#pidge thought their brother and father were dead

[inutaffy]

getting hate for this but idc. voltron went through so much

LMAOOOOOO ZUKO WAS WINNING ACTUALLY BUT OK 😭😭 also keith is Losing Miserably glad ur giving him a chance even tho bro is Not emo to me....he just doesnt have the vibes. like the characteristics are there ok but he's just Not It for me. not enough anguish (yes ik he's been thru so much its Not Enough)

keith been through more than zuko there i said it

[autisticlancemcclain]

Keith knows his nerves must be leeching off him, because the rest of the team is overcompensating. There’s an abundance of chatting and banter, way more than usual, enough that Keith can recognise the oddity even though he’s been gone for two years. It might just be everyone’s relief after finally getting to sit down and be calm after rushing to foil Haggar’s weirdo clone plan, but Keith’s pretty sure his team has noticed his strangeness, and is trying to make him comfortable again. The thought makes him smile despite his anxiety. He’s missed them.

He’s snapped out of his thoughts by Pidge pointedly clearing her throat and using her spork to point at Krolia, who’s been about as anxious as Keith (only for her that manifests as looking like she wants to kill small cute things).

“Are you finally going to tell us who Tall Dark and Gorgeous is?” she asks, because she is the least subtle and nosiest person in the galaxy and Keith honestly should have expected it. His face flames, and his mother raises an eyebrow, while the rest of the team snickers.

Shiro tries his best to appear a little more adult. “If you wouldn’t mind introducing us, Keith.” He smiles kindly at Krolia. “You were amazing out on the field, we were really grateful to have you. Sorry for not getting us all introduced earlier.”

Krolia nods at him, smiling in an awkwardly reassuring way. “Of course, Black Paladin. There were bigger things to focus on handling.”

She returns to her food too after speaking, clearly done her piece.

Keith grimaces. He was hoping she’d introduce herself, but it looks like he’s going to have to. Fuck. (He’s not sure why he’s so opposed to it. It’s nerve-wracking, though, introducing his actual mother to his family. To his brother, his almost-father.)

“Um, Krolia, this is my family.” He points to them all and names them, rolling his eyes fondly at Lance’s wink and finger guns. He even introduces Lotor, even though he still maintains that they are not friends and Prince Hairdo has a lot of making up to do. “Everyone, this is Krolia.” He looks directly at his brother, taking strength in the man’s encouraging expression and addressing him directly. “She’s my mother.”

The entire table goes dead silent. Small conversations abruptly halt, the sounds of eating cease, silverware freezes where it was scraping on bowls. Complete and total silence.

Shiro’s face goes from encouraging and open to shocked to shuttered, jaw set and eyes narrowed.

Keith’s anxiety skyrockets. He sees his mother tense from across the table, and feels Lance go rigid beside him.

This is worse than what he expected.

“Your mother?” Shiro clarifies, words careful and controlled. He’s the first to return to movement, scooping goo into his spork almost robotically.

“Yes,” Keith says hesitantly. He doesn’t understand his brother’s reaction. He had expected some hesitance from Hunk, who is wary of newcomers, and maybe some understandable discomfort from Allura, but not…

Not Shiro. Not Shiro who is great in a crisis, who is the king of diplomacy, who has always supported Keith.

The rest of the team slowly follows Shiro’s example, returning to their meals, but there’s no more jovial conversation. All eyes are avoiding the brothers, but ears are open, movements slow and quiet so as to not miss a word.

“Hm. Interesting.” Shiro takes a bite of the goo, slowly chewing and swallowing, looking forward like he’s really contemplating. Keith watches every move carefully. “Where’d you find her?”

His tone is almost pleasant, conversational, but there’s something off and plastic about it. Forced. Like he’s talking about a volatile creature Keith has dragged home that he’s trying to be cool about, not the parent Keith has been searching for his whole life.

Keith glances surreptitiously at his mother, but she only shrugs at him. “On the space whale. Well, at the Blades, technically. She was assigned the mission with me and we both got stranded.”

Shiro makes another hum of acknowledgement, nodding to himself. He pokes aggressively at the bowl of green gelatine. “That’s wild. I would have guessed you’d have found her in a jail cell for tax evasion or something, since she seems to be the type to avoid responsibility.”

Keith blinks in shock. Two seats down, Hunk chokes on his water, and Coran thumps his back to help. Every other jaw is dropped in shock, heads swivelling from Shiro to Keith, at a total loss.

“What the fuck are you talking about,” Keith says harshly. He glances at his mother, who quickly hides the hurt on her face with a carefully practiced mask of indifference.

“Oh, nothing,” Shiro says, distractedly pushing around his goo. He sounds blasé, unbothered, but Keith recognises this tone of his, as rare as it is to hear it — the passive aggressiveness, the snooty way he speaks when he’s too furious to even yell, and just wants to make everyone around him feel stupid. “I just figured the person who abandoned her infant son without so much as a note is someone of the more irresponsible and immature variety. That’s all.”

Lance, who has never been capable of handling tenseness, stands abruptly and starts gathering the bowls and utensils of everyone at the table, regardless of whether they’re finished. Keith watches distantly as he quiets Pidge’s whining, firmly telling her to get up and bring it with her if she needs.

“She’s my mother,” Keith says through grit teeth. He pulls his gaze away from the red paladin, glaring at his brother. “I thought you’d be happy for me.”

Shiro finally looks up from his stupid goo, baring his teeth in a poor imitation of a smile.

“Thrilled,” he drawls.

Quietly, Krolia stands, pushing in her chair and following the rest of the team to the door. In the back of his mind, Keith wonders if it would be better for her to stay, but dismisses it just as quickly. Better for her not to hear whatever Shiro’s problem is. She walks out the door without so much as a glance backwards, and Shiro’s gaze follows her out with a sneer. Lance shoves the rest of the reluctant team out of the kitchen doors, then glances back one more time, brown eyes big and reassuring, smiling sadly before closing the doors quietly behind him.

When Keith finally returns his gaze to his brother, his eyes are wet and there’s a lump in his throat. Hurt swarms his chest as much as anger.

“You’re being a dick,” he says. His voice cracks several times as he says it.

“Oh, well, fuck me, then,” Shiro says, violently pushing his chair away from the table and stomping to his feet, grabbing his bowl with his prosthetic so tightly it cracks. He barely even glances at it, fisting the pieces and storming over to the kitchen to toss them. “Here, let me pretend.” He turns back to face Keith and forces a smile on his face, mockingly sincere. He reaches over and yanks Keith bowl away, with his flesh hand this time, and all but tosses into the sink.

There are small smears of blood on it, from the shards of porcelain that dug into Shiro’s flesh hand. Keith’s own hands shake. He scoops his and Shiro’s sporks into his hands, squeezing them tightly, and walks carefully to the sink. He resists the urge to fling them right at Shiro’s head, instead forcing himself to set them gently among the rest of the dirty dishes and standing next to his brother to rinse what he washes. He says nothing as Shiro roughly scrubs the goo pot — they’ve discovered it tastes sort of better hot, so they take the time to cook it — and practically slams it into Keith’s sink.

“Could you tell me what your fucking problem is,” he grits out. He can no longer stop his tears and they drip down his face, down his nose, over his lips, down his chin and disappearing into the dishwater. Every time he swallows, it’s bitter with salt.

“Sure,” Shiro snaps. “I have a couple questions first.”

Frankly, Keith wants to tell him right where he can shove those questions, but he wants this to be resolved more than he wants to be angry.

“Fine.”

“Great,” Shiro says with a relish, and Keith regrets it immediately. “She recognise you the second she saw you?”

Keith swallows. He has to try three times to speak, to force his voice above a whisper. “No.”

“Huh. How long’d it take her to realise?”

Keith hands shake so bad he has to set down a cup lest he drop and break it. He doesn’t want to answer. “Some time.”

“Crazy. Bet she told you she’d been looking for you, huh?”

“Stop,” Keith whispers, choking on a sob, but Shiro plows right on.

“Told you that finding you was all she ever wanted? That she’s so glad she can finally see you again?”

“Stop.”

“That you’ve turned into a fine young man she’s proud of?”

“Shut up!” Keith shouts, and the words hurt on their way out of his mouth, shoved past the giant lump in his throat. He gasps for air and can barely find it, lungs heaving, hurting everywhere, heart feeling like he’s being squeezed. He can no more stop his sobs now than he could stop a star from imploding, and they tear out of him, leaving him aching and shuddering and shaking. “Stop. Stop. I don’t know why you —”

“I’ll tell you why,” Shiro snaps, dropping the last dirty dish and gripping the sides of the steel sink so hard it warps under his prosthetic. “You remember when you showed me those pictures of your dad and his crew? When you were thirteen?”

Keith nods, sniffling, wiping his eyes with wet hands. He hears metal creak, hears hands being dried on a dishtowel, and a long, heavy sigh.

“I picked him out immediately, kid,” Shiro says quietly. Some of the overt cruelty has faded from his voice. He just sounds tired, now; bitter. “You didn’t need to point him out to me. I barely even needed to look at it. I knew who your father was immediately.”

Keith sets the last dish on a drying rack and takes a step back, leaning away from Shiro and pointedly looking away. “So?”

“So — ”and Shiro’s voice sounds almost gentle, now, apologetic, although to Keith or for Keith he’s not sure — “you look just like your Pa, Keith. You are his spitting image. The only difference is your eyes, and your height.” He glances at Keith and then snorts softly. “Well, not the height anymore.”

Keith doesn’t smile back anymore. He hears what Shiro is saying and he hates it, hates him a little for bringing it up.

“She had no reason to expect it was me,” Keith argues.

“And no reason not to recognise you if she was really looking,” Shiro retorts. “If she was exactly what she said she was, she’d recognise you.”

Keith scowls at him. His eyes still burn with tears. “I was wearing my Blade uniform. And she hadn’t seen me since I was a baby.”

Shiro’s face has started to return to the anger it held before, the frustration. “That’s the fucking point!” he shouts. “She left you! Without so much as a goodbye, or even a note! Just a cryptic knife that did nothing but confuse you!”

“There was a war to fight!”

“And she had a kid to raise!”

“What was she supposed to do about Blue, huh?” Keith demands, pushing off the counter and throwing his hands up. “Let Zarkon find her? She had to protect the universe!”

“She had to protect her fucking kid.”

“One kid is not worth more than the entire universe!”

“You are!”

Keith freezes. Shiro barely notices, face twisted in rage so badly that he’s barely even looking at Keith, fists clenched hard enough to creak, fury radiating off of him.

“What?” Keith asks in a small voice, but Shiro plows on.

“You’re her fucking kid. You come first. You come before any other kid, you come before her mission, you come before the fucking universe. That’s how having a kid works. They’re the priority. And anyone who leaves their family behind like that is unforgivably despicable.”

The truth comes crashing down at Keith all at once. He looks at his brother with wide eyes, unclouded with his own hurt, and sees for the first time all the pure hate and rage and pain — not directed at Krolia, not even a little, but sharpened to a point and shoved back into himself.

Anyone who leaves their family behind is unforgivably despicable.

The words ring through the room. Keith hears them repeat a thousand time in three seconds. A million different memories whirl through him at once, all tinged with a pain and a border of abandonment; memories he hasn’t let himself touch since he got to space.

“I don’t blame you for Kerberos,” Keith says quietly. He waits a beat. “I never have.”

Shiro says nothing. His expression is frozen, body unmoving, but his dark black eyes — the eyes that chose him first, that followed him with pride, that were the first to look at him softly when his heritage came out and everything went to shit, that he used to cry and sob and beg to have so that Shiro could be his brother in more than name — are wrought with pain. His face does not crumple, but his eyes are like shattered volcanic glass, and slowly they fill with water, and a drop escapes the corner of his almond eye, dripping slowly down his cheek.

“How can you ever forgive her?” he asks, near silent, voice rough as sandpaper and twice as painful.

How can you ever forgive me?

Keith chokes back his tears and meets his brother’s eyes head-on, determined and steady and loving as Shiro always has been when Keith was the one shattering.

“Easily.”

Shiro swallows. It’s loud, deafening in the silence of the room. The sound of it, the knowledge that Shiro is pushing his pain down but it’s coming up anyway, makes Keith’s chin tremble.

“I don’t deserve easy.”

“You deserve whatever I want to give you.”

Finally Shiro breaks, and sobs. And sobs and sobs and sobs. His cries seem the yank the life out of him, drain himself of energy; his knees hit the floor with a crack and he crumples at Keith’s feet.

“Forgive me,” he begs, like he knows he doesn’t deserve it.

Keith gently kneels next to him and reaches out, almost afraid to touch. “I already did.” He reaches out finally and holds his brother, his big brother who was stronger than his body and bigger than his dream and catapulted Keith up to the stars with him, and holds him together as he cries.

“I forgave you before you even left,” Keith whispers, when Shiro’s sobs don’t sound so painful. He squeezes tighter, because he’s almost worried that he needs to keep Shiro all together. “So did Adam.”

The mention of Shiro’s…whatever Adam is to him makes him cry harder, but Keith pushes on, sure that he needs to know.

“The day you went missing, he broke into your apartment. Went looking for the rings. He never took it off after. Never stopped looking for you, either. He forgave you, too.”

Shiro cries something, too warbled to make out, but Keith can make a pretty good guess as to what it was.

“You do deserve it,” he says firmly. “You are not a monster. You are not undeserving of our love, Shiro, of any of our love. We have always loved you as you are. Don’t rob of us the chance.”

“I don’t actually hate your mother,” Shiro whispers.

Keith laughs wetly. “I got that one, dumbass. Use your words next time.”

Shiro smiles slightly, wisely not agreeing. They both know he won’t. They both know this will probably happen to him again, and probably Keith, too — they may not be blood brothers, but they’ve always been alike anyway. Neither has ever been good at expressing themselves, at letting themselves be vulnerable.

But Keith holds his brother tighter, and thinks of their family who loves them with all their shit, despite it and because it, and thinks that they’ll make it through anyway.

[localfanbaselurker]

First time watching Voltron: Legendary Defender and documenting my thoughts

This is Season 4

S1-2 | S3 | S5 | S6 | S7 | S8 |

———————————————————————

<this one is going to be shorter, as I have only recently finished this season, and the grief is still fresh (lol), so the thoughts are only just starting to simmer. strap your asses in>

Pre-Season 4 Thoughts

-> Keith joining the blades is going to be a huge plot device, I feel

-> PLEASE for the love of CHRIST let that poor little girl find her brother and father. If they are dead dreamworks better be ready to catch these hands

->I’ve heard people claim this is the “last good season”, but i stay strong 💪 and will watch till the end

->wouldn’t the paladin switch not make sense now? Cus shiro is back as the black paladin and it makes no sense for Lance to be red like it originally had? If anything, he should’ve gone back to blue, and Allura to red, because Allura is very accepting/encouraging of shiro’s role as leader. I guess they didn’t wanna do it all over again. But I digress 🤷‍♀️

->im gonna miss my Pookie (🤍❤️🤍)

Post-S4

->do they do this every two seasons?? Have an epic battle where they have a big preparation and say it’ll 100% end the war but it doesn’t and something crazy happens after they win and it sets up the next season??

->FUCK YEAH PIDGE GOT HER BROTHER BACK IM SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP 💪💪🔥🔥‼️‼️‼️🙏🙏🙏🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️

->^genuinely cried so hard during this scene. would’ve cried more if I wasn’t recovering from the initial shock.

