The look that said he didn't quite understand what was in front of him.
Then, almost as if he knew she'd turned to look at him, Cameron turned to look at her.
For a moment she continued to see that look on his face.
And then, it was gone.
Cameron stood up and used his hands to resettle his clothes.
It didn't do anything.
All he'd done was lift a few suitcases and eat some food, but she understood the need he would have to keep his hands busy.
She was twisting the paper napkin in her hands.
"Maile?"
Almost as if she'd been caught doodling in her chemistry class, she stood up, dropping her hands to her sides. "Yes?"
Pallas smiled at her. "You forgot to salute."
She understood the need to ease the tension in the room. Maile straightened her stance even more, forcing her shoulders back.
Lifitng her arm, she gave him a rigid salute that she'd seen the team do a time or two. "Yes, sir!"
Kawehi laughed and Maile felt some of the knot in her stomach relax.
Pallas' eyes were calm, something that made her relax a little more.
"Do you think you can stay here with Kawehi overnight? I'd feel-"
"Sleepover!" Maile gave a little jump and bumped into Cameron, almost accidentally. "We can put on our jammies. Pop some popcorn. Watch that film with Superman and that guy from Reacher." She lifted her chin at Pallas and then gave him a wink. "I'll take care of my cuz until you come home."
The look on Pallas' face was a smile, but it was also a little pained, like he'd just put on his boots only to find out that there was a little pebble under the arch of his foot.
"Uh... thanks?"
She clapped her hands together. "Girls' night in!"
She mov9ed past Cameron, bumping him with her hip as she moved. "Okay," she looked straight into Pallas' eyes, "you two get going. The faster you get there, the faster you get back.
Kawehi got up from her chair.
She did it mostly on her own, but Pallas had his arms around her in a protective stance to keep her away from any hard or sharp surfaces. "I'll walk you out to the car."
Pallas didn't say a word, but together they both walked out.
Maile hung back, watching them until the front door closed with a soft click.
Silence fell in the room and it wasn't until she turned her head and saw Cameron standing there that she realized she didn't know what to say.
With Axl she was always ready with a snarky quip.
It just felt different.
"You don't need to go mushy on me."
Mushy?
