#at least kosmo looks like the good boy he is | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mymoodwriting · 2 years ago

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Request for @peanutpinet (third installment to this) 14k, yandere, manipulation, drugs, needles, restraints, kidnapping, seizure, violence, blood, choking

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“Welcome home, y/n.”

Driving into N-City, seeing all the buildings, it felt like home and you were so happy to be back. You were the first one into the penthouse, screaming over the view and throwing yourself onto the couch, relaxing.

“You see, you fit right in.” Johnny leaned over the couch to give you a kiss. “Missed us?”

“So much.”

“Well, we should start with an apology.” Taeyong said. “While we were away, some remodeling was done, and well…”

“What did you do to my room!”

You quickly jumped off the couch and ran to your room, accidentally stepping into the wrong one a few times before you got it right. You gasped at the bland emptiness that had become of your room.

“Ya!”

You saw that the boys had followed you, each looking nervous and anxious. You ran over to Taeyong and tackled him to the ground.

“Where is my stuff!”

“Accidentally tossed out, please don’t kill me!”

“Aish…”

You rested your head on his chest. You weren’t super upset but frustrated more than anything. Taeyong gently patted you on the back.

“Sorry�� on the brightside… we can redecorate.”

“Yeah… there’s that…”

“It’ll be fun.” Yuta assured. “We can go shopping and everything.”

“But… if I go out on the streets…”

“Which brings up some good news.” Doyoung added. “Things have finally been settling down with this resistance nonsense, so that means we can finally go public.”

“Really!” You perked up. “You mean it?”

“Yup. In a few days we can tell the world the truth.”

“Finally…”

“Exactly.” Jaehyun pulled you off Taeyong. “No more hiding. The world will know Sticker is a fraud, and any last bits of resistance will wash away.”

“Perfect!”

“So how about we do some online window shopping before we can all go out together. Figure out what you want.”

“That sounds fun.”

You were glad that the truth would finally come to light, and there would be no more confusion as to who you were. You did spend the evening thinking about how to redecorate your room, browsing the interwebs for ideas. At night though you chose to sleep with Jungwoo, snuggling up against him, being peppered with kisses as you slipped into dreamland. It was a peaceful night full of warmth and love, although when you woke up you found yourself alone. You weren’t too sad though, hearing noises throughout the penthouse, knowing the others were around. You got out of bed and wrapped a blanket around yourself, making your way to the kitchen.

“Morning sleepy head.”

“Hm…”

You sat at the table, rubbing the sleep from your eyes. You received multiple kisses as you began to wake up.

“Can I have some coffee, Johnny.”

“Sure.”

You hummed as a warm cup was put into your hands. You held it for a moment before you took a sip, immediately waking up. Not necessarily cause of the caffeine but because of the taste.

“This isn’t…”

“Huh?”

“Uh…”

Whatever train of thought that had formed in your mind quickly disappeared, leaving you to wonder what you were intending to say. Johnny watched you for a moment before he chuckled and petted your head.

“Still asleep.”

“A bit…”

“Just enjoy your coffee. Breakfast will be done soon.”

“Thanks.”

The table was set and food was put down. Once everyone was seated you all ate together. It was so nice to be home. You had stayed in Kosmo for nearly two weeks while you recovered and things settled down, but this was where you wanted to be. Although it did suck this wouldn’t last long as you had to go back to Kosmo. The boys assured you it was a quick trip and you’d be back home in three days, tops, maybe sooner if everything went well. At least you knew that by the time you got back you could start redecorating your room.

You decided to sleep on the trip to Kosmo, resting against Jaehyun in the back, a blanket wrapped over you to keep you warm. You’d wake up on occasion from the conversations but they’d always lull you back to sleep. You thought they’d wake you when you arrived, but they let you rest. So instead you woke up on a bed, finding yourself in a guest room at Kosmo. You were alone which was to your annoyance, but given why you were here, you figured the others were busy with preparations. You got out of bed and made your way out, having a good idea as to where you could find your boys.

As you walked down the halls you did your best to avoid the ODs. They all had tasks to attend to and you didn’t want to interrupt. Although you suddenly came to a stop, one of the ODs that passed by caught your attention. You couldn’t entirely understand why. You turned back, seeing it continue on its path, and slowly, you began to follow it. There was something nagging you to do so in the back of your mind, but you only took a few steps before someone grabbed your arm. When you looked back you were met with Yuta’s smiling face.

“I see someone’s awake.”

“Yuta!” You hugged him. “You guys are so mean for not waking me up. I told you it was okay.”

“But you looked so cute sleeping.”

“Still. So, where are the others?”

“Around. I think Taeyong and Doyoung are talking with Taemin, someone’s getting food. I was actually coming to wake you, but you weren’t in your room.”

“It was cold…”

“Then I’ll warm you up real quick.” Yuta hugged you tightly. “Come on, the others are waiting.”

You happily took Yuta’s hand and followed him elsewhere, any previous troubles forgotten in an instant. You were glad to see all your boys, although you seemed to pay more attention to the food than them. It had been a long trip, so you were rightfully hungry. As you were finishing up you had a visit from an old friend.

“Hi, Taemin.”

“Hello, good to see you again.”

“Have you eaten? We still got food-”

“It’s alright. I’ve already eaten. I came down to get you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Given tomorrow is a big day I wanted to make sure everything is in order.”

“Ah, okay.”

“Good, follow me then.”

“I’ll be back.”

You stood up but your arm was grabbed. Doyoung was holding onto you, getting up and suggesting he go with you. Although Taemin said it wasn’t necessary, so Doyoung let you go. You went to Taemin’s office, enjoying the view as always since you didn’t come here often.

“Have a seat and let’s discuss the proceedings for tomorrow.”

You took a seat before his desk, patiently waiting as Taemin got some files together for you to look at. It was an outline for tomorrow and he went over details with you.

“As you know this is a press conference, and many eyes are on this given that the subject matter is Sticker.”

“I know…”

“Kosmo and I will endeavor to get rid of any and all mentions of Sticker after this. They’ve been nothing but a nuisance, so this can be considered the last nail in the coffin.”

“That would be best.”

“I understand this whole situation has been uncomfortable for you, so you have a minor role to play. You simply need to be present with the Neos to display that you are in fact real and that the resistance used your likeness as their icon.”

“Do I need to say anything?”

“A few words from you expressing your feelings about being used in such a manner would be good, but you don’t have to.”

“No, I can say a few words on the matter. If it further helps to shut all this Sticker stuff down.”

“Thank you.”

Everything was pretty straight forward, so there wasn’t a need to talk long. You had very little to do tomorrow, but you still felt a bit nervous. A lot of people and cameras would be there, besides, you had never done something like a press conference before. Back when the Neos would do it to unveil new technology or talk about upcoming projects you would be off to the sidelines, hiding in the crowds. After tomorrow you won’t need to hide anymore, or at least it wouldn’t be easy.

Since you had some time before bed you and the boys decided to spend the rest of your day with some games and lots of snacks. You might have stayed up late into the night if Taeyong wasn’t being responsible and had you all go to bed at a reasonable time. You happily snuggled against Johnny that night, kinda wishing morning never came. Since it was a big day the boys were up early, but they left you to sleep in until you woke up on your own. Again you were pouting over being left alone in bed, but you let it slide. It won’t be happening so often, and today was important for all of you.

After breakfast you went down to the conference area. Things were still being set up, so you went to a green room with the boys. Reporters and all that would be arriving soon to set up, so it would be best for you to stay in the room until things got started. You agreed, not wanting to get cornered by all kinds of questions. Although now your nerves were starting to surface. Mark was the first to notice, pulling you into a hug and telling you everything was going to be okay. You didn’t have to do much but be by their side like always. Once it was time Jungwoo took your hand and you went with them to the main area.

Of course Taemin and Boa spoke first, introducing this press conference as well as the point of it all. To settle any and all concerns over Sticker. When the Neos were introduced you went on stage with them. You were immediately blinded by all the lights, but the boys made sure you didn’t miss a step. To a degree you hid behind them, not liking all the attention and feeling like all the whispers were about you even though you had no way of knowing. Taeyong began to speak, getting all the attention, and revealing the truth about you and them. You had known the Neos for years, and even if you weren’t in the spotlight with them you were close.

Somehow the resistance had learned of you, and your relationship with the Neos. They decided to use your image as the face of their schemes, with the intent to upset the Neos and perhaps get them to mess up in a fit of rage. Despite all that, the Neos stayed focused and worked hard to take them down. Thanks to them the fraud that is Sticker was captured and put out of their misery. This was confirmation, this was the truth for everyone to know and accept. Sticker was dead. With all that said Taeyong turned to you, asking you to step up. It was too late to back out now, so you got up to the mic, an endless wave of clicking overwhelming you for a moment. Then you felt Haechan’s hand on the small of your back. He gave you a smile and that gave you the courage you needed.

“I… I felt used… seeing my face all over the city… all over the world… claiming to stand against those who I’ve called friends for years. I stand here before you all… as me… the real me… I’m not Sticker… there never was one…”

You felt that was enough, and then the questions started to flood in. You didn’t know how to answer, and thankfully you didn’t have to. Haechan quickly took the mic, offering the crowd a smile and putting them at ease. You stepped back, a smile on your lips as well. You were happy, feeling like you had relieved a burden. Once that was done Taemin took over to answer more questions, letting you all make your exit.

“You did so good, baby.” Jaehyun said, peppering your face with kisses. “I think you deserve a reward.”

“Really?”

“Yes, of course. What does my baby want?”

“Hm… let me think.”

“But I have an idea.” Yuta hugged you from behind. “I mean, what other reward should a good girl get?”

“You mean…”

“Why don’t you let us make you feel good, baby?”

“I like the sound of that.”

Now you had excitement running through your body. You followed your boys, needing to get back up to your rooms to pop off this party. On your way out you passed an OD. The boys seemed to ignore it, already talking about what they wanted to do with you, but you caught a small glimpse of it. Even if they were wearing a mask that was enough to make you stop. You stood in place for a moment before turning around and staring. This time you didn’t calmly follow, but you ran to it, a name slipping out of your mouth.

“Kun!”

You got in front of the OD, pulling down the mask and grabbing their arms, stopping them in their tracks. You had no idea what the hell you were doing, but words just spilled out of your mouth as this ache in your chest grew.

“Kun! Kun, what happened to you? Kun!” You shook the OD. “Kun!”

“Do you need assistance with something?”

“Kun! It’s me, it’s-”

A sudden pain began to overtake your head, cutting off your words. You grabbed your head, collapsing to the floor. When you had spoken that name, all the Neos stopped in their tracks. They glanced at each other, not sure if they had heard things correctly, and then they saw you talking to that OD. When you collapsed they rushed over, shoving the OD out of the way, Taeyong ordering it to return to its task. You were screaming from the pain, holding your head in your hands and thrashing around. The boys tried to help, but it seemed their touch alone made things worse. They didn’t know what to do, worse when the screaming stopped and you began seizing. They were discussing solutions as they made sure you wouldn’t hurt yourself when you finally seemed to calm down.

“What the hell was that…” Mark mumbled. “She… she was fine…”

“Let’s get her to the infirmary.” Taeyong ordered. “Then we’ll figure things out.”

Johnny picked you up in his arms, carrying you off. Doyoung held Taeyong back for a moment.

“She recognized him.”

“I know.”

“She shouldn’t know him. We made sure our y/n-”

“We’ll discuss this with the others.”

“And what do we tell Taemin?”

“Let’s figure this out first before we tell him anything.”

“If he finds out-”

“One problem at a time, Doyoung, please.”

According to the doctor you were fine. You were healthy, so the incident they described seemed very random. Of course some details were left out, but at least they could rest assured you were alright, physically anyway. None wanted to leave your side, but they all needed to talk. They found a private room to talk in, Taeyong having Doyoung make sure no cameras or mics were on in there.

“Y/n… how did she recognize him?” Mark questioned. “We never gave her that kinda information, and she’s not Sticker.”

“But we borrowed her body to interrogate Sticker.” Jaehyun reminded. “Maybe that’s why-”

“Borrowed.” Johnny stated. “What we did was temporary.”

“And you don’t think somethings lingered? A few fractured memories here and there buried in her psyche that surfaced by accident.”

“Not by accident.” Doyoung corrected. “That OD, it was second in command of the resistance. Technically the leader once we captured Sticker. Seeing them must have triggered something.”

“She didn’t act like she was reliving a memory though.” Jungwoo commented. “It was more like she recognized him in the moment, as if she was Sticker.”

“She’s not.”

“And how are we sure this won’t happen again? Hyung, we need to fix this.”

“Fix this?” Yuta questioned. “What the hell does that mean?”

“Enough.” Taeyong interrupted. “We are not here to argue among ourselves over what happened. In short, it seems obvious pieces of Sticker remain in y/n’s subconscious, and some of that was triggered today.”

“If we transfer her consciousness we could rework her memories.” Mark suggested. “Get rid of anything that’s actually Sticker.”

“We’d need days for that.” Haechan countered. “We just got her!”

“Easy.” Taeyong said. “I don’t think rewriting memories is necessary. Our y/n is strong, and if we keep her away from things that have a deep connection to Sticker, we can avoid another incident like todays. In time any of Sticker’s memories in her mind will fade, so we need to be patient and cautious for now. If things get worse, we’ll rewrite her memories.”

“Then what do we tell Taemin?” Jungwoo questioned. “He’s gonna ask why y/n’s in the infirmary.”

“Fainted over the nerves of the press conference. No mention of Sticker, understood?”

“Yup.”

♥♥♥♥♥

You woke with a groan, feeling stiff, your head fuzzy as well. You slowly sat up, regaining your senses and finding yourself in the infirmary. You couldn’t remember how or why you ended up there. When you tried to think back it just made your head hurt so you dropped it. Now starting to wonder where the boys were. As you were about to get out of bed Taeyong and Doyoung came in, both rushing over to make sure you were alright.

“Stay in bed, baby.” Taeyong cooed. “How do you feel?”

“Uh… weird… what happened?”

“Reality came crashing down.” Doyoung chuckled. “Being on stage must have really frightened you, and you collapsed.”

“Oh gosh…”

“It’s okay, the doctor looked you over, you’re just fine baby.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” Taeyong kissed your head. “We shouldn’t have had you speak.”

“It’s alright… I’m glad we can put that stuff behind us now.”

“True. Now, given what happened it’s important you rest since-”

Your face dropped. “I have to stay in Kosmo…”

“No, no. You’ll be resting back in N-City.”

“Really!”

“Yes. I know you want to be home, and we can take care of you there.”

“Thank you.”

“Let’s just get some food in you and then we can hit the road.”

“Alright.”

You did feel a bit unsteady, so you agreed that you needed rest. All the boys gathered to eat with you, and once you were ready it was time to go. They had you sit in a wheelchair, Jaehyun pushing you down to the garage and helping you into the vehicle. You slept again on the trip home, more than happy to wake up in your room. Of course it was still empty, but being home now with nothing else meant you could decorate. No in-store shopping at the moment, but it wasn’t difficult to choose a new color for your room. So while that was under construction you slept with one of the boys. Tonight it was Mark.

He was perfect for cuddles, and very warm. His soft hums would help lull you to sleep, and he’d hold you as you drifted off to dreamland. For the most part you slept well and happy, but tonight was different. If you dreamed it was usually the weird inexplicable things, or nothing at all. This time you found yourself somewhere. It was dark, and your heart was racing. There was a sense of understanding that you were hiding, but you couldn’t stay hidden for long. Light suddenly flooded your surroundings, and you took a deep breath. You got up and stepped out of your hiding spot, holding your hands up.

“I surrender…”

A bunch of red dots decorated your clothes when you stepped out, but once you spoke they slowly disappeared. You could see the silhouettes behind the lights start moving around, and that’s when you took action.

“Catch me if you can.”

You spit out a small metal marble. Before anyone could react it exploded, releasing a thick smoke that quickly filled the room. You used that to cover your escape, starting to run. Honestly, you weren’t entirely sure you could escape, but all this was just to buy the others time, as much as you could possibly give them. You ran until you needed to catch your breath, finding some place to hide. It would be nice to get back to your people, but you couldn’t hope for something like that.

You saw lights flashing around, putting a hand over your mouth to be as silent as possible. You thought you were alright until a light hit you square on. You bolted immediately, but it wasn’t long before you were tackled to the ground. You squirmed, trying to break free, but then you felt a sting in your arm, your vision slowly fading to black. You felt as you were picked up, held up by two others. Someone grabbed your face, but you couldn’t make anything out in the dark with your sluggish mind.

“Hello, Sticker.”

Your eyes shot open and you bolted up in bed. You were panting, taking in your surroundings, although it all looked foreign to you. Bits of sunlight peeked in through the curtains, providing you with a sense of time. As you began to process everything you became aware of the body next to you. It moved and then sat up. The boy rubbed the sleep from his eyes, hair a mess too.

“What’s wrong, baby? Did you have a nightmare?”

Once you got a good look at the boy, recognizing his face, your eyes went wide. You didn’t hesitate to punch him in the face and bolt out of the room. You took a second to catch your breath, quickly surveilling your surroundings before picking a direction. You didn’t know what was going on, lost in your own mind for a moment before you were pulled out.

“Awe, why are you up?” Haechan pouted. “We were gonna surprise you with breakfast in bed.”

You stopped in your tracks immediately, slowly realizing you had walked into the living room with the dining area and kitchen next to it in plain view. Seven boys were staring at you, and you recognized each and every one of them. A million questions were running through your mind, but you had to remain calm or else things would get worse.

“I…”

“Are you okay, y/n? You don’t look so good.” Yuta pointed out. “You still need to rest and-”

“I just need some air.” You blurted out. “Some fresh air…”

“I’ll go with you.” Jungwoo volunteered. “We can go up to the-”

“No. I’ll just go by myself. Thanks.”

“Y/n… where’s Mark?”

“Sleeping.”

You could tell there was some tension in the air. It had grown silent, and you were practically having a staring contest. You still didn’t even know where the exit was, but you needed to get out of sight.

“Sticker.” Taeyong spoke. “Come here.”

“I’m just gonna step out for a bit.”

Everyone slowly glanced over at Taeyong. You didn’t like any of them, slowly starting to take a few steps back.

“Hyung…”

“Grab her.”

“What?”

Before you knew it all the boys were advancing towards you, minus Taeyong. You stepped back, thinking you could salvage the situation, but there was no point in trying. You bolted, just needing to get out of their grasp and then figure out your next move. Although you had seen the skyline in the room before, you were many floors above ground which was a problem you’d need to deal with. You ran down a hall, looking for a room to go into when you were suddenly tackled to the ground. Your head slammed against the floor, and you found Mark on top of you, choking you out.

“You fucken bitch!”

You clawed at his arms, trying to get him off, but your head was still spinning from the impact. After a moment he was yanked off of you, and two others pulled you to your feet. You were coughing to clear your throat, trying to catch your breath. They pinned your arms behind your back, and you tried to break free, but their grip was strong.

“Let me go!”

“Not gonna happen.”

You were turned around so you could face Taeyong as he approached, and you were well aware of the needle in his hand.

“What the fuck is this! What did you do to me!”

“Don’t worry about it.”

You tried to kick at the boy, but that got you pinned against the wall. One of them held your head to the side and you felt the sting of the needle. You continued to squirm until you faded to black.

♥♥♥♥♥

“What the fuck just happened?”

Once you had passed out the boys tied you up and gagged you, putting you in your room. No one was happy with what had happened, and they had no idea why. They had gathered to discuss that, and tended to Mark’s busted lip.

“Mark, care to explain?”

“What did I do?”

“You were with her last.”

“I don’t know. She woke up and I thought she had a nightmare. Then she punched me in the face and ran out.”

Johnny chuckled. “She’s strong.”

“That doesn’t explain why Sticker was here.” Yuta said. “I thought this wouldn’t happen.”

“We can keep her away from Sticker related things.” Doyoung explained. “But we can’t do anything about the memory fragments in her mind. She must have dreamt something relating to Sticker and…”

“So we do need to rewrite her memories.” Jaehyun stated. “Or else this will happen again and it could be worse. Taeyong?”

“Agreed.”

“But hyung.” Haechan whined. “We-”

“We could end up losing our y/n if we don’t do something.”

“Alright…”

“Jaehyun, you and Johnny go to Kosmo and get the android. Doyoung, and Haechan, you two get started on mapping out her consciousness. We need to prepare the lab.”

“And what are we telling Kosmo?” Jaehyun asked. “Or are we keeping this to ourselves?”

“The latter. This is our problem, and we have the means to fix it. Let’s just keep this in house.”

“And if Taemin finds us taking the android?”

“Just tell him it’s ours anyway, and we might as well dismantle it.”

“Alright.”

“Then let’s get started, this is gonna take a lot of work.”

There was a lot to be done. They didn’t use their at home lab as much, and besides, this was a very energy intensive project. You had been brought into the lab as well. They didn’t need to be subtle this time around, Yuta getting a crown on your head to map out your consciousness. He made sure everything was running well, coming to realize you were waking up. It took a while for the haze to pass and you could take in your surroundings. You recognized the lab, and when you tried to move you realized you were restrained.

“What…”

“Hey… how are you feeling?” Yuta asked. “You okay?”

“Why… why am I… I thought you said we couldn’t play?”

“It’s… complicated…”

“Untie me.”

“I can’t.”

“Untie me!”

You started struggling against your restraints, the other boys in the lab coming over to stop you from hurting yourself. You didn’t understand what they were doing, and refusing to answer you made it worse.

“Why are you doing this!”

“You’re gonna be fine.” Doyoung assured. “This is just-”

“Why! What did I do!?”

“Please calm down, baby. We don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Then explain this!”

You continued your struggles until you finally noticed the crown on your head. You looked over at where Yuta was, seeing the things on his screen and piecing it all together.

“Why… why are you… did I do something wrong…”

“No, baby, of course not.” Jungwoo said. “It’s us really…”

“But then…”

“Everything’s going to be okay, promise.”

You didn’t get to say anything more before you felt a needle in your arm. You still had questions, but you were going to have to wait for answers. If they even gave you any. Once they were sure you were asleep they decided it was best to move you out from the lab so you’d be more comfortable. Although they still kept you restrained. By then things were running smoothly so it was just a matter of someone keeping an eye on you to make sure nothing was interrupted. Yuta took the first shift and the others remained in the lab. Johnny and Jaehyun returned later into the night.

“Were there any problems?” Taeyong asked.

“Nope. Like you said, it was ours to begin with.” Jaehyun said. “So there was no issue with us taking it.”

“Good. Jungwoo, get things set up.”

“Yes sir.”

Things were almost ready so they could actually start. It was gonna be more days of grueling work, but it was necessary. At least that was the plan.

“Hyung…”

“What?”

“The drive…”

“What about it?”

“It’s missing…”

“What! What do you mean it’s missing?”

“It’s not here… I… I don’t know…”

“Let me see.”

�� Taeyong went over to inspect the android, seeing that the drive was missing. He asked Johnny and Jaehyun about it, but they didn’t know anything. They just brought the android back, not thinking anything was missing. If it had been taken by Taemin or someone it would have been mentioned, but at the same time there was no reason to do so. The drive was useless without the android, and vice versa.

“I need access to Kosmo’s security footage.”

It wasn’t an impossible task. They had the highest clearance available to them, but they needed someone who worked in Kosmo for this to go by faster. The obvious solution was to call over some friends to the penthouse, the dream team as they were known by, it had been a while since they hung out anyway.

“Ya, so this is where you spend all your time?”

“Not bad, right?” Haechan bragged. “It’s pretty sweet.”

“It was better when you lived in Kosmo with the rest of us.”

“And why don’t you move out?”

“Cause we have a whole department to run, unlike you guys who can do whatever.”

“Ya! Renjun! We’re the reason you have a job to begin with.” Mark snapped. “You should be grateful.”

“Yes, thanks for introducing us to Kosmo and all that.” Chenle said. “So what’s with the house call?”

“We need to look over Kosmo’s security footage.” Taeyong said. “It’s easier for you all to do that since you’re constantly on Kosmo’s servers and monitoring the building anyway. Besides, we don’t need Taemin questioning why we were looking over security footage.”

“That’s cheap.” Jaemin commented. “You’re dragging us into your mess. And here I thought you wanted to hang out.”

“We can do that too, but business first.”

“Alright, alright, where is your set up?”

The Dreamies got comfortable in the lab, doing what was asked of them. Within the hour they had pulled up the footage the Neos wanted to look at, going over the last few days. The android had been placed in the prison to lure the intruders into a trap, and it had been there ever since. As they looked over the footage it seemed no one had gone into the cell after that incident, making the disappearance of the drive all the more concerning. They thought they were at a dead end until they looked at the footage from that date.

The system had been accessed and the cameras were shut down, but only for a moment. Kosmo had set their own trap so they got the system back up and running and watched to see what would happen. So as they examined the footage they saw the other Doyoung, Mark, and Johnny go into the cell where the android was. None of them seemed to have the drive with them, but no one else had gone into the cell since that day.

“No way…” Jaehyun mumbled. “You don’t think… the idiots took it?”

“They don’t seem to have anything.” Jeno said. “But I can pull up the footage from inside the cell. Give me a second.”

Jeno pulled up the other footage, and then they all got their answer. They watched as the other Mark examined the android and accidentally found the drive, taking it with him for some reason.

“They’re really that fucken stupid.” Jungwoo commented. “He doesn’t even know what that is! Why would he take it?”

“You lost a one of a kind technology.” Jisung said. “You are so dead when Kosmo finds out.”

“You better not say anything.”

“Depends… I guess now you have to let us in on the whole situation.”

Everyone glanced at Taeyong, but the young boy was right. They were already deeply involved, if they wanted to make sure nothing slipped they should understand the whole situation. They had vague knowledge about what was going with you and the Neos, but getting all the other juicy details was really a treat.

“So why don’t you want to tell Kosmo about this?” Renjun questioned. “The whole thing about Sticker and-”

“Cause they’re not gonna care.” Doyoung said. “They got what they wanted. If they learn the drive is gone they’re not gonna care, and they’re not gonna approve of us going to another dimension.”

“Wouldn’t they care though?” Chenle wondered. “You all practically resurrected Sticker. That’s gonna lead to problems.”

“Yes but their solution will be you guys.” Taeyong responded. “They’d rather use OD tech on her then give us the time we need.”

“Ah, so you want to keep your girl.”

“Can we see her?” Jaemin asked. “I would love to.”