->^cried during this one too, but it was happy tears. I could actually just do a whole reaction post to this episode alone. (if you want me to js say so in the rbs/replies)

->the callback to s1! “color-coded of course, because what are we? animals?” AHHH! I’m going insane I love these siblings sooooo much

->okay I’ll stop gushing over them now

->^only valid reaction to meeting Allura. Homegirl is beauty incarnate

->I LIED. im not sorry im never shutting up about them. SHE SHOWS HIM AROUND THE CASTLE AND TELLS HIM EVERYTHING AND EVERY DETAIL AND SHES SO EXCITED CUS SHE JUST GOT HER BRO BACK AND IS JUST RAMBLING ABOUT HER NEW HOME AND ALL THE COOL STUFF SHES BEEN DOING AND HES JUST LISTENING AND IS SUPER EXCITED WITH HER AND ITS SOOOO AMAZING AND ADORABLE AND I COULD DIE

->AND THEN HE TELLS HER HOW THEIR DAD WOULD BE SO PROUD IM DYING IM LITERALLY DEAD STOP.

->AND AND AND THEY WERE ALL WORKING TOGETHER W HUNK TO MAKE THE GALRA TRACKER THING AND THEY WERE BEING SO COOL WITH EACH OTHER AND BEING NERDS TOGETHER AND AND AND AJEUWNDUWJEBEURBDGWUDKAODHD

->okay. ive calmed down. i am normal and can be trusted to simply watch a show.

->^Get his ass, Zarkon. I needed his smug ass to be humbled so bad. Only time I will agree w Zarkon fr.

->i do NOT like Lotor. Can you guys tell already??

->THE SCENE WHERE THEY TRIED TO GET MILKSHAKES AND WERE SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT YOU NEED TO MILK A COW STOP.✋ 😭. My high-score on the giggle-meter went up by 300%

->bro I SWEAR shiro looks different. there’s just something about him. the hair gets a pass cus how good of a haircut can you give yourself in space, yk? but that nose scar is definitely a different shade #notmyrodrickshiro

->THE VOLTRON SHOW.

->^Just. That entire episode. It’s getting a whole post actually I need to yap about it.

->^her armor is colored in a way which makes it look both pink and red while making it look like a trick of the light in a way to symbolize that she is acting as keith yet while being a paladin herself and that being unknown in the public eye and showing how they have to cover that up, any suspicion being thrown as a trick of the light. Oh vld animators ily 🫶

->on another note tho why do they always draw lance and shiro to have 30 pounds of ass. what.

->loved when those lesbians decided to take down lotor. Queen shit 💋 we stan 🙇‍♀️🙏

->Lotor is so stupid and pathetic and annoyingly smug and sus and admiral-zhao-y and I hate him but he’s SOOO FREAKING HOT and I can’t hate him completely because he’s so attractive but that just makes me wanna hate him more. He’s a walking red flag but the flag is heart-shaped and honestly idk what to do w that.

->^WHAT. stop. honestly that’s the real reason he was banned from the empire my ass would not want that fucking FREAK within a 30 light year radius of me either

-> while s3 was the klance season, s4 is apparently the allurance season, they have a lot of sweet moments. (granted all started by lance but still, you can almost see allura swooning)

->^pookie. what are you doing… pookie.. no. stop. i don’t like where this is going…

->^POOKIE NO. STOP. ✋ STOP. SAY SIKE RN.

->^oh thank fuck for Lotor.

->^^wait what. why Lotor.

->^^^heartbreaking: worst person you know doesn’t something good for once.

->he definitely wants something out of this. I don’t trust him.

These are thoughts I’ve had compiled for some time now. I will continue to post my thoughts on the tag “laura’s first vld”

I finished this season on 06/30/24. I am on S5E3 as of today (07/06/24)

[omgsquee2001]

We Are All Connected: Feelings; Part 1: Pidge

Pidge tried to keep her mind off of, one, the limited amount of clothing she was wearing, and two, the fact that she was in the woods, again. She was astounded by the vast connection that Home Tree had with Omatikaya People, and even with the planet itself. It was like the Balmera and Olkarion all over again. Pidge was behind Lance, and in front of Hunk, struggling to find her grip on the tree, following after [Y/N]. Pidge was in aw at the swiftness and grace of the Omatikaya as they scaled the tree, their tail seeming helping them to keep their balance. However, Pidge's mind also wondered to her dad and Matt, who she still had yet to find. There had been so many times when she thought she was close to a clue, but then it turned out to be a dead end. Pidge caught her breath, standing next to Lance on a large branch, watching the Omatikaya.  [Y/N] stood up, facing them, gesturing to hammocks that looked like they were made of vines or rope.

"This is where we sleep. Do not worry about falling. The vines are strong." They said. [Y/N] let the Paladins observe how the Omatikaya gracefully descended into the hammocks. They turned to them. "I will help you first, then, you must learn on your own." They explained. Being the most daring and brave, Shiro stepped forward to go first. [Y/N] held out their hand to him, which he took. [Y/N] helped steady the Paladin, lowering him into the hammock. Once Shiro got situated, he looked up at them and gave a friendly smile.

"Thank you." He said. [Y/N] smiled and gave a nod. One by one, the other Paladins, with the help of [Y/N], descended into their hammocks, slowly nodding off to sleep. Pidge was the last one, still hesitant, her mind still on Matt and her dad. They would have loved it here. Being able to see how everything was connected. Her dad would want to perform so many experiments. [Y/N] turned to look at the Paladin, turning their head in curiosity. 

"You seem distracted." They said. Pidge looked up at them, then sighed. 

"A few years ago, I lost my dad and my brother. I've been searching all over for them, but I can't find them." Pidge explained. [Y/N] smiled sadly.

"It is not east to loose those you love." [Y/N] said, looking away from her. They then glanced up and gave a smile. "Eywa is in all things, Pidge. The Great Mother is watching over your father and brother, I am sure." They said. Pidge frowned and sighed. 

"No offence, but I don't really believe that. There's no way that the energy here could stretch out all through the universe." Pidge said. She believed in evidence she could see, like technology and robots. Believing in something she couldn't see, was a whole different thing. [Y/N] nodded. 

"The subject of Eywa is often difficult for strangers to understand," they looked up at the stars. "Allura told me of your adventure to Olkarion. Do you remember what they believe?" They asked. Pidge nodded. 

"The Olkari believe that everyone is made out of the same thing, that we're all made of the same cosmic dust." Pidge said. [Y/N] nodded. 

"The concept of Eywa is the same. Though you do not see the Great Mother, does not mean She is not with you," they said. They looked around at the glowing atmosphere around them. "Eywa is in all living things. The plants, the animals," they looked around at their people. "The Na'viya," they looked at the sleeping Paladins. "Even your friends." They said. [Y/N] turned to Pidge and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You must have faith, Pidge. You will find your father and brother. In time." They said. Pidge smiled, feeling better. 

"Thank you," she said. [Y/N] lowered their hand and nodded. Pidge then held out her hand, ready to make the descend. [Y/N] gave a bright smile, taking Pidge's hand in theirs. Pale skin contrasted with dark blue, glowing skin. [Y/N] lead the Paladin over to her hammock, gently lowering her. Pidge lay on her back, looking up at them. She smiled. "Good night, [Y/N]." Pidge said. [Y/N] smiled.

"Sleep well, Pidge." They responded. Pidge sighed and closed her eyes, ready for what the day would bring tomorrow. 

[mediacinemtographyartetc]

Pidge kinda ruined Voltron. [to me at least]

I'll probs go into more detail later- but re-watching Voltron and knowing what I know now I kinda realised...Pidge kinda monopolised the show.

Here me out. In the first/second season it took it's time developing ALL characters they all had moments. But it felt as if in later seasons Pidge story kept developing, finding her father [a reunion] then thinking matt died which emotional, had flashbacks of her and matt sending codes to each other, flashback of her hacking Iversons computer- found brother had an emotional moment, and overall kept getting story that was shown.

Compared to Allura who we never see more of her talking about Altea, her life her father or even her mother. Compared to Keith whom we never see him getting expelled from the garrison or even a flashback to his childhood.

Compared to Katie who HAD a happy ending after and seem to be doing fine, all the other characters were kinda shafted.

And thank god she WAS there she was always there to save the day - everyone would be dead without Pidge. Didn't she do something to the castle when Kuron set it to explode to delay the time coz of COURSE she did. Also the bob/God episode where she was the only one trying to escape and use the golf ball to hit the camera like obvs- it's like she was a mary su-

But the thing is there was nothing WRONG with katies story, it's just comparing her family/flashbacks and happy ending WITH both her reunited with her brother and father-

Compared to the other characters it's like the war barely touched her.

Even though Hunk was also tech savy you wouldn't think it in the show, compared to her moment with matt and us the audience learning how they both had coded messages for each other and comparing that to Keith and his own Mother!

I freakin HATED this "Exposition Comet." that just TOLD Keith and the audience everything about each other- like their bonding happened OFF-SCREEN. And that would be fine if they didn't have Pidge to compare to, so it's like, we KNOW you can write compelling writing and yet you just choice not to do it. Like isn't Keith the main character? The fact that we didn't have him talking about his dad- it was just...shown in a blink and you miss it flashback. with NO dialouge. This Comet they were in just MAGICALLY told them each others life story so they didn't have to verbally talk to each other for two years, the comet gave them a convienent space wolf that could MAGICALLY transport from one place to another. This Comet ALSO told Keith that the Shiro is a clone.

Like we were just TOLD the story, and that happened a lot in voltron where it just...skipped over so much development, dialouge and such. Again if it wasn't for season one and two to compare to we would say thats just how Voltron writes it's story. And also also-

The "Exposition-CONVINIENT Comet," also delivered them to a secret Altean Planet where Lotor is *gasp* evil and using them as batteries and of COURSE they find Romelle who happened to witness her brother being turned into a prune at the same time as Keith/Kroila appeared.

Like I hate how that episode just RUSHED it, but then we see Katie's journey of finding her brother [by herself coz duh, she can do anything thank god for PIDGE if she wasn't there Voltron would forget how to wipe it's own ASS]

I mean KEITH is supposed to be the main character, and watching the old classic Voltron so are Allura and Lance are the main characters but god the show is just pidge-pidge-pidge.

And even re-watching season 2 episode one sure Keith and Shiro have a moment against the space raptors but she's also in the ep [and this is where I see the favourtism start]

Pidge is about to wait for the others to find her but nope- she uses a space satellite which thank GOD if she didn't Allura wouldn've escaped the wormhole and Keith/shiro would have been eaten by space raptors thank GOD for Pidge.

[I know I sound bitter but I thought Pidge story was a SIDE quest and have the other characters get more development, like Allura thinking back on Altea about their culture, cuisine how she acted as a princess before Zarkons war etc did she and her dad mess around with building space crafts? like c'mon. Or keith getting expelled?]

I love how even the Shiro/Keith flashback to Kerboros Katie is RIGHT THERE IN THE BACKGROUND like stay in your freakin lane!

I swear if I was in charge of a voltron reboot I would kill her father Sam Holt to make her feel how Allura feels.

"We have a lot in common-"

"Yeah but my dads still alive." Like Pidge is just a straight up bitch.

When someone said the creators related to Pidge I get it now- they couldnt be more obvious. -_-

Also look at how Pidges FAT HEAD is almost blocking Allura- Stay in your lane!

[the-kittens-of-vol-tron]

Langst: using the Taylor swift lyric "and I can go anywhere I want just not home"

Yes yes yes

Short but angsty

(I don't own any aspect of this song, all rights go to the proper individuals)

-----

Lance stared out into the never-ending space, letting Blue take control of their tract home. Home. Back to Earth. The only thing he had been thinking about since he was launched into space all those years ago. 

Hunk was rambling about seeing his family again, how old his younger siblings were, and the food he was excited to cook again. 

Pidge chimed in a lot. While she found her brother and father and knew her father was back on Earth she still missed her mom. She was excited to see her again and apologize for leaving.

Shiro talked about his fiancé, a guy named Adam. Unless Pidge’s father told everyone what happened he still thought Shiro was dead; he couldn't wait to see him again. His name was a bit familiar, Lance had seen him around the garrison.  

Keith even talked about what he was looking forward to when they reached Earth. Apparently, he wanted to see a couple of bands in concert and build a new hoverbike. 

Coran and Allura expressed their own excitement. After hearing about Earth for the past couple of they were impatiently waiting to see it for themselves. 

“What about you Lance? What are you excited about?” 

Lance fought back a frown as he thought about his family. “I’m excited to see the ocean again.” He laced his voice with fake happiness. Something he had mastered years ago. 

Everyone was clearly waiting for him to say more, but he never did. 

---

“Welcome home,” Iverson stood in front of them, a smile sitting awkwardly on his gruff face. 

After some small conversations, Iverson pulled Lance to the side, his face holding a somber expression. “Your family...they well.” He avoided Lance’s gaze, watching the others hug their family and loved ones. 

Lance nodded, feeling a bit empty inside as he watched his team. “It’s okay.” 

---

That was a couple of months ago, the Galran were officially beaten and Lance and the others were in their retirement stage already. Lance had followed his team to their homes, met their family, and tried his best to fall into his new life.

"Lance!"

He looked up from the book he was reading, his entire team standing in front of him. "Yeah?"

Shiro sent him a warm smile, "it's time for you to take us somewhere important to you."

Lance blinked at his team, why were they asking him to do this? "Uhhh...why?"

"We've dragged you around the whole world, we want to return the favor. Learn more about our favorite purple paladin." Pidge said a wide smile on her face at her own color joke.

Lance stared down at the book in his hands, "I have nowhere to take you all." He ran his fingers over the hardcover, letting his fingers trace the indent of the title. "Nowhere important like what you all have shared with me."

"Come on buddy. You said you wanted to see the ocean. Let's all go to your favorite beach." Hunk sat down next to his friend, pulling him in for a side hug.

"If I had one, I'd tell you. But seriously guys. I'm happy here, we don't need to go anywhere for me."

The team frowned at him, leaving the room in silence.

The team didn't give up, they brainstormed together, trying to figure out where they could take Lance. He hadn't seen his family since they came back to Earth, he didn't even mention them at all. He became quiet when they came back, more reserved than what they were used to in space.

Coran finally remembered a detail Lance had mentioned to him while they were still on Arus. Varadero Beach.

They had a plane reserved and everything packed that night.

Lance stared out the window, letting his vision blur on the white clouds. He had no idea where the team was dragging him, they wouldn't say no matter how many times he asked.

The plane finally began its descent and Lance felt his heart drop as he looked at the familiar ground below. Ground he never was supposed to see again.

The plane landed sooner after, the team chattering happily as they collected their things to exit.

Lance stared down at his hands, why was he here?

"Lance? Are you coming with us? The beach is waiting!" Coran called from where he stood, a bit too much sunscreen on his face and a hat already on his head.

He shook his head no.

"What do you mean no?" He could feel the team's eyes on him and he wished he stayed in bed.

"I can't...I want to go back to the Garrison. Or just somewhere else."

The team made a collective sound of confusion. Shiro quickly fell back into his leadership role and sat down in the seat across from Lance.

"Lance, we're in Cuba. This is your home. We're right next to Varadero beach...don't you want to go."

Lance shook his head again, keeping his eyes trained on his hands. "I can't."

"But you're home," Pidge said in a confused voice.

Lance shrugged.

"Can you explain? Tell us what's going on." Shiro said his voice light.

"Yeah, let us help you!" Hunk added.

Lance sighed, "y'know," he lifted his head slightly. "I can go anywhere I want." He allowed his eyes to look at his home one more time. For the last time before he reached up and closed the blind to his window.

He felt himself break slightly, trying to swallow down the emotions that he had kept buried for years. Emotions he had meticulously locked up. "Anywhere I want, just not home."

-----

I left what happened to his family open so you could decide the "issue" (did they banish him? Are they dead?)

I hope you don't mind how short this is, but I didn't want to drag it on

Thank you!!! <3

[ceresoktavia]

!!💕

*throws a Pandora costume at little pidge* THE BOX HAS BEEN OPENED 😱 just kidding 😂

ladies and gentlemen, mesdames et messiuers, meine Damen und Herren; by demand of one little Pigeon I hereby introduce you to:

Vanessa Sandra Valentine

Commonly refered to as Vanny (her ancestors/substitute parents), Sandy (her siblings and some friends), Sparks (mostly her co-workers) or "natural Death" (only her commanding officer)

Once being born as my Andromeda OC (stop laughing, the show is great) , she by now has her entirely own story and the name is the only thing left of her origins.

