Gifts Part 4: Years 3232 to 3233

by JoAnn

See Part 0 for the Disclaimer and related information

=======================

Year 3232

Shaping

=======================

Startled, Keith freezes at the entrance to his room. “Who are you?”

Lifting an eyebrow at the rudeness, Ishida regards the slight form in front of him for a moment before answering. “Mr. and Mrs. Ishida, Lance’s parents.”

Both bow slightly, from their seated positions. Attempting to meet the boy’s gaze, Ishida is perturbed by the young man’s continued refusal to meet his eyes. Waiting a moment more, and then realizing no introduction is forthcoming, he prods, gently. “And you are...?”

Tilting his head to one side, regarding the two of them as if they were exotic animals, Keith finally responds. “Keith Shimada. Roommate.” Bowing politely, Keith walks a wide path around them to settle at his desk. His back to them, he apparently dismisses them from his attention.

The Ishidas exchange looks, but otherwise simply sit in the quiet, reading, as they await Lance’s arrival.

----------------------------------

The door slams open suddenly. Both elder people jump unconsciously. Keith doesn’t even flinch, merely flings out a hand in greeting. He doesn’t bother looking at the door.

“Hi Keith! Mom, Dad -- sorry about the wait. I got caught up in class and stayed after to ask questions...”

“Don’t worry about it. Are you able and willing to go out to dinner now?” Mrs. Ishida smiles at her excited son.

“Yep!”

“Keith? Would you like to come?” Hesitantly, Mrs. Ishida addresses the still form.

“No. Thank you.” Keith still doesn’t turn around.

Lance’s lips flatten, and his eyes crinkle in suppressed amusement. His parents look at him, look back at Keith, shake their heads in puzzlement, and quickly leave.

Keith continues to study at his desk, apparently completely absorbed.

----------------------------------

“Lance -- is everything all right with your roommate? He doesn’t seem, well, normal...”

“He’s not, especially for around here. But, then again, neither am I.” Meeting their eyes defiantly, Lance blushes slightly as he continues. “I like him. I feel _right_ with him. I’m glad that we ended up rooming together or we might never have met...” Abruptly realizing that he’s starting to babble, he ferociously turns his attention to his food.

His parents exchange looks, and decide, tactfully, to change the subject.

=======================

Year 3232

Hidden Depths

=======================

For the first time since he entered the Academy, Keith relaxes utterly. This diplomat’s daughter appears perfectly willing to be charmed. And she has bodyguards who are more than willing to keep anyone from interfering with her pleasure. As an added bonus, the way she unconsciously moves ever so slightly to the music lets Keith know that she’ll be a joy to dance with.

“Milady, would you do me the honor?” Keith glides gracefully toward her, meeting her eyes, and flashing her a dazzling smile.

Green eyes widening in absolute delight, she smiles back at him. Enough contact with various charming people has her only slightly breathless and still mostly composed as she dips her head in gracious acceptance.

Taking her into his arms, Keith checks only slightly as he guides her onto the dance floor. Just a bit too late, his Gift wails a warning of the complications to come. *Crap. I’m drawing attention to myself. And not for something that these people would respect.* Defiantly, he smiles even more brilliantly at the lady in his arms. *It’s too late. I might as well enjoy this reprieve for as long as it lasts. Stopping with just this lady will simply make things worse, anyway...*

----------------------------------

Whispers and mutterings of amazement buzz throughout the room.

“Look at him! I can’t believe that’s _Shimada_ out there! I mean, the lady’s _smiling_.”

“Her nothing, I can’t believe _he’s_ smiling.”

Listening to the murmurs in amusement, Lance leans back against the wall, enjoying the graceful sight of his roommate gliding across the ballroom floor. *Well. This is a surprise. He acts as though he has no social skills -- and no interest in learning them. And then he pulls something like this.* A wry smile, hidden deep inside, lights in Lance. *One would have assumed, that of the two of us, _he’d_ be the one lurking in the shadows, not me...*

---------------------------------

In the deserted hallway, Lance lets loose his grin. *I’ve never felt such relaxation from Keith before. Whatever anyone else thinks, this must have been good for him.* Slanting a look at his roommate, Lance’s grin widens further. *I wonder if he’d be willing...* “Keith?”

