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Allura knew humans were technically animals, Pidge had told her so before. What Pidge had forgotten to tell Allura was that humans also behaved like animals. It had started with a simple enough pattern.
Whenever anyone entered a room, the paladin's heads would immediately look at whoever entered. They had done it to anyone, allies and enemies alike. They also were able to pick up when someone was staring at them far faster than Allura could. Finally she pulled Lance aside to ask him.
“Lance, I must ask, who do you and the team always look at whoever enters? And how do you know when people are looking at you?” Lance chuckled softly at her curiosity.
“It’s an instinct thing. Pidge knows more than I do, but as we evolved we had to be able to quickly identify threats. Even though we don’t really have to do it anymore, we haven’t lost the instinct yet.”
Allura nodded, making a mental note. “So humans have animalistic tendencies?” Lance just shrugged, “yeah, I guess. I never really paid attention.”
It had been a few weeks later when Coran had sat in Lance's typical seat at the table. The paladins froze, staring at the man. He paused for a moment before speaking. “That’s my seat.”
Allura and Coran paused, looking at him. “I wasn’t aware we had assigned seats number three! Forgive me.” He quickly stood while Lance shrugged. “No it’s ok. We don’t have assigned seats but like, it’s my seat you know?”
Allura suddenly lit up as Lance sat down. “Oh! Pidge told me about this! Animals are territorial, is that like this?”
Hunk hummed for a moment before looking at their alien friends. “I suppose so. People have kinda always had unofficial seats with friends, family, and even strangers in familiar settings.”
Coran nodded, “yes, we shall add this to our logs.”
“…you have logs about us?” Keith asked, raising an eyebrow. Coran just smiled, “Of course number 4! We are the first to have extended contact with humans! We need to take notes.”
The paladins figured there was a good reason for the logs and let the conversation change into plans for training.
Nearly months later their animal-ness came up again. They had been on an ice planet, with lower temperatures. Coran and Allura had bundled up the paladins like children to make sure they were adequately warm. They spent all day bonding with the locals as they hosted their yearly festival.
The sun was beginning to set when the queen spoke softly to Allura. “You’re paladins are so cute, waddling around and cuddling like babes. Are all humans like that?” Allura nodded, looking to where Keith pressed his face into Lance’s chest while Pidge slipped trying to chase Hunk. Shiro watched his team fondly.
“Humans are actually animals. They cuddle to keep warm and waddle so they don’t slip. They are still so young for their species they are basically children!” Allura laughed lightly, the queen joining in her laughter.
As the party winded down, they sat to enjoy dinner. The plates were placed in front of the team and Allura watched as they all instantly sniffed the food. Allura smiled, remembering how Hunk told her they instinctively sniff food to make sure it was safe to eat.
The night lasted long after the sunset. Couples danced, children played, and the paladins were exhausted. A maid showed them to their rooms, allowing them to rest for the night.
About an hour later Allura went to check on them. She was alarmed to see the first guest room was empty. She rushed to the other room, ready to launch a full scale search. She immediately relaxed when she opened the door.
The large bed was covered in a tangle of limbs. Shiro laid in the middle, laying on his back. Pidge was curled into his left side, their back pressed against Hunk’s. Keith was on Shiro’s right side facing away, his head resting on Lance’s chest.
Allura smiled sweetly, crossing her arms as she looked at the pile of humans. Coran came up behind her, wondering what was taking her so long. He smiled softly, resting a hand on Allura’s shoulder.
“They are definitely nesting animals.” Allura said to the older man who nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, and very cuddly as well.”
Allura and Coran carefully closed the door, knowing that humans needed quiet to sleep properly and recharge.