#but how funny would it be to have a team that mirrors lance's for when I finally challenge the elite 4 again to respawn snorlax

[gaydryad]

oh also why are there So Many trade evolutions

[jounosnumberoneslut]

Just wanted to make me jealous?

Jouno Saigiku x Reader NSFW

Sorry for the grammatical mistakes and word repetitions, english isn't my native language!

This is my first fanfiction, hope you'll enjoy ♡

Pairings... Jouno Saigiku x fem!reader

Contains... celebration party, alcohol, party killer Jouno, dance with Tecchou, smut!, oral (fem!receiving), dom!Jouno, begging, tummy bulge, dirty talk, hair pulling, masochist reader, choking

AFAB reader

You’ve joined to the Hunting Dogs one month ago, finished your first mission succesfully with Jouno and Tecchou that’s why the team thought, this must be celebrated with a party.

You was in your apartment at the HQ, getting ready for the night while listened your favourite music. It was a hot summer day so you picked a short black skirt with a black cami top as your outfit. You choose a black leather choker for accessory. Luckily the dresscode is not the hunting dog uniform this time. While putting on your eyeliner and dark red lipstick fantasied about what will wear the others.

You haven’t seen them in casual clothes except Tecchou. You had to bring up to his apartment a letter from Fukuchi at late night, he opened the door wearing only a grey boxer, probably you woke him up. Your cheeks turned red when you stared his muscles and abs instead of his eyes. He didn’t notice your reaction because he was sleepy.

You checked yourself in the mirror last time, sprayed yourself with parfume and headed to the office what was the party’s spot.

You walked next to the building where your office was, you already heard the loud music from inside. You opened the door and what you saw. Fukuchi singed into his bottle of beer:

- I’ve been searching for a man, all across Japan, just to find, to find my samurai! – while pointing with his other hand toward Tecchou who danced with his sword.

In the corner at the table Jouno with his head down covering his ears, said:

- Finally Y/n! Do something with these two! They are giving me headache!

- What’s wrong Jouno? – Fukuchi laughed.

- The loud music pain in my ass, I don’t need your false voice too! Anyway Y/n has arrived she is the reason why we are here. – Jouno answered with his head on the table.

Tecchou threw away his sword, opened his arms and hugged you tightly. He wears a dark grey shorts decorated with a lance on it, and a black singlet so you can see his well muscled arms. And feel them around you... On the top of his head was a lighting party glasses. You hugged him back.

- Wow Tecchou how much did you drink already?

- aonly one glass of whiskeycola with BBQ sauce. – Jouno answered to my question instead of Tecchou who looked devestating to him. You thought he should be drink more to acting like this.

- What do you want to drink Y/n? – Fukuchi asked you and turned lower the music.

- I would whsikeycola too but without BBQ thank you...

Your boss poured it for you while the rest of hunting dogs has arrived. Teruko wears a small glittered dark pink dress and Tachihara? He almost lost in his elegant suit, he’s a kid.

- I told, you will come to the party 10 years younger than you really – Teruko laughed on him.

- Don’t mess with me Teruko! I will be drunk very quickly with this body!

You chuckled on his situation. You was happy they gathered because of you, and of course they like to have fun too. Except Jouno who still sitting in the corner of the office. To be honest, you liked him from the beginning. He is smart and mysterious, you heard from the others he likes or just liked to torture people. Quiet, calm and serious, but it’s funny to see him arguing with Tecchou. He is blind, but sometimes he is better in fight thanks to his hightened senses what stimulated your mind. You walked toward to him.

- Can I sit down? – you asked. He wears an elegant peach xolored shirt and a dark brown pants.

- Of course you can. Besides I want to congratulation to you, for your first succed mission. – he kindly smiled to you.

- Thank you. What do you drink Jouno? – you asked and wanted to clink with him for the celebration.

- Coffee. My senses dulling under the effects of alcohol. Incidintally I handle with the booze well, just difficult to sense anything around me then. – he explained.

- Oh, I see. So you won’t clink with me? – you looked at him dissapointed – Just a glass of something? – Teruko appeared on his side with a bottle of whiskey and a glass, started to pour the alcohol in it.

- I hope this meets your needs Sir – she said and gave to him the glass of whsikey.

- What do you want? – the white haired man asked her suspiciously – You never act like this.

- I just never saw you drink. I’m curious how will it affect you. Maybe will you dance? – her eyes are sparkled as if it were her greatest desire.

- I won’t dance. I lose my sense of space because of the loud music...

- Then, we will dance instead of you! Come Y/n!

You felt bad about him. He doesn’t look like who likes to dance or being drunk. Just imagined yourself in his place. Your heartbeat changed, he could feel it.

- Don’t worry about me. I’m having a great time, go dance with the others, I won’t leave. – how he said his last word clinked his glass to yours. – Cheers darling!

And he drank what was in your glass like you did.

You went to the others, drank more and more. Danced together with the adult Tachihara after Teruko changed his real age back. You felt yourself a little fuzzy, knew your place, just was a little bit feisty. You had a long slim fitting dance with Tecchou who was behind you caresses your hips and gave soft kisses to your neck. You played with his locks. Jouno noticed your little play and walked toward to you.

- I think I’m going home. This was a great party but enough for me. Good night! – he said without emotions and went to the door. You separated from Tecchou and went after him.

- Wait Jouno! I wanted to go too, wait for me please, just say goodbye to everyone.

- I’ll wait outside. Hurry.

You went back to Tecchou, gave a kiss on to his cheek. He was kinda cute, didn’t wanted to do anything what you don’t want, just flirted like you with him. You said goodnight to everyone and left them, they turned up the music louder and continued to dance.

Jouno waited for you at the side of the building.

- You didn’t look like who want to leave.

- But I am. This was enough for me too. I doesn’t want to be too drunk before I do something stupid. Anyway, if you are the reason of the party, and can't pay attention for everyone that’s not fun. So, would you like to come home with me?

He was suprised what you said, couldn’t find the words, just nodded.

You entered in your apartment, took off your shoes and walked into your kitchen.

- Do you want to drink something? – you asked.

- Water please. – he said. You opened your fridge and took of a bottle of water and a sake. You him the water.

- One shot of sake? – you asked.

- I’m in.

You poured sake for the two of you. Jouno raised his glass to you.

- Thank you for the invitation. It’s very kind from you. – he drank a little bit of his booze – I’d bet Tecchou will stand here tonight. Or you in his bed. – you chuckled on this.

- No no no. I don’t want anything from Tecchou. I mean, I like him so much, he’s very cute and kind. His body is wow, his hair... I enjoyed his approach but...

- But? – Jouno cut you off, drank his sake down to the last drop and moved closer to you . – You like him, so what’s the problem?

He felt your fastened heartbeat. You was confused, couldn’t find the words, didn’t know the right answer. But you knew.

- I just don’t want him like that. – you answered a little bit more tetchier. He stepped more closer, you were within reach neither from each other now.

- Then who do you want like „that”? – another step forward you.

- No one. – you asked quickly.

- This is a despicable lie you’re telling dear. – he smiled devilishly, placed one of his hand under your chin, made you look at him. You flinched of his touch and nearness.

- You can’t lie to me do you know? When we were on that mission, I took you cover, you acted like now. You was flustered because of my touch... When I took of my cape and spread it on you because you were cold. You checked my build. – he chuckled – I offered to take off my top and give it to you, ensure that you warm up faster. I felt how your heartbeat changed. You were embarrassed by the thought of my half naked body. And tonight’s special production from you and Tecchou? Just wanted to make me jealous. You don’t want anything from him... but from me?  I’m standing here in your apartment not him, this isn’t an accident. Tell me if I’m wrong dear.

His smile is cocky, your lips are inches from his. You can’t say a single word. You are blusted. Your face is full red now, lost in your thoughts. Impossible to hide your feels before him. He didn’t hesitate to catch your lips. His mouth is soft, you can taste the sake on it. He played with yours then entered in. Wasn’t rough, but passionate how his tounge explored your mouth. He breaking off the kiss.

- This is what you wanted right? – he asked, you could feel his breath on your skin.

Your answer was to jumped on him, wrapped your legs around his waist. He held you under your tiny skirt, felt his big hands on your butt. You were in each others mouth, he carried you to your couch, lied you down. He crawled onto you, smoothed your hair away from your face, softly bit your cheek and whispered in your ear:

- You are already wet aren’t you? I smell it, may I taste it?

He turned you more and more, didn’t want to believe, Jouno Saigiku leaned over you. He placed small kisses to your skin while climbing down to your wet spot. One of his hand wandered up to squizze your breast, massaged it. You let out a quiet moan. He rolled up your skirt, kissed your skin around your pantie. Put his nose into your clothed pussy, smelled in it’s fragrance. He licked the fabric and then, like a predator who tasted the blood, with a sudden movement ripped off your pantie. He kissed in your juicy pussy rough, panted into it. He licked it from above to below. Jouno eated you out like no one ever. You runned your fingers through his white locks while moaned his name quietly, what he heard perfectly.

- You are so tasty. – whispered into your burning core.

Then he started to circling around your clit with the tip of his tongue.

- Ahh Jouno! – you moaned his name throwing back your head down from the couch.

- Cum in my mouth dear.

He spread your pussylips and sucked your clit softly, then rougher and rougher. You grabbed his hair, pushed his face more into it, screamed his name while your thighs acted on their own, squizzed his head. You came in his mouth, how he ordered.

- Good girl, how obdient. – he leaned up close to your face and gave you a passionate kiss. You could taste yourself, his face soaked from your juice - Now please tell me, where can I find your bedroom? – he placed your hand to his crotch – you have another mission here.

- First door after the kitchen... – you said shakily.