“As if she’s in good condition right now.” Jeno said. “Where is she anyway?”

“Resting. Haechan’s watching her right now.” Johnny responded. “We’re making preparations but without the drive we can’t do anything.”

“Preparations? Do you guys have her consciousness mapped out?”

“A bit at this point I think.”

“Can we see it? Maybe we could figure out what caused this in the first place.”

♥♥♥♥♥

You slowly took a breath in as you regained consciousness. You were still tied up, but at least you were in your room this time. You managed to sit up, finding Haechan at your side playing games on his phone.

“Haechan.”

“Hm? Oh, you’re awake. Did you sleep well?”

“What do you think? I’m still tied up.”

“I’m sorry…”

“Why though… why did you guys tie me up?”

“I can’t explain.”

“Haechan, this is driving me nuts!” You yelled. “What did I do wrong…”

“I can’t say, but you don’t have to worry, okay? Everything will be fine.”

“It’s not fine! Why are you… does this have to do with Sticker?”

“Uh… what?”

“It does… doesn’t it?”

“No. It has-”

“Why! What does that bitch have to do with this! She’s done nothing but ruin my life!”

“Y/n, calm down. I said it has nothing to do with her.”

“Liar! Why else would you-”

Your words cut short as you fell back on the bed, seizing up. Haechan thought to run for help, but he didn’t want to just leave you alone. He got you on your side, beginning to untie you so you wouldn’t hurt yourself. Although he stopped when you did, gently grabbing your head.

“Y/n… y/n are you okay?”

“Hm… what…”

Your head was spinning, and it took a moment to realize someone was holding you. Once you regained sight you saw who it was. You only needed a second to take in your situation and then act. Your restraints were loose enough that you could use them to choke out Haechan. He struggled but you caught him off guard, and held on tightly for dear life until he passed out. You let out a breath in relief, managing to undo the rest of your restraints. Your head still throbbed, but that wasn’t your main concern right now.

You stepped out of the room, checking to make sure you hadn’t drawn attention. You moved around quietly, needing to find an exit. As you searched you came upon a photo on the wall, shocked by its contents. It was you in this place with the Neos. You were all smiling, and holding each other like friends, perhaps more than friends. It confused you but you couldn’t stay to figure out what was happening. You needed to leave, and fast. You continued looking, finding the living room area from before. This had to be close to an exit. A few more doors and you found it, relieved and opting to run knowing all you needed to do now was go down.

♥♥♥♥♥

Haechan gasped awake, immediately reaching up to his neck. It burned, but he soon realized you were nowhere to be seen. He stumbled out of the room, making his way over to the lab in his haggard state.

“Haechan? What are you doing here? Where’s-”

“She’s gone…”

“Gone!” Taeyong yelled. “How did you lose her!?”

“She attacked me! Or is that not obvious?”

“Aish. Jungwoo, Doyoung, look him over, the rest of you, get her!”

The Neos didn’t hesitate to run out, although Taeyong glanced back at Dream, glaring at them. They were heavily involved now, so he was ordering them to pursue you as well. They quickly got up and ran out. It was clear within a few moments you had gotten out of the penthouse, and they quickly rushed out. The elevators were all in service, some going up and others going down. Taeyong ordered some to take the stairs and the rest to wait. He called for the building to be locked down, hoping you hadn’t gotten out yet.

Upon leaving the penthouse you looked for your means of escape. There were elevators, but you didn’t like the idea of waiting for so long. Instead you opted to find the stairs. You knew your time was limited before you’d be found out, so once you found the stairwell you started running down. You’d skip steps, and not dare to look up. It was a long way down, but you only focused on the fact every step got you closer to freedom. Although despite your focus you did hear shouting from above eventually, making your heart race all the faster.

When you finally made it to the first floor you were out of breath, but you couldn’t stop for a moment. You immediately noticed guards honing in on you. Your eyes scanned the area for an exit, seeing that you were gonna have to draw attention. You bolted for the emergency exit, an alarm blaring as soon as you opened it. The light of the sun hitting you blinded you for a moment, but you continued to move, even if you were stumbling around. Being outside was pointless when they were still on your tail. You couldn’t just run, you needed to disappear. For a moment you felt like you had lost, and then it hit you all at once.

The skyline from above, and now seeing the streets down below. You were in N-City. A smile bloomed on your face, and now you could run with true purpose. You focused on the streets around you, looking for your exit, and when you found it you were overjoyed. The adrenaline gave you strength to lift up the manhole cover, and without hesitation you jumped down. You only needed a moment to figure out where you needed to go. It wasn’t some secret, not really, but those who were in your position would know. Go against the current. It may not be the ideal setting, but this was freedom.

♥♥♥♥♥

“She did not just…”

Johnny stared down into the sewers, still in disbelief. Traffic around had been halted, enforcers closing off the area. There were already search parties down there looking for you, but that place was a maze, so no one had high hopes of finding you anytime soon.

“Taeyong, we need to-”

“Don’t.” Taeyong hissed. “We tell Kosmo nothing. This is our city, what we do is our business.”

“What if they find out?”

“They won’t. Put the city on covert lock down, I want everyone going in and out monitored, and get more enforcers searching.”

“Got it.”

Now it was just a waiting game in regards to finding you. Even if you were down in the sewers to avoid cameras, there were only a handful of exits to take. Whenever you surfaced, they’d know. Those who had gone out looking for you returned to the penthouse, but things were tense. They were all worried about you, worried your mental state would only get worse.

“So she’s been going back and forth.” Renjun stated. “Between herself and Sticker.”

“I don’t understand why though.” Doyoung said. “She didn’t even see that rebels’ face clearly, and even now…”

“You forget Sticker was a stubborn bitch.” Jaemin added. “She didn’t give us shit when she was alive. Pieces of her exist in your girl, and that alone is enough to create problems.”

“Why aren’t you telling Kosmo about this again?” Chenle added. “They’re going to find out somehow.”

“If they find out Sticker is somewhat alive, they’re gonna be pissed.” Mark said. “Which means simply killing y/n is an option they’ll consider, and probably prefer.”

“So you’re just trying to save her.”

“Even if we get her back we don’t have the drive.” Jungwoo reminded. “We need that as much as we need y/n back.”

“Well not entirely.” Jeno began. “With OD tech-”

“No!” Taeyong stated. “We are not using OD technology. That’s the whole reason we created that android and drive to begin with!”

“I know, just hear me out real quick. OD tech is designed to reset neural connections, and place in basic programming. The ODs are like AI, to a degree they have free will, but ultimately follow their programming.”

“Your point?”

“You guys already have all the programming for your girl. With OD tech we could just rearrange shit and make sure something like this doesn’t happen again.”

“I’m not following.” Jaehyun said. “What do you mean rearrange?”

“Your little drive isn’t entirely one of a kind.” Jisung commented. “If we scan y/n’s brain we can turn that to code and work from there.”

“We already did that, and you didn’t answer my question.”

“We’d have to start over anyway but, okay, just bear with us.” Jaemin said. “Let me show you what we mean.”

Jaemin went over and grabbed one of the drawing boards, wiping it down. He drew what resembled a DNA strand, emphasizing the two points of intersection by darkening them. He then labeled the first point as science fair, and the second as now.

“Alright, so one line represents Sticker’s memories, and the other represents y/n. You thought there wouldn’t be a problem using y/n’s body as a host for Sticker’s memory files, which you would be correct about, except for this first point, the science fair, where they first met you. This point in their lives is basically the same, with one or two minor differences. It connects them, their lives, their memories, and that’s what’s given Sticker the power to take control.”

“What?”

“Think of it like a split personality, and the science fair is the inciting incident that caused the split. Because these two lives are now connected they can go back and forth. Hence this second point, now, the present, where Sticker has begun to surface.”

“So which one is dominant?” Doyoung asked. “Y/n, or Sticker?”

“You would think y/n, as it’s her body, sort of.” Chenle explained. “But Sticker has been through a lot more… and they have more connections to this world, real connections. Whereas y/n has had many of her memories manipulated to suit your desires, she’s not originally from this world. At this point though, we can’t say for sure who’s dominant, or who will win. Their personalities are quite the opposite.”

“But what did you mean about rearranging her memories?” Johnny asked. “A solution that doesn’t require the drive.”

“Truth is you would have had a problem like this even without Sticker.” Jeno said. “Despite all your changes to her past, and present, there are surely things you’ve missed. Eventually those would surface and damage the overall code. To fix it, we ground it in reality.”

“How so?”

“You make it more authentic.” Jisung explained. “We take Sticker’s past, and y/n’s present, and put them together by using the science fair as the bridge point.”

“You want to use Sticker’s memories?” Haechan questioned. “Are you nuts? That bitch just tried to kill me!”

“Only her past, up to where she met you.” Renjun said. “From there we use y/n’s memories, about her joining you and staying with you instead of going off to stand against you.”

“And that’s gonna work?”

“Yes. Her past will be from our world, her mind will have stability, which would make the present easier to accept. I get you wanted her to know you her whole life or whatever amd this would work better.”

“So let me get this straight.” Taeyong interrupted. “You’re suggesting we use OD tech to make y/n a blank slate, and then give her Sticker’s past, and our y/n’s present. And that’s gonna work?”

“You’ve never seen an OD break from their programming.” Jaemin stated. “I’ll admit this would be a first as we’d be using something besides our basic programs, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Of course after the process she’ll need time for everything to settle in and even once she wakes it’ll be best to observe her for a few days to make sure there’s no complications. The same process we use with any other OD.”

“And I know there would probably be some clashes with the past and present, so you guys can edit the present version so there’s no problem.” Jeno added. “With this, I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.”

“And if it doesn’t work?” Yuta questioned. “What then?”

“I guess we’ll have to help you get that drive back. Either way there’s no harm using OD tech, just the programming tech since it’s not permanent.”

“Fine. We’ll try it your way.” Taeyong agreed. “We still have to find y/n first.”

♥♥♥♥♥

Despite being in the sewers, you didn’t mind it. There were no cameras down here, no enforcers, it was a strange place to feel a sense of freedom. N-City is the last place you’d ever want to be, but you always had a plan. As long as you followed the path against the current you’d find your way to a safe place. Of course that wasn’t the only clue, as anyone could do that by accident. Eventually you came across a four way intersection, and the way to go was to follow the damage. The whole place was old and worn down, but those like minded individuals would know how to spot the indicator.

You continued to follow the signs until you reached your destination. You had been alone the whole time, but you still had to check your surroundings to make sure it was safe. Once you were sure you pushed a few stone blocks, in a particular order, and then the door opened. The lights came on and illuminated the secret passage. In a weird way it felt like home. As you walked down the corridor the door behind you closed, letting you know you were safe. At the end of the hall there were two directions to choose from. You went to the left, wanting to see what resources this safe house had.

Although as you approached the main room you heard shuffling noises, realizing you weren’t alone. You slowed down, starting to worry only to remember where you were. Whoever is here, they were on your side. With that said you made your way into the main room, looking around for someone else. Since you didn’t see anyone you started to think maybe you were just hearing things, but you noticed two cups near one of the computers. It didn’t confirm anything, but there was steam emanating from them, so someone was here, and recently. Of course there was more than one exit, but now you were getting suspicious.

“Hello? Is anyone here?”

You looked around, waiting for a voice, and then you sensed a presence behind you, and it wasn’t friendly. You quickly stepped out of the way as a bat came swinging at your head. You got into a fighting stance, coming face to face with two boys. One was holding a bat up while the other, taller one, cowarded behind him in fear.

“How the fuck did you get in here?”

“Excuse me? I built these fucken safe houses!”

“What?”

“Wait…” The taller boy spoke up. “Y/n?”

“Yes?”

“You’re Sticker, right?”

“Yes, and you are?”

“Sticker’s not real!” The other spoke. “She’s with the Neos!”

“What?”

“Get out!”

“If she was with the Neos, why would she come alone?” The taller said. “How would she even know how to get in here if she wasn’t Sticker?”

“Whoever that fake Sticker was, or whatever, they were captured by Kosmo! Those bastards have memory files full of our secrets! That’s how we lost Kun and the others!”

“What!”

“Then why is she alone and not storming this place with enforcers?”

“I don’t know? To check to see if anyone was here?!”

“Again, why not come in with enforcers?”

“Both of you shut up!” You yelled. “I’m Sticker, I assure you I am very real! I built these safe houses, so what the hell are you talking about when you say I’m fake?”

“The… the press conference a few days ago…”

“What press conference?”

The taller boy went over to the computer, the other guarding him. A video was played on the big screen, and you already didn’t like it. You saw the Neos talking to the press, and you were there with them. After a moment you stepped to the mic and started talking utter bullshit. You stared at yourself dumbfounded.

“What the fuck… that’s all bullshit. I’m not friends with those fuckers! What… what is…they fucken-”

As you were processing things your head suddenly started hurting. It felt like a fire had ignited in you and there was a vague familiarity that confirmed your suspicions. The two boys were suddenly worried about you, slowly approaching as you collapsed to your knees.

“Y/n… are you okay?”

“I… ah… I need… TC… give me… a TC…”

“A TC? Why-”

“Now!”

The tall one scrambled over to get what you requested. He thought to hand it to you, but you didn’t seem like you’d be able to. He got down on his knees and approached you, managing to get the small disk on the side of your head and pushing it to activate it. A blue ring lit up from the disk and after a moment the pain started to fade. You took a few breaths, deciding to lay down in your state of relief. The two stared down at you for a moment, and then you started laughing.

“Those fuckers have certainly gotten creative…”

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah… yeah… I understand your confusion now…”

“Huh?”

“Everything the Neos said about me is a lie.”

“What do you mean?”

“I gave myself up over a year ago… of course getting me to talk wasn’t gonna work out… so they thought…” You started laughing again. “They thought to mess with my memories to get me to give up my people… and then…”

In the middle of your laughing the tears started flowing and soon enough you were sobbing. You slowly reached up to touch the TC on your head.

“You… you said… Kun… the others… what… what happened…”

“Kosmo… showed them off at that press conference” One began. “They’re ODs now… and they’re stationed at Kosmo…”

“Did I…”

“They just said they captured them… they didn’t say it was cause of you… but everyone thinks…”

“I don’t know what they did… fuck…”

“Was that you?”

“Yes… but no… they messed with my head… made me think… that wasn’t me…”

“But you’re okay, they didn’t use OD tech on you.”

“I don’t know how they did it… but there’s a whole other person in here.” You slapped your head. “And she’s their bitch…”

“Oh, so the TC is-”

“To separate our consciousness by enhancing one, mine.” You sat up. “I’m going to kill those fuckers.”

“We’re right there with you.”

You sighed. “I’m sorry, I haven’t even asked for your names yet.”

“Oh it’s okay, we didn’t really trust each other at first. I’m Sungchan.” The boy offered you a smile. “And this is Shotaro.”

“Hi, sorry about the bat.”

“It’s good to know your first instinct is to fight. You got a rebels’ spirit.” You ruffled his hair. “What are you two even doing in here?”

“Kun sent out a message about the plan to attack Kosmo, but we never heard anything back. We’ve kinda been hiding down here, waiting… but we know now he won’t be coming back…”

“I’m sorry…”

“It’s not your fault.” Sungchan said. “You got captured and they… you were at their mercy… who knows what they did to make you talk… if anything you held out for a year.”

“Still… things have gotten quiet… morale is low…”

“The resistance is scattered right now… we need someone to step up… and who better than Sticker…”

“Ya!” Shotaro countered. “She just escaped those bastards, you can’t just-”

“No, you’re right. I can’t just sit back and let them destroy everything. I didn’t ask to be the face of this revolution, but I won’t give up on it so easily.”

“Are you sure? You should still rest and get yourself together.”

“I can do that after I make sure the rest of the world knows I’m alive and well, and that Kosmo is still up to no good.”

“Alright then, how can we help?”

♥♥♥♥♥

“I hate this!”

Jungwoo threw himself onto the couch, screaming into a pillow. There was no update on you and it was frustrating him to no end. Of course he wasn’t the only one annoyed, so was everyone else, even Dream. Despite having a plan, they couldn’t really do anything until they had you back. Sticker’s memory files were in Kosmo, and they’d need to scan your brain in order to get the code to modify. This was just a waiting game and they hated it.

“Join the fucken club.” Johnny spat. “How have we not found her?”

“The sewers are huge.” Doyoung said. “She could be lost.”

“And our enforcers haven’t stumbled upon her?”

“Nope, and she hasn’t surfaced.”

“Are there exits we don’t have monitored?” Haechan questioned. “She could be hiding out somewhere.”

“There are already enforcers keeping tabs on all CCTV since she escaped.” Jaehyun explained. “And we haven’t heard anything yet.”

“Then where the hell is she?”

“You don’t think she’s hurt…” Mark mumbled. “Right?”

“She wasn’t injured!”

“She could have hurt herself if she’s fighting with Sticker. What if she’s bleeding out or something!”

“Calm down.” Taeyong said. “We’re going to find her, it’s only a matter of time.”

“Speaking of.” Jaemin stated. “We should probably get back to Kosmo. We weren’t supposed to be here for so long, and I doubt y’all just wanna hang out right now.”

“Besides, we should get things ready back in our lab.” Renjun added. “That way once you do find her, you can just bring her over and we can get started.”

“That-”

They were all suddenly interrupted by an alert in the penthouse. It wasn’t anything dangerous, but a heads up. In a place like N-City, one can’t use a transporter, unless they had the access code. The alert they got told them someone was coming in, and it put them all on edge. After a moment, manifesting by the front door, Taemin appeared, and he did not look happy.

“What did you do?”

“Uh… what are you talking about?”

“Why don’t you turn on the TV?”

The tension remained, but Yuta reached over for the remote, turning the TV on. He didn’t need to change the channel, everyone immediately staring at your face.

“Kosmo has been feeding you nothing but lies. I am very real, and very much alive.”

They all watched as you went against the press conference that had been held a few days ago. Their tension turned to fear. If anything they thought they might have to admit to Kosmo you were gone, but this was a terrible way to find out. To the world Sticker had escaped from captivity and will continue the fight to take down Kosmo. The message had been broadcasting for a few minutes now, and after hearing it to completion Yuta muted the TV.

“Care to explain yourselves?” Taemin hissed. “And choose your words carefully.”

“She escaped.” Taeyong spoke up. “Fragments of Sticker remained in y/n’s subconscious and started to manifest. We figured it would fade but Sticker only grew stronger and took over.”

“And exactly when were you going to inform us of this?”

“We thought we could handle it.”

“You thought, and that was your mistake.”

“I see that now.”

“What are you trying to prove? First you bring that doppelganger to this world and rearrange its memories without telling us, and now this. Do you not trust us?”

“We do.”

“You don’t if you keep doing things behind our backs.”

“But do you trust us?” Jaehyun asked. “You were always monitoring us, and only recently have you allowed us to do things without your prying eyes.”

“And how has that been going?”

“…”

Taemin sighed. “It’s not that we don’t trust you, we are just trying to keep you safe. Kosmo, the world, is what it is today because of you, because of your work. Therefore you have many enemies, and Sticker is the biggest of all. Despite the mess you’ve created, I am relieved that child merely ran off and didn’t kill you all in your sleep.”

“Our apologies.” Taeyong mumbled. “We don’t mean to be trouble…”

“I know. Now tell me, how exactly do you plan to resolve this?”

“We intend to rework her memories to make sure this doesn’t happen again.” Doyoung explained. “We don’t have the drive… but we don’t need it as OD tech can work in our favor for something like this.”

“And where’s the drive?”

“With our doppelgangers… we can’t confirm that, but all the evidence points to them.”

“I see… inconsequential as you have a solution that doesn’t require it. So, where is Sticker?”

“They disappeared into the sewer system.” Doyoung said. “We’ve been monitoring all the exits, and have enforcers down below looking for them.”

“And nothing yet?”

“No…”

“The rebels always tended to disappear in the sewers, never seeming to surface again… might need to search with infrared and scan the tunnels for hidden passages.”

“I’ll relay that order.” Johnny said. “Just a matter of getting that tech.”

“Good, as for you.” Taemin looked over at Dream. “You’re here, why exactly?”

“Taeyong called us to look over Kosmo security footage to find the drive.” Jeno answered. “That’s how we came to the conclusion the foreigners took it.”

“I see. And the plan to use OD tech?”

“Our idea.”

“Very well. You five should get back, I’ll remain here until she’s found.”

“Shouldn’t we stop Sticker from causing a stir.” Chenle spoke up. “I know they’ve already caused damage, but shouldn’t we make sure they can’t do more.”

“The message was only broadcast in N-City.” Taemin explained. “We made sure it didn’t spread anywhere else.”

“Doesn’t mean others who’ve avoided capture won’t see it.”

“What are you getting at?”

“We could throw Sticker off in order to give y/n a chance to take control. If she does, she would try to get back to us, which would make everything easier.”

“And how do you suggest we do that?”

“We tell the truth.”

“Hm?”

“Sticker’s dead.” Jisung added. “That person on screen is just a ghost, not even, they’re just pieces of someone else. If we reveal the truth, that Sticker is dead, along with the video footage to prove it. That would destabilize her mental state cause deep down she surely knows the truth.”

“Besides there is no harm on our side.” Renjun continued. “It would help clean this up. showing Sticker is dead, and that the rebellion is the one lying by having someone else take on y/n’s features and claim to be Sticker, again.”

“I see… it sounds promising, but I’ll run it by Boa. You should all return to Kosmo.”

“We will.”

♥♥♥♥♥

After recording your message you released the tension in your body. It had been so long since you had done something like that. You reached up to your head and turned the TC like a dial to take it off camouflage mode.

“How was that?”

“Great!” Sungchan gave you a thumbs up. “I’ll get it ready for broadcasting.”

“And how do you feel?” Shotaro asked. “I can’t remember when was the last time you gave a speech.”

“More than a year ago. It feels good, but bittersweet.”

“That’s why we have to keep fighting. So the sacrifices made by others won’t be in vain.”

“I know. Once we’ve broadcast that we need to send a message to other safe houses. I doubt you two are the only ones hiding. If we reestablish a connection with everyone else we can start making big moves.”

“What are you thinking?”

“To start, a demonstration. The public needs to know we are still fighting.”

“We’re ready for broadcasting!” Sungchan exclaimed. “The message will start here in N-City and then continue outwards.”

“Good, and make sure to send it out to our safe houses once it’s broadcasting.”

“Yes, boss!”

You were amused by the boy’s energy, but also touched by it. You had been gone for so long you were worried the spark had died, but you could see that it was still alive and well. You watched as the message was broadcast, a bit embarrassed to see it, but also glad. Everything seemed to be going well, and then Sungchan let you know the message had been blocked off. It was only being broadcast in N-City. You were a bit surprised as to how quick Kosmo managed to interfere, but that was to be expected. Even if they blocked off the main signal, you still had your underground networks.

“Send the message out to our safe houses. Once that’s done we need to leave.”

“Leave?” Sungchan asked. “Where to?”

“Not sure, but we can’t stay in N-City, it’s too risky being here.”

“Agreed.” Shotaro said. “I’ll start making preparations.”

You already had ideas running through your head, but more problems kept coming up. Once the message had been sent out Shotaro informed you the sewers were crawling with enforcers. You scrubbed through the security footage quickly to see they had been there for hours and probably wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon.

“Fuck, they’re looking for me.”

“What do we do?”

“We should be safe in here for now, but we’re gonna be stuck. If anything we can use this time to figure out exactly what route to take when we have the chance, and where to go.”

You weren’t exactly in a rush, but you didn’t like being in N-City and so close to the Neos. You had been monitoring news networks, seeing your broadcast had been taken down, but there was no mention of it or you. It was disconcerting, meaning Kosmo had some kind of plan up their sleeve, and you were just going to have to wait and see. Besides planning, you wanted to get to know Shotaro and Sungchan some more. They had recently joined, previously working for Kosmo, but unable to continue as they saw Sticker and what they were fighting for.

“You guys are very cute.”

“We’re fighters.” Sungchan countered. “We’re gonna fix this world.”

“That’s the kind of attitude we need.”

“Breaking news…”

All the TV channels suddenly changed to the news. You knew this was Kosmo’s move, and you were very curious to see how they would salvage this. Taemin was on screen, speaking about the message that was only seen in N-City, and what it entailed. He said it was another fabrication from the rebellion to keep their cause alive when they were dying out.

“Despite what many may think, I am here to speak the truth. A year ago Sticker was captured, and days later rebels broke into the prison to execute their leader. The following footage is not for all ages.”

You stared at the screen, the previous words not registering properly. You recognized the lay out of the prison, the jumpsuit, you were there once. It made sense, the footage was accurate, except up until the end.

“I’m not… I’m not…”

You couldn’t get the words out, you didn’t want to speak it into existence, but you couldn’t deny what you were seeing. Although you didn’t get a chance to think too much about it as a headache suddenly took over. You collapsed to the floor, grabbing your had and screaming. In the process of your struggles you knocked the TC off, making things worse. Shotaro and Sungchan weren’t sure how to help, or what had caused such a sudden change.

“Y/n, are you okay? What… what’s happening?”

Shotaro was suddenly grabbed by the collar and pinned down beneath you. Sungchan had gotten knocked back in the process.

“Who are you!?”

“Uh… what?”

“Who are you!”

“Y/n, it’s me! Shotaro! We-”

You grabbed your head, falling over and screaming again. You tossed around on the floor for a while before regaining some control over yourself. The two boys merely stared, getting the idea that it was better to stay away. You looked around at your surroundings, everything looking foreign, but having a vague sense of familiarity.

“Where… where am I?

“Y/n… are you okay?”

“Answer me!”

“You’re not y/n…” Sungchan mumbled. “Are you…”

If they weren’t going to cooperate, then you might as well find your own way out of this place. You couldn’t walk straight, stumbling in your steps as the throbbing continued in your head, but you had to move. You didn’t know where you were, or how you got there, but you needed to get back to your boys. Shotaro and Sungchan shared a glance, still trying to process what was happening until it finally dawned on them. Immediately they chased after you and tackled you to the ground.

“Get off me!”

“You’re not y/n!”

“What are you talking about! Get off!”

“How do we even get our y/n back?” Sungchan asked. “What do we do?”

“Just restrain them!” Shotaro yelled. “Then with the TC we can-”

You managed to get one of the boys in a choke hold, holding them tight. They were desperately trying to get free, but you were determined.

“Try anything, and I’ll kill him.”

“Easy, easy there… no need for that…”

“Where’s the exit?”

“I…”

“Tell me!”

