Co-written by FantasyMagicGirl
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Keith getting some of his frustration out by training with a few drones.
Shiro figured he would be there so he came in, "Something stressing you out Keith?"
Keith sliced another drone before turning off the simulation "I... I kind of messed up today," Keith said sounding stressed and guilty.
"Lance and Pidge told me you didn't like the idea of her getting another pet," Shiro said.
"Yeah," Keith said rubbing the back of his neck "I saw how much it tore Pidge up losing Rover, I... didn't want her to ever go through something like that again, and that cat plant is a lot weaker then Rover was," Keith explained leaning against a wall.
"You don't know what Keith," Shiro told him, "It may be stronger than you give it credit for. Not to mention Pidge already named her, so I doubt she'd give her up now."
Keith frowned a little at that "Maybe... I just... feel kind of bad for hurting her, I meant what I said but... I really shouldn't have brought up Rover like that."
"I know you were just trying to help in your own way, but the best thing to do now is just be supportive. The whole teams going to help take care of Midori," Shiro informed him.
"... I guess that can help," Keith nodded "Still, a part of me doesn't like that she got the cat planet from the prince," Keith muttered.
Shiro sighed, "To be honest I don't like it either. But I don't really have a reason not to trust Prince Buteo or Pidge."
"I know he's supposed to be an ally but something about the way he treats and acts around Pidge really bugs me..." Keith said not sure how to explain it.
"…You really haven't figured it out," Shiro asked. At Keith's confused look he continued, "Buteo is acting that way because he likes Pidge."
"Well a lot of people seem to like Pidge" Keith replied still looking confused not understanding why that would bother him.
Kuro groaning in the back of Shiro's mind, 'I'm starting to understand why Keith and Katie usually get along.'"I meant that he's interested in her…romantically," Shiro explained, feeling weird having this kind of talk with him. He was smart but could be dense at certain social things. Keith understood when someone was being sarcastic and could make jokes. Through he didn't much about pop culture, maybe that was it.
"Oh..." Keith muttered not sure how to take that "is Pidge interested in him?" Keith questioned.
"I don't think so," Shiro sighed, "I'm not even sure if she really knew until Lance and I told her."
"I guess that makes sense," Keith said, since he didn't notice either, "Though I can't see her dating the guy."
Shiro couldn't help but feel relieved hearing that, "Why's that," he questioned.
"He just doesn't feel like a good match for Pidge, Pidge likes a challenge and that guy would just probably give her whatever she wants, and she likes to be treated equally like a partnership, I can't picture them really working like that," Keith explained though he really didn't know much about the prince but he knew pidge pretty well.
"I guess you make a good point," Shiro said, happy to hear it, through knew the prince could change how he behaves around Pidge once he gets to know her. But the odds were that they wouldn't get the chance.
That even seem to comfort Kuro a little though he still wanted to tell Pidge about how they felt.
Shiro kind of wanted to focus on getting rid of Kuro first, still worried he was going crazy.
"Good luck with that" Kuro chuckled.
Shiro sighed, wondering if there was anyone he could talk to about it. He could tell Keith but he'd want to tell the others hoping they could help him.
"So you know... if Pidge is still upset," Keith asked since Shiro had seen her recently.
"She still seemed a little upset, give her some more time before talking to her," Shiro advised.
"Alright," Keith nodded, his shoulders slumping a little, he honestly did feel bad for hurting pidge like that.
"I'm sure if you're sorry Pidge will forgive you," Shiro assured him, "I know you didn't mean anything bad by it."
"Yeah I just hope she knows the same," Keith replied.
Shiro gave him a reassuring smile and put a hand on his shoulder. "Try not to worry about it too much."
"I'll try," Keith replied. He didn't have many friends and didn't want to lose Pidge over something like this.
"If she still seems angry after you apologize I'll have another talk with her," Shiro told Keith, "But I think she knows you didn't want to hurt her."
"Thanks Shiro," Keith replied feeling a little better.
Shiro smiled, "Through Lance may still call you a jerk."
"Yeah, wasn't expecting anything less" Keith muttered.
The black paladin wondered what was the real problem Lance had with Keith.
Keith really didn't know, he barley remembered Lance from the academy.
Which might actually be part of the problem, since if he did do something, he couldn't remember what it was.
"I'll be glad when we can leave this place tomorrow," Keith muttered.
"Same," Shiro sighed, wanting Pidge far away from the prince as possible. He also thought it was dangerous to stay in one place for too long.
Meanwhile Pidge was trying to make Midori a little bed with spare blankets at the corner of her bed so she stayed close.
"Are you sure she doesn't need dirt or some kind of soil to sleep on," Hunk questioned, not knowing how much of a plant she was like.
"I don't think so, but I'll double check with Buteo tomorrow," Pidge said, Midori curling up on the nest of blankets looking quite comfy.
"She seems happy at least," Hunk commented, "…Is she going to shed? And if she does is it just going to be leaves?"
"I think so, kind of like a tree, hmm maybe I should get a book from Buteo, or maybe a special communicator from him so I can ask questions if there's ever an emergency with Midori" Pidge said petting the kitten.
"That might be a good idea," Hunk said, petting Midori too, who luckily wasn't afraid of his big hands. "I'm sure he'd like for you to have a communicator."