Jouno picked you up easily, carried you to your bedroom and lied you down to the soft bed. You sat up, so he could take off your top and unbrace your bra with one hand, then stopped on your neck, tightened a bit. Gave you a long kiss but now you can’t order to you. You started to unbutton his shirt and unzip his pants. He chuckled in your mouth on your movements, got up on his knees and took of his shirt and pants. You finally could see his muscles, abs and his erection under his boxer.

- Do you like the view? – he asked.

- So much... – while you answered his question crawled onto him, making him lay down to his back.

Now you are on him. Placed small kisses from his neck, through his collarbone, chest and abs until you reached down to his hard member. He flinched slightly at all your kisses, his skin is sensitive too. You pulled down his boxer to free his aching  cock. It is long and thin, with few vessel. You saw the precum bubbling out from his it. First licked his balls, went up through his lenght, then tasted his fluid. He let out a sigh and brushed your hair with his fingers. You took off your skirt, crawled over him and positioned yourself above his dick. Grabbed it gently and placed to your entrance, sat down slowly to his lenght. You moaned, waited for this feeling since you met this man above you.

- You are so tight baby, feels so good to my cock.

You slowly moved up and down on his hard member, he reached your boobs, massaged them and played with your nipples. You moaned, loved the touch of his hands. Bounced harder on him, placed your hands to his chest and abs, tried to find the balance. Your right hand moved up to his neck squizzed it while moaned his name. Suddenly he grabbed your throat tightly and pushed back into the bad, changed the roles.

- You... can’t... do that. – whispered in your ears.

A teardrop rolled down on your face, he licked it down and smiled devilishly to you.

- Are you crying already? I didn’t even touch you... You won’t able to walk tomorrow...

- Hahaha – you laughed – I like pain silly boy. I enjoy it better thank you think – smirked and licked his lower lip.

- Really? Do you know that my hobby is torturing people? I think we’re gonna get along.

He didn’t hesitate, pushed his cock balls deep in your wet pussy. You screamed but smiled at the same time. He still choked you when your hands came behind his back and hugged him tightly. Your sweaty bodies sticked together, you felt his muscular chest on your tits. He pumped deep in you then suddenly stopped. Jouno placed his hand on your tummy and pressed it down. He wanted to feel his hard cock from outside of you. You touched it yourself, he is so long, it bulging out from your lower tummy. You smiled to each other like two sick pervert and he continued moving faster and faster. He hit your G-spot, you fel another orgasm coming and clawed through his bare back make him to slow down. All of sudden he slapped your face.

- You fucking whore! To hurt me is not allowed to you! Turn around for me!

You was suprised cause the slap but you loved this sadistic side of Jouno. Made you more horny. You kneeled with your ass before him, pushed his cock deep in your pussy and moved faster than before. Pressed down your head into the pillows, with his other hand slapped your butt. You could hardly breath but smiled, enjoyed the situation.

- Jouno, Jouno, ahh fuck me harder, yes, I wanna cum, you are so deep!

You are out of your mind, Jouno suprised, he could able to know many things about you but not everything. You were already lying under him,  he moaned a little bit louder, you finally heard his voice like this. He pushed yourself so deep as he can, trembled of his orgasm and laid on you. You felt his full weight on you, waited a little while he catching his breath and moved next to him. You felt his sperm leaking out from your pussy. He lied to his back, pulls you onto his chest, gave a kiss to your head.

- I’ll kill Tecchou if he touches you again.

- So, did I make you jealous? – you chuckled.

- Maybe...

Thank you for @win-writes @iovetecchou and @stinkyme whos inspired me to write my first own, and whos works keep me alive in the everyday ♡

and ofc @nikolaiismysugardaddy whom I talk everyday and inspired each other ♡

masterlist

[blackroseaki38]

Team Awesome Prank War

Varian never really paid attention to getting people back for how they treated him or acted around him. Sure, now the villagers never did that anymore. In fact, they hardly ever approached him, which was completely fine with him. Varian didn’t need much, and certainly not their approval. He had his friends and his father, and is content with them. 

But, when Eugene glued his shoes to the ground to get back at him for the yelling prank, something inside of him awakened. A need for victory arose in him and it fueled Varian to get him back.

So much for being content.

---

Eugene knew Varian was just trying to get him to stop messing with his things when he scared him with his little yelling prank. Still, he couldn't help himself, he just had to get back at the kid. So, he glued his shoes to the ground, and loved it when Varian fell over when he tried to move. Though he had to admit to himself, that wasn't his best. Eh, it's not like he will need to get the kid back again anytime soon, so he will do better next time in the distant future.

Or so he thought till he got out of the shower and took a look in the mirror.

"AHHHHHHAAAAAAA!!!!" 

Eugene’s loud yell brought in Lance next door and the Captain himself who was passing by.

They both took a look at Eugene and couldn't keep their laughter contained, though Lance tried. Failed, but tried.

"Pfffttttt. Oh, hey Eugene! Um... Nice hair?"

"Pink's a good look on ya, Fitzherbert! Remember you're training the new trainees on criminal etiquette today. Haha,"

The Captain left chuckling all the way,  while Lance leaned against the doorway in tears from his now unrestrained laughter.

Eugene knew there could be only one person who could make his hair the ungodly pink color it was right now. He narrowed his eyes and said his name in a dark tone promising vengeance.

"Okay, Varian. It's on."

---

Varian woke up to find Rudiger wasn't in his bed anymore, but he wasn't too worried. He comes and goes through his window all the time. As long as he wasn't gone too long, he would just wait for him to come home.

But, then something fluorescent purple came through his window and Varian gasped in disbelief.

Eugene dared to dye Rudiger with the same potion he disguised as the shampoo. Lance helped him out by sneaking it in his friend’s room. Varian let the raccoon, who wasn't bothered too much by his new look, pounce on him as he laid tangled up his blankets. His body was not moving, but his mind was whirling with new ideas to get Eugene back. This was not a joke anymore, this was war!

Varian didn’t bother to try fixing his furry friend's purple fur. He designed the potion to fade away in a week and any tampering just made the colors get worse. He already has an idea in mind now and he will implement it.... as soon as Rudiger stopped purring and let him leave the comfort of his bed.

---

Eugene woke up to find his room full of apples and all kinds of animals eating them at their leisure. He let out a shriek and fell off the bed in surprise. Luckily, he landed on the ground, and not on one of the cute animals EATING HIS ROOM AWAY.

Someone took a literal pile of apples, leaves, and branches just to toss in his room?! And guess who has a farmer as a father? A certain alchemist! Hmmmmm.... this required more finesse than he had originally thought it would. Well, it would, once Eugene GOT THESE ANIMALS TO LEAVE HIM ALONE.

"Hey! I am not an apple! Stop eating my shirt! It's silk-NO! NOT THE LEATHER BOOTS!"

---

Varian silently ate his breakfast trying not let himself slip up, and admit what he did. His father was mystified on how someone literally stole the top half of his tree, branches, leaves and all!

It wasn't easy, the boy thought to himself as he recalled last night’s events. Using a temporary tree weakening potion, he was able to tear off most of the branches from one of the trees in their orchard without much trouble. An hour later, he snuck out of Old Corona to go to the castle. He used their wheelbarrow to carry the bag with a chunk of an apple tree in it. Lance ran into him on his nightly walk and helped him out cause he thought the whole prank war was funny. The animals that smelt the apple juice trail he left on the way there did the rest.

As soon as Varian finished his food, he left to go to his lab near home. He loved having the Demantius lab for his projects as well, but he didn't mind having a lab this close either, it made it easier to work near home. He only stayed in the other lab for important projects that took all his time and mainly used his lab in Old Corona for less explosive projects.

As he got into his lab, he grabbed one of his potions to plan to use for a prank when he noticed something was off about its color. Varian took a good look at his numerous shelves of tiny containers with all sorts of chemicals. Something was wrong here, he can’t put his finger on it- He let out a loud scream of horror.

"OH MY GOSH…! HE SWITCHED ALL MY LABELS! THAT TOOK ME WEEKS TO DO!"

Varian knew this would take him a long time to undo, he was already dreading the task. He would have to separate them all by color and then test them before relabeling them all. But, for now, he'll just have to make a fresh portion for his uses. He pulled down his goggles over his eyes and a smirk climbed over his face as he got to work.

"Hehehehehehhehe."

---

Eugene smiled as he looked in the mirror. No wrinkles in sight. He's been using this serum he got from Xavier to keep his skin great. Even though the older man told him it wouldn't help him much since he had nothing to worry about at his age, he still wanted to dab a bit of it on his face every morning... and night.

He dipped his fingers inside the oval container and spread the clear liquid on his face. And he went to sleep like a baby.

He woke up and took one look in the mirror and fainted on the spot

*thud*

Lance ran in when he heard the loud noise from his room. They've learned too often that any sudden noise could be a danger.

He paused though once he realized, no, there was no danger. Which was a relief, but now he had to keep from laughing too hard.

Ah, what the hay!

Lance chuckled at his friends previously smooth and perfect skin was now wrinkled like that of an old man's now. His luscious dark hair was a pale grey and barely covered his head. This was his friend's worst nightmare had come true! So he left the antidote Varian gave him, just in case, on the table next to the aging serum. He knew Eugene would be miffed anyway, so why make him suffer any more than needed.

Yet, he did leave a note that says, "Haha! The kid got 'ya good. Hope you don't let him one up a pro like you!"

Lance was sure the yelling he heard later that day was Eugene scheming. He shamelessly added more fuel to the fire, cause hey, this was fun to watch. Lance knew if he wanted too, he could join in any time he wanted to. But, knowing those two, someone was bound to get hurt and he does not want it to be him!

But, he didn’t mind sitting back and watching the fireworks erupt from the sidelines.

---

The castle was getting too uptight lately, nothing like a prank war to loosen things up!

