Victory Road IC Inbox

[pidge_out]

 


Hey, it's Pidge. Can't answer right now-- Rover quit it! --so leave a message and I'll get back to you when I can.
Rover, what did I say--?!?!

Comments

» gift

[spacebaloney]

[Pidge will find the other side of her bed cold and bereft of one (1) lanky sharpshooter and in his place, a wrapped gift the size of a shoebox in his place. Attached is a note in Lance's very recognizable handwriting:

Happy Valentine's Day, babe! Get dressed and meet me outside on the porch at 2pm. And it'll be nice if you wore this. Gotta look sexy today, remember? It's the law.

Inside the shoebox-size gift is... a pair of shoes. Because of course, Lance knows exactly who he's dating and no matter how much he prays to the sex gods, he's probably never going to convince Pidge to put on lingerie.]

[pidge_out]

[Whatever disappointment Pidge felt upon waking up alone in bed dissipates pretty quickly once she's opened up the box. She'd been skeptical at first, raising an eyebrow at his message telling her to look "sexy", but the sight of light up sneakers makes her laugh out loud. It continues to amaze her how well Lance knows her now. She'll have to do something special for him in return...

So come two o'clock, Pidge is indeed out on the porch dressed in something that's pretty decent (for her), walking back and forth with her eyes on her brand new shoes, watching them light up with her heavier steps. In her hands is a large red box with a ribbon on it that she keeps absently playing with, an absent, dopey smile on her face.]

[spacebaloney]

[That's decent and acceptable for Pidge, just like no one would expect Lance to be any less extra than normal what with his Shiro-inspired button-down that's not quite fully buttoned up. Okay, not just inspired, but straight up stolen from Shiro. Hey, sometimes the leader knows best, especially when said leader has gone through the whole asking and getting married that Lance hopes on doing.

Speaking of that, he keeps one hand in his right pants pocket as he paces nervously on the porch, assuring himself that both the ring he dropped a nice chunk of change on is still there and that this is the best was to do it because communicating about his wants and needs for the future? What is that?

Her heavy footfalls announce Pidge's arrival before Lance sees her, but when he does, he has an strange look of relief on his face that shows through his smile. Almost like he didn't expect her to show up.]

Hey.

[A regular wordsmith here.]

They look good on you.

[The sneakers, he means.]

[pidge_out]

[It's stupid. It's so... so stupid, the way her heart just lurches happily at the sight of Lance on the porch, even if he is wearing a ridiculous bright-colored shirt that's way too reminiscent of Shiro's new sense of style. It occurs to her that it might just be because she didn't get to see him this morning and that kind of messed up her routine. But it might also be because it's Valentine's day, and he's taking her on a date, and it's so normal and sweet and she fucking loves it. Her own face lights up like her sneakers when he greets her. He's no Shakespeare, but hell she doesn't expect him to be.] Hey yourself. [There's some dumb part of her that wants to pose, just to show off his gift to her and let him see exactly how delighted she is about it. But somehow she resists, keeping it down to a cheeky, lopsided grin. And besides, she has her own gift to give. She holds out the red box for him.] And here. It's nothing special, [for now] but, you know... It's Valentine's Day. So. Happy Valentine's Day? [True to her word, it really is nothing fancy. Just a box full of fancy, heart-shaped chocolates. They're clearly store-bought, but only because Pidge doesn't trust herself enough in the kitchen to go the homemade route. But she made sure they were all kinds of chocolate that Lance liked the most!]

[spacebaloney]

[It's funny how quickly they fell into a daily routine where the first thing they see is each other in various states of consciousness and undress. When there's any change to it, things feel off to Lance too, but he's never been able to put how he felt into words even when that word is "comfortable".

He can tell she likes the shoes because she's wearing them. Pidge would never wear something she hates, even if Lance gifted it to her. That's what he loves about her; Lance gets whatever Pidge gives him and he shouldn't question it.]

For me?

[Lance presses a hand against his chest and swoons like an idiot before accepting the box with a dumb grin that matches Pidge's.]

