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daverygalskisbff · 3 years

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could we get some allura & lance friendship prompts? i LOVED your other ones btw 💖💖💖💖

HI I'm sorry this took forever I have honestly no idea why bc I adore these two and I ADORE this prompt so my brain should not have shut down the way it did. anywayz to make up for the wait i tried to make this a bit longer than my usual posts :) I hope you like it!

(also, as usual, everything here I came up with myself, and if there's any similarity to someone elses post I apologise and promise it wasn't intentional)

now without further ado,

Lance and Allura!

similar to lance and pidge, the two are decidedly Not close in the beginning

i had an entire thing about how i imagine they became friends at first written out, but it was a tad too long and i didn't want to clog up the post with too much exposition. so instead, let's just skip forward and get into their dynamic after they become buddies :) (however, if anyone wants to see the backstory I would not be opposed)

although he no longer has a crush on her, lance makes it a point to hype her up as much as he possibly can

at first allura was confused, because she thought it was him trying to flirt with her still, but once she understood what was going on she was more than willing to join in

lance when allura completely destroys the training droid: WOWZA ladies and gentlemen of the jury may I present to you the icon the legend the moment herself her royal highness princess allura of altea!!!!! if you thought that was impressive just WAIT till she gets warmed up because this is just the beginning!!! she can even do it in heels-

shiro: lance, please focus, this is really important that we-

allura: no no, shiro, please. let him finish.

they both show their friendship in slightly different ways. lance's way is that he is physically incapable of not humouring the princess

allura when lance shows her his cartwheel: incredible!!!!!!! i have never been more impressed in my life!!! do you think you could do it in heels??

lance: uhhh. y'know princess I'm really loving the faith, but-

allura: :)?

lance:.... what if you don't have my size?

lance fractured his ankle. allura has yet to stop apologising.

allura's way is definitely safer, but it's also a lot more... cluttered. to say the least.

allura, returning from a recon mission with a tiny bag filled with what looks like tiny, glittery dinosaur figurines made of glass: lance! look at what i bought for you!

lance, taking one look at the contents of the bag: wow, 'lurra, this is… so nice of you

allura: lance, are you. are you crying?

lance (definitely crying): what? NO! of course not!! I'm just. allergic, to. uh. oxygen.

allura: what.

allura never had any siblings back on altea, but she always wanted them

this, paired with how much lance misses his own family, means that the two of them kind of gravitate towards each other in terms of siblinghood.

as a child allura would imagine what it would be like to have siblings, but especially a twin. she would fall asleep to dreams of secret handshakes, finishing each other's sentences, and swapping places to trick people

she doesn't realise the brother she has found in lance until a long time after they've become close (how would she recognise a dynamic she has never been privy to?)

this realisation happens on just a random day in the castleship lounge. she is talking to hunk, when suddenly lance, who she didn't even realise was listening to their conversation, butts in and finishes her sentence.

she's annoyed at being interrupted at first, but then what happened sinks in, and suddenly she's fighting off tears. lance doesn't know why she's crying, but he hugs her anyway.

the two of them match accessories a lot

with allura's love of pretty things (and the abundance of stuff in her closet) paired with lance's natural dramatics, nobody else on the team is entirely sure of whether this is intentional or not.

it started off as intentional. it is now second nature.

one decision, however, was completely planned and thought out for exactly twenty minutes, and then deeply regretted by both parties for the next 48 hours

allura pierced lance's ears

now before you get judgemental, you try making a smart decision at two am space-time while very giddy and slightly buzzing on some weird old alien candy that not even your resident alien is sure the ingredients of. then talk to me.

pidge: okay so you're gonna need a needle, ice, and… yeah I'm pretty sure that's it

lance: don't we need a potato too

pidge: … why the fuck would you need a potato

lance: I dunno!!! my sister pierced her friend's ears one time and she mentioned a potato!!! I'm just trying to make sure everything goes well, pidge!

allura: I love these earth customs you two are showing me!! when I got my ears pierced it was done with some kind of laser, but your way sounds much more fun :).

allura: also, what is a "potato" and where can we find one?

it goes about as well as you would expect

the excited buzz on lance lasts about three ticks into the process, and then the screaming starts

pidge (the genius who came up with the idea) gives him some altean taffy to chew on to stop him from making too much noise, and allura, the angel, is babbling right along with him

allura, with tears in her eyes: how was I supposed to know it was going to hurt mine didn't hurt well it was 10,000 years ago and I was very young altean children don't have very strong pain receptors you know, maybe that's why my parents had it done at that age, or maybe your people are just completely barbaric, who thought this would be a good idea?? pidge why did you suggest this poor lonce is in tears lonce I'm so sorry but if it's any consolation at all at least now your ears won't be nearly as hideous as before and you can borrow as many of my earrings as you want except for the sparkly green ones that dangle those are my favourite well they're actually my second favourite I'm wearing my favourite - you can't borrow those either, by the way, but you can have any of the others I promise

lance, also crying and still chewing the altean taffy: hhb, llura yub domf hoff do bologuys, ss long'ss yub sanstsd thu niddle frst

allura (who did not remember to sanitize the needle), now crying freely: I don't understand what you're saying

(pidge records the entire thing)

the next day lance wakes up with ears that are very sore and slightly green, and allura faints

they spend the entire morning avoiding shiro in case they get in trouble and trying to figure out how to get the healing pods to work

lance: what do you mean you don't know allura you literally lived in one of these

allura: I was asleep the whole time!!! don't put this on me!!

lance: don't put- you are the one that pierced my ears, allura, of course it's on you!

coran, who has been watching this entire interaction in silence: oh, I thought i noticed something different about you, number three!

lance and allura: [screaming]

coran helps them set up the healing pod

unfortunately lance has to take the earrings out, so the holes close back up, but fortunately coran just so happens to know how to pierce ears the correct way that they did on altea

lance, after half a day in the healing pod, watching coran advance upon him with a literal handheld flamethrower that shoots lasers: is it too late to go back to the ear infection

coran is surprisingly very adept at the skill of altean beautification (an activity that has a surprisingly long and rich backstory, which lance and allura get an in-depth lesson on for the hour that it takes to do lance's ears properly)

they're exhausted afterwards, but lance looks great, so they're in good moods regardless

they like to teach each other about things from their respective planets - both for fun, and because it helps them feel less homesick

whenever allura is particularly down about the loss of altea, lance will visit her in her room, and the two of them will just lie together on her bed.

they don't say much, most of the time, just link their pinkies together and stare at the ceiling

when they do talk, it's quiet, and always allura who starts it - she might share something she remembers about altea, and lance listens quietly and then responds with something he misses about cuba

it isn't always sad tho - sometimes they just talk about things they remember that pop into their heads, or explain things to each other that they wouldn't otherwise know

at the space mall, they make a game out of pointing things out to each other and trying to guess what it is (allura can only guess when they're in the earth shop, but it's okay because she more than makes up for it in enthusiasm)

lance, holding a my little pony collectible: okay princess. what is this.

allura, completely serious: a weapon

lance: ... close

allura, holding up a set of magnetic heart necklaces to the light: what does… "biffs" mean?

lance: it's "bffs," princess, it means "best friends forever"

allura: oh! you mean like me and you?

lance:

lance: 'lurra what did we say about making me cry in public, we've talked about this-

(they buy the necklaces. obviously.)

they mess with each other's hair a lot

once allura learns that lance's hair is naturally curly, and that he just straightens it all of the time, she makes it her god-given mission to convince him to wear it naturally more often

this mission includes plans such as stealing his hair straightener, "donating" a bunch of curly hair products to him because she "doesn't have the space", and getting keith to say he thinks curly hair is cool one day in the rec room

she still thinks it's the funniest thing ever that that actually worked

other than week-long sabotage plots, they both think it's fun to have lance braid allura's hair

he used to braid his sister's and niece's hairs all of the time, so he has a knack for it that allura did not expect at all but is obsessed with anyway

allura, coming to lance's room a few hours before another diplomatic party: hey..... how yall doin.....

lance, already prepared with a million different brushes and bands: oh my god just get in already

lance and allura have a lot in common

one of these things, they learn very early into their relationship, is that they are both disasters when it comes to pretty girls (and boys, but that's a lance-exclusive situation)

so they become each other's wingmen

they both tend to get… a little too into it

the team: [at a diplomatic ball]

lance, seeing a pretty alien girl looking allura's way and "politely" speedwalking over to her: alluralluraalluraalluraalluralluraalluraalluraalluralluraalluraallura pretty girl look over there eleven o'clock LOOK she's gonna walk away looklooklook

allura: lance darling thank you so much for your help but I am in the middle of talking to the president

and alternatively:

allura tries to set lance and keith up all the time. at first she was worried she would be overstepping boundaries, but after one particular sleepover where lance spent an entire hour lamenting his "bad luck" she decided to take things into her own hands

this includes, but is not limited to; sending them on supply missions alone together (often), mentioning particular things lance has done to his appearance to keith every time she can, and talking about specific paladin bonds more than she maybe should

lance hates it

keith, walking into the lounge: h-

allura, immediately: hello keith!! help settle an argument, will you :)?

keith: um… okay

allura: lovely! now, tell me, do you think lance looks cuter today than he did yesterday? we can't seem to agree on whether or by he's stunning or simply handsome. what do you think?

keith: uh-

allura: oh, and while I have you, have you noticed that his ears are pierced?

lance, beet red: allu-

allura: what :(?? can't i be proud of my handiwork??

lance, to keith: I am not associated with her

after a week of this keith literally sets up a system where if allura is in a room he walks into he just does a complete 180 and walks back out

one time, at a diplomatic meeting, an alien politician mistook them for a couple and they both choked on their drinks at the same time, and then got offended that the other one agreed that the concept was insane

allura: what happened to being the princess of your dreams, lance?? I thought I MEANT something to you. obviously! i was wrong!

lance: oh yeah?? then why did you GIGGLE, allura. what's so funny, huh?? my good looks??? my charming charisma?? how far out of your league I am???

allura:

lance: okay maybe that last one was a bit of a stretch

another thing lance and allura do is pronounce each other's names wrong

they call each other lonce and allora

it started as lance kind of making fun of allura's accent, but turned into just one of their Things

allura honestly didn't know it was a bit until the habit had been long constructed

#pippa.post #pippa.canon #vld lance #vld keith #vld allura #klance #vld pidge #pippa.ask #vld shiro #i added klance bc i know you like it gia i hope this was up to your standard <3 #vld coran #vld team

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blueberry-sunshines · 3 years

Text

Small Surpises— Big Brother Shiro x Little Sister Reader

Summary:

You are Shiro's younger sister waiting on him to return from a mission while you reminisce about your life with your big brother which then gets interrupted when he brings you back an unexpected surprise...

Word Count: ~2K

Childhood memories | Brotherly Love

Requested by: @white_skittle on Wattpad

{Your POV}

Honestly, you had never really thought that it would be so boring to be in a half-castle half-spaceship until you were actually in one. It sounds crazy to even think you'd be in one let alone that one exists! One moment you were on earth with Keith trying to figure out these weird radio signals and then the next your brother who'd been missing for a year had crash landed onto earth in an alien pod! And just when you didn't think anything could get any crazier, you found a giant blue lion that whisked you all away into space! That was just the beginning of all the adventures you'd have traveling the universe with your new found family. But as of now, the only thing you could do is wait around the Castle of Lions until the Paladins are back from their mission. To keep your mind off of your boredom and anxiety you tried your best to distract yourself with useless things like wondering the castle and getting lost in your own thoughts.

You were significantly younger than your brother, Shiro. While he was 25, you were only a teenager. You two were always rather close despite your age difference. Shiro was always so cool, you and all of your friends thought he was the most amazing person in the whole world. And if you were being honest with yourself, he still was. I mean, being the paladin of the Black Lion and the leader of Voltron was the coolest thing you could think of! As kids you and Shiro loved playing together, you would play with his soldiers and planes or he'd play dolls with you. You two would spend hours playing little games like hide and seek or just playing pretend.

You would be the princess and Shiro would always be the courageous knight there to protect and save you from evil villains and mystical dragons. Using sticks and pool noodles as swords he would slay any foes that even dared to hurt his little sister. Shiro has always been your hero in more ways than you'd ever realize.

"Fear not, Princess (Y/N)!" He would cry, holding his makeshift sword in the air. "I will slay this dragon to protect you and your kingdom from his evil!" He would then jab at one of your stuffed animals or sometimes even trees, pretending they were the villain.

As you got older, you two were still super close. Shiro was then entering his teens, going to the Galaxy Garrison to be a pilot. He was so smart and so talented and all you ever wanted to do was impress him. When you didn't think he could get any cooler he always did. But even though he was at the Garrison, he still had never let you down. You have many memories of Shiro picking you up after school and taking you out to your favorite diner. Sitting in a booth across from each other he would ask you about your day while drinking a milkshake in his bright orange Cadet uniform.

"You look silly in your uniform, Takashi." Little you giggled in your memory. You could still see Shiro's face as he pulled away from his Oreo milkshake's straw, as well as the smile that formed on his face as he let out a small chuckle.

"I guess I do look kind of silly, huh?" He agreed, setting down his milkshake softly.

These couple times a week visits made it feel like Shiro had never really left at all. Soon you were able to transfer into the Garrison Cadet program and next thing you remember is staying up late into the night studying with Shiro and practicing your techniques. Shiro was the star of the Garrison and he still remained the star of your life. Sure you had made many friends, but Shiro was still your best friend above all else. You still remember when Shiro had introduced you to Keith and how you two got off to a rocky start. But eventually, it didn't feel like it was just you and Shiro against the world anymore. Soon you had a new honorary brother in Keith. You would all ride around together on Hoverbikes and Landspeeders and you even would take Keith for milkshakes at your diner.

"Hah!" You beamed triumphantly as you swung to a halt on your hoverbike. You looked behind you now as your brother came up to a stop behind you. You laughed triumphantly as you had just beaten Shiro to your designated finish line. "I told you I could beat you!"

"I never doubted you for a second." Shiro told you proudly as he whipped the sweat from his forehead.

You looked now on the other side of you over the edge of the large cliff next to you. "So can I learn the dive now?" You blurted out quickly.

Shiro laughed warmly, "Absolutely not." He said quickly and gave you a teasing smile. "Not until I'm sure you and Keith are both ready." He explained, watching you pout in amusement.

As you were entering your teenage years and Shiro was leaving his, you two had somehow managed to grow even closer. He had come out to you over the course of your time at the Garrison. You still remember him gushing to you all about his, then crush, Adam. You were there for him when coming to terms with his feelings and there when he brought Adam home to your parents for the first time. In return he was always there for you, helping you when you were sick, giving you advice when you were down in the dumps, and he helped you through your first ever breakup.

Time was flying by so quickly and soon, you were an accomplished pilot just like your big brother, and Shiro had asked Adam to marry him. Life was just the way you liked it and you didn't think anything could ruin your wonderful relationship with Shiro. If none of the petty sibling fights you got into or even any of the serious ones could have ruined it, you didn't know what could. But, you could never forget Kerberos...

"We're back!!!" You heard a voice shout from a room over. It was the cherry voice of Lance McClain exclaiming their arrival in the castle. You began running back down the corridor to return to the lounge where you heard the voices coming from.

"Hey, (Y/N)!" Hunk smiled seeing you enter the room. You saw Lance, Pidge, Hunk, Keith, and Allura all standing in the room.

"How did it go out there today?" You asked them all, subconsciously looking around for your brother. The Paladins went to a freed planet to collect some tech that was needed to help the fight against the Galra.

"We collected all the samples we needed." Pidge told you before gesturing behind her, "Coran and Shiro are unloading as we speak." She was unusually smiley, but you brushed it off as her just being happy to have new tech to work with. You were about to leave to go find Shiro when,

"(Y/N)," Keith said your name now, walking over to you, also dawning a small smile. "There's also something we brought back for you, too."

"Hey!" You heard Lance complain, "I wanted to be the one to tell (Y/N)!"

"Too bad." Keith smirked at him and the two began a small, signature squabble as they walked past towards the direction of the showers.

You looked over at Pidge and Hunk now curiously, "What are they talking about?" You asked them, furrowing your brow in thought trying to guess what on earth they could have brought you. You heard them both giggle as they refused to give you any clue before heading towards the showers as well. Your last hope was Allura.

She just looked as confused as you, "I do wonder what they had brought you as well." She said warmly before following you towards the other door the four Paladins had come from originally. As you and Allura made your way down the hallway she tried to offer you ideas as to what they could've brought you, but half the things she said you had no idea what she was talking about.

Once you reached the hangar where the Paladins had come from, you sprinted towards the Black Lion. Coran was placing small metal crates onto a floating cart and Shiro was helping him.

"Shiro, Hey!" You yelled as you got closer, Allura still following suit.

"(Y/N)!" Shiro called your name happily placing down a crate and turning towards you. You laughed as you ran into his arms, you felt him stumble a bit upon impact and you heard him chuckle.

"You really missed me that much?" He teased you as he gave you a tight squeeze before putting you back safely balanced onto your feet.

"Always do." You smiled up at him affectionately. You then cut right to the chase, "Keith said you guys brought me something!"

Shiro raised an eyebrow at you, "He did, did he?" You nodded in response and he let out another laugh. "Alright, you got me." He admitted humbly.

"Is it another crystal?" You asked excitedly. Shiro had brought you small trinkets before from the missions you didn't get to go on. The Paladins often needed your help, but sometimes when there wasn't any risk you'd just stay behind.

"It's better than that." He said mysteriously as he lead you back towards his lion.

"Is it a bigger crystal?" You asked which earned you a laugh in return.

"No... now stop guessing!" He shook his head in amusement. "Wait here, I'll be right back." Shiro instructed you, turning snd disappearing into the lion.

You looked back over to where Allura and Coran were conversing about something while you waited. Once your brother reemerged from Black, he was holding a small box that had some kind of cloth or blanket sticking out from it. You stared at the box in pure curiosity as Shiro grew closer.

"Keep your voice down," he advised as the contents of the box were nearly in full sight. "You don't want to startle him."

You were still not understanding what this could be but now you were thinking it may be alive. Despite not knowing, you listened to your brother and kept quiet. Shiro held the box further down and you saw him.

You had to hold in a squeal as you saw what Shiro had brought you. It was a small light gray ball of fluff. The creature had long droopy ears, four legs with five tiny toes on his paws. It had four small horns above his closed eyes, a pink nose and cute little pouting mouth. His chest and his face were white and he was all curled up in his long, white, fluffy tail. He sort of reminded you of a chinchilla but much more alien like.

Gasping you looked back up to Shiro, "No way..." you breathed out finally. Shiro had a large smile on his face.

"Do you like him?" He asked now, "His breed is concerned to be a loyal partner on Ormaphu. He's a traditional Ormanphian pet called a Bentorm."

"Shiro I love him!" You gushed looking back down as your sweet, little baby Bentorm.

"I'm glad, I thought you would."

When you were kids, you would always beg your parents for a pet but they never let you or Shiro get anything besides fish. Your new Bentorm was the most amazing pet you could think of! Your attention was turned back to the box when you heard him let out a soft yawn as he stretched and uncurled himself. You let out a soft aww, as he sat upright and looked up at you with big, black eyes. He looked as if he was smiling as he looked up at you, he began making a sweet chirping noise and you looked up at Shiro in amazement.

"You can pick him up." Shiro told you softly, smile still prominent on his face. You reached down and picked him up softly from his tummy, under his arms. You pulled him close to your chest and he quickly snuggled into you, smile on his cute, Bentorm face.

"From what his breeder told me, they don't get much bigger and they love riding on their owners shoulders as they get older."

"Allura!" You exclaimed, "Look what Shiro brought me!!"

Allura came over then, in the same awe that you were upon seeing him for the first time. "Is that a Bentorm?" Allura asked looking up at Shiro.

Shiro nodded and moved the box onto his hip you free one of his hands to pet the Bentorms head.

"What are you gonna call him?" Shiro asked looking back up to you.

"Hmmm, I'm not sure..."

