#shiro changed so much during this time at the gala ;-; he was young looking before and bow he's scarred and has a prosthetic and nightmares

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

Caramel Skin Under A Purple Rain prt 34 full draft. Didn’t realise it was this tiny

They were late for the Gala. They were late for the Gala and Keith was annoyed. After pacing back and forth what surely must have been a thousand times, dodging Kolivan’s silently judging expression, by staring at his feet, Keith loathed the fact that we’re now a varga late for the Gala that they were throwing. He wasn’t rushing to be at the event. Not in the slightest, and if it wasn’t for the ridiculous monkey suit he’d stuffed himself into being too much effort to take off, he may have made a run for it by now, ruining the hard work of Shiro and Curtis, the pair coming to keep him company after Krolia had stolen his husband. The pair had already been alone for nearly 4 vargas, surely they’d long run out of things to talk about. At this stage, he wondered if Krolia had drugged Lance or seen sense and removed him from the palace for his own safety. Appearing out of the door that led to his mother’s chambers, Krolia was dressed in a flowing robes made from fabric that almost looked like liquid. Starting at a metallic purple along the bottom, the colour grew darker into black around his mother’s shoulders, the front of the robes dipping to show far too much of his mother’s chest and a rather distastefully large gemmed necklace, while the back had a raised collar which sat in line with the top of his mother’s marks. Her hair swept up into an intentionally messy bun, three silver pins holding it back on the right side, the bigger one had some kind of weird flower hanging off it by a chain, her slanted fridge slightly curled on the left and the bit behind her ear on the left had been left long. Had Lance been there, he would have been able to describe Krolia’s appearance better, yet Keith was mostly clueless about fashion and hair styles, so all he could say was that she looked every bit the dignified ruler of Daibazaal that she was. Smiling at him... nope, at Kolivan as she bipassed him in favour of walking over to her husband, Krolia took Kolivan’s hand in hers “Can you see the listening device?” Checking the large silver hair pin, Kolivan shook his head “No. You look exquisite. Is your camera in place?” Krolia tapped against the gaudy red gem on her chest, the colour swirling into a deep purple, set off by the shimmering diamonds around the frame “Done. I wish I could have worn my boots. These shoes feel too light” “It’s only for the next 5 vargas and 37 doboshes” “Don’t I look worth it?” Kolivan spluttered, Keith feeling a twinge or sympathy for him. Kolivan promptly “downgrading” Krolia as he tried to cover his embarrassment “Y-you look good. Good. Adequate. Fine” “Thanks. I’m carrying our child, yet I’m only adequate. Lance was much kinder with his words. Maybe I should take him as my date tonight, and leave you two to it” Keith and Kolivan both cast a glance towards each other then looked away. It was tortuous enough to attend the Gala. Neither of them particularly wanted to attend without their partners. Scratching the back of his head, Keith supplied “Mum, you look... good. I mean, nice. Really nice. Yeah” He wasn’t much better than Kolivan, but nice had to be better than “adequate” or “fine” “Thank you, Keith. Lance! You can come out now!” There were moments in life when Keith had his breath taken away. Generally they were from a hard blow to the solar plexus, admist battle or because he’d done something stupid. Then Lance shuffled out and his breath was taken away for all the right reasons. Wearing a thigh length rich purple Altean styled tunic with silver and white trimming, and a ridiculously well fitting pair of black pants, Lance’s outfit was much plainer than that of Krolia’s in a Galra terms, yet his husband looked like a prince as he shifted nervously. Keith was just as nervous. He wasn’t sure that it was Lance standing in front of him with his perfectly “naturally” styled hair. Keith knew that if he was to reach out and stroke his husband’s cheek, his skin would be as smooth and soft as it looked. Mumbling, Lance appeared composed despite his obvious anxieties. His outfit seemed to shoulder the burden of his husband’s depression and throw it far from the Cuban “D-Do I look ok? It’s technically your mother’s shirt, but all Altean’s dress similarly... I can go change, if you don’t like it... Krolia said it looked ok, plus it kind of hides my stomach. I... I look stupid. I know it. I’m going to get changed” Opening his mouth, Keith didn’t remember the English language. He had no words. His mouth closing as he frowned deeply. It was the same kind of shirt he’d seen a dozen times on Coran, on all the Altean’s. The same kind of shirt Lance had worn before... Lance might be a little on the thin side. He might have 7 out of 8 fingers. His eyes might be so ridiculously blue that it seemed he was wearing contact and his hair might be a fluffy rebellious mess come morning... He shouldn’t be wordless... tongue tied... stripped of his ability to speak... simply because his husband looked so handsome. He knew he was handsome. Things other people may judge him over, Keith accepted and loved because he loved him. “Lance, I don’t think that’s the problem. I think you’ve rendered him mute with how good you look” Nodding at his mother’s words, his walk was stiff as he moved to stand in front of Lance “Babe?” “Good... You look good... bello...” Mentally Keith groaned, understanding Kolivan’s pain. His breathy reply was somewhat pathetic. Lance’s eyes widened, cheeks taking on a slight red hue “Did you just say “bello”?” “Uh... I think so. It came out... You’ve said it before” Keith’s own cheeks felt warm. Lance would fall asleep during their calls, a dopey smile on his lips that was hiding his pain “It’s, uh, it means beautiful” All those times. Lance kept calling him beautiful when he was leaving him all alone. He didn’t feel very “beautiful” over his actions “You are. Beautiful I mean. You look... really good. These clothes suit you” Lance ducked his head, Keith lifting his hand to gently push Lance’s chin up. His husband an anxious mess “Are you sure?” “Very. I’m the luckiest man in the Galaxy. I know they say that men don’t notice, but I like your hair” “Oh... Krolia organised everything. The coalition was paying” “Let them. I hope you got your monies worth” “Yeah... yeah, it was a good few vargas... Mumma K and I had a bit of a talk” Keith was sceptical that they’d done all that much talking. He hadn’t been able to get in that much solid conversation with his mother since returning home, and he was her son. They’d talked about Lance’s pregnancy, his fears of being a father. His fears over how small their twins were, and the fear that came with becoming big brother, about his new sibling, then about Lance having a fitful night sleep. When including the suit fitting, he technically had spent more time with her... yet it felt like whatever Krolia and Lance spoke of were deeper and more intimate “You did?” “Yeah. Do you know the Galra call their young “pups”?” “Mum mentioned it” “I think it’s kind of cute” “I think you’re kind of cute” Kolivan cleared his throat, Keith jumping as he winced. Thoroughly embarrassed for acting so soppy in front of “Stone Faced Kolivan”. His someday step dad wasn’t great with expressions, and he wasn’t much better when there was an audience of Kolivan “We need to leave. The Gala started at seventeen-hundred-hours. The time is now eighteen-thirty five” “Kolivan, we allotted between seventeen-fifteen and eighteen-fifteen for drink and arrivals. The award