“Hmm?” As usual, Keith doesn’t bother acknowledging his name with more than an interrogative noise.

Lance stifles the laughter that threatens to rise at the almost-purr in Keith’s voice. “Do you think you could teach me to dance?” Abruptly, Lance finds himself the focus of an incredulous black gaze.

“You don’t know how to dance?”

“Nope. Remember my Gift?” *Being that close to a female while attempting to concentrate on learning something...* Lance shudders.

Startled, Keith thinks for a moment, and then his eyes light in laughing realization. “Okay. I’ll teach you.” Expression blanking for a moment, he considers the logistics. “Our room ought to be big enough. Want to start tonight?”

Lance checks slightly in surprise. *He agrees so easily to the oddest things, and then balks at the most simple...* “Sure...” *Now I’ll have something to remember later...*

========================

Year 3233

To Begin Again

========================

General Hayashi chokes, coughing up his coffee.

“Sir? Are you all right?”

“What did you say?”

“Um...” Ensign Yui gives the general a wary look. “Pidge and Hunk are returning from their mission and are awaiting debriefing in conference room 1202A. They said they were expected, and their codes fit...”

About to sputter a protest, Hayashi is cut off by a quiet voice behind him. “Thank you Ensign. That will be all.” A hand reaches past Hayashi, closing the screen on the young man’s sharp salute.

Hayashi twists around in his chair, looking up at the lean face over him. “I can’t believe they’re still alive.”

General Hawkins’ mouth twitches up in a slight smile as he settles back into his chair. “And they are no longer your concern, as per our agreement.” *I can’t believe you’re not wondering how they can have current codes. No wonder you had so many problems with them in such a short time.*

Hayashi studies Hawkins, searching for an explanation. All he can see is a smooth, seamless mask. “I don’t understand. You already have the worst trouble makers in the entire Fleet under your command; why would you _want_ to add these two as well?”

Hawkins’ smile widens slightly. “I’m collecting favors.” *I think they’ll almost be balanced with the addition of this pair. Now, if those other two work out as nicely... Although Hammond ought to be able to handle them better than Hayashi did with his set.*

Hayashi eyes him suspiciously. “Ah?” Then, shrugging, he decides to worry about that later. “So long as they’re off my hands now, I’ll be grateful. I just wish they’d gotten themselves killed over the past three years...”

Hawkins nods and listens politely to the rest of Hayashi’s ramblings.

-------------------------------

Hunk cradles Pidge in his lap, both of them facing the door, as they wait for their debriefing to start.

“Y’think we ought to stand at attention or something?” Hunk’s voice rumbles pleasantly through Pidge.

“mmm... No. This is what we are, and if they have problems, they can just kick us out. I want to fight the Drules, but... Somehow, I just can’t see them as monsters anymore... So I’d have no problem trying to find a civilian job far away from the war, with you....” Abruptly concerned and embarrassed at his ramblings, Pidge looks up into Hunk’s face. “Is that all right with you? If you want --” Pidge starts to scramble off his comfortable perch.

Hunk’s arms close around Pidge, holding him in place. “It’s fine with me. I have you now.”

Subsiding, Pidge relaxes back down, feeling contentment spread throughout him.

---------------------------

General Hawkins enters the room quietly, and lifts his eyebrow in surprise. *Hmm. I can just imagine Hayashi’s reaction to this...*

Pidge looks up at him, but doesn’t bother moving. Lifting a haughty eyebrow, he speaks almost as if he had the higher rank. “Sir? I don’t believe I know you...”

Bowing slightly, Hawkins manages to control his grin. “General Hawkins, here to debrief you and to greet you as the SO of the squadron you were transferred into.”

Hunk studies Hawkins. “Ah. So you’re the one who thought up our mission.”

“Yes.” Lifting an eyebrow, Hawkins settles in across from them, apparently completely at ease. “How did it go?”

Baldly, watching him for a reaction, Pidge answers. “Well. There was a further connection. One particular area of Drule territory is responsible for all the new weapons. There’s always a heavy, dense burst of communication between that particular area and the area where the new weapons end up being manufactured.” Waiting for a reaction to his not very polite or professional report, Pidge is treated to nothing more than a patient look. Feeling obscurely guilty, he continues. “We would have tried to pinpoint that location more precisely, but if we got any closer, our chances of getting back alive would have dropped too much...” Trailing off, he manages a defiant look at his new SO.