The boy in your grasp gave a signal for the other. You kept your hostage as you followed the other down a hall. You were weary, but you felt this was progress. When you saw a door you let your guard down a bit, and they both noticed, using the chance to tackle you down again.

“Fight it, y/n!”

“Let me go!”

Since you were so close to freedom, it gave you the strength to fight. You did manage to get them off and made a mad dash for the door. It took a second to figure out but when you got it open you ran out. You soon realized where you were, in the sewers, which at least gave you direction. You just needed to find a way up, so it didn’t matter which way you ran. Although you couldn’t really run as your vision was blurry and your head still hurt. Regardless, all you were looking for was a way out. You thought it’d just be you down there, but when you turned a corner you noticed an enforcer.

“Hel-”

As soon as the enforcer saw you they fired. You noticed the tranq dart in your chest, not even able to reach up to it and grab it before you fell back onto the concrete. The corners of your vision were going black as you saw an enforcer stand over you, speaking into a communicator. You didn’t know what would happen, and you didn’t even know what to hope for.

♥♥♥♥♥

When they got the message that you had been found, relief washed over all of them, and they quickly rushed to your location. You had been brought above ground, and were currently laying in a gurney.

“Y/n!”

Taeyong was the first at your side, gently lifting you up. You had been sedated, so you’d be unresponsive for a while, but he was just glad to see you. There were thankfully no injuries either, so you were okay. Although as everyone gathered around you they soon became aware of the two boys gagged and restrained off to the side.

“Who-”

“I’ll deal with those.”

When the idea of exposing Sticker’s death had been brought up, Taemin had to leave for Kosmo to convince Boa of the tactic. They had all been waiting around when they saw the broadcast, seeing that it had been approved. Now that they were here Taemin returned, and he seemed more interested in the boys than you.

“Who are they?”

“We’re about to find out. You should be on your way to Kosmo, I believe the others are expecting you.”

A proper examination had been done to confirm that you were well enough to use a transporter. So soon enough they had you in the OD lab in Kosmo.

“Finally found her, I see.” Jaemin commented. “Congrats.”

“She’s under sedation right now.” Taeyong said. “Will that be a problem?”

“No. We’ll run a quick check to make sure she’s alright, but there shouldn’t be an issue with the brain scan.”

“We also have Sticker’s memory files for you to look over.” Chenle added. “There’s a lot that needs to be reworked.”

“And how soon can we actually start the encoding process?” Haechan asked. “You know, uploading the fix?”

“The brain scan being converted to code will take at least five hours, and then from there it’s all up to you guys and your modifications, and then combining that with Sticker’s memories. I’d say a day at least.”

“Ugh.”

“Let’s just get started.” Doyoung said. “And we��ll take our time with this. That way we don’t mess anything up.”

There was something that had yet to be discussed, and that’s what they were going to do with you. At some point the sedation would wear off and you’d wake up. If they straight up told you what was going on, that surely wouldn’t sit well, and lying probably wouldn’t go well either. Still, they were more focused on their work than you at the moment. They’d figure that out when the time came, except it didn’t.

“Uh… shouldn’t y/n have woken up by now?” Mark said. “How long does the sedative last?”

“A couple of hours I think…” Jaehyun stated. “She should be awake…”

“Is something wrong?”

“Her brain scan was fine.” Jeno added. “I can run another test real quick.”

It wasn’t really a question. After the scan Johnny was examining you physically, but nothing seemed wrong there either.

“Everything’s coming up normal.” Jeno explained. “Theoretically she should be awake.”

“So why isn’t she?” Jungwoo questioned. “What’s wrong?”

“Well… from the scan, all I can say is she’s sleeping. She’s fine, but just… still asleep.”

“Why? How do we wake her up?”

“We shouldn’t do that.” Renjun said. “Honestly it doesn’t matter. Once you all finish the code, we’re basically gonna reset her. It’s easier on us if she sleeps, one less thing to worry about.”

“Are you sure though?” Yuta wondered. “Nothing’s wrong with her?”

“She’s sleeping, nothing wrong with that.”

“But why though?”

“No idea.” Jisung said. “I mean, given the fact she was probably fighting with herself, maybe they’re still fighting.”

♥♥♥♥♥

Sticker took in a breath and sat up. The headache seemed to be gone, but they found themselves somewhere unfamiliar. As they got up they took in their surroundings. It looked like some mini lab. At first it was quiet, and then they heard soft sobs. They looked around for the source, not seeing anyone but then noticing a small indoor balcony above them. They carefully went up the stairs, seeing someone hugging their knees to their chest and crying.

“Hey… are you okay?”

“Ya!”

Sticker looked back down at the lab, startled to see themselves standing there. Then it all clicked and they chuckled, making their way down.

“You must be the Neos bitch.”

“Excuse me!”

“You’re not even some figment of my imagination, just an alternate version of me. Well, you’re what the Neos wanted. Someone who loves them, and who better than me, except I know the truth. They’re nothing but monsters.”

“Who are you to say that! I’ve practically known them all my life!”

“Did they worm their way into my past too? That’s funny given I only met them at that science fair.”

“That’s when we got close! They showed me their robot project, even let me drive it around, and-”

“What did you say?”

“What? Can’t stand-”

“What was their project?”

“They designed a remote control robot that could-”

“No they didn’t. The Neos had a robot hand you could control with your mind as their science project, not an actual remote control robot.”

“What are you-”

“Would you actually think for once? Kosmo only took in the Neos because their technology could connect to the mind. If they had built a robot like anybody else, why would they care?”

“Huh?”

“If the Neos used my memories to create you, why would they change something like that… it doesn’t make sense.”

“You don’t make sense. What are you mumbling about?”

“This is my body, and we’re in my head right now… but why…”

Sticker looked around, finding the place completely unfamiliar. They had never been here before, and it’s not like their mind manifested a random place.

“Where are we?”

“The Neos lab, the one on the outskirts of district 21. I thought you knew everything you-”

“I’ve never been here before… so how could such a place exist in my mind?”

“Your mind? I-”

“You’re just a manipulation of my memories… but if that’s true then how… I don’t…”

Sticker was trying to understand the situation, and while thinking their eyes slowly looked back at the balcony, the sobbing becoming apparent again. They rushed up and grabbed the person up there, being met with their own crying face.

“Who are you?!”

“… me…”

“Yes, you, what’s your connection to the Neos?”

“I… they… I just wanna go home…”

“Home? What are you talking about? Who are you? How are you here?”

“I… I don’t…”

“What’s the last thing you remember?”

“Uh… they… they kidnapped me… and… and they-”

“Who kidnapped you? The Neos?”

“… Neos?”

“Taeyong, Doyoung, Johnny, do those names ring a bell?”

“… they took me… from my world and… and…”

“Your world? You mean… the Neos took you… from another dimension?”

You nodded shyly. “I just wanna go home…”

“Wait, wait… how did you meet the Neos? I mean… your Taeyong and whatnot?”

“Uh… at a school science fair…”

“What… what was their project?”

“They had a remote control robot…”

“And after that you got close to them, right?”

“… yes…”

“This… this isn’t my body… it’s yours… they… they kidnapped my doppelganger from another world and… and messed with your memories to make… then how, why, am I…”

“Who… who are you? What’s going on?”

“I… I’m not entirely sure anymore…”

Sticker was suddenly yanked back and tossed down to the floor. This other you suddenly grabbed you and lifted you up.

“Who the hell are you!”

“I… I…”

“Let her go!”

Sticker scrambled back up and pulled the other away from you, dragging them down to the floor. You took a moment to catch your breath and then carefully crawled over to the edge and peeked down to see what was happening.

“Can’t you see what’s happening here!”

“What are you talking about!”

“What? Little miss Neo can’t think for herself? You’re not real! And I’m… am I really dead…”

“Huh? Dead… wait, are you supposed to be Sticker? The face of the rebellion?” Neo started laughing. “If anything, you’re the fake. Those assholes used my likeness to stir up trouble.”

“No, no, I’m real! I lived and… I fought Kosmo and the Neos! I… I’m not dead… I can’t be…”

“Believe it. Kosmo captured you, we captured you, and that was the end of Sticker! You’re dead!”

“I’m not I… Kosmo… when they captured me… they made a copy…” Sticker looked down at themselves. “I’m just a copy… aren’t I?”

“Copy or not, you’re not real, so why don’t you get out of my body!”

“It’s not yours! Don’t you get it? Your fucken boyfriends kidnapped a girl that looks like me and messed with her memories to create you! I was real, she’s real, but you… you’re nothing.”

“Shut up! It doesn’t matter, I’m here, and I’m alive. We’re inside my head, and this is my body!”

“It’s not!”

“So? What are you gonna do? Take it for yourself?” Neo chuckled. “I can’t really blame you. If you took control, it really would be a second chance at life. You could go back and try to salvage your little rebellion, but is stealing someone else’s body something Sticker would really do?”

“I… I…”

“You’re dead. And I’m going to make sure you disappear!”

Neo threw a punch at Sticker, knocking them to the ground. Soon enough the two were rolling around on the floor and fighting. You knew you couldn’t stay, especially considering Neo had been making a move at you earlier. You took this chance to scramble down to the main floor and out the door.

♥♥♥♥♥

You inhaled softly, slowly opening your eyes. As you adjusted to the light you sat up, looking around. You heard typing and could vaguely make out a bunch of computers. You reached up to rub your eyes, gaining some clarity in your vision. You could see you were in some kind of lab, and the boys were scattered around working on things. You were sitting on some table, carefully getting off. Although as soon your feet hit the ground you collapsed, finding no strength in your legs. That’s when the others noticed you had woken up.

“Y/n!”

Jungwoo rushed over, helping you back up on the table with Johnny. They were so happy to see you were awake.

“Are you okay? How are you feeling?”

“Dizzy… what’s going on?”

“Nothing you have to worry about. Just lay down and rest.”

“But-”

Your eyes wandered over to a few others, that’s when you realized there were some unfamiliar faces. That’s when things started to clear up in your head, and reality came crashing down. You immediately pulled away from Jungwoo, falling off the table in the process.

“Y/n!”

“Stay away from me!”

You crawled back until you hit a wall, panic clear on your face. Jungwoo and Johnny raised their hands up, but still took steps towards you.

“Y/n, it’s just us.”

“Please… please just let me go home…”

“Home? What are you…” Jungwoo sighed in frustration and rolled his eyes, turning back to the others. “How the fuck is she here? I thought we got rid of her?”

“I have no idea…” Jaehyun mumbled. “I didn’t think it was possible.”

“No shit.” Renjun chuckled. “A concussive blast just knocks out the connections in the brain, but the neural paths still exist. They could be reignited completely, and it’s not like you left some of those in that could just-”

“Shut up!” Yuta yelled. “Just fix it!”

“Don’t worry, OD tech will erase everything.” Jeno assured. So just restrain her.”

You were already cowering in fear, but hearing them talk that way didn’t help you at all. As Johnny got closer you screamed and tried to crawl, but he quickly grabbed your ankle and dragged you towards him. Soon enough he had you pinned down beneath him.

“And where do you think you’re going?”

“Let me go!”

“There’s no point fighting us. You’re ours.”

“Stop!”

“It’s annoying we have to do this again, but it’ll be the last time, promise.”

Haechan and Doyoung came over, Doyoung grabbing your head and turning it to the side to expose your neck. You could vaguely see a needle in the corner of your vision, soon feeling a prick. You screamed and tried to break free, but that did nothing for you. Johnny kept you pinned as you kept at it until the sedative started to kick in, dragging you under.

“Please…”

“Sh… just another bad dream.”

Johnny pressed a kiss to your head, finally releasing his grip on you, and picking you up off the ground. He laid you back down on the table, this time restraining you.

“This will work, right?”

“Do not doubt us in our own lab.” Jaemin snapped. “Or else you can get out.”

“Got it.”

“Just make sure you’re happy with what you decided.” Chenle said. “After this, no more changes.”

“I thought you guys reprogrammed ODs all the time?” Mark questioned. “Didn’t you say not to doubt you?”

“First off, ODs are mindless. Second, this is like the third time you’re manipulating y/n’s mind, do you think you could do it again and not cause damage?”

“Fair.”

“Just be happy we’re even doing this.” Jisung added. “Truly still Kosmo’s favorite.”

“You are too, you fucken run the OD department.”

“Run? Funny, it is our department.”

“Which wouldn’t exist without our tech.” Taeyong corrected. “Now let’s just focus on the project at hand.”

“Yes, sir.”

♥♥♥♥♥

“Y/n… wake up baby…”

The soft words slowly pulled you from your dreams. You opened your eyes with a soft sigh, smiling at the familiar face.

“Hi…”

“Hey, how are you feeling?”

“Hm… a little fuzzy…”

“That’s normal.”

“Is it?”

“Yeah.” Taeyong started petting you. “What’s the last thing you remember?”

“Uh… the press conference… why… did something happen?”

“Well… yes… on our way home we got… attacked… everyone’s okay, even you, it just seems you took an extended nap.”

“What!” You shot up, only to immediately grab your head. “Ah…”

“Take it easy baby.” Taeyong laid you back down. “You still need rest.”

“The others… where…”

“They’ll be here in a bit, we’re okay, promise.”

“It’s my fault… isn’t it?”

“No, no baby, don’t say that. You did good, and we even caught the bad guys who hurt you. Everything’s going to be okay. Things can finally get back to normal.”

“Promise?”

“Absolutely.” Taeyong kissed your head. “Our baby just needs to rest.”

“Are we in N-City?”

“Yes, baby, you’re home.”

♥♥♥♥♥

NCIT

“I… I think I got it.”

Yuta stared down at the device in his hands, comparing it to schematics on the table. It looked similar, and it was functioning. Even though he helped build this thing, it still felt so alien in his hand. The others had gathered around, all examining it as well.

“I mean… it looks right.” Haechan said. “But there’s only one way to find out.”

“Either way, this is one step closer to y/n.” Jaehyun said. “Isn’t it?”

“It sure is.” Taeyong said. “It sure is…”

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im-definitely-not-trash · 3 years ago

Text

Here’s day three, thankfully on time. :) I tried to do less dialogue because my stories usually rely on dialogue a lot and I wanted to try something different.

Prompt #3: “Who did this to you?”

Fandom: Voltron: Legendary Defender

TW: referenced self-harm, infected injuries

Word count: 1536

Lance and Pidge were chilling playing video games. As they laughed at a characters death, Lance elbowed Pidge’s left arm playfully. She winced, quietly enough no one would hear, but Lance saw her face scrunch up in pain. He dropped the controller and pulled up her sleeve to her shoulder, Pidge protesting the whole time, trying to wiggle away. There were three long scratches on her upper arm, scabbed over and starting to scar, but Lance could see that they had been deep.

“Who did this to you?” he asked.

Pidge went quiet, shuffling away and pulling her sleeve down. Then she just stood up and walked out of the closet. Lance called after her, but she didn’t listen.

~~~

Over the next few days, Lance noticed that Pidge was treating him differently. She was fine around literally everyone else, but she hung out with Kosmo more than him. It was as if he’d done something to offend her, not worrying about her and what happened to her arm.

He tried several times to confront her again, wanting to find out why she was treating him like a disease and also to figure out what had happened and who had done it. But every time, she just ignored him and locked herself in her room so he couldn’t get to her.

Lance considered talking to Shiro about it, but ultimately decided against that. He wouldn’t have a clue what was going on. So he decided to leave her alone until she came back to be friends again.

~~~

His waiting time was cut short after about a week when Pidge showed up to breakfast looking exhausted and kind of green. She left her arm hanging by her side while she ate breakfast goo with her right hand. Her hand shook as she ate and Lance had to bite his tongue to not mention it in front of everyone. But after she excused herself without eating even half of her bowl, he knew something was way worse than it was before and he couldn’t just leave her to her own devices anymore.

He followed her out of the kitchen and snuck into her room with her (what a mess). She went into her bathroom, and Lance tried to watch through the crack in the door and the mirror what she was doing.

Pidge pulled her arm out of her sleeve, biting her lip to avoid making noise as tears spilled over. The three cuts in her arm had seemingly grown bigger, and they were discolored and oozing. Lance couldn’t take it anymore. He threw the door open, making Pidge jump.

“Come on, Pidge, who in the quiznak did this to you?? I’m going to kill who did this, I can’t believe anyone would hurt you! And why didn’t you ask for help at all?! It’s been at least a week that you’ve been hurt, and I know you haven’t said anything to anyone, and it’s pissing me off!”

Pidge was sobbing now, lightly grabbing her arm to curl up in a ball.

“Pidgey, I want to help you! Everyone does! Who did this?! We can’t just let someone like this to roam free to hurt anyone else. Just tell m—”

Pidge cried. “It was me!”

Lance shut up very quickly.

“You?” he asked in a whisper.

The tears wouldn’t stop streaming. “It distracts me, and I didn’t mean for it to get this bad, but I can’t stop thinking about Matt and my dad and my mom whenever Zarkon is going to make his way to Earth to hurt her and anyone else, and I can’t keep pretending that I’m not worried because I am but if I was worried, it would distract me from being a Paladin and so I needed to distract myself from getting distracted and when I distracted myself by my own terms it made it easier to fulfill my tasks as a Paladin, but it got bad and now I don’t know what to do because I can’t let anyone know and I’m still upset that you know and—”

“Pidge.”

She shook while looking at Lance. “What?”

The way her voice sounded, crackly and tired, made Lance want to cry too.

“We can help you. You don’t have to keep anything a secret from us. We can find other ways to distract you to focus, if that’s what you really need. But please, please, don’t hurt yourself as a distraction.”

Pidge sat stiff for a second, then just broke down crying again. Lance gathered her into a hug, carefully avoiding her arm.

“Can I tell the others, please?”

Pidge shook her head.

“Then can you tell them?”

She shook her head more frantically.

“They need to know, Pidgey.”

Her voice was muffled in Lance’s shirt. “They’ll think I’m not a real Paladin. I’m not worthy for it.”

“Shut the quiznak up, Pidge, you just told me you were doing this to be able to focus in the first place! And apparently it worked, at least until recently because of the infection. Now, call me a psychopath, but I’m glad the cuts got infected.”

Pidge went quiet again, stifling her sobs, but still shaking against Lance.

“Pidge, can we at least tell Coran? We need to treat the cuts.”

She was silent for a minute, then finally said, “Okay.”

“Okay. Good.”

Lance felt her grab onto him. “Can we stay here for a minute though?” she asked.

