#mad annoyed about the pretty red head that he lives with (lance asked him to live with him and he said YES)

[moop-snoop]

Started playing a Vampire the Masquerade 5e game n i have many art of my nosferatu boy Monty

Australian vampire stuck in Las Vegas cus some guy decided he needed him for his computer club 🙄

(Red head is a Toreador called Lance who is played my gf!)

[kingreywrites]

Beyond Those Trees

Fandom: Tangled

Word Count: 2263

Eugene Appreciation Week Day One: Childhood

Summary: When he was five, Eugene climbed a tree.

Note: i am very very weak for orphanage stories so here is a self-indulgent one asfhdghj also i generally hc that lance grew up for a few years with his parents before losing them (around the time he was six or seven) and then going to the orphanage and meeting eugene, which is why he won't really be there because they haven’t met yet ;;

Read on ao3

When he was five, Eugene climbed a tree. 

He shouldn't have climbed that tree. He knew the matrons at the orphanage would be mad at him, and tell him that he was causing trouble again, that he should stop making it more difficult on them by being up to no good all the time. Something like that, at least; he heard the sermon often enough. 

But, for all that they hated when he did stupid stuff, it wasn't like the matrons paid much attention to him in the first place. Not enough to stop him, in any case. As long as they didn't know, it would be fine, and Eugene knew they wouldn't notice anything if he did it before they checked where he was. So he left the orphanage right after lunch, went to the big old tree not too far at the edge of the village, and decided to climb it. He saw the older boys do it a few days before - they weren't his friends, and so he had been too shy to join them, but now he knew how to do it, and he wasn't gonna wait anymore. 

He wanted to do the same thing as Flynnigan Rider on the cover of his favourite book, the one he was painstakingly learning to read with. On it, the adventurer stood tall on the branch of a tree, looking towards the sun rising on the horizon. The rays of sunlight were the same colour as his treasure, and the golden accents were in relief - Eugene had traced them with his finger time and time again, yearning for a life like this one.

So Eugene climbed a tree. It wasn't too hard, and he was very proud of himself, because he knew the older boys had needed each other to get up there, but he had done it all alone. He reached the thickest branch he could see, stood up tall, and... well, Vardaros was not as pretty as the city drawn on his book, and the sun wasn't exactly rising, but it still looked wicked cool, in his own words.

If you had asked him then, he would have said that this was the best moment of his life.

He was bored after exactly four minutes. To be fair, there wasn't much to do on a tree, and he really wanted to go tell everyone about what he did - except the matrons, of course. Anyway, he reasoned, Flynnigan probably didn't stay there long either, instead running off to go on new adventures, which was exactly what Eugene was going to do. 

Eugene looked down. 

Climbing had taken him mere minutes. He had been so focused on his goal that he did not even stop to think about the height, or anything, really. But he looked down, and suddenly the distance to the ground was nauseating, and the closest branch seemed miles away. Leaning on the trunk, feeling small, Eugene shakily tried to extend his foot towards it, before immediately giving up. 

He... He was scared. 

As he remembers it today, the tree was the tallest thing he had ever seen, reaching towards the sky, nearly on par with the clouds. When he came back during his teenage years - when Eugene wasn't his name anymore and his dreams had drastically changed - he saw the tree again, and realised that it was simply a sad, old tree, who wasn't even that tall compared to those in Corona's luxurious forests.

But he had been five. He had been five, and little, and scared, so he had decided to stay on the tree, and wait for someone to notice his absence. Wait for someone to come help him. 

And he waited. And he waited. 

The sunset had been prettier, bathing the entire town in red and golden light, just like on his book. He hadn't really appreciated it. 

(When he tells this story, he always acts as if he had tried to distract himself, and that was it. He doesn't talk about the tears, and the heart wrenching loneliness he had felt, certain in that way kids were that this was permanent.) 

Exhaustion and fear got the best of him, and he fell asleep. When he woke up, he was still here, and no one had come. 

The sun was rising this time. Eugene got up, looked down, and something clicked for him. No one would come. He was cold, and scared, and hungry too, but no one would come, and so there was only one person who could save him. Only one daring adventurer, ready to brave his fear and save the day.

He tried to convince himself that this hero was him. Despite how terrified he felt, he was an adventurer, he was just like Flynnigan Rider, and Flynnigan never backed down when faced with a challenge.

"If it's not possible, it's not worth doing," he muttered, before jumping to the nearest branch.

Miraculously, he reached it. The same couldn't be said for the next branch, and he fell heavily to the ground.

He remembers pain exploding in his arm, staying on the ground for a long, long time, and then making his way back painfully, stomach growling loudly.

"Eugene?"

Rapunzel's voice breaks him out of his narration, and he looks at her, squeezing her hand lightly. They're both sitting in the special spot he found on the roof, an easily accessible ledge giving one of the best views on Corona.

"Yeah?"

"You said… You said this was a funny story," she remarks, tone hesitant, uselessly tucking a strand of her short hair behind her ear.

"It is!" he exclaims. "After spending all day and night away, I was so sure I would find the orphanage in absolute chaos that the whole way back I prepared a lie about going to fight off bandits or something. Imagine my surprise when not only no one had noticed I was gone, but the adults were even mad at me because I was late for my chores!"

He chuckles, and stops when he sees the lack of amusement in Rapunzel's eyes.

"It's funny because… I was being overdramatic?" he tries. Her frown deepens. "Guess you had to be there…"

"You were five," she protests. She's the one who takes his hand this time, an intensity he hadn't expected in her eyes. "You were five, and alone, and- no one cared you were gone?"

He opens his mouth, and closes it, unsure how to proceed. That wasn't the reaction he had expected. And, in all honesty, the way she said it did make the story sound sad, but it wasn't! He… They cared, he thinks, they would have if they had noticed because, at the very least, they would be in trouble with the law if they had lost a kid. They cared… They simply didn't know he had left.

"I got up to a lot of mischief at the time," he finally answers. "They were busy, and probably assumed I was out causing trouble."

Rapunzel stays silent after that. She holds his hand on her lap, and gently rests her head on his shoulder, while they both look at the view. The sun is setting on the horizon, bright and burning, the entire town glowing orange because of it.

Eugene sighs, and finally rests his head on top of hers, enjoying the soft brush of her hair against his cheek. Maybe this story isn't as funny as he remembers it. He's good at turning every little anecdote into something grandiose, entertaining whoever is willing to listen with his lively retelling, but… It's different, with Rapunzel. Everything is.

There's no hesitation to have when he says she cares, for one. Maybe she shouldn't, but she does, more than anyone ever did. She's also the first person in his life he doesn't want to lie to. The first person he doesn't feel like he has to lie to. She saw the worst of him already, saw how much of a selfish, useless jerk he could be, and she… she still loves him, for some reason. It's difficult to phantom, sometimes, and in the last month since their first meeting, Eugene kept worrying that he would wake up someday, and this dream would have ended as quickly as it started.

He's used to being forgotten, after all.

"I think we'd have been friends," Rapunzel whispers, interrupting his thoughts. "If we met, as kids. I think we'd have been friends."

"I was a troublemaker," he breathes out softly, still resting on her, "Sometimes, I acted out some scenes from my books, and it often ended with broken windows. You probably would have found me annoying."

"Oh I don't know, I think I would have enjoyed acting out those scenes with you, Mr Troublemaker," Rapunzel teased. "Though… Maybe you wouldn't have liked me. I was a bit of a crybaby when I was a kid, and not a great adventurer."

For a second, Eugene is glad she can't see him, because he knows his sadness for her must show. His heart tightens each time she mentions her childhood, and he remembers how lonely she had been, all alone in her tower.

"I would have loved you," is all he answers, and it's not even a lie. There's no universe in which he doesn't like Rapunzel, he's pretty sure of that, and even then… He had loved the younger kids, at the time. When he grew up a little, got over his tree adventure, and decided that he wasn't gonna be like the older kids he had known - he had read them stories, and had helped the new kids adapt, and had felt both happy and sad when they got adopted, and he inevitably wasn't.

And then… Then he started stealing, and it all went downhill from there.

"I would have loved you too," Rapunzel echoes, a bit too intensely. "We would have played together all the time, and- And I would have noticed that you were gone. I would have helped you come down from that tree."

They're still hugging. Still looking at the view, though Eugene is not seeing much of it, too focused on her words. He wants to joke that she couldn't have been more than one year old at the time, that she would have had trouble doing anything, but the deflection doesn't feel right. She's squeezing his hand tight, and he understands what she's trying to say, understands what she's trying to make him see.

"I know," he whispers, because he does. He knows she cares about him. He knows- He knows she wouldn't forget him. As much as he worries, deep down he knows she loves him, because she tells him and shows him in every little moment.

Rapunzel shifts, and they finally meet each other's eyes again.

"Do you know how I found you here?" she asks.

"Uh…" Eugene hesitates, thrown off by the subject change.

To be perfectly honest, he had come here because he was bored out of his mind, since Rapunzel was taken by her princess lessons, and no one really cared where he went as long as he didn't cause trouble. And then, all alone here with the sun shining warmly on his face, and the ledge offering more than enough space to stretch, Eugene had simply… fallen asleep.

Before waking up to Rapunzel curiously peering down at him, which surprised him so much it nearly made him fall off the roof. Thankfully, she had quick reflexes, and caught him, but she had looked spooked and he had wanted to make her feel better, thus the tree story he had been reminded of with this adventure.

"Usually, when my lessons are over, you always manage to find me and let me talk to you about my day, or try to take me on a date even when Cassandra says we can't, or… Well," Rapunzel chuckles softly, "what I mean is that you're always there. And today… Today you weren't."

"Oh," he breathes out.

"Cass said there was no reason to worry, and I knew she was right, but- but what if, you know? What if you were in trouble, or what if you had gotten hurt somewhere and couldn't come, or- or… I was worried," she sighs, looking down.

Gently, he put his hand on her chin, and made her raise her head again. The thing is, he does know what she was talking about. That worry gnawing at his insides every time he can't find her, and doesn't know where she is, he understands that all too well.

"I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay," she immediately corrects. "I simply… I notice your absence. Always, all the time, I notice when you are there or not, and I care about that. If… If you ever were in trouble, if you ever disappeared, I would find you, I promise."

When he sees the honesty in her eyes, Eugene thinks back to that little kid crying all alone on the branch of a too big tree. He thinks about him, growing up, meeting people he loved, finding a best friend in Lance, and yet continuing to ruin all of that little by little, because he was so sure the only way to carve his place in this world was by doing it alone.

He had been an idiot, he knows.

"I know you would, Sunshine," Eugene says. "I would too." Because now that they have each other, he knows that, no matter what, they will never let the other feel lonely ever again.

[justheretobreakthings]

Perchance to Dream

Written for @gentronlegendaryfriendships

Day Three: Telepathic Bond | Crying in Front of the Other

Written for @badthingshappenbingo

​Prompt: Sleep Deprivation

Word Count: 5,092 Fandom: Voltron: Legendary Defender Characters: Keith & Lance Read on AO3 My house, my rules, my ko-fi

Story Summary:

In the stress-filled days following Shiro's disappearance, it becomes clear that Keith is in desperate need of a good night's sleep. Lance and the rest of the team are determined to find a way to make that happen.

It was understandable that Keith would be in a bad mood as of late. After all, now that Zarkon was out of commission, a lot of political matters across the galaxies were up in the air, and the paladins were constantly meeting with one planetary leader after another. They were still having to keep up with battles and missions, and although the Blade was lending its assistance wherever it could, it still felt like they were spread thin now that they were short one paladin, and battles were that much more difficult now that they couldn’t form Voltron.

And, of course, there was the matter of what Shiro’s absence meant for Keith.

The other paladins didn’t have a whole lot of detail about what Keith had gone through when Shiro had disappeared on the Kerberos mission, since Keith wasn’t exactly eager to share any details about his past with anyone, but there were some things he couldn’t hide, not when some of his teammates were witnesses to them. Like the fact that Keith had been expelled from the Garrison for disciplinary issues within a week of the news of Kerberos breaking, or the fact that he had been living in self-imposed isolation for a year afterward, with no sign of having had contact with any sort of family or friends or of any family or friends even existing, until Shiro had finally returned, whereupon he steadfastly took up the role of Shiro’s right-hand man while remaining stubbornly closed off to everyone else in the Castle of Lions.

So, some emotional regressing was probably inevitable, and the rest of the team had formed an unspoken agreement to let it slide when Keith was snappish with them, when he skipped group meals and bonding sessions, when he stormed out of meetings, when he’d take the Red Lion out on yet another fruitless search for any sign of Shiro without letting anyone else know he’d be gone.

It was understandable, sure, but that didn’t mean they weren’t allowed to be irritated by it. And Lance was accustomed to being irritated by Keith, so it wasn’t like this was anything new. Just more of the same.

And more of the same also meant more venting about his Keith-related frustrations to Pidge and Hunk, who were annoyingly not particularly receptive to hearing about it.

“Look,” Pidge told him during one of these rants, cutting him off right in the middle of a very impassioned tirade about Keith having rammed into his shoulder in the hallway earlier that day without even stopping to apologize, “I’d be annoyed too, but cut him some slack. He just lost his brother, again. He has the right to be in a bad mood.”

“A bad mood, sure,” Lance said. “But there’s a limit to mood badness we should be willing to tolerate. Not like he’s never been a grouch before, but now it’s at the point where it’s messing with public image and missions. And team morale.”

“Him shoulder-checking you in the hallway really screwed up your morale that badly?”

“There’s no fucking way he doesn’t know he owes me an apology,” Lance snapped. “He’s just intentionally being a dick.”

“You always say that when it comes to Keith.”

“It’s always true.” He sighed. “Come on, help me out. When you get into a really bad mood about the situation with your brother and dad, you still pull yourself out of it after a while. What’s the difference there, huh? What do you do that Keith doesn’t?”

Pidge bristled. “I don’t get into ‘bad moods’, it’s perfectly justifiable to be pissed the fuck off when a tyrannical empire kidnaps your family and - ”

“Hang on, whoa, I wasn’t saying it wasn’t justifiable!” Lance said hastily. “I was just - ”

“So, what, does it mess with your fucking morale when I get grumpy about - ”

“I think what Lance is trying to say,” Hunk cut in, “Is that, when you’re feeling extra upset about the whole setting, the anger still settles. It’s just not sustainable to stay so angry for a longer period of time, you’d completely burn out and wind up basically breaking down. You’re mad about the whole thing, and rightly so, but you temper it enough that it doesn’t keep you from functioning and interfere with daily life, right? Meanwhile, Keith’s temper’s been flaring a lot longer than is healthy. It’s no good for him to not be coping.”

“Yeah,” Lance said with a nod. “Yeah, that’s exactly what I was gonna say.”

“Like hell it was,” Pidge muttered, but thankfully she let it go for now. “It’s not like I’m doing anything to work through the anger, really. Just, like you said, it burns out. Eventually I just gotta sleep it off, get some air, wait ‘til I can focus again.”

“Ah, okay, so Keith has to sleep it off,” Lance said. “I’m sure a nap will make everything all better again.”

“Hey, you asked how I deal, and I told you. Not my fucking problem if you don’t like the answer.”

“Well,” Hunk said slowly, “It… actually could help.”

Lance frowned over at him. “What do you mean?”

“It’s kind of a well-known fact that lack of sleep basically kills your mood, right? Just think of how cranky toddlers get after they miss a nap. I mean, I’m not trying to say Keith is a toddler or anything, or that this is a temper tantrum, nothing like that. But, well, he’s been really pushing himself trying to find Shiro, and he hasn’t really been recharging. He’s still up earlier than the rest of us, and a couple nights ago when I woke up halfway through the night and went to get a snack, he was up pacing the hallways.”

“Huh,” Pidge said. “Come to think of it, I’m usually the last one to bed, but I have heard Keith still moving around in his room a few times while I was heading to my room to sleep. And he’s been yawning a lot in diplomacy meetings. More than usual, I mean.”

“Oh!” Lance said. “And our last team training session, I was totally kicking his ass on reflex time against those drones! Normally he’s like, almost as fast as I am, but he was stumbling around like a drunk! Think that was because he was tired?”

“Lance, he normally has the fastest reflexes out of all of us,” said Hunk.

“No, no, we’re pretty much even. My reflexes just look slower to you guys because you’re more used to seeing them.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s how it works,” Pidge said, rolling her eyes. “But hey, the point stands. Bit of sleep would probably do him some good.”

“Well, if it means a possibility of a slightly less pouty Mullet stinking up the place? It’s gotta be worth a shot.”

---------------------------------------------------------

The next time Lance encountered Keith in the hall, he didn’t wait around to get brushed off or bumped into. Instead he strode straight up into the path of Keith’s stomping boots, earning himself a level glare that he pointedly ignored.

“Hey,” Lance said, “Cancel any plans you’ve got for tonight. We’re doing a sleepover.”

“... What?” Keith said, blinking uncomprehendingly.

Lance wasn’t sure if Keith was just taken aback by his abruptness, or if he actually didn’t know what a sleepover was. Just in case, he explained. “You know, we all gather together, have some quality bonding time, get as comfortable as possible, then pass out and sleep through the rest of the night and, if we did it right, half of the next day too. We’re all meeting in the paladins’ lounge, at - at half past, uh… fuck it, Altean clocks are stupid. Once you start seeing someone heading that way in pajamas, it’s time.”

“No thanks,” Keith grunted.

He moved to step around Lance, and Lance held out a hand to block him. “Wait, you gotta hear me out first. We’re all gonna put on our paladin pajamas and lion slippers - that’s all mandatory, by the way, sleepovers are very strict about dress codes - and gather up all the pillows and blankets we can find, and we’re going to basically transform the lounge into a massive blanket fort. And Pidge is gonna bring her caterpillars along to join, and they’re basically the softest things in all of existence, and we’re gonna taste-test some of Hunk’s new dessert recipes he’s trying out, get nice and stuffed before we go to bed. Basically, this is gonna be the best night’s sleep any of us have had in years.”

“I’ll pass.”

“No, look, you can’t pass. It’s team bonding.”

Keith huffed. “We do plenty of team bonding in all our battles and meetings. And speaking of which, we’ve got more important things to be focusing on than blanket forts.”

“Well, yeah, but how are we going to be able to focus on those important things if we don’t take some time to relax in between? All work and no play makes Keith a dull paladin.”

“All… what are you talking about?”

Lance sighed. “Okay, look, I’ll level with you. The whole team’s been kind of, uh, concerned, lately. About your mood. And Hunk noticed you haven’t been getting much sleep lately, and frankly it’s making you even more of a grouch than usual - no offense, I mean - so we figured - ”

“You have got to be kidding me,” Keith growled. “Yeah, I’ve been in a bad mood. Do you wanna guess why, Lance? Can you think of anything that might have happened lately that may be worth getting a little bit upset over? What could I be concerned about, huh? What could I possibly have going on that’s more important than a goddamn sleepover?!”

“See, this is exactly what I’m talking about,” Lance said. “Maybe if you got a decent night’s sleep, you wouldn’t be yelling at me right now.”

“I’m not yelling!” Keith snapped. “And I definitely don’t need you to be monitoring my sleep schedule!” He stepped around Lance, and this time, Lance didn’t stop him. “Have all the sleepovers you want, but leave me out of them,” Keith muttered as he left.

Lance slumped as he watched him go. He had figured that it would take a bit of convincing to get Keith on board for a sleepover, but he hadn’t actually expected him to get angry over it.

God, he definitely needed a nap.

“Stupid, stubborn Mullet,” Lance grumbled under his breath, scuffing his shoes against the floor as started back to the lounge.

-----------------------------------------------------

The sleepover may have been a no-go, but that didn’t mean they had to give up on Operation: Make Keith Actually Get Some Sleep quite yet, especially since, in the coming quintants, the dark bags under Keith’s eyes, the disheveled state of his hair and his clothes, and his irritability were all increasing before the very eyes of the rest of the team. If any of them had had any doubts over whether he was sleep-deprived, they were certainly dashed by now.

But since apparently Keith had some sort of issue with his teammates actively encouraging him to sleep, they agreed that they would have to try more subtle methods to get him past his insomnia, help him sleep without letting him realize they were doing it.

Lance initially proposed raiding the med bay for some sort of sleeping tonic and slipping it into his food, but that idea was shot down immediately by Pidge explaining that it would be too risky to use a medicinal sleep aid on someone when they didn’t know how it would react with his biology, and Hunk saying that drugging Keith without his knowledge and consent was just an extremely sleazy and messed up thing, and making it clear that he found it very disturbing that he even had to point that out to them.

But there were other things to try, discrete ways to try to make the Red Paladin a bit more susceptible to some solid sleep. Hunk planned out dinners over the next few nights that heavily featured poultry and whole grains, which he explained to Lance induced the production of some sort of sleep hormone - Lance honestly had sort of zoned out the moment Hunk started throwing science into the conversation. Pidge messed with the lighting in the living quarters to dim the lights in Keith’s room, just enough that he probably wouldn’t notice the difference, but would also have a slightly easier time falling asleep despite the light.

Even the Alteans got in on it, as it seemed the human paladins weren’t the only ones who had taken notice of Keith’s insomnia. Allura had them all do meditation shortly before the castle’s night cycle began, under the pretense of it being a training exercise for the paladin bond. Coran, who it turned out was an ardent advocate of aromatherapy, pumped some sort of faint fragrance into the air vents in the living quarters, which smelled a bit like lavender and vanilla, although with a certain tartness to the scent that was distinctly Altean.

And yet, even after all of that, they still weren’t seeing a change. It was frustrating, to say the least.

Lance decided to try his own hand at it a few quintants into their new subtle approach, figuring it couldn’t possibly hurt. He waited in his own room with the door kept open, until he saw Keith pass by in the hall and called him in.

“What?” Keith asked. The word came out sharp and tetchy, but lately that was how everything Keith said sounded, so Lance paid it no mind.

Instead, he simply held out his headphones. “Would you mind giving this a listen for me? I think something’s a little weird with the audio, like it’s scratchy or something, but it’s hard to tell. I wanna know if I’m just imagining it.”

“Wouldn’t Pidge be better with audio stuff?” Keith asked.

“With fixing it, yeah, but right now I just need someone to give a second opinion.” Lance bounced the headphones in his hand. “Come on, please?”

Keith let out a long, low breath, but he obliged, taking the headphones and sitting on the edge of Lance’s bed as he placed them over his ears. Lance gave him a thumbs-up and pressed play on his music player, watching Keith’s face carefully. This was a special mix he’d been using for the last couple of years, and the fact that he’d had his player in his backpack with him when they’d wound up in the Blue Lion was a godsend. A playlist of soft guitar songs and light Caribbean ballads with steady and melodic percussion beats, all interspersed with ocean sounds. It had lulled him to sleep every night since he’d been in the Castle of Lions.

The mix played for a few minutes before Keith moved one of the earphones aside and said, “I don’t hear anything weird.”

“You positive?” Lance said. “Listen real closely, all right? Close your eyes, it’ll help you concentrate.”

Keith did, and his eyes stayed closed for another few minutes before he shook his head. “It all sounds fine to me.”

“Well, that’s good,” Lance said. “Guess it was all in my head after all.” He accepted the headphones as Keith handed them back to him, then cleared his throat. “So, ah, did you like that music? You looked like you were enjoying it.”

“Sure,” Keith said with a shrug.

“Hey, that’s - that’s cool. Gives us something in common. You know, if you want, you can borrow my music player for a while.”

“That’s all right, you keep it.”

“No really, I think you’d like it. You could, like, give the whole mix a listen, let me know what you think. I bet you’ll enjoy it, I’m sort of known for having great taste in music.”

Keith narrowed his eyes. “What are you doing?”

“What do you mean?” Lance asked.

“Since when are you so eager to let me borrow your things?”

“Uh, since always? I’m generous.”

“Lance, last week I accidentally used your toothpaste instead of mine and you acted like I had stabbed you.”

Lance huffed. “Our bottles look completely different, how could you possibly have - ? You know what, not important. Just, I’m up for sharing now, okay? So come on, just take the music. You’ll like it.”

“Not until I figure out what you’re trying to - ”

“Jesus fucking Christ, I’m just trying to help you, Mullet! This is supposed to be relaxing! So could you quit being so goddamn stubborn for once in your life and just take the stupid headphones already?!”

A pause of silence stretched between them as Keith’s expression slowly fell to a dark scowl. “Oh my god. Is this seriously about that stupid sleep thing again?!”