_________________

Hi everyone! Thanks for reading this Brother Shiro one shot! It wasn't super long but I think it's pretty cute. Shiro would be the best big brother and I hope I captured that!

Have a great day! Keep requesting please!

#big brother shiro #shiro voltron #shiro x reader #shiro x sister reader #vld shiro #shiro vld #voltron shiro #takashi shirogane #voltron one shot #voltron x reader

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chaoticevilbean · 3 years

Text

Four In One : Chapter Four

With the help of his alien comrades, Lance had a plan of action ready for his big reveal. While Hunk made dinner, Allura kept the other Paladins out of the lounge and Coran and Lance began to work. On the farthest point away from the nest they installed a small platform that would fit Lance when he was sitting down. It was perfectly level with the nest and Coran added a few blankets there despite Lance saying he was fine.

"Nonsense, Number Three. It may be temporary but that doesn't mean it can't be comfortable."

They attached a ladder to the platform so that Lance could reach it and headed out, their work finished. Sort-of. Coran made a beeline for the kitchen and Allura dragged Lance off to someone's old personal quarters without any explanation. She sat him down on a chair and disappeared into a closet, leaving him confused and slightly worried.

"So, I realized while I was waiting that you probably can't use some of the same products that we do," the princess spoke over her shoulder. "So that got me thinking. How are we supposed to groom your wings after this reveal if none of the products do much good? You've obviously taken the time to groom them yourself, and you do it well, but you also know all the techniques and ways to make use of what you've got since they are your wings. And I remembered a certain fellow back on Altea who had wings. He was half Altean, half Gullruck, which is a scaled bipedal race, much like those dragon-borns that Pidge showed me. And he was born with both feathers and scales, because Alteans are primarily feathered and Gullrucks don't have wings, but they always have scales, even hybrids." Allura stepped out of the closet with a large box in her hands, grinning. "So I looked it up rather quickly and found that I was right."

"Right about what," Lance inquired carefully.

"One of the Blue Paladins of Voltron was the Altean-Gullruck. This," she set the box down in front of Lance, "is his old wing-care products. Even after ten thousand years, these will be usable. One of the marvels of the Gullrucks' ingenuity."

Lance leaned forward to gaze into the box, and his breath left him in shock. There were oils and cleaners, and tools for getting under feathers and scales alike, and there were treatments for rotting and for molts. As a teen who valued self-care and had struggled to groom and maintain his wings for his entire life, it was a box filled with treasure.

"Lura," he started, swallowing when his voice came out thick. "Lura, this is the best present ever." For her part, the princess didn't seem too uncomfortable at the new nickname, or at the emotions playing out on Lance's face. In fact, she promptly pulled him into a hug, speaking softly in his ear.

"I'm glad I could help, Lance."

The two hugged for a few ticks more before releasing each other, which started them onto the task of going through the box. Allura explained what each word on the containers meant, since most of them were written in Gullrooki, and Lance was still learning Altean. They sorted the products between scales, feathers, and both, and by the end of it, the conversation had taken a full turn into Lance's nightly self-care routine and how Allura might begin to try it.

"There you two are," a voice called from the entrance. The two turned to see Shiro poking his head into the room. "We've been looking all over for you, and Hunk was about to cry when I told them I heard you talking."

"Sorry, Dad," Lance responded distractedly as he picked up the organized box. "Allura and I were talking self-care and she might do a facemask tonight, so we had to make sure we have enough supplies. She's definitely gonna do it again once she tries it." The Blue Paladin strolled past Shiro easily, once again oblivious to the way his words affected those around him. He went straightaway to the dining room, where he was crushed by a hug from Hunk

~ ~ ~

"Did he- did he just," Shiro stuttered out, unable to form the sentence bouncing in his skull. None of the kids had ever- they joked but none had said- they never directly called him-

"I think he did," Allura hummed as she patted his metal arm on her way out the door.

"He said 'Dad'," Shiro whispered to himself. "I'm a father!"

Another thought came to him of his ex-SO, co-parent of Keith.

"Adam's gonna kill me!"

~ ~ ~

Dinner got all of them into the best moods they had been in since they were kidnapped by the Blue Lion slash woken up 10,000 years after the destruction of their planet. Hunk had made garlic knots and spaghetti, meaning Pidge and Lance both nearly cried at the Earth foods, or the best equivalents they could get. Keith tried to add cheese to his pasta, but it was quickly snatched from his hands by Shiro, who informed the team that Keith was lactose intolerant and it was amazing that this was only the first time so far that he had attempted death by dairy. The Red Paladin had pouted- "It's a scowl!" "I'm pretty sure that's a pout." "Urgh!" -until Lance promised he would get Keith a new knife at the space mall if he avoided lactose 'til then.

When Shiro called for grooming, Lance's stomach twisted a little, and not from eating too many garlic knots. He was about to reveal his biggest secret yet, and he could barely handle his emotions. Nonetheless, he was right behind the others as they rushed into the lounge, only paying small glances at the new platform. Lance separated then, climbing up to the temporary structure he and Coran had built and situating himself among the blankets.

"Um, loʻu uso?" Hunk called, falling back into their old titles now that the others wouldn't question it. "What are you doing over there?"

"Sì, e cosa sono queste cose aliene?" Pidge added, testing her new knowledge of Lance's skills as she looked at the new box. Yes, and what are these alien things? The others stared at her but she waved them off, motioning for the distant boy to answer. Lance was silent for a dobash, allowing his team time to take in his tense shoulders and fidgeting hands. The boy cleared his throat before turning so his side was to the group.

"Hunk, mi hermano, do you think you could groom my wings?" he asked, quiet. Hunk, for his credit, wasted no time in responding.

"Of course, although you probably need to come closer." Lance shook his head, smiling slightly, before releasing his hidden wings and slowly but surely unfurling a bottom one. It made it's way past the edge of the nest and stopped about halfway unfolded as the tip touched the wall. The other appendages were there, and with a lower one extended, it was clear there were four instead of two.

The team was silent in awe, and when he turned his head, the Cuban boy could see that they were staring at the feathers and scales. Only this morning he had brought up someone having all four mutations, and now they recognized that as a test to see if they would accept him. All the times he made sure they knew he wanted them as a flock, but never let his wings show was his way of handling what he probably considered his biggest secret. Shiro was glaring at Coran, who sat next to him, noticing the man's lack of reaction. Keith was doing the same to Allura, though neither glares had heat. It was the sort-of glare that said 'how dare you know this before me'.

"We're gonna need a bigger nest," was the first thing said. It was said by Hunk who was holding a feather brush in his hand and realizing that the wing before him was only an eighth of what they would need to groom.

"You're lucky that Coran and I suspected before Lance showed us," Allura spoke as she fluttered out of the nest with the box that was now easily recognized as Lance's wing-care products. Shiro almost facepalmed at how he hadn't noticed when it passed him earlier, but thought better of it after remembering what Lance had called him.

Lance pulled his wing back in, though no longer hiding them, and leapt from the platform. with just enough of his wings out to glide down gently. His heart was ready to burst from elation as he watched his Space Flock rush to pick up their grooming supplies and as many blankets and pillows as they could. Keith tossed several pieces of bedding at the Cuban, who caught them with slacked movements in his daze. When they had all made their way down, Lance found himself in the center of the bunch, following the now moving Allura.

They were led by the Altean to a nearby room, one that none of them had entered due to lack of necessity. It might've once been a room meant for parties, much like a ballroom, but now it had a floor of pillows and blankets and quilts and rugs and comforters and sheets and cushions. The walls were lined at the bottom with more soft materials, all thick enough pad the hard surfaces. Pidge instantly dropped her load and dove into the nest, sinking into the fabrics with a sigh... and continued sinking until she was barely seen where she was laying on her back.

"Pidge, did you die?" Keith asked.

"Only on the inside." They all gave sighs of relief, before setting up the supplies on the edges of the nest so they didn't sink in. Pidge's brush took a while to find since it had sunk nearly as much as she had, but Coran pulled it out on his first try.

Lance was still on cloud nine when Hunk shoved him into the middle of the nest, which was over 70 by 70 feet squared.

"Spread out your wings, Lance," he instructed, setting down a few of the tools and products from the new supplies. Lance complied, extending all four of his wings out as far as he could. Upon finding that he could do so and have plenty of space on all sides despite his wingspan of roughly sixty feet, he flopped backwards, submerging his torso in pillows and cushions. His smaller set overlapped the larger, warmth seeping into the bedding below.

"Eeyuh," Lance spluttered as something small wriggled its way between his wings. Lifting the lower right just barely, he saw a mess of brown hair and green pajamas and feathers.

"Pidge, what are you doing? We're grooming right now," Shiro deadpanned. Hunk extended a hand to pull Lance upright, dislodging the youngest human.

"Ugh, gosh, you're heavy," the Samoan panted.

"You try having a sixty-four foot wingspan on top of a fifty-eight foot wingspan. I can lift thousands of pounds with these babies because they weigh at least a hundred pounds."

"Let's just get this started," Keith complained. He looked like he was in pain, though Lance couldn't tell why. Coran seemed like he knew, if the amused smile was anything to go by.

"I'll explain what the products are if you need, but I believe Lance can inform you all as well," Allura declared, before plopping down next to his upper left wing and beginning to groom the feathers. Hunk took this as his cue to start on the scales of the left wing, passing Pidge a feather brush so she could help Allura. Keith and Coran joined Hunk as Shiro moved to aid the girls. Lance didn't pay much attention to what they were doing, instead relaxing more than he had in a long time. It was an amazing day and an amazing night, and now he would get to truly join in on grooming. And Allura was going to let him put a facemask on her. The Space Flock had Lance reminiscing once more.

"You know, my family used to do grooming every night," he began, drawing the attention of his flockmates. "We have a lot of people, so we'd set aside an hour or two after dinner to groom. We'd have the younger ones learn to groom on the adults, and they were all really quick students. And afterwards, your wings would be so soft and clean because they were really determined to be like all of us older kids. One person would have two to four people grooming them at once, and we would move from person to person until everyone got a turn. The little kids are always last, and they absolutely loved the attention. And when I came along, I was last as well. Every time, even when I grew up. Every person there would gather round and the kids would cause a little chaos by running between my wings and annoying me enough that my feathers fluffed up. We had a communal nest as well, since no one wanted to move once we were all groomed."

"Sounds nice," Pidge sighed. Lance fluffed his feathers lightly so they hit the littlest teammate in the face. "Oy!"

"Don't look so sad, Pidge. I was telling you what my flock does: grooming every night, teaching each other, working together on each person, and almost never separating to sleep. Sound familiar?"

"Aww, ou te alofa ia te oe, loʻu uso," Hunk cooed. Aww, I love you, my brother.

"Well, you certainly proved we're a family whether we like it or not," Shiro muttered, seeming to forget that the kids always heard his words, no matter what he said or how low he said it.

"Huh, what was that?"

"Nothing!"

"No, no," Keith started wagging his finger at the leader of their flock. "You said he had already proved we're a family, even if we don't want to be."

"What the quiznack does that mean, Dad?" Lance demanded. "I have not once proven that."

"Say what your titles for us are when I point," Shiro sighed. He pointed at Pidge first.

"Mi hermana." Keith was next. Lance smirked as he spoke.

"Mi futuro esposo." Hunk giggled, prompting him to be the next 'victim'.

"Mi hermano." Coran.

"Tio." Allura.

"Mi hermana." And finally, Shiro pointed at himself.

"Padre." Lance's eyes widened, and he attempted to correct himself. "I mean Dad, no, hermano, I meant hermano!"

"I get it," Allura drew out. "He calls us all family, correct?"

"That's right, princess," Shiro confirmed. "I knew it the moment he called me Dad the first time."

"You mean just now?" Pidge asked.

"No, he said before the demonstration," Keith amended.

"No, actually. He said it when I found him and Allura looking at these wing-care products."

"Quiznack," Lance muttered, turning his blushing face away. The others chuckled and continued their work, the six of them onto the lower left wing as they moved together.

"Wait," Keith suddenly piped up. The others once again gave their attention to their flockmate. "You called Pidge, Allura and Hunk your siblings, Shiro Dad, and I'm guessing you called Coran your uncle. But what did you call me? Me futurow espossoh or something?"

"You'll find out when you acknowledge your feelings," Hunk stated, turning back to the grooming after his words.

Keith just turned bright red.

#voltron #wing au #lance #hunk #pidge #shiro #keith #allura #lance mcclain #hunk garrett #pidge gunderson #takashi shirogane #keith kogane #coran coran the gorgeous man #lance-centric #purple #klance

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dammitadolfnomorecake · 5 years

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Caramel Skin Under a Vanilla Sky 41 full draft (I have no life and wrote 5.3k today.

