AN: Will be from Curtis' point of view.

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Curtis knew Shiro before the Galra Invasion.

Back in cadet school. They were classmates for the core courses so perhaps 'knew' wasn't the right word. He vaguely remembered lending Shiro something - a pen? calculator? - he couldn't remember what. All he recalled was Shiro's grateful smile before he turned his attention back to the front.

That was first year.

Second year he didn't see Shiro in class but they did have the same shooting slot. He had terrible aim. Shiro was better with his right but could shoot just as well with his left. He remembered hearing praises but Shiro just shrugged it off.

One time Shiro came over to offer advice.

'Take a breath. Get your bearings, then eyes on the target.'

That advice helped him several times. He even used it to calm his nerves when the Galra first came down. Commander Holt's presence had been a huge help too. Everyone was all the better for it except for maybe Admiral Sanda.

All of this was running through his mind as he saw Shiro standing in front of The Wall. Captain Shirogane was still dressed in his formal uniform from his speech earlier today. His beret was in his right hand, the advanced prosthetic that hovered like something out of a sci-fi movie. Shiro reached his left hand out to touch a plate. Nothing was said but the air around him made Curtis feel like he was intruding in something extremely private.

He took a step back. His shoes made a faint sound.

The feeling of intrusion increased when Shirogane turned his head. His eyes contained a watery fragility that seemed so different than the fire during his piloting the Atlas or giving the speech. Curtis definitely should have left the second he spotted Shiro here.

"I am so sorry Captain," Curtis lifted his hands up, not knowing what else to do. "I'll just -"

"It's fine." Shiro cleared his throat and put his beret back on. The action shifted his demeanor instantly. His facial expression was collected. Curtis would have doubted what he saw if it weren't for the lingering red in his eyes. "Does Sam need me?"

"I'm to inform you that the paladins have awakened."

There was the slightest relaxation of Shiro's shoulders. "That's great news. I'll be right over."

Curtis inclined his head. "Of course." He turned to leave. But he felt moved to add in, "He wanted to make sure you had somewhere to come back to. Senior Officer Williams." Pause. "That's why he went out there despite the overwhelming odds and - well..."

Shiro adjusted his beret, blocking his face. "Is that all officer?"

"...Yes, Shirogane sir."

Shiro walked passed him without another word. Curtis stayed where he was to silently chide himself. Just had to open my mouth. He sighed and then turned on his heel.

Veronica was rubbing off on him.

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AN: I have some salt about S8 and I definitely have my shipping preferences but there's just something soft about the idea of Curtis/Shiro that won't leave my mind. Even though we didn't see them interact. XD Am I alone in this analysis?

I have a couple of other little snapshots for this so I'll leave it in "incomplete" status.