Varian giggled as he read the message Lance sent him by carrier bird. He didn't mind that he gave him the antidote so early, but he didn't realize how frightened Eugene would be and ended up actually fainting

The boy walked into the pumpkin pasture to help his dad when he noticed his dad wasn't by the pumpkin patch, but was looking up at their house instead.

"Hey, dad. Whatcha looking at?"

"Well, son. I found the stolen apple tree, Though now it's part of our roof now. That poor tree. Who would do such a thing?"

Varian looked up and cringed as he saw the remains of the tree he hacked away scattered across their roof. Surely, if they didn't clean it up soon, animals will probably descend upon the food remains, like the crows were doing right at this moment.

Quirin sighed and got ready to climb up the ladder he positioned, but Varian stopped him.

"Dad, I'll clean it up. If you don't get started on the pumpkins, we'll be late for the harvest."

Quirin smiled, ruffled his son's head in a silent yes and got to work on the pumpkins. Varian grimaced and got to work. He spent his afternoon fighting the crows away and cleaning up the apple tree carnage. Rudiger helped, eating any apple bits that remained.

Someone giggled from the bushes near their home before leaving quietly.

---

Eugene smirked as he considered himself to be the winner since he hasn't been pranked in a few days now.

He walked into his room and there was a  platter of cookies sitting on his desk. They were shaped like his face and iced to his handsome likeness as well! Though the noses were a little long and pointy, well it's the thought that matters! Eugene spied a little note nearby, with a heart drawn on it! Of course, Rapunzel! Bless her little golden head of hair. The young man took a big bite out of a large-nosed Eugene cookie with a large smile.

"Mmmmmm, delicious! Though I better save the rest for later. I don't want to lose my slim figure. Wellllllll, a few more won't hurt. "

Eugene finished a few cookies before he finally put (hid) the rest away for later. He left his room humming a cheery tune on his lips.

"Hey, Eugene!" Pete called waving his hand as Stan tried getting his partner to calm down as they went on with their patrol.

"Hiya fellas!" Eugene replied, but like he couldn't stop himself, he felt like talking some more than a casual 'hiya' like usual.

"You guys know what, when I first moved into the castle, I was kinda jealous of how close you guys were. Pete and Stan! Never seen without each other. I was jealous because my buddy Lance wasn't with me yet. Ya know, I got over my envy once my best buddy rejoined my life, and realized I shouldn’t have been envious anyway cause you both are great guys!"

The two guards looked at Eugene wondering why he was sprouting his feelings so openly. The ex-convict wondered the same thing before he saw Lance come out behind them. He had tears in his eyes as he smiled.

"Really, Eugene? You really mean it? You really missed me that much?"

"Of course, buddy! You are my best friend! Well, you and someone else are pretty much my best friends. You've always been with me! Even when I was a jerk! I love being your friend so much that I can't help checking in on 'ya at least once a day. I don't want to lose you again! I'm always afraid you're gonna have enough of my idiotic personality and leave! Leave without saying goodbye!"

Eugene was freaking out! He was saying his deepest secrets and concerns to the world! The man dodged Lance's hug and tried leaving before he met someone else.

Instead, he accidentally barged into the throne room where everyone in town were trying to seek the King's council. They all looked at Eugene who just barged in. He tried backing out, but the concerned faces of Pete and Stan, plus happy Lance, blocked his way. Rapunzel approached the group. She placed her hand on Eugene's shoulder.

"Sweetie, is everything fine? You don't look so good."

Eugene wished he could just shut his mouth, but he couldn't stop talking his heart out.

"Rapunzel, I love you and you know that. But, when I first proposed to you, I wasn't doing it because I wanted to make us permanent. I did it because deep down, I'm always going to be afraid I'm going to lose you and the only kingdom that welcomed me in. I was sure you would eventually realize I didn't deserve you and leave! So, I kept trying to propose, each time thinking of our future, but also secretly securing my place in your heart and this family we made. If we ever broke up, I am sure our family will break as well. I love you and this family too much to let that happen!"

Rapunzel was looking emotionally happy and sad at the same time. Eugene didn't want to look at her and tried leaving through another door. But, he kept speaking as he looked at every family face he knew.

"Feldspar! I always loved your boots! Their leather always hugs my ankles just right and I don't trust anyone else to make my ankles look as amazing as they do in your footwear!"

"Old lady Crowley! I know I joke around a lot, but you remind me of the lady who raised me at the orphanage, which is why I ask you for advice once in a while!"

"Monty, Atilla! I love your guys' candy and baked goods! But, I always feel guilty about eating them because I'm worried my fine figure will be gone! They are just that good."

“Xavier, I appreciate the skin serums you made for me, but are you sure they work right? No matter how much I dab under my eyes, my eye bags continue to get worse! Let’s meet up for tea to discuss this before I’m old and grey!”

“Friedborg, you are amazing and don’t you ever let anyone say otherwise! You're secretly the key to why this castle is still standing. Without you in charge, I’m sure this kingdom would have fallen apart ages ago!”

"Max, Pascal. I love you guys, even if I may act like I don't care for you guys a lot. I enjoy my time with you guys and will always be by your side!"

Eugene kept trying to avoid people, this was getting out of hand, but it wasn't working since most of the town was here to ask or inform the king of something. Finally, he bumped into someone and felt the world spin less than before. Then he looked up and realized it was the King, with the Queen by his side.

"Eugene, are you okay?" The queen was deeply concerned. Fredrick was concerned as well, as he helped pull the young man up.

"Is something the matter, son?"

Eugene wished his big mouth would stay shut, but he couldn't stop himself.

"Everything is fine, except for the fact I can't keep myself from hiding my feelings forever. You guys helped bring my life from the dark. Sure, Rapunzel did most of it, but if you guys hadn't opened your home and kingdom to me, I wouldn't be the Eugene I am today. And though I know who my parents are now, you two will always hold a place in my heart. And I can't wait to be the best son in law once I and Blondie get married."

Eugene took a deep breath and turned around as the royal couple took in his words. The Captain opened his mouth to speak, but of course, Eugene interrupted him.

"CAPTAIN. I ALWAYS LOVED YOUR MUSTACHE. IT'S SO MANLY THAT MY GOATEE CAN'T EVER TOP YOUR FACIAL HAIR."

The captain was silent a little flabbergasted and a tad touched. Using this as a distraction, Eugene took the chance to escape. Finally, he was on the other side of the room at this point! He ran out into the courtyard, only to bump into Quirin and Varian unloading crates of apples and pumpkins for the castle. Eugene barely stops himself from running headfirst into the wooden cart.

"You okay there, Eugene?" Quirin asked. Eugene grabs him by his shirt.

"Sir! I love your apples. There are the apples of my eyes. Sometimes I wake up with apples everywhere! And animals. Lots of animals!"

Quirin just blinked in surprise as Eugene moved on to Varian.

"Kid, you're like the little brother I've never had. I love messing with you, even this prank war we've been having has been amazing. My hair is still this hideous pink hair, but I can't help smiling every time I see my own reflection. You looking up to me makes me feel important in your life. I still feel bad for not giving you enough attention in the past and where it leads you. I’m sorry for not being there for you! That’s why I’m here now! I want to make your life happier with me in it! Team awesome will always be important to me!"

Varian didn't know what to say. He was touched he felt these things about him and kind of felt guilty considering he drugged his newly proclaimed brother with truth serum laced cookies. Clearly, Eugene ate the cookies he left in his room, but he didn't expect him to be telling these kinds of truth. He must have had more than a few to be acting like this.

"Varian, what's this I hear about a prank war?" Rapunzel asks from the doorway from the throne room.

Varian nervously met the princess and his father’s eyes. They looked at the two boys in thinly veiled disapproval as the teen looked at the ground while the elder started telling Rudiger about how he isn't a pest and deserves all the kingdoms apples for being there for Varian. The raccoon agreed with him greatly, evidenced by his excited chittering.

"Ummmmmm... we may have been having a war of pranks this week. And it may have gotten out of hand. Eugene is probably under the effects of my truth serum cookies. But, I have the antidote right here!"

The teen looks through his bag for the vial of golden liquid while the king redirects all the people back to their court with him. The Captain made sure the door to the courtyard is closed.

Promptly, Varian pulled out a tube of golden-colored liquid. He swiped an apple from their cart, using his father's dullest blades (under his watchful eyes) to cut the apple in half. He poured a few drops on to one half of the fruit. Once he was sure there was enough antidote in the apple half, Varian offered it out to Eugene.

"Eugene, I'm sorry for this whole mess with the truth potion, I didn’t think it was that strong. Here's the antidote."

Eugene took the apple half, once he bit into it, he already started feeling better as the cloud in his mind dissipated. He stopped cuddling a resisting Rudiger and got up, dusting his clothes

"Oh, that was a doozy. Eh, don't worry about Var. I had fun with the prank war. Next time, we just need to calm it down some. Besides, as the winner of the Team Awesome prank war, you get some .... hot cocoa! And I get some too! Come on, kid."

Rapunzel shakes her head as the two walked off to get some hot cocoa. If she had listened to the rumors around the castle, then she would have put a stop to this war much sooner. But, it seemed like she didn’t have to put an end to things ….. this time.

Quirin continued unloading the cart of produce with a relaxed smile on his face. He’s never seen Varian act like this before. And it was …. relieving. Varian’s never had friends to laugh or mess around with before. Now, seeing him act like a real kid with Eugene, he felt satisfied seeing his son happy again. 

---

Varian and Eugene were drinking hot cocoa in the Dementius laboratory under the castle. Rudiger has made them his special drink, in regular mugs at Eugene’s insistence. Now, the two were enjoying their drinks as they compared notes on their pranks on one another.

“So, how’d you get that shampoo potion into my room?” Eugene asked at one point.

“Lance helped me out. He offered when he saw he sneaking around your room,” the teen admitted.

“Hmmmmm….. Lance held Rudiger down for me to dye his fur.”

