#we deserved more Lance and Shiro moments

[blanceyblance]

A study on Lance's underrated role on the team. Pt 6.

Hunk pt 2

Last time we were talking about how Hunk would usually don't let teasing or hurtful words in moments of stress affect him. That doesn't mean Lance will not jump to his defense too.

In the Journey within, Lance says the famous "just drift out by yourself, Mr. Lone Wolf". At this point Lance had not really made any new kind of jab to Keith, and like we mentioned before he was taking Keith's orders very seriously but then really goes to the yugular in this episode and its only after Keith insults both Allura and Hunk.

There are some other small moments this episode that I wanted to mention.

Like Lance focusing on holding Hunk when they get launched in space.

And how he very much refuses to leave a teammate alone, no matter if that teammate asked them to run. He actually sounds confused by Hunk's request.

Lance's protectiveness can also be seen towards Hunk in the way he refused to harm or fight him even when the later was brainwashed and trying to hurt him. In their fight Lance never actually does more than just push Hunk far from him.

And will also support Hunk when he says no, even when its a direct order from Keith.

Like when Hunk refuses to take Kaltenecker with him and Lance arranges it so he can have nice road trip companions.

It is quite cute how Lance is the first person Hunk shows his shenanigans with the mice.

Overall, while sadly Lance and Hunk didnt have that many significant moments or more development for their friendship, we can see their mutual trust and ease around each other. And how Hunk feels comfortable enough with Lance to follow his plans, seek him for advice and be at the end of Lance's own brand of protectiveness.

As the legs, they work well together, often being paired up in missions and usually being the ones to cover the teams front and back when they go on foot.

Shiro

Starting with Shiro, now we have a curious case in that, sadly, we dont have a lot of moments with Shiro and more with Kuron, but since Lance always thought Kuron was Shiro i'm not going to split them.

In the first episode, one of the first things we are told about Shiro is how he is, in Lance's words "a legend" between pilots and his personal hero.

He expresses bewilderment at the Garrison's treatment of Shiro.

And saving him becomes a proper motivator for them to infiltrate after they discover he is there.

Later, when Shiro thanks them for helping in his rescue, Lance glances for a moment at Shiro's new arm, then smiles softly and follows the handshake.

And lastly, Lance is the one who refers to Shiro as their leader even before Allura assigned him to Black.

These little interactions through the first episode are meant to tell us how much Lance admires Shiro and how high he thinks of him.

This does change how they interact but that doesnt erase the fact that Lance still tries to care for him in his own way.

When they capture Sendak and try to see into their memories the paladins gather around to wait, Shiro being the most interested for obvious reasons but it takes too long and one by one all the paladins start to leave. Coran and Lance being the last ones.

Shiro decides to stay and Lance asks him to let them all know if something happens looking a bit concerned before leaving.

Gonna leave it here but what follows is also quite interesting.

It does make me sad that we dont have as many moments with Shiro and Hunk but what we have it's worth mentioning

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5]

[foolinafable]

ii. the greatest

SYNOPSIS: He doesn’t know how to love. You know this and yet you would still give everything just to be with him- even for just a moment. Or the story of how you and Keith finally get together. PAIRING: Keith Kogane x Altean reader WORD COUNT: 4.3k TAGS: Slowburn, Angst, extreme cannon compliance, fighting SERIES LINK: a love as cold as ours

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Up to now, all his information was spot on, not even a hair out of line. You had just come back from another successful mission infiltrating and destroying a galran base using Lotor’s intel. You were sitting with the rest of the paladins in the lounge room discussing Lotor and the mission 

“I mean it’s a lot easier going on successful missions when you have all the information you need before you get there” Hunk claimed as he put his arms behind his head resting on the couch.

 “And yet you still manage to run your lion into a wall” Lance teases, causing a small laugh to escape your lips

 “Yeah well, information is one thing. Ability is something completely different” Hunk complained

“There's no doubt about it, we haven't encountered a single problem.” Shiro spoke standing in front of you with all arms crossed.

 “I must admit, we took down a vital target today” Allura admitted and you knew that was hard for her to trust not just a galaran but the son of the man who killed your entire planet.

 “And we made it look pretty easy! Except for the drowning in the lava part.” Pidge concluded

 “It may be time to consider taking the next step” Shiro stated and you put your hand on Alluras as she was next to you feeling the worry encasing her form 

“I’m still not comfortable with this. It just doesn't feel right.”  she ranted as you tapped her hand to get her attention 

“But sometimes that is just what you have to do, as a leader, is make those uncomfortable choices. Time has proven that we cannot always trust our gut instincts, Allura, and I think he deserves a chance to prove to us that we were wrong about him. “you took a shaky breath before continuing

“We already know that galran is not synonymous with evil, so let's let him prove to us that he is more than just a product of Zarkons creation.” 

── ✧

You stood in between Allura and Shiro as you made the way towards Lotor's cell, waiting in complete silence as the doors opened to the room he was kept in. Walking along the catwalk towards his circular prison, where he sat diligently waiting. 

“Your intel checked out” Shiro started

“You still feign surprise” Lotor uttered 

“And you still act as though you don’t know why” you replied tilting your head slightly in disbelief.

All of the good he has and could do will never take away from the evil he has done. You find it silly that he believes it could. 

“All of the information I've given has proved correct” he continued, unfazed by your comment

“Every target I've provided, easily dispatched. And yet you still look at me-” 

He was interrupted this time by Allura

“As if you were the leader of the most blood-thirsty race of murders this universe has ever known?”

He looked up somewhat exacerbated

“Can people not change? Is it so hard to believe that I wish to return the galran empire to a bygone era of peace?” 

To which you quipped

“Of course people can change, your father is evidence enough of that. But, you need to own your mistakes, not pretend as though you haven't killed millions of innocents just because he asked you to. You say you are remorseful for it, but the way you act contradicts that completely.” 

He simply nodded at you, executing defeat once again to your words as he turned to Allura

“Our fathers were once friends, long ago. Can there be hope for us?”

To which Shiro replied “I guess we still need convincing” 

Lotor somewhat shocked tried again “The facts speak for themselves, the galra empire is completely reliant on quintessence, serve that need peacefully and you have a complete paradigm shift, a new dawn for the old empire.” 

Allura, somewhat annoyed, spoke “And you're the man to make this happen?” 

As Lotor continued to defend himself you couldn't help but zone out, how many times must he say the same thing for Allura to give him a little leeway, the more freedom he has the more ability he has to be useful to Voltron, there is only so much information he can give before Zarkon and his generals catch on and change anything he may know about.

“Cleary, princess you are not ready to end this war” you heard Lotor grouch as Allura and Shiro turned away, you quickly followed them not daring to say a word as you knew just as they did, that he had a point. 

���─ ✧

You stood to the right of Allura, in between Shiro and Lance as Allura addressed the coalition, deciding to look forward instead of up at the screens showing the coalition members, knowing that the second you looked up you would search for his face as you always do. There is no time for these unrequited feelings now or ever and as Allura says

“We have only got this far by the sacrifices we have made”

It reminds you of why you will never try to be with him, it is simply a liberty you cannot allow yourself your mission is to free the galaxy and then build up a new Altea with Allura and Coran. The rest of the coalition left the meeting beside the Blade of Marmora who had a video which showed only Kolivan and Keith. 

“Did you complete raids on the targets we sent you on our last communication?” Shiro asked 

“Yes, the information we received has consistently checked out” Kolivan replied.

“With all of these successful missions taking place, in such a short period of time, it won't be long before the gala realises we have an inside source” You were glad Pidge was bringing this up, matching your own thoughts.

“That's true, we should expect the enemy to change protocol soon” Kolivan adds. 

“Then we need to act fast and hit as many targets as possible.” Lance concludes you turn to Shiro

“I will go speak to Lotor then” And he nods

 “Yes go see if there is anything else he can give us” but before you could turn to leave Allura turns to you

 “I can’t help but feel like we are a small part of a much larger ulterior motive” to which you reply

 “I understand, but what other choice do we have?” Then you turn and walk out of the room, failing to see how the silent boy standing next to Kolivan follows your moves with his eyes, eyebrows slightly furrowed. 

── ✧

You stood in the control room with the others, looking towards Pidge and Matt. You should’ve known to wait until the teledev was repaired to tell them about the lead on their father that Lotor had given you, but you were just so excited to tell them and now you sat, looking over a Pidge as Matt comforted her when a communication link was sent through to the castle, and it showed Zarkon

“Paladins of Voltron, I am making a one time offer. I have someone of value to you,” he turned his body away from the camera to show Samuel Holt, Pidge and Matt's dad

“I will hand him over and in exchange, you will give me my son, Lotor.”

The moment after Zarkon made his terms for the swap, time seemed to go too fast. The arguing between the paladins, Matt and Pidge's desperation, even Lotors pleading- it was all too much.

But now being sat waiting above the planet the trade was being made on with the rest of the paladins time couldn't be slower. Dread wracking all of your forms, because like Lotor said could we really trust Zarkon to uphold his end of the bargain and even thoughts about if this was right, Having Lotor as a part of the coalition may be the only way to see peace from the galra there will always be another tyrant who will try to take over the empire and Lotor was, unfortunately, the best out of a bad bunch. You knew that when Zarkon got his hands on Lotor that this plan would come to its end much like Lotor will. So while you are happy that Pidge finally might have her family back, you feel a sense of grieving for the prosperous future of peace the galran price spoke of.

You were all sitting in the control room completely powerless but Allura insisted that we must

“Hold our positions” as if we were to move in so would Zarkons fleet. You were sitting hand in hand unable to look at the screen when Hunk exclaimed

 “Pidge, Matt and Shiro are moving in!” causing you to look up at the screen in alarm as beeps began to show the gala moving in as Coran pointed out. 

Then Lance commanded “Everybody get to your lions, we need to protect our team, and get Sam.” quickly the four of you suited up and got into your lions, racing towards the rendezvous point. It seems your timing was impeccable as Shiro commed in 

“Lance, we need some backup!” and luckily like the paladin pointed out

 “We are already on our way.” The group quickly made their way towards the moving galra shutter and its ships, the lions quickly blasted at the ships, destroying them as quickly as they could. While you were fighting and doing the galra ships you noticed white lasers being shot from the castle of lions, clearly Coran wanted a piece of all the action you all called out to him in glee to which he responded

 “i thought you could all use a bit of help!” Soon after you were able to get rid of the last ships.

“Shiro, Pidge, the sky is clear of all galra. What's your status?” Lance asked to which Pidge quickly replied 

“shuttle is not clear yet!” Then you saw what looked like Lotors old comrades falling out of the shuttle and Shiro comed in, sounding very calm 

“the shuttle is clear.” The four lions surrounded the shuttle as Lance congratulated the team when Shiro asked 

“Where are Lotor and Zarkon?” which made your face drop in worry, clearly this mission was far from over.

You looked to the left of the planet to see large plums of smoke, you and the rest of the team quickly made your way over to it and found Zarkon with the black bayard pointing it towards Lotor for the kill shot, without thinking you activated your laser shooting it at zarkon, causing an explosion right where he stood, luckily the other paladins quickly followed suit shooting their lasers towards Zarkon causing more smoke and fire to envelope the area, then you saw a purple light peeking out of the smoke, growing larger, then a large purple beam erupted from the smoke along with an agonising scream from- Zarkon.

As the smoke cleared all you could see was Lotor standing over his father as the sun began to rise over them.

Zarkon was dead and by his own son's hand.

── ✧

A few days later, you found yourself on Alkarion, while the rest of the paladins were busy scouting the area, ensuring its safety while they put in place new protection measures and Matt and Pidge were having some time with their father. You found yourself in the control room of the castle of lions with Allura and Lotor.

“They should be here any minute.” Allura said arms crossed not looking behind her in the prince's direction 

“Good, there is much to discuss” he replied and sat on the steps that lead to the main podium.

 “Are you alright?” you asked the galran man making Allura finally turn her attention towards him clearly also noticing his melancholy nature to which he simply said 

“i’ll be fine” not even looking towards the two of you. 

“What you did was for the greater good, and for many of us proof of your intentions for peace.” Allura complimented a slight smile on her face. Before any of you could get another word in, the keypad beeps allowing the door to open relieving the rest of the paladins and Coran all here for the meeting.

 “Look at its prince Lotor just hanging out on the bridge!” Lance proclaimed and to your amusement, sounding quite annoyed at the fact. 

“Why, what else would he be doing while waiting for you all to show up, great punctuality by the way” You interrupted the rest of the paladins as they went on about how strange this was because while you agree with them, there isn't much time for this. Luckily Shiro also seemed to agree with you walking towards the man 

“What’s going on, Lotor.” happy to finally get to business Lotor spoke

“Since the death of my father, it has created a power vacuum in the galra empire, the most formidable galra leaders will gather for what is called the Kral Zera sometime in the next two days to decide who will take the throne. We must be there” looking towards the other paladins who looked at him as if he had just said the most insane thing imaginable

“So you want us to fly you into the middle of a meeting with all of the most powerful galra leaders?” Lance questioned, almost unable to believe what he was saying.

“Lotor, we appreciate everything you have sacrificed, but this sounds far too dangerous” to which you replied

“While it may be dangerous Allura, I cannot help but think that it is crucial Lotor is there to defend his claim to the empire, otherwise Zarkons death would’ve been for nothing. We would simply be replacing one evil tyrant with another.” it seemed Shiro agreed with you

“I mean we have been in more dangerous situations with much less to gain. Putting Lotor on the galra throne is what we have been discussing” to which Pidge quipped 

“Yeah, but nobody told us that would mean flying into a warzone.” 

“We cannot plan an operation this important so quickly” Allura concluded to which Shiro argued

 “We don't have a choice” and he was right this was a one-time event, “It’s the only chance we’ve got” you reminded them. 

“I’m with Allura, we need time to think this over.” Lance decided but Shiro quickly shut him down

 “Lance this is not your call” You looked towards the boy with alarmed eyes and he met your gaze with widened eyes of his own both of you bewildered by this sudden attitude change in Shiro.

“Allura, the coalition wouldn't be where it is right now without Lotor, we need to listen to him.” 

The rest of the paladins and Coran chimed in with their decisions leaving it “four-three in the princess' favour” as Coran put it. But Shiro still dismissed this

“I’m the leader of Voltron, I’m making this decision.” to which Allura commented

“Like when you armed Lotor with your bayard without consulting the rest of us?” to which Shiro simply nodded his head

“That's right. Making that decision resulted in the removal of Zarkon” to which Allura exclaimed 

“You put the entire operation in jeopardy” but Shiro rebutted

“I put an end to Zarkons reign, now this is the time to finish the job.” Lance decided to step in as the second in command to try and dial down the tension 

“Shiro, we are all on the same side here” But Shiro quickly dismissed him 

“I told you to stay out of this'' looking towards him with venom making Lance look once again shocked at what Shiro was saying.

 “While you all waste time squabbling” Lotor started clearly annoyed by this turn of events “Sinister forces are conspiring to fill the galra power void, if I do not return to claim the throne then there is no telling on who will.” To which Shiro replied

“Good then it’s settled” to which Pidge complained 

“How is it settled?”

 “Our hands are tied, the Kral Zera is happening. If we want to stop the galra, we need to put Lotor on the throne immediately.”  Shiro responded.

── ✧

Sitting in the Black lion with Shiro and Lotor wasn't how you thought today would go, but clearly, you and Shiro were the only ones willing to do what was necessary.

After the attack on Alkarion it only solidified to you and Shiro how important it was to get Lotor on the throne. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem to sway the other paladins so here you were only 2 out of 6 paladins ready to jump into a pit full of the most powerful galra in the entire empire.

The black lion arrived at planet Feyiv landing seemingly right in the centre of the action, you as instructed stood behind Lotor, slightly to the left of him as the entrance to the black lion was opened, showing the galran officials below you.