"Because you think he's going to want to talk to me once I leave," Pidge guessed, though still had a hard time believing he would hold interest in her much longer after they left.
Hunk didn't know why Pidge had such a hard time believing that a guy would be interested in her. Was it because Buteo was a prince? Hunk had to admit he'd have a hard time believing that a princess liked him.
Pidge wondered if she should check up on Shiro before heading to bed, since he seemed to be having a hard time sleeping lately.
Shiro was already in bed, not sure if he should sleep or just work out like he usually does. He was surprised when there was a knock at the door and was happy to see Pidge, "Katie, what are you doing here?"
Midori perched on her shoulder "I wanted to check up on you... see if you were still stressed or having trouble sleeping... sorry if I woke you up"
"It's fine, I wasn't sleeping," he assured her. Shiro wanted to ask her something but was too nervous to, despite Kuro's insistence that he do it.
"Do you want me to stay till you fall asleep?" Pidge offered shyly, petting Midori to ease her nervousness.
Shiro smiled, "I would actually enjoy that a lot," he told her, blushing a bit. He was glad she offered since he doubted he'd be able to ask.
Pidge smiled letting herself into the room sitting down on the edge of Shiro's bed.
"You can lay down if you want," Shiro offered, thinking she'd be more comfortable that way, through knew she could sleep sitting up.
"You sure I won't take up too much room," Pidge asked not wanting Shiro to feel squished in his own bed.
"It'll be fine," Shiro said, not minding her having to be close to him, moving over a bit so she could lay down.
Pidge laying down Midori laying down on the pillow next to Pidge's head, Pidge offering her hand to Shiro to hold.
He smiled and gently took her hand in his, giving it a light squeeze. Kuro was being quiet, which Shiro figured must mean that he's happy.
Pidge blushing a little, gently squeezing his hand back, before closing her eyes not wanting Shiro to catch her staring at him.
Giving her hand another gentle squeeze, Shiro closed his eyes and tried to go to sleep, feeling better with Pidge there.
Midori softly purring as she cuddled up to Pidge, Kuro feeling calm and content having Pidge so close.
Shiro was glad Kuro was being silent. He didn't even seem to mind Midori being with them.
It didn't take long for Pidge to drift to sleep her breathing becoming softer and more even, though her grip on his hand only loosening a little.
Shiro kissed her forehead and drifted off to sleep, moving a little closer to Pidge.
Kuro wanted to kiss her lips but was content with the small kiss on the head for now, though he would rather wrap his arm around her waist over just holding her hand, with Katie so close to him.
The black paladin hoped that Kuro would be content enough not to bother him while he slept. He'd rather dream about Pidge than him.
Dream about them both being back on earth, Katie having her long hair again her brother and father home safe again like all the horrible things that happened with the Galra never happened.
He wondered what the chances were of being able to have a normal life after all of this. Would he be able to go on his life like nothing ever happened? Or would the paladins always be needed?
No one really had an answer for that, but maybe if him and Pidge could find a way to build a relationship, it wouldn't matter which path happened in the future as long as they got to stay together.
Of course he still had to work up the courage to confess to her, and he wasn't sure how long that would take. He thought waiting would be better, Kuro disagreeing with him strongly on that.
Though they were making a strange kind of progress with her at least with the sleeping arrangements, Pidge having come to them without even asking her too.
Shiro wondered if it would be strange to ask if they could do this every night, cause he really seemed to sleep better when she was with him. But what if she had trouble sleeping with him?
It took some time for Pidge to calm down, feeling nervous sleeping so close to Shiro, but something about the scent that came from Midori when the kitten slept made her feel sleepy as well and helped her drift to sleep quicker than usual.
What would happen if one of the other paladins found them like this? Would they believe that it was just for sleep? He doubted any of them suspected anything about his feelings for Pidge since they didn't seem to have a problem trying to hook her up with Buteo.
All except for Keith that is, who seemed just as clueless and Pidge was about the prince's feelings towards her.
Through getting Midori as a gift made Pidge start to think they were right, but was still kind of in denial about it.
Thinking Buteo only found her so interesting was because she was human.
Which didn't really make sense since the others were human too and Buteo's never seen a Altean before either.
Pidge just couldn't imagine why a prince of all people show interest in her.
She'd also find it hard to believe if Shiro liked her. The teams handsome, fearless leader.
Thinking Shiro only saw her as his friend's little sister.
Which couldn't be further from the truth, though he did feel some guilt lusting after his friends sister.
Well one part of him was, Kuro didn't feel any guilt wanting to touch, hold and kiss Katie.
Shiro sighed in his sleep, dreaming of holding and kissing Pidge, whispering into her ear that he loved her.
Pidge holding him tightly, looking up at him lovingly as Katie told him she loved him too.
It was a great dream, allowing Shiro to sleep happily and peacefully, feeling relaxed.
Pidge feeling pretty rested when she woke up the next morning as well.
Midori was resting on top of her head, her leafy tail in her face. She purred in her sleep.
Pidge gently pushing the tail out of her face blushing when she relived how close she was to Shiro.
Shiro seemed to be resting peacefully, a small smile on his face, his hand still entwined with Pidge's.
Pidge trying to be quiet as she sat up and gently let go of Shiro's hand.
Midori let out a soft mew, getting off the bed when her owner did. Shiro seemed to tense up once Pidge wasn't near.