Waking up in the pod, Lance was frozen to the bone. There was something weirdly disorienting about waking from a stint in a pod laying on your back and not falling into the arms of someone waiting. Groggy, he fought lightly against the hands pulling him up, strong arms lifting him off his feet... which felt like they weren't even there. With chattering teeth, his eyes slid shut again, awake but under protest. Being in the pod had been an endless loop of being stuck in the astral plane. Unable to escape the unending blackness, no one was there to comfort him or to tell him he hadn't died. Laid down on a bed, soft blankets were piled upon his shuddering frame, the warm arms turning into a warm body under the covers, holding him close as they rubbed his right arm. The quietness of the space began to fade, a soft hushing and gentle kisses against his hair drawing him away from sleep. Only one person would be this stupidly sweet. A soft kind of purr forming on his lips as he clumsily tried to hold him back. To reassure himself that Keith was really there. That he hadn't passed off to the astral plane and left his boyfriend alone. He hated when Keith cried. Nine times out of ten he was the reason Keith would weep, if not him then it was his boyfriend's nightmares, which usually involved him. Still shivering and shaking like a leaf, Lance slowly fell back to sleep, safe in Keith's arms. It was another few vargas before he woke again. Keith still curled into him, a leg slung over Lance's waist with his warm breath spilling across Lance's neck. Craning slightly, Lance pressed a kiss to the soft black locks that tickled his shoulder and chest "He hasn't left your side" Yawning softly, Lance looked to his mother, eyes still heavy with sleep. Rising from her chair, she tucked his fringe back on the right side "Welcome back, mijo. You gave us all a scare" It was supposed to be a routine procedure. They'd shown him video of it... His tongue felt thick and clumsy, his mouth dry. Unable to find the words, he frowned at his mother. She looked like exhaustion personified "You had a small bleed in the brain... it's all a little complicated, but you're alright. Keith has been worried sick. You were out for two week-movements" Lance's lips formed an "oh", his mother starting to fuss over the blankets covering him. They definitely weren't hospital blankets, they were to thick and fluffy, Keith had probably brought them up from the Telula. He also wasn't in a hospital bed... or a hospital room for that matter... "Water?" Rasping it out, his mother dropped the hem of the blanket immediately, a cold cup with a sharp straw appearing to poke him in the nose, before his mother bent it down so he could actually drink from it. Gulping greedily, it was taken away before he was ready "You'll make yourself sick of you drink too fast" Clearing his throat, Lance nodded, his attention shifting back to Keith. His anxieties had told him that man he loved would abandon him, yet here he was, glued to his side and snoring so perfectly. "How was he?" "Worried for you. Coran had to have him removed from beside your pod so he'd rest..." "And you?" "You gave me a scare, but Coran assured me that you'd be coming out the pod just fine. How do you feel?" "Sleepy... warm. Thanks for looking out for him..." "He's a sweet boy. Refused to come back to Earth with me, but did ask me to pick up a few things for you while I was there" "You went back?" "Coran gave me an estimate on when you'd be out. You know your father, he'd fall apart without someone there to make sure dinner's on the table" Lance gave a snort that turned into a cough, Keith rousing from his sleep. With wide purple eyes, Lance was pulled even tighter against him. Patting his boyfriend's back, he realised that his left hand was still covered up. Something that was both scary and relieving. If something was wrong with it, he didn't want his mother to have to see. Tightening his hold further, Lance squeaked "Hey, hey... your crushing me, Mullet" Loosening his hold minutely, Keith wasn't done "How do you feel? Do you need anything? You scared me, you dick" Patting Keith's back, Lance was ready to fall back to sleep again. He was cold, but where Keith was touching him was so warm he was sweating "'m ok. Sleepy... but ok. I can still feel everything. I know who you and mum are... the important things... how long have I been out?" "Mijo, don't you remember? You just asked" Lance was pretty sure he was entitled to some memory loss when he was still defrosting "Mean out of the pod..." "Oh, a few vargas now. Keith insisted on carrying you from the pod to this private room Coran organised" "It doesn't look like.... a hospital room" Yawning widely in the middle of his sentence, his mother patted his head "That's because it's in the staff quarters. Now you just get some more rest, I'll be right here when you wake up again" "Mmm... I don't think I have much choice in the matter. Keith, you should get some rest too, babe" "I'm alright. I got a few vargas" "Babe..." "Please let me stay... I really need to be with you..." He couldn't deny Keith anything when he was so soft and warm against him "Mmm... but you need to rest properly, and have something to eat..." "I'm fine, babe. Now that you're awake, I'm fine" "Mami, make sure he eats and rests... imma just gonna go back to sleep for a bit" Settling back against him, Keith nuzzled into his neck as he finally loosened his hold. A hand lazily running up from his side to rest on his chest as he pressed a kiss to the curve of Lance's neck "I love you, baby. I don't just love you... I'm in love with you. Thank you for coming back to me" It was a secret whisper meant only for him. It was also the best wakeup he'd ever had when it came to coming out of a pod. Keith was such an adorable bastard. * Spending most of the first quintant out the pod napping off and on, Lance was still sleepy when Coran came to check on them the following morning. His mother was off calling home to let them all know Lance was still doing alright, leaving Keith to snuggle up with his boyfriend as much as he liked. With Lance being tired of being so tired, he was sitting between Keith's legs, back against the half-Galra's hand as he tried not to fall asleep. Sleepy Lance was adorable... but unfortunately being so sleepy had also left Lance on edge. His left hand had become a no go zone, Keith respecting the fact Lance hadn't had a chance to see his hand yet, so hadn't pushed to see the wound left. It wasn't like he wanted to. When a worried Coran turned up in the waiting room, wringing his hands and unable to stand still, Keith had nearly burst into tears before he even knew what had happened. He still didn't know much, only that Lance had some kind of bleed in the brain while in surgery due to something abnormal in his head, and while it'd been treated, brain injuries were never something to take lightly. With his face completely hidden by the mass of flowers in the bouquet he carried, Coran was doing that thing where he was smiling widely while his bottom lip wobbled threatening. Carrying the flowers over, he placed them down into Lance's lap, before finally giving in and launching himself on Lance, crying softly. Patting Coran's back, Lance laughed softly "I've had enough from mami and Keith" "You gave us all quite the scare" Keith didn't need to see Lance's face to know Lance was rolling his eyes. He well and truly got it "I'm ok... I mean, I am ok, aren't I?" "Yes indeed, number three. Fit as... a fiddle!" Coran sounded proud to have got the saying right "See Keith, you can relax now" How was he supposed to relax? He hadn't been able to relax since Lance had wheeled off for surgery. He'd kind of made a nuisance of himself demanding answers anytime anyone checked the pod Lance was in "He was quite lost without you" "He made a pest of himself, didn't he?" Coran hummed, the man had never excelled at lying. Groaning loudly at the noise, Lance wriggled against him to face him "Please tell me you didn't break anything" "I didn't break anything important" He hadn't... broken anything much. Maybe a few coffeecup that came with everyone insisting he drink, eat and rest... Yeah. He was a wreck. A ball of anger that not having Lance by his side brought back to life. He'd even been dobbed into Shiro, and Kosmo had deserted him to trail around after Coran. He came back at night, which was a nice distraction, but the thought of brain damage just wouldn't leave his mind. Narrowing his eyes, Lance huffed before turning back to Coran who had taken a seat in the visitors chair "Sooo. What's this scare all about?" Unable to keep still, Coran took the flowers from Lance's lap, standing up again to find up a vase for them "Coran?" "Hang on my boy" Lance gave a frustrated groan "You can't tell me to hang on. I've been hanging on for the two movements. Mami said I bleed in my brain. Was it to do with the scarring there?" "No, no... I'm so sorry my boy" Lance tensed in his hold, his scent turning feared "Coran, you're freaking him out. The flowers can wait. What happened in there? You said it was an easy surgery. It was supposed to be an easy procedure. You said he'd be perfectly fine. So you need to explain to us what happened properly" "Yes. Yes... I'm sorry, you're right. I failed you. Young Miss Daehra and I both failed you" Daehra. Failed. Lance. Those three words didn't go together. She was almost fanatical about the health of her team, learning absolutely everything she could. "Coran" Keith's tone held a gentle growl "As you say, you did suffer a bleed. A piece of alien technology was found in your brain, where the sample was supposed to have been taken from. Given it was organic, it wasn't picked up on Daehra's scanners. It was so small, it'd give the ice worms of Csadex 9 a run for their money" Lance was still tense, Keith couldn't brain him. The idea of having something in his brain that reminded Coran of worms was kind of revolting "There was what?" "A little tiny tracker. Started transmitting almost as soon as they got started. We got that pesky blighter, but couldn't remove it intact. We theorise that they implanted it while taking their samples" "Coran, not to burst your bubble here, but wouldn't it have started sooner? Like after it was put in? Or when we were on the Atlas?" Pulling forward, Lance drew his knees up as he did when upset "Well, my boy. We've never seen anything like it... We cannot confirm for sure that it was a tracker, but with how desperate they seemed for you, it is our most valid theory" "A theory that doesn't even make sense. I was on the Atlas for movements. I was around Altean tech on the Atlas. Plus, why didn't you guys pick it up with your scanners when we were on the prison ship?" "The Atlas has scramblers in place that prevent outgoing calls on unknown frequencies. You couldn't get a signal on that ship either. Maybe... it was so they could find us if we escaped" By "us", Keith was trying to reassure Lance that wherever he went, he'd be with him. Lance wasn't having "It's fucking wrong, is what it is! Haven't they taken enough from me? Without putting something in my head, like I'm an intergalactic cat!" "Babe, you put a collar on a cat" "Yeah, or a gps! Have you been scanned?" He'd been scanned on the Atlas. Nothing had shown up there... plus, he was more or less along for the ride. It was Lance they'd wanted all along. Clearing his throat, Coran tried to soothe Lance "Keith received medical treatment on the Atlas. No such device was found on or in him" Throwing his hands up, Lance turned to him "See, Keith. Like a freakin' cat. I can't believe they put something into my head. No. I can't believe that I can't believe that they'd do something like that" "It's out now. That's the main thing... Coran, how's his shoulder and... everything else?" The "not related to his head" part went unsaid. Lance was going to be brooding on this and Keith had no idea what to say. Lance was right, they had taken so much from him. It wasn't fair they'd left one more surprise in store "Excellent. It's all excellent. All that's left is to sleep of the pods effects. Your finger has healed, and any of those other lumps and bumps are history" "What about my other problem?" What other problem? There was something else going on? Coran looked as confused as Keith was "You know, the whole Allura changed my body thing. Let me guess, can't fix that in one of your fancy pods?" What was Lance getting angry at Coran for? Coran had worked his hardest at finding answers on the situation. No one but Allura could understand Allura's true intentions "Yes... well, we did some more scans. And watching you two, as well as taking into account your symptoms, I believe I have a clear idea of what she was hoping to accomplish" "Which was what? Turn me into fucking cat nip for Galra?" "Not Galra, but one particular Galra. I believe she didn't want you to be alone after she passed. She knew you cared deeply for Keith, and Keith for you. I think she changed part of your quintessence so that you and Keith would be able to better understand each other. Things like your scent, you can read each other through it. And we all know how much family means to you" "So she fucked with my body, made me something less that I was, so that Keith would want me?! Are you fucking kidding me? I told you those things in private. I let you in and told you what it's been like... and you can't do anything about it at all? Because of her... because of her, I..." "I believe..." "You "believe", you don't "know". Admit it. You have no idea why she turned me into freak. You have no idea why I keep hallucinating her. You have no idea why I can fall pregnant now, do you? You don't. You don't know what it's been like... neither of you understand!" Yelling, Lance shimmied forward, climbing off the bed clumsily before "striding" over to the door "I want you both out" Hang on. What had he done? Why was he getting kicked out? Neither what Coran had said, or what he had said should warrant such an action. Climbing out of bed, Keith moved to Lance's side "Babe..." "Don't "babe" me! Don't you get it, she changed me so that you would love me! She thought me so unlovable that she had to "fix" me. Can you say you loved me, before? Honestly loved me? Or is this fucked up body making you feel things because she changed it?!" "I told you I love you, even before I left to be with the Blades, I was falling in love with you! I don't get why you're yelling at both of us. Coran did the research. There were male Altean's who gave birth... Coran, tell him. He spent vargas researching ways to help you" Lance was shaking, Keith wanted to comfort him, but the look in his eyes said he might just lose it if someone was to touch him "I'm not Altean! I'm me. Just a nobody from Cuba! I want you to both leave" "Lance..." "I want to be alone" "Number three. I do have some..." "Please! Both of you, you don't get it! I want to be alone!... please" Dropping from a yell, Lance hit the door sensor pad "Babe..." "Keith, I don't want to yell at you, but I need space right now. Or I'm going to end up doing something very stupid-er. Ok. Take Kosmo for a walk... I need to think" "I don't think you should be alone right now" "Just get out!" "Babe..." "Please, please just go..." Coran and Keith both sighed heavily to themselves as they left. The door sliding shut seemed to sound louder than normal. Placing his hand on Keith's shoulder, Coran let out another heavy sigh "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset him" "You're not the one who upset him... Neither of us were. He's right... we don't understand everything he went through" "That doesn't mean we stop trying. I fear I put too much on his shoulders too soon" "I'm sorry he yelled at you" "It's ok, my boy. Why don't you go freshen up, take a walk like he suggested. I'm sure he'll no doubt be ready to apologise by the time you get back" Keith held a healthy level of respect for Coran, but couldn't say he wasn't furious at Lance. While he didn't want Coran angry with Lance, he didn't know how he could keep so cool and calm when being yelled at by someone he cared about so deeply "Thank you... those flowers were nice" "Picked them myself. Pop-pop made sure I knew all the "ins and outs" of design. Allura quite liked picking flowers near the castle..." Keith's heart gave an uncomfortable thump. It was hard knowing there was a massive statue of Allura right outside the hospital. Well, not right outside, but visible nonetheless. He didn't feel like Altea was really the right place for Lance to be recovering, so he'd brought all their blankets up to make Lance's room less Alteany. He wanted Lance to sleep off his discomfort in somewhere that wasn't sterile white walls... and somewhere they'd have space to talk privately... not that they'd really talked. Lance was too sleepy, and had grown tired of him repeatedly asking if he was alright "I'm sorry he snapped over Allura..." "No. He's confused. People he thought were friends did this to him. He has a right to his anger" "He doesn't have a right to snap at you. Even if he's hurting" "Thank you, Keith. I wish I knew how to help him more" "There are some things he needs to work out for himself, and he's willing to see a therapist. So that's a big step... waking up and finding everything out, I should have seen this coming" "No. You don't blame yourself either, young man. You've been wonderful with him... He's opened his heart to you. You've grown into a wonderful young man. Allura would be so happy to see the happiness between you" "It's not always happy" "No relationship ever is. All you can have is love and patience" "I'm not that great with the patience thing" "Nonsense. Now you go find that wolf of yours and get some air" "Yeah. I might go check on the Telula. Make sure everything is alright there. He'd kill me if I let something happen to his ship" Coran let him take the out, the man giving a firm squeeze before parting. Lance needed time and he needed to respect that... even if it felt like his heart was breaking. He'd loved him for so long, where as Lance had only admitted he cared for him just a handful of phoebs ago. He was getting impatient again. He was forgetting that Lance also had to suffer waiting without news while Keith had been in the pod. Emotions were running high, and the best thing they could do was sit down and take a deep breath, before something else came their way. * Locking himself away in the bathroom closest to his room, Lance stripped off the hospital gown they'd stuck him, and the pants he'd had to beg to keep. He'd told his mother he wanted to nap, wanting to be alone which she ignored as she fussed over Coran's flowers. Not granting him a moment's peace before finally deciding he looked tired enough to sleep after not letting him get a word in all morning... Standing before the mirror in the room, his eyes roamed over his naked body. This was his body. Supposed to be his body... His body with all these new scars across it. Raising his left hand to reach for the scar on his right shoulder, he paused as he caught sight of it. Instead of red, or pink, scar tissue covering the back of it, it looked like an intricate series of cobweb strands. The skin between a few shades lighter than the caramel skin that covered the rest of him. It disgusted him. The memories of having his hand ground beneath the officers boot, like he was nothing. Was he really that bad? Throwing himself forward with fake bravado had been the only way he knew to survive... and this was surely karma at its finest. Letting out a shaky breath, he turned his hand slowly to stare at the remains of his little finger. The skin having pulled together like it was natural not to have a little finger. The only proof that there was ever anything more there was the smallest of pink scars on the tip of it. He'd lost his finger... but he could have lost so much more. He could have lost Keith. He could have cost everyone everything with this... that stupid thing in his head. Why weren't they mad at him? Tearing eyes turned to soft sobs, his hand shaking as he leaned towards the mirror to brush his fingers over the shaven area. It'd grown back a little while he'd been on bedrest, but they'd shaved it again. A small thin scar about a centimetre above his ear, and curving back slightly. They'd been in his brain. They'd been in his brain because Kre'el had put a damn tracker in his head... Trailing his shaking fingers down his naked chest, he turned to look at the scars across his body. Scars he couldn't even name. Scars because he'd been trying so desperately to keep his head above water. Why had it been him? The Red Lion was all a farce. Why couldn't they have asked him for help? He would have helped... he would have done anything to take away the pain of being home and losing Allura. They didn't need to go this far. They didn't need to torture him. They didn't need to rip away that stupid romantic piece of himself over giving his virginity to someone who loved him as much as he loved them. Twisting sideways, he stared at his back. The risen scars from poorly healed wounds. The beatings they'd give him for screaming. For fighting. For not behaving himself. Hell. Sometimes they'd done it just for fun... Why him? He tried to be a good person. He tried to help. He tried his hardest not to be a burden. Not to weigh everyone down. He was a people person... or he had been. God. He'd been so rude to Keith. He'd been so rude to Coran. They wanted to help him. They wanted the best for him. Keith was hurting badly enough as it was. Keith who'd loved him for years before he'd realised. Keith who worried himself to the point of self implosion... Keith who was just as scared as he was of being left behind by those who loved him. He'd nearly died. He'd nearly died and left him behind. He didn't want to leave Keith behind... he didn't want to be this person, lashing out to hurt others. It never made him feel better... and it was never alright. But how could Keith love him? He was... he was all of this... This body. These scars... The man staring back at him... He'd been doing better. He'd been sure he was doing better... But was he? When was the last time he spent time with his team? The last time they had any real work? Or did anything they wanted to do? He'd been lost in Keith. In Keith ripping his emotions out and rebuilding him. His soft hands and gentle words... He didn't want to be this person. He wanted to be good for Keith. Keith who'd, for the lack of better term, had love to this body. Who wasn't disgusted that he got "periods" or got "wet"... Keith who accepted all of this better than he did. Turning back, he lifted both hands to the bathroom sink. Small scars remained from the cuffs they'd forced on him. Were Keith's wrists scarred? Had he asked? He'd seen the small scar that remained from accidentally been stabbed by the handle of his own blade... Why had Keith scarred, while his broken skin had grown back lighter? His hands didn't even feel like his anymore. He felt as if he still belonged to "them"... He didn't want... He wanted Coran to have a magical cure. He knew how shameful his heat was. The need to be fucked senseless. To be filled and brought to completion until he whited out with pleasure... Keith had never seen him like that. What if it disgusted him? What if that was what drove him away? Keith was his stability. He loved him. He loved him... but some part of him scared of him. Scared of losing control again to drunk courage... to going too far in the moment and hurting himself. It'd felt good. So good to know what it was like to sleep with someone who cherished him... but he wasn't ready for it again. Learning Kre'el's truth brought it all crashing back, and he didn't have a strategy to deal with it all. He couldn't drink away his pain. He couldn't get so high that he felt like he was invincible. They were the wrong methods... but what were the right ones? Could they even fix him? Placing his hands on his hips, he slid them down, shuddering at the touch so close to his groin where his dick laid limp, tucked up in his thin pubes as if trying to hide. Was this body really alright? Was it ok to touch himself? To give in to the soft caresses? He didn't like touching himself, even to shower. He wasn't sure if he'd been ok with Keith helping him shower, yet didn't know how to voice that when his boyfriend was bending over backwards to help him. He didn't know his boundaries anymore. He didn't know how to find them again. He needed help... He wanted to go back to Leandro. When Leandro was easy. When Leandro was all he had to be. All people expected him to be... Lance was so hard. Lance was exhausting. Lance was so many things to too many people. He just wanted to world to stand still. He wanted to feel like he could breathe. He wanted to scream it all out, but wherever he turned, someone was there. Someone to suffocate him with their love when he wanted to work things out in his head first. That's why he'd snapped at Coran and Keith. Their words grating as his sleep drugged mind tried to work out the meaning of their words. He was half a dobosh behind the conversation, and angry with himself for not being able to keep up. He'd been so horrible to both of them. But... they didn't get it. He'd been pregnant. A piece of them had been inside of him and he hadn't known it until it was... gone. Like this thing in his head... Coran didn't know... but Keith did... Keith knew what they did... Sliding his hands up to his stomach, he rubbed at the taunt skin. He'd been born male, and now he was... this. Was this ok? Wasn't he supposed to be somehow manipulating his quintessence without knowing it? Wasn't Coran supposed to be able to tell him how to control it? How to turn back to normal? A scream coming him before he could stop himself, fingertips digging into the sensitive flesh, his sobs turning hysterical as he sunk to kneel. He didn't want to be like this. Why couldn't he ever do anything right? The door to the bathroom slip open, Lance still balling as Keith rushed to gather him up into his hold. Lance hiccuping in surprise as Keith held his face to his neck "They raped me! The raped me and left me like this!" "Shhh. I know baby, I know..." "They didn't listen... it hurt. It hurt and I couldn't... ugh... ugh..." "Shhh, I've got you sweet heart Shaking his head, Keith didn't get it "They put it inside of me! They put it inside of me and I lost it... they didn't ask... they just did what they wanted... then they put... they put... they put that thing in my head... I can't do this... I'm... I don't know who I am anymore... not Lance... don't want to be Lance..." Tilting Lance's face back, Keith moved to cup his cheeks. Sad eyes met his tear filled vision, all blotchy and out of focus but undeniably Keith's. He didn't want Keith to see him like this. Not when he was a ball of conflicting feelings, and not when sometimes you just needed to cry it out in peace "Fuck... oh, babe. I didn't think. I love you. I'm here for you. I'm here for you and I love you..." "I don't want to lose you, but I'm so scared they're coming! They're dead but... did I kill them all? Did... did they track me here? Are we going to see Altea fall again?!" "You're safe here. You're safe with me. You're safe" "I don't feel safe! They were in my head! They put something in me again, Keith! Something I didn't want!" "I know... I don't know what to say... but I'm listening. I'm listening to you" "I can't do this... I can't fix myself... I don't know how to... I'm so tired of them taking things from me" "I'm sorry, babe. I'm sorry. What do you need?" Lance sniffled loudly, trying to calm himself down "Sh-shower" "You want to take a shower?" "Y-yes..." "Ok, I'll help you" Shaking his head, he didn't really want to be touched "Alone... shower alone..." "Are you sure?" "Need to... feel clean..." "You're exhausted, babe" "I want to shower alone... please. Please let me shower... please..." "Ok. Ok, shhhh. Do you want me to do anything?" He wasn't getting rid of Keith. Keith would hover no matter what he did "W-wait outside?" "Sure. Sure thing. I've got Kosmo with me, so you can cuddle with him if you want? He's missed you. He kept teleporting me back to the front of the hospital..." Nodding, Keith couldn't resist as he pulled him to stand as the half-Galra rose "I'll be right outside waiting" Lance blinked his vision mostly clear, the fuzzy bathroom sink was where his gaze fell "Ok..." "And don't worry about how long you take. Take as long as you need"

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theprodigypenguin · 6 years

Text

Jeith Headcanon Dump

I’ve been scratching down Jeith headcanons on every surface I can find whenever I think of something, and finally got around to compiling them all in one place. It’s pretty long, but I hope you enjoy!

James calls Keith "babe/baby"

Keith calls James "darling/doll"

But only in private. In public they call each other bitch, asshole, or go the polite route (cadet, sir, paladin, whatever)

One time James ironically called Keith “Mister Black Paladin Sir” and got punched for his trouble

James is actually really amazed by the lions, especially the Black Lion

After the war, earth starts making and selling Voltron merch (as Earth do), and James buys every Black Paladin/Black Lion thing he can get his hands on

he has a Black Lion charm hanging in his MFE fighter

and a poster on the wall of his dorm

and a stuffed toy of the Black Lion

and he may or may not have a Keith body pillow

He tries to stuff everything in the closet to hide it when Keith stops by, but it's too late

he's seen

and he will never live it down ever

Keith: *holding up the body pillow* Hey if you wanted me in bed you could've just asked.

Keith eats his food like a fucking rat

He eats the ice cream from between the ice cream sandwiches and throws the cookie away

eats the cream from between the Oreos and puts the cookie back in the box like an asshole

he always takes apart his sandwiches and hamburgers to eat everything individually

It fucks James up and freaks him out honestly like who the fuck eats like that???

Keith had never had boba tea before and when James first gives him some he almost has an anxiety attack because what the fUCK IS THIS WHY IS THERE A SOLID IN MY LIQUID, JAMES

They love going on rides through the desert with no destination, hood of the car down so Keith can stand up and scream while they're driving and the wind is hitting his face

They can both sing, like, really fucking well

James is more modern while Keith likes country and bluesy music

his drawl comes back with a vengeance when he's singing and it gives James "problems”

James is secretly a Troye Sivan fan and sings "Strawberries and Cigarettes" in Keith's ear to see him blush

James has an obsession with Keith's scars, and is constantly kissing and biting at them, like he's trying to prove a point (or trying to erase the scars with his kisses)

Keith is normally pretty against people touching his scars at all (especially the one on his face), so when he first lets James kiss his cheek, James had a mini gay panic attack as soon as Keith is gone.

James: He let me kiss his cheek!

Rizavi: Calm your gay self down, boy.

Keith in a cadet uniform is nice

Keith in his Paladin armor is nICE

Keith in his usual casual attire is dangerous

Keith in white tshirt, open blue flannel, and ripped jeans is fucking DANGEROUS

And Keith in his sinfully skintight BoM uniform is FATAL

The first time James sees him dressed like that he just tries to cover Keith any way he can, putting a coat around his shoulders with shaky hands and a crimson face

Keith: What are you doing?

James: YOU’RE INDECENT. COVER YOURSELF KOGANE. WE’RE IN PUBLIC.

no one else believes James when he tells people Keith has a southern drawl

James: I'm telling you he's just hiding it! He has a Texas drawl damn it!

Lance: Sure he does. I spent like years in space with him, never heard him say "ya'll" even once.

Keith: *whispers into James’ ear* Well ain’t that a damn southern hill shame, darlin’?

James: *screams*

Keith takes James on dates through the stars all the time

With the Black Lion, space travel through the Milky Way is effortless, and Keith likes seeing the way James' eyes light up when the fly over any of the different planets outside of Earth

James: Keith look, we're on Orion's belt! We're a fashion statement!

Keith: Sure, okay.