“Of course.”

~~~

When she told other Paladins as a group, they refrained from smothering Pidge because they could see how ashamed she was. But that didn’t stop them from individually going to talk to her.

Hunk was the first who showed up. He knocked on her door and came in when invited. They talked for a long time, Hunk telling her he somewhat knew how she felt but he wasn’t invalidating her experience. He asked if making foods from home would help, or make it worse, and she laughed, saying it would help and be delicious. His helpful distraction was food.

Allura showed up next. Once invited in, she simply asked if she could give Pidge a hug, and they sat together for a while. They talked about random things while always touching, and made plans for just the two girls to follow through with, no boys allowed. Allura’s helpful distraction was physical comfort.

Coran came in without permission, but he thought it was okay because it’s technically his castle. He joked with Pidge about anything he could think of, and sincerely asked where milkshakes came from if not from Kaltenecker herself. Pidge laughed at almost anything he said, and tried her hardest to explain how cows (and mammals in general) work. Coran’s helpful distraction was his natural humor.

Lance had already gone in several times, in between everyone, trying to not leave Pidge alone. If she wasn’t alone, she’d be distracted. Pidge understood the real reason why he was spending so much time with her, to prevent her from going back to her unhealthy distraction, but she appreciated it anyway. They played card and video games, talked, had spa nights, and did basically anything at anytime. His helpful distraction was quality time.

Keith came in and just sat on her desk while she sat on her bed. Pidge occupied herself messing with some gadget, and Keith awkwardly sat, waiting for the right moment. When he finally started talking, Pidge almost jumped. He explained how after he was left alone, sometimes his mind would run wild and he wasn’t able to focus on surviving. Even in the space cadet program at the Garrison, he had to distract himself so he could focus on being a pilot. He had chosen the same way, and he thought for sure that it was helping. Keith showed her his scars on the back of his wrists and the inside of his elbow. He told her how he lost sleep over it because his arms always hurt and his attitude got worse until he got kicked out. He had to distract himself more to avoid thinking about how disappointed Shiro would be and how he would live by himself. It wasn’t until he had gotten invested in finding what turned out to be the Blue Lion that he had stopped. He offered his help in the way that she could ask for literally anything, help cleaning her room, someone to talk to, anything that he didn’t have in that period. Keith’s helpful distraction was himself.

Shiro was the last to confront Pidge about anything. And confront her he did. He didn’t offer any distraction, only a listening ear so she could face what was always on her mind. Shiro understood more than anyone, because he was with Matt and her dad, and he left someone on Earth. And because of how he knew that, he knew that she needed to face it as well as distract when it was appropriate. He was helpful by not offering her a distraction.

And with all of these people around her, so willing to help, Pidge knew she’d be okay and she’d be able to work harder and in turn, defeat the Galra.

She can do it.

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airisu7425 · 4 years ago

Photo

March Shopping - Part 1 (figures)

The pricier ones of the haul. My preciousssss. XD

Let’s start from the small ones, shall we?

Kuroko from Kuroko no Basket. It’s a used Kuji figure but was missing him from the gang.

Galo, my sunshine firefighter son from Promare! I hope I can get the Lio one as well... It’s a prize figure btw.

New uniform Tobio has arrived as well! Orange looks good on him (and I don’t mean Hinata by that, but maybe I am... XD). HQ!! will always have a special place in my heart, so I guess this is not the last figure.

Dr. Stone is a steady show for me - keeps me entertaining and when I saw this figure on AmiAmi in the pre-owned section (which will be the end of me btw), I thought - why not? And I did not regret - you’ll see in the separate post why.

SAO is one of my favorite isekai series for me (yeah, you can throw stones at my for my sh*tty taste but I will defend my son Kirito by any means necessary) and the Alicization series added to my hype - because of the birth of a new ship for me: Kirito x Eugeo (I still ship Kirito with Asuna though - one of the rare het ships I stan, but I also multiship, so yeah). This Eugeo figure caught my eyes on the cursed pre-owned section of Amiami - and he is here finally. Looking regal and beautiful. Fun fact: I don’t own a Kirito figure - yet. XD

Last but not least: my most random and most expensive figure purchase of all times. I didn’t know the character, I didn’t know the Chinese novel series (still don’t btw), but I saw this on CDJapan and fell in love at first sight. Meet Zhang Kylin (or Qiling) from Daomu Biji. It’s hands down the most beautiful figure I own. (And it’s the heaviest too.) The details, the beauty of it is out of this world’s. I don’t regret spending a sh*t ton of money on it (and yes, this one was caught by the customs so add 27% and 10 EUR more to the retailing price plus EMS shipping. 🙃 ) And I just figured out while taking photos of him why I fell so hard: he is the mix of my favorite anime boy type: Haru from Free!, Tobio from HQ!!, Uenoyama from Given etc. etc. etc. (And even a bit like Keith from Voltron, probably because of the blue dragon which reminds me of Kosmo.)

So yeah. New additions. Separate posts will follow with close-ups - as usual.

TBC

#knb #hq!!#Haikyuu!!#sao #daomu biji #daomu #dr. stone #promare #kuroko tetsuya #galo thymos #kageyama tobio #eugeo #zhang kylin #zhang qiling #official merchandise #figures #prize figure #my collection #my stuff

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ghostgetter · 4 years ago

Text

That would be Gold Rush

When Keith thinks of Lance, he thinks: loud, eccentric, supercilious. Over the years, he’s had the luxury of learning more about him, like how he’s exceptionally considerate, especially when anyone around him is at their lowest point. Or how passionate he is about the things he loves. Or, even, regardless of his occasional arrogance, Lance was actually pretty good at the things he put his heart to.

Sharpshooter, indeed.

Now, after wars have ended and the peace has claimed everyone’s hearts, there is a certain epiphany Keith has had for his righthand man.

He may potentially, possibly, in some fashion, be in love with him.

It is utterly horrifying.

Keith has fought aliens twice his size, defeated empires, lead the most powerful robot and defended the universe, but this makes his skin crawl.

Whenever Hunk talked about legitimate romance and his love for Shay, Keith never thought twice about what it was like. Love and being with another person never came close to his ideals and imaginations while he was growing up. He needed to be with the stars, to find what was calling him. A lone-wolf that yearned for a family.

Now? Now he yearns for Lance.

Quick brushes of hands, stories of his family, his compassion and support when Keith would feel like collapsing in on himself after a rough assignment with the Blade. His overall being, which has now collected in his own imagination when he lies in bed, or in a tent in a galaxy far from Earth, where Lance is next to him, holding his hand and simply existing.

Keith doesn’t think he’s wanted something more in his life.

Like water rushing his veins, he comes back to Lance snapping his fingers in his face, his own way, way too close as he leans forward on the McClain’s sofa. It almost looks like his Altean marks are sparkling.

“Universe to Keith.”

Keith blinks several times, trying to right himself. He pushes his hand out of the way, “The snapping is unnecessary.”

“It is when you’re in LaLa Land,” Lance says, going back to swigging his beer back. “You weren’t even listening to me about Veronica!”

“Right, sorry,” he apologizes, “Long mission.”

“S’okay, I figured,” Lance is always understanding and empathetic when Keith visits the farm. He has his mother make the best soup Keith has ever had in his life, next to Hunk’s own, and gets a guestroom set for him and Kosmo, who is already napping upstairs. He puts a warm hand on Keith’s shoulder, and of course electricity rushes down his arm, sparking in his fingertips. “We can just watch NASA and make fun of them if you want.”

Keith smiles softly. Shiro’s always been the brother he’s needed growing up, the shoulder to lean on, the support he desperately craved. Lance is his own brand of supportive. Carefree and funny and kind. He’s like gold, rare and sought after by hundreds. “I’m okay. Tell me about Veronica.”

“Well, Veronica became an instructor at the Garrison. Took over for Iverson and stuff, so I think the mental health of the cadet’s is gonna be a bit better.”

“Oh, thank the universe,” Keith says, “I hated that man.”

“I figured, hotshot,” Lance jokes, “Wasn’t hard to miss when you tried punching him one time during class.”

Keith turns, only the slightest bit ashamed, “You were there for that?”

Lance flicks him on the head, Keith recoiling and glaring back, “I was in your class, stupid! Geez, I’m still so annoyed you don’t remember me.”

Keith rolls his eyes. “I’m not apologizing for not remembering some of the worst years of my life.”

“The Garrison wasn’t awful,” Lance sets his arms on the back of the couch, fingers brushing Keith’s shoulder. “I mean, Veronica actually wants me to come…join her?”

Keith lurches forward, gaping. “Really? Lance, that’s amazing!” Because from what Keith knows from visits and friends, Lance hasn’t stepped foot anywhere related to space in over a year. Hasn’t gone to the Garrison at all, according to Shiro. Hasn’t had any interest in going to space again, according to everyone else.

“Yeah, as an instructor,” Lance chuckles. “Can you imagine, me? Instructing?”

Yes, Keith thought, Absolutely. And he’d be amazing at it. Because, sure, Keith gave him a hard time back in the Voltron days on his piloting skills, and for some odd reason, Lance showcased some sort of desire to outshine Keith in flying, but he was good. Keith may have been the best pilot, and flew like he breathed, but Lance flew with passion, with pure heart.

Before Keith can voice Lance’s acclaim, his strengths, Lance sighs and shakes his head. He brings his hands to his knees and squeezes them under his jeans. It’s almost like a cloud washes over the living room, and it’s darker. Sadder.

“I dunno if I’m ready for anything…space-related,” Lance says. “With Allura…I dunno. I’m still…y’know?”

Yeah, Keith knows. It’s been a year and a half since the war ended, and Allura left them, left Lance, behind. He knows Lance still holds a torch for her, who doesn’t? He spends his time telling her stories to aliens and humans alike. He nods stiffly, looking down at his own beer before putting it on the coaster sitting on the long table in front of him.

“Yeah, I know.”

Lance takes a drink from his bottle, “Right.”

Right. Keith holds in a long exhale, swallowing instead and pushing himself off the sofa.

“I gotta go outside for a sec,” he says, his mind wandering and his chest constricting.

“What?” Lance sits up, sniffling. “What’s wrong? Um, do you need me to come with you?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Keith snaps, and he hates it. He hates that it burns off his tongue and how bitter the taste of it is. He walks towards the foyer and turns to look at Lance remorsefully. Lance looks downtrodden and confused, standing up after Keith, because he’s compassionate like that. Because he cares about him. Keith swallows and turns away, then softly says, “I just need to be alone.”

“Oh,” Lance frowns, “Okay.”

He closes the door behind him, and steps off the porch, crossing his arms and just breathes.

Deep, deep breaths, because he will not cry, he will not scream up to the clouds covering the stars he knows shine behind them. He will not break down in front of the hundreds of pink flowers covering the green in front of him, which still gleam in the dark of night.

He hates this so much.

To be with Lance is to imagine myths and legends. Like the juniberry flowers that cover his front lawn, to be in love with him is to wilt and decay eventually. Because, and Keith will attest to it, Allura will always be in his heart. Even if his feelings were to be reciprocated, if ever, he’d always be second best.

Keith never tolerated being second to anything.

He wipes his glove-covered hands down his face, trying to drag the stress with them. His chest constricts and it hurts. He never asked for this, and he remembers telling Shiro that once he figured out he’d fallen in love with Lance after too many recollections of their time together in Voltron, Lance’s support, the fucking abyss that showed the wisps of his past and future; of a scrawny boy with short brown hair standing up to Keith’s bullies, of a taller boy with looking out to the sea with a ring on his finger, slowly turning towards Keith before blinking out of existence, too scarce to tell who it was but Keith knows now it was Lance. It was always Lance.

“Ugh,” he finally voices, fingers grasping onto his leather jacket. “I’m such a dipshit.”

He knew how Lance felt about Allura. And frankly, Keith knows how Lance feels about him: a guy that runs away from his friends, his feelings. It sweats off his body, out of his pores; it’s not like he hides his traits well.

“Keith?”

Because of course he’d follow after him, even when he asked to be alone. That’s Lance, after all. He turns around as the wind whisps at his longer hair. Under the porch light, Lance’s skin twinkles like gold.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah,” Keith chokes out. He curses at himself, emotion wrapping around his throat. He sniffs, rubbing at his nose. “Fantastic.”

Lance is silent for a moment, watching him, contemplating. He tilts his head and looks on sadly, before opening the door behind him. “Come back inside. I’ll grab your 80’s movie pack and make some hot chocolate.”

Keith crosses his arms, looking away, because he can’t look at Lance under a spotlight as if he’s some…some celestial being. His hair even falls into his eyes handsomely when he looks at him, waiting, and Keith doesn’t want to fall any farther than he already has. He needs to reverse these feelings, in anything. Slam on the control shift and buck his ship out of here.

But Lance is like the Sun, and Keith succumbs to him like gravity.

After a sigh, he walks back up to the porch, up to Lance, who closes the distance and brings Keith into a tight hug. He wraps his lengthy arms around him and pulls him in close. Keith’s eyes widen, shocked and overwhelmed with the feeling and the scent of Lance, until his nose tickles against Lance’s soft skin and suddenly he’s calm again. He breathes in deep and wraps his own arms around him, turning his face into a steady shoulder.

At least Keith has this.

#klance #fanfiction #voltron #xxmine #yo...i did it i'm that deep i finally.....did it #btw. post canon so like. lance has his marks if that bothers you!!!!! sorry #otp: we had a bonding moment

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kacxa-fan · 4 years ago

Text

Costume Party

Request from @rorylum about Kacxa dressed as Big Barda and Mr. Miracle for a costume party!

___

Summary: Typically the two weren't ones for parties, especially those considered loud and flashy, but for the sake of pleasing their friends who kept insisting them to "take a break", they did so.

___

"But you have to! C'mon Acxa, it's just for one night! It'll be a good chance to clear your mind, then you can go back to stressing yourself out." Whined the pleading voice from across the line.

"Hmm, alright. Inform me of the whereabouts and time it would be most appropriate to visit."

"Wow, really? Awesome! Okay, so the party's at James's place around uh 9 p.m., got it?"

"Got it." Acxa responded, quickly jotting it down just in case she forgets due to all the clutter kept in her busy mind.

"Oh- How could I forget? It's also a costume party! So be sure to prep yourself up, k? Can't wait to see you~!"

"Wait. What is a-" the phone call ended "Oh Veronica..." she groaned.

Acxa avoided recalling her friend, deciding it be best to ask her significant other. She walked down the stairs and met him sitting on the couch, Kosmo lazily splayed about his lap. She took whatever was left of space on the furniture.

"Hey, got your work done yet?" Keith glanced over at her before returning his gaze to the TV as he switched through the channels.

"Not quite. I've decided to put work aside for a bit since Veronica asked me to come join her to a 'costume party'... Whatever that is."

"Huh? That's a surprise, but hey, it's nice to get out and destress. Also, a costume party?" He paused and tilted his head over to fully face her.

"If you will, please explain to me what the customs of this type of party are?"

Keith muted the TV, turning his full attention to her.

"Well, a costume party is basically a party where the guests dress up as whatever they'd like. Examples say being uhhh a monster or character from a show. Stuff like that."

"Like a disguise?"

"Yeah, like a disguise, but you don't really gotta fool anyone."

Acxa nodded, her hand reaching it's way over to Kosmo's ear.

"Very well, but what should we dress up as?"

"We?"

"Oh, I forgot to ask. It's just that I thought you'd like to join..."

"Or you'd feel a lot more comfortable if I joined you, huh?"

"Perhaps, that too..."

Keith chuckled, scooting closer to Acxa. He wrapped his arm around her waist and placed a kiss on her blushing cheek.

"I'm in!"

"Thank you, Keith."

"Mhm. Okay so costumes, uh we could be hmmm... Oh! I grew up really liking Batman, and I guess you could say Catwoman was his girlfriend? You'd rock a Catwoman, not gonna lie."

He pulled out his phone to search the duo up.

"Here, look. See?"

"Ah, how um interesting. As much as I'd like to say that she looks quite flattering, I can't help but notice how uncomfortable her outfit seems. Leather, is it?" She looked down the image "And high heeled boots?"

Acxa unconsciously took his phone from his hand, scrolling through the various images of the peculiar lady.

"Oh my, this is... suggestive?"

"Hahaaa, yeaaah." Keith muttered in slight embarrassment, scratching the back of his neck.

"Is that a whip? Her weapon?"

"Okayyy! That's enough lookin' her up. Let's say we think of another couple, if you're not sure about this one, k?"

The two huddled closer as Keith offered various other options. Somehow Acxa always seemed to pick at one or the other, more so fascinated and weirded out by the outfit. Time ticked by as Keith grew tired. They ended up with few ideas.

He blew out a puff of air, "Uhm welp here's these two. Superheroes. Named Big Barda and Mr. Miracle?"

Acxa, again, took the phone. Her eyes dilating at the bright colors.

"Guess it's a no too?"

She shook her head, "No, I actually find it suitable. Considering that I am the tallest out of us both. Also, we are running out of time, no?"

Keith rolled his eyes playfully, although their height difference was never much of a bother for them.

"My only complaint is the bold colors. Other than that, it looks to be comfortable enough. Don't you think?"

"As long as you're sure, I'll settle for it."

What Acxa wasn't aware of is that Keith was not necessarily looking forward to wearing such a thing, as it was not his sort of style. In fact, this duo's fit was nothing of their style, but nonetheless they agreed to it.

---

"Here we are. Ready to show off?"

"Just a moment. I think my cape got tangled."

Keith and Acxa exited their car, pinkies hooking and having nervous talk about their suits. They entered the apartment complex, scanning the numbers of each door.

"Here it is! Ready?"

"What other choice is there..."

Keith knocked, and low and behold, James answered.

"HEY! ACXA AND... KEITH? NO WAY! THAT'S PRETTY FUNNY SEEING YOU TWO HERE. ESPECIALLY WEARING THOSE!" He shouted as the commotion of the dark yet colorfully lit room dazed the visitors viewing it. The brunette took his time looking the deadpanned couple up, incapable of holding his growing amusement.

"WELL, COME ON IN! THE GANG'S JUST RIGHT OVER AT THE POOL TABLE."

Keith took the lead, holding a hand out for Acxa to follow. Acxa examined the area, taking notice to the strange figures, assuming that some were not human at all, but actual aliens to Earth such as herself. She heard the booming and perked her ears, worried that a fight involving weaponry was taking place. Hesitantly, she took his hand and stepped foot into the strange presence. They walked behind James as cautiously as they could, with the few bumps here and there from strangers in all sorts of display.

"KEITH, IS THIS WHAT ALL PARTIES ARE LIKE? GOODNESS WH- OH, FORGIVE ME!" Acxa hollered.

"NOT ALL, BUT WHEN IT'S RUN BY PEOPLE LIKE JAMES, THEN YEAH. PRETTY MUCH."

Finally straying away from the crowd and their noise, the trio were reintroduced to their friends.

"Aw Acxa, and Keith~! Glad you actually came. I was beginning to think you'd bail out on us and this fun!" Veronica hugged her confused friend.

"Why yes, I would never do such a thing. Although, I would have to disagree with you on how this could be 'fun'." Acxa responded, massaging her ears.

"Oh there you go again blurting out your opinion without a care. Typical Acxa-"

"Our Acxa!" Veronica consoled James by patting his back playfully.

The rest of the MFE group exchanged their greetings.

"So, Acxa. You think this ain't at all fun? I'll make it my mission to prove ya wrong!" Nadia spun back to the others, "Right guys? Everyone come on and join us!"

"Sure, sounds fine by me." Said Veronica.

"I mean, I'm kinda busy on keeping check who's at the door cause this is my place-"

"Don't worry about it, Jamesy! Someone else can take care of that stuff. Spend time with us and quit looking around for a girl to dance with and hopefully date~"

Veronica and Nadia shared a smug smirk towards the now heated boy. Ina simply shook her head in shame.

"If you'd like, may I offer you all to a game of cards?" Ina asked.

"Cards?" Acxa tilted her head.

"What kind of ga-"" Keith was cut off.

"CARDS?! Inaaa sweetie, again?" The blue haired, hyper girl whined.

"Shush Nadia, there's nothing wrong with playing some more. Plus, I think it's a great way to show Acxa how a party can be fun!" Veronica stated, pulling Acxa and Keith to the table as the rest soon followed in.

After this "boring" and time consuming game, Nadia was sure to introduce her alien friend to a whole variety of other party activities.

Some not so appropriate to her friend's taste, that is.

___

Hours passed, around four. At least, that's what Acxa assumed. It was quite dark afterall.

Clumsily, she walked, or rather stumbled, her way back to the snack table. Her eyes dilating as her gaze lingered from item to item, looking for that deliciously red-colored juice. To be honest, she didn't really think it to be that good, terrible actually, but nonetheless she had the urge to engulf her system with some more. This beverage was making her feel... happy anyways.

"Acxa? Acxa-" Keith trotted to his girlfriend. He rested his hand on the small of her back, looking over to see her pouting face. How cute.

"...Ac-?"

"No, nooo, nooooo! There's no more *hiccup* juiceee!" Acxa aimed to pound her hand onto the table, but instead missed and hit Keith's stomach area. She turned around at the sudden sound.

"Ow. Acxa are you-"

He felt her cold finger poke his lips. She giggled childishly. Her toothy smile making the man blush almost uncomfortably. She looked so happy, and he knew well that it was not exactly in her control.

"You're... I think you look very handsome~! Do I *hiccup* know you... from somewhere?"

"Yes, yes you do. I'm your boyfriend, remember? Keith." He couldn't help but chuckle.

She looked up and stared at nothing in particular, thinking.

"Keith. Oh yes! I remember you, I think."

"I sure hope so. It'll suck if you don't and I lose my beautiful girlfriend."

"Aw, you're too kind, sir." Acxa bashfully covered part of her smiley face with her hand. So cute.

"Really looks like Nadia did her job, huh? How much did you drink?"

"Hmmm, I estimate around 57 *hiccup* cups? No wait, maybe it was 70..."

Keith was shocked. Then again, he was dating a 6 foot something to 7 foot girl from another planet. He should've been surprised more at the fact that Earth alcohol even had an affect on her.

"Wow, ahaha! That's enough for you then. Let's say we go back home and go to sleep. I'm beat and this party is getting crazier by the minute." He took her hand and tugged her to, again, follow him.

"Waaait~! Not yet! I wanna say bye to my *hiccup* friendsss!" Acxa protested and limped herself back.

Keith sighed, "Ina told me to say goodbye for her to you a while ago. Veronica went out earlier too. Nadia's passed out black on the couch. And James is... eh whatever who gives a damn."

"Nadia? Passed out! Is she okay? She's not okay! I need to help her- Let me go help!"

Great.

"Woah woah calm down, baby. Nadia's okay. She's with a few other girls watching over her. Trust me?" Keith wrapped his arms around her frantic self.

"Always have, always will." She puffed.

"Good. Thanks for that. Now, ready to go?"

"M'kayyy~!"

___

AN: Gee, look who's back. 🤡

#keith x acxa #keith #acxa #kacxa #vld ships #voltron: legendary defender

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dammitadolfnomorecake · 4 years ago

Text

Once Bitten, Twice Stupid prt 162

162

Keith didn’t know what it was, but he just had the feeling something wasn’t right. It’d formed in the pit of his stomach until he was completely distracted by it. Staying to help the Garrett’s clean up the garage, Hunk drove him back home a little before five, teasing him over his absentmindness and the few small mistakes he’d made. Hunk’s teasing should have been annoying, still, Keith kind of felt better for it. They’d grown so comfortable around each other that they’d progressed into that side of friendship. Keith not hesitating to tease Hunk back just as a bad over the way he’d turned into a stammering mess when Shay had dropped by with muffins.

Pulling up at the house, Keith let out a long sigh of relief. He wanted a hot shower and to scrub his hands within an inch of their lives. Plucking leaving and gravel out the cold puddle where the pump was blocked had left his hands kind of gross. Both silently mutually agreeing Hunk would come in, they climbed from the car, jogging up to the front door as the rain started spitting again. Opening the door, Hunk let out a gasp as he stepped back with his hands raised. Rieva and Matt were both standing in the entrance area, both in their wolf forms and both looked ready to attack with their razor sharp teeth bared at them.

Rieva was the first to relax, shifting to her human form without caring she was very very naked

“Rieva!”

Hunk let out a strangled kind of groan as he covered his face

“Argh! You... you’re naked why are you naked?! Clothes. You need clothes!”

Keith nodded in agreement, his gaze on his feet. Stupid werewolves and their “pro-nudity”. Rieva huffing at the pair of them

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know who it was”

Yes, well, okay. She could shift back now, or at least find some modesty

“You do know! Put some clothes on!”

“Stop yelling. I’ve finally got Lance calmed back down and I don’t want the pair of you riling him up”

Keith’s brain blanked the fact Rieva was naked as he raised his head, then quickly used his hand to shield his eyes. Sniffing the air, Keith smelt something sweet lingering. That bad feeling in his stomach, dropped as if he’d missed the bottom step in a set of stairs. Moving on instinct, Keith strode towards the living room, jogging once he reached the doorway. Lance was curled up with Kosmo by his side, his boyfriend’s scent screaming at him

“Let him rest”

Rieva was between him and Lance in an instance. Lance’s scent should have set off the pair of werewolves. They should have called the moment Lance got upset

“Rieva”

“Keith, let him rest. I only just got him calmed back down”

Yeah. Good for her. Lance needed him and they all knew it. Resisting the urge to shove Rieva, because he wasn’t that stupid, Keith grit his teeth

“He’s upset! I can smell it. He smells like he’s in heat. He’s upset and not just a little bit. Fuck, I knew something was up”

“He’s resting. He needs his rest”

“Then let me take him up to our room”

“I think here is the best place for him”

“Ummm. Guys... Maybe we can talk about this?”

Matt sat near Hunk who’d taken half a step away from him. The poor guy had limited wolf experience with Matt and Rieva in their wolf forms

“I am sorry, Hunk. It would be better if you went home for the day. I need to have a conversation with Keith”

That was obvious. Rieva was on edge. Her posture stiff. Something big had happened, but that didn’t mean Hunk should be sent away

“Hunk’s Lance’s best friend... You don’t have to send him away when he’s worried for his bud”

“I’m right here... Rieva, it’s okay. My sisters came today. To ask for Mami’s rings back...”

Both? Both of them... here... in their house. What right they did they have? What bullshit had they stirred up? Did Luis come too? More importantly why hadn’t Lance reached out?

“Why didn’t you call me?”

“There were things that needed to be said”

Rieva sighed. Keith really, really wished she’d put clothes on. He’d be hearing it from Matt over looking at Rieva naked

“They brought the police with them. Lance was too kind to them both. I don’t care for them and I have warned them not to return here”

“Rieva, can you and Matt please go get dressed already. Keith, come sit down. Hunk, you can stay too if you don’t mind monopolising Keith for a little bit”

Hunk came over to them, stumbling as he tried not to look at Rieva

“Dude, I might go for now, but we’ll talk right?”

Lance nodded, holding his arms out for a hug which Hunk was happy to provide. The two besties hugging each other tightly

“Thanks, man. I’m okay. Rieva’s just being a bit overly protective and territorial. Want to come over for lunch tomorrow?”

“That’ll be great”

“Perfect. Bring Shay too, if she can come. I love you, bro”

“I love you, too. Let me know if you need me to bring anything”

“Just yourselves. Better message the gremlin too”

“I’ll talk to Pidge... but... uh... we’ll be wearing clothes tomorrow, won’t we?”

“Yeah, clothes will be worn. Rieva’s been back and forth between forms. She’s lucky it’s too horrible outside to kick them out”

“You wouldn’t anyway”

Lance snorted

“No. I wouldn’t. I’ll see you tomorrow”

“Sure thing”

Being Hunk, Keith was also hugged. Hunk giving him a look that said he expected an explanation yet was glad to be escaping way too much nudity and Rieva’s wrath. Keith wished he could take Lance and run from her too. He wasn’t equiped to deal with Rieva when she was acting this protective, also, it was his job to protect Lance and his job to be there for him. Rieva had done enough.

With Hunk taking his leave, Keith manhandled Kosmo off of Lance’s legs to sit beside his boyfriend. Lance as cute as ever as he sank into him

“You smell”

Maybe not that cute. No. He was cute, and also definitely experiencing heat like effects from the run in

“That happens when you spend the day playing pool boy and unblocking the damn pump. Do you want me to shower?”

“Not yet...”

Kissing the top of Lance’s hair, Lance nosed into Keith’s chest

“Okay. Are you okay? Did they... What the fuck happened?”

“Can you guys give us a little space? I know you’re going to hear us, but I need to talk to Keith and my ego is setting us all off”

Rieva gave Keith a nod

“I’ll leave him your hands. We’ll be in our room, come, Matthew”

Matt obediently trotted off, Rieva walking out behind him. Kosmo didn’t know what to do with himself. Patting the space beside him, Kosmo jumped up to lick at Keith’s face

“Stop it, you. Lie down already”

“Let him be. He missed you”

“Tell him that. God, those paws of his...”

Kosmo was best boy, until his paws went places paws really shouldn’t

“Kosmo, down!”

Jumping off the sofa, Kosmo huffed at Lance, then laid out on the floor in front of the sofa. Keith already knew Lance wore the pants in the relationship, but damn if Kosmo wasn’t as whipped as he was

“You’ve got him trained”

“Nah. He’s just happy to have you home. We both are”

