thefeywood | up til midnight

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up til midnight

[ It's not uncommon for them to be the last ones on the bridge at the end of the light cycle. A larger threat of Zarkon on the horizon would keep any of them up, but even in the "down times" between missions, there's still always work to do. And if there isn't anything pressing, they will usually find something worth their time. Old habits, perhaps, but Allura has found that it provides a decent excuse to spend some time together. The pretense is usually professional, but they do stray now and again.

Allura peeks over from her station to where the Black Paladin's is ahead of her. She narrows her eyes. ]

Shiro...you've been staring at the same screen for the past ten doboshes.

[ Part of the ritual, wherever it leads, usually starts with one of them suggesting the other retire. She's decided it's her turn. ]

I'm sure it's nothing that can't wait until tomorrow.

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[There are honestly times where he forgets how long he's been doing this. How long he's been awake and staring at old footage of their fights. Or plans they've worked on, old reports. Anything that could help them in the future. He has to. It's his duty.]

[And, you know, there's the benefit of getting to spend time in her company. More or less away from prying eyes. He definitely appreciates that.]

Huh? [This is one of those times he's forgotten. Now that she mentions it? He doesn't remember the last time he looked away. Or if he'd seen the battle footage before.]

I probably need to finish this one -- [As he restarts it. Again. Part of him absolutely realizes she's starting the now-common routine, so there's little fight in the words.] -- You can go ahead of me.

[ Allura smiles despite herself. Really, she might be finding the routine too comforting. She straightens at her own station, pulling up another screen just to fortify herself appropriately. ]

Clearly, since you've reviewed it several times.

[ Her tone is light as she brings up diagnostics that Pidge had sent her earlier. ]

Oh no, I'm perfectly fine. The past varga has been very productive. I am happy to review the footage in your stead, of course.

Was it bothering you?

[You can only play something through so many times before the noise starts grating on people, after all. He rolls his shoulders, feeling something in his neck creak. Great.]

You don't need to do that. It's got to be late.

[One of them declines. The other hints it's too late to be working.]

[Comforting.]

Not at all. It was just unlike you to let it sit for so long.

[ She waves it off even if his back is to her. She does feel that her position gives her the advantage. ]

Mm, yes, it is getting late. You must be tired.

[ Allura has nominated Shiro as the obligatory tired party this evening, despite the fact that it will be an excuse for them both to leave. ]

No wonder everything's stiff...

[It's more muttered than actually said aloud. His left hand reaching to rub at the back of his neck. Craning his head around to look at her.]

You've been up as long as I have. If I'm signing off, you should too.

[And he's sliding into the role of nudging her along, as well. Almost without realizing.]

[ Allura hums thoughtfully, though she's already closed a couple of screens. ]

I suppose, though Alteans don't need as much rest as Humans, I've noticed.

[ And a couple more. ]

Though I wouldn't mind a warm cup of tea.

Where do I trade for an Altean metabolism?

[It's mostly kidding. He's got enough alien hardware already.]

[But he's standing. Slowly stretching.]

I think I can manage that. I've gotten better lately.

That's easy to claim when the Castle takes care of most of it for you.

[ She raises a brow as she shuts down her last screen. Her station powers down and she folds her hands in front of her. ]

But if that's an invitation, I'll allow you to impress me.

[There's a scoff, and he shakes his head.] Wow, your faith in me is staggering.

[He leans a hip on his own console, arms folded while he watches her get squared away.]

But I'd like to try to impress you.

I'm a realist, Shiro. I'm only giving credit where it's due.

[ Which is, to say, 90% to the Castle and 10% to him. But that is a whopping 10%.

She steps down from her station and gestures for Shiro to lead the way off the bridge. ]

Then do please "wow" me, Paladin.

I see how it is. More credit to the castle when I'm actively trying.

[He's really not upset. Just being a little contrary for the sake of argument.]

[So yes, he will deign to lead her out. He can't resist the little bow.]

As you wish, Princess.

You should know by now that I don't give bonus points for effort. I care about results.

[ She smiles at the gesture and, as soon as he'll allow, Allura will loop her arm through his. ]

I should. But I can dream, can't I?

[He should also be used to her doing this. But it never fails to bring a little color to his cheeks as he walks her down the hall.]

[ Everyone else is in their rooms at this varga, so what's the harm? She'll take what he allows her in small gestures. And maybe she enjoys getting to see him flush over something like this. ]

Are you implying you dream about me, Paladin?

[ Which this will surely help. ]

[Please hold, shiro.exe has stopped working.]

[Okay, we're back. He clears his throat, studiously looking ahead of them, like that's going to hide the way his cheeks flush.]

Ah. Maybe.

[Please launch him out the airlock.]

[ She narrows her eyes ever so slightly at him, smiling. ]

Maybe?

[ Oh, Shiro. Well, she'll take it. ]

If you can recall, I'd be interested in hearing the details.

[Please throw him out the airlock.]

Maybe.

I... don't think I can say the details. Not out loud. I may spontaneously combust.

[Please. Don't do this to him.]

[ Request denied. She likes him too much. ]

We can't have that, can we?

[ She gives his arm a playful squeeze with her own. ]

Of course, now you're just making me more curious.

Maybe I'll send you a message. I think maybe I could write them down for you. My dignity might be able to stand that much.

[He actually laughs a bit. Shifting his hand to wrap his fingers through hers.]

I can edit it that way.

[ She gladly squeezes his fingers as they make their way onto the lift, which should transport them to the recreation and residential deck. ]

Oh no, no editing. I want the unabashed and unsullied version.

You want to read the versions with all the typos? Is that what I'm hearing?

[Now that they're safely in the elevator... he can lean into her side a little more. Smile at her a little more openly. It's easier behind closed doors.]

If that equates to the version where you refuse to omit all the juicy details? Of course.

[ She grins up at him as she sets the floor selection and the platform moves downward. ]

I've become quite adept at sorting through your typos, anyway.

You've asked so nicely, I could never omit anything.

[His head ducks, color flitting over his cheekbones for a moment.]

... I like this. You know? Just. This.

[Their arrangement. The back and forth together. Feeling like there's something solid and dependable, in a situation where nothing is ever that certain.]

[ Allura softens at that--how can she not?--toning down the teasing just a little. ]

As do I.

[ In the privacy of the lift, Allura smoothes her other hand over the back of his, holding it between both of her own. ]

Admittedly, I do wish we could indulge more often. But I am grateful for the time allowed.

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