You took a deep breath as the wind blew rapidly looking at Lotor for a moment before turning your focus to the enemy eyebrows raising as you saw the looks on their faces, more shock than anger and that you could definitely work with.

You suppose you to would be shocked to see a half galran hybrid and an altean arriving together peacefully, probably the last time this combination was seen was with Lotors parents and his father wasn't even a hybrid- so the pair of you are really a sight to behold and it probably doesn't help that you're a paladin of Voltron leaving the black lion either. 

“Halt. Your true emperor has arrived” Lotor commanded as the black lion's mouth lowered to the ground you both walked towards the fire as Sendak questioned 

“You? Lead the galra empire? What could possibly make you think that you could be our emperor” You tightened your grip on your bayard- a bo staff with a razor-sharp edge at the top waiting for Lotors command 

“My father's blood is not just in my veins, it is also on my sword. The emperor fell to me and so will anyone else that stands in my way.” you could see the way Sendak's face changed from one of amusement to one of anger 

“You think treachery makes you qualified to lead us?” you followed slowly behind the Lotor as he walked towards Sendak

 “I will light the flame, not for defeating my father and not even for being the strongest galra here. But because I did something no one else could do, I returned the black lion to the galra and had one of Voltron paladins at my side. Stand aside, Sendak."

This clearly did not sit well with the galran and quickly the two began to fight to get up the stairs. However, as quickly as the fighting started it was seized as large explosions began to emit from underneath the stairs. You looked to Lotor in alarm as Sendak concluded 

“Lotor has betrayed us for Voltron!” you quickly turned around towards the other garlans, bracing yourself for a fight, Shiro quickly lept to the sky as the galra ships began to fire at him.

Quickly all the galran began to fight each other and in extension you. You took down the galran in front of you grabbing their arm before they could shoot at you, sending them to the ground making sure to crush their gun as you did, before quickly moving on to the next, it was a whirlwind of purple flying everywhere as you tried to find your way towards Lotor. Quickly knocking out anyone who got in the way when a gloved hand grabbed your arm from behind, you quickly turned towards them the sharp edge of your staff pressing against their neck

 “Woah” a familiar voice croaked out making you move your staff back as you noticed the suit- what where the blade doing here?

Keith quickly removed his mask as you put your staff back to the ground, “What are you doing here?” he quickly asked before looking around the battlefield

“Where is everyone else” he quickly added

“I could ask you the same, but I suppose I am not wrong to suspect that the explosions were your doing. Shiro and I are making sure that Lotor gets on the throne, everyone else didn’t think it was a good idea so we came just the three of us.” you simply explained as he took you further away from the battlefield finding yourself behind a pillar. 

“Where's your lion? What if Shiro needs help up there?” is all he responds with almost as if he's still trying to understand what exactly is happening

“Lotor decided we only needed the black lion, it made the most sense in his plan as how could one galran get two Voltron lions and I think Shiro is doing just fine on his own''

looking up you could see that the galran were more shooting at each other than at Shiro so he was able to quickly destroy them “And if he needed backup my lion is only a call away” you added he also looked up at the sky proving to him that you in fact where correct

“So what you're just acting as Lotors backup then” clearly he was still confused by the turn of events

“I mean pretty much” you rescinded shrugging your shoulders because if you were being honest you weren't completely sure as to why Lotor wanted you to come with him. But you knew better than to try and come up with another plan when he was so expertly set up.

“Oh, so are you all buddy-buddy with him now?” Keith asked, his eyes slightly twitching to which you simply looked at him confused

“What do you even mean by that?” head tilting to emphasis a needed clarification from the boy

“I just-” he starts pressing his lips together in annoyance “he must mean a lot to you for you to go against the entire team to take him here” to which you quickly respond 

“Not particularly no, and the team will understand. This was the only way-” he interrupted you eyebrows raised 

“Are you sure about that'' you are suddenly taken aback by his words

“Excuse me?” Then the venom started to pour out of his mouth. 

“I just think this is a mistake.” He pointed towards you 

“I disagree” you insisted. 

“Then you're not listening to me!” he declared voice raised “It’s not safe, you are surrounded by the most powerful galra in the empire with only Lotor as backup.” he crossed his arms against his chest speaking his name as if it were poison on his tongue 

“You don’t think I know that'' you replied but were met with silence “So you think I can't handle this alone?” you accused 

“I know you can’t, you need to leave.” he declared his words immediately triggered a fire of anger within you i mean who does he think he is 

“Some supportive friend you are-” you begin but he interrupts you again clearly angry himself 

“What and you are” he accuses you scoff at this

 “I have always supported you and your decisions, do not stand here and try to assume otherwise”

All the times you took his side flashed into your memory as your anger only seemed to grow and his next words were no help

“Or what?” he taunts 

“Or what?” you echo almost whispering looking at him incredulously 

“You know what you were right, you are a horrible cold excuse of a man and I for one am glad you left Voltron so I do not have to deal with this anymore.” You exclaim pointing towards him. 

“Good, like I want to need to protect you all the time, that I definitely haven’t missed and don’t even get me started on your opinionated nature, would it kill you not to need to butt into every conversation ever?” he shouts

You simply stare at him in shocked silence watching as the words he spoke registered in his head. You simply turned around leaving him standing there seething with anger but also trying to stop tears from falling down your face- this wasn’t about him or even you this was about the future of the galra empire. Furthermore, the future of the whole universe now is not the time to cry over him.

Luckily you quickly spot Lotor somehow not in the middle of the chaos as rush towards him, he seems relieved to see you, at least someone is. 

“This is exactly what I wanted to avoid. I knew they would turn on each other.” it seems this moment of peace was quickly disturbed as Sendak came threw himself in between you to leaving smoke in his path, as you find your feet you see a general fighting with Keith who quickly falls to the ground, you quickly disarm the galan sending them to ground unconscious with a simply whack of your staff, looking up you made eye contact with Acxa, one of Lotors officials who lowered her gun staring at you, she simply nodded before turning away.

You didn’t dare turn around and meet his purple eyes feeling them glaring at you, you simply ran down the stairs as you saw the rest of Voltron coming through the wormhole with your lion hurtling towards you. You quickly got inside and joined the rest of the team as you heard Shiro shout 

“Time to form Voltron!”

As a team you quickly destroyed the rest of the galran ships. You watched from inside Voltron as Sendak got distracted by another warlord giving Lotor the chance to walk up to the galran throne, flame in hand. Then the flame was lit.

Lotor was now the emperor of the galran empire.

[soulreapin]

hello hello‼️

it's me again and i would like to suggest to you

keith being weirdly good at card games bc in the foster home he used to play them with the younger kids when they couldn't sleep

stop i love good with kids keith. im gonna cook hold on just you wait.

“That is the fucking fourth time you’ve won in Go Fish, Keith!”

Keith shrugs and gathers up the deck of cards to shuffle them between his two thumbs and forefingers.

Zarkon has decided to give the Paladins a night off from the war raging its path around the universe, so on their off day they sit in a loose circle on the main deck of the ship.

Originally, they had tried charades, but one too many altean animals from Allura had killed the mood.

They were at a loss for a while, bickering quietly, when Keith produced a worn pack of playing cards from the inside jacket of his pocket and put together a quiet game of Solitare for himself.

Lance glanced over and saw him shuffling those cards like a pro, and his brief moment of silence was crushed to bits when Pidge suggested they play card games.

“I’m sorry you’re bad at Go Fish,” Keith offers blandly as he shuffles, sounding not at all like he’s even remotely sorry, “But I’m not and you just have to live with it.”

Hunk glowers at him.

“Are we sure his cards aren’t rigged?” Lance comments, leaning towards Pidge for support.

Keith’s nose wrinkles as he shuffles, “How would you rig a fuckin’ deck o’ cards, huh?”

“I—I don’t know, maybe you carved shit into them!”

One single raised eyebrow and Lance’s defense crumbles with a huff.

“How are you so good at these human cards, Keith?” Allura asks, leaning forwards with interest.

Her hair is down and shifts like the steam curling off of a waterfall down over her shoulders.

Keith shrugs. “Go Fish again?”

All of them nod in ascent. He begins to deal out the cards evenly and methodically, and while he does, Keith gradually dredges up the memories associated with his bent and worn red playing cards. “I grew up in an orphanage, yaknow? And nobody really looked at a little ol kid like me, so I had to find ways to entertain myself.”

They begin to play while he talks. Keith stringing together more than six words in a sentence in a normal speaking tone outside of a mission was basically unheard of. “I found a deck of cards one day. One of the older kids taught me how to play Go Fish, and whenever we had time thats what we did. And cards was my only social skill.”

Quietly, Shiro asks Hunk, “Any sevens?”

“Go Fish.”

“I eventually picked up Solitare from the old folks home we visited as community service. All the younguns seemed to really like playing cards with me, so when one of them couldn’t sleep they’d come get me and we’d play a game. Somethin’ easy, even just Solitaire while I sat with them. Shiro, you’ve got a nine, give it to me I know it.”

Begrudgingly, Shiro hands over not one but two nines.

“That’s quite sweet. But I assumed you weren’t fond of other members of your kind?” Allura shakes her head when Lance asks for a six.

Lance gives Keith the finger when Keith mouthes skill issue at him. “Mostly, I ain’t. But little kids are different. They haven’t done anythin’ to deserve being disliked yet. And I know that when I was their age, I needed someone to stay up and play cards with. So I figured I would be that person for them.”

Small tears are beading in Shiro’s eyes.

Playing cards becomes tradition between the seven of them, whenever they get the chance, even if its four in the morning. Keith and his cards are always a comfort.

[drowninginblox]

Rewatching voltron

I’m only on season one and- I want to filter my thoughts I guess

Okay so full disclosure-

I forgot most of Voltron and I wanted to watch it again just to see where it went wrong + maybe rewrite it. Most of this list is grievances and high praises. But yknow- it’s fun for me.

Hunk deserves better

Of course best boy is going first

I distinctly remember from the end of voltron that hunk didn’t have alot of moments to shine. I’m only in episode 5 as of writing this point and I see SO MUCH PROMISE. He’s a great middle man, he’s loyal as hell, and he’s so smart! The following seasons are gonna be painful for me I know it.

“You have a better idea?” / “Actually yes I do.”

That’s it. That’s the red talk.

Coran deserves better

I want more caring dad

Why couldn’t we have more??

He cares so much for Allura and for w h a t

The “we make a good team” line + TW: Klance in general

Holy shit us Klance shippers were sooooo desperate. Like- my god. We fucking ran with that shit to the universe and back god damn. And it all started from that one line. I don’t know if I should be proud or disappointed my god.

Since we’re talking about this ship- there are a lot of missed opportunities for Keith and Lance’s dynamic and individual character. Like, I think, we all forget that Lance was the person who came up with the plan, when him and Keith were supposed to sabotage the galra forces at Balmera (living mining planet). Lance was actively aware of the planets saltines and he stopped kids from acting on his impulses, resulting in them (initially) covertly deactivating  the hanger so they can prevent further reinforcements.

I also don’t like how the scene introduces Keith’s heritage. I understand that this is a set up for a greater plot point and we’re not really supposed to know how Keith activates galra tech but- fuck I need to go on a tangent in the later seasons if I go along with this series of blog posts, I guess

Gundom every few episode format

POWER RANGERS TAKE NOTES

Holy shit I LOVE that a group of episodes are dedicated to arcs that help the main story and THAT THE BIG MONSTER DOESN’T SHOW UP EVERY EPISODE

If only we had this more often-

Ages

I do not know how old these fuckers are and that is concerning. The only information I have on age is one of the Galra generals calling Pidge a child when they were taking over the castle. Like- Voltron please tell me how old these mfs are.

I have my own HCs ofc but like- CMON.

Speaking of, Pidge is giving 14-16, Hunk, Lance, Keith and Allura are giving 17 to 18, Shiro is giving 18-25, and Coran is at a good 34-40 not including the 10000 year long freeze Allura and Coran went through

Minor characters

I love the tribal civilization at inhabits allura’s home planet

The POWs, Shay’s people, the mercenaries, I love all of these guys

I like how the planets are alive

Just- good job Voltron for universe building

The lions are their own characters

I really like the idea of the lions being specific with who they allow in as their pilots. However, I wish that the selectiveness was a longer process. And key situation it was a life or death one. It felt like the redline had to actively choose, whether or not to save him from the deep vacuum of space. Meanwhile, for pitch it was just oh hop in and get going you know. Same with Shiro I get that he unlocked the synchronicity of the lien and pilot relationship immediately, but it feels too give in.

Piggybacking off of that I don’t like that Alura basically assigns the paladins Hogwarts houses as soon as she sees them. I think that’s bullshit. I got that she grew up with the lions and was born shortly after their creation but still. 

I also like how during battle of the lines actively recommend which strategies and weapons, the pilot should use, and which ones they refused to go along with

Also- element powers?? I miss those

Quintessence

Idk the yellow goo before being refined into quintessence having healing properties- WHY WAS THAT FORGOTTEN??? That could’ve been huge! Even if it only applies to galuras

Also- god I wish there was rules for Allurans powers and wtf quintessence is.

The Black Lion (the episode not the actual mech)

I forgot so much of this season holy shit.

The main conflict being tied to Shiro connection w/ his lion is a great plot point

It also is a great reveal that Zarkon is the original black palidin. I love how the B

Also- Shiro coming head to head with his PTSD is m w a h

Peak Keith in this ep (for this season ofc) Ofc he would take on Zarkon by himself. I’m so mad I forgot about that

THE BLADE!!!!!!!!!!!! I literally screamed when I saw them lol

[the-kittens-of-vol-tron]

Reflection

Chapter 6: The Storm

Summary:  The paladins take a small vaccination, guess who's forced to tag along?

AO3!

Previous Chapter

Word Count: 4,615

Welcome back!

Adam’s POV 

The party was a month ago. He hadn’t spoken to Shiro in over a month. He had seen him and had been forced to sit in meetings with him but he hadn’t spoken to him. 

Every time Shiro tried to stop him or corner him Adam would slip away. Like water between his fingers. He didn’t even understand why Shiro was still trying to talk to him. He told him he didn’t love him. He used him. Toyed with him and yet everywhere he looked. Everywhere he turned, he was there. Waiting. 

It was kind of annoying. 

“Take them on a vacation?” Adam stared at the folder in his hands. 

Iverson grunted, leaning back in his chair. “Yup. Earth’s reconstruction is underway, the universe is getting fixed. They deserve a break.” 

“I agree but…why do I have to take them?” 

“Don’t flatter yourself, I’m going with you.” 

Adam stared at his superior, “...right. That makes this so much better.” He opened the folder, quickly scanning the words. “Why here?” 

Iverson shrugged, “it’s what they requested.” 

“Lance is the only one from Cuba.” 

“Well, it’s what they wanted. Inform them of this trip and be packed to go by 06:00 tomorrow.” 

Adam chewed on his inner cheek. “Yes sir.” 

---

He raised his fist, quickly lowering it before pacing the hallway for the tenth time. Just knock on the fucking door why are you like this?! He scolded himself before stepping back toward the door. 

He raised his hand again, just knock. He allowed his wrist to fall forward right as the door slid open. Allura sent him a confused look. “Adam?” 

“Princess?!” He cleared his throat, forcing his hand to his side. “I uh…where is everyone?” 

“Around, I was heading to the cafeteria. Care to join?” She flashed him a tense smile. 

Adam shook his head, suddenly feeling like a scolded child. “Can you inform everyone of this?” He handed her the folder. “We leave tomorrow at 06:00, all the details are inside.” 

She glanced at the contents before putting the folder under her arm. “I’ll make sure we’re ready.” 

“Thank you…see you later,” he pivoted on one foot and bolted down the hall. This was going to be a long week. 