James takes a more common route when it comes to dating

Walking day-dates through Plaht City and the alien booths that had been set up

buying knickknacks for each other that neither need but both cherish

purposely staying out too late so James can offer his jacket to Keith like the gentleman he is

Keith likes the simplicity, though

and he likes it when James offers his coat, not that he'll admit it

growing up in the desert, Keith is used to being in intense heat, he can function in 100+ degree weather easily and is at home in muscle shirts and ripped jeans

this also means he can hardly function in any weather that dwindles beneath 70 degrees (hey same)

He goes from sluggish to entirely useless

naturally he seeks out the closest heat source, but also the safest heat source, so he automatically finds himself looking for James

Shiro has known Keith forever, and he was once upon a time subjected to a little teen Keith trying to hide under his shirt because he was cold, so he tries to warn James in order to prepare him

doesn't matter though, nothing can prepare him for when his zombie-fied boyfriend shuffles up to him and lifts his shirt to try and hide under it

James loves him, but he'd really rather not get groped by icicle fingers again, so he takes to wearing a coat at all times

That way when Keith shuffles towards him for warmth he can just open his jacket and close it around the paladin

at first people teased him about it, especially the other MFE pilots, but the glare that Keith peered over at them from the collar of James' coat makes them stop

so people are just used to it now and don't mention it

Keith is starved for touch and attention, but his insecurities make it hard for him to open up to people, so once he and James start to date regularly, he’s always rubbing up against him for affection

James doesn’t get it at first, but once he figures it out he’s always got a hand on Keith somehow, whether it’s petting his hair, patting his shoulder, holding his hand, or anything else, because the touch makes Keith happy

Cadet: So how did you and Keith start dating?

James: Well he punched me really hard when we were kids, and I think he must’ve given me brain damage from it, because I fell in love with him.

Cadet:

Regarding intimacy, they switch all the time, sometimes James tops and sometimes Keith does, but Keith is almost always the little spoon

James likes hugging things in his sleep, and Keith isn’t opposed to the physical contact, so they have an agreement

They don’t really discuss the fact they’re dating, it sort of just happens

One day James looks around and realizes half of the belongings in his dorm room are Keith’s, and that the paladin had basically moved himself in and made himself at home

So he just goes “oh this is a thing now” and continues on with his business

Keith is pretty oblivious to this kind of thing in general, so it takes him longer to realize it

Pidge: Hey Keith are you off to your date with James?

Keith: *dressed casually in clean clothes and even brushed his hair* What, no, we’re just looking around the venders. After that we’re going to get something to eat and maybe stop by to watch a movie in that outdoor auditorium. You know the one, where they play old Earth films to entertain some of the war torn alien refugees?

Pidge: Yea? That’s a date?

Keith:

James isn’t as freaked out about Keith being half Galra as Keith had expected, and even seems eager to learn more (”always knew there was something different about you”)

He is, of course, wary about the other Galra in the Blade of Marmora, going so far as to try and stand in front of Keith protectively when they show up

The action is both endearing and somewhat disappointing, but Keith can’t blame him for being nervous, even scared, around the aliens, after everything their race had done

James gets along with Krolia pretty quickly, but remains somewhat nervous and suspicious of the other Galra

James: You sure they’re not gonna try and... like, hurt you?

Keith: James at this point you should be worried about them hurting you. Have fun gaining their favor to date me.

James:

They both have pretty severe nightmares, but Keith’s are just a bit worse, and effect him more

They sleep with a nightlight because it makes things just a tiny bit easier

They’ve discussed going to individual therapy sessions, but in the end they always decide there’s no one better than each other to talk to

(they never fully toss out therapy as a possibility, though)

Whenever one of them wakes from a bad dream they wake the other up, and they either sit on the bed to discuss it, or if they don’t want to talk, they climb to the roof of the Garrison and see who can name the most constellations

So far it’s a tie, but James knows more single stars than Keith does

Keith is willing and ready to punch the lights out of anyone who dares speak badly of James

James is all too happy to do the same with people who should even dare to mention Keith

He gets into it more than Keith does, because James is considered an honored pilot, while there have always been more dubious opinions of Keith

Made worse by the fact he’s half Galra and the one to kill Sendak (even if they were in a war, there are people who give Keith a wide berth because they’re afraid of him)

It bothers James, but Keith seems to not mind

Keith: People have always treated me like an outsider, it’s not like this is new to me.

That just makes James feel worse

They kissed before ever confessing, and saying I love you was never really something they felt needed to be said out loud

But James says it once spontaneously, notices that it makes Keith blush like a nova, and decides to say it a lot more often just to see Keith flustered

Keith takes a bit longer to get used to saying those words, and the first time he says it, it doesn’t click immediately with James

He’s probably up in the MFE for a test run when it just hits him that his boyfriend said I love you that morning and just screams a little into his comms from shock, scaring the hell out of his team

Rizavi: Why are you screaming?!

James: Keith said he loved me!

Rizavi: Bitch when?!

James: Like eight hours ago!

Rizavi: Then shut the fuck up!

James proposes first, but Keith is such a dense moron he doesn’t realize it, and like a day later he proposes to James, who’s just fucking confused but says okay

So they both propose and they both say yes and neither of them realize it because they’re fucking idiots.

Please feel free to add your own Jeith/Jaith headcanons!

#jeith #jaith #james griffin #keith kogane #james/keith #voltron legendary defender #rare pair #crack ship #headcanons #my otp #vld james #vld keith #what do I even think of anymore #i've been so distracted by sheith and jeith #this is my life now #there is no escape

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omggiogiothings · 5 years

Text

Voices Ch.9

So sorry about the lateness of this chapter,,, But hey! UPDATE! so good times : )

If you’d like to read this fic on Ao3 please click here!

Thank you guys for putting up with me. Happy reading!

Keith quickly learns his wedding outfit was not meant for comfort.

The tight fitting undergarments bite into his skin and he’s annoyed at the amount of times he has to discreetly pull his shorts down when they start riding up his thighs. He’s showing enough skin as it is, he does not want to flash the prim and proper Alteans standing around them.

He had assumed after the wedding the reception would be a short affair but all his hopes die the moment Shiro introduces him to the Puigian leader, and then the Olkari, and then the Arusian. It’s an endless string of people each giving them praise and well-wishes that are definitely lies. The Puigian had given him such a dirty look Keith was amazed he hadn’t bitten his tongue when he said he was happy they were married.

It was part of his duties now, he supposed. Keith stayed by Shiro’s side, one hand light against his back as Shiro held him with a loose hand on his hip. Sometimes he would drum his fingers against Keith when someone started getting talkative. Once he realized what he was doing he blushed, embarrassed and avoided Keith’s knowing gaze.

The reception was a public affair on purpose. There were too many aliens Keith would not be able to recognize or remember. And from them all, there was only a sprinkle of Galra. Keith remembered making the seating arrangements with the others, telling them which squadrens would be better together and which would be better apart. He isn’t surprised to find some of them missing. Keith knew there would be a punishment for showing disrespect to Zarkon’s orders.

Keith is introduced to a couple dozen people and knows there is no way he will remember their faces or names. He also notices no one from Zarkon’s court had bothered to show up.

Keith catches the double meaning. None of them had approved of Zarkon’s decision. He didn’t have to be privy to the peace talks to know that. Zarkon’s court was filled with purebred Galra, each withered and old. They had been commanders and warriors once upon a time. Keith loathed them as much as he loathed his grandfather. He learned to walk eggshells around them. He didn’t like being in the same room as any of them. Only a handful of them had truly left him alone as a child. But once he presented as an Omega, there was an air of disgust and revulsion. Keith knew Lotor had suffered the same issues because Zarkon had coupled with an Altean.

They were hated for things they couldn’t control.

Still, he could name them, could talk about their glory days and their children. Their children were high ranking officers and each with their own corrupt pockets of command. He hated them but learned to tolerate them. He didn’t get involved with politics, instead he found ways to work around them and away from them.

They were stupid anyways. Zarkon’s court was nothing more than puppets, made to make the citizens of Gal think he was a just and caring ruler. A load of ruggle.

When the newlyweds were finally allowed to take a seat the, servants started serving meals and refreshment. Their table is at the front of the grand hall where Keith had met Shiro for the first time. Despite being exhausted, Keith is pleased to see that their decisions had been taken into consideration for the decoration. There’s a mixture of black and golden decorations, streamers with lace fabric lining the tables and chairs. The flowers are beautiful, he remembers a few of them from the ones Shiro had sent him. There’s cards on the tables but Keith isn’t sure what they decided to put on them. He isn’t even sure what the point is, if he was honest. There are also small details he notices as well. He remembers the arguing over the silverware (that Shiro and Keith had both thought looked exactly the same but Coran had screeched that there was a terrible difference) and the red and black designs on the plates instead of the black and red designs (again, exactly the same but they were scolded for assuming so).

It’s elegant and regal. He remembers Pidge mentioning that the first half of the reception would be for the polite congratulations of the new couple before the public was invited to join them for the occasion.

The food is served with a flourish and Keith forgets about looking interested and instead focuses on the meals he recognizes from taste testing with Hunk and… the questionable items.

Keith and Shiro are seated with one another along the long table taking up one side of the great hall. They’re sat in the middle, separating their respective families as planned. Keith has his father on one side and feels a judgemental stare at every plate he picks up. But he’s hungry and he refuses to be denied a meal so good.

Keith takes a moment to investigate what looks like a grotesque looking flower when Hunk suddenly leans forward and waves a hand at him. “Uhhhhh, I wouldn’t do that if I were you, man.”

“What is it?” Keith asks, pushing it away gently and looking at Shiro who is having a staring contest with it. Shiro stabs it, making it open up and release a pink puff of air.

“Altean cuisine,” Hunk deadpanned, not bothering to look at Shiro who nearly knocks himself backwards as he coughs into his hand. The smell is horrid and Keith takes pity on him, pushing the plate back and away with the end of his fork. “It’s like, questionable at best. I’ll save you the mystery of what it tastes like. It’s really bad. I think Alteans are the only ones with taste buds strong enough for it.”

Keith considers, looking out to the crowd and how they handle their own meals. He finds Thace in the crowd, picking at it and putting a piece into his mouth. Thace was respectful like that, always willing to appreciate someone's culture. It doesn’t end well when he chokes, startling the lieutenants around him. Thace swallows and almost disappears as he slouches in his seat. If Shiro’s reaction to it hadn’t been enough to convince him, Thace turning the lightest shade of lavender is.

“Thanks.” He turns back to Hunk, momentarily finding Shiro fighting with another item of food. Keith wrinkles his nose when the new plate of food actually moves and takes his fork. “You don’t like it?”

Shiro doesn’t look at him, glaring at the newest enemy on their table. Hunk dutifully hands him a butterknife before looking horrified and yanking it away. They didn’t need a new food monster stealing a butterknife. “No. Just, no.”

“Shiro thinks Altean food shouldn’t still move which is a very valid concern.” Hunk says matter of factly.

“You hunt for food. You kill the animal to eat it. I don’t want to have to fight it.” Shiro sounds exasperated, as if he had been over this a million times before.

Keith looks at Shiro’s purple markings and pointed ears, frowning in consideration. But before he can voice his question Hunk claps a hand on Shiro’s shoulder. “But, thank god Shiro didn’t inherit the non-existence taste of an Altean. He’s more human than Altean when it comes to taste. He loves sweets, especially my cookies.”

“Cookies?” Keith pulls one of Shiro’s Galra plates closer to himself and stabs the meat. He looks up at sees Shiro’s narrowed gaze and eats the meat. They’re running low on edible food, all the remaining food on their plates are colorful where it shouldn’t be and moving. Keith dares Shiroto try and steal his plate back..

“You don’t know what cookies are? Oh man, I am going to have so much fun showing you the ways of my culinary genius.”

“To be fair,” Shiro started, giving up on taking the plate but still sneaking a piece in defiance. “Anything Hunk makes is really good. Maybe even better than what my mom used to make me as a child.”

“Aww, that’s sweet. But honestly, it’s totally where we’re raised that makes a difference. Tale smelly tofu for example.”

Hunk starts a discussion on food, leaving Keith to munch on his food as they argue back and forth. He’s content to just listen to them, already feeling something shift in his relationship with Hunk. Hunk is a good balance of sarcasm and anxious energy. It keeps him sharp despite being exasperated with certain situations. Keith supposes being a Paladin really does help you develop a thicker coat of fur.

By the end of their discussion he knows Shiro is weak for anything sweet and will actually cry if he eats anything spicier than ketchup (whatever that is).

As the food dwindles down, a band plays music in the background signaling the final stretch of the night. Keith watches Alteans take their partners and allied friends to the center of the room. Each of them laughing and enjoying one another. The main entrance opens and a sweep of new faces appear. Civilians were encouraged to join the festivities once the main ceremonies were held. It may have been a political arrangement but the civilians easily mingled into the crowds.

Keith’s content to spend the rest of the night at the end of the hall but Shiro has other plans. He stands up, ignoring the soft hush that falls across the room as he turns to Keith and extends a hand. “Would you give me the honor of having this dance?”

Keith stares at him in surprise, wary and embarrassed. There’s a reason he had wanted to stay seated all night. “I, I don’t know how to dance.”

Dancing was not something talked about often in the empire. He remembers hearing whispers of it at the Academy and even the head Mistress had mentioned it. But it was not taught there. Another forbidden tradition, Zarkon held it over their heads with an iron fist.

At least he thought Zarkon had as he sees Thace taking another Galra with him to the dancefloor. His partner is pale with the yellow glow of a purebred’s eyes. Something cold settles in his stomach when he realizes Zarkon had not held it over their heads with an iron fist, he had held it over the Omegas.

“Don’t worry.” Shiro snaps him out of his thoughts, gentle with him. “I’ll lead you through it, okay?”

Keith hesitates for only a second before caving into Shiro’s wishes. He supposes it would be good to show the room full of Alteans that they were taking this marriage seriously. It still doesn’t stop the knot from growing in his stomach as he’s lead around the table and away from the judgemental eyes of his family.

Shiro’s hand is warm in his as they find a relatively empty area to begin. Shiro picks up their intertwined hands, holding them steady as he guides Keith’s left hand onto his shoulder. Shiro places a hand under Keith’s arm, resting it gently across Keith’s left side. “Luckily, Altean music follows a simple beat. Let’s start with a simple sway, okay?”

Keith is nervous, wondering if Shiro could feel the tremble in his hands. He doesn’t want to embarrass himself, especially in front of an entire court waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. But Shiro smiles at him gently and then ushers them to the side. “It’s all a series of beats okay? One, two, three. You can count the steps until you get the hang of it.”

Keith looks down to their feet, catching the steps with Shiro in his own head as the gently move side to side. The music sounds soft to Keith, though he can’t say he’s listened to much music. It was present in the Empire but Keith had never been exposed to it often outside of formal events with other alien species.

“Now, I’m gonna twirl you, okay? It follows the same amount of beats. Just, glide into it.”

Keith’s ready to mention how the ruggle was he supposed to glide into something but Shiro counted out to him, “One, two, three-”

Keith was unprepared for Shiro to let him go, gently easing him into a twirl that made him smack a Puigian in the back. He ducked back closer to Shiro as the person gave him a nasty glare.

“I’m sorry,” Shiro offered, giving a nervous laugh and hauling Keith close and away from the person. “I’m not the best dancer.”

Keith saw the hostility melt away to a polite expression. It made Keith’s stomach turn in disgust, he hated people who were such liars to others for the benefits of politics.

Shiro led him back to an empty area, getting his attention as he held his hands again. “That was good, I guess it’s hard to teach the waltz on the fly.”

“I’m a quick study.” Keith said, determined to perfect the steps. The incident with the puigian only solidified Keith’s motivation to figure this out. He’d show those upstarts he knew how to play their little political game too. “And you’re a great teacher.”

Shiro coughed into his hand, looking a little amused before getting them back into the starting position. “Remember, all to the count of three.”

Keith managed to stumble over his feet this time but met Shiro with the same frustrated glance and the need to try again. By the third time Keith was able to follow along with Shiro, keeping to the dance quickly enough.

“This is nice.” Keith said, still looking at their feet as they continued their simple swaying side to side. “What did you call it? A waltz?”

“Yeah, it’s a type of dance on earth. There’s a bunch of variations of it but for a beginner trying waltz, this is the one to go to.”

Keith looks up, taking in the way Shiro was smiling down at him. “Are there a lot of dances on earth?”

“Hmm. Yes. Each varies by the cultures they come from. Sadly, the waltz is the only one I really know and that’s because I had to take a class in elementary school.”

“What’s an elementary school?”

“It’s uh, it’s an education facility that teaches young kids basic education.”

Keith hummed, thinking of his own tutor when he was young. The memories are fuzzy, making him sad to forget his face so easily. But he had taught Keith to read and write, how to hold a sword and the basics of Galran history. He taught Keith of his mother, how to mourn, and how to keep himself safe, even if he was physically not.

“I haven’t read up on earth. I guess I should.”

Shiro twirls him one more time, bringing him back in close. “If you’d like.”

A new song picks up and Shiro focuses on something just over Keith’s shoulder.

“Hey, uh, hope I’m not interrupting?” Hunk is close, something like a shy smile on his face. “Mind if I have this dance?”

Keith blinks, ready to hand Shiro over when Shiro leads their linked hands to Hunk’s. “I’m done for the night. Would you like to dance with Hunk, Keith?”

Keith feels like he’s being put on the spot but Shiro stops before they reach Hunk, looking to him for approval. He gives a hesitant nod and Shiro drops his hand in Hunk’s. It’s instantly dwarfed by Hunk’s grip as Shiro moves back and gets intercepted by Pidge who drags him out to dance with a grin. Hunk keeps him in the same grip Shiro had him before but there is a stiffness and space between them that hadn’t been there with Shiro.

Hunk leads him through the same steps as Shiro had and Keith follows along easily, albeit nervously. Was he supposed to talk to Hunk during this? It was one thing talking about food with others, it’s another on their on their own.

“I meant what I said. Earlier. Uh.” Hunk stutters around his words, avoiding Keith’s gaze. Keith’s a little lost and Hunk seems to realize that as he finally swallows and faces him head on. “Look, we got off on the wrong foot. And I know, it’s pretty shit that a Paladin of Voltron is so… dumb towards the Galra. And ya know, I believe there aren’t all terrible Galra out there. Just scared civilians who are trying to figure themselves out. But someone from the royal family? That just spells trouble, dude.”

They stop in their dancing and Hunk snaps his mouth shut, seeming to realize what he was rambling about. “Wow, that is not what I wanted to say.”

“Hunk, stop,” Keith starts, but Hunk continues their swaying, even as something clenches in Keith’s chest. “I appreciate your honesty. You don’t have to do anything with me. No relationship and no need for formalities. I understand.”

“Okay, I’m scared of you.” Hunk doesn’t stop barreling on. “I mean, you were bat shit good in the mating ceremony fight. You are an unknown factor, an unknown variable that is now a part of our team and we have to account for it. Never introduce an unknown variable to something, like, unless it’s controlled or something. I don’t know, research and analysis was a boring field to me, that’s Pidge’s business. But anyways, it’s just terrifying cause you come with a lot of baggage that could really tear this team apart.”

And wow, Keith said Hunk should be honest but he really wanted him to stop now.

“And it sounds bad because I always think of the worst case scenario in hopes to prevent it from happening. But being a paladin makes you realize you can’t keep preparing and preventing because you’re always gonna get shit thrown at you. And you’re apart of this team now, married into it, I guess. So we stick together and we do the best we can to deal with stuff as they come.” Hunk brought him in a little closer, taking the steps in a slow and gentle movement. “I’m willing to try making a friendship work. But only if you want to. I’ll be honest with you and only take things at your own pace, okay?”

Keith is struck, feet stumbling that Hunk catches up on for them. He feels flustered, not sure how he is meant to respond to something like this. But Hunk doesn’t expect an answer, only smiles at him and grunts when a pointy elbow hits him on the side.

Pidge grins from under Hunk’s arm, pushing him with her hip even if Hunk doesn’t budge an inch. “I’m stealing your dance.”

“Wow, first, rude. Second, you know your elbow is a weapon of mass destruction, can you not.” Hunk is glowering at her but still lets Keith go as Pidge takes Keith’s hands and yanks him close.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Lance wants a dance too, big guy.” She grins, all teeth before making Keith stumble as she pulls him away. Hunk lets out a big sigh before heading back to their table where Keith sees Shiro trying to slink his way back before he’s stopped by a breed of alien with more legs than arms. Keith squints but Pidge’s attempts in leading him to dance start to demand his attention.

