𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐏 , v:ld [𝘋𝘐𝘚𝘊𝘖𝘕𝘛𝘐𝘕𝘜𝘌𝘋]

19 ★ ON THE VERGE

❝ ON THE VERGE. ❞

CHAPTER NINETEEN.

Lia knew that her own car wasn't the best, but Crusty was just a piece of shit whichever way you put it. She had let Finn know that plenty of times this past summer. As you drove you could clearly hear something metal dragging across the pavement, even the sparking could be heard, yet if you stopped to check there would be nothing loose or leaking.

The minivan was pulling a stupid prank on them constantly, but Lia knew she couldn't hit it in anger because just one punch could cause it to break down for eternity.

So she kept herself calm and collected as she, Rowan, and Allura chugged along to their home away from home away from home— the gas station.

It had taken a lot of convincing to get the Princess to leave the castle. Her first excuse was that she needed to watch over the Lions. Chayse had raised an eyebrow and said 'You're not a paladin how the fuck are you supposed to help them?' Her second concern was leaving her castle. Miles had sighed and said 'Coran knows way more about this place than you.' Her third and final concern was that there was no time to rest, that every moment must be spent preparing—

Finn had quickly shut that down with 'The longer you go without taking a break the sooner you'll burn out. Trust me, I do it all the time.'

The car ride made it all worth it for Allura. She seemed fully engrossed in the scenery they passed or perhaps she was just interested to learn more about the American human culture. She even began fiddling with the loose cupholders. Luckily it was short lived as the driver parked in front of the "quaint" building.

Upon stepping into the building, Red the cashier immediately brightened up at the arrival of a pretty girl. Brook, who had been conversing with him to ease her boredom, rolled her eyes.

"Oh, uh, welcome," he stuttered, not taking his eyes off of the Altean. "Can I get you any... gas?"

"We'll need fifteen on Pump 3 in a minute," Lia responded and began walking towards the fridges. He ignored her.

"I, uh, I like your..." he vaguely gestured to his own face. Allura cocked her head in confusion, stepping closer to him. "Makeup... mark things."

The princess went to respond (what is makeup?), but Rowan grabbed her hand with a groan and pulled her to follow after Lia. Red frowned at that action, to which Brook snickered.

Allura was astounded by the various bags and containers that lined the shelves they passed by. Most of them had words with dramatically sized lettering and obnoxious colors that seemed to make her look at them. One thing after another sounded absolutely delicious to her just because of the way the packaging presented it, and she couldn't take her eyes off of it. If Rowan hadn't been guiding her she surely would have tripped over something.

This place was like Wonderland.

"Allura!" Lia suddenly yelped and a Spring Mountain water bottle went tumbling to the ground. "Are you tripping on acid or something? Bump into me again and I'll make you carry everything!"

Allura blushed out of embarrassment and attempted to compose herself. "Oh my apologies, Thalia." They sat in silence for a moment.

"You know what... you focus on drinks, Lia. Allura and I will go get some snacks." Lia quickly accepted Rowan's offer and the two went on their way. (Right as they left Brook approached Lia with a basket... what was with these people thinking they could carry twenty drinks on their own?)

The latino boy led the alien back to the aisle they had first walked through, the one that was coincidentally filled with the most sugar rush inducing products in the gas station. Allura looked them over with amazement once more but managed to keep herself focused enough, staying out of Rowan's way as he collected all of the items everyone had requested. They all had such... different tastes yet were such close friends; it baffled her.

Other galaxies had always believed Earth and neighboring planets to be one of those rarities, a solar system completely blocked off from the universe because they hated how different everyone else was. It was a rumor passed from generation to generation across most species and yet here she was... stood in the most diverse snack section she had ever seen.

"Do you want anything?" The question caught Allura off guard. Rowan stared at her lazily, the basket swinging from his hands almost full. When did that get there...?

"Erhm... I have space goo at home."

Rowan grimaced. Space goo wasn't bad, but it was one flavor constantly.

"Allura, pick out a few things. Something for Coran too. As a thanks... I guess." He gestured to everything around him.

"A thanks?" That seemed incredulous to her. "I thought you five hated what we've done."

Rowan looked around nervously before giving in. "Yeah, we kind of do. It's not like you wanted it either though, that was made very clear from the start. But I guess apparently it would've happened no matter what, destiny and all that, so thank you for putting up with us and helping the four of them train."

In that moment, Allura felt the last of the anger and hesitance she had felt these past weeks leave her body. Rowan... yeah... he would make a great Black Paladin. She hoped he accepted that soon.

The lost princess grabbed some pretzels and the three were on their way.

★★★
this was a filler but not really filler about alluras side of things,,,,,, i wasnt in my zone much when writing this so i hope its alright.

also we get this show on the road next chapter😎😎