---

“So where are we going, boss man?” Lance flopped down in his seat, Keith grumbling next to him. He was never a morning person, despite appearing to be one. 

Adam glanced up from his tablet. “You weren’t told?” 

Nope,” Lance popped the ‘p’ in the word as he rested his head on Keith’s shoulder. 

Adam looked back down at his tablet, vaguely aware of the others entering the place. “Varadero.” He spoke the word as he glanced up at Shiro. Who moved to the back of the plane without a second glance. 

“Really?! You’re pulling my leg right now.” Lance began to ramble, loudly sharing stories of his youth. 

Adam turned him out, his attention on Shiro. He sat down and immediately pulled out a book, sending Allura a smile as she sat down next to him. He took a deep breath, Just move on Adam. 

Lips. Soft, gentle, familiar lips. A breath mingled between them. Unsure of whose breath it was. 

“I love you,” Shiro whispered in the dark room. 

Adam froze, his mind going blank at the words. “What?” He was even surprised he could say anything. 

Shiro pressed his lips against his cheek, mumbling the words once more. “I love you.” He kissed down his jaw, continuing downward. His hands danced under Adam’s shirt. 

A breathy chuckle was released from Adam’s chest. Freezing Shiro immediately. “Are you okay?” He asked in a worried whisper. 

Adam nodded, taking a moment to properly verbalize words. “I love you too.” 

Shiro pressed his lips against his again, a smile on both of their lips. 

Adam jolted awake, Iverson’s hand on his shoulder. “We’re here.” 

He blinked the sleep from his eyes, trying to stretch his muscles without moving his body. “I fell asleep?” 

Iverson blinked down at him, “...yes.” 

“Oh,” he took a deep breath, looking around the empty cabin. “Then, let’s get this vacation going!” It didn’t take them long to reach the house the Garrison had rented out. They basically landed the plane in the backyard. 

Adam and Iverson watched the paladin's claims room, quickly realizing they could have rented a smaller house due to Allura and Romelle sharing a room and Keith and Lance sharing as well. “Did you want to pick yours first?” Iverson glanced at him. 

“Nah, go ahead and pick.” He looked down the hall, at the room Shiro picked. Just needed a room far away from him. 

---

“Dinner!” Hunk called through the house. Adam waited a couple of minutes before heading out. Letting the others get their food and claim their seat before him. That was mistake number one. By the time he had entered the dining room, the only chair available was next to Shiro. Can you please give me a break? He begged the universe silently. 

He took his seat, focusing on his breathing as he dished up. Shiro slid the salt toward him, sending him a small smile. 

Tears welled up in his eyes and he quickly stood from the table. Making his way out into the salty air. He wasn’t sure how long he wondered. Long enough that the sunset and his teeth chattered together as the wind blew through him. 

He had stopped walking at some point, taking a seat on the sand. His knees tucked up into his chest, his arms wrapped around them. Trying to keep as much heat as he could in. He stared at the waves in a trance. His eyes were unblinking as the water rolled back and forth. The roar was calming. For once he felt calm. Despite the situation at hand. 

Footsteps appeared behind him and he held his breath. Waiting for them to reveal themself. 

“The waves are pretty.” Keith’s voice was soft but cold. A tone Adam could never master. 

“They are,” he released a wavering breath, as Keith moved to sit down by him. Keeping a couple of feet between them. He rubbed his thumb and pointer finger together. Focusing on the pressure. “What do you want?” 

“Am I not allowed to be concerned about you?”

Adam didn’t respond. 

Keith continued, almost mumbling his words. “We did know each other before all of this.” 

Adam scoffed. “Hardly.” 

Keith sighed. “Just because I was closer to Shiro…we still knew each other. You still treated me like I was someone. That I was worth more than the ‘trouble’ label everyone slapped on me.” 

“Because you are more than ‘trouble,’ people just needed to give you a chance. See the real you under the surface.” 

“Look at you, starting to sound like Shiro.” 

Adam tensed his body, unknowingly. Would he ever be a regular topic for him? Or will he spend the rest of his days walking on a tightrope whenever he is mentioned? Adam begged himself to just be indifferent to him. What happened to him is the pass, he ended it. And yet, he can’t even face him.

Keith mumbled a small apology and they both fell into silence. Letting the waves soothe them. “Lance likes waves,” Keith said after a couple of moments. 

Adam hummed. “Yeah.” 

“I can’t believe I never knew you were his advisor. Could have helped a guy out,” Keith tried to make a light-hearted joke. 

Adam smiled to himself, he could still remember the constant rambling from Keith about a classmate of his. Sure it was hidden by empty “complaints” but Adam knew. He knew these rambles were unacknowledged feelings. “I’m not supposed to talk about the cadets I advise.” He joked back, feeling Keith’s eye roll next to him. 

They let the sound of waves fill in the space between them. Adam smiled to himself before speaking again. “He did talk about you a lot.” 

Keith chuckled, “I knew it.” 

More silence. 

Adam always hated the silence and now it seemed like it was constantly surrounding him. 

“How did you move on? After you ended things with Shiro?”

Adam hugged his knees tighter to his chest. “You know what they say. Time heals all wounds.” 

“A week though? You didn’t even cancel a class. You looked…you acted the same,” he paused. An unspoken question waiting in the air. 

Adam filled his lungs, releasing the air in a quick puff. “You’re wondering if Shiro ever mattered to me? If our relationship ever mattered?” 

Keith mumbled out a small yes. 

“Shiro…” he shifted his eyes to his fingers, tapping his fingers lightly against his knees. “He was my whole world. I saw galaxies when I was with him…I had never been in love until I met him.” He paused, swallowing around the lump in his throat. “I saw my entire life with him. It switched to the rest of his life after his diagnosis but I wanted to be there till his last breath. I needed to be there. Losing him stung. I can’t even begin to describe the pain I felt sliding off that ring.” 

“But you still were fine,” Keith said. A mix of confusion and aggression mixed in. Adam let the tone roll off him, he knew how important the person at hand was to him. 

“Have you ever dealt with an issue that you didn’t want anyone else to know about? That no matter how much it bothered you, or hurt, no one else needed to know?” 

Keith didn’t reply, but Adam knew he had before. 

“The version of me you saw in public, attending meetings, doing my job…that wasn’t the version of me behind closed doors. Downing liquor every night to try and numb the pain. Ripping up everything to do with Kerberos. Crying myself to sleep every night, not even being able to sleep the full night because my person wasn’t there next to me. And then,” his voice cracked as tears threatened to spill, “he fucking…that goddamn salt shaker.” 

“What about it?” 

Adam lifted his head to the sky, the stars shining down on them. A hot tear slid down his face. “Even after all these years. The fights, the arguments, the time…he still remembers that I always put salt on my food.” He wiped his eyes, “a fucking salt shaker.” 

“He loved you, Adam. Anyone could see that.” 

“Then why didn’t he stay with me?” 

Keith tensed up beside him, releasing a slow breath. “He was doing what he needed to survive. What was right for him. Sometimes,” he paused. Hesitant. “Sometimes we need to be by ourselves to do that.” 

The seconds turned into minutes. Adam was unsure what to do. What he needed to do. “What would you have done? If you were in my shoes.” 

Um,” Keith adjusted himself so his legs were tucked up under him. “I’m not sure.” 

“Do you think I made the wrong choice?” He closed his eyes, feeling like a scared child at Keith’s answer. 

“...I’m not sure.” 

---

Shiro’s POV

“OH, IT’S ON MULLET!” Lance began to climb up Hunk’s shoulders, while Pidge climbed on Keith’s shoulders. 

“Now what on Earth are they doing?” Coran twisted his mustache around as he watched Lance and Pidge behind to try and shove each other off their partner’s shoulders. 

“It’s called ‘Chicken.’ It’s a swimming game.” Shiro closed his eyes, enjoying the heat from the sun. 

“Oh on Altea we had something similar!” Coran began to ramble about his youth. Shiro did his best to pay attention but he was a couple of drinks in. He tilted his head to the side, watching Allura and Romelle build an impressive sand castle. 

They were cute together. Happy. A ping of jealousy hit his gut and he twisted his head back to the former paladins. Lance stood up while shaking his head as Pidge and Keith screamed with victory. 

At least they were still happy. 

“Water?” 

He moved his head to look at Adam, who was holding out a water bottle. The sides are covered in condensation. “What?” 

Adam lifted his eyebrow slightly, “do you want water? You’ve been drinking a lot.” 

“Uh sure,” he grabbed the water bottle, ignoring how their fingers brushed against each other slightly. “Thanks.” 

“No problem.” Adam didn’t move, his fingers closing and opening a couple of times. “Can I sit?” 

“Sure.” 

Adam sat down, an arm’s length distance between them. “Enjoying the weather?” 

Shiro hummed. “It’s nice. Feels good to just relax.” 

“Yeah…I could imagine being up in space during all of that.” Adam cleared his throat. “Was it scary?” 

“Terrifying.” 

“Shiro! Come swim with us!” Allura waved at him from the water. Having moved from the sand into the water.

Shiro stood, brushing the sand that wasn’t present off his legs, “the princess calls.” 

Adam nodded, looking away as Shiro slid his shirt off. “Have fun.” 

“Thank you,” and he headed down into the water. 

---

A couple of days have passed since that day and the distance somehow became colder. Unbearable. It affected everyone, more than usual. Both were aware of it but neither knew what to do with it. 

Until the universe forced them to deal with it, in a way neither of them wanted. 

“Alright, all of us are going to the beach.” Iverson declared, his arms crossed in front of him. “All of us but you two.” He pointed at Adam and Shiro. 

Neither man looked at the other. Adam cleared his throat, “why?” 

“Why? Because you two need to work through whatever is causing this tension worse than normal.” Iverson raised his eyebrow at them, indicating he wasn’t budging on the conversation. Or his decision. 

Shiro looked at his team, trying to catch their eye. Silently ask them to support him. Keep him away from just being alone with Adam. But everyone was conveniently looking away from them. Iverson orders. 

Iverson gave them one more look before turning, letting everyone else exit the house before him. The door clicked close on a brewing storm. 

They spent the first hour in different rooms. Neither of them made any noise. The second hour was spent the same, the third hour they ran into each other in the kitchen. After the fourth, it was clear everyone else wasn’t returning back anytime soon. Shiro rubbed his eyes, fighting the urge to cover himself in blankets and just sleep until his team returned. But, this needed to be addressed. It was affecting others more. They just needed to get it out of their system. 

He opened his bedroom door, peeking into the still living room. It was quiet. Maybe Adam was asleep? Or he snuck out the back. He chewed on his inner cheek and stepped into the hallway, slowly inching toward the living space. The sun was beginning to set. It was around dinner time. 

“Why are you sneaking around?” Adam dried his hand on a towel that was draped on his shoulder. Sending Shiro a questioning look. 

“I wasn’t.” 

Adam gave him a ‘whatever’ nod and turned back to the stove, staring at an empty pan. 

Shiro stepped closer to the kitchen, sitting on one of the stools by the bar. “You need something in the pan in order to cook.” 

Adam glanced at him, “I’m debating what to cook.” 

“...Need help deciding?” 

The other man released a breathy laugh. “Just like the old days, huh?” 

Shiro smiled to himself. Adam always cooked. It was an unspoken rule to never let Shiro near a stove. And Shiro always decided what Adam would cook. It was his favorite time of the day, helping Adam pick what he would make for dinner. “What do we have?” 

After an hour they were both sitting across from each other at the table. A bowl of curry and rice in front of them. Both of them eat without talking. Shiro fought the urge to fidget in his seat. He was getting tired of this. Wasn’t Adam just as tired? He put his spoon down, clearing his throat to ask just as Adam spoke. 

“Those scars…on your chest. Those were from the Galra?” 

“...Yeah…when I was their ‘Champion,’ I had to fight in the ring.” 

Adam mumbled something under his breath, wiping his eyes quickly. “I can’t believe while I was on Earth, thinking you were dead you were fighting for your life.” 

“How were you supposed to know I was alive?” 

Adam shrugged, twisting his spoon around his plate. “I knew it wasn’t because of pilot error. You’re a hell of a pilot.” 

“You flatter me.” 

“I am sorry…that all of that happened to you.” Adam sounded sincere, his voice thick with emotion.  

“I’m happier it happened to me than to someone else.” 

“You shouldn’t think like that.” 

“Easier to cope like that.” 

Adam frowned. Questions weighing on his mind. 

“Just say it, Adam.” 

“Say what?” 

“Whatever you’re thinking.” 

He opened and closed his mouth a couple of times. “Why didn’t you ever tag my dog tag off?” 

“I…oh.” Shiro looked down at his mostly eaten plate. “It brought me comfort. That I would see you again.” 

Adam squinted his eyes in thought as he stared at the wooden table. “We weren’t together.” He looked up, meeting Shiro’s eyes. “We weren’t together.” He repeated it as if he was trying to convince himself of the fact. 

“I know, but,” Shiro stopped himself, feeling embarrassed about his reason. 

“But what?” 

He took a deep breath. “I wanted to believe that we could work it out. That once I got back we could fall back together.” 

Adam chuckled under his breath, standing while he collected the plates. “You expected me to wait for you?” 

Shiro followed him with his eyes, waiting for Adam to reenter the room; his hands-free. “It was a year-long mission.” 

“Supposed to be a year-long mission. Or did you not forget how long you were actually gone? Take away your day field trip when you found the Blue Lion.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the archway connecting the dining room and kitchen. “And besides. Was I supposed to simply sit around and do nothing for a year? Not even try to move on?” 

“Did you? Move on I mean.” 

“I went on a date. A fellow from engineering.” 

“Why didn’t it work out?” 

Adam sighed, “he was married. News to me until he invited me over and his wedding ring was sitting next to a picture of his wife.” 

“Yikes.” 

“Yeah, tell me about it. I…I took a break from dating after that.” 

“...I didn’t move on,” Shiro whispered the words. 

“You were in space, I don’t think your dating pool was that big or your main focus.” 

“True…but I mean right now. I still…haven’t moved on.” 

“You should.” 

“Have you?” He raised his voice slightly. “Or did you just ask me to kiss you because you just wanted a kiss?” 

“I wanted to see if I still loved you, which I don’t.” 

Shiro fought back a sniffle, his emotions quickly heightening. The storm was finally hitting a point where it couldn’t be contained. “Then why were you jealous of Curtis?!” 

Adam scoffed. “Oh please, I wasn’t jealous.” 

“Oh bullshit,” Shiro stood from the table, anger licking at his core. Begging to be released. The rope nearing a snap. “I was with you for years. I know how you look when you’re jealous.” 

“I was drunk!” He pushed himself away from the wall, dropping his hands by his sides. His hands closed into a fist. 

“You still act the same sober. I know you, Adam.” 

“You don’t! Stop saying you do!” 

“Why? Because it’s true? I know you go to bed at 23:00 no matter what, you always put salt on your food, you sleep on your left side, you hate shaving your face, you sing in the shower, you hate Garrison lunches, and your least favorite part of cooking is prepping. I know you.” 

Adam burst into tears, his breath catching in his chest. “You left me.” 

Shiro flinched. The words cut into him like a knife. “You ended it.” 

“Because you were leaving!” He took a long breath, his eyes looking toward the floor. Glistened with unfallen tears. “No matter what I did. How hard I begged, you were leaving…I didn’t know what to do.” 

“I was coming back. Coming back to you.” Shiro lowered his voice, trying to convey his point of view. He didn’t want to leave Adam. He didn’t want to lose him. He was coming back, the Galra got in the way. “I never wanted to leave you.” 

Adam cleared his throat, his eyes staring at the table where they were sitting. His fingers gripping his arms tightly. “But you did. You got so wrapped up in Kerberos I was just an annoying fly buzzing around you. No matter what I said, you didn’t listen.” 