Pidge pausing seeing Shiro tense up, gently putting Midori on her lap gently grabbing Shiro's hand again as she gently pet her kitten with the other hand.
Shiro instantly relaxed as soon as Pidge grabbed his hand, feeling better having contact with her.
Pidge a little surprised how quickly he relaxed wondering if having someone close made him feel safer.
Pidge's small hands seemed to fit surprisingly well in Shiro's mental one, able to feel her warmth.
Pidge always a little surprised how warm Shiro's mental hand really was her thumb gently tracing over the mental.
After a while Shiro finally woke up, yawning and feeling well rested, not noticing he was still holding Pidge's hand.
"Morning" Pidge greeted Midori mewing.
Shiro was surprised to see her at first, but smiled, "Good morning Katie, how did you sleep?"
"Pretty good" Pidge nodded "Though I could of lived without waking up to a leafy tail in my face" she teased her kitten gently ruffling her leafy mane. "What about you? Did you sleep alright?"
"Yeah, I slept great," Shiro smiled, "…Are you sure you weren't bothered by sleeping with me." He needed to know cause he wanted to ask if they could do it again. He slept so much better with her.
"Well, it is a little strange sharing a bed with someone," Pidge admitted blushing a little "But it didn't take me long to fall asleep."
"This may seem a little weird…but would you mind sleeping with me again sometime," Shiro asked with a blush, "I sleep better when you're with me." It was true, Shiro looked better rested than he had in a long time.
Pidge blushed at the requested, slowing nodding "Umm sure" Pidge agreed, she wanted to help Shiro and a part of her couldn't help but like the idea of getting closer to Shiro even if he didn't have feelings for her.
"Are you sure," Shiro questioned, though could hear Kuro telling him not to look a gift horse in the mouth, "I don't want you to be uncomfortable."
"As long as Midori can sleep in your room as well I don't mind," Pidge assured still blushing.
"It shouldn't be a problem," Shiro smiled, wondering if he could make the bed bigger.
"Alright but let's make sure to just keep it between us for the mean time," Pidge suggested.
"Probably a good idea," Shiro agreed, not sure how the others would react to it.
Kuro very happy that they would have Pidge in their bed more often.
Not in the way that he wanted, but it was better than nothing for now.
"I better get going before someone spots me, I'll see you later Shiro" Pidge said still blushing a little as she left the room.
Shiro smiled, glad things went well. Midori rubbed against his leg before running out to follow Pidge.
Pidge trying not to think too much about Shiro wanting to share a bed with her.
He didn't have nightmares like he usually did when she was near, the others noticing he seemed more awake than usual.
Pidge going into the kitchen to get Midori some water, happy to discover she could jump up onto the counter by herself.
Shiro followed her into the kitchen, "Do you know how big she'll get," he asked, not sure if she was fully grown or not.
"Buteo says she'll get a bit big she's only a kitten right now, so she'll probably get a little larger than a normal human cat" Pidge guessed.
"Do you have a place for her to sleep or do you not mind her sleeping on your head," he teased.
"I made a little blanket bed for her in my room but I guess I can move it when I umm need to," Pidge said not wanting to talk about them sharing a bed out in the open.
Shiro nodded, "Hopefully she'll use it, Midori seems like the type who likes to cuddle." Not that he wouldn't cuddle with Pidge if given the chance.
"I don't mind, I'm a pretty cuddly person too" Pidge said letting the kitten stand in the bowl beforehand pouring some water over her back.
Midori purred, stretching happily as water purred over her, absorbing the water.
Pidge smiling at the little kitten wondering if it would be okay to bring her to breakfast but guessed she most likely couldn't "hey Shiro, do you think Midori would be okay in my room while we were at breakfast," Pidge asked.
"If you're not comfortable having her run around the castle on her own I think she'll be fine in your room," Shiro replied.
"Hmm… alright, I'll put a bowl in there with her just encase she gets hungry while were away," Pidge said, scratching the back of Midori's ear.
Once Midori was safely in Pidge's room, thy all got together to head to Buteo's palace for a good-bye breakfast. Shiro was sure Buteo just wanted Pidge to come, inviting them to be polite.
"Morning Buteo" Pidge greeted as soon as she saw the prince.
Buteo smiled brightly when he saw her, "Lady Pidge! Good morning!"
"Hi" Pidge said smiling "I hope you don't mind but I left Midori on the ship I didn't think it would be okay to bring her to the meal" Pidge explained.
"I understand, I'm just glad I was able to see you before you had to leave," he said, smiling handsomely at her.
Pidge blushed a little as she smiled back at him, starting to see the signs that Buteo liked her "Me too" Pidge nodded shyly "If you have time I was hoping to ask you some more questions about Midori before we left." she quickly added before the others got the wrong idea.
"Of course, I'd be happy to," Buteo said, through was a little disappointed she only wanted to talk about her pet. But he guessed it was good for her to have something that would make her think of him.
Pidge knew she couldn't really talk to Buteo about his feelings towards her in front of everyone else and thought this would be a good way to get some one on one time with Buteo, plus she really did have questions about Midori.
Buteo made sure a feast was prepared for them wanting Pidge and the rest of the paladins to know they had their full support.
Pidge and the paladins really enjoying the food, hunk hoping to copy some of the recipes.
The chefs were happy the paladins enjoyed their cooking, offering to give Hunk some of their recipes.