“Yes,” Lance said, rolling his eyes. “You know what, yes, it is. And honestly, we shouldn’t be having to go to this much trouble to get a grown-ass adult to actually take a nap, and this is getting really ridiculous - ”

“Wait a minute, ‘we’?”

“Well, it’s kind of really fucking obvious that you haven’t gotten half a dobosh of sleep in ages, but since apparently you’re too proud or something to admit you actually need help, the rest of us have had to intervene to keep you from just straight up dying of exhaustion.”

“For the love of - I don’t need anyone’s help to sleep!”

“Oh, like hell you don’t. Look at you, the bags under your eyes are so big I’d have to check them at the ticket counter. I don’t know why you’ve gone and decided that having trouble sleeping is something you’ve got to be ashamed or whatever’s going on in your head, but - ”

“I can sleep just fine! I don’t want to sleep!”

“What, because you’re being so damn productive in those extra waking hours you get when you don’t? You’re not exactly doing yourself any favors here.”

“It’s got nothing to do with that!”

“Well then what’s it got to - ”

“Do you know what happens every time I fall asleep?” Keith snarled. “You know what I see every single time?”

“Uh…” said Lance.

“I see Shiro.” Keith crossed his arms, his scowl deepening. “Every time I close my eyes to go to sleep, it’s Shiro. Sometimes I see him bleeding out in the hall of a Galra base. Sometimes I see that gladiator arena he told us about, and he’s in the middle of it, barely hanging in there. Sometimes he’s just floating out in the middle of space and he’s cold and he’s too far from anyone or anything to get help. And sometimes it’s just the Black Lion, getting shot to smithereens right in front of me in the middle of battle and I can’t do anything to stop. He’s hurt and he’s dying and I just do nothing.

“Because that’s what I did, didn’t I?” He choked out a dry laugh that was completely devoid of any humor. “He got taken, right under our noses, and we didn’t even know until we got back to the hangars. He could be dead, or being tortured; maybe the Galra have something in mind for him that’s so horrible we can’t even fathom it. And we could have prevented it, but we didn’t. And it’s all I can think about, and when I’m asleep, it’s all I can see.

“Hell, I got nightmares after the Kerberos thing too, imagined his shuttle crash-landing against that stupid moon and wound up with that playing over and over every night. But at least that time, it wasn’t like it was my fault. Not like I was there and could have done anything. Not like I’d ever seen Shiro hurt and scared before, so my stupid brain couldn’t use that for reference. This time, though?” He tapped his temple. “It’s all there. Just waiting to play out.”

He took a shaky breath. “If I stay awake as long as possible, though, just let my body pass out when it can’t handle being awake for one more second, I don’t dream. I guess I’m just, like, too exhausted for the subconscious to do anything but wait for me to wake up. So I can’t sleep until I absolutely have to, you know? Because if I don’t I end up - I have to see - ” He gritted his teeth and scrubbed at his eyes with the heels of his hands.

“... Shit, dude,” Lance said, slowly lowering himself onto the bed next to Keith. “I, uh… I didn’t know.”

“You weren’t supposed to,” Keith grunted. He lowered his hands and Lance could see the glistening of tears there before he brought his knees up, wrapped his arms around them and buried his face in them. “God, you’re not supposed to see this.”

“Why not?” Lance asked softly. “Keith, if you’d told us what you were dealing with, we could’ve helped you out.”

“How?” Keith snapped. “You can’t control what I dream about, you can’t undo what happened to Shiro. I just - I have to deal with this.

“Keith, you don’t need to - ”

“Yeah, I do.” He sniffed, wiping at his eyes. “Okay? And this isn’t me being stubborn or anything, I’m just stating facts. This isn’t something that can be fixed, it’s just something I - something I have to figure out. Somehow.” He coughed. “So, please, Lance. Stop trying to help. Tell the others to stop trying to help.” With one last sniff and failed attempt to blink away the now cascading tears, he stood and turned away. “I’ve gotta go,” he mumbled. “Should really get to the training deck.”

“But - ”

“Don’t - don’t tell the others. About this. It’ll just… make them worry.” And before Lance could say anything in response, Keith was out the door.

------------------------------------------------------------------

It was several vargas later that Keith finally stopped training and came back to the living quarters, and by then the castle was well into its night cycle. Keith was drenched in sweat, trembling somewhat from exertion as he trudged his way back toward his room.

So, the sight of Lance standing in front of the door probably wasn’t a welcome one, and Lance was unsurprised by the glare he received as Keith approached, which deepened further as he spotted the music player in Lance’s hand.

“What the hell are you doing?” Keith asked.

Lance took a deep breath. “I, uh - I had a bit of an idea. I know you said you don’t want me to, like, get involved in - in this whole thing going on with you, but I gave this a lot of thought, I really did, and I think you should hear me out. I’ve got something you really need to try.”

“Lance,” Keith sighed. “We already went over this. I don’t need you to help me fall asleep. And besides, the music, the beach sounds? They just don’t work for me, okay? There’s no point in - ”

“No, okay, I know we went over all of that,” Lance interrupted. “But this is different, I swear.”

“Lance - ”

“Look, this is either going to be the dumbest thing I’ve ever done for you, or a stroke of absolute genius. It’s like fifty-fifty and we won’t know which one it is until we try it. So, here.” He held up the headphones. “Just give it a shot.”

Keith frowned down at the headphones, but slowly, he obliged, taking them from Lance’s hand and positioning them onto his head. “All right,” he said, closing his eyes. “Ready.”

Lance nodded and pressed play, then watched Keith’s face. At first he remained stoic, then, gradually, his brow began to scrunch in confusion. Lance held his breath as he watched, and after about a minute Keith’s eyes opened to look warily at him. “What… what is this?” He moved the headphones down, and Lance could just hear the sound of the playing track: a voice, soft and tinny at this distance from the earpiece but still confident and sincere. “We’re entering a new era of human exploration of the unknown universe, and every one of you has the ability to become part of history.”

“That,” Lance said, “Is a speech that was made about five years ago at my middle school, and probably a couple hundred others. By a certain Galaxy Garrison lieutenant I admired very much.”

“Yeah.” Keith brought the headphones off his head completely to stare at in his hands. “Thought I, um, recognized it. How did - how did you even get a recording of it way out here?”

“I downloaded a video of it that was on Youtube, converted into an MP3. Listened to it while I worked on my Garrison application, because that stupid application process was frustrating as shit and I needed the motivation. Guess I just never deleted it.”

“...Oh.” Keith kept staring at the headphones for a while longer before slowly moving them back up onto his head and closing his eyes again. Lance watched as he stayed still, for long enough that Lance was starting to wonder if Keith had forgotten he was there, when Keith finally opened his eyes back up and pushed the headphones aside again. “It’s… nice,” he said softly. “Hearing him talk. I’d… forgotten… how nice that was.”

Lance gave him a small smile. “Yeah. That’s the idea. See, I got to thinking, about the stuff I was having you try listening to before, and how you didn’t find it relaxing the way you were supposed to, and I realized, like, the reason that that stuff calms me and helps me sleep, is because it’s for me, specifically. Like, the Timba music is stuff I’ve been listening to my whole life, that I’d play in my room at home all the time, and the ocean sounds, they make me think of swimming and going to the beach with my family and laying down on a surfboard to watch the sun and stuff. And, you know, stuff like that, it makes me feel at home, right? It feels peaceful, and familiar, and safe, and that’s all good for getting a good night’s sleep, and for keeping the bad stuff away.

“But for you, well, none of those sounds are really home to you, are they? The music genre’s kinda niche, and I figure you’re more into… I dunno, punk rock? Post-hardcore? Some genre where your mullet might be considered acceptable. And as for the ocean sounds, I mean, you lived in the middle of the desert and you don’t even swim.”

“I can swim,” Keith said.

“Eh, you don’t so much swim as just ‘not drown’, but whatever,” said Lance. “Point is, they weren’t the right sounds for you. So I asked myself, okay, what sort of things would make Keith feel at home? Duh, explosions. But then I realized explosion sound effects would probably be hard to sleep through, so I went searching through my MP3s and found this. And, like, it works doubly well because if you fall asleep with this playing and Shiro shows up in your dream, then your subconscious or whatever might connect the two. So instead of him, um, going missing or - or stuff like that, dream-Shiro will start giving a motivational speech instead. You know, how sometimes when you’re asleep and dreaming and you hear a sound in real life and your brain just sort of incorporates it into the dream? I mean, it’s just a theory, but it has to be worth a shot, right?”

“Lance, I dunno if - ”

“Yeah, I don’t really know for sure either. Might be a little out there. But, you know. I just thought maybe this could be, uh - this could work. Here, you can set it to play the track on a loop like this, see.” He held up the player to show him. “And the whole thing is about an hour long, so it’ll probably only make it through one loop, if even, before you fall asleep, so you don’t need to worry about it getting super repetitive and driving you crazy. Now, the real motivational stuff is only at the beginning and the end. The whole forty-five minutes or so in the middle is mostly just talking about the Garrison’s programs and how to apply and stuff like that, but that’s still probably better than nothing, right? You can dream about Shiro in teacher-mode or whatever.”

Keith bit his lip in thought, eyes darting between Lance and the headphones, before quietly saying, “... Yeah. Maybe.”

“Try it, at least. For the team’s sake, yeah? ‘Cause we’re all kinda worried about your health at this point, and - and I don’t care what you say, you really need a good night’s sleep.”

“...Okay.”

“Okay?”

Keith nodded, reaching and hand out to take the music player from Lance. “I’ll try it, at least.”

“Great!” Lance said, face brightening. “Let me know tomorrow how it goes, okay?”

“All right,” Keith said. “And, um - just - for the uh, for the - I just - it’s, um, it’s nice to know that you guys all - ”

“Yeah, you’re welcome, Mullet,” Lance said. “Now, go the fuck to sleep.”

-------------------------------------------------------

For the first morning in a long time, Keith wasn’t the first paladin up and about. In fact, Lance, Hunk, and Pidge were all already halfway through their breakfasts when Keith finally showed up in the kitchen, blinking drowsily against the light. But it was a different drowsiness than usual. The sort of drowsiness that came from just having woken rather than from desperately needing to go to bed.

Wisely, none of them made any remarks about the change. They bid him good morning and asked if he’d like to join for breakfast, as casually as they would have on any given morning on the castle before Keith’s whole insomnia episode began, and he accepted, his focus entirely on the food in front of him.

Lance waited until Hunk and Pidge started their own conversation, distracted enough by each other not to pay the rest of the table any mind, before tapping the table near Keith’s plate and giving him a questioning thumbs-up. Keith nodded, and Lance smiled as what he had already suspected was confirmed: Shiro’s speech had worked.

Lance was a goddamn genius.

And in the following quintants, as Keith gradually grew less irritable and the bags beneath his eyes started to fade, it became easier to believe that maybe, the team could get through this. Keith could get through this.

He just needed his goddamn genius teammates to help out a bit sometimes. That’s all.

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

Once Bitten, Twice Stupid prt.38

Heading back downstairs, Shiro was leaning against the wall at the foot at the stairs. Keith had intended to head back to the kitchen, try to keeps his temper then find an opening, apparently that wasn’t going to happen

“Want to tell me what that was?”

“Lance was upset. I was checking on a friend”

“Alright. I get it, you’re mad at me. I thought we could talk”

“By ambushing me?”

“By waiting for you. Look, I know I was gone for the better part of a month, and I’m sorry it took that long”

“You left me here”

“And you seem fine. You’ve even befriended Lance”

“He’s not... he isn’t like normal vampires”

“We already knew that. So can we talk? Or are you still mad at me”

“Both. Where’s everyone else?”

“Curtis is with Matt and Rieva. They wanted to take a walk outside after all the travelling we’ve done”

“Then we’ll go to the living room”

Despite the space, Shiro sat right next to him on the couch. The hunter didn’t like being mad at Shiro, but his emotions had the better of him. Shiro knew that as well as he did

“Soooo...?”

Keith closed his eyes, feeling like this was going to be a long conversation

“You transferred us”

Opening his eyes, Keith didn’t know what to do with his hands. He kind of hoped Blue would come flying from nowhere and land on his lap to give him something to keep him preoccupied

“Ah. Yeah. It was one of the conditions of Matt’s and Rieva’s release. We’ve got a meeting with Coran on Sunday, and he’s going to find us an apartment in Platt”

“So it’s all decided then”

“You sound like you want to stay here. Are you and Lance that close?”

“He’s not intolerable... He’s actually... He’s actually pretty fun to hang out with”

“So leaving you here wasn’t all doom and gloom?”

“No. But... it’s complicated”

“Tell me about it”

“I will if you tell me where you’ve been”

“You know the Blades. Meeting after meeting, then waiting on their decisions. Coran’s done such a good job with his management of the area that they were willing to have him vouch for both Matt and Rieva on the condition we deal with a vampire problem emerging in Platt”

“There’s always something. What about Lance? What’s the verdict on him?”

“Provided he continues check-in’s with Coran and continues to drink blood bags, they’ll monitor him for the next six months. Shouldn’t be a problem”

That was easy for Shiro to say. Keith was the one who had to tell Lance that there’d be an invisible collar around his neck

“Great”

Shiro bumped his shoulder against Keith’s

“Keith. What happened with you? I don’t know what it is, but something seems different about you?”

“A good different? Or a bad different?”

Keith didn’t like the word “different”. When people told him he was different it was usually followed by him being left behind

“Good. You seem more relaxed. The house seems to be standing too, and you seemed concerned about Lance”

“Lance is always tense. He hasn’t been well, so he’s got a lot on his mind and he feels bad about before... but... He’s a good person”

Shiro leaned back against the couch cushions, eyebrow raised

“He’s a vampire. You were certain he did something to you”

Aaaaaand he regretted what he’d done. Past him was a very stupid man

“I’m not saying he didn’t . He didn’t turn me. Coran said he didn’t. I’m human... but... I... I’m having problems with my heart. Lance is worried about it. I guess I am too... He wanted to make sure we talked”

Shiro’s grey eyes widened at him, expression clouding with worry

“What do you mean something’s wrong with you heart? Why didn’t you tell me? Does Coran know? Have you gone for a physical?”

“I was...”

“This is your health! What have you been doing here this whole time? How could you ignore your health?!”

There’s been a lot going on... and it wasn’t like he’d died

“Because I wasn’t the only one with something going on. Lance has been sick. It’s not like I can just go to a doctor. You need to calm down. I can’t talk to you when you’re being like this”

Shiro got to his feet, Keith knew he was about to start pacing. He was bad before Adam’s death, but now he was ridiculous. He’d pace himself into a hole if left alone

“You should have told me”

Shiro started the dreaded pace, one arm across his stomach as his hand went up to pinch the bridged of his nose

“I’ve been fine... it’s annoying but I’m okay. Besides, how could I tell you when I have no idea what you were doing”

“I was taking care of things”

“You left me here! I thought I was turning and you left me here”

“I had to help Matt...”

“You up and left. Lance has been sick. He’s been sick and he’s been struggling. He’s the one turning! And he’s not okay. You have no idea how hard he’s trying to be okay!”

Shiro paused mid-pace

“What are you talking about? Why are you so concerned about him?”

“We got close. While you were gone. I like him”

“What’s that got to with things? We’re talking about you”

Shiro had left him with Lance. The pair of them had seemed friendly enough before Shiro left. Shiro had to have some kind of feeling he could trust Lance to leave him in his care... Not that he wasn’t old enough to care for himself. He didn’t want to talk about his heart or the vampire who’d weaselled into his heart. He’d let Shiro lead the conversation away from their sudden move and transfer

“I mean, I like him. He’s helped me with a lot of things he didn’t need to. And... we got closer. Heaps closer. He even got me a new camera so I’d have something to do. And clothes. Oh, and he lets me choose my coffee and buys lactose free milk because of me”

“I’m not seeing how what’s going on with him as affected you so much, to the point you didn’t call me to tell me that you’ve been having problems with your heart”

Of course he didn’t. He didn’t want to hear anything that was more important than the issues he was having

“Coran says we have compatible quintessence. My blood... my blood changed him. I was the first human he drank from, or he would have presented earlier... Coran says he a “breeder””

“What’s that?”

“It means Lance isn’t safe. He’s a target for vampires and werewolves if this gets out. He can have children”

“Keith, he’s male. He can father children”

His brother was fucking dense

“Lance has the bits to grow a child, because of my blood. He can fall pregnant”

Shiro looked ready to have a stroke on the spot. He was pissed

“That’s not funny”

“I’m not joking. He’s been sick because his body has been growing the parts he needs to carry, like a womb and shit. His body isn’t stable right now. He keeps getting random flushes of what he’s calling heat, like a werewolf. It’s also why he keeps randomly turning into a bat when his emotions get too much. So yeah, we’ve been dealing with a lot since you left”

“How does this relate to you not telling me about your heart?”

“Because it doesn’t happen all the time. I’ve been fine training and living here. I’m going to sleeping in his room tonight”

“Absolutely not. Not if you’re sick”

“I’m not sick! My heart just keeps racing for no reason, or it get all warm in my chest. It mostly happens when Lance is around, so we’ve both been monitoring it”

Shiro threw himself down next to him. His brother looking serious

“Tell me more. What does it feel like?”

“I don’t know. Sometimes it’s racing, or sometimes it gives this weird beat, and sometimes my chest feels tight when it’s racing... like I said, it mostly happens when Lance is around for no reason”

“When Lance says something or does something?”

“I don’t know, maybe. Like when he laughs or smiles...”

Keith’s chest was starting to feel kind of tight thinking about Lance... He had this annoying way of laughing with his whole body when he laughed, that wasn’t annoying at all even if it should be

Shiro let out a deep breath

“Don’t do that to me. Do you know how worried you had me?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Your heart was racing, right then. When you were thinking about Lance?”

“How did you know?”

He couldn’t stop his stupid heart from being stupid for no good reason

“You have a crush”

“What do you mean I have a crush? It’s been happening for weeks”

Keith would know it was a crush! He’d know! He’d know... He’d... know...

“We can’t be sure. We’ll have Coran run tests in Platt, but what you’re describing sounds a lot like you’ve got a crush on Lance. Your heart racing and skipping a beat when he smiles. I bet you didn’t even realise you had feelings like that”

“I’ve kissed people, you know”

“Kissing is easy. Love, not so much. I definitely don’t think it’s wise for you to share a bed with Lance”

“Why not?”

“Because you have a crush on him. It’ll leading to feelings and you’ll do something stupid like ask him out”

Keith frowned

“What’s so stupid about that?”

“Well, think about it. How would it work between a vampire and a human? For one, he doesn’t grow old like we do. And now you say he’s a breeder... someone who’s in danger. No. It’s better you put some distance between you and him”

“And what if we were already dating?”

Shiro laughed. He laughed so hard Keith wanted to kick him in the face

“What’s so funny?”

“I left you with him for a month. You can’t possibly be dating so fast. You didn’t even realise you had a crush on him”

Keith went bright red. It wasn’t his fault. He didn’t go around asking for random crushes to attack him with physical symptoms

“Things change. I’ve changed...”

“You’re a human. You’re my kid brother and you’ll always be my kid brother, all it takes is a glance around this place to see you two live in totally different worlds”

“Yeah. Well, I like him”

“We were sent to kill him”

“By his brother”

That sobered Shiro’s laughter right up. Keith secretly enjoying knowing Shiro was now kicking himself hard. It was his brother’s fault for failing to listen to him properly. He’d tried to tell Shiro he really, really, really liked Lance without smothering him with information or making himself seem stupider

“What?”

“His brother. He’s the one who put the job in. He’s paranoid Lance is going to hurt their mother”

“His own brother... That’s... that’s not right”

“Nope. He won’t even do anything about it. I never thought I’d be friends with a vampire, but he’s a good man”

“You’ve said that more than once now. Are you really that close?”

“Yeah... He’s my friend. He hasn’t hurt me. Even when I thought I was turning, he didn’t physically hurt me to prove it. Coran said that fresh blood would help take away his pain, but he won’t drink me from because he doesn’t want to hurt me. He collapsed a mineshaft to protect Pidge...”

“He did what?”

“Pidge found a map of the old mine entrance... so we broke in...”

Shiro sighed in disappointment before scolding him

“Keith! What were you thinking?!”

Keith huffed. He’d been fine. Lance had done the hard work. Plus, they’d found that cool cavern

“Lance went first. He didn’t want me to come down...”

“He should have stopped you”

“He was underground... it was kind of cool down there... And I met his mum... He’s the least vampire vampire I’ve ever met”

“He’s still dangerous”

“He’s not going to put me in harm. If anything, he’s fucking paranoid about hurting anyone”

He was getting angrier by the second

“Keith, I’m not trying to dismiss your feelings, but dating Lance isn’t safe for either of you. If he really is a breeder, what do you think the order will do to him?”

“You’re going to report him?”

“No. I owe him for giving you a place to stay, and for taking Matt, and Rieva, in. But you have to understand how it would look”

“I like him”

“I know kiddo, but one day you’ll meet someone and you’ll know. Even if it takes months, you’ll find someone”

Telling Shiro wasn’t going to be an option. Not until his brother destressed enough to be rational

“Whatever. I’m still mad at you. How did bringing Matt here take nearly a month?”

“You know there’s a process to these things”

“And I know the Blades precious Champion means you have sway. Did you at least ensure that pack in Prague was gone for good?”

“Krolia saw to it. She asked after you”

“So?”

“So, maybe you should reach out to her”

“She’s made it clear to her job comes first”

“She still loves you. You know she always enquires about your missions”

“Yeah, because she’s making sure her precious legacy hasn’t ruined her name”

“That’s not it, and you know it”

“Shiro, fucking drop it. You’re impossible to talk to when you get like this. Go take a damn nap, and stop being so sangry”

“Sangry?”

“Scranky. Scangry. Sangry. Whatever being cranky is because you’re sleepy”

“I wasn’t aware I was”

“Now you know. I missed you, you arsehole”

“I missed you too, kiddo. It won’t be much longer and we’ll have our place again”

“I can’t fucking wait to hear your snoring again”

Oh let him count the ways he missed sleepless nights and wondering he should just smother Shiro with a pillow so he’d manage a few hours sleep before his morning coffee. Shiro laughed it off

“I prefer to think of it as breathing loudly to remind you I’m still alive”

Keith rolled his eyes. He’d kill Shiro himself if his brother thought of leaving him permanently

“There’s breathing and there’s sounding like a freight train mid accident”

“You wound me. Here I was, thinking you were doing better”

“I was until you went into douche mode because you haven’t had your nap”

“Aww, so you do care about me”

Keith kicked Shiro’s leg the best he could

“Your my brother, I don’t not care about you. I’m just angry you made all the decisions and you won’t even listen about Lance”

“That’s because what you’re saying shouldn’t be possible”

“Shouldn’t be, but it is. Just like Curtis shouldn’t be alive, but somehow you neglected to tell me that he is”

Shiro cleared his throat, after making a strange cough like he’d choked on air

“Yes, well... I’m as relieved as you are that he seems to be doing well. I might take that nap”

Fucking sprung right there. Shiro seemed guilty as hell and if his brother was dating Curtis then he had no right to talk about him dating Lance. He was going to find out what was going on between the pair of them, but first he had a stick to find.

[alolanrain]

Cursed Object

(all true stories, just with characters swapped in for people)

It starts on July 3rd, 2007. Delia is inlisting all of Red’s friends, their parents, Ash, and the Oaks into helping clean out her garage and finally throw away junk from her late husband since he was a fucking Packrat. At this point she enlisted like half of pallet Town in the beginning. The sun was setting and they can finally see most of the garage flooring. Everyone was chugging drinks and eating several boxes of pizza Blue’s mom had ordered because no one was cooking that night. Everything was fine...

Until Red, at the ripe old age of 7, came ambling out of the garage with a large plastic bat that was a horrid Orange color.

“Mama?” Red yelled across the yard to his mom who was talking to Blue’s Grandma, easily getting Delia’s and half the people’s attention as well, “what’s this?” Raising the plastic bat into the setting rays it flashed an even brighter disgusting orange.

“I don’t know, sweetie.” Delia sighed before waving her eldest away. Eyeing Blue who was cooking over 4 year old Ash and Gary who was six months younger.

“That’s a Wiffleball bat, my boy.” Professor Oak scared the living daylights out of Red by landing a hand on his skinny shoulder. “Your father was great at baseball and Wiffleball was his first sport. He wanted to play with you and Ash when you two had gotten older but never found the time with his job.”

