Across the Universe

Part 8

[All standard disclaimers apply.]

Shiro found Hunk in the lab space that he and Pidge had created beside the Green Lion. Usually the Yellow Paladin would be working on some complicated computer code or tinkering with a piece of machinery. Instead Hunk was sitting in a chair, staring at the Green Lion.

"Hunk?"

"Oh, hey, Shiro," Hunk greeted. "Need something?"

"Just checking in."

"I've sent Coran some ideas about upgrading the weapons system on the Castle. Once he approves, I'll get started."

"That wasn't what I meant, Hunk."

"I know," the younger man said with a sigh. He looked back over at the Green Lion. "I can't stop wondering what they're doing to her. Are they interrogating her? Put her in some prison lab like her father? Thrown her in a battle arena like you and Matt?"

"Whatever they're doing, Pidge is tough enough to handle it."

"I know, but I can't help worrying about how much she'll have to handle before we find her."

"Keith and the Blades are going to pull through for us," Shiro said.

"I just hope it's soon."

"Me, too, buddy."

Hunk looked away from the Lion to Shiro. "Look, Shiro, I know that if we were back at the Garrison, this thing between me and Pidge wouldn't exactly be kosher per the rules. Fraternization and all that."

"I think we're a long way from the Garrison, Hunk."

"So, you're okay with it? Me and Pidge?"

"If I wasn't, I would have said something by now." Shiro put a hand on Hunk's shoulder, giving him a comforting squeeze. "I think that if you and Pidge are happy together, you should try to hold on to that as much as you can."

"Thanks, Shiro."

The moment was broken by his computer chiming. Hunk studied the screen for a minute. "Well, looks like Coran is okay with weapons upgrades."

"Looks like you have some work to do," Shiro said.

"Yeah, time to get to work." Hunk looked to their leader. "Thanks, you know, for checking in."

"We are going to get her back," Shiro assured him.

Hunk nodded. "I know. Now we have to be ready to go get her."

"And we will be."

"Yeah, we will be."