What is it?

[He could open it and see himself, but where's the fun in that?]

[pidge_out]

[She rolls her eyes playfully at the way he swoons, reaching out to shove at him lightly. But she is blushing, just a little, just the tiniest bit embarrassed about giving him a gift. Even if it is just chocolate.] It's just-- Just open it, you dork. [And she watches him, expectant and nervous for no good reason, hands behind her back and rocking back and forth on her heels. And as usual when she's nervous... She rambles.] It's nothing crazy, just, you know, I wasn't sure if I should get you something special- Not because I don't think-- You're super special to me, okay, I just didn't want to end up picking something you wouldn't like, and this seemed appropriate because of the holiday and all, so-- so I hope it's good. Enough. Good enough.

[spacebaloney]

Wow, okay, Miss Bossy. Can't even be nice to me for one day.

[Lance sounds put out but his smile says differently as he moves to take a seat on the porch and carefully unwraps the box. Any other time he would just rip it open like an impatient child in Christmas, but teasing Pidge and her patience is fun. It'll also get his ass kicked later, but who thinks about the future that far ahead? Not this guy.

As he s l o w l y pulls the ribbon loose, Lance decides now is a great time for casual conversation.]

So I was thinking... there's a fair out on the mainland today and I figured I'd drag you with me as I show some jumped up carnie how fixed his games are.

[pidge_out]

[That earns him another eyeroll but she follows suit, taking a seat next to Lance while he takes his sweet ass fucking time with opening her gift. Which in and of itself has her blushing and pouting because he's making it such a big deal and now she really does wish it was something more worthy of all this special attention. She's watching him though, impatient and still nervous to see what his reaction to a simple box of nice chocolates is going to be. But hey, casual conversation she can do. In fact she damn near throws herself into it. She needs something to distract her from the nerves that she honestly shouldn't have in the first place.] Oh-- Really?! [She grins at him, something cheeky and mischievous in her eyes.] Does this mean I get to run verbal circles around them at the same time?

[spacebaloney]

[The more she pouts, the slower he goes. He loves it when she turns red--his little tomato--and relishes in every moment Pidge does it. And besides, it is a big deal. It's not everyday a dude gets a gift from his girlfriend on Valentine's Day.

It's also not everyday same dude decides today is a good day to propose, but that's later. Much later.]

Well, I was thinking more along the lines of you biting their ankles a little. [Lance holds up his hand and makes a little chomping motion with it before going back and finally untangling the ribbon.] But yapping them to death like a toothless Chihuahua works good enough.

[pidge_out]

[Don't make her start fidgeting, Lance. She'll do it. On top of her cheeks burning red. She'll do that leg shaking thing (which would have the added bonus of setting off the lights in her sneakers) and everything.]

Wow, I'm not toothless. I can do both. I'll just have to alternate.

[And then her eyes drop back to his hands, watching as the ribbon finally falls apart.] ...Of course, first you have to actually take me to the fair. If you ever get around to that.

[spacebaloney]

[Pidge can fidget all she wants, but it will not do her any good. It only encourages Lance to carefully and lovingly peel at the edges of the wrapping paper, as if he wants to save the Earth by saving the pieces of tape holding the paper together.

Why is she with him again?]

You never said yes, so I still don't know if you even want to go. [For a second he looks up from the present in his lap and gives Pidge a look that's probably unreadable to her and then looks back down.] I can't do anything until I hear you say yes.

[Sir. You can't say things like that when Pidge has zero clue!]

[pidge_out]

[He's the worst. Pidge quickly decides that Lance is the worst, and clearly this is the last time she should ever give him a gift of any kind. Or at the very least one that's wrapped in a box with a bow. How dare her affections lie with this goober. She rolls her eyes again, letting out a little sigh.] Of course I wanna go. I wouldn't have come out here in the first place if I was gonna say 'no.' [Obviously, Lance. Aaaaaand the fidgeting begins. Pidge is officially a ball of nervous, impatient energy and he's forcing her to sit there and wait.]