“Ah.” Red muttered lamely before ducking out of Oaks grip and trotting over to his friends. Green had his baby brother in his grip that was eyeing the bat. Red gave the bigger end to the boy, allowing him to feel the surprisingly soft playable plastic, and pulling it away soon after when he tried to put his mouth on it. Luckily he didn’t fuss, turning back to his teething ring instead while eyeing at Blue who still cradled Red’s own brother.

“You know,” Green started, that greedy look in his eyes shining brightly and caused a sinking feeling to form in Reds gut, “Wiffleball and baseball sound pretty lame and boring. I would be embarrassed if my dad made me play baseball.” He spat.

Next thing any adult knew Red had Instinctively swung the large plastic bat as hard has he could in his sitting position next to Green directly into the boys face. Causing Green to drop Gary and for both boys to start wailing. Gary because he bonked his face directly into the dry, hot summer ground, and Green because his nose was now bleeding.

“At least my mom didn’t leave me by choice.” He spat before making eye contact with Blue who looked at him with wide eyes and then at Ash who started tearing up from the yelling.

“Alfred Johnston Ketchum!” Delia screeched across the yard. Making everyone, who was in shock because passive, soft spoken, and loving Red had just down that, jump at the women’s sudden scream of rage.

Red immediately let go of the bat and immediately looked between Green, his hands, and then to his mom before repeating.

———

The next time the bat was taken out of the garage, and Delia had sworn to the police that she had torn the thing up in front of all the rest of adults after the kids were sent home, was next month. Red and Green made their truce yet again for the fifth time since the end of July.

They were playing some kind of ball game out in the back of Greens Grandpa’s lab. Gary and Ash were at some kind of baby appointment so the kids were put under Oaks watch... though he isn’t really doing a lot of kid sitting when he’s staring at the TV half dead basically from the heat.

Red had gone home, while Blue went to hers and Green went down to the Professors basement, to try and find a bat. When he got into his garage, sitting right in the middle of the concrete floor, was the Wiffleball bat. Shrugging he leaped down the two steps and scooped the bat up before charging, much to his mistake, across town and back to the Oak Labs. Both Blue and Green couldn’t find a better bat at their place so they used the one Red brought.

They only lasted an hour until the sun peaked at its hottest and the parents weren’t back yet either. Probably having lunch or grocery shopping since they are in Veridian.

“I’m hot!” Blue complained. Dragging her feet and pulling at her dress. Red chose not to comment at the pit stains that were growing where her dress was pressed between her armpits. “Can’t we go inside?”

“And listen to Grandpa snore the entire time?” Green asked, Shaking his head, “absolutely not. We can’t even change the channel or else he’ll get super mad when he wakes up.” A loud snore echoed from the open window into the living room and made all three kids flinch a little. Lousy old man. “Let’s just continue on playing.”

He tossed the ball to Blue, who had the orange bat that looked even worse out in the sun, who tried to swing it but was to slow.

“I’m tired!” She threw the bat down. Tears pricking her eyes as she continued to stomp her feet like it was supposed to intimidate Red and Green besides being annoying. ”tired, hot, and hungry!”

“Oh stop being a pansy!” Green snarled. Red could only nod his head and murmur and verbal agreement with Green.

“I’m not a pansy!” Blue shouted before stomping off and into the porch. Twirling around and sinking down onto a shaded step. Crossing her arms and pointing while glaring holes into Greens head.

Reds best friend turned to him and pointed behind his back at Blue, “girls are always so weak against guys, that’s why they stay at home and take care of the babies and chores while we men do the real work.”

Next thing Red knew Green had almost fallen into him. Blue standing behind him with the Wiffleball bat raised and an angry rabid look into her eyes. Before Red could do anything to try and placate both or just one of them. Blue descended upon Green.

Hit after hit, Blue didn’t stop. A look Red had only seen in one of those horror movies on the killers face on hers. His little feet carried him into the hose before nearly barreling into Grandpa Oak who started awake with a shout.

“It’s Blue and Green,” Red panted, “their fighting and Blues trying to draw blood.”

“Fucking Arceus-“ Oak struggles to get up from the rocking recliner.

“Grandpa! Make Blue stop!” Green shouted from the backyard. Pokémon from big to small had come out fo their hidy-holes to see what was happening.

“Make me yourself coward!” Blue shouted back before a particular loud Thwak! Was heard.

“Grandpa!”

“What happened to men being stronger then girls!? Where’s your logic now you wet-willy bug-sucker!”

That had ended with the parents rushing home, police called by a bitchy neighbor named Mr. Hickiby, and an ER lady stitching the side of Greens forehead in an ambulance that was also called because Mr. Hickiby had exaggerated every detail over the call.

All three were so grounded.

———

The Wiffleball bat popped up once more around 2010, August 18 to be exact. No one knew where Ash had gotten ahold of it since the three had set fire to the bat last year. but soon he was charging out of the front entry way with Houndoom hot on his heels, speedy little fucker Ash is, and came speeding past Red who was walking home and Berliner straight for Champion Lance who was walking a bit behind Red to enjoy the view of the country side of Kanto.

Lance has bugged Red to show him his home town, not like there’s a lot to see in little ol’Pallet Town besides fields and farms and more fields. Now that Red was an equal to Lance and also technically Lance’s boss since he’s apart of the aka to Elite Four he had wanted to get to know more fo the soft spoken boy.

The Champion wasn’t expecting him to have such a terror of a little brother.

Ash had planted his feet down and slid in the loose gravel. Sliding by and swinging the Wiffleball bat as much as he could into Lance’s groin. Making the much older man double down and the force swung little Ash aroudn to where the bag had hit Lance’s ass with the same amount of force. This causes Lance to sink to his knees with a high picked whine.

Soul the Houndoom, Red and Ash’s mother’s Pokémon, barreled into Ash and bit into the loose part of a shirt and continued to tug the little seven year old back to the house.

Red had yelled at Ash without any words before turning to Lance. Not knowing what to do. All the while trying to ignore Green and Blue who chased Ash and Soul out of the house and are fucking loosing it behind the two in the grass.

Ash shouted that he was in the right because the strange weirdly dressed man, who must be higher then a kite, looked like he was gonna mug Red. That had sent Green and Blue deeper into hysteria while Red tried not to let his anger get the best of him.

———

The bat didn’t make a resurface until December 12 of 2012. Ash was nine and Red was twelve. His ass had just gotten dragged down from Mount. Silver by Green, Blue, two kids named Gold and Crystal, and then his hidden affair brother named Silver a year ago and Red was having his first Christmas with his family after two years.

Red was sleeping off a cold and Ash had just coe charging into the living room. Livid and holding the same plastic orange bat from Green and Blues memory.

“What’cha got there bud?” Gold, a fucking year older then Ash himself, asked.

“Someone,” Ash was already nearly yelling as he glare sweeper through the room, thankfully Delia had left to go last minute Christmas shopping and left everyone to watch Ash, “destroyed my snowman with this!” He shock the bat in the air before letting it fa back down by his side, “and not the hole in its stomach is bright red!”

Blue scrambled up from her slouched position on the one person seat to look out the window at Ash’s actually destroyed and fake bloodied snowman with a large red hole in the middle and red flakes everywhere. “Well damn,” she muttered, “He’s right.”

“Well I know it’s no one in here.” Green didn’t look up from his phone. Texting Lance about his orientation of being Viridian’s new gym leader after Red had knocked that greasy Mankey Giovanni down.

The others muttered their agreement, which was a mistake, and Ash raised the bat to grip it with two hands and yelled “Red you big meanie! You killed my snowman!” And then went charging up the stairs to Reds room.

The other kids were left speechless and in shock before there was a familiar loud Thwak! Noise and then a angry shout before Ash’s scream of terror then the two brothers charging down the stairs.

Ash was only saved by certain death by the hands of Red because Red was only in a shirt and some shorts and also obviously still very sick.

———

It was September 30th, 2015, and Silver had gotten his hands on it this time around. No one really stopped him as he had pinned Gomd down and had beatened him over the head continuously for four minutes before throwing the Wiffleball bat down and storming into the house. Hiding himself in Ash’s unused room, who was in Orange Isles at the time, to scream wordlessly.

Red and Green just dipped their coffee while Blue stomped forward for her own piece.

[angels17324]

The Violet Paladin (Keith x Reader) Ch. 15

Hows quarantine treating everyone? I know I don’t have to explain myself on not posting but guys I want you to know I am a health care worker I’ve been at work for almost 10 hours a day everyday for the last two weeks on both days and nights. So I love you all I know I am trying to keep writing but its hard. Guys if you don’t need to go out please don’t stay home find some new fics to binge read or shows to obsess over I don’t want to lose anyone to this virus.  Word Count:   Update Schedule: Unknown (Im gonna try and set myself a goal of updating on  Wednesdays call me out if I forget guys!!) [Masterlist] [Prev] 

When I got back on the castle I learned that Shiro would be in one of the healing pods for a while. I still hadn’t told them anything about what happened, but I’d rather tell them at the same time then one by one. We were all in the healing bay watching Shiro.

“Is he okay?” Hunk asked when we heard Shiro groaning. 

“Sometimes the healing process causes involuntary brain waves,” Allura explained. 

“It looks like he’s having a bad dream,” Hunk mumbled. 

“He just got blasted by a space witch and mauled by giant lizards, what dream could be worse than that?” Keith asked. We all waited for a short while longer before he started to wake up. We had all gathered closer and smiled at him when he opened his eyes. He told us about having a dream of a Galra soldier helping him and some coordinates in his arm. 

We waited for Shiro to get dressed before walking down to the green lions hanger. Lance was filling Shiro in on what had happened with him and Hunk and Mermaids? I wasn’t really sure, I was just thankful the attention wasn’t on me, I don’t even know how I’m going to tell them. 

“(Y/n)?” I heard Hunk called out. 

“Huh?” I looked to see everyone was staring at me. 

“You were kind of zoned out there,” Lance looked me. 

“Oh…” I breathed. 

“You know you’ve been acting really weird since you got back, you’re the only person who never shared what happened while we were all separated,” Pidge crossed her arms. 

I sighed, I was going to have to tell them sooner or later and I might as well just get it over with, “I don’t really even know where to start,” I stated. “A lot happened honestly,” I guess I should just ease the information in. “Well, I guess I can start with I crashed onto this planet where I was met by a girl who ended up being the planets princess,” I said I wasn’t trying to be vague but I’m still not sure how they will take it. “She ended up taking me to the queen, where I found out I was on the home of the original Violet Paladin, and at first the queen wasn’t very happy learning that I was the new paladin,”

I explained a bit of what I learned like how they had closed of all communication with the rest of the universe, and how the only reason I think they hadn’t been attacked is because in the Archives I learned that they never shared the location of their planet with anyone. Coran shared that not even Alfor or any of the other original paladins had been to the planet and that I was the first ‘outsider’ I bite my tongue to hold back from correcting him at least yet. “Okay but none of that explains why you’ve been acting weird,” Pidge said ever observant she is. 

“It might just be easier to show you then tell you.” I pulled out my phone I had snapped a photo of the picture that the Queen showed me and I showed it to the group. 

“It looks like you, but it’s not,” Pidge state. 

“Is this some creepy twin in space thing?” Lance asked. 

“No, how do I put this… it’s true it’s not me, but it’s also not a twin thing… I mean, except the actual picture in this is over 28 years old.” I explained, I could almost see the wheels turning in their heads. “It’s my mom!” I exclaimed not really being able to take it anymore. 

“How!” Pidge was the first to speak up since she was the only person here to ever meet my mom. 

“Wait what?” Lance was the next one to speak up. I explained to them as much as I knew which still wasn’t much other then the fact that she was the queen’s little sister. It felt so much better to have this off my chest. We continued to the hanger to find out what if anything was in Shiro’s arm. The whole way down Lance kept questioning me about everything, I was kind of annoyed but I just ignored him. 

While we were waiting for Pidge to find the coordinates I just kept thinking about everything that's happened. I wonder if my mother would have ever told me about this? And if that was why she was mad that I had joined the garrison.

 Eventually Pidge found the coordinates, but Allura didn’t seem too happy about trusting something from the Galra but we went ahead and used a  wormhole to get to the base. In front of us were these large crystals they were kinda cool. 

“Well this is it. No signs of life, living or otherwise.” Coran said. “I don’t want to bring the castle any closer those xanthorium chucks contain highly unstable nitrate salts even bumping one can blow us straight to Wozblay,” Okay slightly less cool. 

“Are you sure this is right?” Shiro asked. 

“These are the coordinates Number Six gave me.” Coran said.

“Hey! My decryption is solid,” Pidge defended glaring at Coran. 

“We’ve gotta be missing something,” Shiro said. We ended up waiting a few minutes before alarms began blaring. 

“There’s an intruder in the Castle!” Coran shouted. Allura found him on level five. We all suited up and went down. We each began running through the halls to find this guy. Lance was the first to find him. I began to head back towards Lance listening to Corans commentary. Next they ran by Pidge. I soon found him dragging Pidge and being followed by Lance, and I joined following them. 

Then Hunk who somewhat blasted at us. We all chased him but kinda lost him as he ran towards Keith. That was the only good part of Coran’s commentary is we knew where this guy was. By the time Hunk, Lance and I caught up with Keith was quite literally hurled at us knocking the four of us down. 

We watched as Shiro and the guy were at each other’s throats before they both backed down. And that’s when Allura slammed him into the wall. When Shiro explained that the guy was the Galra soldier he’d remembered. 

We eventually had him chained up in our common room. Ulaz was apparently a Galra soldier in this secret underground revolution called the Blade of Marmora. The coordinates we had were actually corrected its just the base was hidden in a space fold. Honestly you could feel the tension between everyone from Allura’s mistrust of Ulaz, to the rest of us kinda being on the same side as her, except Shiro. 

Everyone except Lance, Allura, and Coran took the Red Lion to the base. We learned that they had several members in the ranks of Zarkon’s army including his main ship which is why we got away last time. Pidge asked about her family, which Ulaz agreed to transfer prison data to the castle of lions. 

“What’s that weapon you carry?” Keith asked. 

“It’s a ceremonial blade that each of our members carry,” Ulaz explained. “Oh, nice,” Keith said. Alarms began blaring again. We opened a screen to see another one of those stupid robeasts, but how did it find us this time? Before we left, Ulaz gave Shiro coordinates. Allura blamed Ulaz for us being found, but this time I think I agree with Shiro I don’t think Ulaz told Zarkon we were here. 

We waited in our lions but soon the fight was on. But this thing was nearly impossible to beat, it sucked in the crystals before blasting us, or it tried to suck us in. Ulaz left after the base was revealed… maybe he’s not one of the good guys. No time for that though as the beast tried to suck in the castle. We managed to stop that, but our plan to blow it up after didn’t work. It tried to suck us in again. 

“I’m going to take this down from the inside!” We heard Ulaz call. 

“No let us handle this!” Shiro tried. 

“Voltron is too important,” was the last thing he said to us before he flew into the beasts mouth, just as we thought it didn’t work it started to fold in on itself. He opened a space pocket inside the beast.

When we returned to the castle no one seemed in too high of spirits. I decided to walk around for a bit too maybe clear my head. So much has happened in the last couple of days its been a lot to process. Honestly, how long had it been since we’d left earth? It didn’t seem like that long but there was no day in night in space, we had a schedule but it was more like we slept for a few hours and we stayed up until we were ready to pass out. 

I finally decided maybe going to bed would be the best option right now to clear my mind. I slowly walked down the hall being quiet because I’m sure everyone else is probably trying to sleep now. I was almost to my room when I noticed Keith in front of my door. 

“You need something?” I asked. 

“Oh yeah, I just wanted to talk,” He said.

“About?” I wondered what he wanted to talk about. 

“A few things actually,” He said. “Would you mind if we went in my room for a minute?” I blushed a bit at the request but nodded I did tell him we could talk if he ever needed to. We went to his room. We both sat on his bed. 

“Alright what’s up? I’m not the only one who’s been acting kind of weird lately you’ve gotten more reckless,” I said noting his behavior from the last few days? Weeks? But it was more than that almost like he was also being protective. “Remember that sword Ulaz had?” He asked.

“Yeah, you seemed pretty interested in it,” 

“Well it’s because of this,” Keith pulled out a dagger from under his pillow, it had a weird marking, kinda like Ulaz. 

“Where or how’d you get it if you don’t mind my asking?” I looked at him. “I’ve kind of always had it, I thought it was weird but now it's even weirder because the marking is similar to Ulaz,” Keith explained. “That means the Galra were on earth at some point,” 

“But Ulaz also did say that only the Blades of Marmora had them,” I said. “And I’d reason that if my mom and possibly my dad made it to earth without being detected by the garrison then who’s to say someone else couldn’t? And for all we know, maybe it was imbedded in a meteorite or something and your parents found it and thought it was cool,” 

“You might be right,” He smiled a bit. 

“What else do you want to talk about?” I asked. I could tell there was something else, we didn’t know about the Blades until today so he hasn’t been acting weird because of that. 

“Oh, well, how do I put this…” He said looking down. 

“Keith-” I was cut off, I was so shocked Keith was kissing me! 

[Next]

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[sasuhinasno1fan]

Snipets of a Red Ranger and Blue Ranger- Klance Week Day 4

I’m a simple girl, I see ‘Rangers’ I think Power Rangers and I am not sorry. And yes, it’s Samurai Rangers, I liked the season, sue me. @klanceweek​ Rangers, Cow, Lawless

Lance was restringing his bow, trying to tighten it without it snapping, which it had already done twice. Usually he wasn’t so distracted but he had a good excuse. What else was he supposed to do when he found out one of the biggest secrets the Red Samurais were hiding?

There was no easy was to explain his unique family line other than that they were the longest line of Power Rangers that existed. The appearance of some other Rangers, who hoped from the future to the past, had unintentionally unleashed another dimension filled with monsters known as Galra. Their world, the Netherworld, sat on the bank of the Sanzu River, water capable of destroying everything. A lord and his band of samurai went against these creatures and through their perseverance and using written talismans, they accessed the Morphing Grid, giving them the look and protection of the Ranger uniform and turning the talismans to Symbol Power. When the era of samurai ended, the lord made the samurai his retainers. And so, as time passed, the children would take their families place when it came time, defending their home. When the Red Ranger had first discovered a symbol to seal the Galra away, he was able to do so, allowing the group to split up and live not fighting for their lives.

They all eventually led back together back when his dad was his age. The seal had been cast again at the cost of the Red Ranger’s life, but it wasn’t strong enough. It became the next generations’ job to end this 19-generation long war. Lance didn’t think he’d be the one to be doing it. His main focus was to become one of the first biracial members of the Japanese Olympic archery team. He was close to, until every one of his siblings decided what they wanted mattered more and dumped the youngest with the responsibilities. His father tried to force him by stating that the Dragon Origami would only listen to Lance, but he that was a lie. Everyone else got off but because he was the last one, he had to obey orders. He put up a good fight, staying away from his family and proving himself to be Olympic material. But the seal officially broke the day of his biggest competition and even when he ignored the summons arrow, Lance was kidnapped by the Kuroko, the shadows who served the samurai families, and thrown into a car. He might not have wanted to be there, but he wasn’t an asshole who would walk away when people needed help. He did make his position very clear, his father had to get one of his siblings to take his place because he wouldn’t stay.

Once everyone heard his whole story, they were mostly understanding, including their leader Keith. Hearing him promise to talk to his dad almost seemed too good to be true but he’d heard him calling his dad. Then it made sense when Allura told him the big secret.

Keith, wasn’t born into the Red Ranger line, because the pervious Red and Pink ranger did the biggest no-no. they had a kid together. to make sure there was always a Ranger from each family line, they were instructed to not fall in love with one of their teammates. Keith was actually the kid of a Kuroko that somehow had caused the Lion Origami to react to him. Allura was technically the Red Ranger who could cast the Sealing Symbol. Her weekend shopping trips, were actually trips to a secret temple where ancestors of the same people who helped their lord discover the Sealing Symbol would teach it to her until it was perfect.

Keith was willing to help him, because technically he wasn’t supposed to be doing this either. He was just a stand in until the time was right. Lance still didn’t know what to do with this information. He was glad they trusted him with it, but it was only cause they all thought he’d be leaving.

“Lance?” Keith called from the other side of the door as he knocked. “Can I come in?”

“Yeah.”

Keith came in, closing the door behind him. He dropped down on Lance’s bed, looking at the mess of the low table that was covered in archery care stuff. “Guess I know why you disappeared after we got back from the baseball game.”

“It was a little league game and baseball makes no sense.” Lance threw out, feeling tense. He knew why Keith was here.

“So, Allura told me she talked to you when you guys were keeping an eye on the kid’s house.”

“Yeah, talked.”

Keith always looked so self-assured and confident, that to see him so unsure and nervous was weird.

“I hope your not upset that I’m doing this for Allura. My father was killed during a Galra attack and he was getting civilians out of harms way. Allura’s dad took me in, even when everyone said I wasn’t worth it. They kept pushing him to marry someone so he’d have a kid to carry on the Red line, but even knowing that it would be Allura, he still treated me like I was his kid. So, I don’t mind being a stand in for her. If it mostly keeps her safe, then I’ll do it.”

Lance let out a huff. “Wish my siblings cared that much. You’d give up everything to help her but everyone expects me to drop everything to make them happy. I won’t say anything, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“I know. I get why you want to leave, but the Blue line is usually the second in command and in my opinion, someone who’d still help even when he wants a way out is a pretty worthy.”

Lance was honoured. How was he supposed to still act like a spoiled child when someone who didn’t even have to led a team and take the most hits did?

“Thanks for the compliment but,” he said instead, plucking at the string on his bow, “the Olympics are waiting for me.”

“Fair enough. And thank you for keeping this secret. We’ll tell them eventually.”

“They’ll understand.” Lance reassured. He was sure they would. It would be the 4 of them against everything. He just wished he’d be there to help if it went badly.

                                                    __________

Getting mind controlled was not fun. Just that morning things were going great. He and Keith had a sparing match and he was so close to actually beating Keith and Keith told him his dad would finally come to the Samurai House and talk. Then that annoying big talking mind controlling Galra made a mess of everything. All it took was a hit and he became a mindless drone who turned his sword against his friends. He was lucky Keith was able to snap him out of it with that burst of Symbol Power but his dad thought it was a glaring sign that he needed to stay with the team. So, he might have been thinking of maybe staying but he wanted it to be his choice, not forced by his dad. And now his head hurt more.

“Lance?”

“Come in.” he called, keeping his arm over his eyes.

He heard Keith turn the light off before he felt him tap at his arm to move it. He let out a grateful groan when he felt an ice pack drop on his face.

“I’m sorry things didn’t go well with your dad.” Keith said, the bed dipping as he sat down.

“You know, I’ve actually considered staying.” Keith stilled but stayed silent, letting Lance continue. “My whole life I’ve always been the scapegoat or had things taken just to satisfy the older ones. Much as I want to, I can’t be too mad at Marco and Veronica, they had good reasons. Everyone else, not so much. I just want one major decision in my life to be made by me.”

That sat in silence as Lance calmed down and hoped his head would stop hurting before Keith asked something.

“If you do decide to stay, would you consider being my second in command?”

Lance laid there, trying to decided if Keith was serious just from his voice alone. “I’ll think about it.”

“That’s fine. Do you want me to go?”

And leave him stewing in thoughts he didn’t want to hear? Not a chance.

“Tell me about your dad.” It was the first thing that came to mind and for a moment he was gonna take it back when Keith started talking.

“He was probably one of the only Kuroko who couldn’t cook.”

                                                   ___________

In a turn of events, Lance knocked on Keith’s door. The fight against the half Galra Lotor was finally over and they were getting closer to defeating them. They’d see how much farther they could go once Shiro was able to unlock the Black Box, but for now, while Keith recovered, they could breath.

“Come in.” Lance opened the door, his eyes drawn to Keith’s exposed back as he struggled to pull his shirt off. It was getting harder and harder to not get a crush on Keith. He had to keep reminding himself that it was what got Allura’s parents into trouble in the first place. He was starting to see why they had the problem in the first place. How was he supposed to stop how he felt?

“Need help?” Lance offered.

“Sure, second-in-command.”

At dinner, he announced he’d stay with the team and publicly accepted Keith’s offer.

He was able to get Keith’s shirt off without aggravating his wounded arm too much. The view of his chest was distracting.