Shiro swallowed, he knew he was guilty. He played his own role in the downfall of each other. But, he couldn’t take the entirety of the blame. Adam never tried to see his side of the story. His perspective. He was the one whose life was sand in an hourglass. He was dying. “I was dying.” 

Adam sucked in a breath. A consistent reaction whenever he was reminded of Shiro declining health. Well, former decline. “I know. And I would have been there till the end. Holding your hand, wiping your face, helping you shower, anything you needed.” 

“And I am so lucky that you were willing to love me till the end. But Adam,” Shiro took a step to the side, moving around the table. Keeping a few feet between them. His hands balled into fits by his side. “I wasn’t at that point yet. I still had some years of full movement and being able to take care of myself. My independence. I didn’t need to be babied just yet.” 

“Why couldn’t you just let me help you?” Tears fell down Adam’s face unnoticed. “Why did you have to keep pushing yourself?” 

“Because I still could!” Shiro yelled, his voice raising without his intention. “Because I could still be Takashi Shirogane! I could be a teacher, a mentor, a pilot, I could still do things. And I wanted you by my side but once I was diagnosed it was like-like-” He stopped himself. 

“Like what?” Adam’s voice was small. 

“Like everyone treated me like I was fragile. One wrong move and I would crumble to dust. Do you know how degrading that is? I’m a grown man and within a day everyone just started treating me like I was incompetent.” He sighed, the air jerking as his throat squeezed. “One diagnosis and I suddenly was a charity case.” 

“You were never a charity case.” 

Shiro released a laugh of disbelief. “Maybe from your perspective. But this,” he gestured to his robotic arm, “this didn’t happen to you. You weren’t living through this. Surviving. Wondering if every day you woke up would be your last. If you were going to be able to keep your dinner down. If you were going to wake up choking on your own blood.” 

Adam didn’t respond. His jaw was tight, but his eyes were full of remorse with a hint of anger. Shiro just didn’t know what he was angry about specifically. 

“You always made a comment about how you always caught me staring. And you never knew why I was but I was memorizing you. Trying to make sure I had every aspect of you saved to memory.” He took a step forward, this distance sharp between them. “I didn’t want to die. I still don’t. But I was content going with you in my life.” 

Adam shook his head, his hands covering his ears. “No, no, no, no, just stop.” His body slumped against the wall, his knees locking in place. “I can’t hear this. Just…I can’t hear this.” 

“We can’t keep running from this conversation Adam. I don’t care what we are afterward but we need to say what is sitting on our chest.” He fought the desire to reach out and pull him in for a hug. That wasn’t his place anymore but he hated seeing him suffer like this. 

Adam mumbled incoherent words under his breath, his head slowly moving back into stillness. 

Shiro tightened his hands into fists, “Adam…please talk to me.” 

After a minute, he eventually stopped mumbling, his fingers loosening up on his ears. “I never wanted you to go. I don’t know why I sent you away.” His voice broke on the words. An obvious attempt to stop himself from breaking down even more. 

“You were hurt. And I wouldn’t see how badly I was hurting you. I had blinders on. And I’m sorry.” 

He shook his head again, his hands falling to his sides. “No, you’re right. I was being selfish. You were dying and I shouldn’t have tried to control any part of how you wanted to spend your time.” 

“I didn’t have to hurt you in the process.” 

“Well,” Adam sniffled, his eyes tinted red. “Relationships come with hurt sometimes. That’s just life.” 

Shiro nodded, swallowing down his own tears. “Yeah…you’re right.” 

Silence covered them like a blanket, but it was calmer. Not filled with sharpness. Instead, it was filled with a slight calmness. The weight and misunderstanding were finally gone. 

“God I feel so stupid,” Adam ran his hands through his hair. 

Shiro raised his eyebrow, “why? You couldn’t read my mind. And we honestly were not in a stable enough place to see each other's perspective back then.” 

“I’m just a fool I guess.” He slumped further down the wall, wrapping his arms around his knees. His chin rested on his knees, his eyes glazed over.

“You’re not a fool,” Shiro kneels down, close enough to touch. All he had to do was reach out, and he wanted it so badly that it ached. “Why would you say that?” 

“Because I don’t understand why I still feel like this.” 

Shiro frowned, “feel like what?” 

Adam made his signature ‘you’re really going to make me say it?’ face before opening his mouth. The words tumbled out in a rushed whisper. “Istillloveyou.” 

Shiro blinked, “what?” 

The other man groaned. “This is why I’m confused.” 

“You told me you didn’t love me.” 

Adam pressed his forehead into his knees, hiding his face from sight. “I know. And I wanted to believe that I didn't. That I moved on but how could I?” He lifted his head. His eyes were redder. “You’re still just as hot as before. The scars didn’t take any beauty away from you. You’re still kind and patient and understanding, You gave those kids a person they could trust…rely on. Everything about you is amazing. Of course, I still love you. You were mine. I had you and I threw it away.” 

“You didn’t…I…I don’t know what to say.” 

“You don’t have to say anything. Or reciprocate anything. You wanted us to talk.” He kept his face tilted down. His adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed nervously. 

“Adam,” Shiro lifted his hand, gently touching the other man's cheek with his human hand. He moved slowly, ignoring how his heart dropped at how he flinched slightly. He gently cupped Adam’s face, tilting his head upward. “Can you look at me?” 

Adam slowly opened his eyes, scanning Shiro’s face over and over again. 

Shiro took a soft breath, “I love you. I love you so much.” He leaned forward, pressing their lips together. He pulled back after a moment, “I never stopped loving you.” 

-----

<33333

Thank you for reading <33333

[klanced]

@neithercrazynorfree​ Thank you Salome, you’re one of our best. This has truly given me much to think about.

I agree with you that Coran definitely serves more every-day cunt. 🤔 Like canon basically gave us crumbs when it came to clothes but I have to give credit where credit is due: Coran rocked a tight corset and the Chanel kitten heels the whole show. I have to respect it! 😳🫣 Coran knew he was about to go into a cryochamber for 10,000 years and he SPECIFICALLY made sure to go for the timeless look!! (The slutty little waist like okayyyyyy coran!) He might have been cryofrozen but Coran’s pussy pops eternally! 😚🤪 Don’t worry Mr. Smythe. I saw your Chanel kitten heels. 🫡

Ultimately though I do agree that at the end of the day it’s about the intensity of the cunt... And in that regard Allura wins hands down. 😌💯 The show wanted Allura to be reserved and polite so badly but they could not contain her. Those few moments we got where she was finally able to break free of the narrative were CHOICE. I clapped and cheered when she tossed Lotor around. 😊 I think she should have been meaner to Keith in Season 2 honestly, like she deserves the space. WHY did they tease us with the mice hairdo scene and then never follow up with more styles... 😵‍💫😖

Also THANK you for talking about the pink Chanel suit, MY FAVORITE LOOK!!! 🤩🤩🤩 I will never let go of the fact that Pink is the color of Mourning on Altea. Paladin Allura is an EASY motherquake measuring 9.9 on the cunter scale 🫨🫨 i HAVE to give credit where the credit is at! 😍😍 Also like even when she isn’t serving she’s still serving... I used to think that the dress she wore on her date with Lance was really boring but I’m looking at it again and y’know what... Pink Date Dress, perhaps I treated you too harshly, you are kind of cute... 🫣 idk even when the outfits are ugly Allura brings the cunt. I saw your pink Allura!! I salute you!

the one thing I disagree with you on is when you called Coran’s space pirate costumes ugly. Those were actually camp ☝🏼🤓

Anyway here are my updated Team Voltron cunt power rankings: 

1 Allura

2 Coran

..

3 Keith

4 Shiro

5 Hunk

6 Pidge

7 Lance

@klanced Ok I only have 30 minutes but this is what I was able to come up with in the parking lot before my shift 😭 If this is about who is habitually more cunty, the answer is Coran, but if it’s about levels of cunt served when it’s dished out, I think it has to be allura….. right? Allura’s poised demeanor only makes her displays of cuntiness that much more major imo… I’m thinking specifically of when she bodychecked lotor, like she is not to be fucked with. I can see Coran accessing such levels of cunt but it just never happened so who is to say…

While Coran has an ass that won’t quit and unending charisma I think allura overall has more to work with. She’s a gorgeous celestial space princess plus all that hair good lord….. She also turns out more looks (served cunt as a giant galra woman, the mice hairdo, her custom pink Chanel space suit (her color isn’t even part of the voltron color scheme, doesn’t even COMPLEMENT IT…. Cunt)) and has better taste than him (evidenced by the ugly disguises he gave the team during the mall episode).

I don’t know…. This is a really tough one. When it comes down to it though I rly think destiny/circumstance just ordain that allura WILL serve the most cunt.

[shatterinseconds]

Magic

Klancetober ‘21 week 2

“Hey, do you want to grab a bite to eat?” Lance asks after he enters the shop. The brass bell above the door falls silent by the time Lance reaches the checkout area. He has a grin on his face as he rests against the counter while Keith just looks at him with a deadpan expression.

This vampire has been bothering Keith since he took over working at the shop a month ago when Shiro and Adam went on their well deserved second honeymoon. 

Running a witch’s shop is as boring as he suspected. He creates charms, casts spells, and brews potions for well meaning clients. But everyone comes and goes. He hasn’t seen the same face twice over the past couple of weeks even though the shop has been relatively busy. Except for Lance of course. Basically, he’s the only customer Keith gives a flying fuck about.

Lance makes the work day interesting with his stupid jokes and brilliant smile. If Keith hides a small grin whenever he spots Lance walking past the large front window, that is nobody’s business.

Keith arches an eyebrow. “Am I the meal in this scenario?”

“Haha, very funny. Pun was so not intended.” Lance bares his teeth in a grimace, fangs and all. “Besides, your blood probably tastes terrible with all your witchy protection charms.”

Keith’s long hair spills around his shoulders, catching in the collar of his shirt, as he leans forward. His lips quirk into a slight smirk. “You know the saying: you don't know until you’ve tried.”

Eyeing him with some interest, Lance skirts his gaze over Keith’s exposed neck. A dark blush rests faintly on his cheeks. Keith almost laughs. “That sounds like a challenge you don’t want to make,” Lance finally says, visibly swallowing.

Keith sighs and refocuses his energy on why he’s behind the counter. He plasters on his fake retail smile--he promised Shiro he’d be on his best behavior after all. “So what do you want this time? Looking for more spell books for your friends or sunblock potions--though I’m pretty sure I made you a batch last week.”

Lance’s friends seem to have him do all the errands, on the sole fact that Keith has never seen them step into the store since he started working--though, he has heard all about them. It’s always Lance alone. But he never appears to be put off by it, so who is Keith to judge?

It takes a moment for Lance to respond, and Keith absently fiddles with a charm he has to put on display, peering at Lance through his fringe.

Sheepishly, Lance palms the back of his neck, ruffling his short hair. Then his hands slide into his jean pockets as he rocks back on his heels. “Uh no, I was actually serious earlier. I was wondering if you wanted to go out to lunch with me. As in, like a date.”

Keith’s head snaps up; a bright blush burns his face. “Oh.” He stops fiddling with the inventory before him. He’ll catalogue those charms later, and he pushes them into a haphazard pile off to the side. More pressing matters call his attention. “Seriously?”

“Yes seriously.” Lance’s eyebrows shoot up so high that they become hidden behind his hair. His mouth pops open in disbelief or outrage--one of the two, Keith can’t tell. “Why are you so surprised!? I’ve been flirting with you since we met. Don't tell me you never noticed?”

“I’m sorry; I didn't realize you calling me a jackass when we first met was your special brand of flirting.”

Lance waves his arms, gesturing wildly at Keith. “I was flustered! You caught me off guard! I was expecting Shiro.”

Keith hums in response to Lance’s defense. As much as he loves to watch Lance flounder, that cocky, confident attitude disappearing in a flourish, he quickly shows mercy. “I have ten minutes until my break if you don't mind waiting.”

It takes a second for Keith’s words to sink in. He watches as Lance’s eyes slowly widen, his mouth moving upwards at the same time. He hops up onto the counter with so much delight that even Keith isn’t cruel enough to tell him to get off. Lance leans forward, his shoes pounding against the side of the counter rhythmically. Keith arches his head to look up at him. 

“I don’t mind at all.” Lance grins. 

Keith mirrors his expression openly.

[stressedsnake]

Ok so i finished vld like a few hours ago and i already published a post saying what i disliked about the finale/season 8, so here's the way i would have done it:

1. Instead of the forced Allurance plot line(as i hv said before many many times, they come off as awkward friends than an actual couple) I would have let Allura develop a closer relationship with the rest of the paladins and would have lance grow closer with other people and prove how important he is. (The show's writers completely fucked his arc up,I'll make a post on that later). Honestly the show went downhill the moment they switched lions. .Don't believe me? The switch completely screwed up Shiro,Lance,and Keith's characters. I'll have to make several posts about this.

2.Instead of killing lotor, i would have kept him in the team. Tbh the betrayal didn't make any sense. Plus he seemed to be genuinely in love with allura and vice versa. This would have kept us from getting the awkward allurance plot which was too rushed and too sudden and instead an actual story about love and an abuse victim healing. They managed that very poorly.

3. LANCE DESERVED SO MUCH BETTER. They could have made a beautiful story of realizing your self worth and being comfortable with who you are, BUT NO THEY REDUCED HIM TO A COMIC RELIEF FARMER WHICH HONESTLY IS SO RACIST. Instead of making him step out of Keith's shadow they made him the paladin of the red lion. Which .is .stupid .as. fuck.

4.They should have made Keith and lance actually talk, like keith helps him realize that he isn't worthless ,that he's important and deserves the world. Or even Shiro and Lance would have worked, because Lance looked up to Shiro and craved his approval.

5. They should have worked more on all the relationships tbh, they managed to ruin the garrison trio completely and developed a beautiful familial friendship into a we work together situation.

6. ALLURA DIDN'T HAVE TO DIE. Ik plot this plot that, whatthefuckever, she didn't have to die at all. I feel like by the time we reached the end of the season, the writers were just throwing darts on ideas with their eyes closed

7. Honerva, should have had a better redemption arc, instead of making her a complete madwoman, they should have at least went back and tried to flesh out her character. They literally reduced her to a plot device.

8. Shiro should have remained the paladin of the black lion and the Holt family should have taken over Atlas,they could have developed an amazing storyline with shiro learning to trust other people and healing from his ptsd.

9.YOU KNOW WHO HE COULD HAVE DONE THAT WITH? ADAM. They didn't even confirm on the show that they were fiances and i will forever be bitter about that. THEY HAD NO FUCKING REASON TO KILL HIM.

10. In short they needed to work on the relationships more and take a look at who they were killing.

[kismetconstellations]

From what I have seen, initially, people seemed to have been drawn in by the cliched rivalry, construing Lance's deliberately targeted childish remarks and Keith's defensive reactions to them as flirtation and "sexual tension". I see Keith's, "We had a bonding moment. I cradled you in my arms!", brought up quite frequently as some sort of "evidence", instead of being taken for what it is-- A joke.

Keith expressing compassion and physical affection for anyone other than Shiro is difficult, and he felt like Lance was rejecting his attempt at burying the hatchet and becoming friends. Hence the dismay, offense, and confusion.

Basically, "I did what Shiro, my model for positive social interaction, would have done. Why don't you like me?"

Keith is aloof, emotionally repressed, and somewhat socially stunted, but he wants to bond with his teammates. Otherwise Allura's coldness toward him post-the "Keith is Half-Galra" reveal wouldn't have cut him so deeply. He's also impulsive and hot-tempered, leading him to be easily goaded into firing back at Lance and accepting Lance's ego-driven pissing contests.

Like when they both decided to send their Lions plummeting at full speed toward the ground during the exercise where they were supposed to be learning how to see through their Lions' eyes.

