❝ There’s not much to do out here except train or read. I think it’s only natural I start doing it more. ❞ Shiro blinked as he was pushed around by Lance though was not fazed when the other rested atop him. A sigh fell past his lips, a hand rising to rest against the curve of his back, half-steadying him, concerned that with the momentum of him kicking his legs he might knock himself over. In truth, Shiro was mildly concerned that he himself would be struck somehow. ❝ You comfortable now that you’ve made me your personal pillow? You’re lucky I can support your weight. ❞ A breath of amusement escaped him, however, gaze peering towards the ceiling idly, listening to Lance chatter. Shiro was fond of talkative people, for he enjoyed listening and also needn’t speak often for the conversation to continue. Talkative people were a blessing, especially when he had spent so long in silent captivity, only to hear the shrieks of other prisoners or those he slaughtered.
❝ I still train, Lance, I wouldn’t say you’ve got an advantage over me, but we could always test it. If you’re feeling froggy, you can always go ahead and leap. ❞ Despite himself, he could not help but laugh, this time more audibly. It was a clear, bright laugh, a laugh that he hadn’t laughed in a while, genuine and conceived of enjoyment. Lance was so positively ridiculous, yet it retained positive effects upon Shiro. The Black Paladin had always been a man of a more goofy disposition, prone to jests, yet after captivity, his humor had been buried for none to see, parts of it glimmering through the cracks from time to time, yet not often enough. Lance, however, was rather adept at drawing forth such light once more. It eased a weight from Shiro’s chest, truthfully, reminding him that he was not a centennial, that he was still a young man capable of experiencing the joys of life without the frigid backlash of cynicism.
Idly, his hand slid from the curve of Lance’s back to grasp his shoulder, squeezing gently before finally drawing his hand away. ❝ Instead of starting from the middle of the book, you should probably start from the beginning. Just a suggestion. ❞ Though he comprehended that other explanations began further in the book, it was much akin to mathematics, the content building upon one another the further one delved into the topic. Shiro rested his gaze upon Lance and how he flipped through the book. Why the other desired to read such a dull novel was beyond Shiro’s comprehension, he would have thought science-fiction to be more of his tastes than theoretical essays. Shiro would not tell the Blue Paladin what he could and could not read, yet there was simply something comical about seeing Lance holding such a thick book that retained no pictures, small font, and long-winded, scientific explanations. It was not that he berated Lance’s intelligence, for he thought the other a good deal enough clever if he had been with the Garrison, but alas, such books seemed not to suit Lance. Or, at least, Shiro thought so.
Lance gave a hum, amusement in his tone when he responded. ❝ There totally is, you just gotta think outside the box. Hunk and Pidge have started to have eating contests. ❞ Just the imagery of Shiro joining in activities like that made him laugh again, as he shook his head. He smiled, raising a brow cockily. ❝ Um, yeah. This is the best seat in the house. ❞ Truth be told, the blue paladin felt immensely comforted being so near to his Commander, and the hand laid on his back. To say Shiro made him feel secure was an understatement - but he was sure that was true of any teammate. Hell, he was like a father figure to Pidge, wasn’t he? It wasn’t an odd feeling when it came to someone like Shiro. That was just the effect he had on people, not Lance giving him any special treatment. Clearly.
...Lance shook off the feeling like he was trying desperately to convince himself of something. It didn’t help that he flushed a bit at Shiro’s words - the idea of sparring with Shiro, not to mention his bright, happy laugh. He felt his stomach flip in response, heart beating faster. Even though he forced himself to keep his head directed towards the book, he couldn’t help his shy gaze traveling towards the other, blue eyes half-lidded in an interest. The odd expression only increased in intensity as Shiro’s hand moved from the small of his back to his shoulder, but he finally shook himself out of it. ❝ Who knows, I might be able to take you on in one field or another. ❞
The words came out more mischievous than intended, and he mentally kicked himself, hoping that his companion wouldn’t notice his dip in behavior for that strange minute. He was very grateful when the conversation went back to the book. Lance sighed melodramatically. ❝ Uuugh, fine. You’re such a stickler for doin’ things the ‘right’ way, arent’cha? Well, that’s why you’re our leader. ❞ He smiled fondly as he turned the pages all the way back to the first chapter, though now his mind was much too preoccupied by something he really couldn’t put a finger on to focus on long-winded book introductions all that much.