Pidge wondering how she and Buteo could excuse themselves for a few minutes so she could talk to him.
Luckily for her, Allura was trying to help get them alone, hoping Buteo would say something to Pidge.
"Since Buteo maybe you should show Pidge some files about planta-gato's before we leave" the princess suggested.
"That would be really helpful," Pidge agreed.
"It'd be no trouble at all," Buteo said, happy to be able to spend time alone with Pidge.
Buteo offering pidge his hand, Pidge taking it as he lead her out of the room, Allura smiling brightly.
Shiro could feel Kuro raging at Pidge going off alone with the prince, angry at everyone for trying to get them together.
Keith being the only other one displeased by Pidge being alone with the prince, and once Pidge was alone with him in the library "Prince Buteo could I ask you a few questions. .. that aren't about Midori."
"What would you like to know," Buteo questioned, wondering if it was more queries about their technology since that's what she seemed interested in.
"I'm sorry if I'm being too blunt but do you... have feelings for me?" Pidge asked rubbing the back of her neck.
Buteo blushed, freezing up like a kid caught sneaking candy, "Yes, I do have lady Pidge. I had strong feelings since the moment I saw you."
Pidge blushed not realizing that Buteo feelings began then "Why," Pidge questioned not understanding how that was possible.
"Why is it so hard to believe," Buteo asked, "You're beautiful, intelligent, strong and caring."
Pidge assumed he meant all those things after he got to know her and not just noticed all those things the moment they met " I'm not considered very umm desirable by human standards" Pidge tried to explained.
Buteo seemed surprised to hear that, "Really? But your face, eyes and hair are so pretty, why wouldn't you have suitors on Earth?"
"Most males in my species prefer females that are taller and... curvier then I am" Pidge muttered.
"I like your height," Buteo told her, finding that he enjoyed their size difference. He thought it was cute.
Pidge smiled a little hearing that "Thanks, but I have to be honest... at this time, I don't really share those feelings towards you, not that you're not a good person or handsome I umm" Pidge let out a frustrated groan "I'm not very good at this"
"I understand," Buteo said, through his wings drooped a bit, "We don't know each other that well and there's a war going on."
Pidge had to admit she felt a little guilty seeing Buteo's wing droop like that "I am interested in you" Pidge admitted blushing she couldn't deny she found him handsome and interesting "But there's also the fact that you're well a prince..." Pidge sighed.
"Are you not allowed to be courted by a prince," Buteo questioned, not sure if it was an Earth thing or a paladin thing since he didn't know much about either.
"No, there's no rule against it, it's just that I don't know how long the paladins are going to be needed, so I might never be able to stay on your planet for long periods of time plus, my family is on earth," Pidge explained.
Buteo knew that the paladins may always be needed. He wanted to say her family could live on his planet, but it would be hard for them to get around since they don't have wings.
"Plus, I don't think I would make a very good princess" Pidge said fiddling with her glasses.
The Accipiridae prince blinked in surprised, "What makes you say that," he inquired.
"Well, I'm not really a people person, I'm not very good at... softening my words, I'm very blunt a little too much sometimes, and well I'm not very good with fancy stuff." Pidge explained.
"How fancy do you think you need to be," Buteo asked, "And I enjoy how blunt you are, everyone is always so careful what they say around me. I respect your honesty."
Pidge felt a little touched hearing that from the prince "I guess fancy enough to be presentable to the public and well I'm much more casual and comfy when it comes to clothes and how I behave" Pidge guessed.
"I don't see anything wrong with the way you behave," Buteo confessed, then looked down at himself, "Do I seem overly formal to you?" He honestly had no idea, but to him these were pretty normal clothes. They didn't wear shirts since they have wings and all.
"No..." Pidge lightly shook her head "you look more regal then formal" Pidge commented, not sure how else to explain it, maybe it was his majestic wings or just his presence but regal was defiantly the right word she would describe him as, in looks alone.
"…Thank you?" Buteo wasn't sure what it meant but it didn't sound like she meant it as an insult.
"Oh sorry I guess that's a human word, it just means I think you look majestic and dignified." Pidge explained blushing.
"Oh, thank you," Buteo said blushing as well, "Is it the wings?"
"Yeah, partly" Pidge admitted blushing more hoping that she wasn't saying something shallow by his peoples standards.
Buteo smiled, glad she liked his wings since they were actually an odd color for his people, through doubted she knew that.
"I think there a really beautiful color" pidge admitted.
"I'm glad you think so," Buteo said, his wings fluttering happy.
Pidge smiled relived she said something right.
"This is probably sudden, but would you consider a relationship after Zarkon is defeated," Buteo questioned.
"Maybe" Pidge replied "I just... don't know how long that's going to take," she admitted.
"I don't either," he admitted. Even he knew he could lose interest or forget about her after a few years.
"Why do you ask?" Pidge questioned though had a feeling what this was leading to.
"It's nothing, just…wishful thinking," Buteo said, wondering if he should try courting her, through his heart kept telling him yes.
"Umm well I was kind of wondering if there was some way for use to get in contact with you, encase I need any advice or help with Midori" Pidge explained.
Buteo smiled, though was a little disappointed she only wanted to contact him about her new pet, "There is, but feel free to call about anything."