Kissing Lance’s hair again, Keith nodded as he did

“I’m late again”

“I’m okay now. I’ve had time to... calm back down”

“Babe, I can smell you. You haven’t calmed down, plus, your sisters came”

“They did. Luis called the cops over Mami’s ring. He couldn’t come near me, shot himself in the foot taking out a restraining order”

“So he sent Veronica and Rachel to do his dirty work”

Lance sighed heavily, far too heavily for Keith’s heart to bare

“No. I mean, yes, but no. I had a panic attack after they left, but I also got to say a lot of things I wanted to Vee”

Veronica being called “Vee” seemed intimate. That his sisters came and that Luis was still harping on about Mami’s ring was ridiculous

“They shouldn’t be dragging you in”

“I was mad, but I know the police. Pidge didn’t always get all the permissions she needed, but they’re solid. I was mad and then I kept thinking about it. I don’t think Vee... I don’t think she wanted to antagonise me. I think she... I think she actually wanted to hear about Mami’s last days but didn’t want to go against Luis. I think maybe if I were to talk to her, that maybe she wouldn’t ignore me”

That went against everything Keith thought he knew about Lance’s sibling dynamic

“That’s...”

“Surprising. I know. Rachel still hates me as much as ever. She was the one who came, Rieva kept her eye on her. She also asked them to leave”

“You didn’t?”

Lance had the habit of having to talk... but to talk to his siblings who’d treated him so cruelly over the years, that must have really fucking sucked

“I did but Vee needed to hear what I had to say. I think she... when they left... I fell apart again. About never hearing from them ever again. I know I’m not making sense. I told them to forget me and to be happy. Them knowing everything would only hurt them more. I keep... I keep trying to cut them off. To move on. I can’t forget what they did and I can’t forget the times when we were happy. I heard so many stories in Cuba that I felt kind of reconnected with them again, but they don’t want me”

Taking Lance by the chin, Keith tilted his boyfriend’s head up

“You’ve done more than enough. You’ve given more than you have to give. Anyone would understand if you threw them out without a second thought”

Keith would have. He’d never hit a girl who wasn’t a supernatural being, yet he sure as heck would have lost his temper at the pair of them for using Lance. They were lucky to have left before he came home

“I couldn’t do that. They’re Mami’s children. I don’t know what the next step is. I told Vee I’d send her some photos from Cuba. With everything happening I never got Coran to look at my phone. I just... I wish it didn’t have to hurt this badly. I’m meant to be relaxing ahead of our trip to see your dad”

Their three day trip. Lance asked if he’d wanted to go for longer, Keith didn’t want to stray too far from home too long in case there were complications with Lance’s pregnancy. He, Shiro and Lance were going. Krolia... he wasn’t completely sure on. That afternoon had been so long and so much said. Curtis’s demon issue had been pushed back, Coran having to recalculate the new best day which fell late in March, though there calculations and all kind of stuff that went over Keith’s head. All of them wanted to push the trip back for his sake, yet Curtis refused, Lance upset for his friend. Now they’d be leaving on the 5th of March... as a solid maybe with a more than likely yes unless they changed plans again which could happen seeing their group chat was filled with plans. Theoretically if Lance was to go into labour during their trip there was a chance the twins would survive, none of them wanted to take that chance though. February really needed not to be ending so damn fast.

“My dad would rather you be safe and everything be alright”

Keith hoped so at least. They seemed to be the right words as Lance gave him a soft smile

“I hope they’re okay. I want to bake as long as possible before popping”

“I know. But we need to be as careful as possible. I really wish you’d let me take you to Coran”

“And I really wish you’d fuck me on the sofa”

Lance blinked at him. Keith blinking back. Okay... Here he thought Lance was settling, but that would be a big fat nope

“You’re having symptoms still”

Lance blushed hard

“I didn’t... fuck. I’m sorry, that just slipped out. Babe, false contractions happen. It’s not a medical emergency you need to rush me to Coran in the middle of the night over”

“I’m allowed to worry”

How was he supposed to know the difference between something like that and something serious? He wasn’t the one who was pregnant. He wasn’t the one who’s body could turn traitor. All he could do was worry

“I know you worry. You’re right. I am. It was bad before. My ego set off Matt’s and Rieva’s, serving to upset mine further. The fact I told my siblings to forget I exist and to never come back... I can’t believe I said it. I felt alone again. It’s so stupid. I have more of a family in you and our friends than I have with them. Rachel seemed ready to puke over my pregnancy. Vee barely seemed to care. She even asked me if you hurt me, like she cared”

“I don’t know what to say about that. Is your heat bad?”

He didn’t know how to “biological sibling”. They were weird. Shiro was weird enough as I was. Lowering his gaze, Lance mumbled

“It’s not great. I’m sure it was affecting Matt and Rieva. Honestly my head’s such a damn mess. I’m horny as hell, and content now you’re home. It’s embarrassing”

“You can’t control it. Plus, I’m sure Matt and Rieva wouldn’t mind taking a half an hour drive”

“I’m not throwing them out my house. That’s mean. All they did was try to comfort me. Rachel didn’t know where to look when Rieva turned back and she was all naked”

Keith definitely felt he was owed some form of compensation for having to face a naked Rieva

“I didn’t know where to look. I didn’t even want to look. If they’re affected too, maybe they should go work it out elsewhere... somewhere they won’t have to listen to us?”

“Babe... It’ll pass”

“We both know sometimes it doesn’t and you’re left on edge like this for hours. Being intimate isn’t about you being in pain over something that you don’t have control of”

Lance snuggled into him, hand dipping between Keith’s thighs suggestively

“I love that you love you. But I can’t kick them out”

“Then we’ll just have to be quiet”

“Nope! We’re going! Save your horny!”

Dragging Rieva along, Matt yelled at them as he stuck his head in the room. Lance couldn’t have been more embarrassed if he tried. Rieva finally had clothes on, explaining

“Sorry. Lance’s scent set our egos off, he’s right. Lance, enjoy your heat, Keith knows I will break him if he hurts you. We’ll come back after dinner with Pidge. I think that will be best for all egos”

Lance’s tone wobbled as he replied

“I’m sorry, guys. Thank you for being here today. Egos can be a total pain in the arse”

“We’d never hold this against a pack member. Matthew, let’s go already”

Left alone, Lance sighed at him. Clearly a disappointed sigh

“I can’t believe we kicked them out so we could have sex”

At least they’d left. When he and Lance couldn’t leave they had to pull out their noise cancelling headphones or risk hearing way too much. Keith wasn’t so much concerned with having sex as he was worried about Lance being stuck in a state where his body wasn’t listening. Lance would never push sex on him, and Keith was only human. A human with a high sex drive for that glorious arse, even at the worst of times

“Actually I kind of wanted to kick them out sooner so I could talk to privately about your sisters. I smelt you from the doorway. All afternoon I felt like something was wrong. Hunk teased me about it”

Instead of laughing or snorting at him, Lance raised an eyebrow

“Babe, would you rather talk about that or go have a shower before you have your wicked way with me?”

“I’d rather make sure you’re doing okay mentally before pushing anything physical”

“I’m better now I’ve calmed down and thought about it, but I’m also wet as fuck and trying to cope with that too”

Keith groaned at Lance. He was trying to give his boyfriend the out if he felt he needed it

“That’s not fair”

Lance fell silent for several exceptionally long moments that made Keith feel like maybe he’d done something wrong or Lance was worrying about him not being in the mood and felt the decision forced

“Babe?”

Lance sucked in a shaky breath

“You’re... you’re my family... right?”

“Oh, babe. Of course I am. You’re my family. You, our boys, my family”

“I love you so much, Keith. So much. I’m sorry I didn’t call, I wasn’t in the right frame of mind when they left. Plus you saw how protective Matt and Rieva were. If something happened to you, even by accident...”

“Nothings going to happen. I’m going to take a shower and then I’m going to come back and make you feel amazing”

“I’d like that. And cuddles after?”

“As many as you can stand”

#once bitten twice stupid #oncestupidtwicestupid #ashratherose

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quintessenceofdust73 · 4 years ago

Text

A Respite in Paradise

The Paladins had made camp in one of the lush valleys of Celadon IV, an isolated, uncharted, Earth-like sphere located in the outermost edge of the Milky Way Galaxy. The Lions were nearly drained of all power when they arrived and Keith knew they would need a lengthy solar recharge. He ordered their little caravan to a halt, and suggested that the team take some time for much-needed rest and relaxation. This was one of Keith’s orders that Lance actually agreed with and wholeheartedly obeyed.

Hunk unloaded a barbecue grill from Yellow Lion’s cargo hold as soon as they landed and began rummaging through their meager stores of exotic meats to find something to grill. Coran helped with this and then began an inventory of their other foodstuffs while Shiro and Keith helped Allura and Romelle set up the camp.

After Pidge’s detailed analysis of the plants they had collected, it was determined that the local flora would not do any harm to Kalternecker’s digestive system. When they were sure of that, Lance and Pidge had immediately led the cow to the grassiest area that they could find and laughed at her satisfied “moo” of happiness at the sight of so much green. Once Kalternecker was free of her tether, she bucked with ecstasy and frolicked in the flowery meadow along with Kosmo. Both animals were accompanied by Pidge’s ever-curious blue and green floofs which hovered over the field, silently observing it all. While taking in all the natural beauty around him, Lance had a sudden urge to pull Pidge a bit closer to him. He slipped his right arm casually around her narrow shoulders as he often did, but this time he deliberately held her closer than before. She turned to look up at him questioningly with those huge, intelligent eyes of hers, and Lance suddenly felt his cheeks warm a little. He smiled at her and was surprised at how his heart raced when she smiled back at him. He noticed that several lose tendrils of her hair had escaped from her messy bun, and that there were a few more soft waves that framed her face. She was pale after living inside of a spaceship for so long, and he knew they both had dark circles under their eyes from a lack of proper sleep. The two of them were both still in their battered armor, and both of them were sweaty and tired, but in this peaceful moment Lance could not recall any sight that he had ever seen that was more beautiful than the one before him.

They heard Coran’s voice in the distance, summoning them back to camp. Supper was ready. The smell of Hunk’s cooking never failed to make his mouth water.

Pidge took his hand and ran with him back to camp. It was nearly dusk when they all finally sat down to enjoy the evening meal.

After bestowing Hunk with many well-deserved compliments for the incredible supper he had prepared, the Paladins had all gone to sleep under the stars, and at last spent an entire evening completely undisturbed.

Even before the bright sun of this small green planet was peeking over the horizon, Lance was wide awake. The others slept on as the sun rose, still exhausted from their long journey. He stretched, then rose to his feet, not bothering with putting on his armor. Lance silently gathered up his bayard, a clean change of clothes, a towel, and his grooming kit. Then he hiked down to the nearby stream, relishing his every lungful of the cool morning air. This planet almost smelled like home, and the sound of the clean, running water was like music to his ears after being in the silent vacuum of space for so long. Lance eagerly stripped off his black under suit and then slipped naked into the cool water. He shivered at first, but then realized that his body would soon adjust to the lower temperature. He had entered the stream with his small container of body shampoo on a cord around his neck and an exfoliating scrubber in hand. With a whoop of pure joy, he dispensed a small amount of the concentrated cleanser and then rubbed it into a fragrant lather, scrubbing away the grime that had accumulated on his skin after being in a spacesuit for far too long. It was invigorating! He sang to himself and splashed around in the water with the delight of a child as he rinsed the suds and the grime away. As he lathered shampoo into his hair and ducked under water to rinse it out, he realized how long it had gotten. He hated to admit it, but he had a mullet that was as long as Keith’s had been the night that they rescued Shiro. That was the night he and Hunk had snuck out of the Garrison, following after the mysterious “boy” named Pidge...

A familiar giggle brought him out of his reverie. Eyes wide, Lance sunk down deeper into the water, his back to the nearest bank. “Who’s there?” But he already knew the answer to that, and he really hoped she hadn’t seen anything. Lance bit his lip and blushed at the thought of it. There was another giggle. Pidge! He turned to face her, but she was already scampering away. He saw her hasty retreat, noticing that she was wearing her Garrison backpack over her black under suit and her hair was falling in matted tangles from her now even messier bun.

“We will have to find another spot,” he heard her call to the other two girls. “Lance is down there.”

“Ugh! The last thing I want to see is Pointy Chin without any clothes on,” said Romelle.

“Indeed,” said Allura. “I wouldn’t want to have to look at that either.”

Lance pouted angrily, feeling momentarily hurt.

Then there was that familiar giggle again, and he strained to hear what Pidge was saying.

“I wouldn’t mind,” Pidge admitted. “I actually think he’s pretty cute,” Lance’s mouth fell open once more, his mind whirling. The laughter of all three girls faded into the distance as they searched for a more private place to bathe.

Pidge.

Pidge thought he was cute? He suddenly felt even more self-conscious about his nakedness, and once he was sure the girls were far enough away, he hastily rose up from the water, dried off, and then wrapped the towel around his waist. He set up the shaving mirror from his kit and frowned at what he saw: stubble, a few zits, and a soggy mullet with wet, too-long bangs that dripped water into his eyes. What was Pidge thinking? This was the worst he had ever looked in recent memory. Maybe she was blind without her glasses. He began to panic, searching his kit for his razor and a face mask.

After a quick but careful shave, he rinsed and dried his face, hastily donned a pair of clean blue underpants and tied back his too-long hair. Lance sat upon a large, smooth rock and prepared the ingredients for his favorite face mask. Zits begone! If Pidge liked him as much as he had hoped, he was determined to look his best for her. After slathering the green paste all over his face, he rinsed his hands and relaxed. He laid back upon the now-warm, smooth stone and closed his eyes, allowing the mask to dry in the sun...

When Lance’s mind was nearly awake once more, it was already mid-morning, and the face mask had dried until it cracked. He didn’t want to get up to rinse it off though. He felt lazy, and he enjoyed the sensation of the warm sunlight caressing his (mostly) bare skin. If he just kept his eyes closed he could imagine he was back home in Cuba, laying out in the sun on Varadero Beach, surrounded by beautiful bikini-clad women, or more realistically, with at least one particular pretty girl by his side, bikini-clad or not. His half-awake mind conjured up an image of a pale, petite girl in a modest emerald green bathing suit. Her beautiful long brown hair was wet, as if she had just emerged from the sea. She was gazing on him fondly as he slept in the sun. Paradise, he thought.

In his semiconscious daydream, the cute girl at his side was calling his name.

“Lance?”

“Hmm?” he mumbled.

“Lance, wake up.” The cute girl touched his arm. “You can’t sleep here all day you know. The rest of the team is wondering where you are, but I figured you would still be here, so I came to get you.”

His eyes snapped open, and it took him a moment to process everything. For a moment he thought he actually was on the beach in Cuba, especially when he saw the scantily clad long-haired beauty beside him.

Pidge.

Pidge with her long hair down, still damp from being washed. Not Pidge on the beach in a bikini, but Pidge wearing a green sports bra and a pair of cut-off shorts she had made herself, which was almost as good. He had no idea she was this hot. Smoking hot. Dead sexy. Was he still dreaming? He grinned at her goofily and felt his face mask crack.

Lance’s mind ran through every swear word he knew in English and Spanish, and then all of the alien swear words he knew, and then some he wasn’t sure of, but he didn’t say any of them out loud. Instead, he emitted a high-pitched yelp of surprise when he realized that he was not, in fact, wearing swim trunks and lying on a beach in Cuba, but he was, in fact, lying on a sun-warmed slab of stone on an alien planet wearing nothing but his underpants and a dried up face mask.

“I think you need to wash your face,” Pidge said, hardly able to contain her amusement. He noticed that she didn’t say anything about his lack of trousers.

“Uh, right.” Lance scrambled to the stream again to rinse and dry his face, which felt much smoother and cleaner, and hopefully blemish-free. He heard her behind him, trying to suppress her giggles and not succeeding. She gave up on silencing them and was now laughing hysterically. Lance felt his face burn hotter than the sun.

“What’s so funny?” he asked. Stay cool, he told himself. He got up and turned around, then tried to strike a confident pose.

Pidge laughed so hard that tears rolled down her cheeks. “I don’t know what’s funnier, the face mask or the mullet, or—“ she broke off, wheezing. “Or...the fact—“ She tried to catch her breath. “The fact that...you are standing there, striking a pose like a designer underwear model, pretending this isn’t embarrassing.”

Pidge’s laughter was one of his favorite sounds in the universe, and to him it was always infectious. Lance broke down at that moment and started laughing at himself along with her. He tried to cover himself modestly with his towel as he reached for his blue jeans. Then he turned his back to her and did a very silly butt-wiggling dance as he wriggled into them. Pidge was laughing so hard that she had to gasp for air. When he finally pulled up his jeans and zipped them, he turned to her and gave her his most smoldering look as the breeze ruffled his long hair.

“Now you look like one of the shirtless himbos in the ads for those trashy romance holodramas my mom watches.”

Lance sat down next to her, his sides shaking with laughter at her description of him. “Oh, no! My mom watches that junk too, and they’re the worst. I definitely want a haircut now.”

Pidge was still wiping the tears of mirth from her eyes. “That’s why I’m here. Coran just gave Shiro and Hunk a haircut, but you missed yours, Sleeping Beauty.” She held up Coran’s clippers and a pair of Altean scissors. “And I missed my haircut too, in order to go looking for you.”

“Sleeping Beauty?” He said with a smirk. “Okay, I am going to pretend that isn’t sarcasm. If I’m a Sleeping Beauty, then why didn’t you awaken me with a kiss?” He thought his flirting was going well in spite of how humiliating this day had been for him so far.

Pidge blushed. “Maybe because I’d rather kiss you when you’re awake?” She said this timidly. Flirting wasn’t something she was accustomed to doing.

“You can kiss me anytime you want, whether I’m asleep or awake.” He said this to her earnestly, revealing more of his true feelings for her than he ever thought he could dare to admit. Lance was blushing in spite of himself. So much for being cool and confident.

Pidge looked at him wide eyed, then ducked her head shyly. Lance tipped her chin up gently, then gently caressed her cheek. They were both breathing raggedly as he moved closer to her. But just as he leaned down to kiss her, she pulled away.

“I can’t let you do this,” Pidge was shaking like terrified prey, trapped in a hunter’s snare. She looked ready to flee.

“Pidge? What’s wrong?” Lance reached for her. “Don’t go! Please, just talk to me. I don’t understand why—“

“I can’t be another one of those girls that you flirt with and forget about!” She she choked out. She was sobbing.

“Pidge! I would never—“

“You’re the only one that I have ever felt this way about and—“ She paused to catch a breath. “If you kiss me it has to mean as much to you as it does to me.” She looked at him boldly now, and even though her face was tear-stained, Lance thought she had never looked more beautiful or more courageous.

He was the one who was terrified now, afraid to say or do the wrong thing. He gaped at her in astonishment, stunned into silence.

Pidge waited for him to say something, but he was still just staring at her, trying to process what she was trying to tell him, and trying to figure out what to do next.

Her mind worked at light speed compared to his. She had already come to a conclusion and turned to leave.

“Pidge, wait!” Lance cried. She kept walking.

“Katie!” She did not stop. Lance knew he had to say something or his heart would shatter into a million pieces. There was no way to repair a heart that badly broken.

“Katie Holt, I am in love with you!” He shouted, and his words echoed around the valley. Then there was a frightening silence between them that caused his heart to momentarily stop beating. They might have been on a silent planet if not for the incessant babbling of the uncaring brook behind them.

She stood there, unmoving, but she did not turn to him.

“I love you. I always have. I guess I was waiting for the right time to tell you, and I was also waiting for you to grow up because you’re younger than me, and I guess I also realized I was the one who really needed to mature a lot more before I could be in a real relationship because you’ve always been more mature than me and—“

She turned around. Lance continued to babble more incessantly than the creek. It was if a dam had burst and a torrent of heartfelt words tumbled forth, as unstoppable as a flood.

“You’re the most amazing girl I have ever met in my entire life and you’re my best friend and I love being with you more than anyone else in the whole universe and I don’t just want to kiss you I want to belong to you, now and always. I want to spend a lifetime laughing with you or just listening to you say brilliant things every day or just watching the sunset with you or just being with by your side when you need me or even when you don’t need me, because I need you and I want to be a part of your life forever. I adore you, Katie, and I-“

Pidge stopped his barrage of words the only way she knew how. With all her strength, she leapt into his arms and embraced him. She stopped the flow of words at the source, kissing him fiercely as Lance lowered her gently to the ground.

Lance had been kissed a fair few times in his life, but he had never experienced anything like this. It was like flying, like being struck by lightning. It was like being born, and living, and dying, and being brought back to life again. It was like all of those things, and none of those things. She had poured into that kiss what he had been struggling to say with words that were far too meager to express the infinite.

When they broke apart, Lance just gazed upon her in shock and reverent silence.

“You are the first and only man I have ever loved and will always love. You are in my heart, and if anything bad ever happened to you, a part of me would die. That is how I love you.” She sobbed. “That’s the only way I know how to love you.”

Lance buried his face in her hair, which was soft, fragrant, wild, and very soon damp with his own tears of relief. He held her close and comforted her as she sobbed happy tears against his bare chest.

When they finally regained control of their emotions, he lead her to the stream. They both washed their faces.

“I missed breakfast,” he began. “I hope I didn’t make you miss lunch.” Much to Pidge’s disappointment, Lance pulled on his old blue and white T-shirt.

Pidge opened her backpack. In it there were sandwich rolls, snacks, and cold drinks. “I didn’t know how long it would take to find you, but somehow I knew you would be hungry when I did.” She decided to put on her well worn Galaxy Garrison T-shirt, which was too small for her. Lance grinned, hoping he could hide his expression behind the first bite of his sandwich.

“You think of everything.”

“That’s because I’m brilliant.”

“I am definitely going to marry you when this war is over, you know that, don’t you?”

“You’d better.” There was a beautiful peace between them, like the calm after a storm. “You still need that haircut.”

“I know. Promise me you won’t cut your hair though. It’s beautiful.”

“It’s too long. I can barely fit it under my helmet anymore.”

“I could braid it for you.”

“Really? And what do you actually know about braiding hair?”

“I have sisters. I used to braid Veronica’s hair until she cut it short, and Rachel’s hair is still pretty long, or at least it was last time I saw her...”

They spend the rest of the afternoon reminiscing about home and talking about their hopes for the future.

*****

Kaltenecker came to the stream to drink that afternoon, and Pidge’s floofs hovered nearby, watching their beloved human friend beside the male human she loved most.

The floofs observed their dear little human attempting to give the male human’s head fur a trim. They saw that both of them thought the result was very funny. Their little female human cried at the mistakes she made when trimming head fur, but the floofs knew it would be alright because the tall male human seemed to be pleased with her efforts nonetheless. He rubbed his face against hers many times, as they often did to her. Of course, the floofs knew that this meant that the tall human loves their dear little one, and that she was very happy about it indeed. Clearly, it was some sort of human courtship ritual.

Perhaps they would mate and have little floofs of their own one day.

But that was a story for another time.

#plance #lance mcclain #pidge #katie holt #plance fanfiction #vld #voltron

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author-morgan · 5 years ago

Text

Alexios SFW Alphabet

Alexios x Fem!Reader

click here for a not so safe for work alphabet ;)

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Alexios is very affectionate –he’s always looking for excuses to kiss you on the lips or cheeks. He especially loves to play with your hair. During days when you’re sailing, Alexios likes to pull you in front of him at the helm of the Adrestia –he’ll rest his chin on your shoulder and lace his fingers with yours, whispering sweet nothings. If he’s apart from you for an extended time, he’ll send Ikaros with flowers and notes for you.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

You’d meet Alexios shortly after he’d taken a contract for your head –only for him to find out the sponsor of the bounty was a vindictive man who couldn’t accept you’d turned down his advances. After taking care of the man, he’d offer you a place on the Adrestia. Barnabas, Herodotus, and the crew instantly took to you. It didn’t take long for Alexios to follow suit –you’re affable and sincere and it’s impossible not to like you. All it had taken was a few late nights talking to one another.

Alexios is a good friend. He looks out for you and is always willing to help you, even if it means momentarily setting aside some of his goals. Within a few months, your friendship begins to blossom into something more.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

It’s Greece and it is hot most of the time –nights are only a little cooler, but not favorable for cuddling when you’re both still almost sweating. When it’s like that, you and Alexios are much more content both sprawled out. You’ll always be touching somehow though, whether it’s his arm draped across your back or your hand on his chest. One time Alexios woke up holding your foot to his chest –you’re still not sure how that happened.

When the weather’s cooler, or depending where you’re at, Alexios enjoys cuddling. He likes to wrap you in his arms and pull you close, face pressing into your hair and neck, legs entwined. While he prefers to hold you, he’s not opposed to letting you curl up behind him. It amuses him watching your arms struggle to encircle him.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

One day he wants to settle down, but it looks more and more as if that day will never come. He dreams of a small house near the sea –of you standing on a beach holding your daughter against a setting sun. A simple life he calls it –it’s a good dream.

Alexios can cook, but just how edible his creations are is debatable. If he can carry grain and bring back fresh meat from hunts –you’re more than happy to cook (at least then you know the questionable lentil stew he makes won’t be the death of you). What he lacks in cooking the department, he makes up for with helping you keep things tidy, and there’s something almost comical about watching the mighty Eagle Bearer doing a task so menial as washing and hanging clothes.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

If Alexios is breaking up with you, it’s only because he thinks you’ll be safer without him around given the remnants of the Cult of Kosmos and now the Order of Ancients are hunting him. He doesn’t do it willingly, and that makes it even harder. Alexios would take you someplace he thought would be safe –Athens, Kos, or even Sparta– and leave with a final kiss that tells you he wants nothing more than to be able to stay.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

When Alexios first realizes that he loves you, it scares the living hell out of him, but he’s certain he wants to spend the rest of eternity with you. Since marriage during this time wasn’t for love, but politics –even for poorer families– you and Alexios would probably never get married in the strict sense of the word (besides, your father had died in battle when you were young and no one would be able to provide a dowry to legitimize the union). Even so, everyone would know you and Alexios were together –if they didn’t, he’d be happy to show them otherwise.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

He’s a soft boy with his friends and the people he loves. Alexios knows the extent of his strength and is always sure to keep that in mind whether he’s sparring with you, making love to you, or just holding you. Emotionally, Alexios is a naturally guarded person, but once he’s comfortable around a person, it’s clear he has a gentle heart. –beneath a warrior’s façade is a still a boy longing for a family and loves you with all his being.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

It depends. Alexios would rather share a clap on the back or firm handshake with most people. Truthfully he’d rather be kissing you –but when he does hug you it’s either after a fight or after he’s been away for some time. You’re sure that no one hugs quite like Alexios –he lifts you off the ground and holds you tight, nose pressed into your neck, inhaling the sweet scent of your hair and skin.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

Oh gods, Alexios is so afraid to say he loves you –especially given everything that’d happened to his family, but it’s evident in everything he does (the way he looks at you and smiles when you’re not looking, how he brushes hair from your eyes and behind your ear –the list is endless). Eventually, with a bit of a pep talk from Barnabas and Herodotus, he’d take you to an empty beach under the stars and lay his heart bare. If feels good to say it and even more so to know you feel the same.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