Hunk growls a sound of agreement, and joins Pidge in glaring at Hawkins.

Amazingly, the General’s lips twitch upward in a smile. “Good.”

Startled, the two of them lose their defiance and stare at Hawkins in surprise.

“I’m glad that the two of you show some sense. The two of you are good fighters, but not that good. I’m impressed with the success of your mission and your judgment.”

Sputtering, Pidge speaks without thinking. “But -- but we didn’t really do anything about the problem...” *What am I saying?*

“You clarified the problem. The two of you would have been wasted in a ‘find and destroy’ mission -- it’s not one either of you are suited to.” Smile widening, Hawkins’ eyes unfocus, as if suddenly struck by thought. “There’s another pair that are much better suited to a ‘find and destroy’ mission. But, again, their talents would have been wasted without the information the two of you obtained.” Shaking his head sharply, Hawkins appears to snap back into focus. “Enough speculating.” Flipping a map-cube to them, he stands up. “You have a week’s leave. At the end of that leave, follow the directions on the map -- it’ll lead you to where you need to report to your new commander.” Amusement hidden deep inside him, Hawkins bows again, and leaves. *Now, if that doesn’t arouse your curiosity, nothing will... I wonder what Allura will think of the presents I’m sending her...*

Shocked, Pidge and Hunk manage to salute back as Hawkins leaves.

Pidge slides off of Hunk and starts pacing. *What was that? No reprimand -- actual praise. And... Who is in this ‘other pair’ that can do something we can’t? More importantly, who the heck is he going to stick us under?* Thoughtfully, he eyes the map-cube. *I think we’re gonna do some research...*

Hunk watches in amusement as Pidge starts pacing and thinking. *Why do I have the feeling that we’re not going to be doing much resting?* Slouching back in his chair, he smiles.

=======================

Year 3233

Molding

=======================

Head lifting in surprise, Lance immediately excuses himself from his conversation. Casually looking around until he locates Keith, he works his way closer.

---------------------------------

“So.” Shimada regards the slim form of his youngest son. “You made it through. Now what?”

Eyes, as always before, downcast, and voice so quiet it almost disappears into the background noise, Keith’s murmur is easily drowned out by the quick replies of his siblings.

“Keithie’s going to be a fighter jock!” Bell-like laughter fills the air around them, as his sisters imagine their youngest brother being an aggressive fighter pilot.

“I can’t believe it---”

“-- never would have thought---”

“The Academy must be getting soft --”

“--Keithie--”

“Now, when _I_ went through --”

-----------------------------------

As he approaches the knot of Shimadas, Lance is appalled by the posturing and the bits of conversation he hears. *It’s a wonder that Keith isn’t stranger if _this_ is what he grew up with... And calling him ‘Keithie’ on top of all of that?* Mentally shuddering, Lance takes a deep breath for courage just before he reaches the Shimadas. Grumbling internally to himself, Lance slowly makes his way through the horde. *Figures that his sisters would be standing the closest to him...*

----------------------------------

“Pardon, Mr. Shimada.”

“Yes.” One eyebrow lifts, managing to cast his face in an expression that is both arrogant and interrogative.

“I’m Lance Ishida, Keith’s roommate, and one year behind him in studies.”

Mr. Shimada nods his head gracefully, pinning Lance with an intense, evaluating look.

*Huh. So that’s why our instructors’ glares never had much effect on him...* Keeping calm, Lance continues. “I know that this is a graduation celebration, but Keith promised me some help for a test I have tomorrow...”

Silently, Keith acknowledges the truth of this.

Frowning slightly for a moment, Mr. Shimada narrowly regards Lance, and his son in turn. “Very well. Promises ought to be kept.”

Not risking anything else said, the two bow their leave and beat a hasty retreat, leaving the pack of relatives to talk amongst themselves.

----------------------------------

Safely in the hallway, the two relax, and lengthen their stride.

Laying a hand lightly on Lance’s arm, Keith murmurs, “Thanks.” *No one’s ever done that for me before... Is this the difference with a male friend?*

Lance smiles and just as quietly replies, “Anytime.”