“I was never that great at dancing but I can lead.” She is determined, looking at their feet and moving them along. She’s still a few inches shorter than him but he indulges her. He’s sure they look plenty awkward when she tries to twirl him. “So, how was the wedding?”

“Tiring.” Keith admits. “Dancing is weird. How long do I have to do this?”

Pidge hums to herself, eyes looking back to the table where he sees the way Allura is staring at them. He hadn’t paid attention to her all night and now he realizes why. Allura is seething, anger for a reason he can’t understand. “Lance will be asking you to a dance soon too. We wanted to do this as a sign of respect for you joining our ranks. It’s also a back off tactic to people who think we aren’t taking this seriously and might try to undermine us. Allura hates it.”

Keith looks away from her. Allura hates the Galra and probably was hurt when her father suddenly decided they had to like them. He knows she had to have grouped them altogether for her to act the way she is. But a part of him can’t even blame her for it. He’s grown used to his own prejudice and bias towards Alteans. But he does not favor one race over the others. Both have wronged him. He’s a neutral party, ready to advocate for either side if he was asked. Alteans had played with fire just as the Galra have. Keith won’t let either race try and sweep their behavior under the rug just like how Allura refused to let this wedding cover her animosity.

“Why would you do that to her?” Keith asked before he could stop himself. He realized a second to late that, that was a personal question. But Pidge hums, considering it.

“I… It’s mean and it’s not right, I know that. But, what was she thinking? After we finished this war we had to rebuild and to do so, we have to work for the Galra. I’m… I’m scared about what her plans were afterwards or if she even had any. You got a weird hate respect going for them but that’s the best we have at this point. You married an Altean. That says a lot for this treaty. And she hates it. And I’d understand if she hated it for the decent reasons. But she hates it because it makes us look weak. Shiro? Taking a Galra for a spouse? She feels like it sullied the line and I hate her for it!”

They stumble and Keith brings them to a halt, looking at her in surprise. “You don’t hate her.”

“No.” She mumbles, looking close to tears. “I could never hate her. I’m just… She’s better at this stuff and calling us out for it and yet here she is, being a hypocrite. I want what’s best for her but I don’t know how to even tell her that.”

Keith looks around, realizes they’re being stared at and brings her close, leading her along even if the steps confuse him. “She has to do it on her own, Pidge. You can’t make her do anything.”

Pidge sniffles and nods, leading into the dance now. “I know. I just don’t want to hurt her feelings but I have a feeling this won’t be the last time I do it.”

They twirl before Lance appears, glower on his face and looking embarrassed about being in this situation. Keith almost wants to dance with Allura instead. Pidge passes him off quickly, a small smirk on her lips at the awkward situation.

Lance is stiff, keeping his face neutral when Keith takes his hand. Keith’s sure he’s scowling if the twitch in Lance’s eyebrow means anything.

However, when they make a twirl, Lance stumbles a step and steps on Keith.

Keith hisses, jerking away but instead tugging Lance into hin where they awkwardly flail and knock into a few dancing couples.

Lance is too close, armor digging into Keith that Keith elbows the unprotected area of Lance’s stomach.

“I thought you could dance?” Keith hissed.

“Of course I can dance, you can’t dance.”

“You stepped on me!”

“Nope, lies, didn’t happen.”

Someone cleared their throat and they snapped up, perfecting their stance and glaring at the nearby alien.

“Yes, is there an issue?” Lance asked, smoothly leading Keith back into the waltz like nothing happened.

“Keep your petty arguments elsewhere, Paladin.” The alien hissed, jagged teeth bared at them. It was a threat if Keith’s ever seen one. Keith looked away, not wanting to cause any more of a scene (even if it was Lance’s fault!).

“Listen, furball.” Lance said, making Keith turn to him quickly. What the heck was he doing?! This guy towered over them, walked on hind legs with coarse fur. He was huge, definitely something Keith knew would keep up a good fight at the arena. And Lance was challenging it? For what?? “Last thing I wanna hear is you complaining to me about petty arguments when I remember saving your planet because of your people’s petty argument. A paladin doesn’t forget.”

The alien didn’t flinch but it was close. He gave one last hiss before turning and walking away from them with his partner. Lance sniffed, turning back to Keith with narrowed eyes. “What?”

“I didn’t say anything.” Keith said, looking away from the paladin as they continued their robotic and stiff steps. Keith wasn’t sure he had anything to tell Lance. He was the only Paladin Keith tended to avoid. He didn’t like being accused or judged and picked apart. He should be used to it but Keith would still rather avoid it.

As the song came to a close, someone cleared their throat.

Keith went stiff at the familiar face of Krovok, someone from Zarkon’s council.

“My prince.” Krovok bowed, one fist clenched over his chest. Familiar, but Keith had never seen it aimed at him. “May I have this dance?”

The implications of Krovok coming to him were endless. His mind turned over the possibilities. What did he want? Was he going to make a show of Keith on the dance floor in front of the Alteans and their new allies? Was he going to try what Sendak had tried? Was he going to try and offer his services? Keith would rather die than take anything this man could offer from him.

But Krovok was a mystery. He was tied to the homelands of Gal, he had been a commander since the beginning of the war. He had led an assault through Altea’s home system and managed to solidify two bases onto the outer moons of the system. The bases had been their strongest outposts for years. Krovok was a war hero even if he looked like he’d keel over and die at any moment.

His ears were pointed, a jewel hanging off the tip of one. It was one Keith recognized as a courting gift. And as Keith looked him up and down, past the gauntlet of his armor was a tattoo, a mating mark.

Krovok had always stayed in the back of the meetings Keith attended. He protested vehemently to Zarkon whenever a new military law passed that limited whatever joys he took in their culture. He may not have directly tormented Keith but he had not stopped it either. Krovok always got taken down a peg when he went against Zarkon. Soon, he had stopped trying to protest altogether.

“Keith?” Lance said, gently.

It made Keith blink, turning to the paladin to see he had tightened his hand on Lance’s shoulder, claws digging into the plating.

Keith swallowed, considered his options and stepped away from Lance, offering his hand to Krovok. The sooner Keith knew what this withered old man wanted the sooner Keith could start planning ways to avoid him.

Lance shifted on his feet, looking at them before finally looking at Keith seriously. Keith couldn’t understand what Lance was trying to tell him. When he made a gesture, Keith only shrugged. How was Keith supposed to know what hand signals meant? He couldn’t even have a decent conversation with the guy!

Lance scowled, turning to head back to the main table that Keith refused to look at. He didn’t even want to know what his dad thought about the whole thing.

Keith faced Krovok, one hand on his shoulder and the other held in his. Surprisingly, Krovok didn’t stumble in his steps. He lead Keith back and forth, even managing a twirl.

“I’ve come to give my blessing.” Krovok, lowered the hand from Keith’s side, tightening on his waist and pulling him closer. Keith’s ears pressed back hand digging into the man’s shoulder in response. He wasn’t going to be made an example. “And my loyalty.”

Keith stumbled a step, watching as Krovok turned them so his back faced the table to where Zarkon was staring directly at them.

“I’ve waited a very long time for an opportunity like this one. You mating ceremony was beautiful, truly something to be proud of. When Lotor had first introduced you to the court I had known something would happen to finally change the tides of this empire.”

“You can’t change the tides of an empire.” Keith hissed. “It’s not a battle.”

“It is,” Krovok grumbled. “When you don’t believe in your emperor.”

Keith pulled back. “That’s traitorous. Zarkon will have you killed for that.”

“Don’t act loyal to the empire, Kit.” Krovok stopped their swaying, leaning close. His claws dug into the flesh of Keith’s waist, making Keith tense, moving his hand to press his thumb to the commanders neck. Keith pressed lightly, a warning even as his heart thudded in his ears. Any kind of attack or threat on a council member was worth punishment.

Krovok noticed, lifting a hand and pushing Keith’s hand away with ease. “I do hope you regain that nerve you had all those Deca-phoeb ago. Though if you're so determined to get rid of me now, I guess it never left, did it?”

Keith hesitated, swallowing around the lump in his throat. “I have no reason to trust you nor to speak with you.”

Manipulative, it was something Keith was not. His father was; Lotor could twist someone to do his bidding in an instant, it was almost terrifying. Keith had seen it, had recognized it and always tried to make sure he knew when it was used on him. Even if he couldn't stop it at least he could prepare for what was coming.

“I am risking,” Krovok muttered, claws tightening on Keith’s skin before disappearing. “Deca-phoebs of loyalty to your grandfather, something considered heinous, to offer my loyalty to the bastard omegan son of an exiled half-breed prince returned out of necessity.”

Deep rooted hatred, Keith had seen it often. Krovok hated Zarkon, Lotor, and Keith. But it seemed Krovok hated Zarkon and Lotor a little more than he hated Keith.

“Remember that as I tell you what I have to offer.” Krovok swayed with him, ears twitching and gazing heavily at Keith. “There's restlessness in the courts. An alliance? Do not be absurd, my prince. Offering your hand? Something evil is afoot. Something is changing and soon, you will reveal yourself as a piece of the puzzle or nothing more than a pawn. I am the only one willing to put my faith in you.”

“You detest me.” Keith muttered. “I'm sure you're only waiting till the moment to strike me down as well.”

“Possibly. But I would prefer the unpredictable option available then what the other royal family has to offer. So far, you have taken our traditions and worn them beautifully. You are the only option I have.” Krovok nodded, stepping back and bowing towards Keith, one Keith mirrored. “That is all I have to tell you.”

It sat cold in Keith’s lower belly. Years at the academy, being brought down inch by inch and suddenly he was relevant, being thrown around with bets placed on him. It was the arena all over again and a part of him wanted to face beasts instead of the gleaming eyes of corrupted council members all ready to slit each others throats.

Keith was a pawn in all sense of the word. Only he didn't know who was playing him, Zarkon, Lotor, the Alteans, or the council.

Keith was done with dancing, smoothing his expression and turning back to the table to return to Shiro's side.

He figured they had played up their image well enough, he could-

“My name is Cryoz!”

Keith stopped, blinking at the tiny Arusian who stood before him. They were dressed in what Keith assumed was formal wear for their people. The Arusian held out their hand. “It would be the highest honor to dance with the newly mated beauty!”

Keith can't believe it, this guy is adorable. He feels himself blush and cups his mouth in an attempt to hide it before coughing and clearing his throat. “I, uh, yes. I'd love to.”

He spends the rest of the night alternating dance partners, the Arusians the first to break the awkwardness by suddenly asking him to dance and soon even Shiro returns with a tiny Arusian dragging him (one of the Arusian’s gets handsy with Keith and he sternly picks up the stray hand to return to his waist while giving a glare that makes the little guy sweat. He hears Lance and Pidge burst out laughing from somewhere behind him). He's not sure what he's feeling by the end of the night but it's warm and content. When Shiro throws his head back and laughs at Lance for taking on a dance partner with too many arms (and failing, terribly), he feels something in him fall into place and realizes maybe, just maybe, things might work out.

#sheith #takashi shirogane #keith kogane #galra keith #altean shiro #Galra Keith x Altean Shiro #vld lance #voltron #arranged marriage au #Voices #writing #chapter update #voltron legendary defenders #keith voltron #vld shiro #omggiogiothings

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kurara-black-blog · 6 years

Text

What Could Have Been

Date: 09/08/18

Words: 1828

Warning: Langst, Klance, Allurance, Klangst, Galra Emperor!Keith, King of Altea!Lance, mentions of Golion.

Tag: @moonsworllld

(Thinking seriously on tagging people in the Lauugst series if they ask me to)

Song: Dear Theodosia from Hamilton

What is the measure of a broken heart? What makes some people more heartbroken than others? Is it what they have lost? Is it what they have never had?

For Keith, it was the loss of something that could have been.

It could have been the two sitting there. It could have been their daughter in his arms. It could have been his beloved’s voice singing that lullaby. It could have been the happiest—one of the happiest—night in his life. It could have been the perfect future.

It could have been Keith and Lance, proud parents of a little girl, loving emperors of the Galra Empire.

However, it wasn’t, it was Keith and Farla, proud parents of a little girl, rulers brought together in political marriage.

He loved his wife, he did, but not the way the universe expected him to. And he found comfort in knowing she felt the same. Often they would lay down at night and talk about the things that could be. She would tell him stories of her childhood friend Isamu—that sounded a lot like Lance—and he would share tales of his good friend Lance—that sounded a lot like Isamu. Two half-galras lamenting what could have been had they acted upon their hearts.

That night, his wife was getting some much-needed rest after a day taking caring of Esperanza and dealing with the politics of an empire by his side. Keith held his daughter, still a bit unsure—he was an impulsive short-tempered half-alien warrior, after all—but with adoring tenderness in his eyes. She looked back at him with blue eyes—like her mother’s.

(Bluest blue like her uncle’s.)

“You should be asleep.” He laughed softly at the small whine she answered with. “Then, how about a lullaby? Your uncle Lance—you remember him, don’t you? He’s the man who named you—used to sing lullabies for the team, they always helped us sleep.”

The emperor took a few seconds to think, rocking Esperanza slowly. Lance liked to sing, it was no surprise to anyone. He always looked so flattered when someone asked him to sing. The team adhered quite quickly to the habit of asking him to sing. Sind to fill the silence. Sing to sooth their troubled minds. Sing to lift their spirits. Sing to bring smiles on their faces. He was especially fond of songs in Spanish—go figure—and Broadway musicals. Speaking of which…

“Dear Theodosia, what to say to you?

You have my eyes

You have your mother’s name”

Okay, Keith would admit he wasn’t the best singer out there—unless Lance was nearby, of course. Nevertheless, he was trying. Holding his daughter so close to his heart prompted him to try. Seeing the future smile—a toothless smile—back at him made him put effort on his singing. Voice soft, not more than a sweet murmur.

“When you came into the world, you cried and it broke my heart”

He could relate to Burr, he did feel some tears trying to leave his eyes when she was born. Luckily for him, Lance had bawled enough for the two of them. It was a wonder the King of Altea still had tear to shred when Allura gave birth to their son three months later.

“I’m dedicating every day to you

Domestic life was never quite my style

When you smile, you knock me out, I fall apart

And I thought I was so smart”

Again, he felt Lance had taught him that song specifically so Keith could sing it on a later date. The Emperor didn’t put it past the King. Having a daughter brought up a side of him Keith had no idea it existed. A side that wished nothing more than go back home and have a peaceful afternoon with the little girl in his arms, sitting on that comfy chair—gift from Shiro—and staring at the horizon.

(An old side that wished nothing more than to have Lance there with him also made an appearance now and then, but Keith was learning to shove it back to the bottom of his heart.)

(He was failing and could not bring himself to do anything about it.)

(His attempts were half-hearted anyways.)

“You will come of age with our young nation

We’ll bleed and fight for you, we’ll make it right for you

If we lay a strong enough foundation

We’ll pass it on to you, we’ll give the world to you

And you’ll blow us all away

Someday, someday

Yeah, you’ll blow us all away

Someday, someday”

Keith gazed at Esperanza lovingly. He would do right, he would give peace to the universe. So she would grow in a healthy world. So she would have a beautiful life. So she wouldn’t suffer the pain of war. So she wouldn’t taste the gray sadness her father had to. So she would have both parents by her side until they couldn’t keep up with her strides anymore. Rocking her fondly, he cherished the vision of her closed eyes and bright future.

He cherished what could be.

He cherished what would be.

(He cherished what could have been.)

(Maybe, if the Universe showed some kindness, Lance was doing the same.)

In Portuguese, there is one word that doesn’t really have a translation. Some translate it as “longing”; some translate it as “nostalgia”. Correct, both translations, but also wrong. That word means much more. Some say it is “the love that stayed”; some say it is “the feeling of missing something and being, at the same time, glad that something was in their life”.

To Lance, it was both a bitter love for what that could have been and a sweet fondness of what had been. A deep desire to have what he had not and a strong wish to keep what he did.

“Saudade” was the word.

He felt it while thinking about his family back on Earth. He wished he never left them, longing to live what he couldn’t thanks to the war. He was glad he didn’t, for what he found beyond the stars was something he wouldn’t trade for anything.

He felt it while thinking about his beloved. He wished he had told that boy—that man—how he felt, longing to hold him and love him until his presence in the Universe was no more. He was happy he didn’t, for what Allura provided to him was something he would always cherish.

(Didn’t make the feeling any less bittersweet.)

He loved Allura, he knew, but not the same way he loved that boy. Allura knew too, and she made sure to come clear to him about her feelings. She didn’t blame him; she still loved Lotor even after everything. The first love is usually a strong one. They would often times sit down with the mice and share their feelings and stories. They truly loved each other, they knew. Just not the way the universe thought they did. Two people fondly thinking about what could have been.

Lance stared at his son, cooing and giggling in his mother’s arms. Allura gently rocked Alfor, smiling. He hugged her closer, trying to avoid getting a mouthful of her short white hair. She smelled good, definitely thanks to the bath they had just taken. His son stared back with bright blue eyes like his mother’s.

“Go to sleep, pequeño.” The couple shared a small laugh at the stubborn glint in the baby’s eyes. “He got that from you, gorgeous.”

“How about a lullaby, husband?”

“Allura, he’s the one who should be put to sleep, not you and him.”

“Just one? Pretty please?” The Queen requested, resting her lips on her husband’s cheek.

“As you wish, my Queen.”

After a few ticks pondering, a sweet memory came to his mind. Lance sitting near the Black Lion with its pilot, trying to teach the other how to sing some Broadway songs. Saudade filled him once more and he smiled even more. Keith had been so awkward singing; the afternoon was turning into evening and throwing an ethereal light upon them. They glowed because of the light. Because of the love.

“Oh Philip, when you smile I am undone

My son

Look at my son

Pride is not the word I’m looking for”

Allura snorted when her husband pointed animatedly to their son. She could feel his heart beating, the slow beat of a satisfied heart. Full. Whole. Warm. She could feel the love coming out of his being, wave after wave of adoration. Lance reminded her of the sea, wave after wave, dream after dream, an endless vastness full of freedom and tameness.

Closing her eyes, she focused on the smooth voice of her King.

(She did not dare ignore the longing for what could have been in his voice.)

(Not when the same longing swirled around her mind.)

(It was fine. They knew.)

“There is so much more inside me now

Oh Philip, you outshine the morning sun

My son

When you smile, I fall apart

And I thought I was so smart”

Lance rocked his wife and kid gently, Alfor’s eyes closing more and more. He was happy. So, so happy. He had a beautiful family, big and loving. He had a beautiful Kingdom, thriving and growing. He knew he would not have what he had if he had stayed at home. If he had not started running after his dreams. If he had not decided to fight. If he had not lived what he lived.

He was glad to have lived what he lived.

(He longed for what he could have lived if he told Keith about his feelings.)

(Maybe, counting with the Universe’s kindness, Keith was doing the same.)

#voltron #langst #laugst #klangst #klance #allurance #voltron lance #vld lance #vld keith #vld allura #princess fala #isamu kurogane #golion #Clara writes

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isas-identity · 5 years

Text

Lance Vs Shiro: Same ending??

Or what I like to call: Why you should be more mad about Lance’s ending than Shiro’s ending in the clusterfuck called “Voltron’s horrible writing”.

Shiro and Lance had very similar endings in the last episode of Voltron, to put it in simple words: They decided to live a quiet life after the war.

This is kinda long, so i will add everything under the cut, i just want to say sorry for any gammar mistakes beforehand.

How, Lance decided to live in a farm with his family and “Surround himself with The Things He Loves”. Meanwhile Shiro got last-minute married with a dude and “Found his happiness and left the War Efforts Behind”. There’s been a LOT of negative reactions from the fans though, because these endings seemed lazy, out of character, etc. But there’s always a big difference in the spectrum:

People who are upset over Shiro marrying a “nobody” who talked like 2 times, and after Shiro being so happy being the captain and leader of the ATLAS, was being pushed aside to live a quiet life, dont care about Lance’s ending.

