Cuddle Buddy

More Questions than Answers

“What do you guys want to watch?” Hunk asked, scanning through the movie titles passing by.

 

“It’s your turn to choose, Hunk,” Pidge pointed out, hogging all the popcorn to her lap. She was pulling up her long hair into a loose, messy pony tail.

 

“Yeah, you usually choose good movies anyway,” Lance added, reaching over from next to Pidge to steal some popcorn, only to get his hand smacked away. “Ow!”

 

“My popcorn,” Pidge responded, sticking out her tongue. “I microwaved them. I asked you if you wanted some, you said no. So, no popcorn for you.”

 

Lance pouted and looked over at Hunk. “Hunkleberry?” He said, attempting his best puppy dog eyes he could make.

 

Hunk stared at him, trying to stay strong and not break under his gaze. He let out a breath, “Fine. You cheated by using puppy dog eyes.” He leaned the green plastic bowl towards Lance.

 

Lance smiled. “Thank you, bud.” He took a handful and eat some.

 

Hunk finally stopped on a movie. “How about this one? I heard it’s good, but never watched it.”

 

“There’s a first for everything,” Pidge responded. “Play it.”

 

Lance agreed, his cheeks full of popcorn as he munched.

 

The room was dark, the only light coming from the tv playing Kubo and the Two Strings. It was movie night for a reason.

 

Lance swallowed. “Hey, Pidge?”

 

She hummed a response, half-ignoring him as she tried to watch the movie and understand what he was saying.

“What is going on with your brother?” Lance asked, glancing over at Pidge. A small nudge was given to his side, but decided to ignoring, thinking he imagined it.

 

Pidge’s jaw tightened, although you could not tell from the blanket draped over her head. She hugged the blanket closer. “Which brother?”

 

“You have other brothers?” Lance questioned.

 

“No, I was just,” she paused before mumbling something that Lance almost did not catch, “Stalling… What about Matt?”

 

“I saw him yesterday,” Lance started, watching the movie now more intently than Pidge. “He said you two have not talked in awhile.”

 

Hunk watched, not saying anything, not knowing if he should stop Lance or not.

 

“You saw him?” Pidge asked, pulling the blanket down. Hairs stood up from her ponytail. “How is he?”

 

Lance blinked and looked back at Pidge. “He’s… fine? I mean, he was with Shiro, Keith’s brother. Did you know Keith had a step-brother?”

 

“Shiro is back?” Pidge mumbled. Her hand flattened her hair.

 

“Wow, you really have not talked to him in a long time,” Lance stated. “You should try.”

 

“Don’t you think I have?” Pidge said, her voice raised.She got up from her seat, moving her hands exasperatedly. “Because trust me, I have. Multiple times. He’s the one who has to talk to me!”

 

Lance shrinked back. “I’m sorry, Pidge. I did not mean to hit your buttons.”

 

“Well, you did,” she sniffled. She took a deep breath, rubbing her face. She pulled them away, her face pink and moist. Trying to calm herself, she sat down on the couch. “We’re just.. Going through something.”

 

“What happened?” Lance asked, leaning closer to Pidge.

 

Hunk sat down next to Pidge, slowly wrapping his arms around her, pulling her into a soft hug.

 

Pidge looked up at Lance and then down at her hands. She twisted her ring finger as an attempt to further calm her. “He-” she covered her mouth like she was choking on her words. “I miss him,” she said, choosing not to speak of it longer. “He was just going through something and…” she swallowed back something. “He needed space, that’s all.”

 

That was obviously not all. If Matt just wanted some space, Pidge would not be weeping in front of Lance right now. He had more questions than answers, but he decided not to push further. He chewed his lip before joining Hunk with hugging her.

 

“It’s okay, Pidge,” he kissed the top of her head. “You don’t have to tell me.”

 

They stayed in silence before Pidge let out a broken, short laugh and pushed them away. “Sorry I got all mopey with you.”

 

Hunk and Lance offered soft smiles.

 

“Let’s just watch the movie, yes?” Pidge suggested, sniffing.

 

“Of course,” Lance responded, casually taking Pidge’s popcorn away from her.

 

Pidge smacked his arm with a small, appreciative smile. “It’s still mine. Go share with Hunk.”

 

Hunk put the green bowl between them and turned back to the movie.