ceremony will begin at nineteen-hundred-hours. Can’t you see how taken Keith is with his husband. That was how you were supposed to look at me” Kolivan gave a dangerous sigh. He was flirting with danger when it came to upsetting Krolia “I was dear. Keith, are you ready to leave?” “Uh... yeah” He couldn’t take his eyes off Lance. Lance covering his mouth as he snort laughed. It wasn’t a terribly attractive sound, yet Keith’s heart skipped a beat. Cocking his head in the side Lance poked him. Keith blinking, his husband grinning at him “Krolia, I think he’s broken” “I told you that you looked good. Don’t forget your crutches” “I was so close to being free of them” “One more night” “I know... So Keith, do you maybe want to come back to reality with the rest of us?” “You look really pretty” Laughing, Lance took his hand and Keith’s heart skipped all over again “Come on, Romeo. Let’s go get you that award” * Entering the Gala, soft weird alieny orchestral music was playing. The space was draped with black and purple banners, the tablecloths silver, with over flowing centre pieces of black, pink, and purple flowers. Lance hadn’t known that palace had a ballroom, yet he supposed it was kind of obvious that a palace would, and now he was freaking the quiznak out. There were so many people. The space was absolutely massive. 40 or so tables were arranged in a semi-circle around the curving black stage. At the back of the stage was a large screen, showing various dignitaries in real time at the party. The sound naturally muted because they probably didn’t want to embarrass anyone with the high chance of flowing gossip. Blushing as Keith moved his hand to the small of Lance’s back, he instantly tried to lean into him, as much as his crutches would allow “That’s a lot of people” Keith had paled at the size of the crowd, his husband seeking him out for comfort as Lance was him “Too many people. Would you like something to drink? Obviously not alcoholic, because you’re pregnant and now you’re glaring at me” There we’re things that obviously didn’t need to be said “One drink is not going to kill me. A juice would be nice though... but I should probably stick with water. Do you need to go?” Keith shrugged “Probably, but not until you’re settled. Would you prefer to sit or stand?” He’d been sitting or laying all day... He didn’t want to seem rude “Standing is fine. Krolia’s does pampering perfectly... I nearly dozed off more than once. Sitting would probably lead to sleeping” “Babe, if you want to sit, sit. Anyone who says anything...” Lance ducked his head, his husband was being unbearably nice “You’ll stab them. I know. But it’s ok, really. I’m your husband, and this night is to celebrate all the good you do. I’m proud of you, you know. Is it... okay if I stay by your side a little longer” Keith groaned at him “You can’t say stuff like that. I don’t know what to say back... You show up... and you look so good... and I have to contain myself as it is. I don’t know if I want to show you off. I don’t want people competing for your attention” “You’re an idiot. How many times do I have to tell you, you’re the one I want. No matter how many stupid things you say. Why don’t you escort me to the drinks table, then we’ll see who we see on the way” “I reserve the right to be pissed at anyone who hits on you” “You can be as mad as you like, as long as you understand that I have no intention of flirting back...” Reaching up, Lance raised his hair clip from under his collar “...I’m yours, remember. You’re wearing the matching clip. Stop worrying about my honour, and start worrying about the fact I’m thirsty” Tucking his necklace back in, Keith finally lost his glare towards the crowd. In a perfect world, he wouldn’t have to part from his husband’s side. They were in a room filled with strangers, yet there were some friends here. Hopefully Curtis was free to hang out with, and hopefully Veronica wouldn’t be able to locate him. Whispers blossomed behind them as they made their way to the drinks table. Chewing the inside of his cheek, Lance focused on the feel of the sheathed blade up his sleeve. He knew his anxieties would be a bitch the moment they entered the space. He felt naked without his bodysuit, and playing bait left him with no appetite, despite having only grazed on snack type foods while being pampered. All he could do was force himself to breathe deeply through his nose, despite the assault of scents that brought. Opening his mouth might lead to him saying something he’d regret. Something that might embarrass Keith, or even endanger him. He might be forcing himself to play along, but he wanted this night to go as smoothly as possible. The coalition banners mocked him from their great heights around the space, black with their crisp white emblem standing out of place “Babe. If this gets too much, you can leave. You have a completely free pass for tonight where I won’t be a jealous dick. I would prefer you don’t leave alone, but if you need to go, you go” “I’m ok... I know they all read the article. I know someone here is less than impressed. I want to stay. I want to see you receive your award... I just need to focus on breathing” “Breathing is important. Please keep breathing” Lance forced a strained smile. Honestly, it looked more like a grimace of pain “When you ask my so nicely, I can’t say no. I was thinking of trying to find Curtis. Do you think he’d be in trouble if I did? I don’t want him to get hurt” “What did Krolia say?” “That if they’re going to make a move, it’s more likely it’ll happen when I’m alone... If I stand alone during the ceremony, they might make a move, but if I’m like not too far away, that’ll be better for you instincts, won’t it?” Reaching the table, Keith plucked up two thin flutes of some kind of space wine. He could tell from the colour and consistency. Passing him the flute, his husband looked a little constipated “One drink. To be social. And yes. It would settle my instincts, but... I trust you. My instincts have been thrown into chaos, and I keep fucking things up. I know you can handle yourself, even with your leg in a cast, but please be careful. If you have a plan, trust your gut... but don’t... just don’t go getting hurt” Casting a glance around the room he didn’t like the see of strangers. Everyone seemed to ooze pomposity. This was not his world at all. Trying to find a friendly face so he could be “dropped off” before the ceremony began Lance caught sight of Krolia talking with Shiro. Seeing him staring, Krolia made a gesture to Keith before waving him over “I don’t plan on getting hurt... Quiznak, your mother is waving you over. Shiro’s there” “He and Curtis came to make sure I wasn’t a wreck with you gone” Lance bit down a smile. Keith would have been... no wonder his suit and tie looked so perfect... Provided he wasn’t too tired when the Gala ended, Keith was getting laid. Lance was going to enjoy himself as he stripped his husband later. It was so rare for his husband to wear one, meaning he had to make the most of it. Bring his glass up, he clinked it against his husband, then downed the salty wine. Keith was quick to copy, both of them slamming down their glasses as they wheezed “Why is it so salty?!” “I don’t know! Who needs salted wine!” “I better not taste like this... you don’t taste like this” “I know I don’t! Dios! It tastes like the ocean after whales mate” “It tastes like Zethrid cooked dinner” “It tastes like you cooked dinner” Keith flushed red, Lance was smiling so hard it hurt... it was either that, or his stomach trying to climb up and escape via his burning throat “You’re a douche” “I’d rather be a dick. I know you like those” Groaning at him, Keith blushed harder “I have to go on stage now” “I know. At least you’re