AN: Fair warning this chapter can get a bit silly lol. Links to certain outfits are at the end of the chapter.
Chapter 4: GIRLS Night?
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Pidge inhaled deeply, gathering the courage to do what she sought out to do. She lingered out in the hallway, pacing by a closed door. Finally, with a raised fist she exhaled slowly and knocked.
In that brief moment she wondered if she should just turn around and go but before she could decide the door slid open.
"What's up?"
Pidge hesitated.
She sighed.
"I need your help."
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It took a few more days but eventually Pidge walked through the castleship in search of Allura. She checked the resident princess' usual spots and still couldn't find her. She was on her way to Allura's bedroom when she spotted the space mice. And where the space mice were, Allura was surely around.
"Can you lead me to her?" Pidge asked, bending down to give them a gentle scratch behind their ears. Sure enough the four mice scrambled down the hallway before squeezing through the vents that led straight into the Alteans bedroom.
Pidge hesitated, fiddling with the hem of her shirt. She didn't know why she was nervous exactly. Allura told her to come by. She practically begged her to do this with her. After a couple more minutes of hesitation the mice started to peek out of the vent, tilting their heads in confusion.
With a sigh Pidge knocked on the door.
And waited.
And waited.
Weird. She thought Allura would open the door right away. She knocked again.
And waited.
When the door finally slid open Pidge realized why it took the princess so long. Her hair was a disheveled mess and she was wearing her night gown, clearly wrinkled from sleep. The Altean yawned and blinked, her gaze moving left and right. She was about to shut the door when Pidge realized Allura didn't even see her. She was too tired and apparently she was too short.
"Sorry to wake you Allura," Pidge said.
Allura started and looked down. "Oh, Pidge. I apologize I was just taking a nap. Yesterday took a lot out of me."
Of course it did. Pidge didn't blame her. They had received a distress signal from a foreign planet and when they landed they realized that the natives were ancient creatures, with memories of thousands of years ago. Memories that seemed to fade, twist, and shift as all the years passed because once they realized that some of their rescuers were Alteans they became hostile. They blamed Allura and Coran for all of their misery. If the Alteans had stopped Zarkon all those years ago the universe wouldn't be suffering.
Yesterday had been mentally exhausting for most of them but Pidge wasn't surprised that Allura had taken it the worst. She has to shoulder this burden herself. Sure, Pidge wanted her family back more than anything but Allura…she didn't even have the option. Her entire species…
Pidge sighed. That's why she finally decided to take up the Princess' offer.
"If you're tired I can come back," the green Paladin said, pointing her thumb at the end of the hall.
"Oh no, please," Allura said, shaking her head. "I slept long enough. Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Uh, well…I was just wondering if you maybe-sort-of-wanted-to-I-don't-know-have a-girls-night?" Pidge said rapidly, exhaling loudly. She looked up at Allura with a small smile on her face.
Allura looked confused. "What? I'm sorry Pidge you said that too quickly."
Sharp squeaking directed both of their attention to the floor. The space mice where gesturing wildly. One had its little arms spread out and walked carefully, as if modeling a dress. Another ran its teeny fingers across its face and another through its hair.
Allura squealed, clapping her hands together happily. "You wish to try on clothes and do makeup and hair and spend time with me, Pidge?" the princess asked, grasping Pidge by the shoulders, trembling with excitement.
Pidge almost hesitated. She did miss doing some of these things…and after all Allura could use a pick me up.
"Yes," she said confidently. "Let's do it."
"Yes!" Allura cheered, yanking her into the room.
"Wa-wait! Allura!" Pidge shouted, grasping the doorframe.
"Let's get started immediately!" Allura said, rummaging around her room. She opened her vanity drawer and scooped out tons of strange looking makeup, scattering them across the counter surface before running to her wardrobe and scooping out clothes in bundles before tossing them onto her bed. "I am so excited! We can gossip about the other Paladin's, and paint each others toe nails, and braid each others hair-"
She went on and on and Pidge fingered her short locks nervously. "Maybe some of those things," she said, wondering how braids would look with such minimal hair. "But first, I was going to get a bunch of food from the kitchen."
"Food?"