Shippers will latch onto any interactions between their chosen characters and tout them as "proof" of something. For the most part, it's an utterly harmless practice kept within fandom circles.

But, certain shippers in the VLD fandom took their shipping too far, allowing themselves to become entitled brats who thought they were within their rights to demand their ship be made explicitly canon. And, they still act like they were denied something they deserved, to this day, even after their actions were responsible for giving this fandom its noxious reputation and permanent place in online infamy.

Shipping K/L is fine. The pairing does nothing for me, as I find it exceptionally bland and milquetoast, but if it appeals to a person, I won't begrudge them that. You do you; love what you love. Simply shipping K/L isn't enough for some people, however. They have to claim that people who ship other pairings, such as Sheith, are "nasty", complain that the wonderful gay representation viewers were given in the form of Shiro isn't "good enough", because they don't find Shiro attractive/don't personally project onto him and can't get off to the fantasy of him having sex with Adam or the piece of set dressing, and whine that they were "baited", because...

Lance came to Keith for relationship advice and Keith encouraged him.

The way a good leader and a good friend is supposed to.

Ignoring, of course, that the scene L/K shippers lose their minds over, calling it, "the gayest thing I've ever seen", is basically a rehash of a scene between Keith and Shiro from the season prior, with Keith now in Shiro's position. (The older, more mature party offering sage wisdom to his struggling younger companion.)

Though, in Keith and Shiro's case, Shiro was actually asking questions, intent on learning more about Keith, himself. Whereas with Keith and Lance, the conversation served to bolster Lance's confidence in himself and his ability to be a good boyfriend to Allura.

It's up to you whether or not you see this as legitimate "bonding", or a superior officer supporting one of his insecure underlings.

As someone who was legitimately repeatedly baited by a showrunner, I can echo @sockdooe's sentiment that K/L shippers have no idea in the slightest what queerbaiting is. It is not fans obsessively latching onto a pairing, harassing the showrunners with demands to make it canon, and then going apoplectic scorched-earth when they aren't given exactly what they wanted presented to them on a silver platter.

@sockdooe, I apologize in advance if you're as clueless as I am, but I genuinely want to know.

What is the L/K "queerbait" I keep seeing people complain about? Did something major happen between Lance and Keith in seasons Five and Six-- like, they leaned in toward each other as if they were going to kiss only for it to be a gag/fake out?

I watched five seasons of this cartoon and saw absolutely no hint of anything baity with those characters.

Though I do see the validity in claims that fans were baited by Adam's significance in the show being hyped up

only for his actual role to not amount to much more than another means of hurting Shiro, this, in my opinion, is the closest the show got to genuinely baiting its audience:

There's no reason to animate Keith moving in for a hug this way, other than to give the impression that he was about to kiss Shiro like he's the fairytale prince to Shiro's Sleeping Beauty.

Continuing to interpret two teenaged boys butting heads and competing with each other as "sexual tension", even after, from what I read, the voice actor for one of those boys confirmed that his character is exclusively attracted to women, does not count as legitimate queerbaiting.

[scorp2510]

AFD - The chat

"So…is everything ok?" Lance asked when finally he could take a break with Keith in the cafeteria school. It was past seven p.m but he was lucky to find him doing his homework there.

"Lance" Keith exhaled tiredly. Putting his sketchbook aside and sees him like he just announce to him about six projects, two exams, and five more homework for tomorrow "Not now"

"When then?" He asked without giving him a chance to run out of that pep talk.

"..You really don't gonna drop the subject, are you?"

"Nope and you know it Kogane. Now, spit it out" Lance smiled when he saw how his friend relax his shoulders a little. "I'm gonna wait here until you talk about that night or else.."

"or else?" Keith mocked, not believing that he could threaten him with something really serious.

"Or else I'll follow you to your apartment" That was his best threat, he wouldn't think that could be effective and was thinking of another punch to add power to his words, but apparently only that line was sufficient to Keith. Because with that said, Lance saw how his smile disappear and he was tense in his chair. "…You know I will"

"…You can't say a word about this" that was Keith's turn to threaten him "Not even Hunk. Only Matt knows about this"

Lance couldn't help but look puzzled and relieved at that. Sighing with a smile and notice how much tension he released when his muscles melted on his chair.

"Oh thank lord"

"What?"

"For a moment I thought you…" Lance shut up as the realization hit him after he spoke. It was late to rub away his suspicion now that Keith was seeing him with confusion. "….I…I thought that you, you know"

"No, I don't know what you are talking about, I didn't even say anything"

"Yeah yea I know. But if you by accident had an affair you wouldn't talk about it with Matt"

"What?!" Keith almost stood up for his place and saw him with disbelief and clearly offended

"Buddy, relax! I know you wouldn't do it on purpose or own will! That's why I was more worried!"

"Then you think…" Keith grunted while covering his face, massaging his temple. "No Lance, no one forced me to do anything. It was more embarrassing than that"

"Now I'm aware that we have a different priorities scale" Lance replied with a grin, less alarmed but now more curious. "Sooooo, what happened?"

Keith let out another grunt before eyeing Lance.

"I promise I won't tell Hunk, Pidge, or anyone. Not even if you make me angry" He swore with a smile and waited for Keith to open up.

"…FINE. That night I was…under a lot of stress and other stuff" Keith began to retell and remember everything "I argue with Matt because he has his things to worry about, I have my own. You know, the same shit I argue with Shiro"

Lance nodded while his chest felt light. Because Keith was trusting him enough to talk about something only his boyfriend knew.

"So…I left early, my people battery got low"

"More than usual?"

"…More than usual" he agreed with a little smile "Then…I went autopilot to my dorm, my roommate was awake" Lance stop smiling when he saw how tense and uncomfortable Keith was. Just what the hell happened? "He…he helped me to sober up a little" Keith rested his head on his palms as if the hangover was hitting him again. "And I fucking started a therapy session WITHOUT a therapist"

Lance waited for him to more details. But Keith didn't add any more.

"Wait…so…you vented?" He asked cautiously and was more relieved when the other nodded.

"With a guy, I barely met"

"…Oh"

"And the next morning he was all 'Oh Keith, yesterday the true brotherhood began' and grab one of my MCR hoodies because 'that's what bros do' and fucking left"

At that Lance gasped and covered his mouth

"Omg, did we have news from the hoddie?"

Ok, maybe he deserved that kick for the pun. But he was aware of how important and vulnerable situation Keith was in.

"Look, if he tries to be a jerk about it just give us a call and with pleasure, we'll kick his butt"

"Don't you think I can do it? What I don't want to happen is him spreading all of the things I said"

"Keith, you have friends that love you." Lance put his hands under the table to avoid the urge to hold Keith's hand "Have some faith in us man."

It wasn't like everyone had a crush on him (Lance hoped), just him. And no one was going to judge him, it was true, everyone loved him.

"So, relax man. You finally got to college, try at least to enjoy it"

Keith was silent for long seconds before sighing and nodding, smiling weakly but visibly more relaxed.

"I'll try, thanks Lance"

Lance suppressed a smirk to put on the best proud smile he had. Maybe he could use his crush situation to get Pidge to investigate a little about a said roommate, only to be sure that he wasn't an ass.

Previous

[writing-protocol]

Poison

Contains angst and a dying Blade. The ending is ambiguous.

Keith doesn’t even know the name of the Galra resistance leader who poisoned him. All he remembers is a grating voice telling him about a slow-acting poison running through his veins.

“Don’t worry, I have the antidote, but you’ll have to earn it.” The asshole laughs. “I’m going to let you escape, and I want you to lead your team back here. Once I’ve finished with them, you’ll get the antidote. You have three cycles. Deal?”

The Blade doesn’t even hesitate. “Deal.”

He ends up in a broken single-person flier at the nearest coalition base with coordinates he’s supposed to share with the rest of the paladins. Instead, they get on a video call, and he’s up-front about the whole ordeal. He knows he can’t avoid discussing the consequences, but in his mind, protecting the team comes first.

“It’s an ambush, nothing else. The leaders aren’t even there.” He can see Kolivan in the background, muttering to himself.

“And they let you escape?” Lance asks because of course he does.

“They said they gave me something.” Keith doesn’t elaborate. “It doesn’t matter. What does is that my ship came from their actual base. Its flight plans and navigation are scrambled to hell and back, but maybe Pidge can do something with them.”

“Already on my way,” says the bright-eyed engineer, “and I can tinker with it remotely while en route.”

“Gave you something?” Shiro asks slowly.

At this moment, the admiral is aboard the Atlas and parked somewhere around Earth. He’s ferrying Allura and Lance back to New Altea, and it’s almost time for their scheduled departure. Keith doesn’t exactly relish the upcoming conversation, but he doesn’t dwell on it either.

“He claimed it was deadly but slow. All I know.” The Blade nods to the door. “Medics took a blood sample in case they can figure out what it is.”

“And if they don’t?”

Keith shrugs. “Something, something honor. They will. Or I might get lucky. Or not. Regardless, none of you are stepping into a fucking trap setup by literal madmen on my behalf.”

---

Kolivan pings him privately about a debriefing. If his lifespan will be counted in hours, possibly complete with mental decline, they need to get as much information out of his head as physically possible in the meantime. He’s not relishing this part, either.

He shakes his head. “I need to talk to Kolivan. I know this is hard.” Keith takes the tone of a leader, the one he fucking hates. “I will speak with all of you later, I’m sure.”

He’s not looking forward to the friendly interrogation he’s about to walk into, but there’s just no time. It’s all necessary for the Blades to figure out the next steps. Kolivan’s on the other line, ready to grill him for as long as he breathes, presumably, so they can take down another separationist cell.

But all Keith wants is Shiro’s comforting warmth in his arms, and he can’t have that across the space of the universe.

Later, after the debriefing is done, Keith calls Shiro directly and asks for a private connection. He doesn’t know what to say, but silence doesn’t appear to be an option. Not when he has a dozen unread messages, and more missed calls than he dares to think about it.

He’s also married to this man, and he can’t avoid his husband for long.

“Keith!” It’s a bellow, and maybe he deserves that. “What the actual fuck?”

“Sorry.”

“I love you, Atlas and I are on our way, so you… better be there when we land.” Shiro’s expression is caught somewhere between righteous anger and endless fear. “Stars above, what happened?”

Keith doesn’t think Shiro wants another mission debrief. “I don’t know. I was careful, followed the protocol to the letter, it was supposed to be a diplomatic engagement. Blades don’t fuck up like this.”

“Shit, baby, I know. I know you. You’re not careless, and you don’t miss red flags.”

“Yeah, so…”

“Do you think they were telling the truth?”

Keith nods hesitantly and chews on his lip. “They injected me with something. I heard them whispering something about how they’ve seen this shit fuck up Galra twice the size. So, probably.”

“Fuck.” Shiro paces his living quarters like a lion trapped in a cage.

“Shiro…” Keith’s voice comes out soft and the words catch on his tongue. “I love you. I always have and always will. If I don’t get to say it again.”

“Don’t! Please, Keith.”

Keith can’t promise not to die, not when he didn’t set the timetable. The Blade feels tears burning in the corners of his eyes. He’s hollow inside like reality hasn’t quite settled in. He knows he’s dying, and understands rationally that his body is sick, but emotionally he’s still catching up.

“I miss you.”

“We’ll be there in just under three cycles.”

Neither of them mentions that it will be too late, that the cold equations of space travel and living bodies don’t lie.

“I’ll see you when you get here,” Keith offers, thinking that perhaps pretending for another five minutes that everything is fine is good enough.

Shiro looks downright horrified. “No. Keith, not, that’s not what I meant. I would rather talk to you for as long as have than sit here. I just…” He sobs. “I’ve known a lot of helplessness in life, and none of it felt like this.”

“I wish you were here.”

“What about the space wolf?”

“He’s with mom on a rescue mission, and they’re still trying to get ahold of them. On account of… you know.”

“Are you OK? Do you feel sick?” Shiro asks.

“Not yet, at least not any worse than when I got here.” That was already a flavor of awful, bruised, battered, and dehydrated.

“You should lie down. Rest. Shower. Take care of yourself.”

Keith is definitely looking forward to all of those. They’ve assigned him a room with a private restroom, small mercy that, and he plans on not letting it go to waste. “You, too.”

“Just don’t hang up, OK?”

Keith looks down at what remains of his tattered uniform and starts stripping out of it. Shiro has seen him naked plenty before, and the new bruises are what they are.

“Yeah, OK. Of course. I’m here. How was the peace accord renewal whatever it was?”

Shiro laughs through his tears, and it’s dark and agonizing. “More bullshit in one day than I usually see in months. I’m surprised Lance didn’t punch anyone given how the ambassadors behaved around his wife.”

Keith shakes his head in sympathy. “Thank goodness it’s over then.”

“For all involved,” his husband agrees. “Are you… going to say goodbye to the others?”

“I feel like I kind of should, you know?”

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, Keith.”

“I know.” He takes his PADD to the bathroom with him and starts the shower running. “But… closure will help them more than it’s going to help me, and I want that for them.”

“Don’t you dare say goodbye to me!”

Keith smiles and closes his eyes. “It’s going to be all right, Shiro. No matter what happens, you’re going to be all right. I know it.”

“Not without you,” Shiro mutters as his husband steps into the shower and shudders with pain.

Keith sleeps fitfully for a few hours and wakes in pain. It’s a new, dull ache that covers his whole body in a way no bruise ever has — the poison, if he has to guess. His mind feels like he’s swimming through a fog, and it takes a few minutes to get his bearings.

Still at the Coalition base, still safe, still… alive.

Shiro’s already calling him like he knows Keith is awake. “How’re you feeling?” are the first words out of his mouth.

Keith hunts his nightstand for a bottle of water. “Not great.”

“You look like you didn’t get any sleep.”

“I think I dozed. Bad dreams.” Keith drinks water and sighs. He feels fatigued despite the nap, his limbs heavy. “How’d you know I was awake?”

“I might’ve called in a favor to get access to your vitals.”

“Nice use of expensive technology.”

“Shut up. You should go to medical if you’re not feeling well.”

“And do what? Everything hurts. Them handing me pain meds won’t solve the problem, and my head already feels like cotton candy.” He shrugs and lies back down. “Talking to you is nicer.”

"Keith, let them help."

"If they can find an antidote, I'm sure I'll be the first to know. Have you slept?"

Keith's husband doesn't lie. "No. Just sitting here, thinking about you. About our wedding. Remember Kosmo nearly eating the damn wedding rings?"

"Far too well. 'Bad wolf,' never sounded more appropriate."

"And then the honeymoon. I didn't think the Garrison would let us leave for long enough to actually enjoy it."

The Blade chuckles. "I still don't know what Pidge told them to get them off our backs. I'm glad she did. I think those were the best two weeks of my life."

Tears stream down Shiro's face and Keith wishes nothing more than he could hold the man he loves, could wipe those tears away. They'd gone camping together, drove across a country, marveled at the night sky in each other's arms. Keith only wishes for more time, more chances to make happy memories. He looks down at the wedding ring, dangling on a chain around his neck alongside his dog tags. 

He hopes both make it to Shiro if he doesn't.

"I love you," he says into the silence. "You were like a brother to me, when I was a kid and desperately needed someone in my corner. And then you were an unwavering friend, a leader. I don't think we would have survived the war without you. But most of all, I treasure your love. I don't know where I'd be without it, without you."

"Keith... I... More than anything in the world, in the universe. I love you, too."

"I'm tired," Keith admits, eyes fluttering closed.

Rest easy," Shiro prompts him just as another call comes in and a familiar face appears on the screen.

---

Later, while Keith is once again dozing, Shiro is plotting a painful demise for the ones responsible. He will find them and end them in ways that the galaxy is unlikely to ever forget.