In peace, the two weave their way back to their room.

=======================

Year 3233

To Meet Again

=======================

*He’s got to be one of them.* Pidge scans the file. *He has to be. He’s the only one in the classes after us that’s capable of making it deep into Drule territory, destroying whatever it is, and getting back alive. But Hawkins said a _pair_... Ishida’s his roommate... Ishida’s slightly odd, but nothing like Shimada. And he’s a class below. But he’s the only possiblity... They practice the simulations together... Maybe Hawkins means Allura and Romelle? But he wouldn’t want break up a proven team... The three of them are going to be something incredible to fight with...*

Hunk hangs over Pidge’s shoulder, reading the file as well. *Huh. Keith Shimada. Just graduated.* “Let’s visit the simulators.”

Startled, Pidge looks up at Hunk, encountering a bland look. Lips twitching in amusement, he shrugs, and carefully shuts down his computer. *Wouldn’t do for someone to realize I’ve been hacking...*

----------------------------------

Wandering through the simulators, the two of them commune in their own way.

Hunk stops at a particular one, and sighs. Opening his eyes after almost ten minutes, he meets his bondmate’s puzzled gaze. “Shimada’s simulator. The machine _loves_ him. Shimada’s definitely something special.”

Raising an eyebrow, Pidge regards Hunk. “Anyone else?”

Thoughtfully, Hunk strokes the machine. “Ishida takes this one when his class is in the room. His touch is one of the better ones, though nothing like Shimada’s. Besides, he spends almost as much time on this one, for some reason...” Hunk’s other hand trails over the next machine over.

“Interesting... I think we’re going to have a talk with this Shimada.”

----------------------------------

Tracking Shimada down is rather more complicated than either of them expected. Eventually, they corner him one night in the computer lab.

----------------------------------

*Huh. What’s he doing on the computer?* Pidge shoots a puzzled look at Hunk.

Blinking, Hunk’s eyes unfocus. “He’s looking up files on different pilots...”

A cool voice inserts itself in their conversation. “It’s none of your business.”

Pidge lifts an eyebrow. “It’s illegal.”

Shimada turns around and looks blandly at them. “You going to tell?” *Something about them... They feel familiar, almost. But I _know_ I would have remembered meeting a pair like this before...*

Pidge grins suddenly at him. “Nah. The computers like you too much.”

Keith stiffens slightly. *What?*

Hunk barely controls a smirk. *Of course, there’s also the fact that he’s bonded like us. Though, somehow, he’s apart from his other half...* Thoughtfully, Hunk examines Shimada more closely.

Shimada frowns. *They’re baiting me. But, my gut says to trust them... And neither of them have the Warrior’s Gift to explain _that_ feeling...*

Pidge strolls closer, noting the small signs of Shimada’s increasing tenseness with amusement. *Huh. Close enough now.* Pidge’s grin widens. *Especially with Hunk right behind me to, ah, _loom_,*

Lifting an eyebrow, Shimada causally leans back in his chair -- a move that frees himself from the desk. “You wanted something?”

Head tilted, Pidge takes a leisurely look at Shimada. *No honorifics, completely in control of his body... He’s ready, right now, to kill us if we make any move that could be interpreted as an attack... Yep. He _has_ to be one of the ones that Hawkins was talking about. And the other one must be Ishida... Even though they’re in different classes, they spend more time with each other than anyone else...* “Nope. Not a thing.”

Spinning about, Pidge sweeps out of the room, Hunk moving easily in his wake.

Shimada stares at their backs. *What the hell--?* Frowning, he starts calling up a different set of files.

---------------------------------

Back in their rooms, Pidge grins delightedly up at Hunk. “That was fun.”

Hunk just shakes his head, smiling a little.

=======================

Year 3233

To See or Not To See

=======================

Pidge and Hunk calmly stroll into the designated meeting room, exactly on time.

Allura, Romelle, and Sven also enter the room, from another door, exactly on time.

Pausing, the two groups regard each other expressionlessly for a moment.

Pidge lifts an eyebrow. “Ah. So I was right. We did get assigned to the same group as the amazons.”

Allura stiffens.

Romelle crumples into a chair, laughing. “You two are going to be _good_ for us.”