[spacebaloney]

But you still haven't said yes.

[Look, she's not the only nervous one here. Lance is just really good at not showing it. Or rather, really good as externally showing it via trolling. Especially when his version of trolling means getting at least one yes out of her today. He fears it might be the only yes he'll get.]

And who knows? Maybe you came outside for some fresh air because the funk in your room finally got to you too. How am I supposed to know? I can't read minds.

[But he can read body language and with her fidgeting, Lance starts smirking as he tugs away a corner of paper that gives him a little peek to the box inside. He still actually has no clue to what the gift is yet except he already appreciates it because it's from Pidge.]

[pidge_out]

[The funk comment gets her to nudge him lightly with her elbow, snorting indelicately.] Uh-huh. Because I'm the kind of person who'd go all the way to the porch just for "fresh air." [The real question is why is Lance with her? She's a total filthmonger. Except today she actually showered properly and used Lance's shampoo and everything. ] Yes, Lance. I would love for you to take me to the fair today. [Her tone is light and teasing, but she still means every word. She got all dolled up for him and everything!] So would you hurry up and open your present? Paper is biodegradable, you can just rip right through it!

[spacebaloney]

Most people would open a window, but you live in the basement like a demon, so yeah, you'd have to come out here for fresh air.

[Lance nods at Pidge finally saying a particular word, like he wasn't just badgering her about it for the last two minutes and instead continues to pick at the wrapping's other corner.]

What do you take me for, some savage? Some ill-bred dog who doesn't take the time to savor the pleasures in life or the time to appreciate a kind gift? What if I ripped into it and accidentally ripped this precious loving gift?

[He gasps in realization, loudly enough to be obviously fake, turning to her with wide eyes and an open mouth.]

Is that what you did to my gift? Just tore into it like a starving wolf with a steak?

[pidge_out]

[She waves a hand at the basement comment.] No, I'd just go up to your room. Even though it can get way too warm up there sometimes.

[She continues to watch him pick away at the wrapping paper like a mouse, frowning at how long it's taking because dammit Lance it's just chocolate!! And then of course he has to go and pull out the melodrama on her, and she levels him with such a deadpan look. Pidge may be impatient, but she has learned to react to his fake shock with dry monotone.]

...Yes, Lance. I shredded the box to pieces with my nails. And yet somehow, here's your gift-- [She kicks out a foot to show off the sneaker, the sudden motion seeming to activate a flicker of light.] Totally intact.

[spacebaloney]

It's not my fault the Ice Queen likes it cold. Sorry, but island genetics say we keep the heat on all year round.

[It might just be chocolate, but damn it, it's gifted chocolate! That gives it more meaning than some random bag of miniature candy bars from the corner drugstore.

Lance grimaces, looking like he's about to cry, pitching his voice up in a octave that sounds suspiciously like the same one he uses when he pretends to be Pidge herself.]

You think that matters that the shoes are still in tact? What about how long it took me to find the perfect wrapping paper, the perfect box, and how long it took me to carefully wrap it?! You never appreciate anything I do!

[pidge_out]

Do that and you get to think about what you've done when your sweaty girlfriend refuses to so much as hug you. [Pidge just sighs at his theatrics -- and no, the corner of her lip is absolutely not threatening to turn up into an amused smile, thankyouverymuch. Despite her impatience for him to just get to the chocolate box already so she can see if she picked the right types, she can't deny that it's fun to watch Lance be an absolute drama queen about gift wrapping.] I appreciate plenty. I'd also appreciate getting to the fair before the sun sets.

[spacebaloney]

Says the sweaty girlfriend who lets me cuddle her after we do the horizontal Lambada. Why would she complain now?

[Oh, he sees that lip. He sees it and relishes in the fact that no matter what, he can always tease a dumb grin out of Pidge. Even when he is being a pain in the ass. But isn't that why Pidge likes him?

With a heavy dramatic sigh, Lance pulls off one full side of the wrapping, revealing so much more of the box inside.]