not so nervous now. Gimme a kiss, then we’ll go see mum” Keith shoved him back, before grabbing him by the arm and pulling him in for a firm kiss. Both of them scrunching their faces at the lingering taste in each other’s mouths as they broke away “Mum can wait. This taste has to go first” Lance nodded. Anything to get the taste gone... Salty wine... it was an abomination that should be sent into the vacuum of space. Feeling isolated in the crowd, some dignitaries had taken seats, some wanted to give speeches, some seemed determined to shun his existence completely, some seemed happier to openly stare and gossip now that Keith had left his side. His husband clearly out of place as he stood with his team, and the other previous Paladins. Lance had seen Shay moving through the party, yet hadn’t had the courage to face her. Maybe he wasn’t taking not having seen her and Pidge worse than he thought. He’d spent a good day with Krolia, and sleeping, he shouldn’t be pouting for not having everything his way. Having been filled in on the plan for him to stand alone, Curtis was two rows of people in front of him and slightly to the left. Curtis couldn’t see him, yet he could see Curtis just fine. Veronica hadn’t approached him, either because she was mad at him all over again, or disgusted. With how his mood was falling, he knew he really needed to leave the ballroom, his scent would start causing issues for others if he didn’t... but quiznak. He wanted to be there with a ridiculous smile on his face as Keith accepted his award. He wanted to clap politely for his husband, then tease him mercilessly when they were alone. He know he might be emotionally compromised, and very slightly hugely biased, but Keith seemed like a dashing prince up on the stage. He seemed so far away, and so dashing, Lance’s poor bi-heart was racing... Shuddering in surprise, he shook off the sudden feeling. He couldn’t see anyone looking in his direction, yet something had caused the hairs on the back of his neck to prickle, most probably due to his paranoia over standing there and waiting for something to happen. He wasn’t sure if he was wearing the right expression. He didn’t want to tip off whoever was supposed to be after him, not by making himself a slave to his anxieties. He needed to take a breather, and it seemed it’d be some time before they actually presented Keith with his medal. After that disgusting wine, he’d downed three glasses of a sweet fruit punch to kill the taste, and now his body was telling him that he should probably go pee... Yet now he was doubting that him leaving the ballroom would be acceptable. Keith had said to leave if he needed to leave, and it wasn’t as if he wasn’t coming back. Dios. He was being ridiculous. He was a grown adult male. He could go without supervision. He didn’t need his hand held... so why did it feel so wrong? Feeling guilty, Lance kept his head down as he limped towards the doors that would take him out the ballroom. Whispers followed him. Pity and sympathy as they whispered about the crazy Paladin who’d killed his lover. Reaching the door, he was a hairs breath away from crying. Listening to people prattle on about peace and the future, people who’d didn’t even know Allura justifying their words with her name, it’d rubbed him the wrong way... Knowing that behind there was a whole room of people who thought him something he wasn’t... kind of wasn’t, it really fucking sucked. The cherry on top was when the word “disgusting” was muttered in his direction. Some of those people he’d helped liberate as a paladin. Some of those people wouldn’t be alive if not for Voltron and the sacrifices of all the people he-they couldn’t save. It was probably his fault. He couldn’t forgive the coalition who were hiding Kre’el’s story. Burying their dirty laundry and failing to admit they never found her planet dooming a whole hurting race to an even sadder death. Perhaps if he’d played nicer, he wouldn’t have been saddled with all this shit that seemed to cling to the bottom of his boots... No one else seemed to make headlines like he did. Limping down the hall, Lance realised he had a new problem of not knowing where the bathroom actually was. Surely the Galra were smart enough to build a bathroom near the ballroom, still, he’d never been to the ballroom before. Turning back towards the ballroom, the corridor seemed longer than he remembered. Shadows of trees drifting through the windows as they succeeded to creep him out. He was being fucking stupid. Thank you paranoia. Keith would be laughing if he could see him now. He was a goddamn guest of Daibazaal’s ruling diplomats. Keith said to trust his gut and his gut told him to get on with finding a bathroom already. Turning back, he slapped his cheeks lightly. Leandro. He needed to channel Leandro. Leandro wasn’t afraid of a big bad corridor. Starting to limp off, his paranoia started rising again, making it a dozen steps, the hairs on his neck rose again. Stopping mid step, he heard the squeak of shoes behind him. Spinning on the spot, Lance screeched “Hunk!? What the quiznak are you doing?!” Looking somewhat sheepish, Hunk walked out the shadows of the hall, scratching the back of his head as he gave a half smile “Uh. Hey, buddy. I saw you sneaking out the ballroom, and I... uh, I’ve wanted to talk to you” Clutching his chest, Lance doubled over as he sucked down a breath “Dammit! You scared the quiznak out of me! You’re supposed to be on stage” “It didn’t feel right without you... Besides, Keith couldn’t come. Krolia has dragged him up beside her... What are you doing out here?” “Looking for a bathroom. They really need more labels around here” “You’ve gone past it” Hunk turned, Lance frowning. Hunk hated him... and there was something off... Shay hadn’t approached him. Why wouldn’t he send Shay after him? No. He was being paranoid. He was more than his depression. He was more than his anxieties. He’d known Hunk for years... Maybe... maybe he was sorry for walking out? Limping a few steps forward, Hunk turned back to him “You ok there, brother?” Brother. Hunk never called him brother. It was “bro”. Brother was weird. Bro. They were best “bros”... Straightening his left arm, his blade slid into his hand “Yeah, crutches, you know what I mean” Lance’s voice sounded strained even to him. Making a show of waving the two offending objects, he then hobbled forward, Hunk watching. The way his body was turned... Dropping his crutches, the man who wasn’t Hunk rushed him. Grabbed by the throat, Lance was thrown against the wall with ease. His head smacking back hard enough he bit his tongue, a harsh fist cracking his nose, pain glaring as blood began to run “What gave it away? Never mind. If you scream, I will go after Keith. Nod your head if you understand?” Nodding his head, he was released. His cast keeping him upright, his blade digging into his left hand “Good... You’ve brought enough shame upon the... coalition. Right now, everyone is hearing your confession. Drugs and Alcohol. Murder. How far do you intend to drag everyone down with you? Now you claim to be pregnant... You have no place here. We shall not accept you, or what you stand for” Holding his tongue, Lance forced himself not to utter a sound. He wasn’t sure if it made him powerful or pathetic. Failing to respond, Hunk’s face twisted. His attacker pulling out a blade of his own, slicing through the fabric of his borrowed tunic, exposing his bra and stomach. For an instant his attackers eyes glowed yellow, a clawed hand coming up to rip away his wedding ring. There was a lot he could tolerate, but not that. That ring was the physical form of his bond with Keith. Blue electricity formed in his palm, heating the blade, stupidly and irrationally, he lunged.