Varian sat up straighter and continued Eugene’s line of thought.

“He…. helped me get that apple tree in your room. And opened the windows.”

“He helped me put that aging potion in your room.”

“He helped me switch all the labels in your lab.”

“He put that platter of cookies in your room.”

The two looked at each other and they both realized …. Lance has been playing them! They wordlessly started putting away their finished rinks and started to leave the lab.

“I still got them truth cookies in my room,” Eugene offered.

“Good idea. Don’t want them to waste. We’ll force-feed him. Any other ideas?” Varian asked.

The two spent the day together scheming their ideas before implementing them the next day.

Never mess with Team Awesome when they in a mood to prank, whether it is each other or not! 

[quintessenceofdust73]

A Respite in Paradise

The Paladins had made camp in one of the lush valleys of Celadon IV, an isolated, uncharted, Earth-like sphere located in the outermost edge of the Milky Way Galaxy. The Lions were nearly drained of all power when they arrived and Keith knew they would need a lengthy solar recharge. He ordered their little caravan to a halt, and suggested that the team take some time for much-needed rest and relaxation. This was one of Keith’s orders that Lance actually agreed with and wholeheartedly obeyed.

Hunk unloaded a barbecue grill from Yellow Lion’s cargo hold as soon as they landed and began rummaging through their meager stores of exotic meats to find something to grill. Coran helped with this and then began an inventory of their other foodstuffs while Shiro and Keith helped Allura and Romelle set up the camp.

After Pidge’s detailed analysis of the plants they had collected, it was determined that the local flora would not do any harm to Kalternecker’s digestive system. When they were sure of that, Lance and Pidge had immediately led the cow to the grassiest area that they could find and laughed at her satisfied “moo” of happiness at the sight of so much green. Once Kalternecker was free of her tether, she bucked with ecstasy and frolicked in the flowery meadow along with Kosmo. Both animals were accompanied by Pidge’s ever-curious blue and green floofs which hovered over the field, silently observing it all. While taking in all the natural beauty around him, Lance had a sudden urge to pull Pidge a bit closer to him. He slipped his right arm casually around her narrow shoulders as he often did, but this time he deliberately held her closer than before. She turned to look up at him questioningly with those huge, intelligent eyes of hers, and Lance suddenly felt his cheeks warm a little. He smiled at her and was surprised at how his heart raced when she smiled back at him. He noticed that several lose tendrils of her hair had escaped from her messy bun, and that there were a few more soft waves that framed her face. She was pale after living inside of a spaceship for so long, and he knew they both had dark circles under their eyes from a lack of proper sleep. The two of them were both still in their battered armor, and both of them were sweaty and tired, but in this peaceful moment Lance could not recall any sight that he had ever seen that was more beautiful than the one before him.

They heard Coran’s voice in the distance, summoning them back to camp. Supper was ready. The smell of Hunk’s cooking never failed to make his mouth water.

Pidge took his hand and ran with him back to camp. It was nearly dusk when they all finally sat down to enjoy the evening meal.

After bestowing Hunk with many well-deserved compliments for the incredible supper he had prepared, the Paladins had all gone to sleep under the stars, and at last spent an entire evening completely undisturbed.

Even before the bright sun of this small green planet was peeking over the horizon, Lance was wide awake. The others slept on as the sun rose, still exhausted from their long journey. He stretched, then rose to his feet, not bothering with putting on his armor. Lance silently gathered up his bayard, a clean change of clothes, a towel, and his grooming kit. Then he hiked down to the nearby stream, relishing his every lungful of the cool morning air. This planet almost smelled like home, and the sound of the clean, running water was like music to his ears after being in the silent vacuum of space for so long. Lance eagerly stripped off his black under suit and then slipped naked into the cool water. He shivered at first, but then realized that his body would soon adjust to the lower temperature. He had entered the stream with his small container of body shampoo on a cord around his neck and an exfoliating scrubber in hand. With a whoop of pure joy, he dispensed a small amount of the concentrated cleanser and then rubbed it into a fragrant lather, scrubbing away the grime that had accumulated on his skin after being in a spacesuit for far too long. It was invigorating! He sang to himself and splashed around in the water with the delight of a child as he rinsed the suds and the grime away. As he lathered shampoo into his hair and ducked under water to rinse it out, he realized how long it had gotten. He hated to admit it, but he had a mullet that was as long as Keith’s had been the night that they rescued Shiro. That was the night he and Hunk had snuck out of the Garrison, following after the mysterious “boy” named Pidge...

A familiar giggle brought him out of his reverie. Eyes wide, Lance sunk down deeper into the water, his back to the nearest bank. “Who’s there?” But he already knew the answer to that, and he really hoped she hadn’t seen anything. Lance bit his lip and blushed at the thought of it. There was another giggle. Pidge! He turned to face her, but she was already scampering away. He saw her hasty retreat, noticing that she was wearing her Garrison backpack over her black under suit and her hair was falling in matted tangles from her now even messier bun.

“We will have to find another spot,” he heard her call to the other two girls. “Lance is down there.”

“Ugh! The last thing I want to see is Pointy Chin without any clothes on,” said Romelle.

“Indeed,” said Allura. “I wouldn’t want to have to look at that either.”

Lance pouted angrily, feeling momentarily hurt.

Then there was that familiar giggle again, and he strained to hear what Pidge was saying.

“I wouldn’t mind,” Pidge admitted. “I actually think he’s pretty cute,” Lance’s mouth fell open once more, his mind whirling. The laughter of all three girls faded into the distance as they searched for a more private place to bathe.

Pidge.

Pidge thought he was cute? He suddenly felt even more self-conscious about his nakedness, and once he was sure the girls were far enough away, he hastily rose up from the water, dried off, and then wrapped the towel around his waist. He set up the shaving mirror from his kit and frowned at what he saw: stubble, a few zits, and a soggy mullet with wet, too-long bangs that dripped water into his eyes. What was Pidge thinking? This was the worst he had ever looked in recent memory. Maybe she was blind without her glasses. He began to panic, searching his kit for his razor and a face mask.

After a quick but careful shave, he rinsed and dried his face, hastily donned a pair of clean blue underpants and tied back his too-long hair. Lance sat upon a large, smooth rock and prepared the ingredients for his favorite face mask. Zits begone! If Pidge liked him as much as he had hoped, he was determined to look his best for her. After slathering the green paste all over his face, he rinsed his hands and relaxed. He laid back upon the now-warm, smooth stone and closed his eyes, allowing the mask to dry in the sun...

When Lance’s mind was nearly awake once more, it was already mid-morning, and the face mask had dried until it cracked. He didn’t want to get up to rinse it off though. He felt lazy, and he enjoyed the sensation of the warm sunlight caressing his (mostly) bare skin. If he just kept his eyes closed he could imagine he was back home in Cuba, laying out in the sun on Varadero Beach, surrounded by beautiful bikini-clad women, or more realistically, with at least one particular pretty girl by his side, bikini-clad or not. His half-awake mind conjured up an image of a pale, petite girl in a modest emerald green bathing suit. Her beautiful long brown hair was wet, as if she had just emerged from the sea. She was gazing on him fondly as he slept in the sun. Paradise, he thought.

In his semiconscious daydream, the cute girl at his side was calling his name.

“Lance?”

“Hmm?” he mumbled.

“Lance, wake up.” The cute girl touched his arm. “You can’t sleep here all day you know. The rest of the team is wondering where you are, but I figured you would still be here, so I came to get you.”

His eyes snapped open, and it took him a moment to process everything. For a moment he thought he actually was on the beach in Cuba, especially when he saw the scantily clad long-haired beauty beside him.

Pidge.

Pidge with her long hair down, still damp from being washed. Not Pidge on the beach in a bikini, but Pidge wearing a green sports bra and a pair of cut-off shorts she had made herself, which was almost as good. He had no idea she was this hot. Smoking hot. Dead sexy. Was he still dreaming? He grinned at her goofily and felt his face mask crack.

Lance’s mind ran through every swear word he knew in English and Spanish, and then all of the alien swear words he knew, and then some he wasn’t sure of, but he didn’t say any of them out loud. Instead, he emitted a high-pitched yelp of surprise when he realized that he was not, in fact, wearing swim trunks and lying on a beach in Cuba, but he was, in fact, lying on a sun-warmed slab of stone on an alien planet wearing nothing but his underpants and a dried up face mask.

“I think you need to wash your face,” Pidge said, hardly able to contain her amusement. He noticed that she didn’t say anything about his lack of trousers.

“Uh, right.” Lance scrambled to the stream again to rinse and dry his face, which felt much smoother and cleaner, and hopefully blemish-free. He heard her behind him, trying to suppress her giggles and not succeeding. She gave up on silencing them and was now laughing hysterically. Lance felt his face burn hotter than the sun.

“What’s so funny?” he asked. Stay cool, he told himself. He got up and turned around, then tried to strike a confident pose.

Pidge laughed so hard that tears rolled down her cheeks. “I don’t know what’s funnier, the face mask or the mullet, or—“ she broke off, wheezing. “Or...the fact—“ She tried to catch her breath. “The fact that...you are standing there, striking a pose like a designer underwear model, pretending this isn’t embarrassing.”

Pidge’s laughter was one of his favorite sounds in the universe, and to him it was always infectious. Lance broke down at that moment and started laughing at himself along with her. He tried to cover himself modestly with his towel as he reached for his blue jeans. Then he turned his back to her and did a very silly butt-wiggling dance as he wriggled into them. Pidge was laughing so hard that she had to gasp for air. When he finally pulled up his jeans and zipped them, he turned to her and gave her his most smoldering look as the breeze ruffled his long hair.

“Now you look like one of the shirtless himbos in the ads for those trashy romance holodramas my mom watches.”