It’s surprisingly difficult to make Alexios truly jealous. The last time was when Stentor offered to show you how a true Spartan wields a spear –Alexios’ stepbrother walked away with a broken nose and a bruised ego.

As a member of the Athenian elite, you were one of the few women permitted to attend symposiums alongside the likes of Aspasia. During these events, Thucydides, Euripides, and even Alkibiades praise your beauty and cunning with kisses upon the cheek and hand and despite himself, it stirs something in Alexios. When he gets jealous (or decides the men are being too libertine), he gets touchier –he’ll wrap an arm around your waist or drape one over your shoulders, pulling you in next to him.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Alexios’ kisses all depend on his mood and circumstance, but they’re always full of passion. Goodbye kisses are slow and filled with longing, everyday kisses are quick and sweet and kisses after a fight or battle are filled with fire –blood running hot.

He loves kissing your lips, and he enjoys placing short kisses to your fingertips –just to watch you smile. One of Alexios’ favorite spots to be kissed is right where his ear and jaw meet –every time you do so it sends sparks coursing through his veins. He won’t admit it, but Alexios like it when you kiss his scars.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Alexios is really good with kids –which initially surprises you as his patience and temper can run a bit short with adults. Whenever you’re in a polis or village for more than a day or two, kids have a natural talent for finding him (even if he doesn’t want to be found) and a habit of following him around asking for a story or begging to see Ikaros. He eats up the attention.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Mornings, especially mornings on the Adrestia, are lazy –you’re both reluctant to get up. Alexios usually wakes first and will roll onto his side to watch you sleep or play with your hair. When you finally open your eyes, he’s looking at you with a soft, lopsided smile. Before getting up, you’ll both take a few minutes and talk –about dreams or what the day holds in store. It’s a good way to wake up.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Nights with Alexios always end with the two of you lying next to each other –usually looking up at the stars whether it be on the Adrestia, in the forest, or atop a villa. You both talk a lot at night. That’s usually when you’re both more willing to speak of the past or about destiny. Alexios always kisses your forehead or temple before dozing off, either pulling you against him or draping his arm across your back or stomach –he considers it reassurance that you won’t go missing during the night.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

You’d be able to piece some things together without having to ask. Even outside of Sparta people have heard how the Wolf tossed his children into the abyss. It takes time for Alexios to feel comfortable enough around you before he opens up about his troubled past. He’s trusted people too easily in the past and it only ends with him getting hurt.

The first thing he’s willing to talk about are his scars. You learn the set of three wrapped around his bicep is from a wolf he’d found trapped in a snare –it hadn’t realized he was trying to help. The one on his brow that crosses over his eye down to his cheek is from a run-in with bandits who’d taken Phoibe back on Kephallonia. Eventually, he tells you about his family –of Kassandra and his mother, the man who raised him and father who abandoned him.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Depends on his mood, mostly. With kids, it doesn’t matter if he’s grumpy his patience knows no bounds. With you, he’s patient until your stubborn streak shows –like when he suggests you stay behind for a battle or when doing something he considers dangerous. Even then he doesn’t necessarily get angry –just exasperated and you always end up getting your way.

With the exception of kids and you (maybe Barnabas and Herodotus too), Alexios has a short fuse. He tries to be patient, he really does –but Spartan blood runs hot and he doesn’t like it when people waste his time.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Alexios remembers. He remembers just about everything you tell him and then he picks up on the oddest of details and commits your quirks to memory.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

It makes him feel a bit shallow, but one of his favorites is the night you both first said you loved one another and made love beneath the stars to the soft sound of waves breaking on the shore. Every time he thinks of that night, it makes him smile and feel warm inside.

If he had to pick a second moment, it would be when you saved his ass in battle –some Athenian brute had knocked him off his feet and was ready to smite him down when the point of a bloody and familiar sword emerged from his stomach. The brute fell, and you’d held your hand out for him. Alexios hadn’t cared you were both in the middle of a raging battle when he kissed you –swearing you’d never looked more beautiful.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Alexios knows you’re more than capable of fending for yourself –he’s even made a habit of training with you (though more often than naught those sessions end up in a different kind of sparring), but that doesn’t stop him from worrying. After losing his mother and sister, he gets a lot more protective

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

Living a mobile life, it’s hard to have romantic nights and to keep track of dates for that matter, so you don’t really have dates or celebrate anniversaries. Drachmae is of no concern though, and if you wanted Alexios would buy you the finest jewels and clothes in all the Greek world. You’ve never been one to consider such luxuries a necessity (it doesn’t stop him from buying you things if something is ruined in battle or turning to tatters –he likes to spoil you). After finding out pearls were among your favorite gems, he starts collecting and stringing them into a short necklace –it means far more to you than a purchased necklace ever could. Alexios does good work –always finishing what he starts– and everyday tasks are no different. He helps cook, clean, and tend to the ship when needed. You’ve even started to teach him how to properly mend linen and leather. He’ll do anything as long as you’re there with him.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Shutting people out when he’s afraid or seriously conflicted –even you– is the worst habit Alexios has. It’s second nature for him at this point, and he tries to be better. Training isn’t necessarily a bad habit, but when he’s worried or stressed Alexios trains twice as much and twice as hard. He’ll exhaust himself on purpose and collapse into your arms.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Listen, Alexios is good looking and he knows it. There’s a reason men and women all across Greece are willing to offer themselves up to the Eagle Bearer for a night. Sometimes it goes to his head, but most of the time he doesn’t care –mostly because you don’t care (unless he’s covered in blood and dirt, then a bath might be necessary).

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

Alexios had always felt as though something about him was missing –even after he found out about his destiny to protect the secrets of Atlantis. He realizes after some time together that it’s you. You’re the piece that had been missing from his life. They say humans were initially crafted with two heads, four arms, and four legs but Zeus feared their power and tore them apart, doomed to wander the Earth in search of their other half. Now that he has you –Alexios is inclined to believe that myth is true.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

He likes to sing –though admittedly he’s not very good at– so he resorts to humming instead. The lullaby his mater used to sing is one of his favorites and it quickly becomes one of your favorites too. He hums the shanties that the crew sing a lot too. You enjoy hearing him hum –especially at night when you’re safe in his arms.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Alexios doesn’t like unwarranted cruelty in anyone –he’s learned many people with black hearts are also beautiful.

Though he knows he can be impatient, Alexios wouldn’t like a super impatient partner –he needs someone that can balance his worse qualities, someone that can be his better half.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habit of theirs?)

Alexios snores –not too loudly, though– and the low rhythm of his breathing helps you sleep. He’s a light sleeper, always on alert and ready to jump into action should it be necessary –unless he’s really tired. If Alexios is exhausted, he sleeps like a log –good luck waking him up until the morning or trying to move him.

#Alexios #Alexios x Reader #Alexios Imagine #Alexios Fanfiction #Assassin's Creed Imagine #Assassin's Creed Fanfiction #Assassin's Creed Odyssey #thinking i might do these for Deimos!Alexios too #idk yet tho #AC: Odyssey #my writing

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rebelastrum · 4 years ago

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Open AUs

[ AUs I have that you can roleplay with me.]

- Normal Human Keith Pretty much the same as normal, Keith’s father was a firefighter who died when he was a kid, and he was a troubled youth who was handed to home after home for being “Too much to handle”. As an adult, Keith inherited his family home, fixed it up, and follows in his father’s footsteps as a Firefighter. He has a great desire to do good and help people, but he’s not at all social in the least bit, and his best friend is a cat he rescued from a dumpster named Red Bean Mochi... And a dog named Kosmo, a stray that he also found and keeps care of. - Android Keith, K-13t A sophisticated battle android with incredible AI... Discarded and destroyed for some reason. Something went wrong with his creation, and the android shows almost... sentient behaviors. Refusing direct orders. Attacking in sometimes unreasonable ways that put the unit or others in danger. - Cybersix inspired (Red Nine) Keith is a powerful humanoid creature made in a lab, with strength and agility far beyond a normal person. However, his creators were less than good people, and he escaped them, destroying their facility and their only way to make any more creatures like him. He assumed the identity of a dead boy who looked exactly like him, and has been living day to day as Keith Kogane, moving often to stay hidden. Though at night he becomes a dark and mysterious hero, Red Nine who thwarts his creators plans wherever he can. For years this has been going on under the noses of people, but it could not stay hidden forever. And of course, the totally normal person who gets wrapped up in all of this is someone who Keith has met in his civilian life. How long until they piece together the fact that he and Red are the same person? - Vampire Kayor After a motorcycle accident, Keith was turned into a vampire. Unfortunately, due to the damage to his body and brain, Vampire Keith could remember nothing from his previous life, and was given the name of Kayor. He’s also a little bit on the feral side... - Borderlands, Siren Keith A siren with the power to control and speak to animals (Or phase shift, I’m not sure). This lone-wolf siren’s biggest desire isn’t fame or glory or power... But rather, to gather enough money to send his loved ones somewhere safe, where the local wildlife does not threaten to kill you all at any moment. - The Galra that landed on Earth A fully alien, fluffy Keith who crash landed on Earth and is... trying not be caught. Or dissected. or used in science. ( There’s also the Assassin AU, but... That requires so much explaining, I just don’t have the energy right now.)

#{Ashes//Ooc}#AUS

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makorragal-312 · 4 years ago

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Void (Part Three)

Here’s the (hopefully) long awaited part three of the Void series. I really hope you guys like it!

Man, was getting permission always this stressful? Lance was currently pacing around the Garrison, avoiding the confused gazes of Garrison personnel and visitors alike. He had just come from his "sit-down" with Coran to get his permission to take out Allura on their date; which had only proven to be one of, if not THE most stressful conversation he has ever had in his entire life. Usually when a guy gets the dad's permission to take out their little girl, there's nothing more than the cold stare, telling him to bring home his little girl by a decent time, and the infamous "if she comes home crying, I'll break your kneecaps" line, or at least something to that effect. He didn't expect to come out of it having to scurry around the Garrison with his head down because of him wearing the equivalent of Altean courtship armor for just a simple date.

And now he found himself here. Aimlessly walking down another hallway in the Garrison to calm his nerves, which was somewhat difficult considering the metal bucket that was weighing down on his head.

"Lance! Are you okay?"

Lance raised his eyes to find Shiro walking towards him holding papers, a look of concern on his face. The red paladin gave him a small, reassuring smile.

"H-hey, Shiro! Don't worry about me! I don't wanna keep you." Shiro stopped in front of him, a smirk making its way on his face.

"Really? Because you look like you want to make a mad dash for the dorms. And besides, I can make some time." Lance sighed. He should've known Shiro would see right through the facade. He was always able to tell when something was wrong with him or anyone else on the team and he never hesitated to stop and listen to anyone's problems. That's what made him great to Lance, and something he definitely missed when Shiro was gone for all that time.

"Yeah. I'm just worried that Coran is gonna kill me if he finds out I took this stuff off." Lance replied. Shiro leaned back and took in the boy's attire. Aside from the VERY visible and VERY mangled bucket, he had on two metal pots that served as shoulder pads, each with a corresponding cape and a link of sausages around his neck. Honestly, it's no wonder why the sharpshooter looked like he wanted to run for the hills.

"I'm guessing this has something to do with Allura? Like a date?" the former paladin inquired. Lance snapped his fingers and pointed at him, signaling that his guess was correct. This caused Shiro to widen his eyes.

"Wait, really?"

"I know. I was shocked, too. But she said yes and we're gonna just go with the flow, y'know?" Lance stated, a blush creeping up on his cheeks as he looked down at the ground. Shiro looked at him, only to feel a tiny ping in his chest. As happy as he was for the red paladin, he couldn't help but be reminded of his brother, the one who had bared his soul and fears to him not too long ago. Who was worried about this kind of development happening. But despite that, his friend was happy and he needed to support him.

"Wow. I'm happy for you, Lance." Shiro finally responded with a small smile. Lance smiled back at him.

"Thanks. At least

someone

has the decency to say that with a straight face!" Lance yelled. Shiro raised an eyebrow in confusion, prompting the red paladin to keep going.

"No, listen! I went to tell Pidge the good news earlier! But guess what? One look at me like this and she was on the floor laughing for a good two minutes! Hell, I could still hear her when I was walking away!"

"Hunk laughed at you, too?"

"No, Hunk was cool. He at least had the decency to try and hold it in and gulp it down and give me some tips." Shiro nodded in acknowledgement. He expected this kind of reaction from Hunk and Pidge, but he knew that they came from a good place and there was no malicious intent behind it. Lance stilled for a moment.

"By the way, where's Keith?" he asked. With everything that had been going on the last couple of months, Lance couldn't even remember the last time he even talked to the aforementioned black paladin. He was still somewhat looking forward to finishing their conversation from several moons ago, but with everything going on with Earth they barely had time to acknowledge it. He honestly wouldn't be surprised if Keith ended up forgetting.

"He said he was going to relax with Cosmo. Knowing him he's probably outside." Shiro answered. Lance, unbeknownst to himself, exhaled in relief.

"Okay. Thanks for listening, Shiro!" Lance said as he began to run past his friend, starting his search for his friend. Shiro smiled and waved at him.

"No problem! Have fun!" the former paladin shouted back. He watched as the Cuban boy ran, attracting more attention from his mere apparel alone. Once he was out of sight, Shiro sighed softly, a conflicted frown on his face. Lance was going to get his happy ending, but at the cost of his brother's own happiness. The captain began his walk to find Iverson, mentally saying a silent prayer along the way.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

It only took a few minutes before Lance was able to spot Keith, atop of the black lion. He was sitting next to Kosmo, staring out at the sunset. Like it was going to be the last time he would ever get to enjoy such a beautiful sight with such content. Lance couldn't help but to stare at his leader in awe, like he shouldn't be disturbed. But given since he was already here, he might as well go all the way. And so he started to climb.

"Man, you can be a real hard guy to find when you wanna be." Lance said, exhausted.

"Hey, Lance. Whoa!"

Through his exhaustion, he was a able to spot Keith's second take at him before looking up at him in utter shock. Slight embarrassment took over Lance as he looked down.

"What are you wearing?" Lance sighed, slowly walking towards the half-Galran and sitting down..

"Coran made it for me for my date with Allura." He heard Keith pause before he went on.

"A date with Allura?" Wow! Well done, Lance." Okay, that was something Lance didn't expect to hear. Sure, Keith isn't the type to tear someone down when they got a sliver of good news, but he usually isn't one to sound so...

happy

about it. The most he would do is just shrug and mutter out a little "Good for you" or "Congratulations" before walking out. The red paladin thought back to the conversation when they were saving Shiro after he crash landed back on Earth.

Oh, wait. I remember you. You're a cargo pilot.

Well, not anymore. I'm fighter class now thanks to you washing out.

Well, congratulations.

"Thanks. But it could be our last. I can't keep all these Altean customs straight." Lance remarked sadly, taking off his heavy metal bucket in the process. He's not going to lie and say he didn't feel any pressure going into this date. This wasn't just any regular girl. This was a princess from another planet. One who he actively died for so that they could have this moment in time. So, naturally, it came with the territory that he had to follow some customs the same way he would've had he still stayed on Earth and never found Shiro. And it didn't really help that he spent all that time trying to get her attention only for her to brush him aside and reject him, even going as far as to fall in love Lotor. But considering that he was now out of the way, Allura finally noticed him. But he couldn't help from asking himself, "Why though?"

Keith saw Lance's internal struggle and tried to form the proper words. As much as the situation itself upset him, he couldn't leave Lance looking and feeling this forlorn about the future.

"Listen, if she's going out with you, it's because she like you. The annoying, stupid, Earth version of you." Keith responds with a smirk. Lance, still looking down, released a slight laugh. Keith felt his chest release at the sight. He was hoping that he hadn't said something to make the object of his affection crawl back into his shell of self doubt, but seeing him smile and laugh relieved him to no end. He watched as Lance raised his head out and looked ahead, savoring the sight of the sunset. The black paladin turned his head in the same direction. He had always been fond of sunsets ever since Shiro came into his life. Every time after they raced each other, they'd just stop and take a moment to watch. And now that Lance was sitting right next to him, it was nothing more than perfect to him.

"You watching the sunset?" Lance asked after a moment.

"Yeah, might be a while before we get to see it again."

"Man, I'm really gonna miss this place." Lance said somberly. It didn't take long for the bittersweet feeling to consume both of the paladins. This was their last day on Earth before they went back up into space to stop Honerva. If they learned anything from their time in space the first time around; it was that even though time in space might be slow, the time on Earth will remain the same. While they hadn't aged (with Keith being a unique exception), their families and loved ones did. There was a good chance that once they came back this time around, their loved ones might be older, or heaven forbid already gone. So they knew they had to get this done as quickly as possible, so that they can come back to making more memories.

"That's why we've gotta end this war." Keith paused, thinking carefully about what to say next.

"And we're gonna do it with the Lance that's the Paladin of the Red Lion, the Lance that's always got my back, and the Lance who knows exactly who he is, and what he's got to offer." Keith finished, turning his head to smile at Lance. The blue paladin paused in surprise of what was just said to him, but smiled soon afterward. A small smirk soon started to grace his features.

"You know what, mullet? You've gotten a bit better at motivating! Normally, you would say that I look flat out ridiculous." Lance joked. Keith rolled his eyes and shoved him, turning his head to the side chuckling. He did think Lance looked ridiculous, but he couldn't help but to find it endearing on how absolutely

done

he looked. How

cute

he looked.

"You do. But I'm just being supportive, I guess." Keith replied honestly. Any other time, Lance would be at least somewhat offended, but at this point he saw how much Keith had changed since he had left the team so he knew he was telling the truth and wasn't being sarcastic. That wouldn't stop him from trying to at least somewhat annoy him. Lance looked past him to look over at Kosmo, who was looking down at the ground.

"Hey, Kosmo? What do you think? I'm as handsome as ever right?" Lance asked in his flirty tone, oblivious to the fact that Keith facepalmed at his question. The space wolf turned his head to the red paladin in intrigue, only to sneeze and teleport back into the Garrison as if the question was never asked. Lance scoffed in fake offense as Keith tilted his head back in laughter.

"Seriously?!

E tu

Kosmo?!" Lance wailed in defeat. He quickly looked back at Keith who was still laughing at the site.

"It wasn't that funny, mullet!" he yelled. Keith's laughs slowly began to die down as he wiped his eyes of possible stray tears, chuckling to himself lowly.

"No. It really was." Lance grabbed the bucket next to him and proceeded to hit Keith in his shoulder repeatedly, not enough to hurt him but to teach him a lesson. Mid-hit, Keith took the bucket from Lance's grasp and placed it back on his head in retaliation, laughing some more. Little did he notice that the Cuban boy had begun staring at him. He couldn't help but to take in the way the half-Galran's shoulders bounced with every chuckle. How he attempted to wipe his bangs out of his face. How much harmony his laugh brought to his ears. How his smil-

"You good?'

Lance was startled out of his stupor with a confused and slightly alarmed Keith staring back at him, his ears slowly starting to turn red. Lance, himself, began to get flustered.

"Y-yeah. Just, um- Man, is it just me or is there some weight on my shoulders?" Lance asked aloud, moving around frantically and trying to lose the collar of his uniform. Keith looked him up and down, scooting a little closer to his flustered comrade.

"I mean, you ARE wearing pots for shoulder pads." Keith stated with amusement. He watched as Lance's eyes widened and looked at his shoulders, almost forgetting that he had them on to begin with. He then watched as Lance began to remove the sausage link and attempt to remove the pots. He succeeded in removing the pot and cape on his left shoulder with ease. But when he attempted to remove the pot form his right shoulder, the handle ended up getting caught on his uniform. In a rather on brand chain of events, the movement of his arm caused the cape that was attached to the pot to fling over his head, blinding him. The red paladin put up a valiant struggle to remove the cape, but alas it was to no avail and proceeded to fall onto his back and squirm in defeat, still struggling. Keith could only look at the scene, utterly dumbfounded. He chuckled before deciding to put Lance out of his humiliating misery.

"Okay. This is just getting sad." Keith chuckled, leaning forward to pull up Lance. He reached over and grabbed the cape off of Lance's head, not realizing how close their faces would be once it got pulled off of him. All Keith could see in this moment was blue.

To say that Lance was also taken aback by this new development was surely an understatement. One minute, he sees nothing but blue cloth on his face and the next he comes into contact with his friend's gleaming purple eyes. Just the sight of them had the Cuban boy entranced. Somehow, he couldn't help but to think back to when they were on that planet after they brought Shiro back. That same sense of tranquility and slowed urgency present as it was back then. Only this time it was different. He knew he didn't have time to savor this. He had things to do, a date to go on, a princess to see. And yet he couldn't bring himself to look away.

"Lance?" Keith asked breathily. Lance leaned in an inch closer to him, as if he wanted to hear him say his voice again. He noticed the way Keith took a quick look as lips before he looked back up and tried to keep his gaze.

"Keith, I-" he started. At least, he

wanted

to.

"I gotta go change." He said finally. He slowly but urgently grabbed the pots, capes, and bucket and stood up, ready to begin his descent down the lion, but not before looking back at Keith.

"Thanks for listening, Keith. It meant a lot." Lance said with a nervous smile. Keith gave him the same smile before looking back out to the sunset, or at least what remained of it. With the bucket filled with pots and capes on his arm, he climbed down. As he went, he began chanting phrases to get him ready for the date before him.

You got this, man! Show her a great time, sharpshooter! Give Allura the time of her life! Get yourself out of these clothes! He's your friend. Right?

#klance #klance vld #klance voltron #vld keith #vld lance #keith kogane #lance mcclain #voltron s8 #voltron fanfic

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maliciouslycreative · 5 years ago

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Sheith fanfic rec list

One of my favourite things about Voltron and Sheith writers seems to be our love for humour. There have been so many fics that have had me inappropriately laughing in the break room at work or making inhuman sounds that have made my partner run into the room to ask if I’m ok. And today I would love to share with you some of my favourites because who doesn’t love a good dose of idiots to lovers. I’ll try to only list one fic by an author just to keep this list from getting absolutely out of hand so please make sure to check out all the other great works that each and every one of these writers has written.

If you have more funny sheith fics you want to add on please do, we would all appreciate your contributions!

(under the cut to save people on mobile)

Drunk on the idea of you, baby

By: corduroyworks

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17029245

Rating: T

Summary: Shiro might grow just a bit attached to the trashed boy in the corner booth with pretty eyes that can't eat a burger.

Why I love it: I think about Keith eating that hamburger all the time. Sometimes my sister and I will even mime eating a hamburger badly and cackle madly while everyone else looks at us in confusion.

Fwd: Misunderstood

Author: ArtForRogue

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16228643

Rating: T

Summary: Keith is an office worker in charge of the fabled KOSMO project. His right-hand man is named Takashi Shirogane -- a man Keith fervently hates because of three years of misunderstandings. When Shiro requests to meet face-to-face, Keith is ready to exact his revenge. Little does he know, Shiro thinks he's been smoothly flirting this entire time...

Why I love it: Keith hates Shiro, Shiro likes Keith. Shiro is trying his best to convey this but maybe, just maybe, some things are getting lost in the fact that they only communicate through IMs through work and Keith is just not great at social cues even at the best of times.

Got me feeling sub kind of way

Author: arahir

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/14061882

Rating: G

Summary: Shiro was a lawyer. Keith was a sandwich. (Can I make it any more obvious?)

Why I love this: Ok yes this is a classic of the fandom but honestly it’s just so endlessly funny. I don’t know how many times my sister and I have made casual reference to “he was a sandwich, and he was a lawyer”. Honestly any time someone’s like “he was a lawyer” I blurt out “and he was a sandwich” despite the latter definitely not being true to the situation. I did almost list another one of arahir’s works, Awoo, but went with this because that one isn’t finished but both are absolute GEMS.

If You Teach A Fish To Man

Author: Saasan

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15495900

Rating: E

Summary: Keith hasn't seen Hero in almost a year and the humans on the docks aren't gossiping sufficiently (curse them), so the merman has decided to take matters into his own hands. He didn't save the man from drowning just to have him disappear, after all! Now equipped with a fresh set of legs, he's ready to find out Hero's fate. Providing, of course, he can make it off the beach.

Why I love it: It’s the little mermaid, but with a happy ending and Lance being the best Lance he can possibly be.

Italian Restaurant series

Author: CGotAnAccount

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/series/1231943

Rating: G-T

Summary (to first fic in the series): He'd like to think that he's gotten better over the years at being a functional adult and a decent husband – that maybe things don't slip by him like they used to.

Things like understanding office cougars don't actually need help getting their coats on.

Like when someone says they're fine but then sighs dramatically afterward they're probably not fine, Lance.

Like this definitely human kidney floating in a pot of ice in his sink.

Why I love it: This is the “definitely not a serial killer AU” that I highly recommend. Sheith are together, in love, they have their goodest boy, and everything is good. Except for Keith finding out that maybe his husband has some unusual hobbies. There are times I pick up a bottle of ibuprofen and just start laughing.

Shades of cool

Author: tagteamme

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/17410229

Rating: T

Summary: Pretending to be Romelle's father, Keith storms into a parent-teacher interview with all the righteous fury the situation calls for and ends up running into the most handsome man he's ever seen.

Why I love it: It goes exactly as well as you expect, and then keeps going further and further down the hole and it’s GREAT. And the peanut gallery makes sure Keith will never live this down. Plus Keith’s dad just being awesome.

We just fall where our hearts go

Author: artsy_alice

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15871422

Rating: T

Summary: The Super Cheesy Cliche High School Romcom no one asked for.

In which Keith and Romelle are siblings, Shiro and Sven are cousins, and everything changes when Sven sees Romelle and falls head-over-heels in love.

Why I love it: This is one of the first fics I read in this fandom and it came for me. I love cheesy hs au and this one was cute and absolutely hilarious. I loved watching Romelle and Sven disastrously flirt with each other and subsequently bring Keith and Shiro together. This also sold me forever on Keith and Romelle being siblings.

