#and im all ok then lets lay you to rest buddy. maybe ill finally get a body to bury this time? fourth times the charm!

[svbhuman]

FINALLY I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LETS GO!!!!!! thoughts feelings?

i ran out of tags.. continued next post mayb

[angstalottle]

Countdown

part 4:

“What do you mean he has to grow up again?” Pidge asked.

There had been a long drawn out few minuets of silence, the tension so thick that it could be cut with a knife.

Coran didn't say anything for a really long time, he just stood there, his tears falling down unto lance’s sleeping form.

“Coran…” Allura spoke gently, placing her hand on his shoulder “tell us what's wrong, please.”

When Coran didn't say anything straight away they all assumed he wasn't going to speak, then he let out a long suffering sigh. “The water was not water but rather a living creature that returns its prey to a pre birth state in order to eat it. Lance… there may of been a way to return him to his original age but… he was running out of time. It was this or he would of died.”

The news hung heavily in the air.

“D-does he know us?” Hunk finally asked taking a nervous step forwards.

Coran shook his head “no… not like he used to. I imagine he now has the mind to match his body… the Lance we knew… he's gone.” the tears began to flow again as he hugged the sleeping infant close.

He had failed his favorite Paladin, he wasn't good enough and now Lance is the one to pay the price.

“Can i hold him?” Hunk asked reaching out his arms with a smile. It hurt knowing that Lance was gone. That the best friend he had gotten so close to over the last few years just didn't exist any more. But that didn't mean he loved Lance any less and would let him grow up without anything but the best.

Coran looked hesitant for a moment before handing him over “Be sure to support his head.” he said quickly as hunk positioned Lance perfectly in his arms with a kind of practised ease that told everyone Hunk knew what he was doing.

“He's so tiny.” Hunk smiled as Pidge poked one of his little feet that was sticking out from his shirt.

“And cute.” Keith cooed holding the tiny hand. Everyone looked at him like he had suddenly grown a second head. “What just because im emo doesnt mean i can't like cute things.” he pouted crossing his arms.

“We didn't say anything.” Shiro did nothing to hide his look of amusement at how Keith blushed and looked away yet still kept hold of that hand that some how managed to get a grip round his thumb.

“I will set a course for earth.” Allura said suddenly.

“NO!” Hunk yelled startling everyone including Lance with his sheer volume.

Lance’s eyes opened looking around for a moment before his face scrunched up and he started wailing at the top of his lungs.

The trained and very capable team Voltron all jumped back like he was a grenade rather than a crying infant. All but Hunk who repositioned him, so that Lance was resting against his chest and being bounced by one large hand supporting his behind.

“Shh it's ok Buddy, it's ok, you're ok.” Hunk whispered pacing the room.

“Look Hunk” Shiro started once Lance seemed to calm down a bit. “I know the thought of leaving Lance with his family is upsetting but it really is the best thing for him. We could always say he's Lance’s son and leave him with his parents?”

Hunk shook his head holding Lance protectively. “I can't let you do that Shiro, Lance… he never told me but i could tell from how he acted before we went home for the holidays. From how many bruises and little burns he had when he came back. From how many times he would flinch at a loud noise or someone trying to give him a high five.” Hunk was whispering not wanting Lance to start crying again now that he was mostly calm and happily bouncing up and down looking around the room.

“A-are you saying Lance was abused?” Pidge asked feeling sick at there mere thought of her friend going through something like that without her noticing. Then again she had always wondered why Lance was so good with first aid.. She really wished she didn't have an answer now.

“Well just because we can't take him back to his family doesn't mean we shouldn't take him back to earth. Maybe a foster homes an option?” Shiro was trying really hard to be realistic. It pained him just thinking about leaving Lance and maybe never seeing him again. But this was war. He would be safest on Earth around humans.

“As the only person here that's lived through the system i can say that's not an option. It would break him. Besides We’re Lance’s family, he's our teammate and our responsibility. If he has to grow up again then fine, if you don't want to look after him then i will! But i won't let you just dump him because you think it's too dangerous. You know damn well none of us would ever let anything happen to him!” Keith didn't even realise he was crying until Shiro wrapped him up into a hug.

“I'm sorry… you're right.” Shiro mumbled glad of the height difference keeping Keith from seeing the tears in his own eyes. “Guess we have some shopping to do.”

Allura clapped her hands together, “The space mall then? And don't even think of trying to leave me behind this time, as Princess i reserve the right to pick out some cute little outfits.”

“And while she's doing that i'll see about finding some earth baby stuff, i'm not sure if he can stomach food goo this young and i don't know about you guys but i don't want to be cleaning vomit up all night.” Hunk chuckled wincing slightly as he pulled Lance away from his hair that he had decided to try and tug out, giving him a big happy smile and a giggle as if he didn't just try to leave him with a bald patch.

“We will also need to sort out sleeping arrangements, Coran you can see about finding a crib and perhaps some old toys that may still be around the castle? Oh and set up a nursery as well! And and and… Coran are you listening to me?” Allura asked raising an eyebrow.

Coran had remained silent staring at the floor. It hurt so much, it was like losing his son all over again, yet this time he had a constant reminder of him smiling and looking at him like he did nothing wrong at all.

He took a deep breath, Lance needed him to be a good Space uncle and by god he would be the best there ever was. It was the least he could do after all.

Coran smiled as he did a quick salute “right oh Princess. I'll get right on that!! I do believe i saw some of your old Lion toys laying around somewhere. Ill fetch them right away.”

Coran didn't wait around to see the others off. Instead he focused on his work.

It was one thing he could do right at least.

One thing that wouldn't cost a young man the life he built.