels his blood run cold.

Oh no.

Lance grabs his own glass, looking at his own reflection, and...yep. There's definitely a red mark on his face.]

...quiznak.