"And if you ever need help, feel free to do the same" Pidge replied "whether or not we build a relationship later in our lives, I still want to be friends with you" Pidge said smiling.
"I feel the same way lady Pidge," Buteo said, taking her hand and kissing it.
Pidge blushing a little giving Buteo a kind smile.
"I hope to hear from you soon," Buteo smiled, giving her a communicator.
"I'll see what I can do" Pidge said examining the communicator "this is encrypted right," Pidge asked just make sure.
"Of course," Buteo answered, "But you can check if you want."
"Thanks I might do that, it could give me good ideas on how to improve our own encryptions" Pidge said, putting the device in her pocket.
Buteo continued walking and gave her books on how to care for her new pet, "Do you need anything else?"
"I think this should be everything, Thanks for all your help and hospitality" Pidge said looking up at the prince, "maybe the next time I come to this planet you could show me around a little more" she suggested.
"I'd enjoy that a lot," Buteo smiled, glad she was planning on coming back some time. Hopefully it wouldn't be too long.
"We better get back to the others before they start to worry about us," Pidge suggested.
"Don't want them to think I kidnapped you," Buteo joked, leading her back to the dining room.
"Something like that" she softly laughed, fallowing Buteo with the books in her arms.
Shiro was feeling impatient, wondering what was talking them so long to get back. He hoped Pidge was rejecting the prince and that he would take it well.
Pidge and Buteo returning to the room, Pidge carrying a few books. Allura smiling at the two of them dying to know how the talk went.
"It was my honor to have Princess Allura and the Paladins of Voltron visit us," Buteo said politely, "Let it be known that the Accipitridae are your allies in this war against the Galra Empire."
"Thank you prince Buteo, for your hospitality and your efforts against the Galra empire, the Accipitridae are an irreplaceable old and new ally to Voltron" Allura replied with a curtsy, Pidge giving a small bow to be polite.
Shiro was glad nothing seemed to have happened between them. Kuro was still upset they were alone in the first place but he told him to get over it.
They said their final good byes, Buteo giving Pidge one more kiss on the hand before they all got into the ship and prepared to take off.
Shiro was a little peeved that Buteo kissed Pidge's hand, but told himself it wasn't that big of a deal. Through he didn't do it for Princess Allura…maybe he was just reading too much into it.
After the ship took off, Pidge started to head towards her room to check up on Midori.
Midori mewed and jumped into Pidge's arms once she walked into the room, curling up with her tail hitting her face.
Pidge huffing the tail out of her face, gently ruffling her mane "You better not make a habit out of that" Pidge told the little kitten before nuzzling her. Pidge sitting down with Midori taking a look at the communicator she got from Buteo.
After taking a quick sniff at it, Midori looked up at Pidge curiously. She nuzzled her head under her chin, noticing she seemed a little troubled.
"I'm alright Midori" Pidge assured, petting her, Pidge just felt a little confused over her feeling, she had been pinning for Shiro for what felt like such a long time and now nice a guy was showing interest in her, pidge starting to think it might be better to move on from her crush on Shiro, but mentally decided that for now there was no rush, they had a lot of other stuff to worry about right now, over confusing feelings and love lives.
Shiro was still having a mental argument with Kuro about whether or no he should confess to Katie. It didn't seem like the right time, worried she might be confused after what happened with Buteo.
Pidge put the communicator away when there was a knock on her door, getting up to open it a little surprised to find Allura on the other side "Oh hey Allura what's up?" Pidge questioned Allura with a cat like grin on her face that made pidge a little worried.
"Oh nothing," Allura sang, rocking on her feet, I was just curious what you and Prince Buteo were talking about while you were gone."
Pidge blushed a little "Just some stuff" Pidge muttered looking down at Midori.
Allura assumed there was more to it with Pidge's blush, leaning down closer, "What kind of stuff?"
Pidge sighed and took a step back "Come in and I'll tell you," Pidge said thinking making talking about this would make her feel less confused.
Biting back a squeal of excitement, Allura let herself in, hoping for some girl talk and gossip.
Pidge sitting down on her bed with Midori "Once me and Buteo were alone I just kind of asked him if he had feelings for me and he admitted that he did," pidge started off.
"No way," Allura said, though she was completely aware of it, "What did you say then?"
"I... pretty much told him I didn't have the same type of feelings for him that he had for me" Pidge explained.
Allura deflated, "You didn't even offer to give him a chance," she pouted a bit, thinking they would look cute together.
"Umm, it's not that simple, we got talking and agreed that with me not able to stay in one spot for long that it's not the best time to start a relationship, so we kind of agreed that we would give us a chance after the war was over, you know if were still interested in each other by then" Pidge explained rubbing the back of her neck.
"So you are interested in him," Allura squealed, finding it exciting, "Do you have a way to stay in contact with him?"
"Yeah I got a communicator from him... so I could ask him questions about Midori but he told me to pretty much call him anytime" Pidge explained.
"When do you plan on calling him," Allura asked excitedly.
"I don't know" Pidge said shyly "I figured I'll call him the next time I have a question"
"It wouldn't hurt to call him just to chat," Allura told her, "I'm sure he'd love to hear from you."
"I guess I could call him tomorrow... just to make sure it works" Pidge said blushing, thinking it would be too soon to call him now. "But what time should I call him? I don't want to accidentally call him when he's busy or doing something important."