And if he has his way, Shiro will do it with his husband by his side.

[drowninginblox]

Season one

Season two

Season three

God.. this season… so much in so little time fr. B u t. I am a committed woman, and I will continue what I started.

So. Let’s get into this.

Keith’s heritage

I’m beginning to take back what I said in one of my prior posts about how I want to redo Keith’s heritage. Specifically about it being a secret to everyone on the team. I’m learning to love the way the show reveals that fact about him to the audience. Truly.

But I think he should know. Not everything, just that he's not fully human. And I still stand by the fact that his galra side should be more physical. Fucking love the galra Keith HC so much wE WERE ROBBED MEN-

Growing pains- Heavy spoilers. Watch Voltron already if you haven't bc I will be talking about (arguably) the best arc of the series

This is going to be something.

As of starting the third season, I really like the change. Purely because of how uncomfortable it is for everyone involved. It’s gonna be painful. The best kind though. Because even though we aren’t expecting it, we know that through the context of the show- this could’ve happened at any time, to any of the paladins

Voltron is out here saying actions have consequences, and that is very compelling. Both in concept and in execution.

I think this plot point is fucking amazing.

The question of where tf Shirio is after the season 2 finale is great, the natural progression of the lions is a stark but needed change (love prioritizing the narritive, I hope this keeps happening in the future), hell- the character growth is fucking phamominal (will talk about that after this point)

WE ALSO GET THE JOURNEY FUCK I LOVE THAT EP-

Also- THE INTRO CHANGES WITH THE CHANGING OF LIONS SO YOU DON’T KNOW WHO THE BLACK PALADIN IS- UGGHHH!!!

I fucking love it man. I'm rocking with what season 3 is giving me. But I'm afraid of what season 4 has to offer. I remember how Shiro's missing/dead arc resolves itself (in season 4ish) but i dont fully remember the indetween bits and the stigma of Voltron falling off by that point is blarring through my mind

Looking forward to that Shiro/Keith fight tho!

Now let’s take some time for the characters during this transition

Keith... god what can I say about him that hasn't already been said? probably nothing honestly. His responce to all of this is so natural and realistic. Of course he doesn't want the responciblity of the Black lion. Shiro was qualified to be leader, not him! Just because this is what Shiro wanted, dosent mean it's what he wants for himself. The struggle is delicious!

Lance is really mature about this AND I AM LIVING FOR IT. Its moments like this that reminds me that Lance is a wonderful addition to Voltron. A needed addition even. (I really wanna ramble about the five man band dynamic, but I'll link a video about it when I find it again right here) I want to see more of this!!!! Give me serious Lance for more than just a minute!!

Hunk and Pidge are bystanders. I’m sorry but other than comic relief and voices of reason, they are secondary to Keith, Lance and Allura. Bless them both. They deserve better. I can feel it as soon as the first episode- they are slowly being ushered into the background. It leaves a sour taste in my mouth with hindsight.

Allura is radiating vibes that I can’t describe other than- “o k a y girl I see you.” In all honesty, the more I watch the show the more distain I have for Allura comes out. That bratty privileged princess that acts on impulses rather than thinking things through is grating. Now this could easily be fixed with intervention in the form of someone more mature than her- for the first two seasons, it was Shiro. But now that he’s gone, that aspect of her is showing more and more and no one is actually going against her like Shirio did. When it was at its worst, Shiro was the only one to put himself in danger as a kind of surogate bodyguard while the rest of the group is on standby. But ever since Keith became leader, there’s this mentality of “if the princess is going we’re all going.” And it’s Stupid. Stand your ground man! Be the stuburn dude you are!! Pleasae, ctually think about this for a moment! The worst part is that if anyone brought up Allura's implusivity then it would be amasing character development to the person that dose and to Keith and Allura as well! Keith would have to repremend/ talk to Allura about how dangerous that is to her and the team and Allura would have to learn the consequences of her actions!

Coran, Im so sorry that you are given crumbs my man. I love you so much- You are THE FUCKING FATHER FIGURE WE NEED!!! IM SO SORRY YOU ARE TASKED WITH LORE DUMPING, YOU ARE MORE THAN JUST A PLOT TOOL

Forming voltron

Bitches got this down too quick ngl. More team bonding rather than trauma bonding please

FOR THE LOVE OF FUCK COLOR COORDINATE!!!

Make LANCE RED

MAKE KEITH BLACK

M A K E ALLURA B L UE

It’s fucking irritating

And yes, I think it’s cool that Allura wears pink and pink is a color that Alteans used to honor those who fought for them. That’s cool. But it pisses me off to see Allura with a freaking blue bracer, and in the blue lion wearing pink like it’s Wednesday. Get with the program bitch. There is a uniform.

IF ANYTHING- give these bitches highlights for the lions they used to pilot. For example, give Keith a black uniform with red highlights along the shoulders or arms

Lotor

Mans said reading is fundamental 💅✨

I love his introduction. Manipulating the people into this unification that’s obviously distinct from his fathers but at the same time so traditional. Dude knows what he’s doing and he is going to do it for as long as he can.

This man also having combat prowess is fucking scary. He feels like more of a threat than his dad.

I also love his task force. Having a entourage that is distinctly other from the majority of the population is such a bold choice, whether it be from an audience or in universe point of view, it shows that the prince isn’t like the king. He is willing to make use of what's given to him with little public fuss.

Only critism I have is that I don't know any of these bitches names. Yall have them- please use them?

Allurance

Believe it or not, I can see more groundwork for the ship at the start of this season

With the passing over of the lions in Shiros absence, it’s allowing more neuance given the current plot.

Even though Keith and Lance don’t like it, they have to change because they’re in a time of change. War forces change.

I wish we can see that bleeding over to Coran, considering that his surrogate daughter is now on the front lines. But c’est la vie ig

Im rambling- Allurance

I can see this ship being built up but I don't know how to feel about the foundation yknow? I understand that the lion change would force Lance to mature. I love that shit. Good shit.

The slight role reversal Lance has with Alurra is refeshing. Love serious Lance

But like I said before- I don't like Alurra this season.

It also doesn't help that lance is still on his loverboy shit. Wich is fine! I have nothing against the trademark! I swear! It's just annoying that Lance has a specail place in his heart for Allura but continues on to swoon to/over every pretty girl he sees.

For the love of god- say dedicated Lance!! If you did maybe you'd get the girl!!

“Hole in the sky”

Desusex Machina the episode but I kind of like it

I hope someone made a fanfic out of this episode

The other reality is honestly v compelling it’s such a waste we only see it once

Shiro

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

FUCK THE JOURNEY WAS SO GOOD-!!!

Honest that whole episode makes up for the fact that dDeamworks had a Shirio bias my GOD

That episode was such a good lesson in (mostly) show don’t tell

And it still leaves the question of WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO SHIRO MY GOD

All of this to say, I’m torn.

Part of me wants the finality of Shiros death but the idea of Shiro clones is so good to me

Eh, I’ll figure it out.

So babes, rather than ramble about how long it’s been since I’ve done this I’d like to get an opinion from y’all.

Anyways that’s it. Take care of y’allselves

[thorin-is-a-cuddler]

Beach Rules

A/N: Paladins at the beach? Sure! Platonic everyone. This is Keith and Shiro centric. And there’s loads of tickling and simping, yay :D

„Is that…“

„No, it can’t be!!“

„Oh, but, but… guys, it’s…“

„A beach!“ Shiro stepped out of the castle, joining Pidge, Lance and Hunk on the surface of this vacation worthy planet with a disbelieving expression.

Allura followed, taking her helmet off and actually giving one of her rare honest smiles. „Yes, a beach. This is the planet of Basoria. 10 000 years ago, this planet has already been one of my favorite places to be. It seems incredible that the Galra haven’t taken over it. But since there are no intelligent beings on here, they probably didn’t see the point. It’s a save place. Coran and I wanted to offer you this. A day off at the beach. With everything you’ve already done, paladins, I am happy if I can give you something back.“

The three younger paladins shrieked happily, shouting their thanks as they took off running for the shore, shoes flying and jackets landing in the sand. Shiro turned his head to look at Allura with a smile. „This is amazing, Allura. I think you couldn’t have made them happier.“

Allura tilted her head and put a hand on Shiro’s left arm. „I was hoping you would enjoy this as well, Shiro. You have been working harder than anyone of us. You deserve a day’s rest.“

Shiro opened his mouth in surprise, a little overwhelmed by so much attention and a little lost for words. Fortunately Keith chose excatly this moment to step out between them, a grumpy expression on his face. „A beach?“ He asked with a raised eyebrow, obviously sceptical about something that involved such a big amount of fun.

Allura narrowed her eyes at him in annoyance, having hoped for a rather different reaction. „Yes, Keith. A beach. A place for relaxation and happiness. I’m glad to see that it disgusts you so much.“

Allura went to take off her armor inside the castle, mumbling intelligibly under her breath. Keith merely sniffed and shrugged as the princess moved away, crossing his arms over his chest and looking outside with a wary expression. Three cheerful paladins were splashing around in turquoise water. They were still dressed in t-shirts and pants, but didn’t seem to care a bit about the additional soaked weight. Keith had never seen them this outgoingly happy.

He felt a weight on his shoulder and saw that Shiro had put his hand on it, an encouraging smile on his face. „Go on, Keith. Don’t worry so much. I bet it’s fun out there. Give it a try.“

Keith tilted his head slightly and looked away, a little crease appearing between his eyebrows. „Hmmm. I don’t know, Shiro.“

The warm dark eyes of the older paladin changed, giving room for worry. This guy managed to catch up to everything. „What is it?“

Keith huffed and shook his head slightly, fond of Shiro being so perceptive, yet at the same time wishing he weren’t. „It’s just… I don’t know. I- I’ve never… well, I’ve never been to a beach before. My father and I never went on vacations, you know.“

Keith shuffled around slightly, trying to act as indifferent as he could, while he was actually dying from insecurity inside. He sent a tentative side glance in Shiro’s direction and saw the realization in his expression. Keith smiled and shielded his eyes against the sun.

„I think it’ll come naturally to you, Keith.“ Shiro said softly, making Keith look at him again in surprise. „All we have to do is go out there and… do the next best thing.“

Keith blinked at him, pretty unsure about this much spontaneousness. „And what would that be?“

Shiro put his finger on his lips thoughtfully, making Keith start to consider that maybe Shiro had just as little clue what to do at a beach as he had. His features softened a little at that impression. Where Shiro knew pretty much everything about him, there was little Keith knew about Shiro in connection to his past. Shiro kept most things locked away behind so many doors that walking through all of them could take years. Keith had barely managed to walk through the half of them.

He sighed deeply and slid out of his jacket, leaving it in the castle. „Let’s start by making ourselves more… beach ready.“ Keith made an awkward motion towards his t-shirt and then bent over to take off his shoes and roll up the legs of his pants.

Shiro smiled at that and copied Keith’s actions, stripping to his sleeveless muscle shirt and rolling his pants up as well. For a second he was insecure about the bulgy skin where his right shoulder merged into the metal arm. But then a sudden feeling took over him and made him forget about any insecurities. Was that… giddiness he felt in his stomach?

There suddenly was so much energy inside of him that he had to get rid off. He looked at Keith staggering around on one leg as he tried to keep the material of his pants rolled up on the other leg. And a grin spread out on his face.

He suddenly knew exactly what he had to do.

„Keith..“

Keith looked up in time to manage a very surprised yell, before a very strong arm wrapped around his middle and lifted him off the floor. „SHIRO WHAT ARE YOU-“

„I know what we have to do!“

Keith clawed his fingers into Shiro’s foreram, holding on to him tensely as the pilot started running with Keith dangling from his side, shaking him quite thoroughly. Despite that Keith almost sighed in relief as fresh air ruffled his hair and blew under his shirt, giving him goosebumps and drying his sweat. It felt like flying through the desert with Shiro all over again. The memory of their races untied a knot in Keith’s chest and he suddenly had to let out a laugh as Shiro readjusted his grip on him, lifting him even higher than he’d been before.

„Don’t drop me!!!“

Shiro’s smirk was audible in his words as he raised his voice as well. „Oh, I will drop you in a bit!“

Keith tensed up again and looked to where Shiro was headed. Pidge, Hunk and Lance in the water had noticed their approach by now, curious happy smiles on their faces as they got closer at a dizzying speed. The realization hit Keith and he started struggling, almost causing Shiro to drop him himself.

„NO YOU WILL NOT! DON’T YOU DARE! SHIRO!“

But Shiro wasn’t bothered by Keith’s defiance in the slightest. His soft laughter mixed with Keith’s gasps and yelps and put a warm feeling in his shaking stomach.

Keith’s struggles grew stronger the closer they got to the water, forcing Shiro to swing Keith’s in front of his chest to be able to hold him there with both his arms.

Keith’s fists drummed against Shiro’s forearms, as the pilot reached the shore and took a few steps into the water. How Shiro managed to stay strong enough to hold him like that with all his laughter was a freaking mystery to the paladin of the red lion. „Enough with the violence,“ Shiro chuckled, „Time to cool your head!“

Keith’s knees were pulled up to his chest and he was eagerly trying to keep himself in that pulled up position by wrapping his hands around Shiro’s head behind him and holding on. „I DON’T THINK SO!!“

„Oh, but you will let go,“ Shiro growled, a playful tone to his voice that made Keith’s stomach drop.

„YOU CAN’T MAKE ME!!“

„Ah, Keith, you really bring this upon yourself,“ Shiro chuckled and kept his metal arm wrapped around Keith’s middle, the other suddenly dangerously unoccupied and close to his side and ribs and this was when it clicked, but too late.

„SHIRO WAIT-“ Keith shouted out in panic, trying to pull himself up higher to get away, but it was to no use. Shiro’s fingers were already squeezing his side and making their way up and hell on earth, it tickled so much, Keith had never thought anything could tickle this much.

Any plans for holding back his giggles were diminished immediately, as he broke out into hysterical squeals and deep uncontrollable laughter, twitching around like a fish as Shiro’s fingers were crawling up his side, over his ribs and right in the center of his exposed armpit. He really meant to keep his hands behind Shiro’s head, pulling at his hair to keep from being dropped. But forget that, he couldn’t take this without fighting back. It felt like Shiro was tickling him with twenty fingers at least where he was only using five and it wasn’t fair and it led to Keith’s unavoidable fate.

„SHHIHIIHRO NOHOOO PLEEEHEHEHEASE!!“

„I won’t stop until you let go!!“

„BUT THEN YOU’LL DROOHOHOP MEE!!“

„Beach rules, Keith. You are obligated to have fun!“

One last arch in Shiro’s arm, then Keith couldn’t stand it anymore and he tore his arms down, trying to push Shiro’s assaulting hand as far away from his ticklish torso as possible, when it was already time for a dive in the waves of Basoria.

Keith shrieked, when Shiro’s arms suddenly stopped holding him, honest to God shrieked - as if he’d needed any more embarrassment in front of the others. The cold water caught him quite gently though. There were no burns at the impact of the water, there was no water shooting up his nose. There was just a nice feeling of floating around and having his hair fly around his head.

He welcomed the feeling happily. But only for a few seconds. Then his wish for revenge grew too strong and he speedily made his way back up to the surface. He managed to find a stand on the sandy underground, the water up to his chest where it had been up to Shiro’s waist.

Shiro. With narrowed eyes and wet hair clinging to his forehead he saw Shiro quickly making his way deeper into the water, looking over his shoulder, laughing breathlessly.

„OH YEAH YOU BETTER RUN!! JUST YOU WAIT TIL I GET YOU BACK!“

Shiro almost slipped from laughter at Keith’s bubbly attempts oto swim after him, completely out of breath, but fueled with the desire to give him a taste of his own medicine.