Pidge shrugged. "Yeah. Sometimes when my dad and brother were out or staying late doing some project my mom…my mom and I would have these girls nights." Pidge smiled to herself, thinking back to her time on Earth before the Galaxy Garrison. "She would put on a movie but we wouldn't really watch it. It would play in the background while we ate raw cookie dough or licked some cake batter off the spoon." Pidge hesitated. "We'd sit on the floor. I'd sit between her legs and she would sometimes braid my hair while I painted her toenails and…"
Pidge trailed off, looking up to see Allura gazing at her sadly. "Oh, Pidge."
"It's nothing to be sad about!" Pidge said, feeling her cheeks turn pink. The Paladin crossed her arms, almost pouting. "I mean, my mom is okay. I know that. She's alone and sometimes I feel sad about that…she has our dog I guess…but she doesn't know what happened to my brother and father…or me…"
"Pidge…"
Pidge shook her head. "It's fine but yeah. I figured…maybe we both could use a pick me up."
Allura didn't miss Pidge's usage of the word we but she said nothing. The princess wasn't naïve. She was sure all the Paladins noticed how much of an effect the events from the day before had on her. But perhaps the events Pidge had planned for tonight weren't only for Allura's benefit…but for herself as well.
Allura smiled. "I always wanted to try some of your Earth recipes. Perhaps we could eat this raw cookie dough together."
Pidge smiled softly. "Yeah. I mean it won't be the traditional Earth style because we don't have the ingredients but we can do our best."
As they walked down the hall Allura spoke. "I don't understand. Why would you eat something raw? Is it a vegetable? A fruit?"
Pidge snorted. "Not even close. Tastes a whole lot better with none of the healthy benefits."
Allura laughed. "Perfect."
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"This feels nice," Allura said, poking at the facemask Pidge had gently applied to her skin. "It's hardening."
"I think that's supposed to happen," Pidge said, squinting at the little container in her hand. It was blank. There were no labels. Absolutely nothing. "I think…"
"You think?" Allura said, scooting closer and examining the container as well. "What do you mean you think? Haven't you used this before?"
"No," Pidge said, wincing. "I sort of visited Lance before this and asked him for advice."
Allura stared at her for a second before bursting into laughter, falling onto her back. "I should have known. If anyone in the Castle of Lions would know how to care for their skin it would be Lance."
Pidge laughed with her, joining her as they lay on her bedroom floor, staring up at the ceiling.
"I forgot how freeing dresses feel sometimes," Pidge said, raising her legs into the air. The hem of her dress fell to her waist but she wasn't embarrassed or self-conscious. It was just Allura.
"I always wondered why your legs were so clean shaven back at the Garrison," a voice deeper than Allura's spoke.
Pidge yelped before sitting straight up, yanking the old, slightly big and loose, borrowed dress down to cover her underwear.
"Lance!"
The blue Paladin stood by the door, holding some space fruit in his hand.
"What's up ladies," he said, grinning as he walked into the room. "Wait, can I come in?" he asked, looking at them nervously for a second. He knew his family didn't like it when he barged into their bedrooms.
Pidge rolled her eyes but Allura just giggled and nodded.
"What's up ladies," Lance said again but with more fervor. "I could hear you guys laughing from the end of the hall and my curiosity peaked. Glad I came to check it out."
"I told you we should have shut the door," Pidge muttered, pouting and avoiding eye contact with Lance.
"We're having a girls night," Allura explained, tucking her legs beneath her.
"Aw, yes," Lance said, taking a seat beside them, his legs crossed. "Nice braids, Allura." Lance said, snickering. Allura's hair looked like the space mice tried to make a nest in it.
"Hey!" Pidge said, affronted. "I did my best!"
"Where'd you get that dress Pidge?" Lance asked, reaching over to take a scoop of food from their bowl.
Allura smacked his hand away. "It is mine. From when I was a child."
Lance moped, pretending to tend to his hand. "Looks nice. Is that why your legs are always shaved? Because you wear shorts?"
Pidge shrugged. "Not really. I could care less. Honestly, I just like how the sheets feel in bed when my legs are smooth."
"Very true," Allura said, nodding sincerely.
"I can't say I understand that feeling personally," Lance said. "But hey! If you guys are having a party in here we should invite the whole space ship!"
"Girls night, Lance," Pidge said.
Lance ignored her, staring at his fingernails. "I sure could use a pedicure."
Pidge was about to say something again when her eyes fell on the unlabeled jar of face cream she got from the blue Paladin. Without him she wouldn't have even had the nerve to do this. And honestly, she was enjoying spending some time with Allura.