"Maybe sometime after dinner," Allura suggested, figuring he'd be done working by then.
"Alright I'll try that" Pidge said glancing at the communicator.
Allura smiled, hoping they could find a way to make a relationship work.
"You think it's a good idea for me to get close to Buteo?" Pidge asked sounding hesitant.
"Of course," Allura answered, "Just because we're in the middle of a war doesn't mean you don't deserve happiness."
"But I feel like I should be focusing on the war and finding my family more than relationship stuff" Pidge admitted looking sadly down at Midori.
Allura gave her a sad smile, "I know you have a lot going on Pidge, but having someone to talk to may help."
"But that's what I have you guys for," Pidge half joked she trusted all of them but sometimes kept things to herself not wanting to worry the team, and possible making them not sync up like they needed to.
Shiro felt the same, which is why he didn't tell the team when he had nightmares and kept his feelings for Pidge a secret.
"Maybe it would be nice talking to someone outside of the team" Pidge admitted.
"I'm sure you and Prince Buteo would have a lot to talk about," Allura said smiling.
"I do find him and his people interesting" Pidge agreed gently petting Midori.
"I was always fascinated but their wings as a child," Allura confessed.
"Yeah same, their wings all look amazing, and I have to admit I do really love the color of Buteo's wings, their a really nice bronze," Pidge complimented
"It's a rather strange color but it suits him nicely," Allura agreed.
"What do you mean by 'it's a strange color?" Pidge questioned not seeing anything strange with the color.
"Just that it seemed different that the other's wing colors," Allura explained, "But it could be more common than I think."
"I never really noticed, but I guess in the grand scheme of things we really didn't get to meet a lot of them" Pidge wondered out loud thinking that different colors could even be the results of growing up in different regions on the planet.
"I suppose you are right," Allura agreed, thinking that it didn't really matter anyways, not sure why she brought it up.
"... I'm still kind of amazed that he's interested in me" Pidge admitted "I'm really not that interesting to look at and well my tech talk usually go over most people's head." Pidge explained.
"What are you talking about Pidge? You're beautiful," Allura assured her, "And even if he doesn't understand your tech talk doesn't mean he doesn't like to listen."
Pidge blushed and nodded "Thanks, but he's was just probably being polite in listening to what I'm saying, and not enjoying it."
"He might enjoy it if it's coming from you," Allura said with a wink.
Pidge cheeks started heating up "You make it sound like he just likes hearing me talk," she muttered.
"He could," Allura argued.
"I doubt it's that simple" Pidge muttered blushing a little more looking down at Midori.
Allura pouted a bit, guessing that she should have figured that Pidge would be stubborn about romance.
Pidge just didn't really understand a lot about romance, or her own feeling sometimes for that matter.
The princess was eager to play match maker and didn't find it that strange that Buteo was interested in Pidge.
And Allura couldn't help but picture what a cute couple the two would make.
Shiro of course would disagree with her, but wouldn't be able to tell her why.
Pidge kind of liking the idea of someone liking her for just being her.
Which Shiro did, but he felt a lot of guilt wanting his best friend's little sister.
"Hey Allura, do you think the mice could teach Midori how to hide when there's danger?" Pidge asked.
"I'm sure they won't mind at all, once I assure them that Midori won't eat them," Allura laughed.
"Yes please and I'll make sure she knows messing with the mice is a no, no" Pidge assured
Allura smiled and went to go find her mice.
Pidge waiting in her room playing with Midori.
Shiro knocked on Pidge's door, wanting to talk to her and see how she was doing.
"Come in" Pidge said using a metal straw to play with Midori, Pidge assuming it was just Allura.
"Hey Katie," Shiro greeted walking into her room, smiling when he saw her playing with Midori.
"Oh hey Shiro, what's up," Pidge said looking up at him, Midori approaching Shiro, recognizing him, mewing at the edge of the bed for him to pet her.
"Nothing, I just wanted to see you," Shiro confessed, sitting down and gently petting Midori, scratching her leafy ears.
"Oh, okay," Pidge nodded, a little surprised by that, but she guessed it wasn't too unusual for Shiro just to check up on her. Midori mewing and purring he leaves fluffing up a little.
Shiro could feel Kuro raging in his mind, telling him to make a move on her while he had the chance. He didn't want that bird brained prince stealing her away.
"Are you feeling better now that we left the planet and are on the move again," Pidge asked
"Yeah, I feel better," Shiro said, glad that Pidge wouldn't have to deal with the prince and they hopefully wouldn't be back for a while.
"Good," Pidge smiled "But tell me if your arm starts acting up again."
"I will," Shiro promised, hoping Kuro wouldn't take control of it again now that they were away from Buteo.
"Do you still want me to meet up in your room after lights out?" Pidge asked wondering if Shiro still needed her to help get some sleep.
"If you wouldn't mind," Shiro said blushing. He was already looking forward to night time, through hoped he didn't make her uncomfortable.
"No worries was just double checking" Pidge smiled, kind of looking forward to night as well, though reminded herself that she was just helping as a friend, and that she shouldn't pine for him or hope for something more.
Shiro winced a bit as Kuro's shouting got louder, telling him to confess and threatening to take control if he didn't.
"You alright Shiro?" Pidge asked putting a hand on Shiro's flesh arm.
"Yeah, just a bit of a headache," he responded, mentally telling Kuro to shut up.