Welcome To The Pink Parade

Author: Ardene

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/18795751

Rating: G

Summary: He worked in Hot Topic, he worked in Sanrio. Can I make it any more obvious?

A story of two idiots falling in love, inspired by the picture of the Hot Topic and Sanrio store right beside each other.

Why I love it: I’m so glad that I had a hand in helping this come to be. I still can’t walk through a mall food court without thinking about Shiro and the poutine. Also as someone that has worked in a mall this speaks to me on a spiritual level.

You Spin My Head Right Round

Author: themomentofdavyprentiss

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15334125

Rating: T

Summary: Come on, Shiro, he tells himself. Didn't anyone ever tell you not to flirt with bloody strangers in laundromats while you stand almost completely naked?

No. No one has ever told him that. In fact, Shiro feels fairly confident that no one has ever had to tell anyone that.

Which means, obviously, that it's okay.

or, alternatively, the one where Shiro helps Keith with his dirty load.

Why I love it: Meeting in a laundromat is usually a meet cute but this kind of turns int on his head. It’s weird, delightful, and honestly pretty sweet.

Your Constellation Prize Author: rosegardenlake Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16898082 Rating: M Summary: Akira is Hollywood's biggest celebrity. He sings, he acts, he models, he does it all and he does it perfectly. That's what Shiro thinks at least, but what would he know? He's just a tired office worker whose dreams fell through years ago. ...But when he sees Akira, oh god, when he sees him - Shiro's world fills with light again.

When Shiro lands an interview to be an assistant at Akira's company, he has a hard time believing it's reality. Though Akira's rarely around, meeting everyone is like a dream. Especially meeting Keith, Akira's shy sweet dorky cousin (OR IS HE?!)

Why I love it: This is a 2 person love triangle at its finest. I also think about the button scene on occasion. Whenever I gotta wear a shirt with buttons I’m just rocketed back to this story and I start laughing. It’ll also just put you through some emotional times. Honestly such a good ride the whole way through.

#voltron #sheith #fanfic #rec list #fanfic rec list #humor

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justheretobreakthings · 5 years ago

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One Night Only

Written for @gentronlegendaryfriendships Day 1 Prompt: Bed-Sharing/Sleepover | Forehead Kisses Word Count: 1,924 Characters: Kosmo & Bae Bae

Read on AO3

Keith was late coming back.

Kosmo could tell. Granted, it was a bit more difficult to know for sure when he was supposed to go to sleep nowadays than it had been in the past. It used to be that Keith would lie down to sleep once the sky went dark, so Kosmo knew to look to the sky to know when it was time to go curl up with Keith to sleep, or, of course, whether he was keeping himself awake pacing or grumbling to himself or watching the fire. In those cases, Kosmo would have to urge him to sleep, pawing at him or nudging his nose until he finally took the hint and agreed to rest.

Really, that boy would be a wreck without Kosmo around to manage him.

Nowadays, though, in this new home, it was harder to figure it out. Rooms would go from light to dark and back again when people touched the walls, and although he could see what looked like a sky he recognized outside of windows, it was always dark. So Kosmo had taken to keeping an eye on people instead of the sky. Once people started slowing down, stretching and yawning, shambling into this hall and separating to disappear behind doors, that meant it was time to sleep.

But occasionally, not everyone would go to sleep. Sometimes Keith would stay up and about, usually with at least one of those other people he’d met in those little ships from before. And tonight, no one from that group was around. Not Keith, not the big one who made special snacks, not the one with the long hair who wouldn’t let him sit on her lap no matter how many times he tried to demonstrate to her how good a sitting companion he would be.

A group meeting, Kosmo assumed. Sometimes they kept Keith up late, and the busier the people had all been in the day leading up to the meetings, the longer they ran. On several prior occasions Kosmo had tried to pull Keith out of meetings or join them himself, but after enough scolding, he had figured out that he was not supposed to interrupt these meetings, nor was he supposed to teleport in and join them. And that teleporting on top of tables in general was not allowed, although that rule was in effect even when group meetings weren’t going on.

He was going to have to resign himself to waiting this out, he understood, to letting Keith come back to the room on his own time to join him for sleep. In the meantime, Kosmo was already plenty tired from his busy and productive day - everyone seemed to be so busy today, and poor Keith must be so exhausted too - so he decided he was just going to have to start the night without Keith.

He climbed up onto the bed, splaying his legs out to his comfort. The bed wasn’t particularly large, and now he did at least have it all to himself, but it wasn’t as if Keith took up a whole lot of space in the first place. Besides, he didn’t mind sharing the space. He hadn’t had to get used to spending his nights alone since he had been a pup. He liked having the stability of an arm around him, of someone there to give him comforting scratches if there were weird sounds outside the door or if his dream upset him, of someone breathing steadily in time with him throughout the night.

Oh well. Nothing he could do about it. He laid his chin down on the blankets and let his eyes drift close, ready to try to fall asleep.

And he was interrupted by a scratching at the door.

Kosmo lifted his head, ears perked up and eyes wide open, and the scratching sounded again. He sniffed the air, trying to figure out who was outside it, but too many smells from too many people and creatures all over the ship were mixed into the air, so it was tough to pinpoint anything. It wasn’t Keith, that was for sure. Keith didn’t scratch. Besides, Keith could open the door on his own. Some people couldn’t open this door, and Keith had shown Kosmo where on the wall to touch his nose in order to make it open while he was busy - a trick that Kosmo had thought unnecessary, but apparently some people didn’t like being teleported without warning - but those people knocked; they didn’t scratch.

Warily he clambered to his feet, arching his back and flexing his toes before climbing off the bed and approaching the door. Whatever was outside the door probably wasn’t dangerous; he didn’t detect the scent of any creature he knew to avoid. Still, he crept up to the door slowly, the fur along his spine prepared to stand upright, as he lifted his nose and opened the door.

It opened to reveal the source of the scratching: a dog, a fraction of Kosmo’s size, short hair and beady eyes and pointed ears and a little sliver of a tail that was at that moment wagging so hard it threatened to fly right off.

Bae Bae. One of the other pets that called this ship their home.

Kosmo tilted his head at the dog. He wasn’t here to visit Keith, was he? Keith had been throwing a ball around with Bae Bae yesterday, at least until Kosmo had intervened to demonstrate what a real master of catching looked like. Hopefully Bae Bae wasn’t here to get his ball back. Kosmo had already swallowed it, a feat which had not impressed Keith as much as catching it had.

He let out a small questioning whine, and Bae Bae answered by bobbing his head up to lick Kosmo on the nose before trotting happily into the room, leaving Kosmo all the more puzzled. What was Bae Bae even doing here? Normally the dog was off with the little paladin, or one of the other humans that smelled like the little paladin. Bae Bae did sometimes wander into the rooms in these halls, but that was only to hunt for snacks, and Kosmo had already eaten all the snacks that Keith had stored away in his room, so there was nothing left to find.

He turned and followed Bae Bae into the room, to find the latter trotting in circles with his nose to the floor. When he looked up to see Kosmo, he opened his mouth as if in a grin, tongue flopping off to the side, and lowered himself to the ground, keeping his rear high in the air, tail still wagging. An invitation to play.

Kosmo sat down firmly on the floor with a flick of his own tail. He did not want to play. He was ready to go to sleep.

Bae Bae tried some more, batting his paw forward to try to coax Kosmo into play, but he was as stubborn as Keith when he wanted to be, if not moreso. It wasn’t long before the little dog gave up and turned his attention to the room at large again. He gave the air a sniff before turning around and heading for the bed.

Kosmo narrowed his eyes as Bae Bae climbed up and started digging into the blankets, and he felt his hackles rise when the dog walked in two little circles around the little pile he’d made and then flopped on top of it as if he owned the space, his eyes falling shut.

No. That simply wouldn’t do. That was Keith’s spot.

Kosmo plodded over, getting to eye level with the terrier, and pulled his lips back in a snarl before letting out a growl. Nothing to fierce, just a low rumble. A warning. A way to tell him that this was not going to be tolerated.

Rather than being cowed, however, Bae Bae simply wagged his tail and rolled over, exposing his belly and letting his tongue loll out the side of his mouth as he smiled eagerly at Kosmo.

Clearly, this creature had absolutely no self-preservation instincts. He wouldn’t last a day in the wilderness.

With a huff, Kosmo tried another intimidation tactic. He teleported, popping onto the top of the bed in a shower of sparks, right over the dog, his bared teeth inches from Bae Bae. He growled again, as clear a message as he could manage: This is not your spot.

Bae Bae’s only reaction was to wiggle in place and continue panting and wagging his tail.

Kosmo drooped. He had no desire to actually fight Bae Bae; the dog presented no danger other than annoyance. The growls had been empty threats. Still, it was awfully cheeky of Bae Bae to come in and interrupt his sleep and make things that much more difficult for when Keith finally arrived. Bae Bae had his own owners, there was no need for him to want to spend the night with Keith too.

He tilted his head as he watched Bae Bae’s still-panting face. To be fair, the people around hear had been awfully busy today. And although Bae Bae usually spent all his time with the little paladin and those other humans with faces that looked like hers, none of them had been around when Bae Bae had been here scratching at Keith’s door.

But why did Bae Bae think Keith would be a better option to provide him company if his usual family was occupied? Keith was busy too, was usually one of the busiest on the ship. Why was – ?

Kosmo felt something bat against his chest, and he looked down to see that Bae Bae was stretching his paws out toward him. The latter wagged his tail and gave another little slap before squirming to the side and finally rolling right-side-up again. With a little bark, he nudged his nose against the blanket next to him.

Oh. Bae Bae wasn’t there to spend time with Keith. He was there to spend time with Kosmo.

And, sure, Kosmo supposed that maybe he could use the company. It wasn’t that he was lonely without Keith or anything, just that he was used to have someone to nestle against while he slept. And Bae Bae was obviously the one who needed a sleeping companion more than he did, seeing as the terrier had been the one to seek him out.

Well, it wouldn’t hurt to do Bae Bae a small favor. The little paladin was friends with Keith, so this would be a good gesture.

It was just for Bae Bae’s sake. Not Kosmo’s. Kosmo was not lonely, not at all.

With a little snort Kosmo obliged, walking in a couple of small circles to find the ideal spot on the bed, then he lay down, his back curled against Bae Bae, paws stretching out toward the wall.

He felt the snuffling of Bae Bae’s nose along his neck and into his ear, and was about ready to snap in annoyance, when the smaller dog finally settled, resting his head on top of Kosmo’s torso so that the puffs of warm breath from his nose blew into the fur on Kosmo’s cheek. Then, with a long sigh, Bae Bae drifted off to sleep almost instantly.

Kosmo let his own eyes flutter shut. This dog was no Keith, but, okay, it was nice to have someone else around to wait with him.

And he had to admit: Bae Bae was pretty damn cute.

#gentronweek #vldgen #voltron fic #kosmo #bae bae #my writing #fic: one night only

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chancellormatt · 5 years ago

Text

Voltron Rewrite Episode Seventeen - A Black Day

Allura stares out of the shuttle viewport at the battle still raging outside. The shuttle is once again behind Coalition lines, which are now slowly retreating back from the colony planet. Energyfire tears back and forth between the two groups, as ships on either side continue to fall. Her eyes scan back and forth across the scene, as if searching for something.

The Atlas surges back to life, engine reviving in a flash of blue energy. “Atlas is back online!” Matt declares over the comm.

The Altas extends the blade from it's forearm and begins slashing apart encroaching galra ships.

“Are we ready for retreat, then?” Ryner asks.

“Not yet! We’re still waiting on Shiro!” Matt replies.

“And Keith!” Lance says.

The Atlas lets loose an energy blast that destroys half a dozen galra ships.

Nearby, the robeasts that were affected by the pulse begin to surge back to life as well. One moves for the Atlas and is knocked back by an arm blast. More rise to take its place. Soon the Atlas is battling half-a-dozen of the machines.

Allura watches it all, silently searching.

There is a sudden flash of light outside the viewport. Keith and Kosmo appear clinging to the outside of the shuttle. Allura stumbles back, agast.

Another flash and they are both inside. Keith immediately collapses to the floor. Allura rushes down to his side, pulling off his helmet. Keith coughs, eyes distant.

“Keith! Are you alright!?”

He coughs again, holding his side. He gives a slight shake of his head.

“This is Princess Allura! I’ve got Keith!” Allura states over the comm.

“Took him long enough.” Lance says, mockingly.

“What about Shiro?” Pidge asks.

Keith’s eyes immediately widen before going dark. He stares at Allura for an eternal moment.

“No…” She whispers, seeing an answer in his eyes.

In spite of his wincing pain, Keith reaches one hand over to the other wrist, activating his comm.

“Shiro...is gone...” He takes a shuddering breath. “...dead.”

“WHAT!?” Comes the collective response of Lance, Pidge and Hunk.

“Keith, what the hell are you talking about!?” Matt exclaims.

“Zarkon...Zarkon killed him. I saw it.”

“That’s not…” Matt stammers.

“He…he’s gone?” Hunk says with disbelief.

“We’ve got to try going back!” Pidge says suddenly.

“Yeah!” Lance agrees. “Maybe there’s a chance he-”

“I saw it!” Keith shouts. His eyes begin to well up.

“But we can’t just-”

“-Lance.” Allura cuts him off. “...now is the time to call the retreat. If we stay any longer the enemy will encircle us and we’ll all be trapped.”

The comm is silent for a moment.

“...lets move out.” Lance finally says, voice without strength.

The whole of the Coalition forces move back. The Atlas lingers for a few moments, still holding back the robeasts.

“...Matt. We’ve got to go.” Pidge says carefully.

For a moment, the Atlas continues to strike down robests. Finally a string of obscenities comes from the mecha’s comm, followed by the Atlas turning back to join the retreat.

Inside the shuttle Allura lets out a breath, and slides to the floor beside Keith. Her eyes well up. Hesitantly, she reaches out to put a hand on Keith’s shoulder. He flinches, so she pulls back and sits silently beside him. He stares off into nothing, and begins to cry.

It isn’t long before she is crying too.

***

Zarkon watches a feed of the Coalition ships as they retreat, then disappear. The holographic display vanishes, and he is left staring at the wall. He turns, watching a pair of galra soldiers, wrap up the body of Takashi Shirogane. His lifeless eyes stare at the ceiling before the bag finally zips up over his head.

Zarkon turns away, leaving the room. He walks with a slight limp, hand covering the spot where his armor was pierced.

His path takes him down to the hangar, where the other Dark Paladins have already convened. Honerva and Sendak look equally impassive. Lotor, on the other hand, is pacing back and forth, muttering to himself. Raimon sits on the floor, staring down at the sword in his lap.

They all stand at attention when they notice Zarkon approach.

“That...was a disaster.” He says.

“I agree.” Lotor growls.

“Oh you do, do you?” Zarkon sneers. “Well you would know. After all, you had the simple task of making sure the prisoner didn’t escape!”

Lotor’s eyes burn. “And she wouldn’t have if the dome had slayed closed! Last I checked, that was a job you decided to take upon yourself!”

“You will watch your tone with me boy!” Zarkon bellows in reply. “...and what you imply.”

“Why!? You berate us for failure and perceived betrayal! Rage at any miniscule mistake! But when you allow an enemy paladin to creep inside our fortress, pry it wide open and-”

“One more word! And you will find out what real rage is!” Zarkon’s hands curl into fists.

“Stop this.” Honvera says coldly, stepping between the two. “There is very much at stake here, and time for squabbling is one thing we lack.” Sendak steps up beside her.

“Do not lecture me, woman!” Zarkon sneers. “If my boy is looking for a violent lesson, I will not deprive him of it!”

“I believe I have at least learned a moment of consideration on your part. From both of you.” She turns back to look pointedly at Lotor.

The Prince grits his teeth but says nothing and turns his gaze to the floor.

Zarkon is also silent for a moment. He gives curt gesture to continue.

“...good. You know what our true goal is. You know that all of this theatre of war, these games, are nothing. Just a way of reducing the uncertainties. The array has been completed. I’ve run and rerun the numbers. The odds are in our favor. The time is now. The very structure of this reality will soon be at your fingertips. Shall we not forgo the games to finish what we started? To ignore these children?”

“...the problem is that all these ‘children’ are threatening to throw a wrench in the whole star-burned thing.” Lotor spat.

“Mind your tongue around your mother.” Zarkon says distractedly. He appears to be thinking. “...very well. Honerva, go to the array and prepare it for the robeasts. Sendak, marshall all our forces, we’re leaving this place behind and reallocating everything we have on defending the array. Lotor…”

He studies the Prince for a moment.

“...try to keep any more of your alteans from running away.”

Lotor stares up at his father. “...only if you make sure not to let any more of those ‘children’ get the better of you.”

The Emperor smiles. Lotor steps back, uneasy.

Zarkon’s Black Lion flies into the hangar, carrying the other Black Lion in it's jaws. It drops the other Lion onto the floor with a deafening clang. The other Dark Paladins stare.

“Got the better of me, did he?” Zarkon chuckles as he turns to walk away.

He enters his lion and flies out of the bay.

Honerva lets out a breath. She turns to regard Lotor. “You know...your father’s temper is legendary. But you certainly seem to have inherited that trait.”

“I’m not like him!” Lotor’s scarred eye twitches. He turns away. “...not like him…” He continues to mutter the statement as he walks away. Honerva stares after him.

“Mistress?”

“Hm?” She turns to face Sendak, who is standing beside the powerless Black Lion.

“What shall we do with this?”

“Leave it there, for the moment. We can take it with us when we leave. As long as those other paladins don’t have it, they still can’t use Voltron.”

“Very well, Mistress. I shall see to our armies, then.”

“As you were.”

Both of them leave the Black Lion behind, dead and limp on the floor.

***

Admiral Sanda watches as three of the Lions of Voltron and one shuttle touch down onto the rocky ground. One by one the paladins file out of their lions.

Keith finally stumbled out of the shuttle, supported by Allura.

Sanda stepped forward to meet the downcast boy.

“...what happened?”

***

“...I see. So you succeeded in your mission of saving the Princess. But you lost a Lion in the process.” Sanda says, addressing the paladins from within the briefing room.

“And Shiro.” Keith says quietly, not looking up from the table.

“And Shiro.” Sanda repeats. She says nothing for a moment.

“...without-” Allura’s voice cracks. “-without the Black Lion, we still cannot form Voltron.”

Sanda turns her back to them, to stare at the wall. “...so we’re back where we started.”

“No, we’re not back where we started!” Keith shouts, slamming his fists down on the table. “We’re much, much worse off! Because now Shiro is dead! ” Keith’s hands clench into fists. “And you really don’t seem to give a damn~”

Sanda replies cooly, still not facing him. “Lieutenant Shirogane was a soldier. He knew what he was getting into. He wasn’t the first one I’ve lost, and I suspect he will not be the last.”

“He wasn’t just a soldier!”

“Boy you will watch your tone. We are still within my base. I understand you are emotional right now, but we will lose this fight if we don’t control our-”

“We’ll lose!?” Keith exclames. “We already have lost! We threw everything we had at Zarkon, and even Shiro couldn’t beat him!”

Keith stares down at the table for a moment, then storms out. He is quietly followed by the other paladins.

Matt along with a few of the other Coalition officials remain.

“...what?” Sanda says, half-turning to Matt. “Nothing to say?”

Matt stares at her for a moment before shaking his head.

“If...that’s the way you wanna play it...” He mutters, before getting up and leaving the room.

***

Keith marches down the corridor, darkness in his eyes.

“Hey, Keith!” Lance calls after him.

Keith keeps walking.

“Keith!” Says Allura this time.

Still he doesn’t reply. Lance runs up and catches hold of his arm. “Hey!”

Keith turns on him. “What?”

“Don’t...don’t you want to talk about this, man? Shiro just-”

“Shiro just died, Lance. And talking about it isn’t going to bring him back.

“Yeah but we’re a team, we should-”

“Team? Maybe to all of you, that’s what Shiro was. A teammate. But for a long time, before I even knew my own mother, he was the only family I had. So if you don’t mind-” He pulls his arm free of Lance’s grasp. “-I’d like to be alone for a while.”

Keith walks off and the other paladins are left staring.

“I...can’t believe he’s really gone.” Hunk says after a moment.

“It's a war Hunk, it was...bound to happen…” Pidge swallows hard.

“It's easy to say that, and understand the idea.” Allura says. “But actually losing someone is so much different. It feels like a hammer crushing your heart. It's a blow to the soul. And sometimes one that never fully heals...” She stares at the space where Keith used to stand.

Lance grits his teeth. “I know. That’s why we should all be dealing with this together.”

Hunk puts a hand on his arm. “It's Keith. This is just how he deals with stuff.”

Lance doesn’t reply for a moment. “...guess I just thought he was past leaving us all to fend for ourselves.”

Without another word, Lance turns and walks away in the opposite direction.

Eventually, Hunk sighs. “I...think I could use a little time, too. He nods to the other two before walking off himself.

Allura still stares off in the direction Keith went.

“Hey,” Pidge says. “We’re all...still trying to process this. But how are you holding up, yourself? You were being held prisoner by Zarkon a few hours ago.”

“...anything that happened to me is nothing compared to Shiro’s death. There is...a great deal to discuss about my ‘stay’ with the Dark Paladins. But this is not the time. Now is the time for grief.”

“If...you say so.”

“Thank you for asking, Pidge.”

She waves a dismissive hand, before walking off. After another moment of silence, Allura walks, in the direction Keith went.

***

The Castle of Lions rises above the craggy horizon, dwarfing the Garrison base. Coran stands in it's shadow, massaging his mustache.

“It's beautiful.” Allura says, stepping up beside him.

“Thank you, Princess.” Coran sighs. “I just wish we could appreciate it under better circumstances. Shiro was...well he was a true paladin. He won’t be forgotten.”

“Yes he will be.” Allura agrees. “He was the man who always thought himself unworthy, but constantly proved otherwise…”

She stares up at the Castle for a moment. “...Keith came by this way, didn’t he?”

“He did.” Coran nods.

“Do you know where he was headed?”

Coran nods to the Castle. “He wanted to know if the training room was operational.”

“And what did you tell him?”

“The truth. That it needs someone to test it out. He volunteered. And with the look on his face, I wasn’t about to turn him down.”

“Understandable.”

“You want to go talk to him?”

Allura considers. After a moment, she shakes her head. “...no. I’ll leave him be for the time being. As much I want to help Keith right now, I’m not ready. I’ve a bit more experience with death than the other Paladins. But that doesn’t mean it hurts any less. I’ve got to grieve just as he does. Besides…” Alllura notes a figure moving up the castle steps. “...I think someone else is on the job.”

***

Keith bashes his bayard against the gladiator bot’s staff. He swings his blade in a downward arc, like a hammer against an anvil. The bot’s legs buckle and it drops to the floor. Keith buries his bayard into the bot’s chest. The bot’s artificial muscles spasm, before it goes limp.

He stands in the middle of the Castle training room. The lighting is at a dim setting, leaving his face cast in deep shadows.

Keith rips his blade free and shouts, “Another!”

A hole opens up in the floor, and another gladiator bot rises up. Keith dashes towards it, blade tearing across in a horizontal arc. He clashes against the bot a few more times before taking out one of its legs. Off balance, he easily disarms the machine and separates it's head from its body.

Scowling, Keith kicks the limp bot.

“I think you got it.” A voice says from behind.

Keith whirls around to find Krolia standing near the entrance. He lowers his bayard.

“I heard what happened.” She says, eyes soft.

“Who hasn’t?” Keith shrugs tiredly. “Another!”

“...do you want to talk about it?”

“What’s there to talk about?

The floor opens up and yet another gladiator bot rises up from the floor. He charges after it. “...I went off to rescue Allura…” He says, his bayard locking against the bots staff. “...thought I was real smart by trapping Zarkon…” Keith forces the bot back, unleashing an onslaught of blows. “...only turns out I was the real one trapped!” The gladiator tries for a counter, but Keith knocks it aside and scores a hit on the bot’s shoulder. “And because I was too stupid, too overconfident and too weak, Shiro had to come save me.” Keith stabs his bayard through the bot’s head. The bot spasms and Keith pulls the blade free, letting it slide to the floor.

“...and then Zarkon killed him. Shiro died...because I wasn’t strong enough. Because I couldn’t beat Zarkon myself.”

Krolia steps up beside him. She doesn’t say anything at first, just joining him in staring down at the defeated bot. He opens his mouth as if to call for another one.

“-do you know what the two saddest days of my life were?”

Keith closes his mouth and gives a half-shake of his head.

“The first was the day I had to leave you and your father behind.” She gets a distant look. “It felt like I was leaving my heart behind. I never thought I’d ever feel so broken for the rest of my life. Until...until the day I found out your father died.”

Keith finally looks at her.

“That...that was like my heart being crushed. I’d left all those years ago to keep the two of you safe. But in the end he died anyway, and you were left alone. I couldn’t help thinking that I was wrong. That I should have stayed after all. And maybe if I had, your father would still be alive.”

“Maybe-” Keith’s voice cracks. “-maybe you should have.”

Krolia shrugs. “But that would have meant putting you in danger. I’ll never know what could have been. But I do know that I never was going to do anything that would risk your life. Even if...even if I knew I’d be leaving you all alone.” A bittersweet smile touches her lips. “But you weren’t alone were you? Not once Shiro found you. I was...so happy to find out that someone like him ended up looking after you. ”

Keith scoffs. “...but maybe that was his big mistake. Taking me in. Maybe if he hadn’t, he’d have found someone better to be his successor.” Keith's grip on his bayard tightens. “Someone stronger.”

“Even if I didn’t know him very well, I could tell how you meant to him. And I’m sure that if he were here right now, he’d tell you that he didn’t have a single regret. He saved you Keith, because he believed in you. And because he knew you could finish this.”

“But how!?” Keith demards. “We’ve thrown everything we have at them, and each tiny victory, every small win comes at a huge cost! I couldn’t even save Allura without losing Shiro and the Black Lion. We still can’t even form Voltron. And even if we could form Voltorn, I still don’t think I could beat him.”

“I don’t know Keith. I don’t have all the answers. But-

“-I...think I need some time to think.” Keith cuts her off.

Krolia studies him. “...alright.”

She steps closer, hesitantly at first, then pulls him into a hug. “...I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you back then. And I’m so sorry that this war has taken so much from you. But just don’t forget that...I’m here now. And so are a lot of other people who care about you.”

Keith hugs her back, not replying.

For a moment they stand there in silent embrace.

Then Krolia steps back, releasing him. She takes one more look at her son, before walking out of the room. Keith stares down for a moment, then raises his bayard, the black bayard, to study it.

“How am I supposed to do this without you, man?”

***

Pidge sits in the Holt family residence. She is on the couch, fidgeting with her hands. Matt lounges on another couch opposite her, eyes boring a hole in the floor. N-7 sits beside him, holding one of his arms.

Their parents are at the kitchen table, watching them with concerned expressions.

Pidge’s fidgeting grows more frantic. Her breath accelerates. She grits her teeth.

“This is wrong!” She shouts suddenly, launching to her feet.

“Pidge!” Colleen exclaimes.

“Shiro shouldn’t have died! It just doesn’t...doesn’t make any sense.” She says the words exhaustedly.

“Sometimes...these things don’t make sense.” Sam replies.

“But...If anyone deserved to live past all of this, it was him. After everything he pulled us through. All that he taught us. Every battle we won because of him. He deserved to live. It just...doesn’t add up.” She lets out a long sigh. “I don’t think he even wanted to keep fighting. He gave up more than pretty much anyone, and just wanted to be able to leave it behind. But we wanted him out there.” She looks down at her hand. “...hell, I’m the one that made him a new arm.”

Sam chuckles. Pidge scowls.

“Sorry.” Sam shakes his head. “But you’re crazy if you think that Shiro was ever actually going to sit back while the rest of you fought. Sure, he thought he was unfit and came up with plenty of reasons why he should leave things to you kids. But even if you hadn’t made him that arm, I doubt he would have been able to stand by forever. Sooner or later, he wouldn’t have been able to help himself. That’s just the kind of guy Shiro was.”

...I know that.” Pidge says reluctantly. “In my head. But it still feels so wrong. It's like an...equation that doesn’t have a solution.”

“Not every problem has a solution. I’m a lot older than you, Katie. Shiro’s not the first person I’ve lost along the way. Death isn’t something we scientists can fix. Sometimes all you can do is cry. And that’s okay.”

Pidge’s shoulders slump and she sits back. “But that just feels so...useless.”

“That’s life, kiddo. It's not a math problem.”

Pidge still looks unsatisfied, but she nods.