"Hey," Pidge said, bending down to talk to the space mice. She poked the largest one in the stomach. "Can I ask you guys a favor?" The mice nodded fervently, rubbing their heads against her hand. "Can you go bother the other Paladins and Coran until they come up here? Four of them and four of you. Think you can handle it?"
All of them saluted before slipping through the vents, determined to succeed in their mission.
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Coran arrived first. He was calm. He always wished the space mice would talk to him more (if only to make him a sandwich) but this was his big break! His opportunity. He followed the little mouse and knocked on Allura's door cautiously.
"Princess?" he said, confusion evident on his face when the door opened quickly. What he saw before him he didn't expect. Pidge stood before him. He recognized that dress. It was one of Allura's favorites when she was a child. It was a simple knee length dress, with a white sleeveless top and a layered pastel green skirt tied together with a flower belt at the waist. "You aren't the princess," Coran said, hands on his hip.
"Well, you aren't Prince Charming either, Coran," Pidge said, mimicking his pose.
"I don't know who this Prince Charming is but I certainly am not."
Pidge laughed as Coran glanced into the room. That's when he noticed Allura painting Lance's fingernails as they sat cross-legged on the floor.
"What's going on here?" he asked.
"I think they're planning on opening a space salon," Pidge said, taking a bite out of the strange fruit that was previously in Lance's possession. "You want in?"
Coran stared for a moment longer.
The older man shrugged, twirling his mustache. "Well, alright then."
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Shiro came next. He ran into the room thinking something was wrong. (Pidge had to learn alternate ways to stop giving the oldest Paladin an anxiety attack).
The four seated on the floor looked up at him as he breathed heavily, frantically looking around the room for any threats.
"I thought- the mouse sounded so excited and I just-" he stopped, his brain finally registering what he was seeing. "What are you…Lance are you wearing a dress?"
"Yeah," the blue Paladin replied casually. "A little tight around the shoulders but I still rock it."
"Told you should have gone strapless," Pidge said coolly. "But I got to say, the mermaid style suits you."
Lance grinned, pressing away the wrinkles on his navy blue dress. "And this v neck makes my boobs look great," he snorted, turning to address Shiro once more. "Maybe Allura has a black one for you but I'm not sure how it'll fit."
"Or we could just do your nails," Pidge said, gesturing at all the different colored bottles before her.
Shiro frowned. "I'm not sure…"
"I think purple is your color," Pidge continued, picking one of the darker shades. "And then I'll add a sort of glitter coat and some dots for stars. If it works out it'll look like a galaxy."
Shiro looked down at her smiling face. Maybe this was the optimistic and happy sister Matt would sometimes mention.
"Okay, Pidge." Shiro said, taking a seat beside her. "Only if you promise my nails will look better than Corans."
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Hunk came next.
He didn't even question what he walked into. He only pouted. "Aw quiznak! I missed the manicures? I followed the mouse right away but it led me to the kitchen first," he said, sniffling.
"Guess it knew we'd need more snacks now that the rest of you are here," Pidge said, petting the newly returned space mouse. "Thanks, Hunk!"
"You can put the food on my dresser," Allura said, pointing at where to go.
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Keith arrived last.
The space mouse sat in his hair, tugging at his locks as if he were directing a horse. It stopped its incessant pulling and pointed to the door.
"Allura's room?" he asked, looking up. The mouse squeaked. He could hear laughter and muffled voices coming from inside and hesitated. "I don't know if I should interrupt," he said, addressing the mouse. In response it pulled at his hair. "Ow! Okay, okay. Holy crow."
He raised his hand to knock but the door slid open.
"Thought I heard your annoying voice," Lance said with a grin.
Keith looked him up and down. "Are you wearing a dress?"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that? No, I'm obviously naked," Lance said sarcastically, eyebrow raised. "Now come on in you're missing all the fun!"
Lance pulled the red Paladin inside and Keith quickly caught the mouse that slipped from his hair at the sudden movement.
"What-" Keith took in everyone else's appearance. "Hunk…is that lipstick?"
"Yeah," Hunk said, looking at himself in the mirror. He tilted his chin, trying to find the perfect angle. "I don't think this is my shade though."
"Nah, try this," Pidge said, tossing him some liquid lipstick. Hunk caught it thanking her, before applying a generous amount.