Vanessa is about 1,60 tall (metric untis 😋), her original haircolor is believed to be red and her eyes are believed to be originally green.

Why believed to be? Well, her DNA is wildly unstable, which results in her being able to change her hair and eyecolor at will, as well as those just changing by themselves depending on her mood if she forgets to take her stabelizers.

Girl has been raised by her ancestors (people in this story live a very long time) and grew up very sheltered. She knows her parents, but doesn't want to have to do anything with her mother for, reasons, and her dad is dead.

In the world she belongs to, time has passed us by and we're very far into the future. How far? Haven't decided yet, but at least 3000 years +;

Mystical creatures have been living in hiding for a very long time and by now the different types have mixed up so hard among themselves and with other races throughout the galaxy, that they stopped to go by type of creature to categorize, you know like ethnic origin rn, and just went over to take the most outstanding power someone has and put it into levels from 1 to 6.

Vanessa's older sister is a Reactive Category 4, meaning she reacts as fast as an AI; her older brother is an Empath Category 5, meaning he can see peoples thoughts and emotions behind them like a shadow; her dad was categorized under Prolonged Lifespan 3, meaning his aging process was linked to his mental well-being; and Vanessa got the unpleasant joy of being a Regenerative Category 6, meaning you could cut her head off and it would just reattach if it was close enough to the rest of the body (people actually tried).

Her body also forms a crystaline shell if the damage that caused "death" can't be repaired immediately.

Girl found it out the hard way.

You see, mystical creatures, no matter how watered down the "magical" origin is, are hunted down for sports. They do everything to keep themselves hidden and have very few allies. Additional internal struggles after reavealing themselves some 500 years or so ago resulted in a full blown civil war, which made forming some sort of military necessary.

Vanessa was sent to basic military training at the age of 15, organized by her father before his demise to cure several ailments his youngest kid was dealing with. Cause military pays for treatments and dude was broke and up to his nose in debt.

Everyone in her class was around her age and all of them were just there to learn the ropes, push around a few papers for half a year and then be out of military. Imagine it as some sort of state treatment center camouflaged as basic military service.

None of them were ever destined to see any battle.

Some of their enemies took what was basically a school excursion as an opportunity to have themselves a "hunt".

They just massacred everyone, yes even Vanessa.

Though when the rescue team arrived and turned her "corpse" around, girl opened her eyes and grabbed the one turning her by the wrist.

That's also how they found out that her eyes being red meant she felt endangered.

After recovery, she was approached by the Head of a special tactics unit called "Shadows". They're pretty much one man/woman armies, operate on their own or at max with an AI partner, and either retrieve the worst of the worst criminals or just off them if they can't be handed over to jurisdication.

Of course she joins, climbing the ranks fast, like everyone in her unit, and earns herself the nickname "Sparks" for her affinity with electrics. Her commanding officer coded her as "natural Death" since she makes it look like natural causes if she has to kill.

...

wow ... um ... been infodumping a bit there 😅

but yeah, that's Vanessa everyone 😄

[beta-aquarii-sadalsuud]

Prompt #6

Fandom: Voltron

Ship(s): Keith Kogane x Lance McClain

Alternate Universe

Keith and Lance were together in the Garrison. Then Shiro’s mission happened. Somehow the BoM found out the existence of Keith (I’m betting Krolia told them), they come to find him (because family is a big deal to them) and he goes with them. This is all kept a secret, everyone thinks Keith’s “rich, biological family from Korea” came and took him away. The only humans who know the truth are Keith and Adam (Shiro’s bf who thought he was dead but now is having doubts). 

And then, the Blades find Shiro. They find the Red Lion. Allura and Coran wake up. Shiro and Keith become the Paladins (Keith already is a Blade by now). They find signals of Blue from Earth. Allura, Coran and the Paladins come to retrieve Blue. Pidge picks up weird signals, Lance and Hunk sneak up on her (sort of like what happens in canon). They get tangled up in the mess, Blue responds to her Paladin. But now, instead of them all cramping inside Blue’s cockpit, They have Red and Black to help. Lance tries to fly Blue with them. Obviously, Blue runs on autopilot because God, Lance may be a pretty good pilot but he has never flown something like her before. After that, they retrieve Yellow and Green.

So, unsurprisingly, Lance and Keith are uncomfortable with each other. And Keith has changed so much that Hunk and Pidge have a hard time reconnecting with him. (Oh and by the way, they’re no longer kids. I mean they are still pretty young, but it’s been a few years since Keith left.) Keith leaves the castle sometimes (for BoM missions, but Hunk, Pidge and Lance don’t know that, at least not yet) and reports to Allura personally. Lance still flirts with Allura and Keith becomes absolutely livid whenever it happens. But Lance being the annoying shit he is, does it even more when he is near, and loudly. Allura is not an idiot, of course, and tries to confront Keith about it, emphasis on tries (she is not close enough with the newest additions to talk to Lance). Then, Regris visits, officially for BoM business and unofficially to spend some time with his little brother(or nephew?). Lance is seething with jealousy when he sees then sparring/play-fighting, Keith is smiling goddamnit!

That all aside, Keith has a loving family with the Blades and Shiro. Krolia is still doing whatever it was that kept her away from her son. Ulaz is not dead.

These are my requests-

If there is smut, please write Top!Lance x Bottom!Keith (don’t switch)

Don’t give Lance abusive parents

Don’t make Keith’s father abusive

Don’t make Lance and/or Keith trans

Give the Galrans feline behaviours (like purring, hissing, etc)

That’s basically it, you can do whatever you want for the rest. 

(´｡• ᵕ •｡`)

Have fun!

[corvus--rex]

Long ago I had a writer's fever dream where I thought "What if Keith had a twin? And what if that twin was on the Kerberos mission..." So I decided to rewrite VLD from the beginning with these things in mind. This one's pretty well given up on as of right now. I realized that I needed to figure out how to fit people in and never quite got there. Anyway, here's the first ~1.3k words of Double Threat (working title). (also, for the record, I don't actually ship Keith & Matt, but ocs are always fair game ;) )

}~{~}~{

“Why you? Why does it have to be you? If anything – and I mean anything – happened…I…I don’t know what I’d do. Not after…” Keith began his rant angry, furious even. But then the walls began to crumble like they always did around his brother, and the truth began to slip out.

Finlay stopped. He sighed, turning around. They’d gone over this so many times. Despite their both still being cadets at the Galaxy Garrison, despite both of them having unmatched scores in their classes and flight training, it was Finlay who was chosen in the new mentorship program. It was Finlay who had been selected for the opportunity to go along on the Kerberos Mission as a co-pilot, to have the experience of real space flight. They both knew why. Not that it made sense to anyone but Commander Iverson.

Keith and Finlay, despite being identical twins, despite having nearly identical scores, weren’t viewed the same way by some of the Garrison’s faculty. The brothers stuck together, backing each other up in everything. But James Griffin had gone out of his way to harass Keith one day, and Keith snapped, getting into a fistfight with the other boy. Ever since then, Iverson had decided that Keith was trouble, even though the class full of witnesses all said the same thing: that Griffin had purposely goaded Keith into that fight.

“I know. But I’ll be with Shiro, and Sam. And Matt. We’ll be fine.” Finlay huffed a laugh. “If anything, you’ll have the tougher job. Keeping Katie in line.”

Keith cracked a smile, albeit a small one. His brother considered that a win.

“Of course,” he said with a knowing smirk, “That also means I won’t be around to give you someone to hide behind whenever your crush is around.”

Keith’s smile hardened into a glare at his twin. “Fuck.”

“Sorry,” Finlay said, smirk still in place, “Looks like you’re just gonna have to deal with McClain all on your own for a few months.”

“Kill me now.”

The smirk widened into a grin. “Nope. Either suffer, get over it, or y��know…just fucking tell him.”

“Never gonna happen,” Keith said, but his immediate stress had been relieved.

“You say that now, dear brother, but you are way the fuck too gay to keep it to yourself without me.”

“You’re just as gay as I am.”

Finlay slung an arm around his brother’s shoulders. “Oh, well aware. How else would I know?”

Keith snorted. “Yeah, about that. How areyou planning on dealing with being out in space? With Matt? In such close quarters?”

“Fuck you,” Finlay spat without malice, shoving his brother, who only laughed.

_~*~_~*~_~*~_

Keith raced along the desert, the memory unbidden, but not unwelcome. He was getting them back. Both of them. Finlay and Shiro. He wasn’t entirely sure how he was going to manage it with just his hoverbike and not knowing what kind of shape they were in, but he was doing it. Whatever the hell else was going on, he was getting them back.

Taking out the guards was easy. Taking out the Garrison scientists was even easier. Just as Keith was working on releasing the restraints around Finlay’s wrists, his twin began to wake. Keith’s efforts became hurried, nearly frantic, in his attempt to free his brother. The instant one wrist is free, Finlay rolled, pushing Keith’s hands away so he could free himself.

“Shiro took most of the impact,” he managed weakly, “He needs more help than I do.”

Keith had only just gotten Shiro free and his weight supported when a hand was on his shoulder. One of the hazmat-suited scientists was awake. It took Keith a second to recognize him through the suit.

“Adam?”

“Let me help.”

Keith didn’t think, only reacted. “Ok. What now?”

“Nope. No no no no no,” said a familiar voice from the entranceway.

Keith froze, not having heard that voice in six months. He felt more than heard Finlay’s rough chuckle behind him. What the actual fuck was Lance McClain doing there? Not that it mattered, they didn’t have time for that. Adam took charge, leading them and the other two Garrison cadets that looked like they’d been following Lance out and over to one of the Garrison vehicles.

“Keith! I need you to take point! Get us the fuck out of here!” Adam yelled, ushering everyone but Finlay into the truck.

Finlay followed Keith to the hoverbike, climbing on behind his twin. He was still weak from the crash, and whatever it is that the Garrison techs did to him, but held on with what strength he had left.

“Finn, you good to ride?” Keith asked, flipping the power switch.

Finlay nodded against his back, knowing his voice wouldn’t be heard over the roar of the engine.

“Hold on.”

Keith took off, feeling more secure than he had in months. He led Adam through the desert, knowing that the ace pilot could keep up with him, even in something like a Garrison truck. They lost the rest of the Garrison pursuit, but Keith didn’t trust them. He took off again, making a turn he knew would make the trip longer, but it was less likely that they’d be followed.

Coming over the crest of a hill, the cabin that had belonged to their father came into view. Keith felt it when Finlay gasped against his back.

“It’s still there,” he said softly.

The hoverbike had slowed down, the engine nowhere near as loud as it had been. Keith heard his brother’s astonished whisper.

“Yeah. It is.”

Adam and the others were still unloading both themselves and the still unconscious Shiro from the Garrison truck when the Kogane twins entered the cabin. Finlay was surprised to see that it looked lived in and turned to face Keith. For his part, Keith was looking more at the floor than his twin.

“I, um, I kind of got kicked out of the Garrison,” he admitted, “You went missing, and they tried to claim that it was pilot error. I knew it was bullshit and I tried to fight it, but Iverson just called it ‘disciplinary issues’ and got me booted. He tried to say that I wasn’t thinking clearly and that I was trying to see things that weren’t there. I never believed it was pilot error. I’ve been out here listening to the Garrison’s radio chatter; that’s how I knew where to find you.”

Finlay was exhausted, physically and emotionally, but still found the strength to pull his brother into a tight hug. “I knew you’d never give up. Too fuckin’ stubborn for it.”

Keith returned his twin’s hold. “So are you.”

Their moment was interrupted by the sound of conversation and what they knew was Shiro’s unconscious body being dragged across the compacted sand and dirt. The rest of the group stumbled inside, Adam and Lance carrying Shiro.

}~{~}~{

From a later scene that wasn't even half-baked:

“Go away,” Pidge snapped, “I’m close, I know I am.”

She tried to throw off the hand on her shoulder, but it held on, squeezing once. “We’ll find him.”

That voice used to throw her off, never knowing if it was Keith or Finn. But after months in space together, she learned the differences between the twins. Sighing out a combination of stress, exhaustion, and frustration, she let her hands fall from the keyboard and slumped into her chair.

“Every time I think I'm getting somewhere, it always leads to a dead end. I’m getting frustrated, Finn. The only thing that keeps me going is that I know Matt and Dad are still out there somewhere. I have to find them. I'm going to find them.”

~*~*~*~

Links to the rest of the series:

1 | 2 | 3* | 4 | 5* | 6* | 7 | 8 | 9* | 10 | 11 | 12* | 13 | 14 | 15* | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19*

[edgymexicana]

New noob artist here 😟!

Rewatched Voltron last week and I am of course a Lancelot shipper.

But my boy Lance was done dirty 😭.

I still enjoyed the series none the less but Lance my boi needs luv.

It’s why I’m making him a bad bitch 😈.

💜💙💜

Being forgotten,

Is being unfortunate.

They both walked to the Castle entrance as Lance took a deep breath. Both each holding their helmets. To show as a sign of comfort and reassurance. Lotor was holding his hand as they walked together. It’s been so long since Lance had seen his “team”. He knows they didn't search for him but it took him awhile to get over the fact his own “family” abandoned him. Lotor was there to rescue him from his own demons and now he's living the life being a badass general and the lover of an ex prince who would soon be king.

“Are you ready?” Lotor asked softly as he noticed Lance’s slightly sick expression.

“Let’s just get this over with,” Lance mumbled as he put his mask on while Lotor did the same. The two entered the castle and were immediately gun pointed at by the paladins of Voltron.

Lance sighed regretting his decision.

“We mean no harm,” Lotor spoke as he removed his helmet while Lance kept his on. He didn’t want to reveal his face and see the others look at him with guilty eyes. He was betrayed and he just was tired of all the liars.

“Prince Lotor,” Allura spat as she glared at Lotor.

“What do you want?” Allura asked with bitterness in her voice.

“I would assume you are princess Allura,” Lotor spoke and continued speaking. “I would like for us to be alias, that is if you want to, if not we shall leave and not come back.”

“As if we would ever team with you,” Pidge spoke out and Shiro also spoke.

“Who’s your friend?” He asked and Lotor chuckled.

“Oh, I believe you've already met him.”

“Guess there’s no point in hiding it anymore, we might as well be prisoners,” Lance spoke as he removed his helmet slowly.

Everyone gasped except Lotor.

“Hey Voltron,” Lance said with an emotionless tone.

“Lance-?” Keith asked in shock as he looked at the boy who was once an annoying idiot look all matured and... Different... But with the enemy. And to think he would confess his liking to Lance...

“B-buddy?” Hunk breathed out as he saw someone he thought was dead. Tears were coming out as guilt started to drown him.

“You traitor!” Allura had sneered as her hand made a first.

“No, no Lance- this- this isn't right...” Pidge weakly spoke as she saw her older brother figure like, alive. But this wasn't Lance... At least not anymore as it was clear he changed... More experienced, more leader-like and someone that's sided with the enemy.

“What have we done, ” Shiro said under his breath as he sat down. He was responsible, he was the leader and he did think Lance was dead, never believing he was alive. But he was standing right there, in front of everyone.

“Lance, forgive us, ” Coran spoke out as he was truthful. He never hated Lance. Coran always brought up Lance and the chance that he would still be alive. But he too was guilty for not believing hard enough.

Lance had rose his eyebrow.

He wasn't expecting apologies but Allura wasn't a surprise. She always held grudges against Galra and acted racist towards them even tho they’re not all the same. Siding with Lotor made her hate Lance even more than before.

Everyone except Allura put their weapons down.

The guilt was a lot.