Lance sat down next to her, his sides shaking with laughter at her description of him. “Oh, no! My mom watches that junk too, and they’re the worst. I definitely want a haircut now.”

Pidge was still wiping the tears of mirth from her eyes. “That’s why I’m here. Coran just gave Shiro and Hunk a haircut, but you missed yours, Sleeping Beauty.” She held up Coran’s clippers and a pair of Altean scissors. “And I missed my haircut too, in order to go looking for you.”

“Sleeping Beauty?” He said with a smirk. “Okay, I am going to pretend that isn’t sarcasm. If I’m a Sleeping Beauty, then why didn’t you awaken me with a kiss?” He thought his flirting was going well in spite of how humiliating this day had been for him so far.

Pidge blushed. “Maybe because I’d rather kiss you when you’re awake?” She said this timidly. Flirting wasn’t something she was accustomed to doing.

“You can kiss me anytime you want, whether I’m asleep or awake.” He said this to her earnestly, revealing more of his true feelings for her than he ever thought he could dare to admit. Lance was blushing in spite of himself. So much for being cool and confident.

Pidge looked at him wide eyed, then ducked her head shyly. Lance tipped her chin up gently, then gently caressed her cheek. They were both breathing raggedly as he moved closer to her. But just as he leaned down to kiss her, she pulled away.

“I can’t let you do this,” Pidge was shaking like terrified prey, trapped in a hunter’s snare. She looked ready to flee.

“Pidge? What’s wrong?” Lance reached for her. “Don’t go! Please, just talk to me. I don’t understand why—“

“I can’t be another one of those girls that you flirt with and forget about!” She she choked out. She was sobbing.

“Pidge! I would never—“

“You’re the only one that I have ever felt this way about and—“ She paused to catch a breath. “If you kiss me it has to mean as much to you as it does to me.” She looked at him boldly now, and even though her face was tear-stained, Lance thought she had never looked more beautiful or more courageous.

He was the one who was terrified now, afraid to say or do the wrong thing. He gaped at her in astonishment, stunned into silence.

Pidge waited for him to say something, but he was still just staring at her, trying to process what she was trying to tell him, and trying to figure out what to do next.

Her mind worked at light speed compared to his. She had already come to a conclusion and turned to leave.

“Pidge, wait!” Lance cried. She kept walking.

“Katie!” She did not stop. Lance knew he had to say something or his heart would shatter into a million pieces. There was no way to repair a heart that badly broken.

“Katie Holt, I am in love with you!” He shouted, and his words echoed around the valley. Then there was a frightening silence between them that caused his heart to momentarily stop beating. They might have been on a silent planet if not for the incessant babbling of the uncaring brook behind them.

She stood there, unmoving, but she did not turn to him.

“I love you. I always have. I guess I was waiting for the right time to tell you, and I was also waiting for you to grow up because you’re younger than me, and I guess I also realized I was the one who really needed to mature a lot more before I could be in a real relationship because you’ve always been more mature than me and—“

She turned around. Lance continued to babble more incessantly than the creek. It was if a dam had burst and a torrent of heartfelt words tumbled forth, as unstoppable as a flood.

“You’re the most amazing girl I have ever met in my entire life and you’re my best friend and I love being with you more than anyone else in the whole universe and I don’t just want to kiss you I want to belong to you, now and always. I want to spend a lifetime laughing with you or just listening to you say brilliant things every day or just watching the sunset with you or just being with by your side when you need me or even when you don’t need me, because I need you and I want to be a part of your life forever. I adore you, Katie, and I-“

Pidge stopped his barrage of words the only way she knew how. With all her strength, she leapt into his arms and embraced him. She stopped the flow of words at the source, kissing him fiercely as Lance lowered her gently to the ground.

Lance had been kissed a fair few times in his life, but he had never experienced anything like this. It was like flying, like being struck by lightning. It was like being born, and living, and dying, and being brought back to life again. It was like all of those things, and none of those things. She had poured into that kiss what he had been struggling to say with words that were far too meager to express the infinite.

When they broke apart, Lance just gazed upon her in shock and reverent silence.

“You are the first and only man I have ever loved and will always love. You are in my heart, and if anything bad ever happened to you, a part of me would die. That is how I love you.” She sobbed. “That’s the only way I know how to love you.”

Lance buried his face in her hair, which was soft, fragrant, wild, and very soon damp with his own tears of relief. He held her close and comforted her as she sobbed happy tears against his bare chest.

When they finally regained control of their emotions, he lead her to the stream. They both washed their faces.

“I missed breakfast,” he began. “I hope I didn’t make you miss lunch.” Much to Pidge’s disappointment, Lance pulled on his old blue and white T-shirt.

Pidge opened her backpack. In it there were sandwich rolls, snacks, and cold drinks. “I didn’t know how long it would take to find you, but somehow I knew you would be hungry when I did.” She decided to put on her well worn Galaxy Garrison T-shirt, which was too small for her. Lance grinned, hoping he could hide his expression behind the first bite of his sandwich.

“You think of everything.”

“That’s because I’m brilliant.”

“I am definitely going to marry you when this war is over, you know that, don’t you?”

“You’d better.” There was a beautiful peace between them, like the calm after a storm. “You still need that haircut.”

“I know. Promise me you won’t cut your hair though. It’s beautiful.”

“It’s too long. I can barely fit it under my helmet anymore.”

“I could braid it for you.”

“Really? And what do you actually know about braiding hair?”

“I have sisters. I used to braid Veronica’s hair until she cut it short, and Rachel’s hair is still pretty long, or at least it was last time I saw her...”

They spend the rest of the afternoon reminiscing about home and talking about their hopes for the future.

*****

Kaltenecker came to the stream to drink that afternoon, and Pidge’s floofs hovered nearby, watching their beloved human friend beside the male human she loved most.

The floofs observed their dear little human attempting to give the male human’s head fur a trim. They saw that both of them thought the result was very funny. Their little female human cried at the mistakes she made when trimming head fur, but the floofs knew it would be alright because the tall male human seemed to be pleased with her efforts nonetheless. He rubbed his face against hers many times, as they often did to her. Of course, the floofs knew that this meant that the tall human loves their dear little one, and that she was very happy about it indeed. Clearly, it was some sort of human courtship ritual.

Perhaps they would mate and have little floofs of their own one day.

But that was a story for another time.

[fangirlauthor]

A Rip in Time Chapter 2

Hello again! Like I said, there’s a link to this work on ao3 if you’d like to read it on there. Check the masterpost to find it. 

Assuming, that is, that future Matt Holt ever stopped eating. It didn’t seem like he would - he was currently shovelling an insane number of donuts into his mouth at high speeds; he was clearly one of two things: extremely hungry, or excited about donuts. The reality was both. Not only was (future) Matt Holt hungry, it had also been a long time since he’d seen a donut, much less had one. 

“Are ye done yet, kid? We’ve got questions.” Commander Iverson glared at the kid - well, at Matt; kid didn’t really fit anymore. 

“Almost,” said future Matt Holt through a mouthful of donuts. “And I’m sure I’ve got answers, Commander.” Swallowing, Matt added, “There’s a lot to go through, so I’m going to need the devices I brought with me.”

“You aren’t getting those until we figure out what they are.”

“They’re databases that I’ve stored visual aids on, Commander. Nothing dangerous, basically the alien equivalent of a stored powerpoint.” 

Iverson shook his head. “Still need to get them cleared first.”

“Then I guess I’ll be eating donuts until you do.”

Iverson practically growled at that. Other Matt, Sam, and Shiro - watching from behind a two-way mirror - glanced at each other and did their best to hold in their laughter. It wasn’t a joke, and if it had been it wouldn’t’ve been a funny one, but confusion has an interesting effect on one’s sense of humor. 

Two hours later, someone managed to stop by with the devices future Matt Holt had brought with him. At that point, Iverson escorted future Matt to the debriefing room where several people - including the members of the Kerberos mission (and Adam, Katie, and Colleen Holt) were already waiting. 

“Alright, kid. What’s this all about?” asked Iverson. “We’d like the short version, please.”

“Of course, Commander. That’s why I needed my trusty visual aids to keep me on track.”

Taking a deep breath, Matt tapped the Altean device, triggering a holographic image of Kerberos to appear. “Everything you think you know is about to change. There’s an entire universe out there - and there’s more to it than we could ever have imagined. Years ago - for me, anyway - Kerberos was the farthest a human had ever traveled. The mission was supposed to be an embodiment of everything we had achieved, of how far humanity had advanced. Instead, it turned into a showing of how little we really knew.” A breath as everyone in the room waited for him to continue. “The Kerberos mission was successful up until a single point - and it was a big one.” 

Matt tapped the device projecting an image of Kerberos, and a video feed began to play. It was the video recorded during the Kerberos mission, the one that had proved to Katie Holt that the Galaxy Garrison was lying to everyone about what had really happened on Kerberos. After it played, Matt had the transmission the Galaxy Garrison had picked up play as well. 

The room was full of shocked faces, Sam, Matt and Shiro most of all - Adam, standing slightly behind and away from Shiro, reached out as if to touch Shiro on the shoulder, stopping at the last moment. 

“What-” Iverson began, but (future) Matt cut him off with a wave of his hand. 

“I’m not quite finished yet, Commander.” He smiled, but it was thin and very clearly fake. Old memories are painful to remember at the best of times, and this most certainly could not be considered the best of times. 

“Once the Galaxy Garrison caught that video and transmission, they told the public a lie - they claimed the Kerberos mission had crashed due to pilot error, and left it at that. A military funeral - closed casket because there weren’t any bodies - was held, during which the,” - here his voice broke slightly - “family members and loved ones were allowed to say goodbye. For the next few years, the world believed that Takashi Shirogane, Matt Holt, and Sam Holt were dead. Some people had suspicions that the Galaxy Garrison wasn’t telling the truth, but most of them kept quiet. My sister was not one of them - in a sense, anyway. She illegally hacked into the Galaxy Garrison’s computers and managed to see that footage before she was caught and banned from the premises. An amount of time later, she ran away and - also illegally - enrolled in the Galaxy Garrison as Pidge Gunderson, and cut her hair to add to the illusion. 