Sven coughs, managing to keep his laughter under control.

Both Pidge and Hunk grin in pleasure.

Allura sighs. “Right.” *Just what I needed. Romelle and this Pidge to make my life harder.* “Some facts that you probably already know. Sven’s got seniority, but I’m the commander.” Throwing a sideways look at her personnel, Allura sighs again. “Even though it doesn’t look like it now, they obey me in battle. I’ll expect the two of you to do so as well.”

Pidge and Hunk nod simultaneously.

“Since we’re clear on that point... Sven.”

Straightening, Sven moves swiftly forward, holding Hunk’s head still with one hand, Looking deep into Hunk’s eyes.

Hunk stiffens in protest. “No.” Hands coming up, he tries, unsuccessfully, to move Sven’s grip on his face.

Lifting an eyebrow in surprise, Sven concentrates harder. *These shields are better than anyone else’s I’ve ever met... Ah. That’s why. Somehow, I’m Seeing Pidge as well as Hunk... Must be a side-effect of their lifebond. And their shields interlock, strengthing both... Interesting effect. Not that hard to get through, even so...*

Romelle, the laughter dying from her eyes, places hand on Sven’s arm, even as she looks worriedly at the pair in front of her.

Desperately, Pidge starts to babble, frantically glancing between Scen and Allura. “Look -- you don’t need to do this. During our mission, we had _no_ close encounters with Drules. We just holed up and hid in Drule territory. We didn’t even fight -- Hunk convinced their fighters not to notice us...”

Eyes widening in surprise, Sven reads the truth of what Pidge says -- as well as something more. As he pulls back his Sight, Hunk relaxes.

Allura frowns at him. “What.” Dangerously clipped, the tone of voice has everyone snapping to attention.

Not quite looking at her, Sven replies calmly. “They’re telling the truth. And -- they’ve been hurt in the same way the two of us have been. Only, it’s worse, because they were younger and more entwined with their loved ones.” Face stilling, Sven gathers up his resolve. “I don’t think anything will be gained by pushing them. And I don’t want to hurt them more.”

Quietly, Allura regards Sven, and then Pidge and Hunk. Turning to Romelle, she lifts an eyebrow. “Well?”

Frowning, eyes unfocusing, Romelle drums her hands on the table before her. Sven touches her back, grounding her. Blinking back into focus, she looks seriously at her commander. “They’ll be good for us. As far as I can see, in all the branches I see, they’ll not be a threat.”

Lips twisting, Allura waves a hand in acquiescence. “Fine then. You two won’t be read. Sven -- if you don’t mind showing them to their quarters?”

Relaxing minutely, Sven sweeps her a bow and leaves.

Hunk and Pidge, shaking slightly, manage to salute her sharply before following Sven out.

Sighing, Allura rubs her eyes. *I really didn’t need to be reminded of Arus...*

Romelle reaches out and gently touches Allura. “Are you okay?”

Dropping her hand, Allura smiles tiredly at her wingmate. “I will be. I’m just _tired_.” *And I need some time alone...*

Romelle smiles back, relieved at Allura’s rallying. “They’ll help.” Patting Allura once more, Romelle turns and leaves.

Just before she reaches the door, she turns slightly, letting Allura see the wicked humor in her eyes. “They’ll help me keep you humble.”

Allura collapses into a chair and drops her head on the table as Romelle finally departs. *Why me? Should have known her sympathy wasn’t going to last long...*

----------------------------------

Settling in their new quarters, Pidge yawns. Flopping over to curl against Hunk’s side, he chortles.

Wrapping an arm around Pidge, Hunk regards him suspiciously. “What?”

Mischievous laughter dances in his eyes and down their bond. “Can you imagine what their reaction to Shimada and Ishida is gonna be?”

Hunk blinks, and then starts to laugh.

----------------------------------

Pausing outside her new pilots’ quarters, Allura hesitates, and then walks on. *Planning can wait until tomorrow. Somehow, I don’t think I _want_ to know what they’re laughing about...*


Any comments or suggestions for JoAnn should be sent through me with either the story title or JoAnn in the subject line. I'll forward them without peeking. Really I will.

On to Part 5

Go Back and Peek at the Time Line

Back to the Gifts Index

Angel's Web Graphics