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Who: Shiro and you
Broadcast: Yes
Action: If you want, he's on the Blameless
When: Saturday evening

[Text closed to Keith - Friday night]

We've arrived to the new system. How are you feeling?

[He doesn't know about the planet bringing back the sensations of the dreams yet, but he worries.]

-----

[Video - Saturday evening]

[When the feed starts, an armor wearing Shiro is sitting down and taking off his helmet as the light blue lights of his suit go off.]

This is Shiro, co-captain of S.S. Blameless.

[His face is serious, and his tone of voice means business.]

Last month, certain members of the fleet had visions about the planet we were visiting and the incident that happened after. But there are certain dreams that didn't find their match there, and it seems this new system has brought those sensations back. So early today, I went down with a teammate that had those dreams to investigate. [He frowns a bit, obviously not pleased with the result.] There are some small towns, inhabited by the orange-skinned people we usually encounter. They're heavily armed, too, because of a group called the Vieziri. They're dangerous, deadly hunters that have made the locals live in constant fear.

[His hold on his helmet tightens - it's frustrating, not having his lion, being limited in what he can help with. But he continues, the natural leader in him shining through.]

I know we can't stay in our ships forever. So if you go down there, please, don't do it alone. The bigger the group, the better. Bring a weapon with you, if you aren't the powered or magical kind. The locals are willing to sell theirs, too. Keep your communicators safe and close at all times, check the GPS function that our fellow fleet members were offering some time ago. Captains, it would be wise of you to know where your crew is at all times.

[He pauses. There isn't much more he can say other than be careful. So how to end such a feed?]

If a situation like Lyuku's must happen again, I can only hope we're better prepared this time. [ #famouslastwords ]

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Him and Clint. [ kate speaks with a kind of reverential awe. like she doesn't know what she's done to deserve two so important people (to her) joining the fleet. ] Within, like, days of each other.

[ and clint's better, despite the bad things that have happened. it buoys her. ]

[No need to explain that feeling - he agrees with it, feels it himself.]

Just like my team, everyone just started to show up. Even if Allura didn't stay for long. It's funny how we go from zero to numbers in the fleet, especially here in the Blameless.

[Now give him his lion, Atroma.]

Sometimes, I ask myself whether I'd feel better if there was a pattern to it. Y'know, some kinda rhyme or reason.

[ she hums a moment -- lost somewhere between the conversation and the activity. ]

Maybe there is and we just don't know it. Ratings sounds too simple and shallow, doesn't it?

[It is a relaxing activity, and the company helps too. Shiro wouldn't mind it if it only becomes her humming - it would be a comfortable silence, not an awkward one.]

...They really do. [ kate's head bobs into a nod. ] Especially when you consider all the leaving and arriving. It's never quite added up.

Yeah, it never has. Especially when they told us they're okay and went home, when that is supposed to be the prize. It doesn't make sense that--

[He pauses rather suddenly, like if now he realizes what he's saying, and shakes his head.]

...it doesn't make sense for me to bring this up now. I'm supposed to be relaxing. New topic, please.

Edited 2017-10-22 21:24 (UTC)

New topic? Sure. You got it, boss.

[ co-boss. her smile is lop-sided as she shifts backward, pulling his foot with her so she can orchestrate a better angle for her work. someday, they're gonna have to talk about the darker nature of this place.

but shiro's right. not now. ]

Why don't you tell me about how all this co-captaining is going? For you, I mean. I can't imagine it's always easy sharing command if you're used to being the only one at the top.

[He comes a little closer - just because she's dragging his foot with her, of course, nothing else. Co-boss, he's about to correct in teasing, but look at that, that's the topic she has in mind in the first place.

Is that what is bothering her? He hopes not, because--]

It's been going great, actually. I wouldn't have accepted if I didn't get along with you so well. And while I'm the leader of my team, Allura is still the princess in the castle. [A shrug.] Besides, before Voltron, I was in the Galaxy Garrison. Plenty of commanders I had to listen to.

[....] How about you?

I love it. [ and she means it when it's said. ] I'm all about that collaboration. Pretty sure a helluva lot of industries back home would do better if they only collaborated better instead of...

[ okay, wow, she's getting off topic. kate's attention drops back to shiro's toes. ]

But I gotta ask you something. And I'm really sorry about this question, like, in advance. But it's gotta be asked.