“Another amount of time later - sorry for not knowing the specifics, I was busy trying not to die on an alien ship - Shiro escaped from the aliens that had captured us, the ones known as the Galra. He crashed on Earth, near the Galaxy Garrison. The Garrison wanted him sedated and quarantined, but he had an urgent message and begged them to listen to him. They didn’t but before they could completely sedate him, former Garrison cadet Keith Kogane broke into the Galaxy Garrison and, with help from a few other cadets - including my sister - got him out and safely away from pursuing Garrison forces. 

“There they discovered a secret cavern and an alien ship - the Blue Lion. Shiro, Pidge, Lance, Hunk, and Keith ended up leaving the planet on the ship once it activated for Lance. At that point, they accidentally traveled through a wormhole and discovered what Voltron was. I’m not going to go into specifics of how, exactly, they managed to get there, but know that they did. And the universe is in a much better place because of it. 

“Voltron is a superweapon, and the universe’s only hope. It is made of five mechanical lions, piloted by the five paladins. Because of some strange - we’ll call it magic - known as Altean Alchemy, the lions are practically sentient beings; they choose their paladins, and they activate only for those they choose to. Working as a team, the five paladins - and the lions they are in - can fight separately or form Voltron. The current paladins are as follows: in the black lion, Keith, in the red lion, Lance, in the green lion, Pidge, in the yellow lion, Hunk, and in the blue lion, Allura, who is an alien and not someone you’d know.” Here (future) Matt paused for another breath, ignoring the stunned faces around him. “Don’t worry, Commander, I’ll make this last part quick. 

“Together, the paladins have worked together to save the universe an impressive number of times. They’ve faced robeasts, fleets of starships, and have adapted at an incredible speed for people who were thrown into this world without warning. I’m not going to go into detail about each battle they’ve fought because there’s not enough time, but know this; each of the paladins has proven time and time again that they are willing to do whatever it takes - and I mean whatever it takes - to save the universe. They are heroes, and they are a symbol of hope to the entire universe. 

“Right now, a time slip is occurring - people from my time are going to start appearing here, where you are. This includes some less-than-friendly aliens, but also allies as well. Some chaotically accurate math informed us that I’d be the first here - so, as I have done, I was to inform you generally of what has occurred in the future. I’m also supposed to - and plan on - helping bolster the defenses on this planet so we’ll be a little more prepared when the bad guys start arriving. I’m going to need your full cooperation for this, though - can I expect that, or am I going to have to go rogue again?”

Everyone stared at him, shock coating their features. “I’ll, uh, give you a moment,” (future) Matt said awkwardly, deactivating the device still projecting photos of the five paladins (and Shiro). 

Several moments later, Sam said, “So the first time we encountered alien lifeforms, they were hostile?”

(Future) Matt nodded. “The Galra Empire goes through the universe and colonizes - or destroys - plants and their inhabitants are usually forced to work for the empire. There is a small group of galra known as the Blade of Marmora that the Voltron Coalition works closely with. They’re on our side. Heck, one of their members is a paladin.”

Iverson asked a more pragmatic question. “And there are hostile aliens coming here? Because of this time slip?”

(Future) Matt nodded. “They’re coming, but so are the paladins and the Atlas. There’s not a lot we’ll be able to do to prepare before they get here - assuming Slav’s math is correct - but we’ll do what we can. I’ll do what we can.”

“Alright,” said Iverson. “What do we need to do?”

[justheretobreakthings]

Kings Over Aces - Chapter 3

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Word Count: 3,041 (Total Word Count: 9,331) Read on AO3

Story Summary:

The Voltron Coalition has an alliance in the works with the resource-rich planet of Yuipra, and it’s the paladins’ job to keep on the king’s good side while the deal is made. That shouldn’t shouldn’t be too great a challenge; after all, they’ve courted plenty of planets before for the sake of alliances.

Unfortunately, things are made much more complicated when the king takes a special interest in Keith.

Fic content warnings for attempted rape/non-con.

“Keith, elbows off - ”

“I know, I know,” Keith growled, moving his arms off the table. “You only told me a thousand times.”

Allura huffed. “If you hadn’t put your elbows on the table a thousand times, I wouldn’t have had to tell you a thousand times!”

“Well, what am I supposed to do with arms, then?” Keith snapped. “I can’t use cutlery if I’m worried about my elbows the whole time!”

“All right, look,” said Shiro, leaning in to give his input. “I think the table etiquette crash course is just stressing all of us out. Why don’t we move on to conversation topics?”

“Yes, yes, fine,” Allura sighed. “That would probably be best. Here, move the silverware out of the way, we don’t want you fidgeting with anything.”

“I still don’t know what to do with my arms,” Keith said.

“We could hold hands,” Coran suggested.

“No.”

Coran just shrugged, leaning back into his chair with an expression that seemed to say, your loss.

More and more as this ‘training’ went on, Keith was beginning to deeply regret agreeing to it. His jaw was sore after the half varga he’d spent in front of a mirror practicing smiling and not having what Lance had called ‘resting serial killer face’, and he was pretty sure his face was going to be permanently red from the crash course he’d been given on giving and receiving compliments. He’d certainly never be able to look Coran in the eyes ever again. The advisor had been chosen to act as Olren for the sake of the practice date, a decision that had been reached based on the fact that he and Lance were the only ones on the team with any sort of acting ability, which they had somehow decided would be helpful for ‘immersion’, and Lance had stated in no uncertain terms that he would much rather jump out of the airlock than be Keith’s fake date.

So, here he was, on a practice date with Coran, during what had to be the longest and most embarrassing afternoon of Keith’s entire life.

As Keith shoved his silverware out of the way, Shiro looked thoughtfully between the two of them. “You know, it actually wouldn’t be a bad idea to practice that,” he said. “You’ve been getting better with physical contact lately, haven’t you, Keith?”

Keith stiffened. “Um… with people I know, yeah. I don’t know Olren.”

“It would probably be best, though,” Allura said. “You don’t have to go out of your way to get physical, of course, I’m not suggesting that. But if he initiates some very light physical contact, like hand holding, or an arm on your shoulder, things of that sort, it would be good to practice accepting it without showing clear tension. We want to avoid offending him.”

Keith managed to stop himself from commenting on that - remarking that they want to avoid offending him, he wants to just avoid this date altogether - and instead grunted out, “Fine.” He shoved his hand out to take Coran’s.

“Damn, get a room, you two,” Lance called from across the kitchen. He, Hunk, and Pidge had stationed themselves at the counter, snacking as they acted as the audience for the practice date at the dining table. With his free hand, Keith flipped him off.

“Lance,” said Shiro, “If you’re not going to contribute useful critique, please keep it down so Keith can concentrate. Keith, you’re tensing up, try rolling your shoulder.”

Keith did so, trying to ignore the awkwardness of his posture and how bizarre it felt to have fingers intertwined with his own. “All right, what now?”

“We’re going to be reviewing some topics of conversation,” Allura said as she pulled out a seat opposite him and Coran and settled into it. “Now, I know you’re not much of a talker, so our goal for your dinner date will be keeping up conversational momentum without necessarily needing you to make a lot of contribution. When you can, try to direct Olren toward answering open-ended questions. That will make you seem sufficiently engaged while putting the onus of elaboration on him, you understand?”

“Uh,” said Keith. “Sure?”

“Excellent. We’ll start with a few practice rounds in that area, and then we can move on to naturally bringing up the Coalition’s merits. Coran, begin.”

“So,” Coran said in a close approximation of a Yuipran accent, and Keith grimaced as he met his gaze. “Let’s talk about your swordfighting. I would so love to get to watch you swordfight some time. It must be terribly exciting.”

“Um, yeah,” Keith said. “It is.” In the pause that followed, Allura made a go on gesture, and Keith cleared his throat. “It’s, uh, it’s… challenging? I have to practice a lot. It - it, um… I don’t know what else I’m supposed to say here.”

“Ask a question,” Allura said.

“Oh, right. Uh, do you swordfight?”

“An open-ended question, Keith. That was a yes-or-no question.”

Keith took a moment to think before asking, “When was your last swordfight?”

“Oh my God, this is just sad,” Lance groaned.

“Keith, you’re tensing up again,” said Shiro. “Take a deep breath, unclench your jaw.”

“I’m not clenching my jaw,” Keith grunted.

“Yes, you are, try relaxing your chin.”

“Like we showed you earlier, Keith,” said Allura. “Smile with your eyes.”

“I can’t - ”

“Come now, lad,” said Coran. “You can relax around your lover of the evening, can’t you?” He made a simpering expression and batted his eyelashes, and a muffled snickering rose from over near the counter.

“Okay, I’m done,” Keith said, dropping Coran’s hand and shoving his chair back from the table. “I’m not doing this anymore.”

“Whoa, Keith,” Shiro said, hurrying to grab the chair as Keith stood and nearly tipped it back onto the floor.

Coran’s coy expression dropped to a frown. “Apologies, Number Four,” he said. “Didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I was only trying to lighten the mood, make a little joke.”

“Yeah, well, this isn’t a joke for me,” Keith snapped. “And it’s not funny,” he added, gaze swiveling toward the counter where Lance was making a point to stare intently at his food rather than at Keith.

“Keith, it’s all right,” Allura said. “We’re not making fun. I know, it’s awkward, it’s uncomfortable. But we can’t very well stop. You need to know how to handle this sort of event.”

“Should we at least take a break?” Hunk piped up. “You know, uh, let things air out a bit before we go back to practicing?”