People who are upset about Lance’s lackluster ending of working on a farm after being clear about his liking of adventure, giving him a clearly racist ending, and never forgetting or moving on from Allura, don’t mind Shiro’s.

Though they DO think the other’s ending wasnt executed nicely, they don’t think the ending itself is bad per se.

And i know it’s been almost a month since VLD finished, but i found myself wondering why is that i am madder about Lance’s ending tha Shiro’s. So let’s break it down point to point and compare them.

Execution:

When we get to the time-skip, before the explanations of what happenned in the rest of their lifes, we see:

Shiro working as an embassador between planets, still a captain of the ATLAS, traveling through the universe to try and unify planets alongside Hunk who uses his food to help leaders see eye-to-eye.

Lance talking to some kids, telling them about Allura’s sacrifice, and telling them he now works and lives helping out on a farm.

Wich, together with their end cards, gives us the conclutions that:

After their last fight with honerva, Shiro was still Captain of the ATLAS for a few years, he married and decided to retire. We do not know if he married BEFORE or AFTER retiring though. Also, we do not know if he kept working or not after his retirement, since it was only said that he left the “War efforts behind and found happiness”. You can see a lot of things happened during his life as he moved on though.

Even if we, as audience didn’t see it, Shiro spent a few years dating his husband before marrying him, and event though it was pulled out of nowhere as a band-aid, it didn’t felt rushed since it was something that happenned years down the line and out-of-camera. So we are left without any kind of opinion about his relationship with his husband. This also means he spent more time as a captain of the ATLAS than some people seem to believe.

After their last fight, Lance retired from being a paladin and started working on his family’s farm, who suddenly have a family farm,before the war was even completely gone. And then he...kept working on his farm and sometimes talked to little kids about Allura.... thats about it.

It is not said if he “found love” or “happiness” or did anything else than farm and plant junniberries.

Their struggles before retirement:

Now, In this one we need to take a minute to compare these two characters during the show.

There are two things people say when discussing about their endings: “He loved adventure, it was his dream to pilot!! why the heck would he retire!!!!” and the more understanding “Well, he went through a LOT during the war, maybe he had enough and wants to take it easy from now on!".

Let’s start with the “They want adventure!” point:

Starting off with Shiro, they say: “He left his fiance because he wanted to be in space that bad! he didnt care if he died!” But i think people misunderstand some things about Shiro in this regard, principally: he was fucking dying.

Shiro had an illness that would leave him unable to move his body before it killed him.

He wanted to prove himself, and go to space, before his body stopped working.

He wanted to leave his mark on history, before he was bound to be stuck on a wheelchair unable to even go to the bathroom, cook or dress himself, so he had something left behind.

So i think people are misplacing his “wanting adventure”, it was more of a cry to wanting to do something with his life before being a vegetable. He was scared of getting nothing done and live his life never doing anything that amounted to anything. Afterwards this problem was solved, wich is not to say he wasn’t happy being apointed being the new captain of the ATLAS and traveling the universe. He WAS. He is a responsible leader and he deserved that position, but he never gave up being a captain after the fight with honerva, again, he was the captain for a few years before retiring when he chose to.

Now, going to Lance’s side, now this kid DID love adventure, breaking the rules, attention, etc. During the series you could see:

Him sneaking out of the Garrison and breaking rules.

Getting inside of alien ships and proceeding to pilot them before the others could finish reacting to seeing an alien ship for the first time.

whooping and hollering while flying in battle.

Actually looking very happy to help others and not backing down at the oportunity to do so.

and that was... like, in the first 3 episodes.

Now to the “They went through a LOT, they want a quiet life now!

Ok, bear with me and let me just run a thing through you all first.

Shiro is in his late 20′s, probably already 30, an adult and was Captain of the ATLAS for a few years before retiring.

Lance is fucking 18, maybe 19, he’s still a fucking embryo, and probably still has a lot of things to figure out about himself, but still decided to run a farm the instant they defeated Honerva i guess.

Now, during the war Shiro:

Was taken against his will and made a slave in space, was made to fight in the arena for entertanment and fought monsters and probably other aliens, probably even had to kill during this time.

Lost his arm and was experimented upon.

Crashed into earth and lost his memories.

Became the leader of a rag-tag tem of teens in space that was the only hope for the universe.

Suffered of PTSD during all of this.

Almost died a lot of times.

Died.

Became a clone.

This clone proceeded to: Betray his friends, help and spy for Honerva, almost killed Keith, who’s the closest person to him at the time.

Lost his arm again.

Almost got killed by Keith too.

He got his consiousness trasspassed from the Black Lion into the body of his clone, wich, almost rejected him and made him die. Again.

Found out his ex-fiance died and earth was almost anihilated.

We never knew anything about his family, but im sure they died since they never appeared???

etc.

Now, with Lance:

He almost died once, and the fandom is pretty sure he died one time after that but since Allura’s powers are weird we are not even sure what the hell happened there.

He felt doubtful about his position on the team.

He missed his family a lot

The girl he liked didnt like him back...?

His girlfriend of a month and a half sacrificed herseld and died.

uhhh... yeah.

And, like, no. I dont mean to say Lance is a cry-baby because he didnt go through as many things as shiro, or the others. The problem with this, is that it makes no sense because fucking lance never had an arc. The writers never cared about giving him some usefulness, or something that made him shine through, and when he was left at the end, they had nothing for him to do. So they gave him a farm.

But like, even after all the bullshit shiro went through, he moved on with his life, he found happiness and love, was still the captain of the ATLAS for some time before retiring, etc.

But Lance, someone who was so cheerful and up to help other people, who didnt left anything bring him down, just... decided to work on a farm for the rest of his life. Not moving on or anything, wich... yeah, it’s weird.

Keith, who almost died in space 971283678 times, found out he was Fucking Galra, was left alone by his parents, found his mother, was stuck in a space whale’s back for 2 years, was stuck on a leadership position he didnt want?? after uniting the Galra and helping put an end to the war he made a Humanitary Relief Organization, to help people with low resources in the universe.

Pidge? She lost her brother and father, ran away from home, got stuck on a war at fucking 15, had to learn how to fight and pilor, since, you know, she wasnt even a pilot in the first place. Almost lost her father to Zarkon, and believed for some time her Brother was dead. Bue she founded a Space Defenders organization to fight for justice in fucking space, and kept inventing tech to keep helping the universe and fight for the weak.

Hunk? He was a coward, he didnt even wanted to sneak out the garrison, much less get stuck on a space war! He didn’t want to fight, he didn’t want to die. His family was even captured on earth, unlike Lance’s. But he learned to be brave, and fought for people’s freedom. He became a diplomat, and learned how to hone his cooking skills to bring people together, so he became a Culinary Embassador to keep the peace in the universe.

They all are doing something with their lifes to help heal the universe after the war. Even after all they went through together. Even shiro helped for a few years before retiring, exept Lance. Who’s a farmer for some reason.

And i’m not saying that fighting on a War isn’t traumatizing enough, I’m just saying that if someone deserves to find love, retire, and live in the fucking bahamas on eternal vacation for the rest of his life, is Shiro. poor guy needed a break a long time ago.

WICH brings me to the last point of this really long essay:

It’s Implications:

It is sad that the only reason we got a wedding with shiro was like a bandaid from the lash-back they had from Adam’s death and the constant Bury Your Gays trope. But let me tell you something: it wasn’t badly done. Yeah, I woul’ve liked to see more of Curtis to get to know him, or maybe see Shiro and Him having some kind of interaction before being slapped with a wedding a few years down the line, but that was it. The point of it (appart from rebuilding the bridge with the LGBT+ comunity) was to make it clear that Shiro found love and happiness in his life, wich im happy he did, and this does not contradict anything his character is about:

It makes it clear that it doesnt matter how dark things are right now, it will pass and you will be happy someday, you can still make your dreams come true, you have to fight for it.

It doesnt matter if you lost your arm, got a horrible scar across your face, got white hair, etc. You can find love, you can still lead a happy life.

Now with Lance is way more jarring. He has this “good boy” storyline with his girlfriend, wich sucks since he could’ve been made into an “anyone can be a hero, it doesnt matter if you’re not specially good at anything!” but alas they missed that mark. He really didn’t had any storyline for himself perse, he became The Boyfriend and stayed that way.

He went from “Ohh, I dont feel like i have a place in the team since everyone is awesome and has abilities and I dont” one season to “The girl I like doesn’t like me back!” on the next.

In the last season we got this “The girl I like is finally dating me!” to “oh no, the girl I loved died after dating me for a month”

Then proceeded to “Let me go work in a farm and plant her favorite flowers on it, while I never stop loving her and never move on and keep telling everyone about her sacrifice forever and ever! War who?? My girlfriend sacrificed herself for peace but let me just ignore the war exists still!”

Wich is... sad. They literally never gave anything to Lance to apport to the team or the universe apart from being there for Keith and Allura when they needed cheering up. And even if he himself says “oh im happy, i have a quiet life and that’s how i like it now!” when you think about his ending, you dont feel that way. He literally has nothing, exept his family and flowers.

So yeah, i dont mind Shiro’s ending. It was one of the last things wrong with the ending of the show, even if it was made for the wrong reasons. And i do believe, people should stop hating on it only because they wanted him to happy his little brother whom is almost 10 years younger than him

And yeah, I do think Lance’s ending was racist. I myself am latina, even have a grandfather who owns a farm. Would i go work in his farm for the rest of my life after losing someone i loved? Fuck no. I do not know shit about farms, or farming. He isnt even shown to be specially good with animals, no more than the rest of the gang. And sincerely, that he cut’s himself from the universe and his friends anddoesnt even do anything to help or reconstructing the universe only sounds like depression to me.

But alright then, to each their own in what they want to believe.

#lance #shiro #voltron season 8 #vld spoilers #klance #because i know the klance fandom feels this #I JUST HAD TO GET THIS OUT OF MY CHEST OK BYE

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vegafiction · 6 years

Note

Hey there! Thanks for the Voltron Bad Things Happen bingo ficlets. Would you be able to do an Isolation for Lance? It seems like the thing that would suck the most for him. Maybe he's lost in the wilderness on a dangerous world and has to wait for the rest of the team to find him. Doesn't have to be shippy, but I'm cool with klance if that's you're preference (that was the only ship I noticed was in the tags).

Count: ~1.2kPairing: N/AChara(s): LanceFandom: VoltronPrompt: IsolationWarning(s): None

So, I didn’t add a ship in this. It’s mostly Lance-centric, none of the other Paladins show up because I was interested in exploring his mental deterioration as a result of prolonged isolation. I made a note on Ao3 about it so I’ll include it here: Lance’s perception of Red in this is skewed by prolonged isolation and constant stress from having to survive on an alien planet. It’s up to you to believe whether or not Red’s decision here was the right one.

I feel like this could have been way better but I’m not going to force my brain to push out anything else this late at night. >_

Get your own card @badthingshappenbingo

Ko-Fi | Ao3 | Masterlist | Request

He tore through the forest as fast as his legs could carry him. He was mindful of the upturned roots or the low hanging branches that whipped past his face or just barely grazed his cheek, but he couldn’t afford to slow down. He clutched his damaged gun close to his chest, his breathing harsh as he forced his legs to pump faster. The loud roar of the creatures behind him carried through the sky. They didn’t sound close, but they weren’t far enough for him to rest.

Lance jumped off a small ledge and slid down the muddy wall until the momentum bounced him off the wall. He stumbled into a small creek, splashing and spraying water all along the length of his sore legs. He continued running.

He didn’t stop until the planet’s three moons drifted into the sky. He slid down another hill then, finally, collapsed safely inside a cave opening.

He gasped for air, feeling his lungs and body burn from the strenuous effort of trying to survive in a world that desperately wanted to kill him.

There were dragons on this planet – large, impressive, dangerous beasts who took one sent of Lance and decided he was something they would have for dinner. In other circumstances, Lance would have been in awe. They were gorgeous creatures, ancient and mystical, but terribly temperamental and vicious. He’d encounter a few who had been friendly to him; a very small herd he wished he had stayed close to. Their alpha had been the one to save him from the ravenous wolves Lance had accidentally stumbled upon, but most of the dragons on this planet were quite unfriendly.

Some of them had even managed to break his bayard.

Lance rolled onto his back with a pained groan. His muscles screamed in protest with every movement he made, but lying there, so close to the entrance of the cave, would give him away. He forced himself to his knees and crawled further into the cave.

Deep inside, Lance allowed himself to collapse onto the makeshift bed he had fastened from the leaves of the trees and other fibers. He dropped his damaged bayard beside him and turned to the wall.

Lines were etched into the solid rock. There were four lined together as neatly as possible with another slashing diagonally across. Lance picked up a sharpened rock from the ground and scratched a new line beside the others. There were six lines now.

He sighed.

“It’s been thirteen quintants since I’ve been on this planet,” he said to the silence, eyeing the tally marks. His eyes trailed upward toward the ceiling. A sense of dread washed over him. “I really hope I don’t have to fill up this whole wall.”

He tossed the rock aside and, with much discomfort, rose to his feet. He gathered wood and tinder from the far corner and tossed them into the fire pit. He lit a fire through the sparking of rocks then shuffled around the cave for his supply of food.

His first few days surviving alone on this planet had been… unpleasant. He’d gone hungry for three days before he finally managed to kill a few of the smaller beasts. He learned the hard way what berries were edible and which ones were poisonous. (He’d been lucky the poisonous berries were not potent.)

Finding the cave alone had been a blessing. Everything else was pure survival instinct.

“You know, I bet if the others were here, they’d be really impressed.” He grinned to the fire. It flickered and crackled in response. “I know right? I bet they never would expect me to survive out here on my own, but hah! I managed to survive thirteen quintants with just my bayard!”

At the mention of the broken weapon, Lance felt his good mood grow somber.

The flames sizzled.

“It’s my fault. I should’ve been more aware of where the dragons were.” Just like it’s my fault I’m here in the first place.

He propped a berry into his mouth and chewed.

Are they even looking for you? It’s been thirteen days.

“I’m sure they’re looking. They probably… they probably can’t find Red’s coordinates. Once they find him, they’ll find me.”

But you’re nowhere near the Red Lion. Even if they find it, they won’t find you.

Lance shifted uncomfortably in his place, suddenly burdened by the harsh reality that was the Red Lion.

Why hadn’t the Red Lion activated on its own? Whenever Keith was in danger, the lion would act on its own volition and yet, when Lance had been faced with a life or death situation, the giant, mechanical lion had just… remained frozen. It was as though he were unfazed by the fact that Lance’s life was on the line. Like Lance’s life held no importance in the lion’s eyes because he simply was not Keith.

Lance’s brows furrowed as realization dawned on him.

That had to be it. That had to be the reason why. He was not Keith. He wasn’t the skilled fighter pilot Red had chosen at the beginning of their unwanted adventure. Lance was just… Lance, a bottom of the barrel cargo pilot who barely scraped by in the Garrison.

He wasn’t some cool, edgy half-human, half-galra fighter. He wasn’t Keith. He could never be Keith, and maybe… that was why Red had chosen to remain frozen. They were just complete opposites.

Where Lance failed, Keith excelled. He’d been chosen by Red, deemed the only one who could control the lion’s unruly nature. Then, he’d been chosen by the Black Lion as their new leader in Shiro’s absence. And even when he’d willingly gave away the position back to Shiro upon his return, the Black Lion still chose him as their leader. It still obeyed his every command, just like Red, just like the others do.

Maybe Red saw something in him that it doesn’t see in you. Said the voice in his head. Or maybe it sees exactly who you really are: a rotten kid from Cuba and unworthy of being a Paladin.

Lance stared blankly into the flickering flames. He felt the heat of the fire caress his skin, warming his cold, exhausted body. He hadn’t realized he’d been shivering until then.

He tossed another piece of wood into the flames.

“Sometimes I wonder if Blue only chose me to get to Allura.” Suddenly, he chuckled. “Imagine that? A lion using me to get to a girl. I guess that can still happen out in space.” He laid back onto his hands, eyes unseeing. “Maybe I’m exactly where I need to be? Blue doesn’t need me anymore. I’m not worthy to pilot the Black Lion and Red just doesn’t seem to like me. Maybe this was my destiny the whole time, getting stuck on an alien planet, far away from home.”

Tears welled in his eyes, but he refused to shed them.

At least you won’t be a burden to them anymore.

“Yeah, I guess that’s true.”

He rubbed his weary eyes with the heel of his palms as a yawned ripped itself from his throat. He crawled back to his pile of leaves and curled onto his side, facing the flames. A part of him wondered if he should snuff it out, it seemed dangerous to fall asleep with an open flame. Yet, he chose not to move. He remained where he laid, watching the fire dance among the shadows until his vision blurred into darkness and the only thing left in his mind was the fuzzy visage of the Red Lion.

#nada writes #long post #badthingshappenbingo #langst #vld lance #vld #voltron legednary defender #fanfiction #anonymous

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madefate-a · 5 years

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and here it is, the second part of shiro’s timeline ! this time with More Canon, except it’s My Canon Now. as before, starred (*) events are those specific to my verse & threads with @largehearts, with everything else standard to shiro’s canon regardless of partner. as a summary, three years (and a few months) pass for shiro between leaving for kerberos and returning to earth, while six years pass on earth, thanks to the distortion of the quintessence field.

where it is applicable, i’ve added episode titles. this timeline spans seasons one through part of seven.

age 25. june. leaves earth with keith, lance, pidge, & hunk, arrives at the castle of lions.

august. completes about a month and a half of training with team voltron, sendak attacks the castle, and is defeated (fall of the castle of lions.) they leave arus. (taking flight.)

september. the team frees the balmera (return to the balmera). they then deal with the corrupted castle (crystal venom).

october. they comb a galactic transport for hub, leading to allura’s capture (collection and extraction), and subsequently their first fight with zarkon himself (the black paladin). upon their retreat, haggar destabilizes their wormhole leaving the paladins separated from each other and the castle. they find each other within a day (across the universe, the depths), and shiro’s returned memories lead them to seek out first contact with the blade of marmora. however, zarkon’s tie to the black lion compromises ulaz’s location and leads to his sacrifice. (shiro’s escape).

end of november. the team continues to train and work on the castle, the latter of which leads them to contact with the olkari and eventually liberating them from the galra (greening the cube). this attracts the attention of the galra once more and leads to a week of being located and chased by galra fleets and physically depleting the teludav, rendering them unable to wormhole (eye of the storm).

beginning of december. having momentarily shaken their tail, the team tries to figure out how they’re being tracked. in the process, they respond to a distress call and evacuate the dying planet taujeer, and ascertain that it is zarkon’s connection with the black lion leading him to them (the ark of taujeer).

december. the team travels to a space mall to replace the scaultrite lenses, and shiro works on bonding with the black lion in order to break zarkon’s connection with her. this becomes a significant turning point both in their relationship, and their respective psyches. while trying to connect with black, shiro enters her mindspace and she shows him the memories of her creation. this leads to a showdown in the astral plane, in which shiro finally places all of his trust in the black lion. she, in turn, severs her bond with zarkon by attacking him and saving shiro from the astral plane. (space mall)

january. having successfully severed zarkon’s ability to track them, the team seeks out the blade of marmora; shiro accompanies keith ostensibly to make contact with them, and stays when keith undergoes the trials to learn of his past. (the blade of marmora)

february. the team begins to work with the blade and the olkari to create a plan to take the fight to zarkon, including gathering scaultrite from a weblum (the belly of the weblum) and freeing a renowned scientist and engineer, slav, from a galra prison (escape from beta traz). shiro turns 26.

( age 26 ) march. the team spends the month working with the blade and the olkari, gathering intel on galra movements, constructing the teludav, and training as much as possible before they launch their counter attack.

april. equipped, voltron and its allies target zarkon. during this stand, shiro’s bond deepens with black and he unlocks her ability to phase through space, securing the black bayard in the process. now fully armed, the paladins combine their powers to create an upgraded sword to fight mech a mech against zarkon himself. voltron uses all of its power to drive the sword through zarkon, severely wounding him and causing both sides to retreat after this step towards victory for voltron. (best laid plans, blackout) during the attack, shiro is overloaded by zarkon’s attempt to electrocute him as shiro activates bayard and is then caught in the subsequent explosion. this all leads to the destruction of his physical body; an indeterminate amount of time after he dies in the physical plane, shiro awakens in the astral plane -- the black lion’s inner quintessence.