“I’m glad you decided to stay.” Keith said, pulling his eyes up. “It would have been hard to form the same bond with one of your siblings.”

“Yeah. I’m glad I did too. Finally feels like I can make my own decisions and not get looked down at.”

“You? Never?”

God, it was the compliments, it had to be. How else would he feel like a shy person when around Keith at times? They stood there, staring at each other when Lance couldn’t take it anymore. He kissed Keith. Keith didn’t push him away, if anything, he tried to pull him closer as he kissed back. Lance was careful as he rested his hands on Keith’s neck, not wanting to pull away when he did.

“We shouldn’t.”

“We really shouldn’t.” Keith said, using a finger to pull Lance back in and kiss him again.

This was so against the rules. Then…why did it feel so right?

                                               _______________

Lance was getting ready for bed when a quite knock came to his door. Keith slipped in when Lance opened the door. The hallway was already dark and Lance would bet that Coran would be by any minute to come check on them.

“Hi.” Keith said.

“Hey.”

The air was slightly tense. It wasn’t because of all those secret kisses and hard to keep promises about waiting until the war was over. It was what happened on that island. A small island an hour’s boat ride away that had cut off contact with the outside world because a Galra had burned a fear making talisman. The new addition to Zarkon’s crew, Sendak, had invited a Galra who believed in the blaster as opposed to the sword. It was like watching the era of samurai die, but thankfully Bandor, the same kid who led them to discover the hidden Bull Origami, had created a blaster to use with their swords. At the sight of Lotor still alive and standing had pushed Keith into overdrive. The fight had been bad and Keith got hurt. Words that Lotor said about Keith being just like him had gotten to him. Lance considered them lucky he was able to find them after Keith took off. Things were tense when the whole fight was over and they hadn’t talk anything out.

“Here.” Keith handed him a bag from LOFT. In it, was a lightweight scarf. Similar to the one Lance gave Keith as a makeshift sling and that he dropped when he went after Lotor. “I know it’s not the same colour but…”

It was red, close to the red Keith��s favourite jacket was. It was a claim and an apology.

“I shouldn’t have run off and I should have listened to you. You were right, I’m not like him, but the thing is…he’s kinda right.”

“What do you mean? Keith you can’t actually think that you care more about fighting than anything else.”

“It’s not that.” Keith started to look how he did when he first came to talk to Lance about the big secret involving him and Allura. “It’s more than just how we see fighting. It’s…down to our biology. He might have given his soul to become who he is, but…I was born like that.”

“What are you saying?”

“Lance…I’m half Galra. That’s why I kept taking Lotor’s words to heart. I didn’t want to be like him, lusting for battle.”

Half Galra? Like Lotor?

“But Coran said the House is warded against Galra. How are you not hurting right now?”

“It’s for full blooded Galra. That’s another reason most of the people who were here during your dad’s time didn’t like me. My dad was ‘spellbound’ by a female Galra. Somehow, they had be and she gave me to my dad to keep me safe.” He put spellbound in air quotes. “My dad wasn’t spellbound. My mom didn’t follow under Zarkon’s control and was actively looking for a way to be human. I don’t know what happened to her, just that I wanted to be the same kind Galra she had to be for my dad to fall in love with her. But Lotor’s words-”

“were wrong.” He should so be paying attention to what Keith said. He was half Galra, like Lotor, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care. The guy in front of him was Keith, his leader and the guy he liked. He fought like hell for his team and he deserved nothing less than his support. “The only thing you share in common with that guy is being half Galra. But you’re living proof that you don’t live in obsession.”

“Well, I do have one obsession.”

Lance looked confused when he realised what Keith was talking about and went red. “Oh, you mean me. Well, can’t blame your good taste. Just know that Lotor is wrong about you. When you tell the others, they’ll see that.”

Keith gave Lance a thankful smile before leaning up to kiss him.

“I thought we said no more until after the war?” Lance said, though he just wanted to pull Keith back for more.

“How am I supposed to wait when I have the best thing here? It’s starting to become hard to not kiss you all the time.”

“Good, I’m not the only one.” Lance said, capturing Keith’s lips again.

After the war, after he told his secrets, whatever. Lance knew what his next big life decision was. To stand next to Keith for as long as he could.

[toocool2btrue]

Rare Moments

Lance always took pride at his girlfriend's intellect. For him, she was the most smartest person in the universe and not just humans but a lot species agreed with him.

Unfortunately there was a time, that seemed more like a problem. They had started dating shortly before returning to earth and even before they had started dating, the pair of them had made several plans that they would implement upon after returning.

Unfortunately like always, life doesn't go as expected with a dangerous threat hanging over their lives. The paladins found themself busier than ever, a part of him missed the free time they used to have in space.

It was no surprise, that Pidge had become one of the busiest paladin. Her schedule had become overpacked, hardly leaving time for her to rest even.

But despite the tough schedule, Lance saw the joyful glint in her eyes, her smile could outmatch all the stars in the galaxy.

He didn't want to discourage her so he said nothing. So he kept quiet even though their time spent together became shorter and shorter.

One day as he got out of the training room, he was greeted with a pleasant surprise.

His favourite person was waiting for him.

"Pidge!" he greeted in delight, quickly pulling her into a hug.

"What are you doing here?, I thought you were busy today" he asked.

"A problem came up with the system. They are trying to fix it, so I decided to check up on my wonderful boyfriend" she teased.

He was kinda surprised that his girlfriend wasn't the one leading the operation.. not that he was complaining.

"So is the offer for lunch still up?" she asked slyly.

Lance grinned, taking her pale hand into his tanned one.

"Of course it is" he softly stated, kissing the top of her head.

Lance narrated his week's events, which mostly consisted of training or spending time with his family.

In turn, Pidge gave her usual snarky comments, which he secretly adored though he pretended to be annoyed.

"You should be worried my dear Pigeon" He warned.

"And why is that?" she inquired.

"I have been practicing and this time you don't stand a chance against me in Killbot Phantasm" he declared proudly.

"We can play right now and I will still beat you" she threatened with a confident smirk.

A small hope lit in his heart, he had been dying for a gaming night.

"Can we?" he asked hopefully.

Pidge shifted in her seat, her eyes fixed on her food tray.

"Depends on how long it will take to fix the system" she replied in a small voice.

"Oh" he mumbled, trying to hide his disappointment.

Uncomfortable silence hung in the air, as they quietly ate their lunch.

Pidge cautiously eyed her boyfriend who resembled a kicked puppy.

"Lance.." she started, he reluctantly looked up from his tray to meet her eyes.

"Holt!!" A stern voice called making the pair of them jump.

Iverson stood at the doorway of the cafeteria, there was a glare gracing his face.

What is he so mad about?

Lance wondered.

"Sir!" they greeted as he made his way towards their table.

"Holt, your brother has solved the 'problem'. Get back to work" he ordered marching off.

"That reminds me of our old cadet days" Lance joked, turning back to Pidge. She gave him a concerned look, biting her lower lip as Lance felt pang of guilt in his heart.

"Go, show them how it's done" he encouraged, affectionately ruffling her hair which earned him a grateful smile from her.

"I will try to see you soon" she nodded, pressing a quick kiss on his cheek before running off.

_______________________________

As Allura ended her meeting, her eyes fell on the red paladin. He had hardly spoken at all, instead he stared at the table with a distant look in his eyes.

Allura waited patiently as the Garrison officers started to leave, She signaled Keith and Hunk to stay.

Red paladin finally stood up to take his leave as well, he managed to his friends a weak smirk along with his signature finger guns.

"Going to see Pidge?" Allura asked with an encouraging smile.

Lance shook his head with a sad smile, "She is busy today. I am going to have lunch with Ronnie"

The others nodded and Lance took his leave.

Allura resumed her original seat, "I have never seen him so unhappy" she confessed.

"Lance is like an open book sometimes. Even if he tries to hide it, it's eventually written all over his face" Hunk informed and the rest of the two silently agreed.

"He has been occupying himself a lot with training and helping the refugees"

"But man it's hard to catch a break these days, trying to modify human technology according to the advanced civilizations. Pidge and I have gone crazy" Hunk added.

"She is also helping Sam and Shiro with their operation. I am pretty sure that the meetings are the only time Keith and I see her" Allura stated worriedly.

"Bu

Keith sighed, "I ran into Pidge and Shiro in the morning. They both looked like they would fall apart any minute. The Garrison shouldn't be so hard on them!" he gritted his teeth in anger.

Allura squeezed his shoulder in comfort, "That is the price of war we have to pay" she softly stated.

"What's with the long face?" Veronica sternly asked, her blue eyes glared at him from behind her glasses.

"I don't know what your talking about?" he challenged turning back to his food.

"Looked inthe mirror recently?, You look like a grumpy old man"

Lance simply rolled his eyes at the comment, "I am just stressed out. After all there is a death threat hanging on our heads" he snapped.

Veronica's eyes widened in concern as she opted for a more softer way, "I understand that there is a chance we might not survive but acting this way is not the solution. We should be optimistic and try to spend as much time with our loved ones as possible"

"Unfortunately that is not really possible in my case" Lance grumbled.

"A-ha!" her blue eyes glinted mischeviously.

"I should have known it was something to do with the green paladin who has my little brother wrapped around her finger" she teased.

"Is everything alright between the two of you?" Veronica asked.

"Yeah, it's just that I haven't been able to spend time with her since we got back to earth and I really miss her.. I know it's selfish of me to think that way but I can't help with that!" he vented.

"Talk to her" Veronica simply stated.

"But she's busy" he objected.

Veronica rolled her eyes, it was time to give some older sister wisdom.

"From all I know, you two are crazy about eachother. You don't think she misses you as well?" She questioned.

"Now go and call her" she ordered.

______________________

Lance paced in his room, glaring at the phone in his hand. He couldn't believe the last time he had called her was two weeks ago but Ronnie was right, he needed to talk to her.

Communication is the key for a good relationship, right?

Finally he pressed the call option, he held his breath eager to hear the voice at the other end.

But no one answered..

He could feel the dreaded disappointed spreading in his heart. Without another thought, he threw his phone on the floor which mercifully landed on a pile of clothes.

He grabbed his jacket deciding that he needed to go on a long walk.

The weather beautifully mirrored his mood, the sky was covered with dark clouds and there was the occasional thundering.

It was no surprise to him, when water drops started falling on his face. His anger partly cooled as he remembered that it was the first time he was experiencing rain after coming back to earth.

He outstretched his palm, catching rain droplets in his hand. The wind had picked up it's might and blowed powerfully, beating against him.

Lance grinned, pushing his windswept hair back. Any sane person , would have returned home but he simply tugged his hoodie on his head and moved forward.

____________________________

The next morning Keith eyed his fellow paladin questionably as he stumbled.

"Everything alright?" Keith asked, Lance simply gave him a thumbs up and got back into position again.

Keith charged again, Lance deflected the first attack easily but was knocked off his feet at the second one.

"Why don't we take a break?" Keith suggested, Lance simply nodded dropping his bow staff.

He pinched his nose, trying to ignore his pounding headache, stretching his stiff muscles. He took a seat onthe floor taking a big gulp of water , he could feel Keith stare from the otherside of the room.

"What?" he asked wearily.

"Your sloppy today" Keith stated.

"Oh great leader forgive me" he teased.

Keith however looked unamused, "We were really making progress with your close combat skills but today you seem uncoordinated . Are you feeling ok?" he brought his hand forward in concern.

"I am fine" he weakly answered, as he staggered on his feet and grabbed his staff.

"You charge" Keith ordered, getting into a defensive position.

Lance closed his eyes trying his best to focus but the headache seem to be taking over his senses. He ignored his body's demand for rest as he moved forward, ready to attack.

Lance let out a cry charging towards with all the force he could muster, unfortunately his conscious finally gave in and the last thing he heard was Keith yelling his name before being engulfed by darkness.

_______________________

As the early morning light of the next day crept through the curtains.

A certain person groaned in his sleep, Lance finally regained conscious though his eyes only partly open. He tried to recall the hazy memories of the previous day and managed to remember that he was ill.

The headache was still present although now bearable, he could still feel the taste of the bitter medicine they had given him while he was half awake. He shifted slightly trying to get in a more comfortable position, every muscle in his body ached in response.

He tried to lift his left arm but was met with a strong tug. Curiously his eyes opened a bit wider to see a small pale hand holding onto his wrist with a tight grasp.

The tiredness suddenly vanished, as he sat straight in surprise. His expression immediately softened at the sight of Pidge in deep slumber, she was sleeping in a sitting position her back propped against her favourite green pillow which resided in his room.

He stifled a laugh seeing her glasses still resting over her closed eyes. He reached over and gently removed them not wanting to awake her.

After all a peaceful expression on her face was rare sight to see, sunlight gracefully showered on her giving her pale skin an angelic glow.

He simply sighed contently leaning closer to admire the beautiful sight.

Unfortunately the moment was short lived as Pidge slowly opened eyes and almost got a heart attack.

"Lance, what the hell!" She breathed, clutching her chest.

"Sorry" he chuckled, happiness blooming in his heart.

"How are you feeling now?" she asked, her eyes darkening in concern.

"Would you believe me? If I told you that the sight of your angelic face completely healed me" he teased, clasping her hands into his.

Pidge rolled her eyes in annoyance but smiled nonetheless.

"We need to get your eyes checked. Nothing is angelic about my face right now" she gestured to her exhausted appearance.

"Don't tell me you were up all night?" he asked.

"It's alright. Veronica was with me so I wasn't bored" she grinned mischeviously.

"So I heard you once tried to runaway from home with only a lunchbox and swimming trunks"

"I was just five. Cut me some slack" he pouted.

"Fine I will leave it..for now" she smirked.

Pidge glanced at her watch, "It's almost time for your medicine but you need to eat something first. Let me get something for you" she said getting up.

He nodded falling back into his comfortable bed, his eyes started growing heavier and he was about to fall asleep when suddenly Veronica arrived.

"Lance, finally your awake" she smiled.

"Hi Ronnie"

"You idiot!" she took a 180 degree turn and smacked him on the shoulder.

"Ow!" he groaned.

"Who told you to get drenched in the rain. Do you have any idea how worried we all were?"

"I am sorry" he mumbled rubbing his sore shoulder, the early guilt returned. He hadn't meant to get his family and friends worried at such a crucial time.

"It's alright." she waved off.

"Although.." she started her voice taking a softer tone. "Take care of her Lance. Your lucky to have her"

"I know" he replied, his heart filling with pride.

Just then the said person appeared balancing a tray of porridge and coffee while she lightly kicked the door open.

Veronica grinned, "I have to go attend a meeting now. I entrust this idiot in your care"

"You got it!" Pidge grinned, giving a mock salute.

Pidge took a seat beside Lance and handed him the bowl of porridge. He gave her a pleading look, sighing softly she took the bowl back.

"Don't get used to it" She teased, raising a spoon full of porridge to his mouth.

"Oh please you love this"

"I beg to differ" she said, raising another spoon full.

Lance simply rolled his eyes, his grin getting wider and wider. He hadn't felt this happy in a longtime.

But something heavier weighed in Pidge's heart.

"Lance.." she started, her eyes downcast.

"Hmm?"

"I am sorry" she mumbled.

"What?" he asked.

Pidge fidgeted, her eyes scanning the room.

"I haven't been fair to you. I know we planned alot of things for earth but we haven't been able to do any of those things much less even spend time together"

"Pidge..do you think I am mad at you for that?" he questioned softly.

She sighed stiffly.

"You might not be but still it wasn't as if you were happy with the arrangement" she added.

Lance chuckled, "Of course I wasn't happy I wasn't able to see my adorable girlfriend."

"But I know that the world needs you more than I do right now. So I didn't want to come in your way" he whispered the last part.

Pidge frowned at his statement, "You know who I need though?"

Lance quirked his eyebrow in curiousity.

"You. I need you" she stated firmly.

Blood rushed to his face and he doubted the heated cheeks had anything to do with his fever.

"Now Pidge. I thought I was the cheesy one in our relationship" he grinned.

"I am serious. My family, our friends and most importantly you help me stay grounded. The other night in the lab, I was overstressed and exhausted. A part of me felt like I was going crazy but then I saw your missed call. Believe it or not but it provided reassurance to me" she confessed.

"I tried calling you again but you weren't picking up and then I came by your room and you weren't there either. Then the next day you faint during training" her expression turns cold.

"You do love scaring the hell out of me!!" she raised her fist.

Lance weakly chuckled, "Now Honey. I can't be there for you, if you kill me"

Pidge lowered her fist, "Just don't do that again" she warned.

"Wouldn't even dream of it" he assured.

"Good" she declared pulling him into a tight hug.

A moment of unspoken words went between them. Pidge clung on to his neck tightly, He rubbed her back in comfort and when they finally pulled away, she gave him a small smile gesturing to her watch.

"It's time for your medicine. Then you should go back to sleep" she advised.

Lance shook his head stubbornly, "No way! I finally get to spend time with you and you want to go to sleep"

"How about we watch a movie?" she offered, picking up her trusty laptop.

Everyone in this world has a small world of their own, the one which gives them a reason to smile in the dark times. The world for which they would do anything to protect.

Even though they were in the middle of an intergalactic war and survival at times felt a far fetched dream.

Pidge still found hope at the sight of the person softly snoring beside her as she stroked his hair. Cherishing the rare moments they had..

[etherealbuccky]

Always & Forever: Three

Summary: Soulmates are linked through identical marks. Some are large and distinctive making it easy to find each other. Some, however, are very small and easy to miss. Mila Jones was born with a small crescent moon on her wrist, whereas Bucky Barnes saw his appear on his wrist at the young age of 10. despite all odds being against them finding each other, they do. Forcing both of them to make important decisions and figure out what they really want out of life. Can she be happy with a mobster? Will they give love a chance?

Waking up to her alarm she grabbed her phone and saw a text from an unsaved number.

“will be at your residence in 30 minutes ma’am. -Lance”

Rushing to get ready, she showered, put on her favorite black dress and kept her makeup minimal. Her doorbell rang while she was putting on her jewelry and spraying her perfume. Grabbing her coat and bag she rushed to the door to see an older man with white hair and a three piece suit. His expression was devoid of any emotion as he motioned for her to follow him and the drive was spent in complete silence. She knew not to expect him to be too social but this was a bit awkward. Thanking him when they stopped in front of the office, she rushed inside. Walking into her office she saw the prettiest flower arrangement sitting on her desk. Pink roses, peonies and hydrangeas. Attached was a card.

“A bit late, but good luck on the new job.

Love you always, Jackson.”

A sad smile crept up on her face. She hadn’t spoken to Jackson since everything with Tommy. She suppressed the memories and forced herself to get to work.

That day she had lunch with Wanda and her coworkers for the first time. They were all really nice. Loki from accounting was a bit distant but not unpleasant. The day passed quickly and as she went to leave the office, she got a text from Bucky.

Bucky: rain check for dinner? Something came up.

She had to admit she was a bit disappointed.

Mila: Of course, no problem.

She decides to just relax at home tonight. The flowers from Jackson were still on her mind. Her mother must have told him about the move and the new job, how else would he know? She sends him a quick thank you text.

When she gets home, she sees Luka standing in front of her apartment with two bottles of wine and a very tired expression.

“Rough day?” she giggles looking at the state of his clothes. Paint covers his pants and sweater and his hand are still black from the charcoal.

“Yes, today was terrible and my best friend is currently laughing at my pain. Screw you for that by the way.” He says part exasperated and part amused.

“Come on you big baby,” she says while unlocking the door to her apartment “You go wash up and I’ll order us some takeout” After ordering the food and throwing Luka some clothes that he had left there last time she felt her phone vibrate.

Bucky: Did you eat?

Mila: I’m about to, you?

Bucky: Yeah me too, I wanted to ask you if you wanted to go for a drink tonight?

Mila: I actually have a friend over, another night?

Bucky: Does his name happen to be Jackson?

Mila stared at her phone wondering how the hell Bucky could even know about Jackson. Feeling more than a little annoyed at the question.

Mila: How do you know Jackson?

Bucky: What kind of “Friend” sends that kind of stuff?

Mila: You’re overstepping Barnes. Tread carefully.

Bucky: I don’t appreciate being lied to.

At this point she was fuming. How dare he?

Mila: if this is how this is going to be I don’t think it’s going to work. Keep your driver, keep your watch dogs and stay the hell away from me. Obviously I miscalculated this whole thing.

At that she switched off her phone and opened a bottle of wine. No way in hell was this guy going to make her like difficult when she had just met him. Soulmate or not.

Luka, being the observant little shit that he is, obviously noticed something was wrong and kept prying until she’d tell him at least something. With a belly full of tapas and quite a bit of wine she told him about Bucky. Conveniently leaving out his line of work and his last name. She couldn’t quite discern the look on her friends face. It was quiet for a few moments before he said, his voice barely above a whisper, “Did you tell him about Tommy?” She smiled, a tearful smile, before saying “No, I just told him that I wasn’t in a place where I could see myself falling in love with another person.” He just shook his head at this. “You deserve to move on love, after everything that happened you deserve all the happiness in the world.” “But that’s the thing Luka,” She was crying at this point. “why should I get to move on and be happy when he didn’t? It wasn’t a bad break up or someone moving overseas that took him from me, he died. I loved him and he died. He never got to find his soulmate, why should I?”

Tears kept falling from her eyes, maybe it was the wine, maybe it was the fact that she refused to talk about it since it happened. But all these feelings just came rushing back and she can’t stop them.

“You know, Jackson sent me flowers today. My favorites too. After the funeral I barely talked to him anymore. It was too painful to look at him because all I could see is Tommy.”

“They’re twins hun, what did you expect? You can’t blame him for the resemblance.”

“I know, I know. It just hurts so bad Luka. “

She didn’t realize she was shaking until Luka tightened his hold on her, she didn’t even realize he was holding her in the first place. He just rubbed her back and told her everything was okay. Over and over again until sleep finally took over.

 She woke up the next morning with her head feeling heavy and a numbing kind of sadness that she hadn’t felt for a while. Rolling over in her bed she looked at her alarm clock. She didn’t need to wake up for work for another two hours but she knew she wouldn’t be able to fall back asleep. Getting up to go make coffee she saw Luka curled up on her sofa. A small smile crept on her face at the sight of her dearest friend. So that was how she got in bed with pajamas on, she thought. She silently made coffee and breakfast figuring the smell would be enough to wake him, and sure enough when she had just finished plating the food she saw him slowly waking up rubbing his eyes. She put their breakfast on the coffee table and sat on the floor by his head.

“Why on earth are we eating breakfast at the ass crack of dawn?”

“Mornin’ to you too sugar.” The only light was coming from a small lamp in the corner of the living room, the sun wasn’t up just yet the outside world was yet to wake up. “It’s just a thank you for staying and holding me through yet another break down. I’m really happy you’re so close by again. Don’t know what I’d do without ya kid.”

“Yeah I am quite amazing aren’t i?” He joked. Slapping his chest lightly she told him to come eat before it got cold. So there they sat on the slightly cold floor of her apartment at the ass crack of dawn, eating breakfast and talking about yet another date gone wrong for Luka. After they had finished eating and Luka said he was going to get an early start at his studio and be productive she was left alone with her thoughts again.  Her phone was still switched off since yesterday and she was a bit scared to turn it back on. Deciding she was going to put it off a bit longer she showered and got ready for work. Putting on a slim fitted pant suit with a champagne colored silk blouse. She pulled her curly black hair into a low bun with a few strands framing her face. As she always did when she felt a bit down, she put even more effort into her makeup. With a bold red lip and her favorite pair of heels she finally gathered the courage to switch on her phone. 5 missed calls from Bucky and only one text.

Bucky: Lunch tomorrow, I’m not taking no for an answer.

She figures lunch might not be such a bad idea. She wants to tell him about Tommy. Walking out of her apartment building she sees Lance standing by the car. He opens the door to the car and she sees Bucky sitting in the backseat. Not wanting to cause a scene she gets in, avoiding any eye contact, looking out of the window instead.

