I was tagged by ayvash to write a bias x yourself one shot 

karima (ayvash) suggested I write a shiro x nika one shot so why not 

#shika

warning: editing is shit bc I'm tired

also wowie a shika moodboard

Shiro must admit, Nika is a strange addition to their team. The alien, who could pass for a human if it weren't for their cat ears and tail isn't like the rest of the Paladins. 

Nika isn't a pilot. In fact, when Lance tried to teach Nika how to pilot the Blue lion the poor alien was too busy trying not to barf to do much of anything. Then again, it didn't help that Lance insisted on demonstrating before teaching. Then again, it didn't help that most of his demonstrations consisted of barrel rolls and other gut wrench maneuvers. 

Nika isn't a fighter, either. Keith had tried to teach them how to fight but Nika was hesitant. Even though Keith moved so slowly that his blows could be blocked, Nika dogged instead. And, at one point, Nika just ran away.

Nika isn't a cook. Somehow, they managed to set the food goo on fire. 

Nika isn't good with tech. In fact, when in the process of "fixing" something, they accidently made the problem worse.

-----

With a heavy sigh, Shiro decides to get up and get a glass of water. If his mind is going to insist on thinking about Nika instead of falling asleep, he may as well hydrate himself. 

To his surprise, Nika is awake. To his surprise, Nika is sitting where Lance had just sat a few months ago... Lance had missed Earth. Could Nika be missing their home planet? Even further to his surprise, Shiro can hear them sniffling. Are they sick? Or...

With his glass of water forgotten, he decides to check on them. Knowing very well that Nika has better hearing than both humans and Alteans, he doesn't announce his presence. Instead, he just sits next to them. 

For a few minutes there is silence. There is silence as Nika wipes their eyes with their shirtsleeves. With tears gone, Nika turns to face Shiro. 

"Are you okay?" Nika asks, as their gaze lands on Shiro.

Shiro can't help but smile. Nika is one of few people who know about his nightmares. Nika is one of few people who, after the nightmares, remind him how to breathe. Just a deep breath in and a deep breath out, Shiro. That's it, take your time.

"I was going to ask you the same thing," Shiro responds. Realizing that it seems as though he is avoiding their question, he adds, "I'm fine. I'm just not tired enough to sleep" 

At his words, Nika's gray cat-ears twitch. Their ears usually only twitch if they're upset about something. "I..." Nika responds, in a shaky voice. "I... I just feel so useless. Everyone on this ship is just so talented and I'm... I'm just somebody who the lions mistook for being helpful."

Nika isn't a pilot or a fighter or a cook or good with tech. 

However, this doesn't mean they're useless. 

"You need to give yourself more credit. You were the one that was able to prevent those irritable dog-bear creatures from eating us. You were the one was able to recognize a local myth on that swamp planet and in turn explain to the natives that we were not gods of death that were going to eat their souls," Shiro pauses to breathe. He had been so passionate about cheering Nika up that he started talking at a nearly incomprehensible speed. "The list just goes on and on. I think the lions wanted you to be part of the team because you're very aware of other alien cultures. Due to this ,you are able to clear up misunderstandings and prevent conflicts."

Nika, despite this, frowns. "I can do all of that, but I can't convince the Galra what they're doing is wrong. Instead, I got put in a work camp. Was I really worth risking your lives for? Was I really worth risking the universe for?"

While Shiro thinks of a response, his memories flash before his eyes...

Memories of Nika bonding with Coran over constellations.

Memories of Nika bonding with Allura over hairstyles (or rather Nika's impressive talent of being able to braid even the thickest of hair). 

Memories of Nika bonding with Lance over puns. 

Memories of Nika bonding with Keith over conspiracy theories (What if there really are aliens out there that are small in green?)

Memories of Nika bonding with Hunk over cute animals (So you think I look like a cat? I'm flattered. Those cat creatures are really cute).

Memories of Nika bonding with Pidge over strange tech (I found this in a ditch. - What do you think this does? - Maybe that's the on button...). 

Memories of Nika bonding with him over... Over just about everything. From missions gone wrong, to missing home, to missing family, to them realizing that they are adults. They are young adults that, thanks to the Paladins, have become role models... That have become parents.

"No," Shiro responds. "You're worth a whole lot more than that."

Nika's response is a hug.

A hug has never felt so good. 

in other news I'm aroflux and I'm actually kinda in a romantic mood today OwO