Katie decided tat she didn't need Lance and Allura to help her prepare for her date. She remembered Lance's instructions for makeup and she wore a simple white dress she's had for a long time and never got to wearing it.

She was ready in just a few minutes, but she thought she looked nice. Her mother thought so as well.

"Oh, my little girl," Mrs. Holt cooed, rubbing Katie's upper arms. "You're beautiful."

"Thanks, mom," Katie whispered as her mother kissed her forehead. "I'm a little nervous. Were you nervous on your first date with dad?"

Mrs. Holt grinned. "Of course! I was shaking and I could hardly say a word. But your father was so kind and understanding. After just a few minutes, I wasn't nervous anymore. We were talking and laughing and once he brought me back home, he gave me a kiss on my cheek. The next day, we agreed on another date." Katie smiled up at her mother. "Hmm... Have you heard from your father? He should be home soon."

The girl's smile wavered. "Not yet, mom. I'm sure when you wake up in the morning, he'll be home. Matt, too." Her mother smiled and nodded, agreeing. "Now, get to bed. Rover is staying out here to wait for Dad and Matt. I'll be home soon."

~

Katie felt like she was going to collapse. Shiro looked so good in a suit. He opened the car door for her, held doors open, fucking ordered for her! Shiro was amazing and knew just what to talk about over dinner. Katie nearly forgot her nerves until he started laughing as she rambled on about technology.

A comfortable silence drew over them as they finished their meals before Katie spoke up. "I... My mom asked about my father and brother before you picked me up."

Shiro didn't respond for a moment. Gently, he took her hands in his. "I'm sorry about your family. You're very strong and brave." She smiled up at him, and he returned it. "I hope they're found."

"I hope so, too."

~

All the next day at work, Katie flittered around, smiling and laughing and patient with her callers.

To say in the least, Lance was freaking out.

"Guys! You're not hearing me out," he whined, tugging on Hunk's sleeve. "Pidge is either on drugs, or she was replaced by her evil twin!"

"She has no other sibling aside from her brother," Keith reminded him.

"Then her dopple-thingy!"

"Doppelgänger?"

"Yes!"

Shiro, Keith, Hunk and Allura all groaned.

"She's just Pidge," Shiro muttered, taking his copies out of the machine.

Lance gave the older man a skeptical look. "How do you know?"

"Because she was normal Pidge on our date last night."

The room fell silent.

Hunk spoke first. "So are you guys official n-"

"SHE FORGAVE YOU SO QUICKLY!? HOW!?" Lance slammed his hands down on the table in the copier and printer room.

Shiro sighed. "Yes, Hunk, Pidge and I are officially together, and I don't know, Lance."

Allura clapped and giggled, then embraced Shiro. "I'm so happy for you two! You're such an adorable couple!"

"Thanks, Allura." Shiro awkwardly pat Allura's back as she pulled back, beaming happily and proudly. Keith just gave Shiro a nod as Hunk pat his shoulder. "Thanks, guys. Just, don't gang up on Pidge like yesterday."

"They won't," Allura assured, staring pointedly at Lance. "I'll make sure of it."

Shiro nodded, and exited the room.

~

Over the next month, Shiro would bring Katie on dates that would leave her unbelievably happy the next day, which left Lance still wondering if the Pidge he knew had been replaced.

They'd exchange secret kisses(since PDA wasn't allowed at work they couldn't let anyone see them kiss) and would dance in the dance room on their breaks.

So when Katie showed up for another session with her therapist happier than he's ever seen her, he's pleased.

"So what happened in the last three months to cause this wonderful smile?"

Katie grinned, practically radiating in her seat. "I met someone. He's so kind and caring and understanding. He puts others before himself and so patient. We went on our fifth date last night."

Her therapist smiled, setting his pen down. "I'm glad you met him. Have you two..?"

He trailed, but she knew what he was implying. "No. We haven't had sex. I think he's insecure about... Things. He's a veteran. Let off on honorable discharge." He hummed and nodded in understanding. "But honestly, I'm insecure, too, so I'm not sure if we'll have sex for a long time."

"Good," he murmured, jotting down on his notepad. "It's good that you're deciding to wait for such an intimate relationship. It's good to establish trust and security and a real, true connection before such intimacy. I'm glad you're waiting."

Katie smiled. "Just waiting for the right moment."

He nodded, then looked back up at her. "I noticed this more feminine attire. Does he bring out your inner female?"

She laughed, then cleared her throat. "I suppose he does. I feel like a girl again. I feel like Katie again instead of Pidge. Girls clothes are comfortable again. But I still sometime want to wear board shorts and vans to work." This earned a short laugh out of both of them.

"Well, I'm happy for you and this man. I hope you two find happiness in each other."

Katie smiled softly, looking out the window. "I think I already did..."