[miraculous-stardust]

some Voltron thoughts

Warning for major season 4 spoilers, of course. Hopefully this isn’t too all-over-the-place but for the past few days I’ve been thinking and chatting about voltron a lot and have lots of thoughts in my head. 

 So, my friends and I have been talking. We think that, with Lotor seeking an alliance with the paladins, we’ll finally get some answers about Shiro and wether he’s a clone. Mainly because we agree that Lotor knows- and most likely headed- project Kuron. Obviously, Lotor operates only for his own interests, and so whatever purpose he has for teaming up with the Paladins will benefit him and likely be part of his end game. We already know that being declared an enemy of the Galra was part of his plan, so it’s likely this may have been intentional so that he could go, “oh, I have nothing to lose, so you’re in a position of power and should agree to an alliance with me” to the paladins. We also think that there are two options regarding clone Shiro: we think it’s possible he’s taken from another dimension, first off. Lotor has access to the ore that would allow him to travel between parallel universes, and we don’t know his purpose for collecting the special Quintessence from in between the dimensions. In theory, his purpose to gathering this Quintessence and crossing dimensions (the tech for which he’s had for a while, according to him) could be for multiple reasons, one of which being getting an alternate Shiro to replace ours and then giving fake memories/ brainwashing him to make him convincing.

