"Are you sure? We have a mission, too," he told her.
"Mission?" she asked, seeming confused. He smiled a little at her. She had that effect. He hoped she would get over what he was and focused more on who he was. More than a Glara—a man. More than a prince—someone she could trust. More than an ally—a friend.
There was always the desire to be more. Always, always.
"Yes," he says. "We're all going to planet Aie. The Aiereians requested at least one male per female, each assigning us a partner."
"The Aiereians assigned us partners before we could arrive," she repeated. "How many of us are going?" She arched an eyebrow, maybe worried. He was bad with most emotions, how to handle them, anyway. He could usually read the negative ones. He was confused when there was a kind emotion. After all, who would want to give him kindness?
"All of us," he said again. "But there was a slight mix-up with Keith and Lance. They'll be partnered the entire time." He smirked and glanced at the blushing boys. He had lied; it wasn't a mix-up. The Aiereians could sense potential matches, their planet's beliefs solely on love. That made him nervous and excited.
Allura seemed to relax a bit. "Oh, thank goodness. Nothing positive would have come from being partnered with Keith or Lance. But what about Hunk and Shiro?"
"Shiro has been asked to stay behind," he said, smacking his forehead. "I had forgotten, princess, I'm sorry. Shiro and Coran wanted to stay and keep tabs on us."
"Who are you partnered with?" she asked him, folding her arms. "Pidge?"
"No, actually," he grinned softly, crossing his arms as well. He stepped a bit closer, showing her the list. Her eyes widened, a small blush growing on her cheeks. "I'm partnered with you."
"You?" she asked. "That can't be right. . . ." He felt something deflate, but his smile didn't quite waver. She didn't look entirely disappointed. "Hunk is with Pidge, then?"
He nods. "I didn't even get the list until this morning. I can't change it whatsoever." She took his arm and looked over the list.
"I can't believe it," she mumbled. "Why are you paired with me?"
"You'll have to ask the Aiereians, princess."