“Lance-“Don’t,” Lance cut of Hunk as he stared at Allura. “Put your weapon down, we don’t have to fight, we simply came here to ask if we could be alies-“No, never in millions of years,” Allura hissed cutting him off and Lance rolled his eyes.

“Good luck with Zarkon, then,” Lance replied harshly and sighed turning away to walk out of the castle and back into their ship.

Lotor started to follow but he turned his back and spoke.

“You really lost someone that was so talented due to your ignorance, what a family you all are,” Lotor scoffed and quickly walked the direction Lance walked to.

Lance quickly made it to his and Lotor’s room and quickly puked in the toilet. His anxiety had made him feel sick. He wasn’t expecting to see so many sad guilty faces. Why did he even care? He shouldn’t at all.

He was the seventh wheel. The annoying paladin, the weak one. So why did it hurt to see them cry. He quickly slammed his fist on the floor as he tried not to cry.

Shiro was his idol, he never bothered to search. Hunk was a brother to him but never believed he was alive. Keith was someone he had a crush on but acted like he never knew Lance existence. Allura was seriously a spoiled brat and screw her but Pidge was a little sister.

Lance could feel himself choking of all the weight he was holding mentally.

Luckily, Lotor came to him and engulfed him in a hug. Lance was a mess at the moment. Lotor’s embrace was what he needed during this rough time.

He could hear Lotor’s sweet words about him. How much he loved Lance, and how he’s proud of who he is.

“Let it out Lance, you’ve learned so much from me and I’ve learned so much from you,” Lotor said as he smiled. Lance looked up at him with his sad watery ocean blue eyes.

“Oh amor, te amo mucho,” Lance softly spoke in Spanish as his lips made contact with Lotor’s. Lotor who understood his language chuckled and kissed Lance back.

“Te amo as well love,” He spoke and the two continued their make out until they were interrupted by an incoming call.

“Think they changed their minds?” Lotor asked and Lance scoffed. “Better not, we’re doing something right now.”

“If we’re going to defeat my father, we’ll need Voltron, this would be a very wasted opportunity,” Lotor spoke as Lance groaned knowing they would need Voltron to defeat Zarkon.

“Yeah, I can see why we’ll need Voltron-“ Lance sighed. “But only because we’ll need you as the new king,” Lance said as Lotor smirked.

“And with you as my empress,” He flirted and Lance chuckled kissing Lotors nose.

“Yes that too, amor.”

- -

It’s like 6:26 am and I was pulling an all nighter to finish late hw 😭 but instead I took most of my time to write this 🤌🏻 worth it tho- 😫👍🏻

My future self beating my past self for not doing hw💀✌🏻

[izlaria]

Someone you like (part 2)

This is the second chapter of my “Someone you like” inspired fic. It’s also available on AO3 in case you prefer that platform.

Feel free to write comments in the tags or send me messages about this. I love feedback!

16 and 14 years old

Pidge Gunderson. I am Pidge Gunderson.

Katie looked herself in the mirror, trying to convince her brain that the image reflected was hers, that it was a boy, with no previous links to the Garrison, someone who had wanted to go into Communications.

It didn’t really work. All she saw was Matt: his glasses; his short, unkempt haircut; his nickname for her.

Maybe it was better like this. Katie had initially meant to immerse herself in this new identity, to go so deep into Pidge Gunderson that no one would be able to see past the cover, but the truth still kept slipping through her defenses. Katie was a Holt and her family was missing, so she was gonna find them. Pidge was just a tool.

It would be easier if there weren’t so many risks in studying at the Garrison.

Her father hadn’t brought her around often, but Katie had become infamous among the night-time security for her excursions to discover sensitive information regarding the Kerberos mission. Iverson, in particular, was probably expecting a new advance on her part.

He hadn’t recognized her, yet.

Sometimes Katie worried that she’d already been exposed and that they were just gathering evidence before actually making a move against her. If the Garrison was willing to lie about her father’s and brother’s deaths, then she couldn’t overlook the possibility that corruption ran deep within the organization.

She sighed, tugging at the ends of her hair.

“Come on, Gunderson!” she heard someone shout from outside her door. “You’re coming to lunch with us whether you want to or not!”

Lance continued to make noises, probably talking to Hunk. They usually threatened to hack into her keypad if she didn’t come out to join them for meals. Katie couldn’t really understand their stubbornness. She might have appreciated their offer of friendship back in Middle School, when she’d felt ostracized by her peers, but now it was just another hazard to her already convoluted plan.

“Go bother some poor girl, McClain!” Katie shouted in response, feeling more inpatient than strictly necessary.

She knew that Lance meant well, but she didn’t have time for his hijinks. Katie had a duty to her family, first and foremost, and any effort spent placating her teammates was a waste in that regard. Not to mention that Lance had a knack for attracting attention that completely opposed her own need to remain unseen.

Her door slid open with an elegant swoosh.

Katie poked her head from the bathroom to glare at the two boys who stood there. Hunk had the sense to look ashamed, but Lance just grinned.

“It’s bonding time, Pidge!” He stepped into the room, arms wide open. His easy smile was the same as ever, despite the news they’d received earlier that day about their performance stats. It was probably why Lance was there, after all.

Katie actually felt a little bad about the whole thing. She wasn’t particularly invested in training as a communications officer and, though she wouldn’t say it affected her retainment of the knowledge demanded from her, it certainly translated into frustration when they were in the simulator.

She wasn’t much of a team player, Katie could admit.

“If you’re trying to get on my good side, this is not how to do it,” she grumbled, trying her best to keep her voice low. Too much of a change would eventually weight on her vocal cords or sound plain ridiculous, but a difference in pitch and speech patterns were certainly necessary to disguise her true identity. Thankfully, any slip up could be attributed to puberty, as she’d been seeing many of their male classmates endure the difficulties of cracking voices.

Lance took her by the shoulders and shook her indiscriminately. “Quit being the worst!” His cheerfulness hid the vexation that Katie knew he truly felt. “We’re having burgers today, so I’m not letting you bring us down.”

She snickered. Lance was notorious for his love of junk food, despite Hunk’s attempts to get them more nutritious meals. He frequently spoke about his mother’s cooking but didn’t seem to have that same interest in the dietary plan prepared by the Garrison.

Katie couldn’t really fault him for that. Their meals were usually so blend that they seemed to withdraw taste from any of the condiments added.

From behind Lance, Hunk had finally gathered enough courage to come in. He looked around in such false innocence that Katie might have believed him, hadn’t she caught him going through her drawers the previous week. That boy was nosy as hell.

Just another reason to keep them away.

“If I go with you to the cafeteria, does that mean I can get you out of my room?” She fixed them with a stony look.

“For a time,” Lance offered, all cheeky and bright and annoying.

Hunk put a hand on his shoulder, pulling his friend back from Katie. “We noticed you didn’t eat yesterday, again.” He sighed. “If you took better care of yourself, we wouldn’t come here so often.”

Katie let that reasoning sit with her for a bit. She usually sneaked granola bars and other less-perishable types of food into her room to eat while she worked, but it was true that she didn’t really sit for meals unless the boys pushed her. She didn’t think they would notice.

It brought a strange warmth to her chest. She’d felt cold for so long now, always at arm’s length from those around her. Her mother had tried, but she was grieving and her suffering filled her until there was no more room for her daughter. These small kindnesses had gone away with Matt.

She struggled not to reach into her pocket for the picture she kept of them. Hunk had a curious soul and Lance was a gossip; they had almost caught her one too many times.

“I guess I did want your input on how to recalibrate this old radio I found in the junkyard…” Katie huffed out a breath, which the boys took as a surrender.

“Ah, nothing like the smell of oil and grease to really improve the day!” Lance put an arm around her shoulders, but she quickly dodged away, lest he recognize anything different about her body. Even though she was already pretending to be a boy, Katie didn’t want to also have to pretend to be trans. It was a line that she dared not cross, morally.

She felt the dysmorphia more acutely than she’d imagined she would. As a child, she had enjoyed cutesy things and dresses and her long hair. The sudden departure from those possessions was supposed to remove her from her previous identity, but Katie would always know the truth. There was no escaping it.

More than anything, it was the inability to choose that left her frazzled. The loose clothes and glasses and boyish haircut didn’t bother her and they did give her a liberty that more feminine wear didn’t, but Katie wished the circumstances allowed her to be a girl too, sometimes.

Alas, here she was, stuck between Hunk and Lance as they basically escorted her to the cafeteria. Matt would have a conniption if he ever found out there were boys breaking into her room at all times of the day.

“You thinking about those amazing fries we’re gonna get?” Lance sighed dreamily. “Honestly, I don’t know how they do it. Every other meal freaking sucks, but then Monday comes around and the cooks just nail it!”

Hunk chuckled, nodding along. “They probably want to put us in a good mood for the week. Everybody knows that getting back to classes after the weekend can be hard.”

“Hard? It’s impossible.” Lance dragged his hands through his face. “I nearly fell asleep during Arithmetic today. Professor Reeves is such a bore!”

“Maybe you wouldn’t fall asleep if you didn’t spend Sunday nights in town,” Katie quipped before she could stop herself.

“Yeah, well,” Lance floundered. “What’s your excuse, then? You won’t come with us, but you still look dead on your feet in the mornings!”

“I’m just not a morning person.” She crossed her arms, turning away from Lance.

In doing so, however, she came face to face with Hunk, who was staring at her with an inquisitive look. He was less loud about it than Lance, but it was clear that he also had questions about what Katie spent her time doing.

She tightened her arms around herself, feeling her stomach drop.

This was why Katie didn’t like to talk to them. It was usually easy to ignore Lance, because of how over-the-top he was, but Hunk’s gentleness and concern made the guilt rise within her. She didn’t want to involve other people in her lies, didn’t want them to believe Pidge was their friend only to be faced with a betrayal.

And that’s how they would see it, wasn’t it? Katie didn’t have a lot of experience with friendships, especially not ones as deep as Hunk and Lance’s, but no sane person would take it lightly to find out someone had lied about their whole identity and motivations.

Besides, if she ever did find out what the Garrison was hiding, it could possibly affect the future of the organization and disrupt the trajectory of every student there.

Before Katie could go further into her spiraling thoughts, she felt Hunk maneuver her into the cafeteria line. She had tuned out the rest of their conversation and now Lance spoke of a girl in his Aerodynamics class.

She ignored his ramblings. Lance tried to project this image of a lady’s man, but the few dates he’d scored since they started school never seemed to really move forward. They ended up in an endless cycle in which Lance fixated on some girl, hit on her endlessly, then finally gave up and went crying to Hunk.

Katie couldn’t see the appeal of it, but it most likely had to do with Lance’s self-esteem and need for validation.

“I think Jiya might actually like me!” he declared, despite how both Hunk and Katie were more focused on filling their trays with food. “Whenever the teacher asks me to stay behind and clean up, she stays to help! That has to mean something!”

Katie collected her juice box and went to sit down, pointedly ignoring Lance’s questions.

“I’m sure you’re right,” Hunk said agreeably. He didn’t sound too sure, but his expression showed that he was trying to be positive for Lance’s sake.

“Or, you know, the girl is just a nice person who thought you were being picked on by the teacher.” Katie raised her eyes to give Lance an unimpressed look. “And you’re reading too much into it.”

The boy scowled at her. “What would you know, Pidge? I’ve never seen you with a girl before.”

“Yeah,” she raised an eyebrow, feeling smug that the other two wouldn’t understand the humor in this. “What do I know of girls?”

Katie had to suppress a laugh when Lance turned to her with a very confused expression. Hunk, however, gave her a small, secretive smile that set off all kinds of warning signs.

“I don’t get it,” Lance complained to Hunk, then turned back to her. “I don’t get it!”

“Well,” Hunk started and immediately her heart started pounding in her chest. Outwardly, Katie tried to remain impassive. “The girls in our class all love Pidge.”

“They do?!” Lance burst out, eyes widened. His gaze shifted back and forth between her and Hunk.

They didn’t, Katie was pretty sure. Did they?

“They think he’s cute,” Hunk confirmed, waving his fork in the air as if trying to recall the exact words. “Pidge is quiet, but he’s smart and mostly polite, so Denise decided he was a good guy and the rest of the girls kinda followed her lead.”

Now that Katie thought about it, it was true that she’d helped Denise with her Bio homework and that people had been nicer to her since. She supposed they could see Pidge in a good light, especially because he seemed so much younger than the other students in Engineering.

Katie blinked rapidly to dispel her thoughts. She’d been thinking of Pidge in the third person, again.

“Fine, then.” Lance narrowed his eyes at Katie. “What miraculous advice do you have for me, oh Great Pidgeon?”

Despite his sarcasm, it was clear that Lance truly wanted an answer. It was one of the most ridiculous situations Katie had ever found herself in.

“How about you show some interest in what these girls like, instead of showboating around them?” She flicked a fry at him, which Hunk quickly stole for himself. “Sure, some people want to be impressed, but we all got into the Garrison and a lot of them already know your grades on the simulator. Most girls want someone who will listen and who they can have fun with.”

“I can be fun!” Lance protested.

“I get what Pidge’s saying, though,” Hunk intervened. Katie hadn’t meant to be harsh, but Lance suddenly looked a little deflated. “We know that you’re great, but you’re always so busy trying to be what these girls want from you that you don’t really get to know them. A little kindness goes a long way.”

Katie nodded along, munching on her burger. “No girl wants an egocentric boyfriend,” she added, mouth still half full. Lance glared at her in both disgust and indignancy.

“I don’t want to hear this from you, Mister I’m-not-here-to-make-friends!”

She shrugged and continued to eat her burger.

“Okay, okay…” Hunk put his hands up placatingly. “How about I get us some dessert and we change the subject?”

Lance glanced at him through the corner of his eyes. “Those guava-flavored popsicles?”

“You know it!” Hunk grinned back at him and the two shared a high-five.

“You’re so easy to please,” Katie commented once Hunk had gotten up. She used her last fry to soak up the mayo leftover on her plate.

Lance glared at her for a moment, before letting the last of his annoyance slip away. He reached into his backpack and took out an apple.

“Here.” He deposited it on her tray.

Katie frowned at him. “What is this?”

“You always eat fruit after we get something greasy, right?” he asked it casually, distracted by trying to squeeze ketchup onto his remaining fries. The condiment bottles in the cafeteria were continuously blocked.

“Yeah.” She blinked up at him, caught by surprise. Her voice had gone soft and she had to clear her throat to dispel the emotion that knotted there. “I didn’t think you would remember.”

Lance looked up from his food to give her an exaggerated eye-roll.

“You’re my friend, Pidge.” He kicked her under the table. “In spite of all your efforts to keep me away.”

She stayed silent for a moment, staring at the apple.

“Thank you,” she said. I’m sorry, she wanted to add, but it would make no sense to him. As far as Lance knew, Pidge was cold and self-involved and clinical to a fault.

“Don’t mention it!” He threw a fry up and tried to catch it with his mouth, but it merely bounced off his nose, marking it with ketchup. “Dang! One more!”

Katie let out a breath of laughter. Then, sitting up to better her odds, she waved at Lance. “Try me.”

By the time Hunk returned, Katie was biting into her apple as Lance complained about the ketchup stains he’d gotten on his uniform jacket.

--

She didn’t know what had driven her away from the dorms that day. There was a restless energy within her that demanded space and, though she’d never been the biggest fan of nature, it had sent her directly into the Arizona desert.

Katie felt like Pidge, today. Not like Pidge Gunderson, but like the little girl who’d yelled a misheard swearword at locked doors, until her brother had come to her rescue. She felt young and impulsive and alive, despite the grief that still weighted on her shoulders.

More than anything, she missed her mom.

In Katie’s eyes, Coleen Holt knew everything there was to know about agriculture and plant life. She was a different kind of genius from her father and brother, possessing a peacefulness about her that none of the other Holts could ever hope for. It had been a comfort through the years of Katie’s adolescence.