*** may - next april, approx. twelve months. time becomes difficult to understand and count in black’s inner quintessence, otherwise known as the astral plane or the void. shiro has memories of this duration, but he cannot be sure when things happen, or how much time passes between them. he experiences no physical sensation and there is no window to the physical plane. however, black can and does transmit mental images of what she sees through her eyes, and he can very occasionally see and hear what happens in her cockpit, or otherwise see through voltron’s eyes when it’s formed. he can place his memories, for the most part, in chronological order even if he cannot say when, exactly, they occurred. major memories include:

what he might call “daily” practice of mindfulness and meditation, in an attempt to retain his consciousness and sense of self, both of which were harder to grasp onto the longer he remained in the void.

his first salient memory is keith activating the black lion for the first time. he hears keith’s voice and attempts to project himself as much as possible to be heard in turn, but only succeeds in waking the black lion. beyond her awakening, however, shiro does not influence her to continue to work with keith, but he continues to try to contact keith whenever he is piloting the black lion.

he hears echoes of the team the first time they form voltron, and tries to contact them.

all of his visions and auditory perception of the black lion and voltron stop at one point. (he will guess, later, that this occurs when kuron activates the black lion for the first time.)

when the connection returns, he sees himself. (he understands later this is kuron.) black helps him to understand that he is not hallucinating or unreal, that there is something that feels strange though neither of them know precisely what it is. shiro increases his mindfulness as this precipitates a degradation of his mental faculties.

the first time he is not alone in the astral plane, he sees every member of the team, sans his doppleganger. shiro doubles his efforts to reach out to them, now that they’re closer than they ever have been before, and reaches out for the first person that notices him -- lance. lance’s noticing of his voice gives him as much hope as he is capable of without a body to process it, and he attempts to fight to broadcast his message. however, the connection severs before he is able to warn them -- this is likely due to shiro’s weakening state and the fact that the connection is not entirely reciprocated, though later shiro will also believe that it is his own fault for not being emotionally open with the team, thus never solidifying their mental bond.

he experiences some minor black outs and inabilities to connect with voltron over the next stretch of time, and realizes that one of these occurs during the kral zera.

the blackouts become more frequent until keith reclaims the black lion. the moment he does, shiro finds it much easier to maintain his mental clarity and sense of self, and spends the entire time keith is chasing his double trying to reach out to him. he manages to reach black’s eyes to see as much of the ensuing fight as possible, and gathering the entirety of his strength, he manages to imbue her with enough energy to catch the both of them when they fall, and to call keith’s consciousness into the void.

now with the connection reciprocated, shiro relays the most important parts of the message to keith and places his faith in him that he will do what he needs to. he does not realize that this includes calling him out of black as well. now that keith is aware of his presence, shiro is able to copilot with him, sharing the incredibly deep bond he has with black with keith in order to help unlock her teleportation and return keith to the team in time to battle lotor.

the first thing he physically feels in the void is the warmth from allura’s aura. a pathway is illuminated in the endlessness and between her call black’s encouragement, shiro races to follow it. once he gets far enough, allura’s alchemy is strong enough to pull him the rest of the way.

age ??^, april - may. shiro wakes up, stunned to have a physical form again, and so unused to it he forgets how to breathe for a few moments. disoriented but overjoyed, he is overwhelmed by sensation and falls out of consciousness. (defender of all universes). over the next two months, he recovers slowly and asymmetrically, trying to relearn how to exist in a physical body -- on top of integrating a few pieces of kuron’s memories, trying to emotionally understand what has happened, and interact when he can with the rest of the team. he sleeps frequently and rarely leaves keith’s side, though eventually he does, sometimes, spend time with the other members of the team.

( ^at some point during his time in the void, shiro’s 27th birthday passed, though he does not know how to integrate this knowledge on top of the knowledge that, when it was meant to occur, he was dead. he stops thinking of and celebrating his birthday moving forward. )

june. shiro realizes that his connection to black has been severed, and his progress stagnates when he cannot cope with the grief on top of trying to relearn humanity. he struggles to verbalize anything and withdraws as the weight of not being able to deal with anything makes him feel more lost and alienated.

july - august. the team continues their journey, which is cut short from its estimated eighteen months when they are warped by a quantum storm through space.

*before they land on earth, shiro and keith spar, fueled by keith’s hurt over the distance between them and his fear of losing shiro, and shiro’s grief and tumult of emotion that he cannot deal with. shiro breaks down, revealing that he cannot hear black and that he does not know who or what he is, and they repair their relationship once more.

#( shiro. )#( shiro hc. )#( timeline. )

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lostboylance · 6 years

Text

heard you all like gay weddings

another prompt for julance

today is formal lance

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15134330/chapters/35272454

The tie lasts just before the ceremony was actually over.

Which is pretty impressive, if you ask Lance. It’s a definite upgrade from when he first started wearing ties, which was for picture day when he was six, and he had thrown the offending piece of cloth across the room right before he walked up to actually get his photo taken. It still feels too snug, just like before, but instead of full out flinging it away he loosens it up enough that hopefully he can get away with it.

From the look Keith shoots him, he’s not.

Keeping his voice down as low as possible, because this is exactly the event that is Mamma will actually literally kill Lance for talking at, he leans over to Keith and whispers in his ear, “don’t give me that look, at least mine isn’t clip on.”

He pulls back and tries not to laugh when Keith sticks the tip of his tongue out at him.

Both of them flinch when something hits the back of their chairs. Several people around them glance over, a question in their eyes, but Lance gives his practiced “nothing to see here” smile. He can’t tell if it actually works, or if they look away to look back at the ceremony. Lance sighs in relief when eyes are no longer on him and turns to glare behind him at Shiro, who he finds is pointedly looking past them, a small, knowing smile on his face.

Lance sees Keith stick his tongue out slightly again at Shiro only for Shiro to once again kick his chair. He looks at them, his eyes saying “pay attention” like they do when they goof off during mission briefing.

Not willing to risk getting caught, Lance turns back around and tries to start paying attention again. Who knew wedding ceremonies took so long? Well, Lance did, he’s been to more weddings than he can count. Lots of cousins and aunts and uncles will do that to a kid, but it’s been a long while since he’s been to his last one and he had almost forgotten.

And apparently Altean weddings take even longer.

Before the wedding, back when everyone was figuring out what the perfect blend of Earth and Altean culture would be for the event, Allura had listed several traditions she could remember from weddings she had attended. Most, unfortunately, couldn’t be replicated because they were specifically tied to the planet Altea.

Lance’s heart still aches when he thinks of Allura’s face when she realized this.

Some things they were able to do, though it wasn’t exactly the same. On Altea brides wore a rare breed of juniberry flowers as a crown, but instead they used violets, which also was the primary flower they used to cover almost every surface in the building. On Altea they also have a special ceremony where they get water from each person’s home and mix them together and pour each other a glass of the water, a symbol of something important that Lance can’t remember at the moment.

But he knows he’s going to remember this. Remember the way Allura is glowing as she pours a glass of water, and remember the smile his sister Veronica wears as she takes a sip.

It’s almost been three years since Voltron returned to Earth and since Allura had met his sister. It’s been about two year since he found out that Allura and his sister had a long-distance relationship. It’s been half a year since they got engaged. And all of this time Veronica is as happy as Lance has ever seen her.

If anyone deserves to marry Veronica, it’s Allura. And in the speech he’ll be giving at the reception later in the day, he’ll say he’s glad that if couldn’t have Allura then Veronica had gotten her. He’ll mean it, and he knows it’ll make Veronica laugh because it was the first thing Veronica had said to him after he found out her and Allura were dating.

But for now he watches, basking in the happiness of his sister and one of his best friends.

By the end of the ceremony, the tie is completely off. Lance has stuffed it in Keith’s pocket, mostly because Keith couldn’t fight him off without causing a scene. No one is willing to risk the wrath of Mamma McClain or Veronica or Allura today. A dangerous combination indeed. At the reception when Veronica notices she laughs and reminds him of sixth grade picture day. His Mamma doesn’t say anything but straightens out his shirt to make up for it.

The reception is wild. Sure, the whole McClain family is here, practically everyone Lance has ever met from his family, but this is the first wedding where the McClains have had to mingle with aliens.

From his spot at one of the tables Lance can see how drastically different everyone is, but how it also feels so right.

The dance between Veronica and Allura has already ended, so the dancefloor has somehow turned into a dance battle zone where Veronica is currently beating Shiro in a dance battle. Several older Blade of Marmora members are mingling around him, including Kolivan who Krolia had to drag away from the corner of the room to actually talk to people.

Hunk is currently trying to explain the act of a bride tossing flowers in the air to Shay a few tables down and Lance can see Shay’s brother hoarding food at the buffet. Pidge is animatedly talking to Allura, a pink alien with an extra set of eyes that she introduced as her partner standing by her side. Coran has gotten his hands on an Earth camera and is taking pictures of anything and everything, something Lance is excited to see how it turns out.

To anyone else this would be the strangest wedding reception they’d ever seen. But Lance couldn’t imagine it any other way. After everything he’s seen, a wedding of just humans sounds weird to him.

“What’re you thinking about?” Keith asks as he walks up from behind Lance and sets a cup of soda on the table. He leans one hip against the table and takes a drink from his own cup.

“Mmm,” Lance hums, picking up his own cup. “All of this. How happy Veronica and Allura are. How I’m glad that everyone was able to come. How no one is ever going to beat my sister at dancing so it’s funny but also a little sad to watch you all try. You?”

“Well…” Keith trails off, trying to hide his smile behind his cup, but Lance knows his face too well now. The way his eyes softly light up, even with a small smile, and the way he ducks his head just in case. “I was thinking about how I’ve had to endure a week of Shiro teaching me how to properly slow dance and I still don’t know exactly how to ask you onto the dancefloor with me.”

For a moment Lance let’s himself imagine Shiro teaching Keith to dance. They probably did it while Lance was out helping with last minute arrangements. Keith probably stomped on Shiro’s feet so many times, Lance can’t believe Shiro is out on the dancefloor now. He almost laughs at thinking about Keith pouting, frustrated, as Shiro drags him around the room in a half attempt at dancing.

He looks over to the dancefloor. The dance-off has apparently ended and Veronica and Allura are once again in the middle, swaying gently to the music, foreheads pressed together.

“Oooh. Is that why Shiro was over, unannounced, two days ago after I came home from the store?” Lance asks, leaning forward in his chair.

Keith’s cheeks flush slightly and he ducks his head even more. “Well, uh, yeah.”

“All week, huh? And would I be agreeing to dance with you to make it up to you that you had to learn to dance or to make it up to Shiro that he had to be the one to teach you?” Lance grins into another sip of soda.

Keith looks up again to glare at him, but it’s still a painfully soft look. “You’d be dancing with me because you love me. And a little bit to both, but mainly because you love me.”

“Oh, well, if it’s because I love you, then I guess.” Lance rolls his eyes, trying to sound very put upon, but he can’t keep his huge grin off his face. “I suppose I can sacrifice one dance to prove my feelings for you.”

They both start snickering because they can’t help it and surrounded by all this love has Lance feeling a little dopey with love. All he wants to do is rest his head on Keith’s shoulder and stay here forever, in this one moment. Surrounded by everyone he cares about, in the safest place in the universe. And, by the way Keith smiles at him, Lance thinks he might be feeling something like that too.

“I don’t know why I’m asking you anyway.” Keith continues, because they can’t stay in this moment. He sets his cup down, and pats the pocket Lance’s tie is in. “You’re not even wearing a full suit, I don’t know if I should be seen with you on the dance floor.”

Lance barks out a laugh and reaches up to pull Keith’s hair out of its short ponytail before he can be stopped. He dangles the hair tie in front of Keith’s face, who looks properly scandalized. “There. Now you’re hair is terribly informal. We match. You can once again be seen dancing with me.”

Keith laughs in disbelief for a moment. Then he reaches up and takes the hand that Lance is holding the hair tie in and lances their fingers together. With a swift tug, he’s leading them over to the dance floor just as a slow song starts.

Lance laughs too, heart light, almost floating on air. He can hear the words his Mamma said to him years ago when he formally introduced Keith as his boyfriend. Somehow they seem closer to the truth than ever.

Well, Lance, are those wedding bells I’m hearing?

#klance #julance #vld lance #vld fic #voltron #my writing

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san-bika · 6 years

Text

In the Garden Together

Fandom: Voltron

Pairing: Shance

Length: 2535 words

Rating: General

Warnings: Brief description of a panic attack; discussion of politics, little but of Langst, little bit of fluff, banter, genre-defying fic, liberal use of the word quiznak

@prosaicwonder - here is your gift! Work has been awful lately and I had to work late on the 1st so I’m sorry it’s a little late. I hope you enjoy it!

Prompt: peony (honor, respect, romance, prosperity, bashfulness)

@shanceflowerexchange thanks for understanding my work situation. It’s been tough the last few weeks.

The Rose Garden of the White House was ethereal; hazy sun, windswept blooms, and clumsy dragonflies set Lance’s heart at ease, pulling the tension from his shoulders. He wondered if it would be inappropriate to stretch out on a cozy patch of grass to watch the clouds.

But Paladins of Voltron probably shouldn’t be looking for rocket ships and butterflies and daydreaming, especially not during their official introduction to Earth with so many opportunistic photographers around.

And besides, Coran and Allura probably wouldn’t want him to get grass stains on his formal red and white Altean suit.

Lance was pretty sure some of the snaps already taken of him wouldn’t be the most… dignified pictures ever taken. But hey, who didn’t want a goofy selfie at the Oval Office! And if the entire universe had liked the Loverboy Lance persona, why wouldn’t Earth?

His stomach twisted at the thought that international press and the United States government leaders were just a few hundred feet away. He could literally feel responsibility weighing him down like a pile of bricks.

Everything had to go perfectly today. The entire galaxy watching was one thing, but this was his home, with consequences that he understood. Every step, and misstep, had nightmare-ish ramifications. It has been easier saving the universe when they had been fly-by-night vigilantes, or working with a coalition of grateful aliens.

Now Allura and Shiro had to prepare, consider, plan every word and gesture. (The paladins hadn’t thought to mention that among all the many human idiosyncrasies was the fact that human politics were a nightmare.)

Normally Lance enjoyed strategy and schemes but this kind of high-pressure focus on the worst case scenario and motivations behind everything left him feeling… inadequate at best. They had saved the universe. But he didn’t enjoy the reminder that life wasn’t all sunshine and roses.

Everything sent message, even their clothing was carefully planned out - they had chosen Altean formalwear similar to Coran’s outfit, with tightly fitted high collars, formal boots, and tailored capes to emphasize that just because the Paladins came from Earth, their mission, and Voltron’s, couldn’t be subject to Earthly plots and hierarchy.

Even if the human Paladins all hailed from the Galaxy Garrison in the United States, three of them were dual citizens, and one had been half-Galran. Shiro and Allura had been very clear that during any interviews and discussions, they were expected to show no preference, no bias.

Which was all well and good, but apparently even mentioning Varadero Beach in a silly spur of the moment reddit AskMeAnything was tantamount to declaring a Cuban alliance, if the way the reporters had crowded around him a few minutes ago meant anything.

“Mr. McClain, do you have a moment? Recently you mentioned your favorite place in the world was in Cuba, do you have any plans to return there to settle down? What are the chances that the Voltron Coalition would choose Cuba to be its headquarters? Why not choose a country that has been a democratic republic since its founding-”

“Uh, that was just something I said, I mean, I, uh, think that’s a better question for Princess Allura, or maybe Shiro, I mean Commander Shirogane, excuse me, I’m not feeling well at the moment…”

“Mr. McClain, Mr. Mcclain, one more question!”

Lance sighed and twisted a long blade of grass between his gloved hands. He huffed out a breath, trying to settle that uneasy feeling in his gut and muttered to himself as he walked.

“Movies always make everything look cool and dramatic, everything works out perfect. Good guys win, bad guy loses, hero gets a kiss and rides off into the sunset... and you don’t see all of the quiznacking politics and soulless paparazzi and… stupid, dumb, idiotic things that heroes say.”

His cheeks were still flushed with humiliation thinking that he’d rushed out of the press crowd like… a kid having a tantrum. Not behavior worthy of a Paladin of Voltron. But at the moment, he really didn’t know what would have happened if he’d stay. Most likely he’d have screwed up again somehow.

He turned down the path to the Children’s Garden and sprawled across the bench, wishing there weren’t secret servicemen around so he stretch across the warm lawn or under one of the historic trees. Even in peacetime, he couldn’t help but note the position of the black suits standing around the grounds.

After his abysmal answer, other reporters had blocked his path to the meeting room where the others were. The air around him had felt hot and tight, and the room had begun to spin. He’d never tease Hunk for his weak stomach again after that experience.

As the cameras had rolled and journalists talked over each other, as he’d stood uncomfortable and alone, he’d realized that as soon as he entered the conference room with the others he would be seated next to the president. And heads of state. World leaders. And he’d be expected to talk and answer questions of intergalactic significance. Questions like the one he’d just flubbed.

All of the preparation they’d done had not helped prepare him for this moment. It was easy to be diplomatic and interested when he was learning about new alien races and species and politics on the fly. It was like a game of pretend with his niece and nephew! Just learn the names, titles, and ask a lot of questions and boom - instant diplomacy.

But on Earth, he knew the names and he knew the consequences. Here, he knew which country was fighting against others using cyberterrorism and which countries were just using pure propaganda. Here there were still revolutions and oppression. He had feelings about which leader was a hypocritical ass and which ones were heaven-sent.

But then again, he was the kind of guy whose first instinct upon meeting an alien ruler was to hit on her. His opinions and his instinct… well, they didn’t really matter, did they?

Take a deep breath and relax. In and out. Allura and Shiro are going to smooth everything over. Worst case scenario, they’ll think you’re a traumatized veteran and maybe leave you alone.

At that thought, Lance’s lip curled in self-disgust. The blade of grass he had shredded was now coloring his crisp gloves green but he couldn’t bring himself to care. His fingers were trembling. Huh.

You’re not cut out for this. Maybe in the universe, you were something. But here, on this planet, you’re nothing but a goofball. You were meant to be a cargo pilot not some hero… not some thoughtless vain loser who shoots his mouth off before he thinks.

He didn’t realize he was biting his lip until he tasted warm copper on his tongue.

“And you officially are an idiot. Good going McClain.”

Lance dropped his head into his hands, squeezing his eyes shut and praying he’d keep his composure.

A thousand thoughts flew through his head. He could leave for the Castle, but then he’d have to deal with the others later, and what would he say?

“Gee, sorry, guys, I guess I’m not cut out for this whole Paladin gig after all, toodles.”

Hopefully he could make up a story about tripping on something. He didn’t know how he could explain a cut lip any other way. They might believe it if he just owned up the fact the he’d cracked and couldn’t handle the pressure that they all seemed to thrive on.

“Boo.” There was a tap on his shoulder from out of nowhere.

For a brief, adrenaline-filled moment, Lance thought his heart would stop. But he couldn’t get angry. Shiro was grinning, he could tell just by the sound of his voice.

Lance clutched at his heart and pouted as the leader dropped to sit neatly next to him. And here comes a lecture. At least I can enjoy his quiznaking perfectly tailored suit...

“Well, there’s another year off of my life. I hope you’re happy.”

Shiro dropped his head back and filled his lungs with the summer air, a subtle little smirk on his face.

“I am. But for a guy relaxing in the sun on such a gorgeous day, you seem a little tense.”

It was like a glass of water had been poured down his back. Lance stopped sucking on his lip as sheer horror flooded him. He dropped the grass and sat ramrod straight, “Shiro, I’m so sorry about the Conference, what did you guys say to the President? I mean, I didn’t mean to run but I just wasn’t feeling well and I didn’t know what to-”

Shiro turned to face him, concerned. He placed that heavy Galra hand on his shoulder.