“Yes, yes, that makes sense,” Allura said with an emphatic nod. “We can take half a varga to cool down, then reconvene and try this again. We still have much to cover before your date.”

“Should we go over some common courtship activities with him?” Coran asked. “Dances, parlor games, some Yuipran fine arts? The nobility has quite a fondness for all of them.”

“I was thinking we would cover those tomorrow morning,” said Allura, “And reserve the afternoon for review. Do you think it will be enough?”

Keith let out a groan and hid his face in his hands. “I’m never gonna be able to learn all this,” he said.

Allura sighed. “Look, Keith, we don’t have much of a choice. We only have until tomorrow evening to ensure you make the best impression possible and, to be perfectly frank, you’re coming into this rather, er, clueless.”

“I don’t even think this is all going to stick,” Keith said. “All it’s doing is stressing me out even more, and I’m already pretty goddamn stressed about this whole thing!”

“You’re a fast learner, Keith,” Shiro said. “You’ll get it. You always got great test scores at the Garrison, and those classes were certainly a lot tougher than a dating crash course.”

“Yeah, but they’re classes about space and flying. You know, stuff I actually like. This is just torture.”

“It’s a far cry from torture,” Allura said, face falling into a stern frown. “Keith, I’m sorry, but this isn’t about enjoyability or comfort or anything of the sort. This is simply a necessary evil. We’re trying to help you navigate the evening as smoothly as possible, and you need to be receptive to what we’re telling you here. You’re not going to learn it otherwise.”

“I know,” Keith sighed. “I know that.”

“And you need to get this down to memory if you’re going to successfully get through the date without us being around to remind you of every step. We can’t very well be sitting at your side giving you the pointers you need when the actual date comes along.”

Keith nodded, finally lowering his hands and crossing his arms over his chest. “Yeah, I know. Fine.”

“Um,” Pidge said, lifting a hand. “Just a minute, can I ask something?”

“What is it, Pidge?” Shiro asked.

“Why can’t you actually do that? Walk him through the date while it happens, I mean?”

“King Olren requested a private dinner with Keith,” Allura answered. “We can’t accompany him.”

“Yeah, I know,” Pidge said. “That’s not what I’m suggesting. I’m saying, we’ve got comm tech here, don’t we? Microphones and earpieces and cameras and all that. If Keith’s having such a tough time getting a hang of all this dating stuff, why not just rig him up with some of that stuff so we can watch him from the Castle and you can tell him what to do or say? It’d probably be easier, wouldn’t it?”

Several ticks of silence reigned as they took that in. “That… actually makes sense,” Allura said.

“They do that sort of thing all the time in, like, sitcoms,” Lance said. “I mean, usually in those shows there’s, like, interference from a police blotter or shock rock deejay or something for comedy, but we’ve got much better tech than they do. Probably wouldn’t be a problem.”

“So, hang on,” Keith said slowly. “You guys are all going to be watching me go on a date?”

“And listening, apparently,” Hunk said.

“I - I don’t know,” Keith said. “This just seems kinda creepy.”

“What, because everything else about this isn’t creepy?” Pidge said with a raised brow.

“Pidge, it’s not creepy,” Allura said. “Olren simply wants to get to know one of the paladins of Voltron to see that we’re suitable allies on a personal level, not just political. I wouldn’t consider that creepy.”

“Ehhhhh, it’s kinda creepy,” Hunk admitted.

Keith nodded toward him. “Yes, thank you.”

“Damn, man, give us some credit,” said Lance. “We’re not voyeurs or anything. We’d just be helping out.”

“It does seem like a sensible option,” Allura said. “Especially considering that our only alternate is to continue this date night training, and you certainly seem quite opposed to that.”

“And, well,” said Pidge. “My logic is, if you do it this way, we’ll be able to help out a bit if anything goes wrong, walk you through anything unexpected. That’s gotta be better than going it alone, right?”

Keith bit at his lip. She definitely had a point. Holding back a sigh, he finally relented. “All right, that’s fair. I guess, um, Pidge’s plan it is.”

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

The quintant passed quickly, all too quickly for Keith’s liking, but at least now the day wasn’t spent practicing for the dreaded evening. Instead, the following afternoon, he was presented with the gear he’d need for the others to walk him through the date, and that was certainly the preferable route.

The formalwear that Allura had picked out from him wasn’t exactly comfortable. The red tunic-like top squeezed his forearms at the cuffs of its sleeves, had too high a collar, and the material itched. He didn’t have much choice in the matter, though. The outfit was chosen not for its comfort level, or even for whether it was flattering on him. Instead, it was selected because of the design stretched along the top from one shoulderblade to the other: a smattering of round, black beads that easily hid the fisheye camera lens that Pidge and Coran attached to garment, in addition to a dark stitching on the collar that camouflaged the microphone. The two of them were left in charge of readying him in his room.

“Let’s go ahead and test it to make sure the signal is coming through clearly,” Pidge said as she and Coran finished adjusting the microphone and handing him the earpiece. “I’ll head over to the bridge with the others, we’ll just try talking to each other through it real quick.”

“Sure,” Keith said.

“Don’t figure I’ll be doing any of the advice part,” she said. “Believe me, I’m just as clueless as you in that field. But I’ll be sure to, like, throw some motivational catchlines your way or something when you need them. Better than nothing.”

“Right, yeah,” Keith said. Pidge nodded before moving to the door and out of sight, and Keith returned the nod as he took the hem of the tunic in his fists to try adjusting it.

Coran batted his hand away. “No need to tug at it, Keith.”

“It’s uneven,” Keith said.

“It’s supposed to be slanted that way, it’s traditional.”

Keith scowled. “It feels weird.”

“Well - ”

“Look, I’m already going to be uncomfortable enough tonight as it is, Coran. At the very goddamn least, can’t I just wear something that’s not lopsided?”

Coran’s lips pressed into a thin line, but to Keith’s relief, he nodded. “Fair point, Number Four. I can try a quick fix for you, even it out a bit.”

“Thanks,” Keith sighed. As Coran moved to adjust the tunic, Keith added, “Um, sorry, didn’t mean to snap.”

“Ah, no apology needed, lad,” Coran said. “Perfectly understandable for you to be feeling a mite on edge. Just know, your team’s going to be right alongside you all the while. This will likely be an awkward evening, but hopefully us all going through the awkwardness together will be helpful, yes?”

“Yeah, hopefully,” Keith said.

At that moment, a click sounded through the earpiece, and a booming voice followed. “KEITH? CAN YOU HEAR US?”

“Shit!” Keith yelped, slapping his hand over his hear. “How do I turn it down?!”

“SORRY, ONE MOMENT.” There was a pause, then the voice resumed, at a much more bearable volume. “Better?” Now that it was quieter, Keith could identify the voice as Allura’s.

“Yeah,” Keith said. “Better.”

“Excellent. Your voice is coming through just fine, and we’re getting a clear picture from the camera.”

“Can you ask Coran to tilt it up a little bit?” Pidge’s voice asked. “Olren’s taller than you, and we’re gonna want to be able to see his face.”

“Sure,” Keith said. He passed the message along to Coran, and as the advisor made the adjustments, he asked, “So, are all of you there watching?”

“Yes, we’re all here,” Shiro said, and in the background Hunk called, “Hi, Keith!”

“Even Lance?” Keith asked. “He won’t be any help, he already crashed and burned with this guy.”

“Hey,” Lance snapped. “Which of the two of us has actually been on an actual date before?”

“Keith’s sort of been on a date with Coran,” Pidge said.

“That one million percent does not count,” said Lance.

“Whatever,” said Keith. “Just be sure to actually help, okay? None of your weird joke advice.”

“We’re all going to take this perfectly seriously, Keith,” said Shiro. “You have nothing to worry about.”

Well, that was untrue, but Keith let it slide.

“That hem feeling better now, Keith?” Coran asked.

Keith nodded. “Yeah, thanks.”

Coran smiled and gave him a pat on the shoulder. “You should be ready to go, then. I’ll go ahead and join the others in the bridge, you ought to get to Black and start along to your date.”

Keith nodded again, silently this time so as not to let the little bubbles of nausea that had just begun to bubble up in his throat get anywhere. With one last encouraging pat, Coran took off, and Keith followed out the door, heading the opposite way to the hangar.

For once, Keith was thankful to not have Red’s old breakneck speed on his side, since it made the short flight down from the Castle to Yuipra just a little bit longer, gave him just a little more time to put off the inevitable. All the way down, the other paladins chattered in his ear, giving him words of encouragement or bits of last minute advice.

“You got this, Keith,” Hunk said. “Just a few hours and you’ll never have to go on a date again.”

“I know,” Keith said.

“Remember to keep your face relaxed, and keep up a smile,” Allura said.

“I know.”

“We won’t be able to see your face from the camera, so it’s up to you to remember that part, yes?”

“I know.”

“Is it too late for you to pull over somewhere and get a decent haircut before the date starts?”

“Fuck off, Lance.”

“Language, Keith.”

“I know.”

All too soon, he was landing, stepping off the ramp that descended from Black’s jaw, and heading up toward the front steps of the palace. Four of the ever-present golden guards were stationed at the entryway, and as Keith approached, they all bowed slightly, and two moved to pull open the hulking front doors. One of the others came up to him. “Paladin,” he said.

“Yeah,” Keith replied.

“You are expected. I will be glad to escort you to his majesty’s private dining room.”

“No need,” a familiar voice said. Keith peered through the opened doors and into the grand foyer of the palace, where two sweeping flights of stairs descended, each lined in golden sconces that brightened the room and left reflections dancing off the polished walls and floor. And moving gracefully down the stairs was the king himself dressed in a different ensemble than yesterday’s feast, but still just as opulent, still topped by that gaudy crown. His mouth stretched wide in a shark-like smile as he approached. “I’d be more than delighted to escort him myself.”