 Another theory is that they just grew him and put our Shiro’s memories in the fake. They definitely have the tech for implanting fake memories, and I honestly believe something bigger is going on when it comes to that. Here’s why. In season 1, when the team is asking Shiro about his arm and escape from the Galra, Hunk talks about them implanting fake memories, and he talks about how they’d have to have a way to store data on a molecular level (Hunk says “molecular level storage unit”.) Shiro’s arm does have this teach. And then he goes on to say that to implant fake memories they’d need a direct pathway to his brain, which again, we know they’re capable of this because his arm is connected to the rest of his nervous system. (interesting- so they’d need a direct pathway to his brain to implant memories. and what does fake Shiro describe himself as having? a ‘weird headache’. I don’t think they should have brushed that off. Though it may have revealed the voltron writers’ game too early...) We never got an explanation for why the Galra removed Shiro’s arm and gave him a magical, high-tech weaponized prosthetic, and while I’m thinking that yes, probably some of that was just to give Shiro a weapon, the fact that those were the kinds of experiments Hagar and her witches were running leads me to believe that even then, they were working to develop and planning to test this cloning tech. 

 So we know the Galra have the technology to implant fake memories in a clone of Shiro. All this tech is already present in his arm. If you look at the flashback scenes, they say “operation Kuron stage one successful. Begin stage two,” and we see them handling what looks to be a Galra syringe with a blue/clear substance. I’m thinking it’s that molecular level storage unit Hunk was mentioning that is storing our Shiro’s memories. (Additionally, when we get those operation Kuron flashbacks, the clone is wearing the same exact clothing that Shiro’s wearing when he’s found in episode one. That’s highly suspicious to me. “Shiro has actually been a clone all along” is not a theory im ready to start supporting, like at all, but that’s just... hm. Maybe it’s just the Galra prisoner clothing. Idk. But I realized that and was shook.) 

 But there’s more, because there’s one more time we’ve heard about ‘molecular level storage units’. Pidge, in episode two, corrects her teacher saying that it’s the most cutting-edge tech. so that’s..... interesting. I feel like it’s connected, somehow, and we don’t know what happened to Matt and pidge’s dad. I saw a theory based on some of the above (that is now hopelessly lost in my dash, sorry ;-;) that maybe he’s working with the Galra in some scientific capacity, but I think that’s unlikely, because right before their capture he talks about his life’s work being to discover extra-terrestrial life, not anything to do with this tech. But the fact that it’s mentioned so often, and is technology which we know the Galra have and would be involved in implanting fake memories, is suspicious to me.

 I feel like there’s something bigger going on regarding it and his arm, probably even beyond just being the tech they’d had to implant fake memories into a clone Shiro, though I’m not exactly sure what.

[spicyredpaladin]

First Lines

Yeet I got tagged by @manifestmerlin (what a great nerd) and so woot lets see how this goes. I decided to only do my sfw fics

Rules: List the first lines of your last ten published stories. Look to see if there are any patterns that you notice yourself, and see if anyone else notices any! Tag up to ten friends!

1) Transformed By You -  Lance fidgeted a bit as he waited for the tattoo artist. The sleeve of his faded hoodie tickled the back of his hands. He’d had it for so long, and he was still thankful for how long the sleeves were. It had been a present from an ex, much broader than him. And though they’d gone their separate ways long ago, he’d been too petty and heart-broken to give back the jacket. It was his only tether to that old life, after all.

2) Earthen Courting Rituals -  Lance sat in Red’s hangar, leaning against the lion’s left leg with his helmet in his hands. His eyes were shut, and he was relaxed. It was a rare leisure day, something that Lance never thought would come again what with all the work they’ve been doing lately. Honestly, it was ironic that he was spending his off day in his armour with his lion. He couldn’t help it.

3) Ethralled -  Shiro shivered a bit, running a hand through his snowy hair. He took a deep breath and pulled his jacket tighter around himself, shaking his head to try and fight away his paranoia. Everything is fine , he told himself. You’re just being paranoid; it’s a new town and you’re bound to be a bit nervous. But, honestly, this is ridiculous…

4) I Missed You -  Matt’s eyes widened as he looked across the room. Pidge looked up at him with a raised eyebrow, her brother having cut off mid sentence as he was explaining a small adventure from his attempts to survive during Voltron’s disappearance. She followed his gaze, her signature gremlin smirk coming forth when she saw what he was staring at. Or rather, who. The usher at the door to the conference room they were holding this little gala in was announcing Lance and, on his arm, his older sister Veronica.

5) Bequeathed -  Alanci grinned excitedly, laughing as a strong hand ushered him along. He fidgeted giddily with the ends of the blindfold that was tight firmly over his eyes. He heard his ‘captor’, who he knew to be Blaytz from the moment the other entered Alanci’s room at bedtime, chuckling to himself as they made their way dow what Alanci assumed was a hallway.

6) Blessed -  Alanci giggled as Blaytz led him by the hand, slipping past guards and into the Blue Lion’s hangar. They both knew the young Altean wasn’t supposed to be there, but Blaytz had promised him flight lessons and he’d be damned if anyone stopped them! The Nalquodite led his charge up Blue’s ramp and into the cockpit, ushering him towards the controls.

7) Welcome Home, Baby -  Shiro sighed contentedly as he surveyed his work. Four hours and $38.63 later and everything was perfect, just waiting for Lance to come home and enjoy it. As a final touch, Shiro picked up a couple of plastic bags and trailed their contents from the front door all the way to the bathroom. He checked the time and the water temperature one last time before hurrying to the bedroom to change, half giddy with the anticipation of seeing the surprise on his lover’s face.