Bucky feels relief when she finally gets into the car. The hesitation in her eyes is clear. After and entire night of worrying and reading back texts he’s happy that she can at least stand to be near him. He doesn’t like it when she’s mad at him he realizes. He motions for Lance to roll up the partition and gently grabs hold of her hand. She doesn’t pull it away. He squeezes her hand and mutters a quiet sorry. He’s never been good at apologizing, but he hopes she’ll accept it anyway. She doesn’t say a word, doesn’t even look his way. She just squeezes his hand back and keeps looking out of the window. Her hand is soft, and small, and warm. He doesn’t want to let it go. Accepting that she doesn’t feel like talking he settles for just looking at her. He knows he shouldn’t stare, but he just can’t help himself. She looks so pretty, and that lipstick isn’t helping either. All he can think about is kissing her. God, he wants to kiss her so bad. They’re almost at her office when she turns to look at him. The sadness in her eyes makes his heart hurt. She keeps starting a sentence but she can’t seem to find the words. Eventually, with a deep sigh and her eyes closed she says “I’m sorry that I may have overreacted last night. I see why you might be confused even though you’re not entirely blameless. I’ll explain everything in time, I promise. I just need to get my thoughts in order.” She squeezes his hand again with a sad smile and he can’t help but smile too. “ I’m sorry too sweetheart, I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions. I’ll wait, I ain’t in no rush.” When they pull up In front of the building she gives him a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek without thinking much of it. She heads inside and leaves a very flustered Bucky behind in the car. He’s blushing. Bucky Barnes is blushing. He can’t believe the effect this girl has on him. Clearing his throat and rolling down the window because it got too hot, he thinks back to the feeling of her lips on his cheek. All he can think about is how he wants to kiss her again. The day practically flies by with all the work she has to do and lunch rolls pretty quick. She doesn’t realize what time it is until she gets a text from Bucky telling her Lance will be with her in 5 minutes.

Lance took her to a new sushi place not too far from her office. Bucky was waiting outside looking a bit tired. He smiled when he saw her and guided her inside. They had a private booth away from the chatter of the other customers. He asked her about her day and tried to fill up the time with small talk, when she blurted out “He died.” Without thinking. Utterly mortified she hid behind her Menu and couldn’t bring herself to look at him. He gently pulled the menu out of her hands and held them, softly rubbing circles to calm her down. “ Breathe doll, take it easy. Who died?” Taking a deep breath she told him everything from the beginning.

She met Tommy when she was younger they became close friends and as they got older the feelings grew deeper. No one really approved because they weren’t each other’s soulmates but they just couldn’t leave each other alone. They were together for a few years until he got cancer. Everything seemed to be going well and treatments were successful, until they weren’t. she never left his side and he passed while still holding her hand.

“It wasn’t pretty” she said “But I was with him till the end, and for that I’m thankful. Jackson is his twin. I haven’t spoken to him much since the funeral.”

Bucky could only nod, squeezing her hand reassuringly. Now he understood why she wasn’t ready for a relationship. But he would wait. As long as it took for her to want him too, he would wait. “did she cheat on you?” she asked quietly. Bucky looked at her confused until she said. “Your ex, did she cheat? Your mind immediately went to the worst case scenario when you saw the flowers, I figured it must be because of an unfaithful ex.” She said quietly, scared that she was overstepping. He nodded sadly.

“Yeah, her name was Dot, she had me looking like a damn fool sleeping around while she was with me. After her, I had a hard time trusting anyone so I didn’t really commit to any relationships.”

“So you just hit em and quit em huh Barnes?” She said teasingly.

He just laughed and shook his head. Lunch passed pretty quickly and soon Lance was driving her back to her office. Bucky had taken his own car saying he had business to tend to. The rest of her day was a whirlwind of deadlines and meetings and she was glad the day was finally over. 

She expected to see Lance outside but she saw another man, younger with dark hair and high cheekbones. She had a bad feeling about him. Giving her a polite smile he said Lance couldn’t make it and that Mr. Barnes had sent him instead. Wanting to check with Bucky she got out her phone only to be pushed into the car and feeling a cloth being pressed to her mouth. She tried to scream but she couldn’t and suddenly, darkness took over. The Last thing she heard were the names Rumlow and Pierce.

[nicksilveirart]

(SING!) Story Not Told, chapter 1 �� Heartbreaker

HEY! Quick warning before you go on... I wrote this story a couple months after the movie came out, and my English was pretty rusty. Forgive any mistakes, please. The sequel to this is way better.

It was just another day of rehearsing for the great competition. The same competition that would pay her and Lance $100,000 dollars for them to live their dream. She froze. Lance. He hadn't been chosen to participate in the competition, and was even less supportive of her after that. She went home determined to talk to him about it. This one time, she'd do it. She'd talk to him, and demand for him not to put her down and support her, since she was doing it for them.

Until she unlocked the door. Who was she fooling? She wasn't good enough. The only animal who thought she was good was the same crazy koala that pictured her as a punk-rock princess. If she was good in the eyes of that guy, there was no way she'd be good in the eyes of normal animals. Right?

"Babe, I'm home!" She went straight to the living room, where she knew Lance would be composing. Then, she froze upon seeing him singing with some other girl. Their mouths were nearly glued together. "What is going on here?" She asked, outraged.

Lance gulped. Oh oh.

"Hi, I'm Becky." The female porcupine said.

"Becky?!"

"Look babe, I can explain…"

She scoffed. "Get out."

"Ash, wait."

"GET OUT!" She grabbed Lance's guitar case and started walking towards the entrance door. "After you!"

"Come on Ash, what did you expect? You're never around anymore, you're always at that rehearsal of yours!"

"I was doing it for us Lance, you and me!" She threw his case at his feet.

"Sweetheart, I'm sorry but I think I left my sunglasses in there…" Becky began, only to get a door to her face.

"Come on Becky, let's get outta here."

On the other side of the door, Ash sat on the ground, still in shock. She knew she wasn't being the best girlfriend, but never expected her to be bad enough for Lance to cheat on her. She could feel tears burning her eyes, before allowing them to run free. She was mad, and she was upset, and above all she was lost, and she didn't like it the least bit. Probably why she got together with Lance, anyway. She felt so lost back in the day...

She tried ignoring all this. She tried playing some upbeat song in her guitar, listening to some tune, watching TV, and even going into an early sleep, until finding out it was really hard to go to bed when you were sobbing. Not having anyone to turn to and any other place to go, she grabbed her backpack and left for the only place she could think of.

The Moon Theatre. She had seen pictures of it in her school books, and it always struck her to be a great show house, but now it looked like it had fallen on hard times. The walls were in desperate need of repainting, carpets were scratched and stained, and most of the outside ornament was scratched or falling apart. She wondered why an owner that has $100 grand in his pocket doesn't use it to fix his theatre. She brushed the thought off, and knocked at the front door.

"Mr Moon? Someone in there? Hello?" She saw a faltering lamp going off somewhere at the theatre, and circled the building to find the backstage entry. She forced it. Locked. Great. Just near the door, there was a large trash can. She dragged it to under the window, and climbed it, trying to reach the latter. No success. Stepping on the upper doorframe, she tried grabbing hold of the window frame, that is, until she heard a tiny snapping noise.

Oh oh. She came crashing down to the ground, bringing part of it with her. Yep, this definitely needs repairing. She thought, positioning herself to try again. This time, she managed to dig deeper into whichever room she was going into, and managed to plop herself onto it. She smiled. Success.

Dusting herself off, she started going around, trying to get some idea of her surroundings. The last thing she didn't expect to find was a really startled koala holding his Glock .357 gun pointed at the door.

"HALT RIGHT THERE! PUT YOUR HANDS UP! HANDS UP!"

"Mr Moon! Mr Moon, it's me!" She held her hands up high, shaking.

He lowered the gun, slowly approaching her. "A-Ash?"

She nodded. "Hey there, Mr Moon."

"Ash, what… What are you doing here?" He turned on the lights, and what he saw scared him. She was a mess. Her face was bloated up, and her eyes were red from crying. "Oh boy. Well… Okay, I'm going to make us some tea. Wait here, please." He took off down the stairs. She merely opened his minibar, and pulled out a beer can.

Not too long later, she sat at his office, drinking, and staring at the town from above. This wasn't like her, and she knew it. Going out to someone's theatre in the middle of the night, practically breaking in, and above all drinking. Yep, this really wasn't her. Although she was familiar with the taste of beer, and enjoyed it quite a lot, she almost never had a drink out of her house. Especially given the fact she was 17. That helped. Being an escapee, the last thing she wanted was to get in trouble and be sent back to her parents' house. The thought sent a shiver up her spine. She dried up a couple of fresh tears that came to her eyes.

"You know, I shouldn't let you drink." Buster spoke, slowly approaching her. "You're 17, right? That could get us both in trouble, and… man, judging by your face I can tell neither of us needs more of them!" He laughed. Ash, however, didn't.

"Who cares…" She replied, turning away. Buster didn't know what to do or say. He could tell the matter was serious. He took her hands and looked into her eyes. She looked down.

"I kinda do, actually. If someone catches us I'm the one who'll get um… busted." Both exchanged looks, and burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the many empty rooms. He was happy finally getting to lighten the mood. Helping himself, he laid the tray down and took a seat near the teenager. After some time, the laughter was substituted by mad silence. After what seemed like an eternity, Ash could finally retort with a tease.

"So, you choose that stage name only to make that pun?" He laughed.

"Stage name? That's my real name, Ash. I don't perform, I don't get a stage name."

"Figures. I don't see anyone picking out that name in a replacement for their own." She laughed. Buster only faked annoyance and replied in a similar teasing tone.

"Hey, my name's really beautiful alright!"

"Maybe to your parents." She shot, smirking.

"And me, and that's all that matters." He retorted, confident.

More silence. She was amazed at him. How self-confident and positive could someone be? He was equally amazed. How much could someone taunt and joke while feeling hell burning in their chests? He didn't knew much. He was aware of that. But he had been a teen, and knew these were the clear signs one of them was going through something, but wasn't going to outright ask.

Oh what the hell. He thought. He had nothing to lose.

"Ash. You climbed up my window at 1 in the morning. You haven't really faced me. You're drinking, and you're sitting on my office making fun of my name. Either you are trying to win the prize by bonding with the director or there is something wrong. You're a fair player, so there's gotta be something wrong… the Ash I know doesn't do these kinda things."

She frowned, still looking away. "What do you know about me, Mr Moon… "

He racked his brain for an answer. "I was a teen once." She gave him one of the most annoyed looks he had ever seen, but he didn't seem to mind it as he carried on. "I know what teens do when they're upset." She laughed.

"Most uptight teen ever?" Buster cocked a brow, but kept his tone.

"That's exactly what they do. They try to put on a cool act so no one can see how they feel… but deep down, all they want is to let it all out. And you know that, because you're wanting to let it all out now." He earned more mocking laughter.

"What, are you some kinda wise old man now? The type who knows it all and walks around giving away some of his precious wisdom?"

"No, I just lived. That's all."

"Not enough to know me right away!"

"Maybe not you, but your mindset yes. You feel like you gotta hide your feelings from the world because you don't want anyone to think you're weak." He began. She outright froze in place. "You're afraid you're gonna be judged, and people will think less of you-"

"That's not true!" She interrupted, feeling tears come to her eyes. She tried her best to fight them back, unsuccessfully.

"That is what I'm talking about. You hide your tears and fears because you're afraid, and Ash, it's okay to be afraid! You aren't less for being afraid, if anything, you are MORE!"

"ENOUGH!" She yelled, sound echoing in the empty halls. She grabbed her backpack.

"Ash…"

"It was a mistake coming in here!" She pushed the doors open, tears flowing from her eyes.

"Ash, come back, don't- Streets are dangerous at this hour!"

"Walked all the way up here without a scratch, and see where it took me." She venomously spat out, shutting the doors closed. Buster was just about to run after her when he had a better idea. He quickly scribbled some words in the back of a pizza flier that was sitting by and ran to the main entry, grabbing his bike, and quickly picking up with her.

"At least don't go alone. Get on, I'll give you a ride." Ash simply shook her head, prompting him to climb off the bike. He stood in front of her, and held onto one of her wrists.

"Let go!" She said, trying to break free. She couldn't believe how strong Buster was. And didn't notice when he slipped a small piece of paper into her bag.

"Come on, Ash. Get on… I'll take you home and you won't hear my voice or see my face unless you come to the theatre tomorrow. How does that sound?" He said, letting go of her. She sighed and went up to the bike. A quiet ride after, she stood in front of her apartment door. Opening it, she looked back to make sure the koala had left.

She was tired, and sad, and wanted to sink through the floor. She knew he was right, but wasn't going to let him know that, let alone give him the pleasure of seeing her tears. She had heated up some food and was sitting down at the couch eating when her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hey um… it's me, listen, I left some things at your place, I tried going there sooner but there was no one. I'm kinda heading there right now. You home?"

"Whoa whoa whoa, wait. You are-" She paused to steady her voice and wipe her nose. "What?"

"Heading there. Hello, Miss Airhead? Aren't you listening to me? I gotta pick up my clothes and cash if you want me to move out. Are you home?"

"You can't just come here!"

"Too late. Just pulled over. Oh good, lights on. Open the door."

"No!" Her voice cracked. The voice on the other side sighed.

"Ash, this will take no longer than a minute. Then you can go back to your crying, and drowning your sorrows, or going back to wherever you were not too long ago."

She hung up, and was determined not to open the door. Lance rang, and rang, and rang, and rang.

"Darling you don't even have to be there if you don't like it!" She heard a feminine voice say, "You can leave for a little while for me and Lan-Lan to pick up his stuff!"

Ash didn't know if she wanted to cry for being cheated on, or if she wanted to laugh at the nickname Becky had given Lance. She gave a somewhat teary laugh. Not too long after, she heard the doorknob turn.

"Still have the key." Lance said teasingly, tossing the keys into open air just to catch them afterwards.

Ash wasn't facing them. It took all she had not to start crying as she spoke. "Might be a good time to turn them in."

He rolled his eyes and threw the keys to her, as he picked a couple of boxes off the ground. "Yours to keep. See you around, Ash." With that, he closed the door.

Ash laid her plate down and let herself lay flat at the couch, hugging her backpack, trying to avoid more tears. One tighter grip plopped a piece of paper from the bag. She picked it up. Pizza? But she never… she then proceeded to flip the paper, and instantly recognized the handwriting.

I will never judge your tears. Sorry for pushing you. If you need anything, ranging from a shoulder to cry on to a hug, or even if you just want to beat someone up until you feel better (although that'd be painful to me) give me a call. 956-4491

-Buster

[phaltu]

Your fake dating au makes me live but the idea of an abo offshoot makes me ASCEND. P sure I'd cry tears of joy if you wrote your idea of Shiro taking care of a keyed up Keith after a video but tbh any and all of the them would be fantastic. YOU are fantastic. Thank you for this gift to us and the universe as a whole

Okay I got enough prods about this that I had to write it. I just had to. thank you anon for such kind words and also thanks to everyone for tolerating me thru this all LMAO i love all of you. s/o to @akaiikowrites for the q& a idea.

( couple’s blog tag )

(if you don’t want to catch up on couples blog au - Keith & Shiro are best friends pretending to be a couple, and run a couple blog online where they start setting stretch goals that are exceedingly ludicrous, because they offer to shoot videos on return. Clue all the platonic, pining sex on camera. This part takes place after Keith comes back from a date, trying to see if he can get Shiro out of his system. He can’t.)

a/b/o, nsfw, general disregard for the idea of refractory periods

If you guys have been together for so long, where’s your mating mark? Does that mean the omega’s free ;)?

Keith’s eyes widen at the question. He can feel Shiro stiffen beside him as well, and there’s the same acidic spike in his scent that had been there when he had come home from his date.

As part of one of their incentives, Keith and Shiro had offered to do a live Q&A session. Their friends all know about their venture now, so they’re not too worried about hiding it. It brings everyone great entertainment, despite the fact that they’re forbidden to bring it up around Keith or Shiro. Keith and Shiro feel a little more comfortable sharing their faces and their voices; they’re still not giving out their real names. But they feel like they owe their viewers that much; for the past month they’ve been able to pay rent and buy groceries and pay phone bills without screaming together into the abyss.

The Q&A started out fine; people want to know where they met, how long they’ve been dating, who’s the loudest snorer. The answers to that are simple; at the beginning of Keith’s undergrad, they officially got together two years ago, and Shiro. It got a little raunchy, but they anticipated it and tried not to get too red as they gamely gave answers.

This question, however, they were not expecting. Retrospectively, it should be the most obvious one out of all of them but they’re still fumbling around with this whole amateur pornography thing.

Keith has a faint idea of who Lattunkrox94 actually is, and he is going to kill Lance, Matt and Hunk upon first sight. The chatroom goes off in a frenzy, wondering yeah, why doesn’t Keith have a mating mark? If Shiro hasn’t claimed him, does this mean Keith’s available?

Their silence makes it worse.

It’s when the messages start getting real raunchy that Shiro places a protective hand over Keith’s neck, covering where a mark should be.

“We don’t have one because we don’t see the need,” Shiro grunts. “It’s just a stupid mark.”

A stupid mark that Keith’s dreamt of getting his skin broken by, one that he’s thought about every time they’ve had sex so far. Half of Keith’s fantasies involve Shiro leaving an imprint of his teeth in the crook of his neck, so that everyone knows that they belong to each other.

The chat goes crazy, and Keith has to close his eyes and pinch his nose. He might be overreacting, but he feels like they’ve just poked a huge hole in their story and everyone’s going to see through their façade and stop being their patrons and then Keith’s going to have to go back to doing more night shifts at the security desk at the shittiest residence on campus.

Suddenly, Keith gets an idea. It’s not brilliant. He should probably turn off the mic and consult with Shiro beforehand.

“We were planning it as a surprise,” He blurts out. “If we exceeded our stretch goal by a certain amount, Shiro would mark me in the next video.”

Shiro goes stone-still beside him and– the strangest mix of terror and lust rolls off of Shiro, the second so strong Keith almost chokes. He’s probably sparked some sort of alpha instinct in Shiro, or whatever they call the primal need to claim an omega. If they do it on camera, it’ll be in front of an audience, and Keith has to stop his toes from curling at the thought of how possessive Shiro will be about that.

Suddenly, there’s a rush of people demanding to know how much the goal needs to be exceeded by. Before Keith can do anything, Shiro throws in a number that makes Keith’s eyes widen a little. It’s exactly half their amount of their stretch goal, and too high to be met in the next couple of days.

The trepidation in Shiro’s scent eases, and Keith tries not to read into it. After all, he was the idiot who suggested it. Shiro’s probably glad they don’t have to do anything rash.

Except that they keep forgetting that their subscribers are feverish and strangely hive-minded when it comes to reaching goals.

Shiro’s not made any troubles to hide what he actually thinks about this entire thing. He’s still not happy with Keith for suggesting Shiro marks him on camera, but also gets a funny look in his face when Keith suggests that he gets one of his friends to bite him, and they pretend it’s Shiro’s.

“This isn’t right,” Shiro insists, and Keith crosses his arms over his chest from where he’s sitting on the sofa. “We shouldn’t be doing this for money.”

“It’s just a stupid mark,” Keith echoes Shiro’s sentiment from a few days ago. “If you do it light enough, it’ll only last for a little bit.”

Shiro stares at his hands in his lap, and clenches his fists. Some sort of annoyance spikes within Keith because he doesn’t see it as a big deal; Shiro and Keith have bent each other over enough surfaces by now, all in the name of two best friends making money for rent. A fake mating mark may be a big deal, but they fuck on camera while pretending to be madly in love. He voices as much to Shiro, who looks hurt for a brief moment before shifting his expression into something more stony.

“Fine,” He says, voice tight. “I’ll mark you. But you can’t blame me if you end up regretting it.”

“I won’t,” Keith says. “Try not to look too annoyed when you do it.”

Keith gets that it’s his fault they’re doing this, but there are about a thousand different emotions running through Keith’s brain right now, and he wants to be irrational for a bit. He’s been flopped out on his bed for the past hour, leaving Shiro in the living room to stew for a bit.

Keith has his heat coming up, and he’s staying home for it this time, because he’s too enveloped in Shiro’s scent to have a sane stay at a hotel or in one of the special campus dorm rooms. He’s slowly been stealing some of Shiro’s clothes for his own room, but he refuses to call it a nest.

They haven’t discussed what exactly they’re going to do, but Keith had shrugged and said they’d make more videos, and then pulled his hair out about saying that out loud later that night.

The initial goal stated Shiro would lay Keith out during his heat; in reality, they’re doing it a day before, while it’s still building and weak, so that Keith won’t lose too much of himself into it. But Keith thinks he can do a pretty good job in acting like  his main objective in life is to get Shiro to claim him, to knot him and mate him– especially now that Shiro’s going to mark him as well.

If he wants to, that is. Because Shiro’s been adamant about not wanting to mark him, not letting anyone mark him in his stead and pretending its him, not using makeup, and not rescinding the stretch goal. Keith doesn’t know what Shiro wants. Only what he doesn’t. It’s confusing, and riles Keith up enough that when he hears a knock on a door, he barks out a sharp “What?”

“I brought you food,” Shiro’s voice comes from the other side of the door, and Keith can pick up the faint smell of cheese pizza. He rolls onto his back and stares at his ceiling.

“Yeah,” He grunts out after a satisfactory pause. “Come in.”

Shiro carefully opens the door, and he’s got a box of pizza in one hand and two opened beers in the other.

“I bring offerings,” Shiro says as he makes his way to Keith’s bed. Keith barely shifts his legs to make room, but Shiro plops down anyways. “To say sorry.”

Keith hates that he immediately gravitates towards Shiro, despite being annoyed with him. It’s probably because of the food.

“For what?” He asks,  finally sitting up and reaching for the box. He takes a slice, takes a giant bite of it, and levels Shiro with the most expectant look he can muster.

“I’m not disgusted by the idea of marking you,” Shiro says, then bites his lip like he didn’t mean to spill it out all at once. “I didn’t mean for it to come across that way.”

Keith gives a non-committal shrug; he knows his internal clock has around three minutes left before he stops being mad at Shiro, but he’s not going to rush an apology.

“If it’s what you want for sure,” Shiro says, passing a bottle to Keith. “Then I can do it for you.”

“I don’t mind if it’s you,” Keith replies, taking a sip of his beer. “You know that stuff doesn’t mean much to me.”

A partial lie; marks don’t mean a lot to Keith, but a mark from Shiro will mean everything to him.

“Yeah,” Shiro scratches the back of his head, and he doesn’t quite meet Keith’s eyes. “I just– I wanted to make sure that it was good for you, and not something you were doing out of obligation.”

And that’s when it clicks for Keith that yeah, while he’s the omega getting marked, Shiro’s probably going to feel some type of way about claiming him, especially when they’re just friends. It was Keith too that had initiated this, had blurted it out on the live stream, and he can’t forget this amongst all his angst over Shiro being hesitant to mark him.

“Only if it’s okay for you,” Keith says. “I know I was the one who said something stupid, and I’m sorry for that.”

“Eh,” It’s Shiro’s turn to shrug. “I get it. Heat of the moment.”

Keith can see the moment an oncoming shitty joke lights up Shiro’s brain and shoves Shiro by the shoulder before he can say it. Shiro gives a good natured laugh in return, and Keith makes a face at him. They sit in silence for a few minutes, vacuuming in a couple of slices before Keith speaks again.

“I trust you,” Keith says finally, nudging Shiro. This time Shiro meets his eyes, and there’s something softer, more comfortable in his look. “That’s why I said it so fast. At the end of the day I trust you, but if you don’t want to do it, it’s fine. We’ll think of a way out.”

“You’re my best friend,” Shiro says, wrapping arm around Keith. “I’ll do anything for you.”

It’s not a confession. Keith knows this. But it really feels like one.

Keith’s heats are normal. They don’t get that bad, not as much as they used to when he first got them. And they’re regular, almost like clockwork. He has it down to a T.

Yet somehow, it feels like his heat has come early, crashing against him like an unexpected wave. It’s probably something to do with the fact that he woke up this morning thinking about today being the day he was going to get marked by Shiro. Probably something to do with Shiro having his head buried in between Keith’s legs, swallowing him down as Keith twists fingers in his hair and tugs.

They normally set out a specific play-by-play for their videos before they shoot, so that they don’t fumble around and show their actual inexperience with each other.  This time, they’ve been so caught up in figuring out when Shiro will actually mark Keith, that they’ve decided to just swing the rest. It means that Shiro’s taking Keith to bed like he would a real lover, and it’s slowly breaking apart Keith’s world.

They’re half on the bed, Keith’s legs dangling off the edge of the mattress while Shiro has his knees planted on the ground. Keith’s wet and keening like he’s never been before; his entire body’s screaming for Shiro to fill him, to knot him, to break skin and prove to everyone that Keith belongs to him.