[His smile appears instantly, wide and delighted, when she says she loves it and loves teamwork. That's right, collaboration is the best, and most jobs would go much smoother if they learned to work in groups.

But there's a but. Of course. So he's been right, she does have something in her mind. Shiro arches an eyebrow at her, some scenarios going through his mind but none even close to guessing.]

This is second time you sound ominous today, and I'm guessing this isn't about rehab. What's the question?

Someone said something. That's all.

[ -- and she'd like to ignore it, really, but if she doesn't talk this out right now then it's going to loom and linger and a good working relationship can't afford either of those things. ]

Just -- I gotta know. The star tour...it wasn't a date, was it?

[Well, that must've been a big something to get Kate like this, she's usually better about not caring about what others say. He's curious and wants to ask what it was, but helping her with her worries is first priority. Beside, it's no like--

Ah.

Quiznak.

Maybe he does know who and what after all.]

What? No. [And it's said with confidence, without hesitation, without awkwardness, even if he's dying inside. Because feelings for her aside, this bit is true: it wasn't a date. He wants to keep her as a friend and forget whatever else his mind is insisting in taking that friendship into.] Do you really think I'm that kind of guy?

[Because that's a bit insulting, to be honest. However... he can't deny dealing with his feelings hasn't been easy. Shiro sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose.]

It was my team, wasn't it. I'm sorry. I'll talk to them. [And there's that dad tone slipping into that sentence that says there will be SCOLDING. Yes, in all capitals.] But if I did anything that made you uncomfortable...

[Shiro, you have your foot on her lap.]

[ she likes shiro. and maybe that's just enough to keep her from rebuking him when he takes the ol' reliable do you really think i'm that kind of guy route. and maybe she can't speak for the future, or for his world, but in kate's experience you gotta ask yourself these questions even with the good ones.

because dating is hard. and tricky. and doubly so when it involves colleagues. things slip through the cracks... ]

No, no, nothing like that -- I just. [ she puffs her cheeks and doubles down on her focus: his toes, and painting them purple. it's rare that she so studiously avoids eye contact. ] It's best to be upfront about these kinds of things. Like I said -- I had to ask.

[Well, she doesn't deny it was his team, so he knows where he's going after this. But first there's a talk that needs to be dealt with. Because an awkward question obviously isn't the only thing going on, and while Shiro usually doesn't push, this discussion has been opened so... may as well participate. Make things clear as she says.]

You're right, it's good to be upfront. I believe in communication, and I don't want to make things weird between us.

[His foot fidgets a bit on her lap. He speaks with his usual leadership skills and at the same time his fondness for her, but inside he's a mess, and that mess is going to express itself in some way. He wants to scream, to get away from her room, because if she's asking to check that it wasn't a date, then that means... she doesn't want it to be.

And it shouldn't hurt so much. Because he's never thought about her feelings on the subject, he's only been concentrating on keeping himself in check. He can't have this, he's always known, and yet... hearing it from her... yeah, it hurts, because he's still human, and no matter how he pretends to have accepted his fate as a broken man, the truth is, he hasn't.]

If you can't look at me while "asking", then it's not just my team and a dumb question. Something is bothering you.

[He thought so before, and he's even more sure now.]

[ he calls her out. he's right to do so. she knows it. so -- blowing a long strand of black hair out of her eyes -- she lifts her chin and dips the brush back into the bottle. kate doesn't nudge away his foot, but she does lean backward and plant the heels of her palms on the bed. ]

I've been here before.

[ kate confesses. and maybe she should have said something earlier -- warned him, really, of the consequences of working so closely. but it's kinda like what she said to lance, right? why should it hafta be some big dramatic thing? people do stuff together all the time; it doesn't automatically mean it's love...

or even lust. infatuation. a crush.

she clears her throat. ]

With the Young Avengers. I told you I co-lead the team with Eli. What I didn't mention is how we were...sorta together at the time. It causes problems. [ which is when kate realizes she's missing an important step in this conversation: actually saying, out loud, that dating shiro wouldn't be such a terrible prospect. y'know, under other circumstances. ]

But I believe you when you say it wasn't a date. If that's the case? Then -- there's nothing we need to worry about. Right? No problems to cause.