8) Meet Me At The Cove -  Keith watched the waves lap at the shore of the little beach he'd found, well secluded from the main beach and all the loud alphas and giggling omegas. He didn’t want to be a part of all that stupid, banal bullcrap. Being an omega, he found it insanely ridiculous that he was expected to pick someone to be shackled to for the rest of his life. He’d much rather be his own person, free from the constraints of his secondary endotype. Keith shifted his position, grumbling about the sand that had gotten into his shorts even though he was sitting on a rock.

9) Pom Poms and Astroturf -  Lance stretched as he and Allura watched the second stringer football players practice before the game. Not that they’d actually get to play. That was reserved for the first string like Lance and Allura, who were getting a blessed reprieve before the sun started getting low and the crowds showed up. Lance glanced over as he heard footsteps, perking up as he saw the cheerleaders approaching. Allura turned and grinned as her girlfriend, Pidge, ran over and hugged her. Lance wished he could say he wasn’t jealous of how cute the two were, but he was so very jealous.

10) The Eyes Are the Window to the Soul -  Shiro was never upset about seeing in shades of gray; in fact, he was glad. Not having a soul mate wasn't the worst thing he'd ever envisioned for himself, especially after the accident that took his arm and left him a scarred mess. He'd be lying if he said his appearance wasn't the reason he was so glad to be unshackled.

Now That We’re At The End, I’m Gunna Tag @ashessmashes (a true queen amongst sinners) and @punkinpinkglitter!!!!!!!! I Noticed That I Start My Fics With A Character Doing Something Every Time!

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

Caramel Skin Under A Purple Rain prt 34 start

They were late for the Gala. They were late for the Gala and Keith was annoyed. After pacing back and forth what surely must have been a thousand times, dodging Kolivan’s silently judging expression, by staring at his feet, Keith loathed the fact that we’re now a varga late for the Gala that they were throwing. He wasn’t rushing to be at the event. Not in the slightest, and if it wasn’t for the ridiculous monkey suit he’d stuffed himself into being too much effort to take off, he may have made a run for it by now, ruining the hard work of Shiro and Curtis, the pair coming to keep him company after Krolia had stolen his husband. The pair had already been alone for nearly 4 vargas, surely they’d long run out of things to talk about. At this stage, he wondered if Krolia had drugged Lance or seen sense and removed him from the palace for his own safety. Appearing out of the door that led to his mother’s chambers, Krolia was dressed in a flowing robes made from fabric that almost looked like liquid. Starting at a metallic purple along the bottom, the colour grew darker into black around his mother’s shoulders, the front of the robes dipping to show far too much of his mother’s chest and a rather distastefully large gemmed necklace, while the back had a raised collar which sat in line with the top of his mother’s marks. Her hair swept up into an intentionally messy bun, three silver pins holding it back on the right side, the bigger one had some kind of weird flower hanging off it by a chain, her slanted fridge slightly curled on the left and the bit behind her ear on the left had been left long. Had Lance been there, he would have been able to describe Krolia’s appearance better, yet Keith was mostly clueless about fashion and hair styles, so all he could say was that she looked every bit the dignified ruler of Daibazaal that she was. Smiling at him... nope, at Kolivan as she bipassed him in favour of walking over to her husband, Krolia took Kolivan’s hand in hers “Can you see the listening device?” Checking the large silver hair pin, Kolivan shook his head “No. You look exquisite. Is your camera in place?” Krolia tapped against the gaudy red gem on her chest, the colour swirling into a deep purple, set off by the shimmering diamonds around the frame “Done. I wish I could have worn my boots. These shoes feel too light” “It’s only for the next 5 vargas and 37 doboshes” “Don’t I look worth it?” Kolivan spluttered, Keith feeling a twinge or sympathy for him. Kolivan promptly “downgrading” Krolia as he tried to cover his embarrassment “Y-you look good. Good. Adequate. Fine” “Thanks. I’m carrying our child, yet I’m only adequate. Lance was much kinder with his words. Maybe I should take him as my date tonight, and leave you two to it” Keith and Kolivan both cast a glance towards each other then looked away. It was tortuous enough to attend the Gala. Neither of them particularly wanted to attend without their partners. Scratching the back of his head, Keith supplied “Mum, you look... good. I mean, nice. Really nice. Yeah” He wasn’t much better than Kolivan, but nice had to be better than “adequate” or “fine” “Thank you, Keith. Lance! You can come out now!” There were moments in life when Keith had his breath taken away. Generally they were from a hard blow to the solar plexus, admist battle or because he’d done something stupid. Then Lance shuffled out and his breath was taken away for all the right reasons. Wearing a thigh length rich purple Altean styled tunic with silver and white trimming, and a ridiculously well fitting pair of black pants, Lance’s outfit was much plainer than that of Krolia’s in a Galra terms, yet his husband looked like a prince as he shifted nervously. Keith was just as nervous. He wasn’t sure that it was Lance standing in front of him with his perfectly “naturally” styled hair. Keith knew that if he was to reach out and stroke his husband’s cheek, his skin would be as smooth and soft as it looked. Mumbling, Lance appeared composed despite his obvious anxieties. His outfit seemed to shoulder the burden of his husband’s depression and throw it far from the Cuban “D-Do I look ok? It’s technically your mother’s shirt, but all Altean’s dress similarly... I can go change, if you don’t like it... Krolia said it looked ok, plus it kind of hides my stomach. I... I look stupid. I know it. I’m going to get changed” Opening his mouth, Keith didn’t remember the English language. He had no words. His mouth closing as he frowned deeply. It was the same kind of shirt he’d seen a dozen times on Coran, on all the Altean’s. The same kind of shirt Lance had worn before... Lance might be a little on the thin side. He might have 7 out of 8 fingers. His eyes might be so ridiculously blue that it seemed he was wearing contact and his hair might be a fluffy rebellious mess come morning... He shouldn’t be wordless... tongue tied... stripped of his ability to speak... simply because his husband looked so handsome. He knew he was handsome. Things other people may judge him over, Keith accepted and loved because he loved him. “Lance, I don’t think that’s the problem. I think you’ve rendered him mute with how good you look” Nodding at his mother’s words, his walk was stiff as he moved to stand in front of Lance “Babe?” “Good... You look good... bello...” Mentally Keith groaned, understanding Kolivan’s pain. His breathy reply was somewhat pathetic. Lance’s eyes widened, cheeks taking on a slight red hue “Did you just say “bello”?” “Uh... I think so. It came out... You’ve said it before” Keith’s own cheeks felt warm. Lance would fall asleep during their calls, a dopey smile on his lips that was hiding his pain “It’s, uh, it means beautiful” All those times. Lance kept calling him beautiful when he was leaving him all alone. He didn’t feel very “beautiful” over his actions “You are. Beautiful I mean. You look... really good. These clothes suit you” Lance ducked his head, Keith lifting his hand to gently push Lance’s chin up. His husband an anxious mess “Are you sure?” “Very. I’m the luckiest man in the Galaxy. I know they say that men don’t notice, but I like your hair” “Oh... Krolia organised everything. The coalition was paying” “Let them. I hope you got your monies worth” “Yeah... yeah, it was a good few vargas... Mumma K and I had a bit of a talk” Keith was sceptical that they’d done all that much talking. He hadn’t been able to get in that much solid conversation with his mother since returning home, and he was her son. They’d talked about Lance’s pregnancy, his fears of being a father and big brother, about his new sibling, then about Lance having a fitful night sleep. When including the suit fitting, he technically has spent more time with her “You did?” “Yeah. Do you know the Galra call their young “pups”?” “Mum mentioned it” “I think it’s kind of cute” “I think you’re kind of cute” Kolivan cleared his throat, Keith jumping as he winced. Thoroughly embarrassed for acting so soppy in front of “Stone Faced Kolivan”. His someday step dad wasn’t great with expressions “We need to leave. The Gala started at seventeen-hundred-hours. The time is now eighteen-thirty five” “Kolivan, we allotted between seventeen-fifteen and eighteen-fifteen for drink and arrivals. The award ceremony will begin at nineteen-hundred-hours.