Sitting underneath one of the few trees distributed across the Garrison grounds reminded Katie of her grandmother’s place in Italy, where the fruit trees spread as far as the horizon. If she closed her eyes, she could imagine the sweet smells that rose from the vegetation.

“I wonder if they have lemon trees here,” she murmured to herself.

“I don’t think they do, Pidge.”

Katie lurched back in shock. She felt her shoulder scrape against the tree trunk and had to stretch out an arm to keep from falling. Lance sent her a carefree grin, bent down at the waist to look her in the eye, as he usually did. It irritated Katie to no end, not only for how condescending it was, but because it always put him too far into her personal bubble.

“What are you even doing here, Lance?” she asked once her heartrate had gone down.

“I saw you through a window and thought we could eat together, since Hunk is sick.” He looked pointedly at the half-eaten sandwich she’d tossed in her surprise. “I see you started without me.”

“Well, now I’ll have to buy something else for lunch, so thanks for that,” she said through gritted teeth.

“Don’t be like that, Pidgeon.” Lance poked her on the ribs. “I even brought you something as a bribe.” And then he extended an apple towards her.

Katie took it, trying to cover up her amusement with exasperation. “Do you think I’m obsessed with apples or something?”

“Next time I’ll bring you a lemon,” he teased.

Maybe it was because she felt more herself than she had in weeks, but Katie snickered at him. While his sanguinity could be exhausting, this time it was a welcome relief from the stagnation she’d fallen under.

Lance pulled out a sandwich from his pack, one of those 30 centimeters subs in Italian bread and multiple fixings, and Katie felt her mouth water at the sight. He must have noticed, because Lance chuckled and broke out one end for her.

“I think this is a palo verde,” he remarked after swallowing his first bite. At a confused look from Katie, he clarified, “the tree. You were talking about it before, right?”

“You speak Spanish?”

“Yeah…” He sounded like he was laughing at her. “I’m Cuban.”

Katie suddenly felt very stupid. He and Hunk had probably mentioned this already, but she didn’t pay them that much attention. It was a little embarrassing, especially when Lance seemed to be memorizing every small piece of information she offered him.

“Oh.” She searched for the right thing to say. “I didn’t know. Your last name sounds American.”

The whole situation left in her a sense of déjà vu. She couldn’t quite remember why, but the words pulled at her memory.

Thankfully, Lance took it in stride. “Our family has been to the US, then back to Cuba, then back to the US for generations. My whole name is actually Lance Serrano Mcclain.”

She nodded. Normally Katie would let the conversation drop and focus on finishing her meal, but she had already decided to take a bit of a break that day, in order to be more attentive at night. It couldn’t hurt to find out more about her teammate.

“So… Palo verde?”

“It means green stick, which seems kind of unfair, because this tree is actually pretty big, especially for the climate around here.” Lance fanned himself. “I hate how dry it gets.”

She almost agreed with him, but, as far as Lance and Hunk were concerned, Pidge Gunderson had no reason to have been outside of Arizona. Instead, she pretended to ponder his comment.

“The desert can be pretty unpredictable. The lack of humidity during the day is bad, but I wouldn’t want to be caught out when the temperatures drop.”

Lance faked a shiver. “Don’t even talk about that! I have too much tropical blood to handle the cold well. Hunk’s Samoan, by the way,” and there was unnecessary emphasis to his words here, “so he’s the same.”

“I didn’t realize both of you weren’t from around here.” Katie could imagine how much they missed their families. Choosing to voluntarily leave so that they could study at the Garrison must have been difficult.

“That’s nice to hear.”

She frowned. “What do you mean?”

“It’s just…” He scrunched up his nose, as if he wanted to take back the words as he said them. “You were so cold to us when we first met, we weren’t sure what it was about.”

It was her turn to grimace. Katie hadn’t wanted to seem like so much of a jerk. She could be snappish and patronizing, even with those she loved, but her haughtiness towards her teammates had been a façade created to keep them out. Not that it did any good.

“Ugh, you’re already closed off, again.” Lance threw his head back in frustration. “I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“It’s just personal, Lance.” Katie played with the apple in her hands. “I swear it’s not about you two.”

Without looking directly at him, she couldn’t tell what expression Lance was making. He stared at her, letting the silence extend.

Then he popped the last of the sub into his mouth, spreading back onto the grass.

“We will pester it out of you.” She turned to see him grinning. The confidence there was a quiet thing, so much different than Lance’s usual hyperboles and that much more effective. She felt dazed by it. “Eventually.”

Katie had never understood what the girls in her school meant when they talked about crushes. They always seemed frivolous, going on about someone’s hair or how handsome they were or how strong. Meanwhile, Katie had simply hoped for a friend, for a respite to the unending mocking.

Still, Lance suddenly looked very interesting under this light. His chin was too pointed to be considered attractive, but his blue eyes caught the sunshine like polished stone. He could be funny and thoughtful and inventive, attributes Katie hadn’t expected to value.

She moved her gaze to where another group of students was sitting, uncertain if the heat running up her neck would translate into a damning blush. She bit into the apple to keep from incriminating herself further.

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

Once Bitten, Twice Stupid prt 207 prt 1

207

Lotor was still a sack of shit. Keith managed to get him pinned, then the arsehole had pierced his side with his nails, fangs bared and irritation in his eyes as he stared down at Keith. The pain causing him to shift back, Lotor finding it amusing in causing him to yield, but he’d get him back. Dragging himself to the showers, the amount of blood running down the drain was alarming. Keith really wasn’t used to these kinds of wounds not being fatal. It was tiresome to have to spar in cheap shorts because the moment he shifted his clothes were ruined. Lance had taken him op-shopping. Proud that he was getting the hand of letting the shift happen. Keith didn’t think he was getting the hand of it. He only seemed to be able to shift when he was training... and then it’d taken days to be able to do it again after his first wilful shift... that he didn’t remember.

Leaving the shower, still bleeding, Keith nearly had a heart attack at Krolia sitting on the bench in front of his locker. His mother were a concerned look, that took a long moment for Keith to work out. A hot shower on top of blood loss was a silly idea. Instead of feeling clean, he felt faint

“Mum?”

Lifting the first aid kit beside her, his mother was creeping him out with her concern

“I thought you could use some help with your wounds”

“Oh... uh, they’ll heal”

Krolia sounded almost disappointed in him as she pointed to the spot next to her. He wasn’t getting out of this

“Humour me”

Be fussed over by his mother was different to being fussed over by Shiro or Lance. Lance kissed his wounds, before he cleaned them up and told him he was proud that Keith was making progress, even if he hated seeing him coming home bleeding. Shiro went to fretting and wondering if he needed stitches. Krolia went to the alcohol wipes that made him yip

“Sit still you big baby”

“Stop poking at them. They’ll heal”

“You’re very lucky you’re a wolf. You’d be dead if you were still human”

Rolling his eyes, he knew that. He knew that a hundred times over. The fact his body healed was so damn weird

“Tell me something I don’t know”

Dropping the wipe she’d been assaulting his right hand side with, his mother pulled him into a hug that left him still. He didn’t move to return the hug, nor did it feel like a nice loving hug... No. This was the kind of hug he’d gotten from Lance after his accident. The “I’m worried about you” hug that made his heart race

“Mum?”

“I want you to stop training with Lotor”

She what now? Blinking half a dozen times, Keith wrinkled his brow

“Mum, you know I’m okay...”

“I know, but I can’t stand it. I’ve been watching your training sessions with him... Keith, it scares me. I don’t want that kind of violence for you”

“We’re training...”

“You’re fine the way you are. I know you’re a skilled hunter, but every time I see you covered in blood, it hurts. I know it hurts Lance too. He called me in tears the first time it happened. He’s very proud of you, and he’d never tell you not to train. I’m very proud of you. But I think you need to take a break for a little while. You can go on patrol with Shiro, just... please... I know you heal, but I’m scared you’ll go too far”

Keith was shaking. He’d worked his arse off for this. He had yet to actually beat Lotor, but he was getting to know how his wolf. He was getting to be less scared about what he was now. Now Lance was having secret conversations with Krolia, while telling him to his face he was proud of him... and his mother was telling him not to fight? She’d fought every day of her life in more ways than one...

“I don’t get it”

He simply didn’t. He was strong. He was fast. The wounds healed. And his ego agreed with him. They could do this

“Keith... I overstepped. Just... I want you to be careful. You’re my son. I am so proud of you”

Why did it feel like there was a “but” to that?

“But?”

“I know I was never a good mother. I guess seeing your father again reminded me of a time when I didn’t have to fight... Let me finish cleaning you up”

“Mum, I’m okay. Training with Lotor is helping. It means I’ll actually know my limits in the field and be able to protect Shiro and Curtis”

“But who’s going to protect you?”

He didn’t have an answer for that. His ego said he didn’t need protecting. That they were better than those humans. The thought upsetting him as soon as it crossed his mind. Shiro was his brother. His pack. He has his back more times than Keith had hot dinners. Maybe... maybe he was getting too cocky? Maybe... he was being mean and didn’t know it? He and Lance hadn’t been very intimate since he’d started training with Lotor... Was Lance thinking he didn’t want to touch him?

“Keith?”

“I’ll think about it. You don’t have to worry about dressing the wounds. Lance will take care of it at home”

He wanted to go home to his fiancé and talk this out. He thought Lance had been proud of him. Not running to his mother because he couldn’t face him. Lance said he understood Keith’s fatigue... He’d said he was proud... Honestly, Lance not being honest upset him far more than Krolia telling him to stop

“About that. Yeah, Lance isn’t at home right now. I picked him up earlier and now he’s with Curtis and Shiro”

Had he fucked up? Why wasn’t Lance at home

“What do you mean he’s not at home?!”

“You don’t need to yell. Rieva was a little worried about him, and I wanted to borrow him anyway. He’s fine. Rieva couldn’t very well to his future mother-in-law needing to borrow him, not when I said I’d bring him to Platt”

“Mum!”

Rieva was Lance’s babysitter. He’d lapsed back into barely being able to keep his eyes open again. The female werewolf was sure labour would be coming on soon, Lance cut her down by saying he was exhausted from her and her birthing plan. Keith was exhausted from hearing about the birthing plan... and he wasn’t the one doing any of the hard work. Frankly she was slightly scary

“Again with yelling!”

“You can’t go stealing Lance”

“I didn’t steal him. Anyway, he’s safe. I needed to borrow him for the afternoon, actually, I needed to borrow both of you. Preferably for the night according to Matt”

Matt couldn’t go kicking them out their own home. Frankly Keith had enough to deal with. He wanted to hurry up and buy Lance the engagement ring already, but the engagement ring had to be the right ring. It had to match his plans for his replica of Mami’s ring. Lance never mentioned it, but he’d noticed that his fiancé had had a sad look on his face as he looked at Rieva’s new bling. They still hadn’t told anyone... and for Keith, the novelty had started wearing off. He wanted to scream and shout they were engaged... but until he got a ring for Lance, they’d only cop judgment from their friends.

“He can go fuck himself”

Three werewolves were not meant to live together when they were all worried over Lance. Matt had ever started trying to feed Lance, sacrificing his precious food to Lance who only felt worse and worse each time he did

“Don’t be like that. He’s planning Lance’s surprise baby shower. Pidge is in charge of the entertainment and drinks. Hunk and Shay are doing the catering. Rieva is decorating, and Matt is providing the muscles. Allura and Coran are going to drive down in the morning. Thankfully I had a valid reason for needing the both of you, so it all worked out rather nicely”

“Do I get to know what this reason is?”

“I think it’s better I show you rather than simply tell you”

His mother was enjoying this. Keith huffing at her in annoyance. Now his talk with Lance would have to wait, and his stupid ego would be all bent out of shape as it did. He really missed being a human.

*

Krolia sprung another surprise on him. He’d thought his mother had her own apartment in a seperate part of the city. Not her own apartment a floor below where Shiro’s apartment was. Confused at why they’d gotten off a floor early, the only thing that kept him huffing about it was subtle traces of Lance’s scent in the hallway. Lead down to one of the anonymous doors, Krolia took delight in opening it

“Welcome to my apartment!”

The place was decorated the same as theirs. The same primary colours, accented with black and white. Her sofa was black, instead of red, but for the most part it was disorientatingly similar. Sitting on the sofa, Lance was asleep against next to Curtis who had his arms around the vampire’s shoulder

“Hey, Keith. Come on in. Lance’s been out for about half an hour now, and Shiro’s upstairs”

Curtis’s familiarity with the apartment annoyed Keith. As Krolia’s son, he didn’t understand how he was the last to know she lived right below him. He didn’t want to deal with her shit

“Fuck this. I’m going to get my bike”

As he turned, Krolia sidestepped. Grabbing him by the wrist, he was propelled into her apartment and the door closed behind the pair of them. The look in his mother’s eyes told him he had to stay, no matter how he might feel about it

“Thanks, Curtis. I’ve got it from here”

“No worries. You know, you could have told us you actually lived her”

Kroli shrugged, smug as she did

“I would have, but none of you thought to ask”

Why did he keep letting Krolia do this to? He’d never understand her sense of humour

“Mum, you... why do you do this to me?”

“I’ve got 20 years of mum jokes to make up for. I can, and will, have this. Can I get something you something to drink?”

“Can it be alcoholic?”

Something strong. Something that burned on the way down. Something that’d make him forget his weirdo mother’s excess of weirdness and soothe his annoyance with the situation. Krolia laughed far too hard

“Keith, you my son, are a funny one. Go save Curtis from Lance and I’ll whip up something up to go with our drinks”

Taking Lance from Curtis, Lance barely stirred. Slurring his name, he smiled at Keith as if he hadn’t seen him in years, not a few hours. Snuggling into him, the vampire sighed in content. Lance wouldn’t lie to him, Krolia had to have misunderstood. Stretching, Curtis shot them both a smile. Keith not matching it as his lover smelt too much like everyone else

“He’s had some blood from a bag. He felt a bit warm earlier, so I don’t know if he’s coming down with a fever, or if he’s just super tired. One moment we were discussing our show, and the next he’d fallen asleep”

“He does that. Thanks for watching over him”

“It’s fine. He seems a bit stressed about what’s happening at home. When you’re done here, come on up. I’m going to grab some blood bags before I go home”

“Thanks. That’d be handy. How big is the party going to be?”

“Not that big. Pidge has been warned against loud noises. Hunk was having a nervous breakdown over the cake, but I think he’s got that sorted now”

“As long as he doesn’t go overboard”

“With three werewolves to feed, I don’t think even Hunk can over cater. I’ll give you our gift when you come up”

“Nah, save it until tomorrow. Lance will get suspicious if you’re suddenly giving us gifts”

“Provided he can stay awake long enough. Is he okay to be sleeping?”

“Yeah. From what we can tell it’s a pregnancy thing. I’ll keep an eye on him and call Coran if he does develop a fever”

“Okay, then I’m off. I’ll see you tomorrow, Krolia!”

“See ya, Curtis!”

Left alone with Lance in his mother’s den, Keith stroked his fiancé’s hair. Fresh blood would help perk Lance back up, but his mother seemed uncomfortable when he fed him, plus he’d kind of lost a fair bit thanks to Lotor. He could imagine Coran in there scraping his blood off the training room floor for testing, the werewolf’s nose wrinkling at the thought of it all. Lance could have told him if he’d acted out, or if his ego had been being mean to him. He could have told him if he was scared of who, or what, Keith was becoming. He’d nearly given up, then Lance had encouraged him to keep going... Maybe it was a hormone thing? Like when Lance had cried over the puppy in a TV commercial the other day...

Attempting to be civilised, his mother brought him out of his thoughts by placing down a serving tray with two coffees, a tea, and an unopened packet of biscuits. Squeezing herself onto the sofa, Krolia slung her arm over Keith’s shoulder

“This is nice, isn’t it?”