[ it's a little like being asked to be put out of her misery, really. ]

[She doesn't nudge away his foot, but her change of position and body language send that message - in Shiro's eyes anyway. So he removes his foot and forces himself to look at her with a poker face while he listens, even if his chest is burning, even if the only thing he wants to look at right now is a punching bag.]

I'm not looking for a relationship right now. [Or ever, he thinks, because will he ever be not broken? And he surprises himself how he can keep a steady tone and his hands behind him on the mattress instead of reaching for her. Because well... this part is true. He may have feelings, but he isn't planning to do anything about them. Being responsible about things first and personal life second comes easy to him.] So no, no problems to cause. I'm sorry about my team, I promise I'll talk to them.

[A pause. Not taking it anymore, he looks down at his lap, frowning a bit. He's accepted his fate when it comes to romance, but... there's something he can't lose. Please, universe, let him have one thing at least.]

But you are an important friend to me. The best I have here from the fleet. I hope that isn't a problem either. I didn't lie during that text conversation - talking to you is good for me.

Shiro. Of course. You and me. Friends. Absolutely.

[ actually? she seems a bit...relieved. had he said anything else, then she would have had to shift into the next phase of problem-solving: assuring him that she wouldn't mind giving this dating thing a try, maybe, so long as they sorted out the captaincy first. she's not sure that both could work, in the end.

kate watches as he moves away. alright, okay, she deserves that. ]

I'm glad I brought it up -- we're on the same page. I'm definitely not ready for anything romantic.

[He's relieved, too, although for completely different reasons. Losing her is just not option right now, that important she's become in his life, and he sure felt like he would during the conversation. That doesn't mean that he likes finding that same relieved feeling on her face when he looks up, though. Ouch.

It's for the best, he tells himself. If she isn't interested, then it'll be easier for him to try and move on. So keeps his little smile and nods in agreement - same page. Sure. Technically they are.]

I'm not sure my team putting you through an uncomfortable conversation is something I'm glad about-- [Just teasing. Or trying to anyway.] --but yes. Being on the same page is good.

[He usually loves their "rehab" but now he can't stand being here any longer. He needs a moment to breathe before he does something stupid.]

...I should find them before they get any ideas again. [Grabbing his socks and boots. Only one foot with painted nails is still enough to make him extra aware of the purple he carries with him, just like with the watch, which he still wears and will continue wearing.]

[ -- now this is unexpected. sure, she figured it might get awkward. but.

but he's rushing to leave? well, that's kate's first inkling that something's gone more wrong than she'd first anticipated. her mouth settles into a frown, but she quickly schools it away. there's no need to put any guilt in him. ]

Don't be too hard on them. [ she wants to tell him it's a conversation that probably should have happened regardless of what any of his team said or didn't say. ] This is about you and me. Not you and me and them.

[ the distinction is important, she thinks. ]

Exactly. It's not their business, and they shouldn't have bothered you about it.

[He finishes putting on his boots and turns to look at her again. A little part of him wants to put his other foot on her lap, feel her hands on him again, and that just... seems an awful idea after this conversation. And even him has a limit on how long he can keep up his poker face.

Things can return to normal tomorrow. Right now he needs a little break, and he realizes he probably should express that idea. Somehow.]

We're reaching a new system tomorrow. [He offers a little smile.] Maybe then we can try finding the purple socks you mentioned earlier? [Are we cool? Because it doesn't feel that way.]

[ her smile matches his. small, but earnest. ]

I'd like that. [ true, true, true. ] A little retail therapy never hurt anything. Except, I suppose, the wallet.

[ but she's not low on cash -- so what should that matter? besides, the joke is reflexive and all in the service of a brave face. she's still unsure about what's just happened between the two of them.

god, she needs to talk to billy.

kate screws the lid on her nail polish more tightly closed. ]

...You let me know when you're ready to go sock-hunting.

[ she puts that ball firmly into his court. ]

If there's one thing I can't complain about this place, it's our wallets.

[The audience likes him, judging by the numbers in his account. Probably enjoy a tragic hero, he supposes. Is this conversation with Kate a hit too? Is he going to be paid for having his heart broken?

He shouldn't be thinking about that, not with his current mood. Being entertainment for aliens is a big issue for him and it's not a good idea to make it more... disgusting.

At least she's smiling and agreeing. Good. They're cool then. He still has her friendship and company, and that's what truly matters.]

We have a deal, co-boss. See you later then.

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