The Stars Between -- (VLD)

[27] Allergies?

Lance groaned as he lugged a giant bag down the length of the hallway - it was probably heavier than he was, but Lance thought of himself as honourable, and he had said he would take it to their ship, so that was what he was going to do - with no help.

Well, maybe a little.

Matt was sweating profusely as he dragged along a crate, matching Lance's stride with some effort.

"Wait up for the people with little legs." He grunted, voice only just being heard over the sound of the crate's drags. Lance idly wondered how it wasn't damaging the floors.

"Do we really need all this gear for a recon mission?" Lance asked, feeling as if they had packed the kitchen sink into the bag just to make the task harder for him.

On that note, why were he and Matt, current members of the leggy squad, doing the heavy lifting?

"Knowing us, it won't be just recon. The captain likes being prepared." He heaved the crate again, before groaning. "I'm not even on Recon One, why am I helping?"

"Wait, you're not?" Apparently, the thought had never occurred to him that Matt was on a different team. "So what are you doing?"

"Comms back at home base. Someone has to do it."

They reached the ship and Lance threw his bag on board with a deep sigh. Matt shoved the crate into the corner, flopping down on the floor immediately.

It was then that Lance saw the symbol on the side of the crate.

"Matt, you are aware that it has hover capabilities, right?" He said, crouching to examine the mark. He pressed it, and the crate buzzed to life, lifting itself up off the floor.

Matt merely flipped Lance off in reply, muffling his scream into the floor.

Lance chuckled, switching the crate off again and falling back against the side of the ship.

"So, Matt?" He asked, the words coming out a little heavy as he exhaled.

"Mmph?"

"Allergies?"

Matt didn't respond, hiding his face in his arms. It didn't work; as Lance could clearly see his face turning red again.

"Ooh, this sounds like a fun story!" Lance said, laughing as Matt spluttered.

"Olia, she-- she just... Y'know?" He rolled over onto his back, running a hand over his face. "She came to meet me and I--"

"And you...?" Lance prompted.

"She looks like a damn furry and I lost it, okay?" Matt said, sitting up and folding his arms.

Lance tried to hide his laughs, he really did. But a giggle escaped from between his mashed lips, and that was all it took to devolve into a shaking pile of laughter.

Matt's expression only made Lance laugh harder, bending to hold his knees as it shook his whole body.

"It's not- not that bad, is it? Is it?" Lance managed between laughs. As soon as he had said it, another wave started. "The- the- the entire time?"

"The crew thought maybe humans were allergic to her species, and I didn't bother to correct them." Matt mumbled, getting to his feet. "It's best if they don't know the real reason."