He’s going to get claimed, so, so publicly, and the thought of that makes the fire curled around Keith’s gut brighten. Shiro follows soft suction at the tip by hooking his fingers and searching within Keith till Keith’s arching into Shiro’s mouth without any control. Shiro lets him slide in, and Keith’s pretty sure that this is how he’s going to die.

He almost cries out Shiro’s name when he’s swallows him all the way in. Shiro hums around him and works on opening him up more, and Keith’s trying his best to keep himself steady. Shiro pulls off with a pop and Keith twitches a little at the loss.

“Good?” Shiro asks, and Keith can barely meet his eyes as he nods. “Want some more?”

He’s looking up at Keith, eyes bright and cheeks flushed, and Keith’s trying to find a way to articulate that he thinks his heat might have been triggered, might be breaking through him at this very moment, without having the camera pick it up.  He can feel the fire through till the tip of his toes, and knows he’s growing redder at a steady pace.

Shiro takes a sharp inhale, and that’s all it takes for his expression to change.

“You’re…” He trails off, and Keith lifts a trembling finger to Shiro’s lips.

“Yeah,” He replies, and he can hear the pathetic tint to his own voice. He’s not proud of it, but before he can dwell on it, Shiro’s pushing upwards.

He kisses Keith with a ferocity that catches him by surprise, and he can taste Shiro’s hunger through it. Shiro presses Keith flat against the mattress, and plants a foot on the ground. He nudges Keith’s legs apart with his other thigh, and Keith immediately rolls down on it, moaning openly into Shiro’s mouth.

Briefly, he thinks about the date he went on earlier in the week. The person had been a kind beta from one of his Trig classes. They paid for the date, had carried a good enough concentration, had been extremely sweet to Keith, and Keith sent them off with a kiss on the cheek and a hesitant “I’m not sure if I’m ready”. They had been a good sport about it, just like they had taken Keith’s “My roommate’s an alpha” as a good enough explanation for why he probably reeked of Shiro.

Keith’s glad that he didn’t have to articulate that he’s not been able to ever match the amount of desire he’s felt for Shiro. He’s glad that he’s never had to articulate how he sensed jealousy in Shiro when he had told Shiro about the date, and how that scent had stayed with him as he wrapped a hand around himself later that night and muffled himself against the pillow.

That sends another sharp spike of lust through Keith, and there’s no denying that his heat’s come on early. It feels like his brain’s getting consumed by Shiro, who’s kissing him like he’s ready to devour him.

“Shit,” Shiro murmurs when he breaks them apart and Keith tries to chase him. Keith claws at his back and pulls him closer. Shiro presses his nose against Keith’s neck, and Keith feels the skim of teeth against skin. “You’re not kidding.”

You have no idea, Keith thinks.

But by the way Shiro looks at him, steadily growing darker and more commanding, Keith thinks he might.

Keith’s been with other alphas before. He’s been marked once before, but it faded out with the relationship.

He knows that none of those experiences surpass Shiro. He knows nothing that can happen will ever top Shiro, who’s got Keith’s legs hooked over his arms, nearly bending him in half as he fucks into him at a possessive and punishing pace.

Keith can’t recognize the own sounds spilling out of his mouth, but he can’t recognize much of anything through the fuzz surrounding his brain. He’s honed in on the heat radiating off Shiro, of Shiro in him, big and demanding as he pins Keith down and takes him.

Keith throws his head back to let out a steady stream of pleased noises, and Shiro takes the bared neck as an invitation to bite it. He’s not marking Keith yet, but he’s sucking soft bruises, counterpoint to the way he moves in Keith. Shiro moans against the skin and the vibration of it makes Keith shake. It makes him feel satisfied that his alpha’s pleased, that his alpha’s pleased because of him.

“Shi-ah,” Keith manages to catch himself just in time, an impressive feat given that he’s not sure if he’s capable of saying anything but Shiro’s name.

“Baby,” Shiro pants into Keith’s neck. “Does it feel good?”

“Yeah,” Keith manages to choke out. “Yeah, god, please, please–”

Shiro doesn’t ask what Keith’s begging for; he just presses forward, bending Keith even more, sending stars shooting through his vision. It makes Keith loud, and makes him come so, so close. He wants to reach down and pull himself off, but he wants Shiro to do it more.

“I’m almost-” Keith starts, cutting off at a particularly hard thrust. “I’m gonna–”

Shiro quiets him with a bruising kiss, and it takes the barest touch for Keith to come, for him to spill over Shiro’s hand and for him to muffle Shiro’s name into his mouth.

He thinks that’s the end, that Shiro’s going to ride him through it and finish off himself, but his body thinks different. He’s still half hard, and Shiro shows no sign of letting up. Keith’s feels a familiar sensitivity creeping in, but it’s dull and muted, like his body’s begging to let Shiro keep taking him.

Shiro gives another hard thrust, ducking his head to look in between them.

“I still have to mark you,” Shiro says, voice rough and restrained. Keith’s glad he’s not the only one feeling completely wrecked.

“Do it now,” Keith says, but Shiro shakes his head. Before he can process it, worry shoots through him. It probably makes itself really known, because Shiro drops down to leave soothing kisses against Keith’s jawline.

“I want to make sure they see,” Shiro says, sliding his arms out from under Keith’s legs. “Make sure they know.”

What Shiro wants to do is to hold him up in his lap, using a hand around Keith’s throat to pin his back flush against Shiro’s torso. Another arm encircles Keith’s waist, holding him steady. There’s not much support for Shiro, so he uses his strength to thrust up into Keith. 

Keith’s entire body’s shaking, and he can’t parse whether it’s the heat or if this is just how he’s destined to be around Shiro. Rationally, it’s the heat, but the spark Keith’s been nurturing for Shiro has bloomed into an all encompassing flame. Shiro squeezes the hand around Keith’s throat. It makes him dizzy in the best way, and he lets out a loud whine.

“No one else can have you,” Shiro whispers into Keith’s ear. “No one else can touch you like this.”

Keith tries to nod as much as he can, and Shiro rewards him by shifting his hand off his neck so that he can tug at Keith. The suddenly flow of air and friction against his skin has Keith’s eyes rolling back, but he knows he can’t come again till Shiro marks him.

“Am I yours?” He manages to gasp out, and he can feel Shiro give a pleased rumble behind him.

“You’re mine,” Shiro’s voice has dropped low and liquid, washing over Keith. “And I’m yours. No one else and no one else’s.”

Keith has no idea how Shiro’s managed to remain this coherent; he thinks it might be one of those alpha things, but hearing those words makes him squirm. Keith’s losing his senses rapidly, and he’s starting to feel reckless.

“Shiro,” It comes out of Keith before he can stop it, broken and husky. It doesn’t stop Shiro—and Keith starts to feel teeth on his neck again, positioned right where they need to be to mark him. There’s slight pressure, and Keith digs his nails into the arm that’s choking him. Shiro removes it and uses it to pull Keith closer to himself and grind into him, and Keith can feel the beginnings of a swell.

“I’m here,” Shiro’s voice reverberates to Keith’s core. “I’m here. Tell me what you want babe, tell me that you want it.”

Keith can’t hep it— it’s too much. All he can feel is Shiro, all he can smell is Shiro, all he can hear is Shiro’s voice, all that’s surrounding him right now is Shiro Shiro Shiro.

“You,” It’s the neediest Keith has ever sounded in his life, and he can’t bring himself to care. “I need you Shiro, you, only you, it’s only ever been you, I love you, Shiro, Shiro–”

Shiro bites down hard just as they both tip over the edge, and something within Keith surges at the fact that finally, finally Shiro’s claimed him, and makes him temporarily forget the confession he’s just blurted out.

When Shiro’s knot comes down and he slips out, and Keith’s officially come down from the high of his first wave of heat, Keith wants to bury himself under his own bed and die of mortification. He’s not sure how he’s going to gather the courage or the energy to go turn the cameras off.

Shiro rumbles behind him as Keith voices as much, and rolls them over so that Keith’s half on Shiro’s torso.

“You did well,” Shiro says, and it sounds so much like the voice he had when he was playing ball in their first year of university, that Keith snorts.

“Thanks pal,” He says dryly, and Shiro chuckles. “I’m glad you find this funny.”

Shiro rolls his eyes smiles at him and runs a hand through Keith’s hair. Keith’s eyes close at the touch and he leans into it, enjoying the soft pressure against his scalp. It relaxes him further, even though he’s already feeling boneless from their efforts earlier on. The mark on his neck pulses a little, and Keith’s eyes shoot open.

“Woah,” Shiro says, shifting a hand to Keith’s shoulder. He can probably sense Keith’s panic; it wouldn’t be too hard, because Keith’s dousing in it.

“I said— when you marked me,” Keith stutters, and Shiro raises an eyebrow at him. “I said—”

“I heard,” Shiro replies, moving his hand again, and Keith feels himself get shifted further up Shiro till he’s nose to nose with him.

His expression is indescernible to Keith, but Keith doesn’t get a chance to dwell on it. Shiro pulls him down for a soft, chaste press of the lips. It’s easy, a lot easier than Keith expected, especially when Shiro kisses the corner of his mouth, then the tip of his nose.

“You too,” Shiro says gently. “I love you too.”

Relief melts through Keith. Any half-hearted explanation about how heat makes people say crazy things is immediately forgotten as he slumps against Shiro’s chest and presses a kiss against Shiro’s throat.

“Let me take care of you,” Shiro says, sliding a finger under Keith’s chin and tipping it up so that they’re looking at each other. “Let me be good to you.”

“You already are,” Keith says, but lets himself get drawn in again.

[setoangel01-fanfiction]

Merry Christmas, Ash

Chapter 2 - The Middle Years (Previous Chapter)

Fandom: Sing 2016

Pairing: Johnny x Ash (Jash)

Rated: T

Chapter Summary: More sweet Christmas moments as boyfriend and girlfriend and than as husband and wife…

Fanfiction.net

A03

"I never knew you were so festive," Ash murmured more to herself as she watched with barely concealed amusement as Johnny carefully hung snowflakes in the doorway.

The piping hot coffee still cradled in her tiny paws had grown lukewarm as she supervised the massive amount of work he'd done so far. Put up and decorated the tree, hung stockings by the electric fireplace, put a wreath on nearly every door, and it seemed he wouldn't be done until there was a piece of tinsel on every surface of her - no, their house. A move they decided to make two years into dating.

"Ya never decorated this much when you were living in the garage." she continued after taking a long sip of the sugary beverage. Ash would have offered to help but with her diminutive height, she would have been more in the way than anything.

Besides, he seemed to be having such a great time doing it.

Johnny peered back at her across the expanse of his massive shoulder and just smiled down at his girlfriend.

"Heh. Christmas was kinda lonely when I lived alone without my dad. Heck, even with my dad there, we weren't much for celebratin' anything since mum passed. So…nah. You're right. I didn't decorate much," he explained and Ash bit her lip; wanting to punch herself for bringing up his painful past yet again when Johnny happily continued as if nothing was amiss, "But now, there's much more reason to celebrate."

Ash swooned beside herself.

Being together for over two years and every romantic line and sweet nothing he whispered still sent her heart into near convulsion every single time. At first, it was rather annoying simply because she was not used to it but over time, the goopy, sappy lines became a necessity.

"It's still a lot of work," Ash observed his carefully hung snowflakes, "…and you'll probably hit your head every time you go underneath."

"Probably," he chuckled warmly, "It's alright - I nearly bump my head every time anyway - it'll at least be a warning."

Ash laughed even if it didn't feel completely appropriate upon recalling the many bumps Johnny had gotten from her doorways. Johnny didn't seem to mind; he knew what he was getting into being in a romantic relationship with a porcupine.

The gorilla flashed her a quick smirk when the last one was hung and he brushed his hands on his jeans.

"Think that'll do?" he muttered, glancing around their shared space and at the many decorations strewn about.

Ash placed her coffee aside and wrapped her arms arms around his middle for a tight hug.

"Looks great, Johnny." she said genuinely, giving his hip a soft kiss through his sweater and simply enjoying his warmth and presence. Taking a moment to rest her head on his stomach and glanced at all the decorating he'd done, their stockings on the fireplace and the carefully decorated tree nearby. It's lights flickering across the bulbs and beads strewn on its branches filling the room with an inviting light.

The festive touch she had never really attempted before and she had to admit, while it was different, it was nice.

Recalled that night that felt like forever ago. When he'd dropped her off after Buster's party - her apartment so empty and lonely but now full of light and happiness. As if reading her thoughts, Johnny reached for a picture atop the fireplace - the very same one Rosita had taken that night.

"That's where it all started, huh?" Johnny murmured more to himself.

"Pretty much." Ash answered him anyway.

Johnny chuckled lowly as he stared down at it.

"What's so funny?"

"I just - I guess I still can't believe I kissed ya that night." he shook his head, "I'm glad I did, but ya know me, I normally would have never done such a thing. Heck, I never kissed anyone before that…"

Ash grew quiet for a moment before gently taking the picture from him and looking at it. Pulling away from his addicting warmth to wipe a bit of dust that had accumulated on the glass surface.

"You told me you felt as if I was down that night - and Rosita and Miss Crawly told you to kiss me to cheer me up?" she rehashed the story he told her; the last time it was ever really brought up until right at this moment.

"I actually had the mistletoe at first. I-I thought it would be a good ice breaker - since, ya know, you were still kinda getting over your wanker ex, so -"

"...So, it was your idea?" she interrupted.

Johnny swallowed nervously before answering her with a slight nod of his head.

"I was trying to be subtle - you were still getting over your break-up and…I thought it was still too early to outright ask you out."

"So you kissed me instead?"

Ash's heart swelled at the nervousness filling his face.

"I was considering it and Miss Crawly and Rosita gave me that final push - a-and I did." he answered; accented voice tapering off and looking at her as if waiting for a negative reaction.

Ash didn't answer right away; simply remembering the weeks and months following that fateful party. Her own feelings she questioned were becoming harder to ignore now that she knew Johnny felt something for her.

Johnny wouldn't kiss just anybody after all.

It took time, visits to his dad, and allowing her walls to finally come down before she outright asked him out one day during practice. Ash wished she had a camera in that moment to capture just how big Johnny's eyes had got. Silent and most likely confused before he smiled and bashfully agreed.

…and as they say, the rest was history.

"...I'm glad you did." she admitted softly; still having a hard time admitting her love for him so easily. Wanting to pinch herself in even imagining such a love existed - especially for her.

For so long, she really believed that her and Lance were it - the break-up was the world crumbling beneath her feet. Never did she think she'd let go of her past and embrace someone new like she did - then again, she'd never met anyone like Johnny.

Positive, loving, friendly, encouraging, and he was one of the first animals to put her needs before his…

"I am too." he replied before gently taking back the picture from her and placing it lovingly in the center of the fireplace and staring at it longingly.

Ash took the moment to re-wrap her arms around his middle and rest her head on his firm stomach. The Christmas decorations and lights flickering pleasantly around them in a moment so perfect she never wanted it to end…

If it hadn't been before, Christmas Day was definitely different now.

Ash casually toyed with her wedding band as she Johnny relaxed in front of their newly installed wood-burning fireplace.

It was moments like this that their married life felt like a dream; so incredible and wonderful - being happier than she ever thought possible as she melted into his form.

"You alright with it being just us this Christmas?" Johnny asked lowly, breath skirting pleasantly over her spines.

"Why wouldn't I be?" she mused, running small furry fingers over the expanse of his palm before lazily spinning his gold wedding band.

Johnny shrugged, "I dunno. Your folks are having Christmas dinner -" Ash made a noise of disapproval and Johnny continued with an amused chuckle "Or, I thought ya would prefer going to Buster's potluck or…"

"...or what?"

"…Mike's party…" he cleared his throat uncomfortably, "Nancy invited us again this year, but…"

Ash could practically feel the flush of heat fill him at the very mention of Mike's now infamous Christmas party

"That was two years ago, Johnny." Ash couldn't help but laugh, "I highly doubt he's still mad at you. Hell, the guy has a kid now, I doubt he still remembers."

"How could anyone forget that? I was drunk out of my bloody mind and I still remember it!" he groaned, gently removing his hand from hers to rub at his face. A thing he always did when he got particularly embarrassed - he was too damn cute.

"I know I won't forget." Ash giggled, biting her lip and leaning deeper against his incredibly warm form as the heat from the crackling fire tickled her toes.

Johnny grunted out another embarrassed noise and Ash just laughed harder when she caught the redness of his cheeks.

Never did she think it would still bother him after all this time. Johnny getting incredibly drunk off some spiked eggnog and her coercing him to have sex in Mike's bed (even if neither knew it was his bed at the time or were just too horny to care).

"Ya gotta remind me?" he groaned lightly.

Ash quirked her brow at him, "Isn't it a good memory for you?"

Johnny flushed, "Well, of course it is! Y-Yeah, it was a wonderful night, it's just…the last bit was embarrassing…"

She couldn't help but smirk at just how red he had gotten. Ash knew she probably shouldn't tease him about it but truthfully, she couldn't help it.

"I thought it was sexy how you talked back to him even as he yelled at you to get your pants back on. Let's just say, you're a very…passionate drunk."

Johnny groaned loudly, rubbing at his face and Ash threw her head back and laughed.

A few moments passed and he'd calmed, breath evening by her tenderly rubbing her palms in a soothing motion across his chest.

"But I hardly ever think about the last part, Johnny - really."

"Ya sure like bringing it up���"

"Because you're too cute when you get flustered," she giggled after giving his sternum a firm kiss, "What I like thinking about was you - us - how uncomfortable I was at that party and yet it turned into one of the best nights of my life."

"...Really?"

"Mm-hmm…" she hummed before rolling more on top of him and sitting flush on his stomach.

Johnny's eyes widened for a second but lowered as his hands made their perch on her flared hips to keep her in place. His pouty lower lip now between two rows of his white teeth; canine showcased in stark contrast to the pink tint of his inner lip.

"It also made me realize I wanted to marry you..." she admitted and he slowly sat up, his back leaning up against the pile of pillows they made in front of the fireplace.

"...really?" he asked, one hand leaving her hip to brush the back of his fingers tenderly against the fur of her cheek.

Ash hummed, nodding in reply as she nuzzled his hand with her face; gingerly kissing each of his knuckles.

"Heh," Johnny suddenly chuckled, "…and how did making love in Mike 'n Nancy's bed convince ya of that?"

"I dunno," the porcupine shrugged, "We'd been together for years at that point, even living together - but truthfully, I thought perhaps that's all it would be."

Johnny's brows furrowed at that.

"Marriage was something I stopped thinking about a long time ago at that point." she admitted lowly, eyes averting to his bare chest where she began circling her fingertips over his skin. "Mostly because I never thought it would never happen."

"Why would ya say that?" he asked, finger gently cupping under her chin to turn her eyes back to his.

"Heh," Ash chuckled mirthlessly, "Look who I was dating before you - spent five years with him and he refused to talk about marriage - hell, the ass didn't even pay his share of rent! I just…kinda assumed it wouldn't happen for me. Until you that was."

Johnny didn't answer, simply sat up and pulled her closer til she was laying on his chest, her face buried in the crook of his neck and breathing in the hint of leather and woodsy cologne still sticking to his fur.

Ash hid her face from him; she really hated bringing up her past especially now of all times. Her wedding ring a comforting weight and her husband, the most amazing thing that had ever happened to her, lying beneath her. Yet he deserved an answer, so she began talking.

"Before that night, I still was struggling with saying 'I love you' - still partially believing you were too good to be true and you'd end up breaking my heart. Yet none of that turned out to be further from the truth. That night, you sat by me, didn't ignore me how Lance used to - and had to admit, the great sex just kinda took it over the edge for me. I knew I wouldn't mind doing that with you the rest of my life."

The gorilla chuckled at that, hand tenderly stroking and smoothing down her quills as he held her closer. Ash's face eventually re-emerged from his fur to take him in and he was giving her the most gentle smile.

All of a sudden, Johnny's furry cheek brushed across hers; lips tender and soft as they pressed to her cheek much how they did the first Christmas they celebrated together. The same picture on the stand above their new fireplace; it was in a newer frame to match the wood of their new house…but still the same.

Ash pulled back and looked at her husband and gazed longingly into his chestnut gaze. The crackling fire creating flickering hues of gold and burnt orange to adorn his eyes. She reached up and cradled his face; the warmth of his fur and skin pleasant beneath her palms when she pressed her forehead to his.

"I love you so much." he whispered.

"Love you too," she responded; the words were now as simple as breathing.

With the gentle sounds of Christmas music playing on their iPod speaker nearby and the crackling fire, their lips met. A familiar caress and embrace both had grown to memorize but never tired of even after all these years. The warmth of the fire nothing compared to the one growing between them as they made the most of their Christmas night alone together.

In those moments, Ash never thought she'd grow to appreciate Christmas any more than this…she was happily mistaken.

[kyraensui]

A solace that rains

Summary: Lotor testing his luck and pride as an Alpha to court an infamous omega, Keith.

Rated: Teen & Up

Chapter 4 of 8

Can read at AO3: http://archiveofourown.org/works/12559508/chapters/28704472

Lotor held his sleeping mate close to him while his nose took in the gentle scent of jasmine and vanilla from his soft raven hair. His soft breathing tickled across his bare chest. He should be sleeping, but he wanted to savor this precious moment. A kiss on top of his head and brushing away stray strands from his mate's sleeping face.  Keith. This peculiar omega had captivate him for so long and the many futile attempts to capture his affections had drain his emotional energy. He wasn't positive how much longer he can handle Keith's rejections, but he was near his breaking point. Apparently, today was their breaking point. To the point of Lotor losing Keith forever.

 [Earlier that afternoon] "Tell me why I am at this party again?" Shiro looked down at the person standing next to him. "Because Allura dragged you here." Keith crossed his arms and puffed his cheeks up. He doesn't the social aspect of this party and he didn't even like dressing up fancy either. The fancy penguin suit was comfortable except around the neck area where his red tie hung around on. "I want to go home." "Come on Keith. Loosen up and enjoy this nice change." "Really Shiro? Which one do you prefer doing tonight? Being my chaperone or being a decent mate and try protecting Lance from a sea of Alphas?" Keith let out a long sigh when Shiro took too long to notice the crowd of Alphas gathered around Lance as they tried to ask him for a dance. Shiro can be little slow in the romance department, but he was learning. As much he was annoyed by Lance's antics, he was making Shiro happy. "Little one!" His ears perked up and turned around to see the woman from the bar again.

She looks vaguely familiar like someone, but who again?

Keith bowed to her when she got closer to him. "Hello ma'am. It's nice seeing you again." "You are so cute." She smiled and immediately spun him around to get the whole view. "My~! You look quite dashing too! I bet you can capture everyone in this room with your cute looks, but I want to keep you to myself~"

Who is this weird woman?!

"Honerva." Keith looked over when she turned halfway to look at the speaker. The voice had deep baritone that commands respect. "Deary! Look who I found at Allura's party." she pulled Keith forward towards her husband and smiled behind his back. "This is the infamous little one I've been talking about." Keith gulped and looked up. The man was taller and broader than Shiro. His piercing hazel eyes were intense that can make anyone run for their lives. He wanted to hide. "I'm Zarkon." "Keith." His hand held out. "Pleased to meet you, sir." "Likewise."

Scary scary!!

He was so small compared to Zarkon. Even his large hand can almost covered his entire hand when he gave a firm handshake. "You're scaring him, dear." Sh wrapped her arms around Keith's shoulders from behind. "Isn't he precious? Let's take him home with us tonight~" "Uhh..." "Honerva, you're the one who is scaring him before he can be a part of the family."

What?! What family? Whose family?!

She giggled. "Of course! But I want to make sure no other Alphas in the party can take him before our son can."

What son?! What's going on here?