Pidge frowned a little, "You seem to be getting those a lot lately," Pidge commented.
"Don't worry, it's probably nothing," Shiro said, knowing he could tell her that a voice in his head has been causing them.
"Maybe I should see if Allura has some kind of cat scan on the ship just to make sure," Pidge said looking up at Shiro concerned.
Shiro wondered if that would be a good idea. What if there was something wrong with him? He was hearing voices after all. He even gave it a name.
Midori bumped her head against Shiro's arm mewing up at him, Pidge looking worried "IF you think something might be wrong please tell me, I promise it will just be between us I won't tell the others anything till we know for sure if something is wrong" Pidge promised, feeling like Shiro had been holding something back for a while.
The black paladin just looked at her. There was so much he wanted to tell Pidge. Should he tell her about Kuro? Would Kuro go away if he told Pidge the truth about how he felt?
"Please Shiro, you're always my confidant let me be yours" Pidge said gently grabbing his hand and squeezing it.
"…I promise to tell you when I'm ready," Shiro swore, not ready to let her know just yet. It just didn't feel like the right time.
"Okay, whenever you want I'm ready to listen" Pidge promised smiling up at him.
"Thanks Katie," Shiro smiled, happy he had her.
'We could have her in a lot more ways if you just freaken tell her how you feel!' Kuro snapped.
Shiro did his best to ignore him, even if it was right.
Pidge lightly squeezing his hand just before Midori decided to lay over their hands making pidge softly laugh.
Shiro didn't try to move his hand, liking having an excuse to keep holding Pidge's.
Pidge kind of liking it too using her other hand to gently pet Midori.
He enjoyed the quiet moment between them, even with Kuro telling him to make a move.
'You're holding her hand and you're so close to Katie all you have to do is lean down and freaken kiss her when she looks up at you! You don't even have to use words to get your point across' Kuro groaned thinking Shiro was an idiot.
Looking down at Pidge he noticed how soft and pink her lips were. How would they feel against his? Should he take the risk?
Pidge's honey brown eyes gazed up at Shiro. 'Do it before you lose your chance!' Kuro yelled.
Deciding to go for it Shiro slowly moved closer to her, only to quickly pull back when Allura came back in the room.
"Oh hi Allura" Pidge said quickly letting go of Shiro's hand, to pick up Midori, Midori staring at the mice curiously, the mice hesitantly starting back at the cat half tucked behind Allura shoulder. "So Mice, this is Midori my new pet," Pidge explained petting the kitten
Midori tried to get a closer look at the mice, the smallest mouse, Chulatt, moving closer so their noses were touching. Midori blinked then gave Chulatt a small lick.
Chulatt rubbed it's fur back down, the lick ruffling it up a bit, but otherwise seemed alright. Two of the other mice slowly approaching Midori as well.
The jumped on her head once they deemed it was safe enough, Platt getting nestled up in some leaves.
Midori fluffing up her leaves for them "I think they like each other" Pidge smiled.
"If they can communicate with each other the mice should be able to teach Midori to hide," Allura agreed.
"Maybe we should give them time to get to know each other before we start training Midori" Pidge suggested gently putting them on the ground.
"That might be a good idea," Allura said, "Would the four of you like to play with Midori for a while?"
All of them squeaking and nodding Midori curiously looking up at Allura then down at the mice.
The mice squeaked at Midori who nodded and stretched before walking off with them on her back.
Allura glanced over at Shiro curiously wondering why he was in Pidge's room with her, as Pidge smiled down at Midori and the mice, happy her kitten seem to get along with them.
Shiro avoided looking at Allura, trying to focus on the mice playing on Midori. He could feel Kuro raging that Allura came in at the wrong moment.
Pidge confused and a little curious why Shiro had been leaning closer to her before Allura came in.
Was it a good thing that Pidge had no idea that he was trying to kiss her?
Pidge had a fleeting thought that Shiro was about to kiss her, but thought that was only her wishful thinking.
Shiro kind of wished Allura would leave so he could attempt to kiss her again, but thought he should wait.
After a while Midori only being a kitten started to feel tired, after playing and chasing the mice around, jumping back up to Pidge's bed and curling up on Pidge's lap, Pidge lightly petting her "hmm I'm not sure if she's just tired or might need some more water" Pidge hummed wanting to make sure she took care of Midori right.
"She could need both," Shiro shrugged, gently petting Midori too, "Should I get her a bowl of water?"
"Sure, better to be safe," Pidge nodded.
Shiro got up and went to get water for Midori, ignoring Kuro's angry ranting.
"So... why what were you and Shiro talking about before I came back," Allura asked curiously.
"Oh, he just came to check up on me and see Midori" Pidge replied trying not to blush as she thought about how long Shiro and her held hands.
"Hopefully he's trying not to fill the role of a protective brother," Allura said, noticing he didn't really seem to approve of Buteo hanging out with Pidge.
"He might," Pidge guessed, it would make sense since Shiro probably felt the need to fill in that position till they found Matt.
Shiro came back, placing the bowl down for Midori, who jump down and drank some.
"Thanks" Pidge said nodding to Shiro, Midori not seeming too dehydrated which was good.
The mice helped themselves to some water as well, Midori not seeming to mind.
"Looks like Midori's okay with sharing" Pidge said, taking this as a good sign for her to bond with the mice.