“That you’ve been hiding you’ve been living here? Or that I’ve got no idea what’s going on?”

He and Shiro might be hopeless decorators, but they’d managed to make the apartment feel like theirs. Krolia’s apartment lacked all the personal touches he’s become used to... plus there was a disturbing lack of fur over everything

“Both. Both is good. Now, I know I’ve ruined your plans, but I’ve got something to show you”

“It better be good. Lance should be sleeping in a proper bed”

“You can put him in mine, if you want”

“Lance is fine right here with his Keith”

Poking Lance in the side, Keith kissed Lance’s hair as he did. Mumbling Lance was a sleepy Lance

“You’re supposed to be sleeping”

“I am... can’t you tell?”

“Oh, yes, babe. 10 out of 10, best sleeper”

“I feel sick... you smell like blood”

Lance must have felt too sick to praise him for his monster dick. Thank god they weren’t having that conversation in his mother’s apartment

“Lotor got me again”

Lance huffed, nosing into Keith’s chest right near where Lotor had got him in the left side with his thumb nail

“He sucks... get it, because he’s a vampire and a wanker”

“I get it. Do you want to wake up for me? Or do you want to sleep some more?”

“Cuddles and awake”

“Okay. You going to sit up?”

“Nope. Sorry for interrupting you”

“You’re fine, babe. Mum was about to cut the crap and tell me what she wanted to show me”

“Oooh... I wanna see. Can I see?”

Krolia tried to crane past him to see Lance, Keith shifting slightly to angle his back more towards her as a barrier between the pair of them

��I thought it best that you were to see it with Keith. Are we ready?”

“Yes, please”

“Hiiiiiiii, Keith. Hey, mummy’s big boy... Hello my love. Joe, he looks just like you. Look at him. He’s got your frown. Aw, Keith. It’s okay. Daddy isn’t very scary. No, he’s not”

“Krolia, I think you’re scaring him with the camera”

“You shouldn’t have let me buy it if you didn’t want me using it”

As his father laughed, baby him let out an unhappy cry. His father rushing to hush him as Krolia’s laugh crackled.

Bundled in his father’s arms on screen, Keith had to keep blinking away the tears in his eyes. His dad. His dad was there... The camera footage was old and grainy. He looked thoroughly unamused at Krolia poking the camera so close, but... it was him. Him and his dad. His dad...

“H-how...?”

“After Lance had cleaned I managed to find these in Joe’s closet. They were down the bottom in a box without any labels. I didn’t know what was on there until I dropped the tapes in to be put on DVD... You always hated having a camera anywhere near you when you were a baby”

“Dad...”

“They could only recover footage from two of the tapes. I kept the lot, in case one day they find some way to pull the videos off... You were such cute baby. You never liked having your nappy changed. The moment the cloth touched your balls, you’d scream and scream as if I was trying to murder you”

“You would too if someone was putting a cold cloth on your balls. I didn’t know you and dad had a camera”

“It was a gift. Nothing fancy and certainly not new... I’d forgotten about it. I didn’t see it at the house, so I’ve got not idea what happened it to. Things weren’t like they are now. We didn’t have video cameras in our palms”

He and Lance agreed to keep photos of the twins off social media. Lance had seen a really messed up case during his last time through university. How the law failed parents who posted photos of their children online where they could be seen by less than desirable people. The thought revolted him

“How old was I?”

“I’d say you’re about a month or two. You got a lot more photogenic as you got older. The other video is when you’re 4”

The first video was only 5 minutes long. A really silly video of his dad trying to settle him while Krolia laughed at all his fussing.

“Keith. Hey, Keith, what are you doing?”

Younger him gave the camera a toothy grin, missing his front two. He was so small. His eyes as purple as ever

“You came off your bike and knocked them out. Joe rushed you to the doctor. You were more concerned with not being able to have homemade lemonade than about losing your teeth”

“Keith, I’m talking to you”

Young Keith was as done with Krolia’s crap as he was. Holding his purple hippo, he was twisting himself back and forth, showing off for the camera as he whined directly at the lens

“Mum, I’m waiting for dad!”

“You’re waiting for daddy? But he’s at work”

“I know he’s at work. I’m not dumb”

Huffing, young him pouted, stomped his foot and crossed his arms.

Lance snorted at him, his hand squeezing Keith’s gently

“You haven’t changed one bit. You’re so adorable”

“Wasn’t he? He loved that hippo so much...”

“Guys, I’m trying to watch the video”

He didn’t want to watch himself, but he did hope his dad would be in it. Having been warned, Lance and Krolia shut up.

“I didn’t say you were. You can do just about anything, and I think you should take me on a tour of our house so I can show daddy later”

Young him huffed again

“That’s dumb. Dad knows where everything is, mum. He’s not like you”

He was a vicious little shit

“You’re really mean to me. Don’t you love, mummy?”

“Not when she’s asking stupid questions...”

Oh god. Keith’s cheeks were flaming with embarrassment. Krolia laughing on the video

“Okay. Okay. Mummy obviously doesn’t know best. Why don’t you do a dance and I’ll film you?”

To his horror, young him shook himself out and danced on the spot. Lance laughing at his “dancing”. Finishing, he stared up at the camera, when Krolia didn’t say anything, he did it again. Parents shouldn’t be allowed cameras

“That’s my boy. Are you sure you don’t want to show me around?”

Pushing his finger to his cheek, he twisted it on the spot as if he was thinking “seriously”

“Are you going to get lost if I don’t?”

“I might”

Sigh dramatically, young him rolled his eyes heavily

“Fine, but you’ve got to remember this stuff, mum. I can’t remember everything for you all of the time. It’s too much”

Young him took them on a tour of their home. Bragging about his dad being a firefighter who rode in a huge truck. His favourite toy being his hippo, but he also loved his toy cars and had kicked a hole in the wall of his room when he’d been put in a time out. He sounded like the spawn of Satan. He definitely had far too much sass for a four year old. Krolia repeatedly scolded for her questions, laughing at him every time he got cranky with her. Seeing the house lived in, he could see the love. His things were everywhere. His “art” pinned to the fridge. Krolia slipping on his discarded skateboard, swearing loudly as she caught herself, young him happy to parrot the bad word then question why it was a bad word if mummy was saying it.

As young Keith concluded his tour, the door to the shack opened. Krolia forgotten

“Daddy!”

Rushing to his dad, the camera was placed down, the video slipping sideways as his father scooped him up.

Keith’s heart ached. His dad was everything he’d hoped he’d be. Everything he’d said he was as he passed from home to home. Yet he barely remembered him. The sound of his voice filled with so much longing to reach through the screen and hug his dad.

“Hey, kiddo! Did you have fun with mummy today?”

“Mum said “Fuck””

Young him giggled at the word as his father huffed

“I’m not surprised. Hey, hun. I see his fever went down, he’s still a bit a warm”

Krolia entered the video, his father wrapping his arm around her and kissing her on the top of her head

“Yeah. You wouldn’t have known he sick last night”

His father hiked him up on his hip, kissing Keith’s forehead

“He takes after you. Don’t you, kiddo?”

“I wanna be like daddy. Mummy is weird”

His father laughed, Krolia moving away from them

“She might be, but if you keep saying that you’re going to make her cranky”

“She’s scary when she’s mad...”

“I can still hear both of you. I think this means no dessert for either of you tonight”

Krolia moved back to the camera, the last shot was of him throwing up on his dad and bursting into tears.

A long moment passed into two. Lance grunting as he wiggled himself forward on the sofa

“Babe?”

[frozenprocedural]

97, Dag and Eira? :D

Well, this took me a while! But I'm trying to get through some old prompts, so here we go!

"So, how should we break the news that they’re going to have a new baby brother or sister?"

As dessert was being served, Eira felt the burning in the back of her throat. She'd been feeling uncomfortable all throughout dinner, but it came to a culmination as Alarik served up the pie. She excused herself, rushing to the upstairs bathroom, flinging open the toilet seat second before she emptied the contents of her stomach.

Eira pressed her head against the cool porcelain as she panted, willing her roiling stomach to calm. Footsteps sounded outside the bathroom door, followed by a soft knock.

"I'll be just a minute, Dag!" Eira winced at the shaky tone in her voice- she knew he would already be worrying enough. She started to get up, but her stomach rebelled, and she flung herself back over the bowl, vomiting.

The door opened and she flinched, preparing herself to try to deal with a panicked Dag while being sick. Instead, a pair of cool hands brushed the stray locks of hair from her forehead, holding them back until Eria could sit up again.

"Here." Elsa passed a few tissues, and Eira wiped her mouth. There was the sound of running water, and a cup was pressed into her hands.

"Alarik and the boys are keeping Dag distracted." Elsa continued as Eira took a tentative sip of water. "Was it something you ate? I'm so sorry, I thought I had checked…"

"No, it wasn't the food Mom. I've been feeling… off for the past few weeks." Eira pushed away from the toilet, thankful that her stomach was calming, at least for the moment. She stared into the cup, aimlessly swirling the water, trying to figure out what to say next. Or, more importantly, how to say it.

Because, despite it having been over a decade since she'd last experienced these particular symptoms, along with others she'd observed, Eira knew what was going on.

And by the look on Elsa's face, she had figured it out as well.

"I think it's time for me to get a pregnancy test."

……..

Dag was with her when she took the test.

Tests.

"You know I don't need to take ten tests, right?" Eira lifted a brow as she took in the neat row of boxes that greeted her on the counter.

They'd both taken the day off work- with the boys in school, it would give them time to process whichever result was given.

Dag blushed, his whole face a bright scarlet. "I… I just wanted to make sure…" He wrung his hands- a motion reminiscent of his mother.

Eira smiled, reaching over to cup her hands around his. "It's alright, dear. I know you're concerned. I'll take three, and would you make me some tea?" Dag did best when given a task.

Minutes later, Eira emerged from the bathroom, placing the sticks on a paper towel and setting her phone's timer. Dag offered her a mug, and she took it. He lifted his own cup, and she caught the unmistakable aroma of coffee. Eira scoffed.

"Oh, that'll really calm you down."

"You know I can't stand tea. Besides, it's decaf."

She shook her head and found his hands, twining their fingers together. They sat for several seconds in silence, watching the timer. Dag was the first to speak.

"Remember the first time we did this?"

Eira snorted. "How could I forget? I almost regretted not having it done in a clinic- I was more worried you'd pass out than if I was pregnant!"

"Hey, you know I don't do well under pressure!"

Before Eira could respond, she was interrupted by the timer's beeping. They glanced at one another, then stood and walked over to where the tests lay.

"So," Eira said as they stared at the sticks. "How should we break the news that they’re going to have a new baby brother or sister?"

……….

"You're pregnant!? But Mom, you're ol-"

"I'm thirty-eight Agnar, not dead." Eira glared at her oldest, and he sank back into the couch with a grumble. Harald and Charles snorted, and Angnar half-rose.

"That's enough." Eira pushed between them, placing a hand on Agnar's shoulder. "Look, I know it's not the easiest news to take in, but yes, you're going to have a new sibling."

Dag sat so he was facing all of them. "That doesn't mean we won't love you any less. But the house will be… busier. Your mom and I will have to spend a lot of time taking care of the baby. But you all are still our children, and we will spend time with you. We have to ask you to be ready to make changes."

"Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Anna, Uncle Alarik, Aunt Neta, Uncle Nikolai, and even Aunt Jenny will be here to help." Eira added.

A long silence followed, and Eira swallowed hard. Their boys' faces were inscrutable, and she braced herself for an outburst.

"I'll help too!" Charles said, his chin sticking out. He looked at Agnar and Harald, and after a moment, the two of them nodded.

"We'll all help." Harald stated.

"It's what big brothers do." Angar said softly.

………….

Several months later….

"One more push, Pidge. Just one more. You've got this."

Eira bared her teeth and arched her head against the flimsy hospital pillow. A low groan escaped her lips as she bore down, feeling the familiar burn and pressure below. She gripped Dag's hand, hearing his quick intake of breath, but he said nothing. Eira seized the last of her strength and pushed, pushed until everything slid away, the pain easing.

A gurgling wail filled the air, and seconds later, Dag took the newborn from the nurse and laid them on her chest, the warm weight wonderfully familiar even after ten years. Eira wrapped her arms around the baby, tears forming in her eyes.

"Hi there, little one."

The baby's skin was streaked white and red, skull misshapen from the birth canal, but Eira found them perfect, absolutely perfect. Dag came over with a towel, draping it over the infant with a murmured "Best keep her warm."

The ordeal of birth made her brain slow and foggy, and it took Eira a moment to process what Dag said.

"Wait… her?"

Dag grinned-his father's grin that stretched nearly the length of his face- and took her hand. "Her. We have a daughter."

[echodrops]

Home and a Half Pidge Headcanons

An ask I got yesterday reminded me that I never posted the HaaH headcanons for Pidge like I promised, so here they are! (I’ll answer the actual ask as soon as I can with some new material instead of headcanons I already had written... oops...)

Anyway, without further ado, some headcanons for Pidge related to my fic Home and a Half!

Pidge:

- Grew up in the picture of the nuclear family: mom, dad, two kids, dog, nice upper-middle-class house in a quiet neighborhood, dinner on the table at 7:30pm on the dot… Of all the paladins, Pidge had the most stable and “average” childhood… at least on paper.

 - In reality, there is not a single person in the Holt family who isn’t eccentric as fuck. Grandma Holt? May or may not still be an active intelligence agent for MI6. The dog? Woofs in Morse code. Auntie Ariana? Has actually seen the Jersey Devil. Colleen Holt? Has killed a man. If you ask Pidge, she’ll say that her upbringing was perfectly normal and she’ll genuinely mean it, but this is a consequence Pidge having no idea what “normal” even means.

 Rest under the read more to save your dash:

- Not actually a girly-girl when she was young. Although they’re eight years apart and thus unlikely to be mistaken for one another, very early on Pidge got frustrated by how similar she and Matt look, and she definitely did not want to wear his tacky hand-me-down clothes, so she pitched a royal fit and insisted on wearing dresses and hairbands so that her family would have to buy Pidge all her own things. (They probably would have bought them anyway if she’d just asked calmly, but Pidge was three at the time, and they were all very impressed by her grasp of cause and effect.)

 - Of course, when Matt disappeared on the ill-fated Kerberos trip, those tacky hand-me-downs ended up being some of the most important items in Pidge’s life. Even outside of infiltrating Garrison, wearing Matt’s old clothes was one of the few comforts Pidge would allow herself—when she cut her hair and put on his baggy shirts, for a second, looking in a mirror, she could almost convince herself he was still there—

 - Pidge has no intention of changing the way she dresses or styles her appearance until she’s reunited with Matt and her father. After that? Well, they may not be the coolest looking things ever, but Matt does have a point that baggy t-shirts are very comfy…

 - And okay, because I’m sure everyone expected this headcanon first: Pidge and gender is a surprisingly uncomplicated subject. Side note before I go further: I’m sure everyone has their own headcanons for this and none of what I say here should be taken as rejecting or invalidating any other fan’s views on Pidge. The only thing invalid in the Voltron fandom is canon. Anyway, I personally like to imagine that Pidge is very ambivalent on gender. There is so much else going on—the war, Sam and Matt being missing, freaking giant robot space cats—that sitting down and sorting out the question of “Do I identify as male, female, nonbinary, or anything else?” is just really, really low on Pidge’s to do list. Pidge thinks of Pidge as “Pidge” and even that’s rare because Pidge doesn’t sit around thinking about herself or what other people think of her.

 - In fact, what strangers think is, in general, extremely low on Pidge’s radar. Although she used to be more self-conscious due to bullying from both classmates and her teachers, the combination of her parents’ consistent support and Matt’s… extreme tactics (“I’m telling you Pigeon, nanobots in their lunches will solve all your problems.” “That’s illegal, Matt.” “Nothing is illegal until you get caught.”) Pidge (mostly) overcame the phase of being affected by other people’s opinions. Who cares what strangers think? Absolutely none of them will ever be even close to as smart and talented as her family anyway. (My IQ is three times yours, your argument about my gender is literally invalid.)