"Father, Mother, there you two are. You should have wait---" He paused. "Keith?" Zarkon turned halfway to see his son walking towards them and watched his son faltered in his steps and words. He stood back and watched the scenes before him. "Lotor? What are you doing here?" "I was invited like everyone else here." Keith rolled his eyes. "Smart ass." "Thanks Keith, but my smarts are inside my brain than my ass." as he tapped his temple. "Ugh. You are the same outside of the bar too." "Of course. But for you Keith" he walked closer with his eyes trailing down the omega's body and smiled,"your polished natural beauty can eclipse all the fair maidens in this room." His cheeks became red and warm as Lotor reached out and took his hand up to his glossy lips. He lost count how many times his entire hand got kissed by this romantic idiot. He looked away immediately, but didn't yanked out his hand. Honerva giggled quietly and silently went beside her husband's side as they left the budding couple alone. They were in their world now. "May I--" "No." Lotor quirked a brow. "How about--" "No." "Stubborn as always." "Persistent as usual." "Only to you." "Why?" "Did you really have to ask?" "Yes, because you're confusing me." "And how am I confusing you?" "You---" "Lotor!" Keith was stunned when he watched a pretty female omega with flaming red hair flung herself on Lotor behind his back and nuzzled against his cheek. She looked at Keith with a mischievous smile etched on her face and her body relaxing on Lotor. "Heh~ You're pretty cute, but sadly, still not on par with Lotor." "Ezor!" He clenched his hand and took a deep breath. He won't let her get to him. "What? He might be cute, but I bet you that he's a sneaky gold digger to mate out your fortune." Lotor pulled Ezor off of him and turned to her with his eyes narrowed dangerously. "That is enough Ezor." Keith bite his lower lip and glared at the woman. He can tolerate being slander, but he will stand by being accuse. "You want to hurt me, little omega?" as she coaxed him. "Because what I said is true? I bet your older brother doesn't know your dirty side. What an idiot." CRACK! She blinked and looked at the flustered Keith with her hand over her redden cheek. Keith took a step back while shaking off the pain of his hand. "I can tolerate you insulting me, but I am not going to stand by and have you insulting Shiro! You know what? You don't have to worry about me going after Lotor." "Keith." "No, forget it Lotor." He shook his head. "It was a mistake. I don't know why I bother believing in you." "Keith, please wait." "No, stay away from me. Leave me alone. I don't want to deal with you anymore." Keith used his sleeve to wipe away the betraying tears. "I don't know why I have to cry for a person like you. I don't know why I thought you would be different from other Alphas." Lotor took a step forward, but Keith took two steps back. "Ever since you made me scent you, all I can think about is you. Your stupid smile. Your stupid remarks. Your overall stupid presence." "Keith, please. Listen to me." "NO. I didn't even want to come here in the first place and now I can't stand it anymore." "Keith." "Stay away from me! I don't want to see you anymore!" Keith made a mad dash to the nearest exit with few shoving of the crowd when they heard the commotion. Without a second thought, Lotor ran after Keith with a quick apologetic sign language when he ran past Shiro.   He will explain later to Shiro, but for now, Keith was his main priority. There was wet droplets fell on top of his head. Great. Can the evening get any better? It was already late in the evening and visibility had became low to see now that it began to pour. It doesn't anymore. He had to find Keith. To find his omega mate. "Keith!" He yelled and ran in the rain. Turn left. Then right. Right again. It felt like he was going in circles in the neighborhood he grow up with Allura. With couple more turns, he paused to hear a faint sound. Already soaked to the bone, he closed his eyes and concentrated on locating the direction of the sound. His eyes flung open and quickly headed towards the source.

It was fruitless to wipe his face off from the rain as Keith tried to move his leg, but flinched back from the harsh pain of his ankle twisted. He was so focus on running that he didn't pay attention to the sudden change of the road and his foot dipped down from a small elevation of sidewalk. His day was getting bad by the second and all he can think about was Lotor. He had build enough courage to talk with him about their complex courtship as Lance would dubbed it. He actually hope to speak about it at the party when he sees him. Shiro told him that Lotor will attend since he and Allura are relatives. The party was okay for the most part except for getting hit on by other Alphas until Shiro came to only leave to save Lance. He wiped his rosy nose and made pitiful attempts to get up only to fall back down from the pain. It just his rotten luck. "Keith!" Keith looked up with blurry vision and made a futile attempt to escape. The moment he saw something within vision, he quickly slapped it away. "I told you I don't want to see you!" "Keith, you're hurt." "Not as much you hurt me. Just stay away from me!" "No, you have to listen." When Lotor tried reaching out to Keith, he was slapped away again. After two more tries, he changed up his tactic and went behind Keith to hold him. This omega was not going down without a fight as he struggled against his hold and pushing him away when he tried to carry him. "Keith stop it! You're going to get sick too." "Leave me alone. Let me die here for I care!" Keith's eyes widen, but closed immediately from the rain as his hands clenched into fists to pound him, then opened them to push back hard on Lotor's chest. He was being suffocated by Lotor's lips over his. It was desperate, and yet, warm. Lotor had a tight hold on him as he continued to push him back, but found his hands rubbing against his chest instead. His energy was being sapped out the longer they kissed. Lotor was first to pull away and quickly held Keith close to his body in a tight embrace. "Don't you ever say that again!" He was mad. He hadn't heard Lotor this mad before. Not from the stunt he pulled, but the words he said. "I know you're not what Ezor said. I'm not going to excuse her rudeness, but please hear me out Keith. I knew you're the one I want to be with when I felt it." Keith just let his hands fell to the wet cemented ground. He sniffled. "I only started talking to you for two years, but I've like you longer than that. It was your smile that got me." He hiccuped. "What?" "It was when you and Shiro went to adopt Kitty Rose. I saw you before I had to leave for deployment. Your smile was beautiful." Keith buried his face against his wet chest. "I've fallen for you. That's why I asked Shiro's help. I prayed every nights in hopes of you would return the feelings." "Yew were tou flwashy." Keith mumbled. Lotor chuckled. "That would Lance's department. But hear me out when I say is true. I want you as my mate." Keith shook his head. "How come?" He watched as he saw two glassy violet eyes staring up at him. "Because I didn't invite you in yet." "So you forgive me?" "Not really. It would be great if we get out the rain and then I will think about that invite." He smiled.

"Lotor please..." He whimpered.

Gods Keith. Stop making those sexy sounds.

"Shh. I will take great care of you." His hand rubbing against Keith's flesh. "This will make you feel good." Keith was moaning softly with his body twitching and twisting by the sensual touches.

Not good. Calm down Alpha self. No taking Keith without permission.

"But--" He whimpered again as he watched Lotor made one last rub against his calves and double checking the bandages around his ankle. Lotor had taken to his parent's place where he was staying and helped clean him up by taking a bath together. It was so awkward to Keith and he swore under his breath that he could faint from blood loss when he saw how sculpted and tantalizing Lotor's body was. He was definitely bless by the gods. He found himself staring longer than usual and Lotor had to tease him by his perfect body at him.

"Enjoying what you see? This whole package can be yours to keep and touch for your leisure~!"

Keith cursed under his breath. It was worst when Lotor offered to wash his hair and back in the heated tub. His thoughts veered and flew off the beaten path. He will need to find some private time to release, but the thought of Lotor willing to fulfill his needs was very enticing after that great massage. "You look quite adorable wearing my pajama set." Keith lifted both arms up with sleeves covering all and hanging two inches loose. He did the same with his legs. It doesn't help when the idiot Alpha was two to three inches taller than him. However, it felt comfortable wearing it.

The scent of his Alpha. "Don't make fun of my height." "I'm not. I'm complimenting it." He stuck his tongue out and blew a loud raspberry. Lotor leaned in as he bent down close to Keith's face with a wicked smile. "Is that an invitation? I will gladly accept that." He covered his mouth quickly with both hands and shook his head furiously.

Hells no!

He laughed as he scooped up the tiny omega in his arms like a bride and headed towards the huge king size bed.

No invitation yet. There will be a next time. However, to have Keith being comfortable around his presence was enough to give him solace. A quick kiss on the omega's forehead and carefully adjusted himself to be comfortable to sleep. He closed his eyes and smiled when Keith wiggled close to him and purred happily in his sleep. He had found his soulmate.

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

Once Bitten, Twice Stupid prt.52

Keith couldn’t believe Lance bought him a puppy. An actual puppy. A real life puppy purchased with him in mind. He’d never thought he able to actually have his own pet, let alone a puppy. His boyfriend insisted on paying for, and carrying, everything they’d bought at the pet store, other than his new and very precious little puppy. He’d seen the little puppy trying to get everyone’s attention. None of the other puppies were playing with him, or paying any attention to him. The puppy kind of reminded him a bit of Lance in the way he fell on his back and bottom each time he tried to jump up at the plastic side of his cage. He was clumsy, with big paws and bigger ears, but he was so warm and tiny against him. Shiro wouldn’t approve, but if the puppy was staying at Lance’s then his brother couldn’t really be mad.

Sent to sit in the front of Lance’s car, Lance loaded up the back. His boyfriend seemed to take forever, and Keith was confused that he seemed to be talking to someone. Climbing into the driver’s seat, Keith noticed he was on the phone, which explained the random talking. Thanking whoever was on the other end, his boyfriend grinned at him

“Guess what?”

“What?”

“I called the vet I usually take Blue to. They don’t have an opening today, but they can see our handsome little man tomorrow afternoon”

Keith frowned. What if there was something wrong with him? What if the puppy didn’t like him? What if the vet found something wrong and they had to put the puppy down? He didn’t want to lose his puppy already... but it’d be on par with his life if he did. Reaching over, Lance ruffled his hair when he thought his boyfriend was going to pat the puppy

“Hey. He’s a good doggo. It’s for his needles. We can’t take him to the park until he’s had his injections. The puppies they get are rescues, they all get basic vet checks before hand. You heard what was said, this little dude has been waiting for weeks to meet his human. You’re allowed to be happy right now. You’re allowed to love him already, because he’s goddamn adorable”

“It feels like this is too good to be true... I didn’t... I don’t...”

Shit. He was getting teary. A fish was one thing, but a puppy was another. Lance pulled him to a one armed hug, kissing his hair as he did

“Hey, you deserve good things. And this puppy, he’s going to be your responsibility. Shiro might not be cool with a puppy right now, but once he’s bigger and out of his chewing phase, he’ll be able to stay with you in the apartment. Let yourself have this. Because you’re the one going to be cleaning up all his messes”

Keith snorted wetly, raising his head to look at Lance

“Sorry...”

“Don’t be. People are quick to judge but trauma never really leaves us. You don’t have to hide that side away from me. I’m already a sucker for you and those galaxy eyes. It’s like you’ve got the whole cosmos in there”

He’d spent years bullied for them. They were the only thing Krolia had gifted him other than 40 weeks free rent in her womb... No that wasn’t being fair. She had no idea his dad would die and leave him behind

“People never liked my eyes”

“I do. They’re pretty amazing”

Lance wouldn’t lie, but he couldn’t find it in him to believe him completely

“They called me a freak”

Lance raised his top lip to expose his teeth

“As a freak, I can promise you that you have a long way to go before you’re one of us”

That was kind of true, but Keith didn’t mind Lance’s fangs. His boyfriend better at controlling them so he only cut Keith’s a little bit when they kissed now

“I don’t know...”

“I do. Now, let’s go introduce this little one to Mami. She’s going to love him. But that’s only if you want to. You can totally wait in the car with him and I won’t be offended at all”

Keith didn’t want Luis to see his new puppy. But he kind of wanted to see Miriam happy. She was important to Lance, which made her important to him. Kind of how that elevated Shiro from annoying brother

“I’ll think about it”

“I can always ask the staff and make sure Lisa and Luis aren’t there”

“No... I don’t want to kick them out”

“Zero pressure, babe”

Keith blinked at being called “babe”

“That’s like the third time you’ve called me that”

Lance’s cheeks hinted red

“If it makes you uncomfortable...”

“No. No... it’s... kind of nice. Makes me feel wanted”

That hint of red bloomed, as Lance smiled at him

“Babe. Keith. Other father to our new puppy, I want you. I want you around and in my life. I’ll take as much of you as I can get”

Keith felt awkward under the praise

“I thought you wanted to wait for that?”

It was Lance’s turn to blink

“Did you just... wait... what?”

“You started it”

“And now I’m not going to be able to stop thinking about it. Thanks, babe”

Keith leaned in, pressing a small kiss to Lance’s lips. He wanted to remember this feeling. Him, his puppy, and his boyfriend, all being happy

“You’re welcome”

*

“Keith, what is that?”

Sitting on the sofa with Curtis, Shiro was the only other person in the house when they finally got home. He’d been carrying his puppy around the whole time, the little pup deciding to pee in his lap as Lance drove them back to Garrison. He’d had a big drink while they visited Miriam, who’d had carefully pats with the excitable pups

“My jeans got wet?”

That wasn’t what Shiro was asking. Keith didn’t want to fight, but his puppy needed food and he needed a shower

“Don’t tell me Lance has turned into a puppy. Actually, tell me Lance turned into a puppy and you two didn’t buy a dog”

Carrying the shopping in behind him, Lance laughed at Shiro

“If you don’t know what a puppy looks like by now, you never will. And he’s not a “that”, he’s a “him””

Walking over to the space in front of the television, Lance dropped the bags from the pet store

“You got a dog?”

Keith shifted his weight. He knew it’d been too good to last. Lance didn’t seem to care, stretching after placing the bags down as he nodded

“Yep, we got a puppy. I mean, Keith’s kind of like a big puppy, but now we’ve got a little puppy”

“How does visiting Miriam result in Keith coming home with a puppy?”

Keith bit his bottom lip. He didn’t want to cry. Not in front of Shiro and Curtis, who were sitting too close to each other. Coming up behind him, Lance wrapped his arms around Keith’s waist

“I think he’s pretty cute, and so’s the puppy. Yeah, he’s Keith’s, but, big but here, until he’s trained and a little older he’ll be living here at the house”

Shiro sighed as pinched the bridge of his nose

“Okay. Okay. But how? Why?”

“This little dudes been waiting weeks to be adopted. He’s the cutest little pupperino, and he does like the biggest pees ever. That reminds me, you need to take a shower. I’ll watch over our little man while you get cleaned up, then you can feed him. And I have to find Blue. I have to tell her about this”

Lance kissed neck, just below his ear, before whispering

“It’s okay. You’ve done nothing wrong”

Then why did it feel like he had. Who was he kidding? He couldn’t just have a puppy out of nowhere. Slipping around him, Lance put himself between him and Shiro

“Now, gimme the puppy. I want cuddles with our resident cutie’s cutie”

When Lance took the tiny puppy, Keith instantly missed him. He didn’t handle things too gracefully as he all but ran from the room and up to Lance’s. Shiro wasn’t happy. He wasn’t happy and Keith had made him that way. A horrible sick feeling set in, because he really didn’t want to have to return the puppy. Those display boxes at the pet store were no place for animals. This little puppy probably had a hard enough life as it was. Lance had said it was okay... so why couldn’t Shiro be okay with it?

*

Lance waited until he heard the shower turn on upstairs before redirecting his attention from the puppy in his arms to Shiro

“Okay, right. Did you have to scare him off like that?”

Shiro raised an eyebrow at him

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, you upset him and it’s not cool”

“Lance...”

“I get it. A puppy is a big deal. A pet is a big responsibility and you guys work crazy hours. What I don’t get is breaking Keith’s heart like this. He’s certain that he doesn’t deserve a dog. That he’s not allowed to be happy about it. A dog is a serious commitment. They’re not like a cat, even if Blue is a damn princess. But you should have seen him, Shiro. He was so happy. He’s been so happy since he held him the first time”

“We’re barely home with work”

Lance could see both sides here. But Keith was his boyfriend, and the puppy was his idea

“That’s why this little one will stay here. Maybe he was an impulse buy, but Keith deserves this happiness. He was so scared to tell you. He’s been scared since we left Platt. This little dude has been waiting weeks to be adopted. It was like... like they were waiting for each other without knowing it”

Shiro tiredly scrubbed at his face, with a soft sigh

“I’m not trying to be the bad guy. We would have a dog if we’d been in the position. But as you said, they’re a lot of work. I’m scared he’s not going to take things well if something was to happen”

“I get that. I don’t want to hurt Keith. I know it was rash and impulsive, but... His happiness... He was so happy. Out here is safer while he’s growing up. He’s got space to move with no traffic. I’ll work on getting him toilet trained, but Keith will do most of the training. This pup is for him. Even if... we don’t work out, I still want to know he had a friend there for him. No offence but there’s some things you can’t say out loud, so we say them to our pets”

“I guess... He is kind of cute”

“The dog or your brother?”

Shiro rolled his eyes at him

“You really want me to answer that?”

“Nope. Here. Have a cuddle and get him used to you both. I’m going to check on Keith”

*

Keith felt better for having showered. He didn’t know how to face Shiro, yet he was happy to no longer be covered in puppy pee. Thinking Lance as downstairs, he nearly dropped his towel in surprise when he found Lance sitting on the end of his bed, waiting for him

“Careful, don’t go dropping that towel”

“I... what... where’s the puppy?”

Keith didn’t mean to focus on the puppy, but Shiro wasn’t happy about it and now the puppy wasn’t with Lance

“Uncle Shiro is having cuddles. I’m letting our little dude work his magic on his uncle. Come sit next to me”

Keith did as Lance said, sitting down beside his boyfriend. Taking him by the hand, Lance interlaced their fingers

“Now. I had a talk with Shiro and explained that the puppy would be staying here for now”

“He wasn’t happy”

“No, but, he understands now. And he’s okay. It might have been impulsive, but if you hadn’t adopted him, I would have. Blue was all the company I needed. Well, Pidge and Hunk too, but I think having a dog around might be good thing too”

“You would have got him because of me?”

“Yes and no. Mostly yes, but that puppy, he didn’t ask to be born. He didn’t ask not to find a loving family, or to be surrendered. I know pet shops have rules and regulations but whenever I’m there I just want to take all the animals home. When I saw the way you looked at him, I knew you were seeing yourself, weren’t you?”

Keith didn’t know what to say to that. Yeah. He had. He’d been alone and ignored for years. He’d never been enough, no matter how good he was. He didn’t have his family and he never felt like he belonged at any of his foster families. He’d been a run away when Shiro had found him. So jaded and warped by life that he’d made Shiro’s life as hard as possible trying to drive him away

“Maybe...”

“I know your past is hard to talk about, but you can talk to me. Have you thought of a name yet?”

“No... I mean, every name seems... not right”

“You’re over thinking things. You and your galaxy eyes have the right name in there somewhere. Blue got her name from her Blue eyes. She was vicious as a kitten and that just made her cuter”

Lance was back on about his eyes again. Maybe... maybe they weren’t as weird as he thought? Maybe... he... maybe he was starting to like the colour thanks to his boyfriend. Shiro had reassured him like a million times over them, but this wasn’t his brother feeling obligated

“Do you really think they look like that?”

“What looks like what?”

“My eyes?”

Leaning in Lance kissed him softly, his lips against his as spoke, free hand coming up to cup Keith’s cheek

“I could get lost in them. They’re beautiful, like the rest of you. You’ve got your own little galaxy happening in there”

Keith malfunctioned. Awkwardly replying

“Your eyes are... pretty too... like the ocean and shit”

Lance drew back with a laugh, Keith internally dying that little bit more on the wake of fucking up his compliment

“Like the ocean and shit... shit isn’t pretty”

“Oh shut up”

Way to make him feel embarrassed

“I’m sorry... it was so you I couldn’t help but laugh. Anyway mine are just blue”

“It’s a nice blue, arsehole”

“My arsehole isn’t blue, but Blue is an arsehole”

He couldn’t fucking win

“I give up”

Lance shook his head, laughter dying down

“Sorry. Sorry, I shouldn’t have laughed. As for the puppy, you have nothing to worry about. Shiro and Curtis are bonding over him. I’m not trying to eavesdrop, but they think he’s pretty cute”

“You think he’ll let me have him?”

“Babe, the puppy is already yours. I’d give you the whole cosmo if that meant making you smile like you were today”

Just like that warmth was filling his chest and his heart was doing stupid things

“I don’t want the whole cosmos...”

“I know. Hey, do you like space?”

The question made Keith draw his brow in confusion

“Why?”

“Because I’ve got an idea”

Lance seemed excited about whatever this idea was

“I’m glad you do, because I have no idea what you’re on about”

“I was thinking if you liked space we could give him a space name to go with those eyes of yours. So when you’re with your puppy, you can remember that you have someone in your life that thinks they’re pretty. Like, even if it doesn’t work out between us, I’ll never stop disliking you or your eyes... Man, it sounded much lamer when I say it out loud”

It was lame. Very lame and very Lance

“I... um... don’t know”

“Cosmo. But with a “K”, like for Keith. So it’s K-O-S-M-O”

Lance was way too excited now

“That’s a dumb name. I was kind of waiting for him to tell me his name in his own way”

Lance sighed at him

“I thought I was onto something there. Then I’d have my own galaxy and Kosmo...”

Keith felt himself starting to smile

“I thought the puppy was mine?”

“He is. But I’ve got you... so you know, by default and all that”

Lance was making him stupid with happiness. Lance didn’t judge him, nor had he pushed the topic

“You really like me, don’t you?”

Lance frowned at him, his expression slightly wounded

“Isn’t that obvious?”

“It is... but I wonder if it’s too obvious. Like you’re trying too hard to see anything in me”

Lance sighed at him, leaning in again this time to rest his forehead against Keith’s

“That’s because you don’t see your own worth, idiot. You’re all “Me hunt! Me stab!”, when you wanna be all “cuddle me”. You’re not the tough guy you think you are”

“I’m pretty tough...”

“And very manly. And very sexy. For an idiot hunter who convinced he’d gotten himself turned”

Keith wasn’t about to let Lance win again

“Just how sexy am I?”

“Ummm... like very sexy”

“Like sexy and shit?”

Lance didn’t laugh like he thought his boyfriend would, instead he nodded, practically whispering

“Very sexy and shit”

It felt right to kiss him. Lance responding openly, Keith’s hands finding Lance, pulling on him until his boyfriend was in his lap. The towel wasn’t offering much in the way of modesty, and Lance’s kisses were making him dizzy. Hungry and horny, they kissed less than innocently, Lance starting to grind against Keith’s semi. Holding his boyfriend’s hip, Keith body rocked to meet Lance on instinct, Lance’s sweet moans lost in the kisses. Then Keith was in his back, Lance diving back in for more kisses.

When Lance finally pulled back, his eyes were half lidded, sweetness starting to roll off of him

“We better stop”

Keith didn’t want to stop. Not with Lance in his lap like this

“Why?”

“Because I don’t know if I can hold back”

“Then don’t”

“Keith...”

A trace of warning hung in Lance’s tone. The day had been all over the place but it was one of the best days of Keith’s whole life. Their “not a date but a shopping trip” had felt a lot like he thought a date should feel like

“I’m not saying we have to do anything, but if you want to, I want to do it with you. Not because of your heat, but... because... I really like you”

Lance’s eyes widened

“Keith... I...”

“I really like you too. And today... today is a day I never want to forget”

“I don’t want to rush you. Or pressure you. We don’t have to...”

“No. No. It’s okay... I want to be... with you”

And he did. Sometimes Lance could be an arsehole, sometimes he messed up and made his boyfriend feel shitty, but at the end of the day, he wanted to be with Lance. He wanted to be physical, or try to be physical, with his boyfriend

“Okay”

[the-small-friendly-dragon]

Sing Me To Sleep

I read the date wrong, I thought the posting date was the 25th, I’m so sorry omg.

This is my (belated) Voltron Positivity Day thing for @pidgy-draws. I hope you like it!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They were falling.

Lance was screaming. Keith was screaming. The lions weren’t responding.

They were going to crash.

Blue hit the ground hard, landing on her back and skidding across the red-brown dirt.

Lance fiddled with the controls, desperately trying to get his lion back in the air.

“Come on, girl. Talk to me…”

“Lance. Are you okay?”

Lance had never been so relieved to hear that voice.

“Keith! I’m good. Blue isn’t, though.”

“Same over here. Send me your coordinates. I’ll come find you.”

Lance made sure his wrist computer was functional and sent Keith his location. “Be careful. We don’t know what lives on this planet.”

“Can you do a few scans?” Keith asked. “Get some information about the planet?”

“On it.”

Blue was functional enough to tell him about the planet, at least. He pulled up a map.

“The planet we’re on is called X573 Eta. Good news is, we’re not that far from civilization. Bad news is, we’re smack in the middle of Galra space. The atmosphere is a thin mixture of hydrogen and a gas I don’t recognize, but it looks super toxic. There seems to be no life other than us.”

“Good. We can let the lions recharge in peace while we locate the others.”

Lance was thankful the lions had self-healing properties. Otherwise they might never leave this planet.

Keith dropped through the hatch on Blue’s head a few minutes later. “How is Blue?”

Lance swiveled around in his chair. “She’s managing. She still can’t fly—”

The floor shook. Blue stood and roared.