“Hey, don’t worry, take a breath, Sharpshooter. It’s ok. If’d you stayed just a few more minutes you would’ve seen Pidge arguing with the Chief of Staff about our cybersecurity, Hunk actually getting sick and having to leave, and Keith completely tongue-tied in front of the press. We’ve rescheduled.”

The other man shuddered and let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. He looked down at his feet.

“I’m sorry. Maybe the others wouldn’t have fallen apart if I hadn’t talked to those reporters in the first place. I got distracted and fell behind. I don’t even think they were supposed to be there.”

Shiro nodded, wrinkling his nose. “They really weren’t. You’d think security would be upped with all of the politicians here, but apparently they were let in by another staff member as a favor. But how are you feeling? You don’t look sick, you seem…. Upset.”

A tiny voice in Lance’s head let out an exasperated sigh. As dense as Shiro could be, now he was going to be all perceptive?

“I am, I mean, I was until you came over. I was just overwhelmed. Didn’t really know what to say or do, so I thought leaving might be the best way out. I’m not sure I should come next time. Earth politics aren’t really my forte, you know.”

Shiro’s metal hand was getting too warm in the sun, but Lance refused to move.

He liked the weight of it.

“I know what you mean. We all heard them talking to you from the conference room, there was just such a swarm around you, it was hard to get through and then you were gone.”

Ahhh, guilt, Lance thought morosely.

“I really am sorry, Shiro. I shouldn’t have said anything or done any press beforehand. I didn’t think of the consequences. If you want me to, I don’t know, give a press conference about it, I will. I don’t want my stupid comments to cause World War 3.”

Shiro actually smiled here, rubbing his thumb back and forth.

“Actually finding out what you said online made me really happy.”

At first the paladin thought he might be getting heat stroke before realizing it was a furious, deep red blush.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Oops, he hadn’t meant to say that out loud.

His leader dropped his head to the side, eyes coy and restful like they hadn’t been in quite a while.

“Really, when Pidge showed me your chats and comment replies, it was like a weight was lifted from my shoulders.”

Considering the amount of innuendos, puns, and just general stupid junk he’d posted, the word flabbergasted fit nicely here.

“Why??” Lance managed to croak.

Shiro dropped his hand to rub the back of his neck, looking uncertain for the first time.

“I mean, it’s some proof that you’re ok, isn’t it? A sign that we made it through and you’re still Lance. Not to say we don’t have our traumas and scars but knowing that you are so ready to just live life and let loose…. It makes me feel like I, like we all can do that too.”

Lance tried to say something, but his voice warbled with emotion and he didn’t say anything at all. He tried to count the smooth pathstones in front of him but his brain was uselessly combing through every word Shiro had just said.

He settled on a thank you but was waved off by his friend.

“You’re not entirely off the hook. You have to clear any online communications with us beforehand, of course. And you look like you just had a panic attack, which we’ll have to talk about later. You shouldn’t be feeling that stressed over diplomacy when that’s one of your strong suits. And we have to get back soon. Since we’re rescheduling, the UN is going to have an impromptu meeting to determine Earth’s approach to Voltron, so we really should give them some ...space to get to it.”

Lance rolled his eyes and stood up, “I can’t believe you just dad-joked me.” He turned to head back towards the others when he came face to face with a scarlet red flower with hundreds of creped petals.

A peony, Mama’s favorite flower.

Lance’s favorite flower.

His heart began a steady drum as he followed the line up to Shiro’s pink cheeks.

What the quiznak is going on?

“I just saw a few over there and remember that you liked these... So I picked it to cheer you up.”

Shiro struggled with what to say and Lance was too emotionally drained to handle this.

“How did you know I liked this flower? I don’t ever remember telling you that.”

Shiro swallowed hard. “It came up. I have… a good memory.”

Lance could feel his eye beginning to twitch and his cheeks redden.

“Okay, stepping away from that bald-faced lie, are you telling me you picked a flower from the WHITE HOUSE GARDEN to cheer me up?”

The other man shrugged and offered a helpless expression.

“I mean, I didn’t think they’d get mad, we’re the Paladins of Voltron.”

“Shiro, there are signs everywhere that say very clearly not to pick the flowers. And you seem awfully okay with abusing your power now that we’re back on Earth! Picking flowers from the White House Garden! What’s next, counting cards in Vegas??”

The leader stepped forward, pulling him into a warm hug, laughing. Lance’s brain began to melt down when he felt the Galra hand gently rubbing his back.

“Who knew you’d be so bashful. You’re a hard person to woo, Lance.”

At this rate, Lance wouldn’t be useful at any diplomatic meeting for the foreseeable future. No, his brain was drifting somewhere with the clouds and his heart was racing with happiness.

Shiro stepped back to cradle Lance’s cheeks.

“I’m sorry I stole from the White House Garden, I’ll tell someone and offer to pay for it. But please keep the peony. It’s been an honor standing by your side as a teammate. And I feel even happier when I realize that you are nearly as whole, perfect, vibrant as the day you first stepped onto Blue. I’d meant to tell you about my feelings later, but you just looked so cute with that blush it all came out.”

RIP Lance McClain, the Cuban thought idly as he gazed, starstruck, into his hero’s dark eyes.

He laughed as a wide smile crawled across his face, reached out to embrace Shiro, and accidentally tripped, smashing his face against the other’s.

And as first kisses went, it was one of the better ones.

#shance #shance flower exchange #shance fic #giftfic

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sherokutakari · 6 years

Text

I’m gonna do something I never do, and that is write a reaction post for an entire goddamn season of Voltron. Spoilers will ensue.

Firstly and foremostly, I think we all need to heave a big ol’ ball of fuck you at the creators over Adam, and WHATEVER ship name you call him and Shiro by.

That was not representation

That was not “respecting your lgbt+ fanbase”

That was a straight up Bury Your Gays trope, and I am sick

Although if we’re being honest with ourselves, it can’t even really canonically be BYG at this point because

not

ONCE

was it even touched upon in the season that Shiro and Adam had been a couple. We had some heavily subtextual lines but had we not had direct confirmation outside of canon that Adam was Shiro’s ex, it would have just been another ship. Klance has more frequent and meaningful interactions. Shieth has more frequent and meaningful interactions. Hell, much as I hate Allurance personally, and as stunted and forced as that relationship is, even they have more frequent and meaningful interactions. Even goddamn Acxa/Kieth have more on-screen dialogue about romantic feelings than goddamn Adam/Shiro.

And I promise this reaction post won’t all be ship related, but on the subject, they did both Klance AND Allurance dirty, too

With Klance the hints and baiting from cast and crew are undeniable. Now being a pretty low-key Klance shipper, I have not compiled all the evidence thereof like so many other blogs have, but at the least

at the very least

we were told to expect more time for Kieth and Lance’s relationship to develop again, much like it had in season three. Outside of them saying each other’s names first in battles, we basically got diddly.

In fact, we got Lance saying Keith should be set free from their weird ass test because he’s an amazing leader, and half Galra, and called him the future. What a great start, right? And wow! Keith even also chose Lance!!!

... so that... he wouldn’t have to spend time with Lance ever again.

What in the actual hell?

Also wasn’t there an interview or something that said Keith and Lance got stranded on the astral plane while the rest of Team Voltron were “asleep for a long time”? Hope is in the stars? Et c. whatever??? Idek anymore. There’s so much crew talk involving Klance that I can’t remember even HALF of it at this point.

Anyway, ALLURANCE

I absolutely hate the idea of this ship just because of the lack of, or at best one-sided build up, but I know a ton of people were looking forward to it under the right circumstances

Something like Lance and Allura actually, I don’t know, talking to each other about this type of thing? The fallout of Allura’s relationship with Lotor? Lance maybe NOT taking an interest in Romelle just ‘cause she’s there?

But no, we got a suddenly blushy Allura, who had previously shown NO interest in Lance and in fact still chose Lotor over him after learning about Lance’s feelings, being all “come back safely~”, and then newly introduced characters having to be like OOOOOOH THE PRINCESS LIKES YOU TOO. I HAVE TO SAY THIS OUT LOUD OR THE AUDIENCE WILL NEVER BUY IT. THIS IS TOTALLY NATURAL.

Come on.

And correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t there something about Lance pairing up with someone who “isn’t what he wants (Allura since day one) but who he needs (shut up, we all have theories on who this is and I’m not fighting anyone over it,) so did they just drop that bit for him?

And what about Lance being Allura’s rebound being referred to by (I think) Joaquim as being “a disservice to both those characters”

Meanwhile Lance’s promised development has STILL

not

goddamn

come

We got him being very competent in battle and... still... being belittled by his teammates at every opportunity. Like ha ha I get it Lance is the cheap shot comic relief but all Lance really seemed to develop this season is a Millennial’s nihilisticly suicidal sense of humor. Which I mean #Mood but we still haven’t addressed Keith’s suicide attempt, and Lance has already DIED (and not talked about it,) and is making outright “Don’t worry, we’ll all be dead soon anyway” jokes. And when he and Veronica were about to die and Red saved him, that was just Red saving his Paladin like always, not Lance successfully calling him to Earth. (As evidenced by the other lions all lighting up and flying away, and the like two second shot of Red just... sitting there, entirely dark.)

Not only that but we’ve seem to gone backwards? Where was his sword Bayard, hm? Why did he unlock traditionally “Keith’s” weapon (albeit a different style sword,) if that wasn’t going to come into play once Keith was back?

and SPEAKING OF KEITH AND LACK OF DEVELOPMENT well firstly a pause, for the lovely Keith and Hunk scene. That was a long time coming and absolutely wonderful.

But suddenly Keith is just... IN leader mode? No adjustment period, no getting reacquainted with the rest of the team, not even a scene to talk with goddamn Shiro over being more willing and able to accept leadership. Two years in space with one other person and an animal, not matter how cool that animal is, does not suddenly a leader make. Oh, and there was no follow-up whatsoever on said two year time gap either, by the way.

And Krolia just leaving again, after making a big deal about not doing that again?? Like hey son we had a fun and terrifying vacation on an enormous space whale, but once again, mission above all else, peace out. They definitely couldn’t just bring Kolivan with them until he’d recovered and have a few scenes to put a proper plan in action that may still have had Krolia leave, but at least have it make sense. Nope, better just leave right now immediately while Kolivan is almost dead because there aren’t quite as many knives in this wall as their should be.

MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE RANCH GALAXY GARRISON, no one had ever thought about MAYBE defending the earth against POSSIBLE ALIENS when the Kerberos team disappeared!! We’ve known since season one they knew it wasn’t pilot error! We’re told this from the files Pidge is going through!!! WHY WAS AN ESTABLISHMENT CALLED THE GALAXY GARRISON SENDING PEOPLE ALL THE WAY OUT TO OUR FARTHEST PLANET, WITHOUT HAVING ANY SORT OF PLANETARY DEFENSES IN THE WORKS

But instead, let’s just macguffin our way out of danger for half a season straight.

Can’t fly the Galra pod Shiro crashed it? Or the Altean ship Sam brought?? No worries, we SOMEHOW got Navs up and running well enough to make simulators for how to fly them just in case

We have good pilots on the simulators now? Good thing Sam knows how to actually build the things!!

The ships are short range and burn through non-crystal powers quickly? GOSH if only we had some of the season’s first episode’s macguffin left HAHA JUST KIDDING WE DO

Need the Lions from four planets away? Now you can AAAAALL CALL YOUR LIONS, REGARDLESS OF BOND LEVEL OR THE FACT THAT ALLURA KNOWS HER BOND IS THE WEAKEST AND NOT YET UP TO PAR

The lions can come to you, but can’t actually do what you want them to? WHOOPS THEY CAN NOW, IF YOU JUST CONCENTRATE EVEN SUPER DUPER HARDER

Oh no, we built a giant ship! But it won’t!!! Run without a crystal!!!!! or like 7 super massive blackholes!!!!!!!!! Coran: CHECK OUT MY BLING

But Coran, your bling is too small! Look at how big the bling hole is, and your bling is just too smol! Bling: BITCH IT’S MAGIC

THE DEFLECTOR PLATES JUST HAPPEN TO HOLD OUT LONG ENOUGH FOR THE ATLAS TO GET IN PLACE

THE ATLAS’ SHIELDS JUST HAPPEN TO HOLD OUT LONG ENOUGH FOR THE LIONS TO DESTROY THE CANONS

SUDDENLY DUAL WIELDING VOLTRON

SUDDENLY SHIRO IS BASICALLY OLCARIAN BECAUSE OF HIS DOPE NEW FLOATATION DEVICE ARM

SUDDENLY ATLAS BECOMES ANOTHER GIANT ROBOT TO TAKE ON THE SMALLER GIANT ROBOT THAT JUST BEAT THE TITULAR GIANT ROBOT’S ASS

- d e e p b r e a t h -

Like don’t get me wrong, there was still a lot about this season I liked. I mean I stayed up just to finish watching it all the way through. But with how hyped it was, and honestly how positive the reviews mostly were, I was expecting a better. A lot better.

They did Adam dirty.

They did their (largely lgbt+) fanbase dirty, while patting themselves on the back for idk thinking they pulled another Korra? (Which, haha, no.)

They did lots of ships, characters, plot lines, and honestly their own universe dirty.

I’m hoping to hear more from the cast and crew soon, about things in this season, things in the upcoming season, and honestly just what the heck just happened. Because tbph? For once, Voltron has actually left a very bitter taste in my mouth.

And I want to believe they can fix it before it’s too late.

#Voltron #Voltron Legendary Defender #Voltron: Legendary Defender #VLD #Spoilers #Voltron Spoilers #Voltron Legendary Defender Spoilers #Voltron: Legendary Defender Spoilers #VLD Spoilers #Salty Tea #SalTea #if you will #Shut up Christi #I'm gonna go take a nap jesus

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emperorlotorr · 6 years

Text

Lotor redemption

I’m relatively certain that vld is not gonna go on the path I’m gonna talk about but instead is gonna go with the redemption equals death or came back wrong strategy (warning to you all, I love using tropes from tvtropes, i practically live by scrolling thro it)

First let’s look at why Lotor can’t be the hero he wants to be

Lack of empathy. This one is pretty obvious. Lotor realizes that his actions were wrong, that sucking alteans dry is not a right thing to do or at least, is gonna be frowned upon (”now I know what you all must think of me”). What he doesn’t understand is why they can’t see that in the end, it’s for the greater good. He doesn’t know why Alura reacts the way she does when she learns about it or why she understandably, lashes out. The ultimate reason for this is because although he loves the concept of alteans, his altean side and of their culture, he doesn’t love the individuals. He doesn’t love any individuals up until this point because fundamentally, he doesn’t know what love is, which brings us to the second point: upbringing

Galra culture: Zarko practically sucked empires dry just for the power and because he liked doing it. Same for Haggar. The Galra empire was already built on a warrior’s way (the story Dayak tells us proves that) and a rigid class system. Lotor may detest his galra side but he’s still half galra and he was raised in the galra empire. This is not to take away the fact that he’s a grown man and makes his own decisions. However, what we consider to be ethical is very much influenced by our environment. You don’t have to look at aliens to know that. Of course, killing people seems to be a universally abhorrent thing to do, the galra probably don’t consider it very noteworthy. Victory or death is a phrase that is repeated multiple times, by both Lotor and his ‘governess’, if the galra live by that standard, they will probably expect everyone else to do so too, if they’re honourable. Meaning if you get killed, you just aren’t worthy or honourable. What Lotor did is inexcusable, I promise this isn’t some apologetic lotor thing.

Lack of genuine bonds. Going back to the keith parallel I mentioned in a previous post, Voltron clearly shows that Keith had actual bonds with people for the most part of his life. His father loved him, there’s no evidence against it, Shiro saw something in him and always supported him and later on he has the voltron team and even later on, he gets to spend two years with his mother to reconcile and realise that she has always loved him more than anything in the world. Lotor doesn’t have any of those things, he doesn’t realise what the alteans mean to allura, not really. Like I said, he’s in love with the concept of being altean, he wants to be accepted by them (i don’t believe being worshipped was part of his plan but rather, he took what he could get and he wouldn’t recognize actual affection if it smacked him in the face back then) but he truly doesn’t actually know them. Studying a culture and actually being a prt of it is something entirely different. Lotor never formed any substantial bonds with the alteans because 1) he probably couldn’t and had to leave a lot and 2) he doesn’t trust anyone, not even his own generals. it’s pretty clear that whoever he made friends with, somewhere at the back of his mind, there was always the possibility of betrayal no matter what.

Plot neccesity: Look, they needed a big evil reveal. Lotor hadn’t done anything truly evil or vile before this. He chased voltron a bit, tricked them into getting some space comet for him, killed Narti because she was spying on him and... conquered some planet peacefully,I guess? (he got throk tortured but the protagonists didn’t know bout that, also, getting a galra tortured isn’t going to tell the audience how bad he is, it’s more or less foreshadowing that indeed, he’s not as nice as he presents himself but it’s not truly evil. Nothing that warrants the need for redemption) And ofc for 80s nostalgia, Lotor couldn’t be a genuinely good person (not that i’ve watched the 80s version)

What a redemption arc really needs to work out and not feel cheap

Genuine remorse: you’d think this is fairly obvious but more often than not, this part is just left out.The heroes encounter a bigger, scarier big bad and then the kinda murderer comes in, helps everyone, in the end, all is either forgiven or the murderer dies. Lotor needs to realise why what he did was wrong and own up to it. Realise where he went wrong, both in his thought process and obviously, in the actual act, and decide to do better. For this to work, the second point needs to happen

Feelings for Allura: Lotor needs to figure out what he actually feels for Allura and what she feels for him. (or felt for him lmao) Was it really love, or something meant to be? Or just two people, desperately latching on to each other for different and not always healthy reasons. He needs to really understand that what he did to her was wrong, for that he needs to realise why she was angry. If his feelings for her are genuine, it would make this realisation easier, if a person really means that much to you, you’ll do the work. Most of all, under no circumstances can Lotor feel like she owes it to him to forgive him or like they’re still meant to be regardless of her own opinion. As soon as he goes down this road, seeing Allura not as a person but a destiny, an inevitabilty, it’s over. Allura does not owe Lotor anything, their relationship is over unless they both decide that it’s the best course of action. This is pretty much a holy thing and even if allura rejects him, if Lotor is truly on his redemption path, he’ll continue walking it even if lotura isn’t in it.

Time. I’m very certain they’ll at least give him that, unless, they’re going for the redemption equals death, in which case he’ll magically appear at the end or if he’s already been introduced in the came back wrong have some kind of epiphany and sarcifice himself. Neither of those are very appealing because they’ve been done before, we’ve seen it, it’s boring. Lotor needs time, to actually get his ducks in a row and to check of the first two items on this list if they don’t give him time, it will seem superficial and undeserved and fake.

Big bad: This is something that they’ll definitely give the voltron team at least. A big bad to end all the big bads, an evil, much like zarkon but prefferably, much stronger, more ruthless and even more evil. Without a big bad to ty it all together, the voltron team has no reason to try and accept his redemption, not does Lotor have any chance at actually redeeming himself. Because just admitting you were wrong and saying you’re sorry, does not a redemption make, unfortunately..

Ultimately, t’s pretty simple. he first needs to know what he did wrong, why it was wrong and then own up to it. Take responsibility and do something about it. The thing that makes this so interesting if the obstacles he has to go through. He needs to conquer his own insecurities and past upbringing, he needs to prove he’s better than his father and his mother, without denying his own wrongdoings or try to sweet talk it.

#lotor #you gusy are probably not interested #but here is fucking is #a way too long text analyses #im investing too much time in this #voltron #voltron legendary defender #vld #netflix #prince lotor #emperor lotor #worthless analyses #yup #aj locascio #keith #steven yeun #allura #lotura #keith kogane

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dammitadolfnomorecake · 5 years

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Caramel Skin Under A Vanilla Sky prt 41 update

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