 - By the way, I’m using “her” simply because that’s what I’m used to seeing in the fandom and to keep the fic and headcanons consistent, but in the functional world of HaaH, Pidge answers to any pronouns and doesn’t have a preference for any set in particular over others. In fact, Pidge is used to going by different sets of pronouns coming from different people, and might be “he” to one person, “she” to another, and “they” to yet someone else. Pidge is just… Pidge.

 - Again, with the war and Voltron and missing family and literally everything else going on--and the fact Pidge is far more practical than all of the rest of her fellow Team Voltron members combined--she isn’t wasting time and energy doing something as troublesome as falling in love with an alien. (“Keith, can’t your melodrama wait until after we win the war?” “My drama waits for no man.” “Then please explain how you and Lance manage to engage in synchronized dumb-fuckery at least three times a week.”) Eventually, after life has settled down and Pidge has had some time to think about it, she’ll realize that the reason she somehow managed to avoid any romantic entanglements in space isn’t because she’s just much more mature than her teammates (although this might be true)—it’s that she’s just not really interested in romantic engagements with anybody, period. 

 - Pidge’s one true love is discovery; she feels far more passionate about knowledge and learning new things, encountering new puzzles, and grasping new concepts than she does about anything else. In between all her creations and codes and experiments and observations, it just doesn’t feel like there’s room—or that there needs to be room—for a romantic relationship with a real person.

 - Pidge will make room for friends though, if and when they insist on worming their ways into her life. She tends to be a fairly private person who has never really had a large friend group (back on Earth, before Garrison, there wasn’t anyone but Matt and her parents who really understood her, and she didn’t have much in common to discuss with children her own age), but once someone earns Pidge’s trust, she does open up and form close bonds and she will give her all to help and be there for her few, but close, friends.

 - Meeting Hunk at Garrison was a huge revelation. Up to that point in Pidge’s life she had never really met any young person outside her own family with a soaring genius-level IQ that was a match for her own. Although she and Hunk bicker frequently because their approaches to science are extremely different, she’s still over-the-moon to have someone who doesn’t stare at her like she’s talking gibberish whenever she goes off on one of her tangents.

 - If you ask Pidge, she will violently swear up and down that Lance never and in. no. way. reminds her of Matt, fills in for Matt in the lame-older-brother role, or helps her miss her brother just a little bit less. That did not happen, never had a chance of happening, what are you even talking about—

 - But if you ask about Shiro, she will be flat-out honest and admit she totally thinks of him as Space Dad. It’s not her fault. Shiro literally hero worships Sam Holt (still to this day!!) and may or may not have taken on more of his mentor’s mannerisms in order to fill the leadership role for Team Voltron. Sometimes Shiro will say or do something and Pidge will be absolutely dumb-struck because he got that from my dad is an actual thing she has to deal with.

- “Pidge” is actually a derivative of “Pigeon.” Everyone in the Holt family has a bird-based code name. Mr. Holt is Eagle Two.

 - People often get the impression that Pidge is scatterbrained because she can talk about ten different things at once and pounces on leaps in her own logic that other people just can’t follow, but her thoughts and speech are very organized. It’s not her fault you couldn’t understand her system of organization if you tried.

 - Put Pidge on the spot on a subject she doesn’t know, though, and watch the awkward jump right out. (“Oh, you meant the pop band Galileo, not the person. You know, that’s really an easy mistake to make. You can hardly blame me when you stop to consider all the similarities between modern chord progression and the trajectory of supermassive objects like—”)

 - And if it’s not awkward, it’s defensive. Pidge may be hyper-intelligent, but she’s still very, very young, and it’s hard not to get snappish when challenged by people whose opinions she really does care about. She has a far quicker temper than Matt (who is a “revenge is a dish best served cold” champion), a trait she shares with their mother. Colleen, in turn, blames it on her having been born in New Jersey. Pidge has flipped so many tables on the Castleship that Coran and Lance eventually went around and bolted them all down.

 - Do not even so much as hint that Sam and Matt Holt might be dead instead of just missing in space. Keith is still scared after his last attempt at reasoning with Pidge about her family’s fate.

 - Has a bad hoarding habit. Back on Earth she had her parents there to insist she clean her room at least once a week, but in space, things are getting a bit crazy. The Castleship closets and cabinets can hyper-condense their contents and she’s STILL running out of room for all the neat doodads and parts and scientific wonders she finds on their adventures across the galaxy. Is definitely in the “Look, there’s still a mostly clear path to the door; it’s fineee” category. It’s not like she finds it hard to let things go once she’s gotten attached to them or anything. Nope. Definitely not.

 - Pidge’s mess is absolutely of the “everything has a proper place” type though. Move anything with her name on it and you will feel her wrath.

- As the only one of the Earth paladins to have technology on her when they were unexpectedly swept off to war, everyone on the ship relies on Pidge’s laptop for their monthly dose of Earth nostalgia. Good thing for them Pidge and Matt’s pirating skills put Pirate Bay to shame, and she’s got basically every Earth movie from 1980 to the present. She even has every episode of the timeless classic F.R.I.E.N.D.S. (Keith hates that show with a burning passion that even he cannot explain.)

 - Speaking of technology Pidge had on Earth—every single person in the Holt family is (and has been for decades) aware of the existence of aliens. Pidge’s family tree has been involved in communications, radio wave technology, and interpreting space observations since those fields were first invented. When Earth first identified patterns of waves that obviously corresponded to alien communications going on outside Earth’s galaxy, Pidge’s great- great- grandfather was there. When world governments covered up the discovery, he was the loudest voice of dissent. Since then, the Holt family has been deeply involved in military and space operations across several countries, operating from within an oppressive system they fundamentally disagree with, using their positions of authority to monitor the Milky Way and beyond, keeping tabs on what the aliens might be saying—and what messages Earth might be inadvertently sending back.

 - Of course this is top secret work—secret even from the Garrison and government where the Holts were employed. Other kids learn how to play piano and soccer; Pidge and Matt learned how to hack virtually impenetrable military databases and hide their data behind uncrackable ciphers instead.

 - But the Kerberos Mission was supposed to be safe. They’d all monitored the chatter so closely—there hadn’t been anything hostile anywhere even near Earth’s galaxy, no sign at all of any technologically advanced race like the Galra in years and nothing about one little Earth mission that would disturb any other intergalactic travelers anyway… Why would they...

 - Pidge is surprisingly athletic for a self-professed nerd. With youthful energy to burn and a family to save, Pidge took to Allura and Coran’s intense Altean training like a duck to water, and while she’s not quite Shiro or Keith when it comes to hand-to-hand combat, she can definitely holds up better than Hunk or Lance.

 - Favorite color is actually yellow, and if Green wasn’t totally The Coolest™ lion, she’d be sort of salty about Hunk getting the Yellow Lion instead.

 - Absolutely capable of cursing up a blue storm, and hasn’t been friends with Hunk quite long enough yet to remember to censor herself around him all the time like Lance does with his “Holy crow!”s. She’s trying, dammit!

 - Big on pets. Gets attached to pet-shaped creatures (whether living or robotic) very easily. 110% kept the space caterpillars, who live happily free-roaming the piles of space junk in her bedroom. The space caterpillars and the space mice do not get along, however, as the space mice do not take well to having their status as the favored fuzzy team mascot squad threatened. In their micro-Cold War, which is occurring without any of the ship’s humanoid occupants being aware, the space caterpillars are currently winning.

 - The caterpillars’ names are Copernicus, Kepler, and Newton.

 - Remember that one post about Lance drawing angry brows on the space caterpillar and siccing it on Keith? I very much accept that as canon. Pidge was Not Happy™ when she found out what Lance had done and she is NOT letting anyone else near her caterpillars again any time soon. Is very, very careful not to let Niresh see the space caterpillars so that they don’t end up stolen right from under her nose.

 - Speaking of the kids, Pidge is super awkward with them and skedaddles at the first sign of tears. Next to Allura, there is probably not any member of the team worse suited to babysitting duty. That said, as someone who has lost members of her family in the war, Pidge is probably the member of the team who most directly understands Dulsara’s anger and the children’s loss. That doesn’t mean she’s really ready to let herself sympathize with the Galra though, at least not until she finds her own family first.

- Pulls all the most bullshit moves in Monsters and Mana. Whenever the team reminiscences on the truly legendary moments from their campaigns, somehow Pidge is the star in all of them.

And that’s all I’ve got for now!

[voltrontranscript]

VLD S6E1: Omega Shield

Season 6 Episode 1: Omega Shield

Transcript by @dragonofyang

Summary: As Lotor continues to affirm his claim on the Galra throne, his governess comes to deliver congratulations and lessons to the protagonists. Then, Lotor receives a distress signal from a labor planet when Sendak attacks and leaves them defenseless. The Paladins go to aid them while Lotor continues to rule from Galra Command.

[Google Doc]

Lotor: To return so triumphantly is a dream I thought I would never achieve. We are one step closer to bringing peace and prosperity to the entire universe. This is all because of you, Princess.

Allura: We did it together, Lotor. I would have never even known of Oriande without you, and therefore could have never unlocked its secrets.

[Cut to Galra Command HQ.]

Shiro: We’ll see what intel is in your briefing and decide what to do from there. Maybe we can--

Dayak: Lotor.

Lotor: Oh, no.

Lance: Uh… who the heck are you?

Dayak: How dare you speak to me without authorization from Blood Emperor Lotor.

Lance: Ow!

Lotor: She was my governess. No one has used the term “Blood Emperor” since before we were a star-faring race. And these are my colleagues. They have more than my permission to speak. Everyone, this is Dayak.

Pidge: Hi!

Coran: A pleasure.

Hunk: Hiya.

Shiro: Hello.

Allura: Nice to meet you.

Lotor: So, to what do we owe the honor?

Dayak: Word of your victory at the Kral Zera has spread throughout the empire. I always knew you had it in you to crush your enemies. Dayak’s raised you from a child to a man, and now I’ll witness your ascension to the throne.

Lance: Wait, she raised you from a child? Aww, is this your nanny?

Lotor: Governess.

Lance: You have a nanny! Oh man, is she going to read you bedtime stories? Is she gonna rock you to sleep? Is she gon--Ow!

Dayak: I instructed Lotor in the ways of the Galra. The history of our conquests, our customs, battle philosophy, the art of war.

Hunk: Hm, Galra customs, huh? Is that like when you guys say “Vrepit Sa” and stuff? There’s so much we don’t know about you.

Lotor: If you’re interested in our society’s history, you couldn’t find a better teacher than Dayak.

Dayak: What Lotor says is true.

Hunk: Oh, wow. Would you really teach me about the Galra?

Lance: What you wanna know about the Galra for?

Hunk: Well, we’re gonna be working with Lotor to bring peace throughout the empire, right? Just makes sense the more we know about their society, the better.

Dayak: If you are to learn the ways of the Galra, you must be prepared for the most challenging trial you could ever undertake. There will be no turning back. Victory or death.

Hunk: Uh, oh, that’s okay.

Allura: Hunk, you’re a Paladin of Voltron. There is no challenge too great for you.

Hunk: Will I learn what “Vrepit Sa” means?

Dayak: Yes.

Hunk: Let’s do it!

Shiro: Let’s get to that briefing.

[Scene change to Galra briefing room.]

Unnamed male Galra: The civil war continues unimpeded. More and more Galra forces are leaving to join other factions. Sendak has claimed the most deserters. They call themselves “the Fire of Purification.”

Lotor: It is time I address all Galra and make my claim as emperor absolute.

Lance: Is that going to start with you freeing planets?

Lotor: It’s not that easy. My grip on the empire is tenuous as is. I need to proffer an alternative to our current state. That’s why it is so important that Allura and I gain access to the quintessence field.

Allura: Are we to focus all of our energy on that?

Lotor: It is paramount. However, we cannot let the empire fall apart. I will address my people at the astral conflux.

[Scene change to training deck in Galra command.]

Hunk: How exactly is holding these weights gonna help me learn Galra history?

Dayak: Palen-bol!

Hunk: Ow!

Dayak: For the mind to learn, the body must be broken.

Hunk: Broken? That seems a little drastic.

Dayak: Palen-bol!

Hunk: Ow! What does that mean?

Dayak: It means “the enlightening pain.” But apparently there is not enough pain to make you enlightened yet.

Hunk: So you’re gonna hurt me until I’m smart?

Dayak: Yes!

Hunk: Aww.

Dayak: The Galra race started as a nation tribe on planet Daibazaal, home to many warring races at the time. In the war to annihilate the opposing tribes, the Galra formed a phalanx of their bravest and made a spear-like attack to the heart of their foes. It was known as the Killing Thrust, or Vrepit Sa.

Hunk: Oh, so that’s what Vrepit Sa means? “Killing Thrust”? That’s so violent.

Dayak: Palen-bol!

Hunk: Ow!

Dayak: Yes, it is violent. The Galra believe combat is the searing light that burns away imperfections on every level, from personal to societal.

Hunk: Cool. Can’t I maybe take a little break?

Dayak: Break? There are no breaks! Your training is finished when you have learned all pain has to teach you.

Hunk: Oh, man. That’s so intense.

Dayak: If you decide to leave your training early, it is an insult to my teaching. An insult that can only be settled by a fight to the death.

Hunk: So you’re saying a fight to the death is the only way out of this? Ow! Okay, yeah, you just said that. I guess I am getting smarter.

[Scene change to the shipyard, where the Sincline ships are being assembled.]

Lotor: You must replicate your father’s work if we are to use this ship to enter the quintessence field.

Allura: But how?

Lotor: Something you learned in Oriande. Something your father learned to become the superior alchemist he was. How he built Voltron is the key.

Guard: My lord. It is time to prepare for your speech.

Lotor: It seems my empire needs me. Please continue.

[Cut to the Galra throne hall.]

Lotor: Galra brothers and sisters, I am your emperor, Lotor, son and successor of Zarkon, slayer of a tyrant, child raised in the void and taught on the battlefield. There are rumors of doubt regarding my leadership. Do not let them poison your ears. Pledge loyalty to me, and I will deliver the Galra Empire unto times of untold prosperity. An age of unlimited quintessence, the likes of which this universe has never known.

Lahn: Commander, radiation belt approaching.

Bogh: Initiate shield.

Lotor’s voice: Soon I will raise our grand empire above the indigence and violence of its past up to new heights of peace and limitless possibility. Those factions that splintered from the empire will pay for their treachery. I urge you now, send me your messages of fealty. Those who choose to turn their backs on their emperor will find themselves lost to the sands of history, unremembered and unmourned.

Lahn: You can’t possibly be thinking about pledging to him. And what’s all that about becoming a peaceful empire? He’s too weak to be our emperor.

Bogh: Enough. Lotor lit the flame. We are honor-bound to do as he says, even if it is… strange. We will be pledging to Lotor.

Lahn: You’re weak, too.

Bogh: Maybe I didn’t make myself clear, Lieutenant Lahn. I’m in charge of this shielding facility, my word is law.

Lahn: Aye, sir. Shield at eighty-five percent. Next radiation event in three vargas.

Bogh: Recharge and prepare for the next radiation sequence. Open a hailing frequency to Galra command.

Galra soldier: Sir, hostile ships incoming.

Sendak: Sending a message to Lotor, are we? And to think, I came here to offer you a chance to serve in the Fire of Purification. Fire the ion cannon.

[Scene change to the training deck of Galra command.]

Hunk: Ow! Ow! I did everything you told me!

Dayak: Yes, but that doughy face of yours is very un-Galra.

Hunk: It’s just my face! Ha!

Dayak: Very good.

Hunk: Owwie!

Dayak: Showing complacency? Palen-bol!