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

Prt3

You're just easy to please"

"Hunk, we both know that's not the case. Or have you not forgotten the first time we had goo"

Hunk visibly shuddered

"Exactly my good man, exactly. Now that food is organised, can we talk a little more?"

"What... what do you want to know?"

"About you, silly. How did you hear about us? About Allura?"

"I... when I came through I was no where near Altea. I tried to find it, but no one knew anything and there were Galra everywhere. I didn't have food, or money or friends, so I stole what I could. I'd hide out, and steal fruit from markets and you kind of hear things. Everyone was talking about Voltron. And Lotor and Allura. I knew I had to meet you, but I didn't know how"

"All you had to do was ask. Our comms are always open"

"I... when I learned how happy Voltron made people and that... that my mot-Allura was part of it. I had to come"

"How does the gala work in?"

Good. Hunk's question meant he was actually listening to her, and the video feed for the kitchen meant there was a record of this

"Well. I knew if I wanted to attract Lotor's attention, it needed to be big. So I kind of... used Allura's name to invite everyone, except for Allura. Everyone wants to help Voltron"

Lance groaned. He'd have to do the call around and find out who she'd talked to and what she'd told them. No. Better yet, Coran or Allura could do that

"So you organised the gala?"

"And I remembered what Grandfather said about herbs. Altean alchemy is-was incredibly, but some things you needed herbs for. When I was a kid, he'd take me with him. He said I was his good luck charm. I didn't realise he'd take me away because Allura and Lotor were always fighting"

Wrapping his arm around her, Toral sat a little taller

"I loved my dad. I loved him more than my mum, but he was using her the whole time! He just wanted Altea for himself"

"But why?"

"Because that's who he is! He wants everything he can't understand! Mum is a gifted alchemist! Everyone said she was at least as good as grandpa"

"I think that's enough for now, and I have a few things that belong to you"

"You do?"

"You can't have your bow back, but it would really help if you could tell us what these things are"

Using his free hand, Lance pulled out all of Toral's things from his pockets, laying them down in front of her

"My stuff!"

"If you're going to learn we're not here to hurt you, I figured you would probably want these back"

Toral nodded quickly

"Ok"

"Are you going to tell me what they are?"