After a brief pause, Matt lets out a grunt.

“While sitting down and crying seems great and all…” he rises. “...I’ve got something to take care of.”

“What’s that?” Pidge asks.

N-7 also looks up with a curious tilt of her head.

“Don’t worry. Let’s just say I’ve gotta do something that Shiro would want me to do.”

N-7 nods in apparent understanding. With that, Matt leaves.

***

Allura roams the halls of the garrison. She puts one foot in front of the other, as if the effort of walking is exhausting. Her path has no clear purpose. Her eyes are directed at the floor and have a distant light.

She almost runs into the door marking the end of the hallway. She hesitantly opens the door and peeks inside.

Inside is the mess hall, and at first glance it is empty. Allura is about to duck her head back out when something catches her eye.

“Hunk? Is that you back there?”

Sure enough, Hunk is behind the kitchen counter on the far side of the room, working on something.

“Hey Allura.

“What are you doing?”

“It's late enough that there aren’t going to be any more meals served tonight, so I asked if I could use the kitchen. I spent some time with the family but…” He shakes his head. “They were doing their best to comfort me, but it got a little suffocating.”

“I see. Well don’t let me interrupt you.”

“Actually, I could use someone to test-taste all this.”

Allura hesitates, then after a moment, nods and walks over. Her eyes widen as he peeks over the counter.

“Stars above! How much did you make?

Before her are a plethora of cakes, cookies, muffins and other pastries and deserts of all kinds.

“A lot. Kinda been cooking nonstop.”

He hands her a piece of cake. She takes a large bite.

“How is it?”

“Delicious as usual.” Allura smiles weakly and takes a seat on the bench behind her. “...at least that much hasn’t changed. You seem to be handling yourself well, in this most trying of time Hunk.”

“Well if it looks that way, it's just because I’m keeping myself busy. To be honest, I’m about this far away from a breakdown. Losing Shiro is...awful. But I can’t help thinking, does it end with him? Who else are we gonna lose before this is over?”

“Does...that mean you’re having second thoughts again?”

“No.” Hunk says immediately. “Even if I’m scared, even if I could die, I made my choice. I’m in this until the end.”

Allura smiles at that.

“...so, any word on Keith?”

Allura shakes her head. “His mother spoke to him, but other than that, no one’s seen much of him. Last I checked he was hanging around the canyon…”

***

Keith guns the engine on his hoverbike. He tears off down the ridge, kicking up a storm of dust in his wake. He rides deeper into the canyon, no regard for his own increasing speed. The two sides narrow and Keith makes the jump to the other side. His hoverbike bangs against the wall of the other side. He rides on.

He drives his bike back up to the top of the ridge, racing towards the cliff. Keith goes full throttle on the engine. It flies off the cliff, hovering in the air for a few quiet seconds. Then it dips back down, and Keith hugs his body against the bike. At the bottom, he can see the knife-shaped rock.

Keith hits the brakes.

The bike slows in the air, but not fast enough. The bottom of it smashes against the stone below. Keith’s body is rocked and he struggles to hang on. The engine sputters and gives out. The hoverbike crashes down to the ground, throwing up a cloud of dust. Coughing, Keith tries to reignite the engine. It wines for a moment, before giving out again.

Growling, Keith jumps off the hoverbike to look beneath it. The vehicle's undercarriage is severely dented, and smoke is leaking out of cracks.

“DAMMIT!” Keith swears, kicking the bike. He kicks it again and again. Finally panting, he turns away, putting his back to the broken bike.

The knife-shaped rock lies in front of him. The same one that had served as the finish line for Shiro and his races. The bike broke down barely a dozen feet away from it.

Keith stares at it a moment, before shaking his head and turning back around again, to walk back up the canyon.

Sometime later, an exhausted Keith pulls himself up onto a ledge, to sit down and stare at the setting sun.

***

Admiral Sanda sits alone in her dark office. The only light on in the room is a small lamp on her desk. She stares down at the small disc in her hands.

Matt Holt kicks open her door.

Sanda leaps to her feet. “Holt! What the hell do you think you’re doing!?”

Matt’s face remains expressionless as he sizes up the room, noting it's dark interior, observing everything except Sanda herself.

Her eyes harden. “If you do not explain yourself right now, I’ll have you thrown off this base! I don’t care how you rank in that Coalition I’ll-”

“-you can fool all these other people, Sanda.” Matt shakes his head. “Make them think you’re this iron-hearted commander, who only cares about results. But there are two people who you could never fool. I’m one of ‘em. The other is dead.”

Sanda’s expression loses some of its strength. “...you’ve got something to say, I take it?”

“Not much. Shiro was like a brother to me. And that cuts deep. But I know that despite how you might pretend that none of this hurts you, he was like a son to you. And I’m not about to let you sit in this dark room all alone, without talking about that.”

Sanda swallows hard, staring down into her desk.

“Annnnd just in case you needed a little convincing, I heard that Shiro owed you a bottle of some of the hard stuff. Unfortunately, I don’t have any scotch but…” Matt holds up a bottle of purple liquid that glows softly. “...I do have this galran ale. Tastes like jet fuel and gives you a mother of all headaches in the morning. In other words, it's good stuff.”

“...I’m on duty.” Sanda objects, without much strength.

Matt puts on a confused expression. “Really? Because I’m pretty sure you got off five minutes ago.”

Sanda stares at him for several silent moments. “...shut the door.”

Matt grins, shutting the door behind him. He sits down across Sanda while she pulls out two glasses.

Matt fills them both.

***

“Well why why the hell not!?”

Allura is walking down a hallway when she hears the exclamation. She quickens her pace and finds the source of the outburst from around a corner.

Lance is having what looks like a heated debate with Kolivan and a handful of other Blades.

“As I’ve told you,” Kolivan says with just a hint of aggravation, “the logistics of one of our operatives stealing back the Black Lion is outlandish. It's reportedly being held in our enemy’s most secure compound-”

“-Which we just broke into!”

“...yes, using methods that will not work twice, and in the process of which we lost the Lion in question.”

“What is...going on here?” Allura asks, tentatively.

“Well I’m trying to get to the bottom of why these superspy space-ninjas, that Keith likes to spend so much time around, won't bother trying to get back the Black Lion!”

“None of our men can fly the Black LIon. it wont fit inside a fighter or shuttle. The few operatives we have still implanted would need to steal a cruiser full of hundreds of galra soldiers just to be able to carry the blasted thing!”

“I’m hearing a whole lot of excuses, and not a lot of solutions!”

“Lance.” Allura says in a kind but firm tone. “I’m sure that Kolivan knows what he is talking about when he says that something isn’t possible. The Blades aren’t known to back down from a challenge.”

“Rest assured, getting back the Black Lion is our top priority. But at this moment there’s no clear way to do that. We’ll find out what Keith wants to do once-”

“Once he’s done sitting around moping, you mean!”

“Lance!” Allura scolds.

“What!? Last I checked we were still fighting a war!”

“We all need time to-”

“Time is the one thing we don’t have!”

“Then what do you want us to do, Lance? Do you have any idea what to do about the current situation? Because we all know what kind of situation we’re in. But shouting at people isn’t going to make anything better.”

He opens his mouth to speak, then seems to think better of it. He sighs.

“...sorry.” He directs it at both Allura and Kolivan.

“It’s alright.”

“Think I’ll...go to the shooting range. Clear my head.”

“That’s probably a good idea.”

Lance starts to walk down the hallway, but stops halfway down, with his back still to Allura.

“...any word from our fearless leader yet?”

“Afraid not.”

“Figures…”

***

“That man...was the greatest pilot to ever serve in the Garrison.” Sanda remarked, with slightly slurred words.

“I’ll drink to that.” Matt says, downing the rest of his glass.

He pours himself some more, taking note of just how little liquid there is left in the bottle.

“You know he thought I’d be mad, the day he broke my record on reentry?”

Matt chuckled. “Were you?”

“Hell no. That was one of my proudest moments as an instructor. Of course...I couldn’t let him know that. So I told him it was a little sloppy and put him on cleaning duty for the rest of the day.”

“And you call me a piece of work.”

“Oh he was fine. I just wanted to make sure he didn’t get a big head. You gotta be careful with people as talented as Shiro. Otherwise they get overconfident and…”

“Turn out like me?”

“...yeah.”

Both of them chuckled at that. Sanda’s face quickly gets serious again.

“He should be in this chair right now. Always wanted him to take over.”

“Shiro? Behind a desk? You’d have had a hell of a time keeping him out of a cockpit.”

“Yeah. It was probably a pipe dream, anyway. I’m just so tired. Tired of seeing good men die. Tired of sitting in this damn chair.”

“...then why do you still do it?” Matt asks.

“Because someone’s got to.” She shrugs. “And because my best idea for a successor went and got himself killed. I know I’m...a little hard on my pilots.”

Matt scoffed,

“But that’s because I expect great things from them. Was I really so bad to serve under? Did you really hate being my subordinate so much you never even considered coming back?”

Matt shakes his head studying his drink. “Sanda you’re a good commander. Whatever barbs I throw at you, they’re just because it's fun getting on your nerves. Ask Pidge, I do it to her all the time. The reason I didn’t come back was because I knew I could do more good with the Coalition than I could down here. Serving in the Galaxy Garrison was an honor. But there’s people that need me more now. More than just earth. And besides...” He laughs to himself. “...I’m impatient. Do you have any idea what it's like to go from our shuttles to starship with FTL drives? Who in their right mind would wanna go back after that jump?”

Sanda chuckles, then studies him for a moment. “...I want you piloting the Atlas. Permanently.”

“You’re letting the drink talk for you.”

“I’m serious. It hurts to swallow my pride, this much but you are undoubtedly the man for the job. The coalition trusts you, and I trust you. You’re perfect. Shiro said so himself.”

“Now that’s just cheating.” Matt says, leaning back in his chair. He downs his drink again. “...fine. But don’t think I’m gonna suddenly start saluting you again.”

Sanda only smirks.

Her eyes fall on the small disc, sitting on her desk.

“You want some more?” Matt asked, indicating the bottle.

Sanda shakes her head. “No.I think I’ll sober up. There’s something I’ve been putting something off…”

***

Keith stares up at the stars, feet dangling over the edge of the cliff. He looks to be searching for something in the night sky. He doesn’t find it.

The sound of footsteps prompts Keith to tear his gaze away from the stars.

“Have you been out here all night?” Allura asks, walking up to stand beside him.

He nods.

“You should get some sleep. You took a beating in that battle.”

“Tried to. Didn’t take.”

Allura nods. “...do you mind if I sit here?”

“Depends. Are you going to try to tell me this isn’t my fault?”

“I wasn’t planning on saying anything, actually.”

“Then have a seat.”

She does so, folding her legs beneath her.

For some time they sit in silence. A cool breeze brushes against them. Crickets chirp in the distance. A comet cuts across the night sky.

After what seems like an eternity, Keith speaks.

“...you know what the worst part is?”

Allura blinks, caught off guard. “...what?”

“I...keep expecting him to come by and give one of his famous speeches. He’ll tell me what I’m doing wrong, encourage me to trust in myself, and assure me that I’ll do just fine. And then, everything will seem okay. Whatever misgivings I had before will just melt away...”

Allura says nothing, only staring at Keith as he talks.

“...but that’s not going to happen. He’s gone. I’ll never get to hear one of those speeches again.” He picks up a stone and tosses it over the side. “So maybe you can tell me what I’m supposed to do. Do I just push all this pain aside and try to forget it? Tell the other paladins that everything’s going to be okay? That as long as we believe in each other, we’ll overcome anything? I don’t know if I can do that. I don’t think I’m strong enough to just let go of what I’m feeling.”

“...I wish I could tell you, Keith.” Allura says. “I wish I knew what to say, to make this right. But sometimes there just aren’t words. There’s nothing I can say that’ll make what’s happened better. I know that better than anyone.” Her eyes get distant.

It's Keith’s turn to study her. “...does it get easier?”

“...yes. Eventually.” She smiles weakly. “When altea was destroyed, I lost my father, my mother and everyone else I ever knew. It was just me and Coran when we went into cryo. Then, when I woke up there were five strange earthlings waiting for us. And I had no way of knowing they’d turn out to be the best friends I ever had. In the early days, there wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t think of everyone I’d lost. But you made it easier. All of you. You and Lance and Pidge and Hunk...and Shiro.”

Keith looks caught between smiling and crying.

“So yes, Keith. It does get easier. Especially if you’ve got the right people to pick you back up again, after the fall.”

Keith stares into Allura’s eyes, and for what seems an eternity, neither says a word. Finally, he looks away.

“...you look tired Allura. You should get some sleep.”

“...only if you do too.”

“I will.” He says. “I’m just gonna stay out another minute.”

“Alright. Good night, Keith.”

“Good night, Allura.”

With that, Allura gets up and leaves. Keith doesn’t stay much longer. He gets up, tosses another stone down into the canyon, and turns around to walk back to the base.

***

Keith is walking back down the garrison halls, when he nearly runs into Admiral Sanda.

“Keith.” She says with some surprise. “You’re still awake...good.”

“What is it?” He sighs.

Sanda stares at him for a moment, as if deciding something. She holds something tight in one hand. Letting out a breath, she opens her hand, presenting it to Keith.

He looks down with curiosity, at the disc in her palm.

“What is it?”

“Do you know what a Last Word is, Keith?”

“It's...an Old Garrison tradition, right? When a pilot was going on an especially dangerous mission, they’d leave a message behind, just in case they didn’t make it.”

She nods, then indicates the disc. “This is Shiro’s.”

“You mean-”

“One last message he recorded, not long before the battle. To be seen in the event of his death. It's for you.”

Keith’s eyes widened.

“Go on then, take it.”

Tentatively, Keith reaches down and picks up the disc. He turns it over in his hands, feeling it’s weight.

Sanda looks down at her boots. “I’m sorry I held onto it so long. I suppose I felt like giving this to you meant it was real. Foolish, I know. But I guess I’m getting sentimental with age.”

Keith looks at her as if seeing Sanda for the first time. “It's...alright. I understand wanting to hold onto the piece of him.”

She nods slowly. “...well then. I’ll leave you to it.”

And with that Sanda vanishes back down the darkened corridor. Keith is left staring at the disc. He starts walking.

It doesn’t take him to find a dark room with dozens of computers. He sits down at one, and turns it on.

Keith holds the disc up, staring at it. He lets out a long sigh and inserts the disc into the computer. For a moment nothing happens.

Then, Shiro’s face appears on the screen.

“Hey, Keith.” Shiro smiles. “If you’re watching this...well, I’m dead.”

Keith swallows hard.

“Sorry about that.” Shiro gets a bashful expression. “Hope I at least went out like a champ. Doing something heroic, you know? Anyway, I made this video for you specifically, for a couple of reasons. Firstly because there’s some things that I need to tell you from one leader to another. And secondly, because some of this might be hard to hear….”

Shiro takes a breath.

“...it's honestly a shock I lived as long as I did. This might be strange to hear, but for a while now it’s seemed like I’m on borrowed time. And I’m not just talking about having my soul pulled out and stuffed into a clone body. Although that..that didn’t help.” Shiro shivers. “...no this goes back much farther. Sanda could tell you all sorts of stories about how I almost got myself killed pulling crazy maneuvers back in the Garrison. But if I had to pinpoint when I first started feeling this way, it’d be when Sam, Matt and I were taken by the galra. Fighting in the pits, not knowing if next day would be my last…” He shakes his head. “...I thought I was going to die there. By all accounts, I should have. But fate or destiny or whatever you want to call it had other plans. Somehow, impossibly I ended up back on earth. And I became the Black Paladin. I had the job just long enough to make sure you could all do it without me. If there’s a reason I lived past everything I did, I think that’s it. To make sure all of you were ready to face what came next.”

He smiles and shakes his head. Keith’s hands tighten as he struggles to keep any sense of composure.

“And, in spite of everything I just said, there’s a part of me that really wishes I could have stayed in the Black Paladin, forever. Being a part of Voltron is the best thing that ever happened to me. And I cherish all the time I spent fighting in Voltron alongside you, Lance, Hunk and Pidge...but that’s the hard part of being a mentor. Knowing that one day, you’re going to have to step aside and let someone else take over. I know you’ve always wondered why I picked you to lead Voltron. It might seem kind of strange, since you always were such a loner. Well it was because out of everyone on that team, I knew you’d be able to take whatever the universe throws at you. No matter whatever grief or anger you’re feeling right now, I know you can get past it. Because you’re the toughest dang kid I ever met. Voltron’s yours now, Keith. And if any part of you ever questions that, I’ll tell you a secret that I think might make it a little easier:” Shiro grins. “Black was never really my color anyway.”

Keith’s eyes are wet, but for the first time since Shiro’s death he cracks a smile.

Shiro takes a breath. “Keith, this is my last lesson to you. I know you better than anyone else. Which is why I know you’re probably reacting to all by isolating yourself, and trying to shut the rest of the world out. That’s not your fault. You’re human. But you also aren’t the only one that’s going to be hurt by this. You’ve got a lot of people relying on you now. They need you Keith. And even if you don’t want to admit it, you need them too. Take it from me, it hurts a lot more to hold onto this stuff inside, than it does to let it out. They care about you, so let them in. It takes five to form Voltron. ”

Shiro sighs. “And now the hardest part. Goodbyes. Assuming I don’t get a chance, tell everyone that these past few years were the time of my life. I’m proud of how far each and every one of them has come. Especially you.” Shiro gets a distant smile. “Never got a chance to start a family of my own, but in a way that’s what you all were, to me. A family. And if ever had gotten a chance to have a son...I’d have wanted him to be like you. Goodbye, Keith. It's been a hell of a ride.”

The screen goes dark. The room goes silent.

“...look at that.” Keith says, tears streaming down his face. “You had one last speech in you, after all.”

He closes his eyes and sits back in the chair. “Thank you for everything, Shiro.” He whispers. “And goodbye.”

When his eyes open, they are filled with determination.

At the same time, millions of light-years away, inside the dome on the colony planet, the Black Lion’s eyes flash.

***

Lance blasts his rifle at the shooting range targets. About half of his shots miss entirely. Curiously, the other half either hit or are near the bullseyes. Lance keeps firing regardless of whether he hits or not.

“You know I could make you a new stabilizing bracelet.” Pidge says, approaching Lance from behind.

He half-turns to acknowledge her, then returns to facing the targets.

“It's fine. I’m sure you’ve got more important stuff to work on.” Lance fires at another target, missing entirely.

Pidge cringes.

“...it was getting better.” Lance explains. “Before...well you know.”

He fires again. Another miss.

“...you know what ticks me off?”

“I’ve got a feeling you’re about to tell me?”

“The fact that no one else around here seems to remember that we’re fighting a war!” Another shot, another miss. “Shiro’s dead, yeah. But that doesn’t mean the bad guys are gonna stop working on their plan. We need the Black Lion back asap, or we aren’t gonna be able to stop them. We don’t have time to wait for Keith to get over the fact that Shiro’s gone.”

“Uh huh. And you are?”

“Huh?”

“You are over Shiro’s death already?”

“I’m trying to be practical.”

“No, I think you’re trying to fix a problem, so you don’t have to think about what happened. I know ‘cause my head was in the same place yesterday.”

“Oh yeah, and since when are you a master of psychology?”

“I’m not a master of psychology. Just a master of Lance being a doofus.”

“Wow, so now I’m an idiot for trying to actually deal with the problem at hand?”

“I didn’t mean…” Pidge sighs. “...I’m just saying I don’t think you’re thinking clearly, right now. None of us are. Some problems don’t have solutions.”

Lance hesitates. Then his eyes harden. “No...but I just thought of one for this one.”

He deactivates his bayard and marches out of the room. Pidge’s eyes widen.

“Lance?” She calls after him. “Oh quizank. Lance!”

She runs after him. Lance continues down the hallway, walking with a determined gait.

“Lance, what are you doing?” She says, running up next to him.

“We need the Black Lion, or we won't be able to form Voltorn. So then I’ll just take Red and go get it.”

Pidge blinks. Then stares. “You...you’re serious.”

“Sure am.”

“Lance that’s suicide!”

“Who says. Whatever anyone else around here believes, I’m actually a good pilot.”

“It's not a matter of skill, it's a matter of being literally impossible! We barely broke into the place with an entire fleet at our back! It would be insane to try it by yourself!”

“And that’s why they’ll never see it coming.” Lance quickens his pace, and Pidge has to struggle to keep up with the much longer-legged boy.

Some ways behind them, Hunk rounds a corner, looking curious.

“What’s going on, guys?”

“Lance is trying to do something stupid!” Pidge calls over her shoulder.

“Uh oh.”

Hunk starts to give chase as well.

Lance kicks open the exit door and strolls out.

It's raining outside. Clouds darken the sky, as their payload is released down to earth. The falling droplets beat against the four remaining lions, sitting in a row on the mud-covered ground. Lance moves towards Red.

Pidge and Hunk follow on his heels.

Pidge accesses her comm. “Allura you’d better get out here. Lance is about to take his lion and go after Black!”

“...wha..what!?” A groggy voice replies.

“Just hurry!”

Pidge catches Lance’s sleeve. “Lance!”

He stops in his tracks, frozen.

“Just...give this a second.” Desperation is thick in her voice.

“We don’t need to lose anyone else, Lance.” Hunk says. “Take a minute to calm down.”

Lance doesn’t reply.

“If you rush off like this…” Pidge has to take a moment to marshal her voice. “I...I don’t want to lose you too.”

“Yeah...well I don’t want people to die either!” He pulls his arm free. “So I’m going after Black. Because that’s the only way we have a chance of beating Zarkon!”

He starts walking towards Red again.

The door opens behind them and Allura stumbles back, looking disheveled.

“What is going on here!?”

“I’m going to do what needs to be done!” Lance calls back.

Allura looks to the other two for support, but they return helpless expressions.

“No one, is going anywhere...” A low but commanding voice says.

All turn to see Keith standing a few dozen feet to the side. He walks over, trudging through the mud.

“...not without thinking everything over, and coming up with a real plan for how to beat Zarkon.”

He stops in front of Lance, blocking his path to the Red Lion.

“Well look who finally decided to show up!” Lance exclames.

“I haven’t been around. I’m sorry. But I’m here now.”

Lance’s expression softens for a fraction of a second, before he shakes his head with anger. “Well, you’re a little late. Now if you don’t mind, I’ve got to go get the lion you left behind.”

Lance tries to step around Keith, but he moves to block him again.

“It's being taken care of Lance. So please, stand down.”

Lance scowls. “Maybe I don’t want to follow the orders of a guy who only decides to be our leader when it's convenient for him!”

Keith winces at that.

Lance brushes past him, but Keith catches his arm.

“...let go.” Lance’s voice is ice.

“I’m not going to let yourself get killed, Lance.”

Lance’s eyes flash with anger.

He whirls around and punches Keith in the face.

The other paladins gasp. Keith stumbled back, looking shocked.

Even Lance looks down at his outstretched fist, as if not believing what he’d just done.

Then, Keith’s eyes harden. “Fine, if it's a fight you want.”

Keith whips a lightning-fast jab that takes Lance in the chin. Lance falls back, flood slipping under the wet ground. He goes down on one knee. Keith doesn’t press, seeing if Lance will stay down. He doesn’t. Eyes burning with rage, Lance launches himself at Keith.

“Keith!”

“Lance!”

Allura and Pidge yell respectively, moving to dash towards the boys. They are stopped by Hunk grabbing hold of both of them.

“Hunk what are you doing?” Pidge demands.

“We need to stop this madness!” Allura objects.

Hunk doesn’t say anything at first, still watching the two boys swing punches at each other.

“Why are you fighting now, Keith? Don’t you just want to run away like you always do!? Like when you left to be with the Blades!?”

“I never ran from anything, Lance! I only ever did what I thought was right for this team!”

“Well you were wrong!” Lance tackles Keith to the muddy ground.

“...no.” Hunk finally says.

“No!?” the girls exclaim in unison.

“No.” Hunk decides nodding to himself.

“They’ll kill each other!” Allura says.

“No, no they wont. Even if they’re a little emotional right now, they aren’t that dumb. There’s been a fire burning between those two since the moment they met. It’s been cooling down lately, since they’ve both been acting more mature. But now with Shiro gone it's been reignited. Everything’s raw, and they aren’t holding back anything anymore. They need to work this out now, or they’ll never be able to understand each other.”

The girls look like they want to continue to object, but Hunk remains impassive. Reluctantly, they stop resisting, and watch their friends fight.

Keith is trying to pull Lance into a headlock, but he keeps twisting free, slicked by the mud.

“Why couldn’t you just let me go, Keith!?” Lance says shoving his hand into Keith’s face. “I was trying to save the day for once!”

“Because dammit Lance, you’re acting like me!” Keith grabs Lance’s wrist and uses it to twist his arm back, pushing Lance down into the mud.

“And what’s that!?” Lance grunts.

“Like an idiot!”

“At least we can agree on that!” Lance manages to twist free of Keith’s hold, and knees the other boy in the side. Keith rolls back and it’s Lance's turn to try and pull off a headlock.

“Be honest…” Keith says, voice straining from Lance’s arm against his windpipe. “You always h-hated me. N-never...could stand how much better I was.” Keith elbows him in the gut once, twice, then three times. Lance’s grip weakens and Keith breaks it entirely, before shifting around to try to swing at his face.

Lance catches his arm, and forces Keith back down to the ground.

“Hate you? Keith, I wanted to be you! You were so good it was stupid! All I ever wanted was to prove I could be as good as you were! And then you go and become the leader, and I actually believed in you! I had no idea you’d run away to the Blades the first time it got hard!”

Keith kicks Lance off him and lurches to his feet.

“I came back didn’t I?”

“Yes, and that’s the worst part! I actually thought you were different now! But without Shiro you just turned back into the same brooding loner from before!”

“Well I’m sorry my grieving was so inconvenient for you Lance! I wish I had the privilege of not having to care that Shiro’s gone!”

“You aren’t the only one that misses him!” Lance bellows, throwing a punch at Keith’s head.

Keith sweeps Lance’s legs, but the other boy drags too. They both hit the ground hard, breath leaving their bodies.

“I know Lance!” Keith shouts, panting. “....I know. And...I’m sorry.”

Neither make a move towards the other. They both stay down, panting.

“...I’m not the best leader. Maybe not even a good one. But I’m trying, Lance. And I’m not going to stop trying, even if I keep screwing it up. It’s why…” He laughs hysterically. “...it's why I’m lying here in the mud with you right now.”

Lance doesn’t say anything for a moment.

“...you know I thought bringing the Black Lion back would break you out of what you were going through….but you couldn’t even let me have that could you?”

Keith chuckles at that. “...sorry to disappoint.”

Lance shakes his head. “I really am an idiot aren’t I? Did I really think I was going to go charge through the enemy’s army and bring back Black? And I was mad at you for not handling Shiro’s death well? Couldn’t even give you a few days of peace.”

“No, you were right. It probably wouldn’t have come to this if I’d been open with all of you from the beginning.”

“And miss this epic fight of ours?”

Both laugh, then wince. The droplets of rain start to fall away as the sky overhead begins to clear.

Seeing that the fight is over, Allura, Pidge and Hunk rush over.

“Are you alright!?” Allura asks, holding Keith’s head. He nods and she helps him up to a sitting position.

Pidge also helps Lance up. Then she punches him in the side.

“Ow!”

“Idiot.” She scolds.

“...fair enough.” He sighs.

“You two get everything out you wanted to?” Hunk asks.

Both nod.

“Good...so I guess now we need to think of an actual plan to get the Black Lion back.”

“Actually…” Keith says, looking up.

Lance squints up at a dark spot in the sky that is growing larger. His eyes widened.

Seconds later, the Black Lion smashes down into the stone just a few feet away.

“...how?”

“A trick I learned from Zarkon. If he can control his Lion without being inside so can we. But I only unlocked the ability...after I saw Shiro’s Last Word.”

Everyone is silent for a minute.

“...you know It's kind of funny,” Lance finally says. “Shiro was always the one too keep us from being at each other’s throats. Guess we kind of missed the point when we ended up fighting over him.”

Keith cracks a smile. “He probably wouldn’t be too surprised. We always did take too long to learn his lessons.”

“Yeah, just think about how long it took us to form Voltron for the second time!” Hunk points out.

“Allura shouting at us sure didn’t help.” Pidge puts in with a coy smile.

“Oh I’m sorry!” Allura says in mock offense. “But it must have been awfully hard for them to connect with someone they didn’t even know was a girl!”

“Most of them did, besides Lance over here.”

They all laugh. Keith smiles.

“Do you guys remember when Shiro got so mad because…”

From a distance away, Krolia watches the group.

Coran steps up beside her. “They’re more resilient than you might think, that lot.”

Krolia smiles. “I was worried about Keith. He had to deal with so much alone and I wasn’t there. I thought without Shiro he’d find himself alone again. But it looks like I was wrong. He’s found himself a great family to rely on, after all.”

With that, she turns on her heel, leaving the kids to talk and laugh and cry about their times with their fallen friend.

#shiro #keith #lance #allura #pidge #hunk #voltron #legendary defender #season 8 #rewrite #fix it fic #get ready for tears #i'm not crying you're crying

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