Hunk: Ow, ow, ow!

[Cut to bridge of Galra command.]

Bogh: The planet has already been fired upon and we do not have the means to protect ourselves. You must send assistance immediately.

Lotor: Understood.

Shiro: What’s going on?

Lotor: One of our labor planets is under attack from Sendak and his fleet.

Lance: Sendak? Not that guy again.

Pidge: We’ve gotta help that planet immediately.

Lotor: Sendak would have me respond to his attack and neglect my empire.

Allura: Voltron can handle this while you continue to rule.

Lotor: But, Princess, I need you here. Without you--

Allura: Your plan has waited this long. It can wait a tick longer. We must protect your innocent subjects.

Lotor: Of course. You’re right.

Allura: We will return as soon as we can.

Hunk: Well, looks like I’m gonna have to cut my training short.

Dayak: You dishonor me. A fight to the death!

Hunk: Okay, well, I’ve got to go with them right now, but maybe we can put a pin in that? Reschedule for tomorrow? Or never? Hey, Dayak isn’t really gonna fight me to the death, is she? Is she?

Pidge: She seemed pretty serious. But, I bet if you ask Lotor nicely, he can have her exiled.

Hunk: Oh, that’d be nice. Yeah, I’m not really in the mood to die, you know? Uh, speaking of, is anyone else scared that we’re about to face Sendak? Sendak “who almost took all the Lions” Sendak? And who basically came back from the dead Sendak, that guy?

Pidge: Come on, Hunk. We’re Paladins. We got this. Right, Shiro? Shiro?

Shiro: Pidge is right. Let’s focus on our mission.

[Cut to the labor planet.]

Sendak: Take heed. Galra citizens who side with Lotor will be destroyed. Here at your new master’s bidding?

[Transition to the Patrulian Zone.]

Acxa: We’ve arrived at the coordinates. We can’t go any further without losing power.

Haggar: Stay on course.

[Cut to Voltron.]

Lance: Shiro, are you alright?

Shiro: I’m fine. Come on, team, let’s form Voltron!

Galra Soldier: Sir, cannons aimed at Voltron.

Sendak: No. Aim them at the shield station. I know your true weakness. That you value the lives of others. And I will hammer that weakness until you are crushed beneath my heel.

Pidge: Oh, no! Without those shields in place, the planet will be fully exposed!

Lance: Which means?

Pidge: They’ll have no protection from the radiation bands!

Sendak: The entire planet is doomed. Take us out of here. We’ve won the day.

Lance: We can’t let him get away!

Shiro: Lance, there’s no time. We’ve gotta fix that shield as soon as--

Allura: Shiro, are you alright?

Shiro: I’m fine. We can’t leave that planet unprotected. We are the Paladins of Voltron, working with Emperor Lotor. We’re here to help you. What is the status of your shield system?

Bogh: Paladins, I am Commander Bogh. Our damage report indicates that a plate has been fractured. Our generator is offline and needs rebooting. Other plates have shifted out of their gravitational harnessing and must be repositioned. Only five doboshes until the next solar sequence.

Shiro: You’re the engineer, Hunk. How should we handle this?

Hunk: We need to split up. Pidge, you handle the generator system.

Pidge: Then I’m gonna need Shiro to come with me. I can use his arm to repower the mainframe.

Hunk: Okay, good. Allura, Lance, I need you to re-fuse that fractured plate.

Allura: Affirmative.

Lance: You got it!

Hunk: I’m gonna try to get the plates aligned.

Shiro: Okay, we’ve got our orders. Let’s move!

Hunk: Where does this plate need to be lined up?

Bogh: You’re moving plate 7-2. It needs to be aligned with 8-1.

Hunk: Got it, but those other plates are out of position. There’s just no way I’ll be able to move them all myself.

Bogh: I can activate the manual thrusters on some of the plates. It will be slow going, but I--

Lahn: First you side with Lotor and get our system attacked by Sendak. Then, you willfully work with Voltron, our sworn enemies!

Bogh: Get to your station and begin the thrust sequence. That’s an order!

Hunk: Are you freaking kidding me?! Palen-bol!

Bogh: Huh?

Lahn: Huh?

Hunk: You’re both a dishonor. Do you fight for yourselves or do you fight for the Galra?

Bogh: Galra!

Lahn: Galra!

Hunk: Then victory or death! Enough of the bickering!

Lahn: We’re going to die because of Commander Bogh.

Hunk: You know, long ago, there was a desperate group of Galra that thought they were going to die. They executed a spear-like attack known as the Killing Thrust. Those soldiers knew what it meant to put their life on the line. They won the day. Are you ready to put aside your differences and fight with me?

Bogh: Vrepit Sa!

Lahn: Vrepit Sa!

Hunk: Well, I guess all that pain did make me smarter. Pidge, I’m gonna need you to restore main shield power to get this gravitational harnessing going.

Pidge: We’re on it. Okay, Shiro, let’s jack your hand into that terminal and we’ll get this thing running in no time.

[Cut to Red and Blue by the broken shield plate.]

Lance: Okay, broken massive shield plate. Don’t suppose there’s a quick tutorial video on how to fix this, is there?

Hunk: Make sure the connection is straight. If it’s even one degree off, the shield will fail.

Lance: That’s not a tutorial!

Allura: If you hold them in place, then I could freeze them together, but I don’t think the ice will stand the radiation for very long.

Lance: Hey, maybe after you freeze them, I could use my heat ray to weld them together.

Allura: Great idea, Lance!

Lance: Aww, thanks, princess. I couldn’t have thought of it without you, though. I mean, really, I think we make a great team. Here we are, working together, just the two of us.

Allura: Let’s go, Lance.

Hunk: This isn’t going fast enough.

Lance: They’re all in place!

Allura: That should hold them.

Lance: Hope this works.

Allura: We did it!

Hunk: Nice job, guys. Pidge, you ready? We’re almost at the radiation belt.

Pidge: Hold on. I just need a few more minutes.

Lance: Uh, guys, that radiation belt is getting closer!

Hunk: Last piece in place. Fire up that power, Pidge!

Pidge: Shield’s up!

Lance: Huh? What’s going on with the plates? Allura! [screams]

Allura: Lance! Lance, please respond!

Hunk: The broken plate shorted out. Lance isn’t responding, Allura jumped out of her lion. What else could possibly go wrong right now? Pidge, what happened to the power? We’re almost at the radiation belt.

Pidge: I know. I’m on it. Come on, Shiro. 

Allura: No… No, no.

Hunk: Let’s try this again.

Bogh: Radiation exposure in four…

Hunk: Pidge, hit it now!

Bogh: Three...

Pidge: Come on.

Bogh: Two… One.

Hunk: Great job!

Pidge: It worked!

Hunk: We did it!

Bogh: Shielding complete. Recharge and prepare for the next radiation sequence.

Lance: Huh? You saved me.

Allura: I owed you one.

[Scene change to the station’s bridge.]

Bogh: Thank you for reminding us what it means to be Galra. Vrepit Sa!

Lahn: Vrepit Sa!

Hunk: Vrepit Sa! Man, that’s weird to say.

[Scene change to the Lions.]

Pidge: Nice work out there, Hunk. That Galra training really toughened you up.

End.

[godestof3worlds]

"I Could Feel It Flowing Through My Veins"

This is part 2 to "You Gave Your Word" so you will want to read that first before you read this one since it's a continuation. Enjoy ;)

Ringing.

That's the sound that has interrupted my dreamless sleep. The castle was still dark, and when I looked at the clock, it read that it was half past 2 in the morning. I groaned into my pillow before I looked at my pad to see who was trying to hail me at this hour. I turned my head and looked at the screen ID, and saw Keith’s name on it, making me widen my eyes as I shot right out of bed.

I quickly tamed my hair before I answered the call. Keith also seemed to be in bed, though I could only see above his shoulders. He looked tired, bags under his eyes that seemed to have darken since the last I saw him, and they were bloodshot too, like’s he’s been awake too long looking at a big star. I shake my head before I put on a smile.

“How are you, Keith?” I ask him.

“Pretty good princess. Sorry to call you this late, I saw you tried contacting me earlier and thought I call back before bed.”

“I did, and it’s no problem that you called this late,” I try to reassure him, wanting him to call me since it’s the only way for me to check up on him.

“Is there anything  specifically  you wanted to talk to me about?” he inquired, and I just shrugged in response.

“I only called to see how you were since the last time we truly talked about was before you’re left,” it’s been a  hard few months  without him.

I mean sure, he’s been gone for missions, but he always came back to fly the black lion and lead us, but now that he’s a blade permanently... we barely see him, let alone hear from him when we’re not talking about how to defend the universe.

“I’m doing pretty good, how about you, still doing those shows?” I just huff a laugh and shake my head.

“Thank goodness we’re not anymore.”

“I think you made a pretty good impression of Keith,” he smiled, and this time I giggled.

“Did you know Coran got a worm in his brain?”

He shook his head and I go on telling him the weird things he did with that worm sucking onto his brain. By the time I was done telling the story and listening to Keith’s comments, my face hurt from smiling so much, but all good things must come to an end. I could tell Keith was fighting sleep, and he seemed to be losing. His eyelids would close, and his arm kept falling down, but he always snapped awake before the camera went too low.

There was silence until my mice came onto the bed and started to speak to the camera, distracting me from the camera so I could look down. Even the mice missed him it seems, and I'm not surprised. Keith was the nicer one to the mice, Pidge being the kindest aside from myself. I looked back up to Keith to see him drifting off, and the camera view lowered, but before I could warn him, I see him wearing a cast with some red skin being shown through it.

“Keith!” I say in surprise to him and he wakes with a start, making the camera show more of his injury, and I gasp.

His whole cast was red from blood, and the skin that wasn’t wrapped looked like an ugly red color like he was burned. Before I could examine it too much, the camera shot up to his face.

“Keith!” I say again, “What happened to your arm!?”

He just sighed, “I was on a mission and it was going great, but there were druids there and there was an explosion,” he looked down for a second before his eyes dart up to my face, “I was able to block most of it, but the heat and the druid magic that hit my arm broke through my suit and well...” he shrugged the injured arm with a small grimace.

“Keith...” I whisper as I feel tears swell up in the corner of my eyes, “you remember your promise, right? The one where-”

“I will not be coming back to the castle dead or on the brink of death.” he finishes as I nod my head, “I remembered princess, and I will come back, not on my death bed, but alive and well, I promise,” he renews his promise and I simply nod my head.

There's a moment of silence before I yawn, cracking my jaw and bringing tears to my eyes.

“I think it’s time to sleep then,” I say before the mice say their goodbyes, and scurry off to bed, “Talk to you soon. And please make sure you aren’t as injured or worst,”

He nods his head, “As you wish,” before he smiles, and signs off. I smile to myself as I dream of a mysterious man with amethyst eyes.

(O_O)

I don’t know how long I was there crying, begging for him to wake up, hold me close, and just tell me that he’s okay. Long enough for my voice to grow raspy, and a pounding headache to form, but I continued on. I cry more and bury my face into my arms that are resting on his chest that hasn’t moved.

“Please...” is all I say now.

Then the doors burst open, but I don’t raise my head to look who was come in. I don’t care because they can’t make him wake up. They can’t do anything. There's a gasp and then the hurry footsteps come closer. I continue to sob, not caring who sees me when I'm most vulnerable. There are more footsteps from the hall before they too burst in.

“No...” I hear whispered, not being able to tell who it came from.

There’s a sniffle. There are taps on a pad to my left. Small murmurs. But other than that, it’s quiet. My voice is almost gone, broken down to small whispers that are croaked out in desperate pleas. I feel a hand on my shoulder that tries to lightly pull me away, and that’s when I  lift  my head and see Coran with wet eyes, but no tears have fallen yet.

“I’m sorry Allura,” he whispers, resulting in sobs that are coming from the others.

I just shake my head before I collapse to the ground, new tears finding their way down my cheeks. Coran follows me to the ground and holds my shoulders before I collapse into him and cling onto his shirt. He holds me tight, letting a few tears fall onto my face.

We were like that for few  dobashes  until I finally had the strength to pull away from my second father figure, and stand. I was facing Keith, his snow-white color making me a little sick, his stillness creeping me out. I looked over to the other paladins to see that Pidge, Hunk, and Lance were leaning on each other. Shiro wasn’t in the room, probably in his room breaking down since he was Keith’s older brother practically.

I close my eyes for a second before I drag my gaze back to the lifeless man on the cot. Luckily his eyes were closed.  Alteans  believed that the maker of the universe could either bring you into an afterlife worthy of gods, or into an afterlife of hell. If you passed with your eyes open, it means you saw hell and couldn’t move in fear. If you passed with your eyes closed, it means you saw the afterlife of comfort and you were content. At least, that’s what was said, I never really thought of it much until now.

I walked over to his head before I moved his hair off of his forehead, still feeling heat, but could tell it was leaving his body, like a dying fire. He looked peaceful right now. More tears fell and landed on his face. I quickly wiped my eyes, but tears continued to fall. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I leaned down and placed a lingering kiss on his forehead, feeling the heat from the poison disappear as I pushed all my feelings that I felt toward him, knowing this would be the only time I could do something like this.

It felt electrifying almost, like the air was buzzing with something. After another moment, I pulled back a little and placed my forehead on his. I placed my hand on his still chest, feeling nothing but coldness. More tears slipped down my cheeks, onto his own before they slipped down his own onto the floor.

“Please... I-I-” I stop myself as I swallow back a sob that just wants to be ripped from my throat.

I close my eyes shut as I curl my hand into fists.

“I-I love you, and I want to tell you...” I can’t say anything else because the emotions are just too much. I kiss him again on the forehead, before I pull away. I leave my fingertips on his chest...

I hear a sniffle and look back at Pidge and see her face in her hands as both Hunk and Lance keep her from falling, hearing her mumble something about losing another brother. It makes sense, Pidge was pretty much a little sister to all of us, but I know Keith definitely saw that and was like a big brother to her, though he would always decline the possibility.

We all just stood there for a moment until we heard beeping.

A heart monitor beeping.

A  heartbeat .

I turn around so fast that my hair went lose  and, in my  face ,  but I didn’t care as I quickly flipped it and stared at Keith intently.

Gasp.

My eyes widen as I see Keith take in a huge gulp of air like he’s been drowning. His eyes snapped open, and instead of what I imagined a dead person’s eyes to look like, they looked alive. He continued to take deep breathes as we held our own until he shot up into a sitting position and put his hand on his own chest like he was making sure he was alive.

He then looked up at me with wide eyes that were so filled with life and not pain like the last few moments of his life was. I couldn’t help myself as I threw myself at him, my arms around his neck that was actually  warm  and not hot like he was still being poisoned. He was breathing, I could feel his heartbeat through my chest. I squeezed him and he squeezed me back.

“You’re alive,” I all but whispered, my voice still  sore  from earlier.

“Yeah” that’s all he says, but it’s all I need to know that he actually  was  alive , that this isn’t some dream after the nightmare I just had to  endure .

That's when the others were able to move from where they stood shocked, and they too threw themselves at Keith. Everyone was crying by the time Coran joined only seconds later. A few minutes passed before we were ready to let go.

I did a check over to make sure he was fine but he looked great. His color was back to his usual pale color, he wasn’t sweating, and I didn’t feel any extra heat coming off of him.

“How?” is all I asked.

“I-I don’t really know how to explain it,” Keith said as he looked at his hands, “It’s something,  I could feel it through my veins, ” he answers before he looks back up.

“It doesn’t matter how you’re back, just don’t scare us like that dude,” Hunk says.

Keith just nods.

“Promise.” I simply state.

Keith looks up to me with wide eyes, but I just stare him down and wait. It's too silent before I say decide to say something.

“You broke your last one, and I will get you back for it, but this means you need to renew another promise unless you don’t care,” I state as I  fold  my arms over my chest.

“I promise.”