Well, you could go ahead and go to the fair by yourself and get there before dark, but then the fair wouldn't be much fun without me. Who's gonna get you the life-sized Garchomp stuffie if I'm not there?

[pidge_out]

[That comment gets Pidge's cheeks to color ever so slightly, even as she waves a hand dismissively.] That- That's different. [And unfortunately for her, that is a big reason Pidge likes him. He makes her laugh. Sure, there are times that she is genuinely annoyed with his antics, but it never outweighs moments like these. Moments where they can just enjoy being total shits to each other because it's just plain fun.] I refuse to go by myself, you big goof. I don't even know where the fair is happening. [As soon as the actual chocolate box starts to peek out of the wrapping, Pidge leans forward slightly, a slight anxiety spiking within her. She hopes he doesn't hate it. It's just chocolates. Lance went and bought her kick-ass shoes and all she could decide on was chocolates.] ...Ta-dah?

[spacebaloney]

Maybe, but you're still sweaty and that's all that matters.

[Technically, what matters is that he's won this pseudo argument and is about to win the next one once Pidge admits she has no idea where to head off to.]

Exactly my point. [He turns to face her with the most smug look Pidge has probably ever seen. Doesn't she just want to slap it away?] So you gotta wait for me no matter how many ants you got in those pants of yours.

[To which he reaches down to stick two fingers down the waistband of her skirt both to punctuate his point and pull her closer once he gets a good look at what his gift actually entails. This deserves a proper thank you because this fool has a mega sweet tooth.]

C'mere.

[pidge_out]

[Pidge just rolls her eyes at that, and when he sees how full of himself he's getting over "winning" this argument (heavy on the air-quotes, as far as she's concerned) she pushes a hand into his face as if to wipe it away.] Well, you're slow. Hurry up. [He barely even has to tug before she's moving closer, and now the color in her cheeks is much more prominent. Does he like it? He seems happy enough.] Sorry it's not more... [She makes a vague gesture with her hands, embarrassed.] Uh- Fancy? Or expensive, or anything. I wasn't sure-- I just hoped you'd like it, even if it's kinda lame.

[spacebaloney]

[He has just enough time to lick her palm like the nasty dog he is when she puts her hand in his face before she pulls it back and replaces it with her entire body as his behest. Now Lance is pressing his lips against hers softly before barely moving away to whisper against them.]

Shut up. I love it.

[He does. He really does. Lance knows Pidge isn't the gushy, grand gestures of romance kind of person (that's him), so for her to do this much means more than anything else. No expensive gifts needed; the thought counts for much more than money could.]

And I love you, my midget gremlin.

[pidge_out]

[She had a lot more flailing to do still, flustered by the fact that she can never seem to outdo Lance when it comes to the romance department. Hell, she'd give anything to just be able to reach his level. And there was a lot more to ramble about; how she feels bad about that struggle and she wishes it came more naturally to her. But then Lance kisses her and that seems to melt the anxiety away, replaced with butterflies and the excited flip of her stomach. And hearing those three words again. Lance hasn't said it since Shiro's wedding, and he'd been pretty drunk so Pidge hadn't even been sure he remembered saying it at all. But it sends a stupid, electric tingle up her spine that ends in a small, warm smile across her face.] I love you too, you dork. [She can say it now, and she's proud of herself for that. And it's not just lip service or telling Lance what he wants to hear (and besides, when has she ever done that). She means it, and she hopes he can tell.]

[spacebaloney]

[No one should strive to reach Lance's level. His level has been borne from a need to be approved, to be The One for someone, from insecurity that one day he might not be enough. While he does these days mostly because he loves Pidge and actions speak louder than words, he'd be remiss to ignore the fact his skills were practiced to for impressing rather than affection.

Also, yeah, Lance was pretty well trashed when he admitted he loved Pidge, but they don't call alcohol the truth serum for nothing. Though, hearing her say it back, now? Today? Of all days? Sure beats any fancy schmancy chocolate one can buy.

It's enough to surprise him where he pulls back with furrow between his brows.]

Really?