[IC] Inbox @ deerington

[princessences]

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[ deerlyBeloved ]

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[princessences]

[ She smiles softly at the memory. ]

I don't know, Keith and Lance might still take you up on that.

[shiro2hero]

You think?

Do you really want them to crash without being in the cockpit?

[princessences]

"Want" isn't exactly how I would put it...

[ But she can't argue that's likely how it would go. ]

[shiro2hero]

... but you're expecting it to happen just as much as I am.

[They're both expecting it.]

[princessences]

[ She's not going to deny it. ]

Yes. Yes I am.

[ She loves her all her boys, but...yes.

She knows them.

But this is about Shiro and his relationship with the Black Lion and with the team. ]

Perhaps instead you and Black would like to accompany Blue and I on a stroll?

[shiro2hero]

I guess we need to alert the local doctors...

[Since there won't be a pod to put them in, or restraints or cockpits. Or anything.]

[He smiles at her, nodding.]

Yeah. I'd like that. Long as I'm allowed to ride if need be. [If the fatigue of the flu gets to be too much.]

[princessences]

[ She's pleased by the response. Of course his health comes first, but she knows that this is a bit of the health of the mind and heart that needs to be tended to right now. ]

Wonderful.

[ And on cue, Blue strolls out from the back of the house and purrs as she approaches, bowing slightly to Black with her butt up in the air and tail swishing. ]

[shiro2hero]

[For a few moments, the Black Lion stands still as ever. Perfectly rigid like a statue. It's only when Shiro steps away slightly, to make room for Blue, that anything happens.]

Looks like they agree --

[What happens is the Black Lion just straight up pouncing on Blue.]

[princessences]

[ Allura rightfully jumps at that. ]

Ack!

[ Blue roars and rolls. It's...it's playing. It's two giant robot lions playing.

Well, miniature giant robot lions. It's like Jumbo Shrimp. ]

[shiro2hero]

[She jumps. Shiro backs up further, falling into line with her. And just... Watching. It's not every day you get to watch two horse and pony sized robots play like actual lions.]

[He's a little impressed the wings on Black don't get caught on anything.]

Or... maybe we stand here and let them have a playdate.

[princessences]

Yes...that seems to be their preference.

[ She settles after a moment when the Lions manage not to knock their Paladins over, or the trees, or the house. No, they just seem like they're having fun getting reacquainted. ]

They must have missed each other. It is kind of sweet.

[shiro2hero]

I can't blame them. I felt the same way when you guys showed up.

[Elated. Excited. Relieved not to be alone. Who's to say the Lions didn't feel some of that, too? Maybe they had a sense of separation, when no one else in Deerington did.]

[Black is doing her best to pin the other Lion, in typical cat playing fashion...]

I've never seen them act like this.

[princessences]

[ She places her hand on Shiro's shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze.

Black is clearly the one in charge, but Blue is going to give her a run for her money. ]

Neither have I. Perhaps they understand the oddities of this place as well, and how important it is for them to meet.

[shiro2hero]

[Her hand is at his shoulder, so his arm loops around hers. Casually. Comfortably. Second nature by now.]

[At some point, one of them is going to bat at the other, and then go zooming away. Giant robot cat zooms.]

They might. I don't think we've figured out how much they understand in general.

[princessences]

[ She tilts her head slightly as she watches the lions. It's a miracle they're not knocking everything over in the process. ]

No, I don't believe so either. Though as you know their method of communication isn't so literal. I have felt concern from Blue now and again.

[ Especially after she returned. ]

[shiro2hero]

[They're agile giant robots. Probably the cat thing. Or they're being careful for some reason. Who knows?]

I do. They can communicate when they need to... we just have to translate it.

[When he'd asked how Black got here, there'd been only the sense of "Need". That she needed to be here.]

[princessences]

[ Needed to be there. For Shiro. ]

We do. And you have always been very adept at communicating with the Black Lion.

[shiro2hero]

Let's hope that trend continues. Once they get acclimated to being together again... I think we should try to connect.

More than we are already.

[A little more Bonding Practice (TM) won't hurt anything.]

[princessences]

[ That's the Shiro she likes to see--one who is hopeful and motivated. ]

I agree.

[ She smiles, giving his shoulder another squeeze. ]

And I will follow your lead, Paladin.

[shiro2hero]

[And, of course, in answer, she gets a beaming smile.]

As my princess commands me.

[princessences]

[ Shiro, you have no idea how much that means to her. It warms her heart and make her a little sad at the same time. ]

You're really the only one who calls me that these days.

[shiro2hero]

Do you want me to stop?

[Immediately concerned. Because he would stop, if she asked. But... honestly, he likes doing it.]

[princessences]

[ Allura shakes her head. ]

Not at all. I miss it...though in many ways I feel as if the title has lost some meaning.

[shiro2hero]

Maybe we should find a new meaning. Something... to remind you there's more out there.

[Not just her old title. That there's a life waiting for her, somewhere. No matter what he's heard about Earth.]

[He'll try. She deserves it.]

[princessences]

[ She smiles at that and gives his shoulder another squeeze. ]

You do a good job of that already, Shiro.