“I stand corrected,” Lance said. “Let’s get you to your lion.”

He grinned. Even after he and Keith were thrown on a foreign planet by a malfunctioning wormhole, shivers went down Lance’s back each time he and Blue jumped into the air. He loved flying.

Keith’s breath on the back of his neck made it difficult, though.

Shut it, Lance. Concentrate on steering.

As they flew to the Red lion, Lance surveyed the landscape below them. There was, as Blue had told him, no life. There were no structures of any kind. The entire surface was flat, covered in nothing but rust-colored dirt.

Lance carefully landed Blue next to Red, who was sprawled out on her side, her eyes dark. Lance didn’t think she’d be getting up anytime soon.

Lance fiddled with his gloves while Keith tried, unsuccessfully, to reawaken his lion. After about ten minutes, Keith groaned into his helmet.

“Lance, she’s not moving. Get down here and help me.”

Lance smirked. “Didn’t anybody ever teach you manners, mullet? What do you say?”

The response came in the form of an exaggerated sigh and a monotonous “Please, oh great and powerful Lance, assist me in reviving my lion.”

Lance couldn’t help giggling as he made his way to the Red lion. “Okay, okay. How could I resist aiding someone so polite?”

“Shut up.”

Lance knocked on Red’s head hatch. “Open up, Keithy boy.”

“Why do you insist on making up dumb nicknames?”

“To annoy you, of course. Open the door so I can fix your lion.”

The hatch slid open, and Lance slipped through.

Keith was in the pilot’s chair, his back to Lance.

“So,” Lance started as he approached the other boy, “what seems to be the problem?”

“Everything,” Keith answered, swiveling to face Lance. “The power’s off. I can’t find a way to get it back on. There’s no localized blockage, no fried wires. Nothing’s really damaged. She just won’t wake up.”

Lance thought for a moment. “Did you think to reboot the system?”

“Of course I did. There isn’t a system to reboot. Nothing is working.”

“Well, maybe she’s hibernating for a reason,” Lance offered.

“Such as…”

Lance shrugged. “I… don’t know. Cats are weird. Maybe she sensed something and is playing dead?”

Keith raised an eyebrow. “But wouldn’t Blue sense it too? She’d have at least some reaction.”

“True. Maybe Red is just tired and wants a nap. We had a pretty intense fight back there. We should probably just leave her alone for a while.”

Lance was expecting Keith to counter, but he nodded. “Okay. Let’s explore the planet in Blue. We have nothing else to do until Red is healed.”

“Uh… okay.”

As Lance expected, the rest of the planet was pretty flat. They circled around, scanning the surface. It was just one giant desert.

And Lance could see why.

There was no wind, the atmosphere was as thin as a piece of paper, and the heat was intense. The small desert planet orbited a twin star system. Both of its suns were blue giants, and they weren’t that far away.

It was a death planet.

As they circled back to the Red lion, they came across the first structures that they had seen on this world.

And boy, were they impressive.

Tall rock spires, dozens of them, shot into the air. The shortest of them was still miles tall.

Lance put on a burst of speed and flew to the top of one of them.

The spires were flat at the top, and wide enough for both of the lions to comfortably sit. Lance marked the rock garden on his map. If anything, he wanted to get some pictures for the scrapbook he was making before they left.

The boys returned to Red, expecting to find her recharged enough to fly. Instead, they found creatures crawling all over her.

“What is that?!” Keith exclaimed. “Lance, I thought you said this planet is uninhabited!”

“I did!”

Keith moved to the back, so that he was standing on Blue’s lower jaw. “Drop me down there and cover me.”

Lance hit the eject button, and Keith was thrown out.

“Okay, girl,” Lance said. “Just you and me. We gotta protect your sister.”

She purred, a warm feeling wrapping around his mind. Lance grinned.

“Let’s do this!”

He and Blue hovered above the Red lion, picking off the creatures one by one. They were careful not to hit Red herself, and only fired at the aliens around her.

“Keith, are you inside yet?”

“Yeah. I’m inside. I think she’s waking up, but she’s taking her time.”

“Those things are climbing all over you. If I shoot at them, I might hit your lion instead.”

“Shoot the ones you can. We’ll have to be patient.”

In a few ticks, Red was up and roaring. She was visibly mad. She shook the aliens off of her and attacked them, but to Lance’s surprise, she didn’t jump into the air.

“Keith? You okay?”

“Lance, I’m grounded! Red can’t fly. Two of her thrusters were knocked out by those aliens. We’ll have to fix that manually.”

Fuck.

They took out the rest of the aliens, which took considerably longer than either of them expected. Soon there were dozens of bodies littering the dry ground. Lance tried not to think about it.

He landed Blue a ways from the dead aliens and ran to the Red lion, dragging his entire maintenance kit behind him. Keith was outside, examining her back paws.

Lance whistled. The damage looked bad. Both of Red’s back thrusters were completely busted. The boys would need all of the spare alien glass in both of their repair kits to fix it, and even then it might not be enough.

“I wish Hunk were here.”

Keith snorted. “We’re not that lucky.”

“I wish I’d paid more attention when he gave us that mini repair tutorial.”

“Wishing won’t do us any good now. Let’s just do the best we can. We can use the front thrusters to compare.”

They set to work. They had to stop frequently for water breaks due to the extreme heat of the planet, but eventually they fit the last piece on the last paw. They stood back to examine their handiwork.

“Well,” Lance said, “it’s not pretty, and definitely not long-term, but it should last long enough for us to find the others. Let’s test it out.”

Lance felt a swell of pride when Red successfully leapt into the air. He tried not to think about how many times his and Keith’s hands had accidentally touched while they were fixing Red.

Lance, stop being gay and focus, Lance chided himself. We’ll sort this out another time.

A wary Keith pulled Lance from his thoughts. “Uh… Lance?”

“Yeah?”

“Didn’t we kill those aliens?”

“Yeah?”

“They’re getting back up.”

“What the —”

Lance swung Blue around. The aliens they had just defeated were getting up again. They were charred, scratched, and smushed. Some of then were missing limbs.

“How the fuck?!” Lance yelled.

“Guess we have to kill them again!”

Lance and Keith quickly wiped out the aliens — again — and set down on the ground. Or in Keith’s case, fell to the ground.

“Keith! Are you okay?”

Keith groaned. “Lance! It didn’t work. Red can’t fly.”

“Well. Shit.”

“What now?”

“We sing to the flight goddess?”

“Please don’t start singing.”

“Oh, shut up, mullet. I’ll have you know, I have the voice of an angel.”

“I’m sure.”

“If you’re lucky, you’ll get to hear it one day.”

Lance sat back and closed his eyes. Help me out, Blue.

Blue purred, wrapping his consciousness in her own. She was so big, so immense, that Lance knew he would be safe in her. Everything would be okay.

Blue pulled back slightly. The movement was so sudden Lance jumped. “Blue?”

Danger. Behind.

Lance whirled around. “Keith! They’re coming back!”

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

Lance watched as the hostile aliens rose again. All of them… except for one.

There was one on the corner, a gruesome-looking thing with a large head and countless appendages. Lance noticed a hole straight through its head. One of the lions had probably stepped on it just the right way.

Why…

Whatever the reason, the alien wasn’t getting up.

“Keith!”

“Lance, come help me!”

“Hit them in the head!”

“What?”

“Hit them in the head!” Lance repeated.

“Might be a little difficult. I don’t even know if some of them have heads.”

“Just trust me!”

As they fought, Lance focused his lasers on what he hoped were their attackers’ heads. There were plenty different types of aliens — no two looked the same — so Lance did his best.

Blue slipped an idea into his head. A strange one, sure, but Lance had seen stranger.

“Keith!”

“Why do you keep shouting my name?”

“I think I know why these aliens didn’t show up on Blue’s life scan.”

Keith blasted a large giraffee-like alien and stomped on a small horde. “Why?”

“They’re zombies.”

“What?”

Lance knocked a small, furry alien into the ground. “Think about it. It makes sense. They didn’t show up on the life scan because they’re dead. They don’t die unless you hit them in the head. And they don’t seem to feel pain. They don’t stop until their brain is destroyed.”

A pause while Keith considered it.

“Lance, that’s ridiculous.”

“Don’t tell me Red hasn’t suggested the same thing. And it’s the only thing that makes sense. Do you have a better conclusion?”

Keith sighed. “Fine. Maybe you’re right. But that just means we’d better not get close.”

Once they killed the rest of the zombie-aliens — actually killed them — Keith joined Lance in the Blue lion as they discussed what to do next.

Lance pulled his helmet off. “Fuck, it’s hot.”

Keith nodded. “We have to get off this planet. Our water supply won’t last very long. Maybe a few quintants at most.”

“Well, we killed the zombaliens, so that’s something.”

Keith scowled at him. “We are not calling them that.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s dumb, and because we have more important things to worry about. Like how we’re gonna get home.”

“We can’t broadcast anything,” Lance said. “It’ll be picked up by the Galra, and we’ll be toast.”

“What if we broadcasted something that isn’t visible to the Galra?” Keith suggested.

“Like what?”

“We could send out a message on a frequency that other ships don’t pick up. Like that time on Korbela a few months ago, when we sent out a message on an outdated frequency?”

Lance nodded enthusiastically. “Yeah! That might work. We don’t have Pidge with us this time, but I think I remember how to do it. We can record the message and then I’ll try to broadcast it.”

He jumped up and activated Blue’s microphone. “Attention, Castle of Lions. This is Lance and Keith. We landed on a planet called X573 Eta. Be careful, it’s right in the middle of Galra occupied space. Blue is doing great, but Red can’t fly. Come get us as soon as possible. Red and Blue out.”

Lance could feel Keith hovering over his shoulder as he tried to recall the frequency they had used. The Castle was super old, as was its communicators, so all they had done was broadcast on a frequency that was used in the day of the Castle but had been abandoned by modern radios.

He found one that looked familiar and hoped it was right. “Okay, here we go.”

“I hope you know what you’re doing,” Keith said.

Lance grinned over his shoulder. “So do I.”

With the click of a button, he sent the message out. He knew it would carry for hundreds of light-years before the signal faded. He just hoped his team was close enough.

“Welp, that’s all we can do for now,” Lance said, lowering himself against the wall. “Now we just wait and hope.”

Keith sat beside him. Lance noticed that their shoulders and thighs were touching. He stopped noticing it and focused on something else. Anything else.

He ended up staring at a scratch on the wall for five dobashes or so before something pulled him out of his not-Keith-induced trance.

He looked up at the holoscreen. “Blue, what is that?”

The screen flashed, and a part of it was filled with video footage from behind the lion.

Lance and Keith gaped at the sight.

Hundreds, maybe thousands, of zombaliens were surrounding the lions. There were so many, the ground wasn’t visible beneath them all.

“The zombaliens called their friends,” Lance breathed.

“What could have attracted them like this?”

“The signal,” Lance realized. “They must have sensed the signal we broadcasted.”

“We gotta get out of here,” Keith said, his voice higher than usual.

“Should we try to fight them?”

“Lance, there’s too many of them. I won’t even be able to get to my lion. We have to go.”

Lance was already in his seat. “What about Red?”

Keith chewed his lip, which was definitely not cute, goddammit Lance. “We’ll have to leave her.”

“We can’t just leave her here. She’ll be destroyed!”

“What else is there to do?” Keith shouted.

“Maybe Blue can carry her. I’m gonna try it.”

Lance lifted off the ground and took a deep breath. Help me out here, Blue. You know what to do.

Blue opened her mouth and carefully closed her jaws around the Red lion’s neck. Lance pushed the thrusters and turned on a small boost that Pidge had installed (which was safer than pod booster fuel, thank goodness).

Lance flew as fast as he could to the first place that came to his mind.

“Lance?” Keith questioned. “Where are you going?”

“The rock garden,” Lance replied. “The zombies shouldn’t be able to reach us on top of those spires.”

Lance cheered internally when the rocky towers were in sight. He dropped the Red lion as gently as he could on the nearest one, and landed Blue. Lance looked at Keith, desperation in his eyes. “We have to get out of here.”

Keith nodded, but stayed silent.

Lance peered out of the front window. “Keith, whatever we’re gonna do, we’d better do it fast. Those zombaliens are moving pretty fast toward us.”

Keith was pacing now, helmet off, tugging at his hair. “I… don’t know. I don’t know. Lance, there’s no way we can go right now. I can feel Red, but her consciousness is weak. We can’t do anything. We’re helpless.”

Below them, the aliens were stacking on top of each other, leaning against the spire, and running in to it. The ground shook slightly.

“They’re trying to knock it over,” Lance realized. “Keith, look at me. Red has to fly. There is no other option.”

Keith nodded once and put his helmet on. “Okay. You’re right. I’m going to get her.”

Keith exited the Blue lion. Lance watched him, flinching with every quiver of the ground. They were very high up. If they fell, they would fall hard.

Some of the aliens were in the air, and Lance almost gave up right then and there, because of course some of them could fly, of fucking course.

Keith was almost to his lion when the tower started to fall.

The look of helplessness on the Red paladin’s face as he realized what was happening crushed Lance.

“KEITH!”

“LANCE!”

The amount of time it took for Blue’s thrusters to turn on was too much, the speed Keith was falling was too fast, and the flying zombies were gaining on him. Keith’s bayard was ripped out of his hands, and Lance didn’t know what was wrong with his jetpack other than it was not working.

No, no, no, no, no!

Blue, go faster!

Keith was kicking at the flying zombies, but he had zero maneuverability. He was already bruised and bleeding in several places by the time Lance caught him.

Everything was a blur. Lance’s mind refused to register the fact that Keith was bleeding out on the floor of the Blue lion.

Then he saw Red.

Red, whose thrusters were busted. Red, who was barely able to move. Red, who was physically unable to fly.

Red, who was tearing the shit out of some aliens.

Blue was getting attacked by the flying aliens, but she could hold her own. Lance had put her on autopilot in favor of caring for Keith. Both of the boys watched in awe as Red roared and blasted fire at the horde, reducing a good number of zombies to ashes.

With Red in a fighting frenzy, the two lions took out the rest if the zombaliens in less than nine dobashes. When it was over, Red’s eyes went dark, and she fell to the ground.

Lance couldn’t worry about that, his teammate was dying in his arms. He pulled a med kit off of a shelf and rooted through it for bandages. He pulled most of Keith’s armor off. He told himself that Keith would be okay.

Lance cleaned and wrapped a large gash on Keith’s side, then started cleaning the blood off of his face.

“Lance,” Keith croaked.

“No,” Lance interrupted. “Don’t speak. Save your strength.”

“But —”

“Whatever you want to tell me, you can tell me after you’re fully healed and not dying —”

“I love you.”

Lance paused, the wipe in his hand hovering over Keith’s nose. He let it sink in.

He loves me???

Lance couldn’t think of anything to say, for a change.

“And you decided to tell me this now because why?” He finally asks. 

“Well, in case you haven’t noticed, I’m dying. I wanted you to know. Even if you don’t feel the same. I just wanted you to know in case I don’t have another chance.”

“Um, no. No, no, no, no, no. Don’t say that. You are not allowed to die, nope, you have to live so we can discuss this later because I’m in love with you too.“ 

Tears are streaming down Keith’s face. Lance’s own cheeks are damp.

A few ticks pass before Keith blurts out “Sing to me.”

“What?”

“You said if I was lucky I’d get to hear your voice. Well, you love me, so I’m feeling pretty goddamn lucky.”

Lance wracked his brain for something to sing. He decided on a song from one of his favorite childhood movies, one that had been stuck in his head for the past week.

Dancing bears, painted wings. Things I almost remember.

He leaned down and kissed Keith softly as he sang. “I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too.”

Far away, long ago. Glowing dim as an ember. Things my heart used to know, things it yearns to remember.

And a song someone sings

Once upon a December.

[sasuhinasno1fan]

Speak my love for you

Ok so @whalechief, I’m your secret valentine. I did shklance for you, so I hope you enjoy. Oh quick thing, ‘hai dozo’, basically mean ‘here you go’ in Japanese. The italicized word in normal quotation marks are being spoken in Japanese but while I have studied it, I’m not really fluent in Japanese except for the basics. So again, happy Valentine’s Day and I hope you enjoy.

Lance blinked sleepily at the semi crowded room. He was tired, college classes were getting to him.

“You doing ok?” he looked over to where Hunk was cleaning the expresso machine.

Lance nodded, “I’m just tired from all the work I have to do. I still need to get my astronomy and Japanese class grades up.”

“Are you still eavesdropping on the really good looking couple?”

“The one with the both equally strong looking guys who look good enough to eat? The same ones I’m really hoping I heard were poly, yes Hunk, yes I am.” The couple on his mind were good looking and from the very interaction, quiet nice. They were going out, if the kiss the shorter one gave his boyfriend the first time they came into the shop was anything to go by, but when they sat together, they’d speak Japanese to each other. Lance, learning Japanese, would eavesdrop on their conversations just to test his listening skills. He had been sure they had been talking about another guy they had tried dating. Either that or his wishes were messing up with his hearing, which would be bad. But honestly, he really wanted a chance with them, if he could ever ask them out.

“They’re gonna catch you one day.” Hunk warned.

“I’ll deal with that then.” Lance let out a yawn behind his hand, rubbing his eyes. He was really tired, and his brain did feel kinda frazzled.

He didn’t notice that the two guys he had been hoping to see walk into the shop but he did notice the very angry customer stomp over, slamming his half-filled cup on the counter, making him jolt.

“You!”

“Um, yes?”

“I had asked for a soy decafe latte.”

“Um, ok?” Lance was pretty sure that’s what the guy had in front of him, not to mention that it was half drunk. “Uh, sir. This is a soy decafe and it’s half drunken.”

“Are you calling me a liar? I have superior taste buds and this is not what I ordered.”

Where the hell was Hunk? When did he disappear? And did the guy have to yell? Lance was sure that he had called out the correct order when the guy came to pick it up. He never corrected him. He couldn’t deal with this guy coming up and yelling at him with no support.

“Hey asshole! Instead of lying, why not just leave cause you’re causing an unnecessary scene.”

That when he noticed them, the two guys he had been crushing on. The smaller one had his long hair tied into a ponytail, his purple eyes glaring at rude man in front of him. His boyfriend looked just as annoyed, but not as angrily powerful. He was sure that was not an easy feet to achieve.

“Excuse me?”

“They tell you you’re drink when your name is called. That cup is half empty and there are stains on the cup from drinking. You can’t honestly think you can get a free drink out of this. That order is correct and now you’re bothering the workers for no reason. So get lost or I’ll be more than willing to do it for you.”

The man looked like he was ready to argue more but taller boyfriend stepped forward. The guy was tall and really muscular. Lance was sure that the scar on his nose made him seem more terrifying, though Lance just thought it added to his hotness. Sure enough, the man took his cup and stormed out. Lance finally felt like he could breathe.

“Hey, are you ok?” he looked up to see the taller man. His mind finally put a name to the face, Shiro. He had gotten his name from him whenever writing down names, he was surprised he forgot. Maybe his mind was a bit more frazzled than he thought.

“Uh, yeah. Um, thank you.”

“You looked overwhelmed. I’m glad we were able to help a bit.” Shiro said. His boyfriend, Keith –what was with his head supplying the names so late? – didn’t look as mad before, but still looked slightly annoyed.

“I really hate it when assholes think they can just get away with stuff like that.” Keith said.

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Shiro asked

Lance nodded, “I’m fine. Thanks.”

Hunk came out from the kitchen, “I heard yelling. What happened?”

“Just a rude customer. I got it, don’t worry.” Lance said, calming Hunk down before he turned back to the other two. “What can I get for you? On the house for helping me.”

“Oh, that’s really not necessary.” Shiro said

“Please, it’s the least I can do. Plus I barely use the free employee discount I’m given anyway.”

“Are you sure?” at Lance nod, Shiro continued, “Ok, but I’m still getting my regular. Passion fruit frappe, for Shiro.”

“Peppermint latte for Keith.”

“Ok, passion fruit frappe for Shiro and peppermint latte for Keith. Alright, I’ll bring it over when it’s done.” The two went to their regular table, while Hunk pulled Lance away a bit.

“I was gone for two minutes to help Coran, what happened? Was it that weird guy with the shifty eyes?”

“Basically this customer was being really rude and yelling and my mind was already frazzled so I kinda almost broke down if they hadn’t come and saved me.” Lance explained

“And of course you offered free coffee. Please tell me you’ll try and ask them out. Trust me, normal people would jump for free stuff. They didn’t until you insisted.”

Lance looked over his shoulder to where the table was. He saw Keith glance at him before continuing to talk to Shiro. “We’ll see. Can you help me with the drinks?” the machinery was a bit closer to their table, so Lance was able to hear the tones of Japanese come to his ears. Lance knew it seemed rude after they helped but him, but he slipped back into the habit of eavesdropping.

“You can get really protective can’t you?”

“He looked like he was about to cry. I didn’t want to see that on him. He always has a smile. One that makes his eyes shine.”

Wait, where they talking about him?

“They do shine don’t they? It looks like the ocean. He’s pretty cute, which is why we should you know…”

Tell him he wasn’t hearing things? Were they talking about him? And saying he was cute?

“Hunk,” he whispered, “I think they’re talking about me. They mentioned Keith saving me and my ‘shiny blue eyes’. I think they called me cute.”

“Why do you look so surprised?” Hunk asked as he started pouring Shiro’s finished drink into the cup. “You always call yourself cute and so do I.”

“There’s a difference between the two hottest guys I’ve been crushing on since I met them and my best bro, who I love deeply.”

“Glad I feel special.” Hunk joked, spraying whip cream on.

“Are we going to ask him out?” Shiro asked

Keith let out a sigh and it took everything not to turn around to see his face. “I do, I really do, but I’d rather wait until before we’re about to leave in case he’s not into us.”

“I’m sure that our favourite barista is.”

“Ok. Now I’m pretty sure it’s me they’re talking about.” So they were interested in him. Lance couldn’t help the giddy smile on his face.

“Wait, really? You didn’t mix words up?”

“I really hope not. Actually, I have an idea. Are you done with Shiro’s?”

“Yeah. But what are you planning?” Hunk asked, handing the cup over.

“Trust me, if I tell you, I might talk myself out of it, or you’ll try and I might let you.” Lance carried the two drinks over to the table. The two stopped talking when Lance approached.

“Hai, dozo.” Lance said in Japanese, as he set the cups down. The two started responding in Japanese but stopped before looking right at him. “Just so you know, I’ve been studying Japanese for the past two years. I do feel bad for eavesdropping but I’m not upset about what I heard.”

The two stared at him before Keith hid his face in his hands, “of course you understood us. Why not add to my embarrassment?”

“If it makes you feel better, I had my fingers crossed that you were actually talking about me or this conversation would be really weird. But just so you don’t have to wait, I am interest in going out with you two. If that’s what you were getting at?”

“Yes, actually. We’ve wanted to ask you for a while, but we’ve actually gotten a bit shy. After seeing you today, we decided we were going to ask today, but it seems that you beat us to it.” Shiro explained, his face actually looking a bit red. Keith was still hiding his face. The guy might be willing to yell at strangers, but it was cute to see him so flustered. “So, where did you learn, if you don’t mind my asking?”

“Oh, I’m minoring in Japanese at Voltron University.”

“Wait, you go to Voltron? How come we’ve never seen you?” Keith asked, immerging from his palms.

“Well I major in childhood education, so that might be why.”

“Let’s not forget we live off campus Keith. You barely want to be on campus as much as it is. In fact, did you want to come to our house for dinner of Friday? I think it’ll be a good excuse to avoid everyone and still be together, since it’s Valentine’s Day. I’m even willing to pull out Japanese recipes.”

“You can cook whatever you want. I’ll just bring a ton of chocolate.”

Keith swiped the sharpie attached to Lance apron and wrote a number down on a napkin before handing both items to Lance. “That’s my number. Text tonight so we can fill out the details?”

The same giddy smile made it back to Lance’s face as he took the items from Keith. “Sure. I’ll leave you to it.” He gave them both a smile before heading back behind the counter. Hunk was giving him a knowing look.

“Well that went really well.”

“I did not want to embarrass myself like that.” He heard Keith moan.

“He said yes, so let’s be thankful for that.”

Lance looked back at Hunk, “really well. Hey, do you think you can help me make a shit ton of chocolate before Valentine’s? I’ve got a lot of unhad dates to make up for.”