"Wow Pidge, you did a good job," Keith heard Shiro say. The leader held his hand in the air, admiring his prettied up nails.
"Galaxies?" Keith asked.
"Yep," Pidge said, screwing the nail polish bottle closed.
"Allura's dresses?" Keith said, gesturing at the youngest Paladin and Lance.
"Yeah," Lance said, holding up a long, red, embellished dress in Keith's direction. "Hey, I think this one might fit you."
"No."
"But Keith-"
"No."
"I'll wear it." They all turned to the person who said it.
"Coran?"
"What? That dress is strapless. I have been using the training deck more and the proof is in my arms," the Altean said, flexing his muscles. "Might as well show it off."
"Come on, Keith," Pidge said, tugging at his long boots. Shiro shifted over so Keith could take a seat beside her.
"Ah, Pidge, I know," Allura piped up, smiling brightly. "You can practice your braiding on Keith!"
Keith looked down at Pidge's smiling face, eyes shining-
"…fine."
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"Your hair looks magnificent," Allura complimented, running a finger across the bumps. "Much cleaner and smoother work. Good job, Pidge!"
"Forget about that," Pidge said, now standing beside Hunk at the vanity table. "Hunk, I didn't know you were so good at eyeliner."
"That wing," Lance was saying in awe. "You can cut steel with that wing. And you know how to contour? I didn't know that."
"There are a lot of things you don't know about me, Lance," Hunk said, sifting through the different makeup items. "I am an enigma. A mystery. The one who-"
"We brought new snacks!" Coran announced from the doorway as he and Shiro walked in, drinks and food in hand. "Out of the way Paladins! I'm not used to walking in a dress and I'd rather not fall. It would be a waste of food and embarrassing if you caught a sight of my knickers!"
Pidge snorted, her eyes meeting Allura's. They both shared the same thought. Girl's night doesn't necessarily have to mean what it says. This was much, much better.
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"Now what?" Keith spoke. His hair was done and he was dressed up in the frilliest pink dress Allura owned. It was one shouldered, long, and fluffy. So fluffy, in fact, he was pretty sure a couple of the space mice were lost in the ruffles. The rest of the Paladins were lying on the ground, full of food and starting to doze off.
"Keith, you can't sit like cross legged like that when you are wearing a dress," Allura reprimanded.
"But I still have my pants on," he said, lifting the skirts.
"Ah, my eyes!" Pidge yelled, throwing her arms across her face, feigning hurt. "My innocence!"
"Keith, how could you!" Hunk fake sobbed, gathering Pidge into his arms. "Poor Pidge."
"You monster," Lance said, his face serious.
Keith looked towards Shiro, silently asking for help but the black Paladin shook his head. "How could you?" Shiro said, leaning over to pat Pidge's head.
"Thank you, Shiro," she said, patting his metal arm. "Maybe Keith shouldn't be invited to the next girls night."
"Good!" Keith said with a huff.
"But he's the only one that is at my level of attractiveness while wearing a dress," Coran finally spoke up after watching the whole situation in silence.
"Yeah," Lance said. "If that level is zero."
"Oooh!" the whole room started laughing.
When their laughter died down they all sat in silence as the sky darkened long ago around them.
"What do you usually do now, Pidge?" Allura asked, referring to her time spent with her mother.
Pidge hesitated, laying in-between Hunk and Shiro. From what she could tell Hunk had already fallen asleep from the way he was breathing and if she had to guess Lance did too. It was too quiet. She craned her neck up, trying to catch Keith's eyes.
"I was kidding about not inviting you, you know?" she said.
He smiled softly. "Yeah, I know."
Pidge leaned back again, yawning. "Now we make up a story," she said. "Someone starts off with a sentence and the next person continues it. We do it until we fall asleep."
"That sounds nice," Allura mumbled, already curled up around a pillow.
They started a story about five kids who found their home in each other.
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Authors Note:
I posted this much later than I thought I would. Been busy! I'll be going to medical school in a month or two and uprooting my life is tough lol
Now if anyone wanted to draw something based on these scenes that would be amazing LOL. Thanks for reading! I'll be back with more but ideas are much appreciated!
-Magma
Inspirations: FF doesn't allow for links but you can find them on my AO3 post or Tumblr post!
Next chapter will probably focus on Keith and Pidge.