"She knows they're not a threat, unless they try to nibble on her leaves," Shiro joked.
Pidge glanced at Allura "Umm make sure the mice know not to do that" Pidge said not sure how Midori would take having her leaves eaten.
The mice looked offended that they thought they would do that, climbing on Midori's back.
"Sorry, just double checking" Pidge assured "Midori my first planto-gato so I'm still learning everything about her."
"She seems pretty easy to take care of so far," Shiro commented petting Midori's head, "I doubt she'll cause much trouble."
"Yeah, I guess your right" Pidge said though a part of her was still really worried about messing up.
Shiro put a hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry Pidge, we'll all help take care of her. She can be the team mascot."
Pidge smiled a little at that "I think we will all need an element gato if we really want to stick to personal loin theme."
"True," Shiro chuckled, wondering if there were other types.
"There are many different type of feline creatures from different planets, that are considered house pets" Allura said thoughtfully though wondered how many still existed.
"Any flying ones," Shiro questioned, smiling a bit as he pictured it.
"There is a Chineko that is a feline with white wings, some even come with black feathered bodies." Allura said.
"Kind of sounds like Black," Shiro commented, thinking about his lion.
"Yes many of the loins design were based on different feline creatures trough out the galaxy," Allura explained.
"Which reminds me, why did you decide to design robots to be lions," Shiro questioned.
"Well, my father wanted an animal that was both majestic and powerful, but could be galactically recognized and since feline like creatures are fairly common I thought it was the best choice as a unifying defender of the galaxy," Allura explained.
"We have lions on Earth too, through male lions have big manes," Shiro explained.
"Oh, how strange," Allura replied.
"Did you have lions on Altea," Shiro asked.
"Ys, but they didn't have manes" Allura explained.
Pidge pet Midori, wondering if she would get along with her dog Gunther.
"We even had a few types of planto-gato's that were common on the planet though most were red or purple" Allura explained glancing at Midori.
"Do you know if they change colors," Shiro asked, wondering if it was like leaves changing colors during the seasons.
"Yes, but only when they went to hotter or colder regions," Allura explained.
"So will Midori stay the same color or change since she's leaving her native planet," Shiro questioned.
"I'm not sure, she may be a slightly different race from the ones that were breed on Altean," Allura replied "We can check in the books that Buteo gave to make sure."
Shiro felt his eyebrow twitch at the mention of Buteo, but was glad it was Allura brining him up instead of Pidge.
"Speaking of which I need a translator for those books," Pidge mentioned.
"I'm sure I can get a computer to translate them into a digital file for you" Allura replied.
It couldn't translate into English, but Pidge was starting to learn Altean.
It was the best medium for Pidge at the moment.
Midori walked around the room with the mice on her back who seemed to be enjoying the ride.
"If it's alright I'll leave the mice with you, I still need to double check over a few minor controls to make sure they don't need recalibration after the repairs" Allura said feeling bad she had to leave so soon before her and Pidge got a chance to do more girl talk.
"Yeah, no worries, I'm sure Midori will love the company" Pidge assured.
Once Allura left Shiro sighed and turned to Pidge who was watching Midori play with the mice. He had been so close to kissing her. Should he try it again?
Pidge glancing over at Shiro feeling his eyes on her, "Is something the matter Shiro," Pidge asked brushing some of her messy hair behind on of her ears.
"No, everything's fine," he assured her with a smile, sitting back down next to her. Should he take the risk? He could feel Kuro raging, telling him to make his move.
"It just kind of seemed like before you wanted to... say something" Pidge really not wanting her imagination to assume what Shiro had been trying to do.
"…I do," he confessed, "I'm just…not sure how to say it and I'm worried what will happen if I say it."
"Well, how about a blanket of forgiveness? Where no matter what you say I won't take personally and or won't hold it over you or anything like that," Pidge suggested, her curiously buzzing with the need to know.
Shiro smiled, finding the idea cute. How right was Kuro about Pidge liking him? Did she really see him like that? Was he brave enough to tell her?
'Stop being a damn idiot and kiss her that way you don't have to spend all this time thinking of what to say!' Kuro shouted.
Shiro clenched his head, Kuro's shouting starting to hurt it. This would probably be easier if he could keep his mouth shut.
"Another headache," Pidge asked concerned "Do you need to lay down?"
"Y…yeah, maybe," Shiro answered, grateful for the subject change.
"You can lay down in here if you like" Pidge offered.
"Thanks," Shiro said, "…Would you mind staying with me?"
"No worries I'll be right beside you" Pidge assured.
Smiling, Shiro laid down, placing a hand over Pidge's.
Pidge turning her hand and gently grabbing his hand, wondering if they were going to make a habit out of this.
Shiro hoped they would, he enjoyed sharing a bed with Pidge, enjoyed having her close. He felt his head hurt worse the longer he kept himself from kissing her.
Pidge gently rubbing her thumb over the knuckles of his hand to try and help calm his headache.
'Let me out' Kuro growled lowly.
The black paladin sighed, feeling relaxed and starting to drift off. He hoped with Pidge here Kuro wouldn't bother him in his dreams.
Pidge staying close to Shiro holding onto his hand as she heard his breathing start to even as he drifted asleep.
After a while Shiro's eyes opened again, being a piercing, glowing yellow.