In the meantime Pidge was busy climbing on top of Hunk’s shoulders in her soaked shirt, where she held on to Hunk’s hair with one hand, pointing at Shiro with the other and letting out a war cry that would have scared away Galrans. „FUGITIVE ON THE RUN! GO GET HIM! AID OUR TORTURED FRIEND!!!“

Keith almost sunk under the surface from his surprised laughter. He hadn’t expected the others to come to help him. They liked to watch Shiro tickle him into madness during sparring matches rather comfortably. But this. Maybe this was also part of the beach rules. Everyone against the strongest one. It seemed like a good rule to Keith.

Shiro on the other hand was barely able to bring much more distance between himself and the others as panicked laughter started to slow him down. Lance was gaining on him, as Hunk grabbed Pidge from his shoulders and used all his strength to throw her in Shiro’s direction, getting her closer to him as well.

Shiro thought it clever apparently to change tactics and stopped swimming in the one direction to make his way in the other one now.

Keith had to chuckle as he heard Shiro’s breathless gasps for air get closer. Alright, if this was a fun time at the beach he was sold. Now they only had to catch him.

„YOU GUYS, THIS ISN’T FAIR!!“ Shiro shouted, smiling widely as Pidge and Lance were getting awfully close.

„BEACH RULES!!“ Keith yelled as he too was getting closer to Shiro who was trying to make his way to the shore to be able to run away. He’d be way too fast for the other paladins if he managed to reach it. They couldn’t let him get away.

„Oh no, you will NOT!!“ Lance exclaimed passionately as Shiro was stumbling to his feet in the ankle high water. The plue paladin took a large dive and actually managed to pull Shiro down with a splash. The two of them rolled over in the warm part of the water, Shiro breathless from laughter already while Lance was yelling almost as loud as Pidge had before.

„You did it, Lance!“ Keith cheered as he too got to his feet in the low water, throwing himself on top of the other two. Shiro groaned with laughter at the additional weight and tried to push the two of them off of him.

„Now, just wait a second, just wait…“ Another weight took away Shiro’s breath as Hunk dropped down on top of Keith, slowly but successfully building a sandwich.

„We have him! Do we have him?“ Hunk spluttered and looked at his two friends underneath himself. Keith held up a thumb, despite the lack of air.

„We’ve got him! You guys are the best!!“

Pidge arrived with a wide smile on her face and was a bit reluctant to putting herself on top of the three boys as well. She didn’t have to anyway. Instead she dropped down next to Shiro’s face and grinned at him evilly.

„Ha, you didn’t see that coming, did you?“

Shiro glared at her, still out of breath, but he just couldn’t keep it up and a soft, playful expression was back on his face again in no time. „I guess Voltron’s bond must be really strong already. Just don’t lose your head in the process…“

All four of them groaned inexplicably loud at this bad pun and Pidge felt no sympathy for him in the slightest as she told the other three to give him hell just for that. Even though he was pretty doomed in his current position. He couldn’t move out from underneath the three boys and all of them put their hands to good use some place on his tall upper body. Hunk was pinching his sides, as Keith worked his hands under his arms and Lance immediately used his position for good access to Shiro’s ribs.

Pidge was blessed with the picture of Shiro throwing his head back in ticklish agony, his eyes squeezed shut and his mouth opened in the brightest smile, as beautiful laughter was shooting out of him.

He couldn’t fight off six hands with just two and Keith enjoyed strongly making him laugh this hard, especially with the aid of his friends. He could tell that Shiro was very fine with them having their fun like this and it warmed Keith’s heart that Shiro was so selfless and soft in every situation. He looked at Shiro throwing his head from side to side, shaking with incessant giggles and trying to arch his back against the overwhelming sensations and he just knew that Shiro would never stop doing whatever it took to make him happy and have fun despite the times they were living in.

He knew that there was no „Voltron losing their head“. Shiro’s love was the starting point of all bonding among the paladins. He was the heart of the group.

Keith certainly knew that. And the others would at the very latest agree now that Shiro’s determination had managed to connect all paladins in having fun together.

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

5.2

*** Mute prt 2

Premise: Having saved a planet the Paladins all get a wish. Langst.

Scene: Not dating but there’s some super heavy pining. Keith is with the Blades. Surgery. Self harm. This ones split into three because of the length. No alternative chapter.

A heavy mood set over the castle. The others might be upset, but Keith was devastated. He really couldn’t picture Lance never cracking a bad joke again. Or laughing… The idiot… he wanted the best for him. How was this best for him? Shuffling back in shortly before the timer went off, the rest of their team was solemn

“We spoke with the planet. We confirmed that Lance did indeed use his wish to remove his voice… They said he had four wishes he thought of. Two were about you. He wished you’d find your mother and he wished you were there so he could support your wish. And that the war would end soon”

Allura upset him all over again. Lance was such an idiot… he could have wished for something for himself… something good. He deserved something good

“And what were your wishes?! Did any of you wish for the war to end or think of anyone else? Well? What did you all wish for?”

Allura lowered head as she mumbled

“A bubble bath… I wished for a bubble bath”

“And you, Pidge?”

Pidge flinched under his glare

“Tech… Hunk wished for tech to help us preserve food longer… Shiro?”

“A massage…”

“So you all made wishes to benefit yourselves?”

The pod Lance was in gave a beep as the glass slid up. Keith jumping down off the bed and rushing to grab hold of Lance as he stumbled out

“You’re okay, Lance. I’ve got you”

“Sit hi- Lance down on the bed, Number four”

Taking Lance’s face in his hands, dazed eyes stared into his, Keith moving back to hugging Lance up against him

“Give him a moment… Lance, I’m so sorry. I didn’t get your message until earlier. Please… please tell me it isn’t true. Your voice… please…”

“Keith, let him sit. He just got out of a pod and probably has no idea what’s happening”

Shiro had a point. Pods always left you exhausted and frozen to the core. Guiding Lance over to sit on the bed, Coran brought a blanket over to wrap around Lance’s shoulders, Keith taking it off of him to fuss over Lance himself

“I’m sorry I didn’t get your message in time… Please… please tell me you didn’t…”

Lance opened his mouth then closed it, before dropping his head.

“Why Lance?! Why would do something like this?!”

“Pidge!”

Pidge glared at Shiro

“This is your fault too!”

“Harping on about it isn’t going to fix anything. Lance, can you answer us?”

Lance gave a small shake of his head. Keith moving to pull him back against him

“You… I can’t believe you didn’t tell me it’d gotten this bad. You must have been so scared”

Lance nodded against him as his body shook

“I wish you’d told me. Quiznak, Lance… I should have been here for you”

Lance shook his head. Coran clicking his fingers

“We’ll use the data pad. Then he can tell us why this happened”

To Keith it was obvious why it’d happened. Lance had reached the end of his strength to keep going and keep being belittled and made to feel useless. Coran bringing over the infirmary data pad

“Here. You can type on this, my boy”

As Lance went to take the data pad it nearly slipped. Keith grabbing it before it could

“I’ll hold it. You don’t have to explain if you’re not ready to”

Giving a shake of his head, Lance took the pad off of him. Tapping out his message on the screen

“You all wanted me to shut up so I did”

“Wait a moment…”

Shiro went to interrupt, Lance typing again for Keith to read out

“Don’t bother. I’m the useless dumb one. You told me to shut up yourself”

Lance had told him how he’d struggled with English after coming from a family where Spanish was the main language spoken at home. He’d learned English, the Garrison being his dream… but he felt more comfortable speaking Spanish

“I never told you to shut up. I wouldn’t have said it like that”

Allura let out a horrified gasp, everyone looking to her

“You did… Remember when Lance interrupted our briefing last phoeb? The one where he was acting as sniper”

“The one where Pidge pointed out the better position… Lance…”

Lance tapped on the screen again

“Keith’s back now. You don’t need a loser like me”

Lance was grinding those pieces of Keith’s broken heart right into the ground

“No… you never said…”

Why hadn’t Lance told him… right… Lance’s confidence was pretty much all a front to make everyone else feel better

“He’s your brother. Can I go back to my room now?”

Hunk’s shaky voice cut through the silence that hung after Keith read out Lance’s latest sentence

“We need to talk about this”

If Lance could talk, Keith gathered from his body language he was laughing. He wanted to grab Lance by the shoulder and shake him until he calmed down

“Right. Like we do that. I shut up. Shouldn’t you all be happy? I used my wish so you’d al be happy”

The shit actually believed it too. Keith taking the pad out of his hands, throwing it across the room where it hit the wall

“Happy?! How can I be happy?! You’re my best friend! Every message… I looked forward to every message”

Lance’s eyes went wide

“Yeah. That’s right. All our late night conversations! Why didn’t you tell me?! Am I that unreliable?!”

Shaking his head, Lance’s gaze dropped to his feet. Pidge scolding him

“Keith, yelling at him isn’t going to help”

“What else am I supposed to do?! He gave up his voice! Now we’re never going to hear him… I’m never going to… Why? Why couldn’t you tell me how much you were hurting? You… said you loved me, Lance”

“Wait, I thought you loved Lance?”

Lance’s head shot up at Hunk dobbing him in. Eyes searching Keith’s face for a trace of a lie, but what good was lying? Then again, what good was there in telling Lance he loved him after he let him down so badly?

“I do. I did… I don’t know what I feel now… other than… than really fucking angry. We’re going back to the planet. They did this to him. There has to be some way to reverse it”

“They said…”

Yeah. He’d heard it from Lance but if they were advanced enough to do the operation in the first place without anyone noticing, then they should be advanced enough to undo it to

“I don’t care what they said! This… this isn’t okay! He deserves more than this! Allura we need to open a wormhole…”

“Might I suggest that Lance gets some rest before we land on the planet? The pod may have healed him, but it’s still rough coming out of it. Isn’t it, my boy?”

Lance nodded. Keith once again wanting to shake him. They should be working on helping Lance, not going to bed… but… There he was, pushing his own fears on Lance who was already going through enough. Taking a breath, Keith forced himself to calm down before asking

“Lance, do you want to rest?”

Lance nodded quickly. He probably wanted to get away from them all as soon as possible

“Keith, why don’t you take Lance down to his room. We’ll call ahead and let you both know when we’re in orbit”

As Keith followed Lance, who’d smacked his hand away, he realised none of the team had apologised for driving Lance this far. They’d all sniped at each other, there’d been tears, but no apology. The walk between the infirmary and Lance’s room was painfully slow. When they finally did reach Lance’s room, Lance opened the door without saying anything. Keith’s heart dropping again when he realised he couldn’t even if he wanted to

“Do you want to be alone? Or can we talk? I mean… uh… I’ll talk…”

Lance shrugged, heading into his room, Keith making the split second decision to join him as the door started to slide shut. If he was going to get Lance to open up to him, he needed to make that opening.

“Lance… I’m sorry. I know you… you think you’re never good enough and it kills me that you do. Did you feel you couldn’t tell me you were being bullied?”

Picking up a towel off the floor, Lance stared down at it like he didn’t know what to do

“Please. I know I missed my chance to talk to you about this, but this is important to me. Did you feel you couldn’t tell me?”

With his eyes on the towel, Lance nodded

“Why? Did you think I’d be mad you?”

Lance’s shoulders slumped, but Keith had the feeling it wasn’t just that

“Did you think I’d be mad at the team? You… were trying not to stress me out, weren’t you?”

Lance nodded

“You’re… quiznak, Lance. No. Bullying isn’t okay. I’m so sorry I didn’t get here in time…”

Lance shook his head

“I know you’re trying to tell me it’s not my fault, but… you’re my best friend and you were hurting… still… I can’t believe you’d do this”

Tearing up, Lance dropped the towel to rush to hug him. It should have been the other way around

“Idiot. You’re never thinking about yourself… and now your voice is gone… Who else is going to call my hair a mullet, when it clearly isn’t? Sorry… sorry, I shouldn’t, I know you’re scared”

Lance nodded against him, his body starting to shake again

“I’m so sorry this happened. We’re going to make this right. We’re going to get your voice back…”

*

Being exhausted from the pod and crying himself out, Lance had fallen asleep next to him. Keith staying awake to silently watch over him. When they’d finally reached the planet Hunk came to let them know, the council of the planet wishing to see all five Paladins and him. Helping Lance into his armour, Lance really didn’t look up to leaving the castle. He’d gone to say something more than once, only to realise he couldn’t. Somehow Keith’s hand had made its way into Lance’s, staying there as they walked from the castle.

The planet was insane. Bright lights and huge towers dominated the landscape, with two androids greeting them to take them to the council chambers towards the centre of the city. Everywhere he looked, Keith could only shake his head at the overwhelming technology. To him it felt like this was the kind of place the Galra would be working towards, or maybe even how Diabazaal had once been. There wasn’t much in the way of anything green, not like the image of the farm Lance grew up on that Keith had in his head.

The council chambers sat inside a temple that could only be called a temple due to its styling and the fact that he’d seen some pretty out there temples since they’d been thrown into space. The chamber itself in the middle of an insanely tall tower that he hated. Why anyone would want to make a wish in this place was beyond him. It was like they were asking for trouble… or to be murdered.

“Calm yourself. We mean you no harm. I see granting the Paladin of Red’s wish has all caused you sorrow”

Shit. No. No way could they know what he was thinking… nope… shit… what if they knew what he was thinking…

“We do indeed. You do not trust us. Your heart aches for the young human beside you. And you are angry with us for granting his wish to be mute”

A heads up would have been nice… No one had mentioned this whole mind reading thing to him! So if they could read minds, they’d have to know how Lance felt and how much Keith wanted Lance’s voice back.

“We would like to know why you conducted surgery on him without making aware the fact to the rest of us”

Thank god Shiro could talk… Keith didn’t know what to say now.

“It was the Red Paladin’s wish. He wished for it so it was done. Although we may have not been upfront with you”

If one council member could be designated as the speaker of the group that would be great…

“What do you mean? You granted all our wishes…”

Allura asked the question Keith was sure all the others were wondering. Having not been there he had no idea what led up to the granting of the wishes

“We did, yet it would be best for you to see for yourselves”

Gesturing, five of the planet’s versions of a pod rose from the floor. Inside were copies of their team… This just got a hell of a lot weirder. Shiro angered immediately

“You cloned us?!”

“Indeed. How are we to form an alliance with Voltron when the Paladins are so… out of synch. I assure you that your original bodies suffered no harm”

What the actual quiznak?! Original bodies?! Hold up… So the Lance who confessed his love wasn’t actually his Lance at all? Where did that leave them? Glancing to Lance, Lance seemed equally shocked. Then again, it wasn’t every day you find out you’re actually a clone.

“You present yourselves a united team, yet your Red Paladin was filled with pain. Our test was to simply see how you would react upon learning of his wish”

“But… How? When? How are we all clones?”

Hunk was so shaken that there was no doubt in Keith’s mind that he had no clue.

“During your wish. The electronic signals in your brain are easily susceptible to light manipulation. A copy of you each was made”

“How did you know we would return?”

That was a pretty fucking valid point Shiro was bringing up.

“We had faith that your Keith would demand your return upon learning of Lance’s wish. Your Red Paladin has great faith in him”

So if he hadn’t come back… Then… And how… Lance had faith in him and knew that, but…

“How do we get our bodies back? You cloned all of us… What does that even make us right now?!”

Pidge didn’t seem as excited by the planet’s tech anymore. Hugging herself, she seemed paler than him.