Toral explained each item. The remote thing she'd used was something used by Altean's to disguise their ships... well, not just their ships. Depending on the way the user wielded it, it could change a planets surface, hide an army or even alter ones appearance. The pendant looking thing was a gift from Alfor, a star for his star, and in the heart of it was what seemed to be gold quintessence. He didn't know if it as actually quintessence, but it shimmered and moved like it was, and he definitely wasn't touching that. There was a piece of tech that looked like a pocket mirror, which Allura had given Toral shortly before they separated and she had no idea what it did. Then there was her collapsible arrows, a broken communicator, half a dozen tiny trinkety things she'd picked up along the way and some loose coins. She really wouldn't have lasted much longer without meeting them, which is probably why she was waiting on the gala planet for someone to return. She probably didn't even care who. She'd missed her mark, and that had to have hurt

"Lance, here's your cookie dough"

Lance's eyes lit up as Hunk placed the bowl down in front of him

"I don't know how you can still be so happy about cookie dough"

"Because it's awesome. Don't worry, I had my ring on during my heat"

"But there was a time it was off"

"Hunk, don't scare me like that. Just let me love this moment. Toral, you have to try this"

"It doesn't look very good"

"Are you serious! Here"

Scraping the bowl with the wooden spoon, he held it out to Toral, who scrunched up her face as she tried to pull away

"I promise it's good"

"I don't..."

"Trust me. I know it's hard, but I was honest with you, and I returned your things, so the least you can do is try this"

"Fine"

Leaning in, Toral used her teeth to pull a minute amount of dough off, her eyes lighting up as she did

"Oh my! This is so good!"

"See. I told you it was"

Toral went to grab for the bowl, but Lance snatched it up

"This is mine. You're going to love your pancakes"

"I'm so hungry, and that tastes soooo good"

Hearing Hunk start to laugh, Lance looked from Toral to the alpha

"What?"

"She's just like you!"

"She's what? No"

"She is. I can't believe I didn't see it sooner. No wonder you two get along so well"

"I didn't come here to be insulted"

"That's right. I'm nothing like him!"

"Exactly. And Toral, stop inching closer to my cookie dough. It's mine"

"But it tastes really good"

When their pancakes were placed down in front of them, Toral dove straight in. The girl wolfing then down like she hadn't eaten in years.she didn't even question if it'd been poisoned. She'd settled down so much faster than he'd expected, and now they had some idea of her past, Lance really hoped they'd be able to work things out and find a way to send her back home.

*

Toral quickly managed to win everyone over. She was loud and bubbly, her personality way too big for her small stature, meaning you couldn't help but like her. Lance was honestly a little jealous of her, after all, there were still days when he didn't feel like he belonged, but Toral just fitted so naturally, and she managed to keep up with Pidge and Hunk's techno babble once she had the basic principles. As for her and Allura. Allure was loving having her around. She'd dress Toral in her old dresses, and they'd spend hours whispering about Altea, comparing all the similarities and differences, as if they were true blood relations and had known each other from day one.

Having completed their visit out to orphan school, and having completely blown more than a few minds, they were now exploring space with the hopes of expanding the reach of the coalition with renewed energy... they hadn't seemed to infect him like it had the others. Even as the movements drew into a phoeb, the castle was brimming with life, and brimming with plans for the future. Pidge having fully analysed the academies data, had found nothing of use, so the files had been squirrelled away into her never ending void of stolen files... Things were finally going right, so... he should be happy? Yet, he didn't know what was wrong with him. It was like he had an itch he couldn't scratch, and he knew he was driving Keith crazy because of it.

Sighing as they cuddled in bed, Lance tried to enjoy his early morning bliss, but that itch was rising again

"I can tell you're thinking"

"I'm sorry. I really don't know what's wrong with me"

"There's nothing wrong with you. But you have been quite, especially after visiting the orphanage"

"I was so excited, and now I'm just... I don't mean to bring you down"

"You're not bringing me down. I was most definitely up"

Lance rolled his eyes as he let Keith roll him onto him. Cupping his face, his husband smiled warmly

"It's ok to need a break"

"I don't need a break. Maybe I'm missing Red? I know we all took our lions down to see the kids, but we were together so much, and now I haven't had to pilot her. We've spent the whole last movement a half just floating in space... yeah... Maybe she can tell me what's wrong with me?"

"Then go spend the day in Red"

"You won't mind?"

"Why would I mind? She's your girl"

"She is. She's my best girl. Do you want to watch the boys today? Or should I?"

"Shiro wanted to do some hand to hand training as he's still having trouble figuring out just how much pressure to apply"

"I'm happy you two are talking"

"It's not great, and sometimes I just want to punch him in the face, but we're working on it"

"Good. Has he admitted to dating Allura?"

"No. They're still hovering around the issue. They like each other, but they both let their thoughts get the better of them. The most they've gone is nearly kiss, and now with Toral. He's trying to give Allura space"

"Do you want me to ask Toral if she wants to go for a ride in Red? Give Allura and Shiro some space"

"I still don't know how I feel about her"

"She's a kid, and she's been good for Allura, and Coran"

"I know. I wasn't impressed you'd let her out, but she's been tolerable"

"Mmm, Hunk said we were alike"

"You two are. She's got the same happy vibe about her, but I prefer you every time"

"Mhmm. Don't go forgetting who you're married to"

"I'm not going to. You can ask her if you want"

"Yeah. I think I will"

Toral was surprisingly keen to get back inside Red. They'd left the castle, and almost immediately Toral started talking about all the things she and Allura had planned, the young girl was very clearly smitten with their Queen. Normally Lance would be happy to listen, but today his mind was to focused on that itch, that even being inside of Red hadn't scratched. If anything, her gentle tugs at his mind were making things worse

"Lance, are you listening?"

"Sure Toral. You and Allura are best friends"

"I was asking what's wrong with you? Did I do something?"