“Reunion with your body is a simple task. Upon touching your original selves your current form will vanish into them, along with the memories of your time as a clone. However, before you do so, we suggest you take a moment to consider the ramifications of this past movement. You may present a united front, but you cannot stand as the saviours of the universe without being truly united. Each of you wished for relatively minor things, which was your saving grace”

The doors to each pod lowered. Keith didn’t know what to do with himself seeing he was holding one Lance’s hand and staring at another Lance. It seemed so cruel and absolutely crazy. It would have been better for Lance to forget all this happened. No doubt he’d be blaming himself for this for movements to come when it was the team who was really to blame seeing they’d pushed Lance this damn far. Taking half a step back, Lance breathing hitched, Keith moving to stand between and what was apparently Lance’s real body

“You’re not in trouble. I don’t know what it’s been like for you, but they did this. They did. They took your wish and used it as a test”

The way Lance bit his bottom lip told him that no matter what he said, Lance would think it was all on him

“I don’t understand what they’ve done. And I know you’re scared. I’m freaking the quiznak out right now, but I… I want to hear your voice. I want to hear you spend vargas listening to you talk about Cuba. I want to hear all about that time Marco was supposed to be watching you at the beach but was chatting up girls and you go so sunburned that your Mami smacked his arse red with her pink slipper. I want to know what you have to say. Your messages never annoyed me. None of them. Even when you were complaining about your face masks. I don’t know what comes next, but I’m not leaving you to face it alone. Like how you wouldn’t leave me alone when I was freaking out over Shiro going missing. That the team made you feel like this isn’t okay in the slightest. You… you keep Voltron together and you keep it going. I… I see that. I saw that before I left… and I’m sorry for my part in this. You’re not the dumb useless one. You’re Lover Boy Lance, our sharpshooter and gunsmith extraordinary… and my best friend”

Lance, who wasn’t actually Lance, stared at him with wide eyes. Keith wishing he could stalk off after unloading on him like that. The half-Galra equally mortified with what he’d said and sincere at the same time because he’d meant it. If only Lance could say something to break the silence

“Uh. Yeah… so… yep”

His mouth was digging the hole he was in deeper. He didn’t expect Not Lance to reach out and hug him tightly

“I’m not going anymore. Not until all this is sorted and we’ve all talked it out. And if it doesn’t turn out, I’ll bring you to the Blade with me. It’s hard enough being out here, but it’s even worse when you feel alone”

Lance gave him a firm squeeze before letting him go. Nodding at Keith, Keith hoped that meant Lance would be willing to give him a chance to help once he was back in his real body. He didn’t understand how Lance could be a clone and go through a pod only for the body he was in to disintegrate when he touched his own body, but this was space and the normal logic didn’t really apply. Especially not with all they’d witnessed.

Moving past him, Lance was the last to join the others in front of their clones, but the first to reach out to his. A bright red light coming from his body as it slowly turned to sparkling red particles, before vanishing. On instinct he rushed to catch Lance as the real Lance fell forward from the pod. The others were reconnecting with their own bodies, turning into particles that matched their lions, yet Keith only had eyes for Lance.

“Lance?”

Choked with emotion, Keith found himself hugged as Lance broke down crying. His voice raspy and low

“Keith… I fucked up…”

“You didn’t. Maybe a little but… but I’m not mad at you. Well I am. But I’m more mad at me”

“Not your fault”

“It is when my best friend is in this much pain. Do you remember?”

Lance nodded against him. Quiznak. This wasn’t going to be good for Lance’s confidence at all

“Okay. We need to have a talk about all of this, but I’m thinking you need some rest first. I’m so… so sorry… and I’m so relieved to hear your voice”

“But I’m annoying…”

“You’re only trying to make everyone around you feel better… I… wasn’t good with you to begin with. Not until it finally clicked. All you do, you do for the team”

Lance cried harder against him, both of them ending up on the floor as Keith held him close

“I’m sorry… oh, god… Keith… what did I do?”

“You made a very wrong decision, but thankfully we didn’t lose your voice forever”

“I don’t want to do this anymore! I’m tired, Keith”

“I know you are, Lance. I know. None of us signed up for this”

“Then why am I the only one falling apart? Why am I so weak?”

“You’re not weak. You’re not. I don’t know anyone who would go this far or standby making a wish like that”

Shooting a glare at the team, now would have been the perfect time for them to apologise. Glaring until Hunk cleared his throat, trust Hunk to be the first one to cave

“Bud…”

“I want to go back to my room… can we go now?”

“Bud, I’m sorry that I…”

Lance wasn’t letting Hunk talk, practically half deafening Keith as he screeched

“I don’t want to hear your apologies! I’m the weak and useless one! And now you all know how fucked up I am… I promise I’ll leave your castle… just let me… sleep first”

Allura’s voice was soft and filled with guilt

“You don’t have to leave the castle. Right, guys?”

Shiro pinched the bridge of his nose

“Now isn’t the time for this discussion. We’ll talk about it on the castle. I can’t believe you’d do something like this”

Shiro’s voice didn’t hold disappointment, but it didn’t need to. Keith knew all too well that it was the tone Shiro took before a long rant kicked in.

“Black Paladin, the removal of the Red Paladin is ill advised. You wish to seek an alliance with us, yet you disregard someone who has been at your side on your team for so long. What is to say you would not disregard us in our moment of need. An alliance with our planet will not go ahead until this rift within Voltron is healed. We look forward to future communications with your Red Paladin. You are all free to leave now”

[whump-protocol]

Helpless

The premise is that an enemy captures Keith, injects him with a slow-acting poison, and tells him he’ll get the antidote if he lures the paladins into a trap. Instead, Keith goes back and warns them, at the potential cost of his own life.

And has a heartbreaking conversation with his husband.

This is not a fluffy snippet. Please don’t read this unless you want dark and somewhat despairing. It’s also incomplete because I hurt myself writing it.

It's now complete (as best as I can manage) and it broke my heart.

Keith doesn’t even know the name of the Galra resistance leader who poisoned him. All he remembers is a grating voice telling him about a slow-acting poison running through his veins.

“Don’t worry, I have the antidote, but you’ll have to earn it.” The asshole laughs. “I’m going to let you escape, and I want you to lead your team back here. Once I’ve finished with them, you’ll get the antidote. You have three cycles. Deal?”

The Blade doesn’t even hesitate. “Deal.”

He ends up in a broken single-person flier at the nearest coalition base with coordinates he’s supposed to share with the rest of the paladins. Instead, they get on a video call, and he’s up-front about the whole ordeal. He knows he can’t avoid discussing the consequences, but in his mind, protecting the team comes first.

“It’s an ambush, nothing else. The leaders aren’t even there.” He can see Kolivan in the background, muttering to himself.

“And they let you escape?” Lance asks because of course he does.

“They said they gave me something.” Keith doesn’t elaborate. “It doesn’t matter. What does is that my ship came from their actual base. Its flight plans and navigation are scrambled to hell and back, but maybe Pidge can do something with them.”

“Already on my way,” says the bright-eyed engineer, “and I can tinker with it remotely while en route.”

“Gave you something?” Shiro asks slowly.

At this moment, the admiral is aboard the Atlas and parked somewhere around Earth. He’s ferrying Allura and Lance back to New Altea, and it’s almost time for their scheduled departure. Keith doesn’t exactly relish the upcoming conversation, but he doesn’t dwell on it either.

“He claimed it was deadly but slow. All I know.” The Blade nods to the door. “Medics took a blood sample in case they can figure out what it is.”

“And if they don’t?”

Keith shrugs. “Something, something honor. They will. Or I might get lucky. Or not. Regardless, none of you are stepping into a fucking trap setup by literal madmen on my behalf.”

Kolivan pings him privately about a debriefing. If his lifespan will be counted in hours, possibly complete with mental decline, they need to get as much information out of his head as physically possible in the meantime. He’s not relishing this part, either.

He shakes his head. “I need to talk to Kolivan. I know this is hard.” Keith takes the tone of a leader, the one he fucking hates. “I will speak with all of you later, I’m sure.”

He’s not looking forward to the friendly interrogation he’s about to walk into, but there’s just no time. It’s all necessary for the Blades to figure out the next steps. Kolivan’s on the other line, ready to grill him for as long as he breathes, presumably, so they can take down another separationist cell.

But all Keith wants is Shiro’s comforting warmth in his arms, and he can’t have that across the space of the universe.

Later, after the debriefing is done, Keith calls Shiro directly and asks for a private connection. He doesn’t know what to say, but silence doesn’t appear to be an option. Not when he has a dozen unread messages, and more missed calls than he dares to think about it.

He’s also married to this man, and he can’t avoid his husband for long.

“Keith!” It’s a bellow, and maybe he deserves that. “What the actual fuck?”

“Sorry.”

“I love you, Atlas and I are on our way, so you… better be there when we land.” Shiro’s expression is caught somewhere between righteous anger and endless fear. “Stars above, what happened?”

Keith doesn’t think Shiro wants another mission debrief. “I don’t know. I was careful, followed the protocol to the letter, it was supposed to be a diplomatic engagement. Blades don’t fuck up like this.”

“Shit, baby, I know. I know you. You’re not careless, and you don’t miss red flags.”

“Yeah, so…”

“Do you think they were telling the truth?”

Keith nods hesitantly and chews on his lip. “They injected me with something. I heard them whispering something about how they’ve seen this shit fuck up Galra twice the size. So, probably.”

“Fuck.” Shiro paces his living quarters like a lion trapped in a cage.

“Shiro…” Keith’s voice comes out soft and the words catch on his tongue. “I love you. I always have and always will. If I don’t get to say it again.”

“Don’t! Please, Keith.”

Keith can’t promise not to die, not when he didn’t set the timetable. The Blade feels tears burning in the corners of his eyes. He’s hollow inside like reality hasn’t quite settled in. He knows he’s dying, and understands rationally that his body is sick, but emotionally he’s still catching up.

“I miss you.”

“We’ll be there in just under three cycles.”

Neither of them mentions that it will be too late, that the cold equations of space travel and living bodies don’t lie.

“I’ll see you when you get here,” Keith offers, thinking that perhaps pretending for another five minutes that everything is fine is good enough.

Shiro looks downright horrified. “No. Keith, not, that’s not what I meant. I would rather talk to you for as long as have than sit here. I just…” He sobs. “I’ve known a lot of helplessness in life, and none of it felt like this.”

“I wish you were here.”

“What about the space wolf?”

“He’s with mom on a rescue mission, and they’re still trying to get ahold of them. On account of… you know.”

“Are you OK? Do you feel sick?” Shiro asks.

“Not yet, at least not any worse than when I got here.” That was already a flavor of awful, bruised, battered, and dehydrated.

“You should lie down. Rest. Shower. Take care of yourself.”

Keith is definitely looking forward to all of those. They’ve assigned him a room with a private restroom, small mercy that, and he plans on not letting it go to waste. “You, too.”

“Just don’t hang up, OK?”

Keith looks down at what remains of his tattered uniform and starts stripping out of it. Shiro has seen him naked plenty before, and the new bruises are what they are.

“Yeah, OK. Of course. I’m here. How was the peace accord renewal whatever it was?”

Shiro laughs through his tears, and it’s dark and agonizing. “More bullshit in one day than I usually see in months. I’m surprised Lance didn’t punch anyone given how the ambassadors behaved around his wife.”

Keith shakes his head in sympathy. “Thank goodness it’s over then.”

“For all involved,” his husband agrees. “Are you… going to say goodbye to the others?”

“I feel like I kind of should, you know?”

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, Keith.”

“I know.” He takes his PADD to the bathroom with him and starts the shower running. “But… closure will help them more than it’s going to help me, and I want that for them.”

“Don’t you dare say goodbye to me!”

Keith smiles and closes his eyes. “It’s going to be all right, Shiro. No matter what happens, you’re going to be all right. I know it.”

“Not without you,” Shiro mutters as his husband steps into the shower and shudders with pain.

Keith sleeps fitfully for a few hours and wakes in pain. It’s a new, dull ache that covers his whole body in a way no bruise ever has — the poison, if he has to guess. His mind feels like he’s swimming through a fog, and it takes a few minutes to get his bearings.

Still at the Coalition base, still safe, still… alive.

Shiro’s already calling him like he knows Keith is awake. “How’re you feeling?” are the first words out of his mouth.

Keith hunts his nightstand for a bottle of water. “Not great.”

“You look like you didn’t get any sleep.”

“I think I dozed. Bad dreams.” Keith drinks water and sighs. He feels fatigued despite the nap, his limbs heavy. “How’d you know I was awake?”

“I might’ve called in a favor to get access to your vitals.”

“Nice use of expensive technology.”

“Shut up. You should go to medical if you’re not feeling well.”

“And do what? Everything hurts. Them handing me pain meds won’t solve the problem, and my head already feels like cotton candy.” He shrugs and lies back down. “Talking to you is nicer.”

"Keith, let them help."

"If they can find an antidote, I'm sure I'll be the first to know. Have you slept?"

Keith's husband doesn't lie. "No. Just sitting here, thinking about you. About our wedding. Remember Kosmo nearly eating the damn wedding rings?"

"Far too well. 'Bad wolf,' never sounded more appropriate."

"And then the honeymoon. I didn't think the Garrison would let us leave for long enough to actually enjoy it."

The Blade chuckles. "I still don't know what Pidge told them to get them off our backs. I'm glad she did. I think those were the best two weeks of my life."

Tears stream down Shiro's face and Keith wishes nothing more than he could hold the man he loves, could wipe those tears away. They'd gone camping together, drove across a country, marveled at the night sky in each other's arms. Keith only wishes for more time, more chances to make happy memories. He looks down at the wedding ring, dangling on a chain around his neck alongside his dog tags. 

He hopes both make it to Shiro if he doesn't.

"I love you," he says into the silence. "You were like a brother to me, when I was a kid and desperately needed someone in my corner. And then you were an unwavering friend, a leader. I don't think we would have survived the war without you. But most of all, I treasure your love. I don't know where I'd be without it, without you."

"Keith... I... More than anything in the world, in the universe. I love you, too."

"I'm tired," Keith admits, eyes fluttering closed.

"Rest easy," Shiro prompts him just as another call comes in and a familiar face appears on the screen.

Later, while Keith is once again dozing, Shiro is plotting a painful demise for the ones responsible. He will find them and end them in ways that the galaxy is unlikely to ever forget.

And if he has his way, Shiro will do it with his husband by his side.

[kosmo-mckogane]

I honestly kinda wish we got an episode that showed the families pain from losing their children, and how the garrison treated their loss. Like, I think it would’ve been a descent episode. I feel that it would’ve been good to have more episodes focused on each individual characters.

You're so right. Voltron barely explored the paladin's relationship with their families and how the separation affected them - except for Pidge, who we all know was favoured as a white character.

Like seriously, all those scenes where they showed us Sam and Colleen throwing up a shitstorm at the Garrison to get in contact with their kids -

- does anyone honestly think that the other Paladin's families would have done any less? That Lance's family wouldn't have been raising hell to find out what happened to their baby boy?

That Hunk's family wouldn't have been prepared to take on the entire Garrison to get their son back?

And what about Shiro? Who did he get to come back to?

He's all alone when he returns to Earth. Which pisses me off so much because hasn't Shiro been through enough? Why must he end up with no-one to come home to at the end of it all?

It was all just so messily done. And let's go back to Hunk for a second because seriously. What was that.

I did like the way they touched on Hunk's family in S7x09, giving him some screen time where he wasn't treated like a joke for once, but honestly? Despite all the heartfelt moments we had -

- it just wasn't enough. It was shallow and rough, and didn't give him any depth as a character beyond what we already knew about him.

And then they had this shit happen (which got me very emotional actually):

And I was intrigued because hey! Maybe Hunk's finally gonna get the screen time he deserves! Maybe he'll actually get a real character arc!

... but then, from what I remember, that was completely dropped and forgotten for the rest of the season, except for that brief 2 seconds where they showed his parents sitting next to him in the hospital a few episodes later - implying that they'd been saved at some point.

That was just pathetic. Just when we think Hunk might actually be treated right at least briefly and it just doesn't happen. It's almost insulting.

Basically they all deserved so much better than what they got and it sucks that Voltron couldn't deliver because they don't give a shit about their poc characters.