The guard stepped back, and Keith took a deep breath as he mustered up his own smile in return.

There was no turning back now.

[voyager-into-the-unknown]

Part 6 of my Plance fanfic series is inspired by the song “Lucky” as sung by Lance’s voice actor, Jeremy Shada. Get ready for intimacy, hilarity, and the fluffiest of fluff in Pidge’s room. Lance and Pidge sing in this chapter. Guest starring Bae Bae and the Trash Floofs. (That might be a good name for their band if they decide to start one.)

https://youtu.be/6Sn_O9vDlR0

Part 6: An Intimate Moment in the Bedroom

Lance had been in Pidge’s room before, both on the castleship and onboard the Atlas. It was always a mess of odds and ends from computers, robots, and unidentifiable alien technology. There were clothes strewn about (Paladin gear, Garrison uniform parts, or her brother’s old hand-me-downs), and a couple of fluffy trash nebula creatures floating around. Her pets, she called them, but she wouldn’t ever tell anyone their names. When Pidge opened the door, he wasn’t prepared for the sight before him.

There were books and video games neatly lined up on bookshelves, a tidy desk and chair, many photos in frames and a few posters on the walls. There were model spaceships and robots on display, along with a teddy bear and a mermaid plushie. There were wall decorations of distant stars and planets, matching her bedspread, which was patterned with constellations from Earth’s night sky. There was a television with a gaming console, a computer, various small electronic devices, and a telescope. She also had a little collection of perfume bottles, makeup containers, hair accessories, a jewelry box, and so many other cute girly things that Lance almost thought they might have entered the wrong room. He realized then, that he had only really seen Pidge Gunderson’s room. This was the bedroom of Katie Holt.

Lance stood there for a moment, just taking it all in, while Bae Bae darted in through the open door. There were old photos of the Holt family when Matt and Katie were little, and some from when they were a bit older, including several taken on the launch day of the ill-fated Kerebos mission. There was a newer family photo taken on board the Atlas, and an amusing one of the Holts in costume, taken at the Clear Day celebration. There were many photos of the Paladins as well, some taken onboard the Castle of Lions, others onboard the Atlas, and many from the various planets that they had visited. In nearly every single one of them Lance saw himself standing next to Pidge, often with one arm casually draped around her shoulders. She was always beaming at the camera or laughing in every picture of the two of them together. He smiled at the happy memories that the photos captured. She probably had many other pictures of the Voltron team, but she displayed only those particular photographs for a reason, as if to cherish those particular moments. Lance felt another pang of guilt when he saw those mementos, regretting how he wasted so much time in those days, flirting with strange females he barely even knew, when he should have been paying more attention to the amazing girl who had been by his side the entire time. Hunk’s words came back to haunt him. “She’s had a crush on you since forever,” and “She’s cried herself to sleep over you a thousand times.” Lance hated himself for not noticing her sooner, and thought maybe the Holts should have been even more protective of their daughter. He didn’t deserve her.

“You’re awfully quiet.” Pidge looked at him, concerned.

“You’re room isn’t what I expected. I’m just...overwhelmed. That’s all.”

“You think it’s too girly, right?”

“It is girly, but you’re a girl, so that’s perfectly natural.”

“But you don’t like it,” she said dejectedly.

“No! It’s just the opposite, really. I love this room. It’s really cute. In fact, if I ever have a little girl of my own someday, I would want her to have a room as cute as this one.” He was still staring at everything. He had just picked up a framed photo of himself, Pidge, and Kaltenecker that made him smile fondly. Pidge’s fluffy blue and green trash nebula friends floated over his shoulder, as if to admire the photo with him.

“A little girl? You’re already thinking about starting a family?”

“What?! Oh...” Lance’s face felt warmer than usual. He nervously set the photo back down. “Oh, uh, yeah...I’d like to have a family of my own someday.” He couldn’t believe he had just admitted that out loud. He dared to steal a glance at her, and when their eyes met, he could not look away.

Pidge looked at him with a soft expression, her lips slightly parted and her golden brown eyes wide with surprise. She was small and vulnerable, and at the same time, she was also his Pidge—strong and tough, courageous and brilliant, but still so very young and innocent. For a fleeting moment, in his mind’s eye, she was more beautiful, more radiant, more dazzling than every star in the sky. “I want a family with you,” he admitted. “Someday...I mean, if that’s what you want, too.” It was if his mouth had a mind of its own. The blue and green space pets seemed to be blushing right along with him, as if feeling empathy for his discomfort.

She smiled at him, then looked down at the floor, blushing adorably. “Yes,” she said quietly. She was quivering ever so slightly. “I want a family someday...” Her eyes began to water. She took her glasses off and wiped her eyes, then swallowed. “...with you.”

Lance moved towards her and pulled her close, enveloping her in a warm embrace. She buried her face in Lance’s chest, her shoulders shaking as she wept quietly, grabbing a fistful of his shirt. He hid his smile in her hair, inhaling her sweet scent. He wasn’t crying, there was just a bit of space dust in his eyes...

They stood like that for a long time, saying nothing. The only thing he could hear in the stillness of the room was the sound of her fluffy trash nebula friends softly trilling, and Bae Bae’s tail thumping against the floor. Pidge stopped shaking and her breathing slowed, Lance rubbed her back gently. She slid her arms around him and hugged him. When she finally let him go, he held her by the shoulders and looked at her.

“I love you, Katie,” he said,. “I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. I want to grow old with you. And I am just as terrified by it as you are.”

She grinned. “I love you too, Lance.” She reached up to touch his cheek. He closed his eyes blissfully to savor the gentleness of her touch, then looked at her through eyes that were half closed. “For me, it’s always been you, and I never thought you’d ever feel the same as I do. I am happier and more frightened than I have ever been in my life. Everything is happening so fast...”

His opened his eyes wider. “We need to slow down. I...I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry. We have been best friends for years, and we share a Paladin bond. Ever since that last battle, when we fully bonded with our lions...”

“We have been closer than ever before. Which is why I can tell you, with great certainty, and without fear of retribution, that you look like a raccoon right now.”

“What?!”

“Your mascara.” He turned her toward the mirror, laughing a little.

“Ugh! I’m not used to wearing this stuff. This is so embarrassing.” She picked up a makeup wipe and began to dab under her eyes. He grinned at her awkward attempt to maintain her dignity.

“Stop it. This isn’t funny, Lance.”

“Yes, it is.” He couldn’t stop giggling at how silly she looked. Then he saw her hurt expression.

“I’m sorry. Please, allow me. Close your eyes.” Pidge obeyed. She turned her face towards him, and handed him the moist little cloth. He held her chin as he gently wiped the dark smears away. Then he lowered his head and kissed her lips softly. It was intended to be a quick chaste kiss, but Lance couldn’t suppress his joy when she cupped his face and kissed him back. He deepened the kiss, wanting more, and Pidge then began to kiss him with more intensity and passion than ever. Lance began to pull away, afraid that things were indeed moving way too fast. Pidge pushed him down on her bed. “Take off your shirt,” she commanded.

Lance looked at her, both aroused and terrified. “Pidge, I don’t think we should...”

“Take it off,” she said more gently, sitting very close to him on the bed. “Start undoing those buttons.”

“Pidge, I really respect you, and I don’t mind waiting until...”

Pidge shut him up with another kiss. She took adavantage of his surprise to begin unbuttoning his shirt.

“I really don’t think we should do this,” he said breathlessly as she continued to undress him. “Pidge, I’m really trying to be a gentleman about this.” She had undone all of his buttons.

“Take off your shirt,” she insisted.

“I think we should wait. Now isn’t the time for either of us to lose our virginity.” He was blushing so hotly that he nearly radiated steam.

Pidge cracked up, laughing so hard her sides hurt. “I’m not trying to seduce you, goofball. You have mascara all over your shirt. I’m going to put stain remover on that, then put it in the washer. It should be as good as new after that.”

Lance’s facial expression changed from aroused embarrassment to cool shock in an instant. “Pidge!”

Pidge was in giddy hysterics. “That look...on your face...priceless!” She wheezed at him, so overcome with laughter that she nearly fell off the bed.

Lance sighed as he took off his shirt and handed it too her. “I still think that you’re using this as an excuse to tear my clothes off.” He turned on the charm, and said in his deepest, most seductive voice, “I’m just so sexy that you just can’t resist me.”

“In your dreams, Loverboy.” She draped his shirt over one arm, and then made finger guns at him. “Gotcha!”

She exited the room with his shirt in hand, still giggling as she shut the door. The trash floofs made a kind of sandpapery sound, which was probably their equivalent of snickering. Bae Bae, on the other hand, just whined in sympathy as she thumped her tail on the floor.

*******

When Pidge returned to her room, she discovered that Lance had removed his shoes and was sitting cross-legged on top of her comforter, strumming his guitar. He was definitely underdressed, wearing only his gray trousers, white undergarments, and socks.

“Making yourself comfortable on my bed, Lance?”

“Obviously, I am trying to seduce you with my good looks, charm, and talent.” He smirked at her as he played an elaborate riff on the guitar. The fluffy blue and green alien pets trilled in harmony with his last chord.

Pidge laughed. “I think it’s working. But alas, as much as I would like to keep you up here in my bedroom half-dressed and swooning with mad affection for me, I don’t think my parents would approve. I brought you the sweater you left downstairs. You can put that on before we have supper, which should be in about an hour.”

“Won’t your parents suspect something? They might wonder what happened to my shirt.”

“If they notice, just tell them you spilled something on it, so I washed it for you. Now, about that song you wrote for me...”

Lance played his most recent version of the the song, which he entitled “Lucky.” Pidge was delighted with it, and kissed his cheek when he was done. She sat barefooted on the other end of the bed, facing him, and he taught her to sing her part in the song. They spent several minutes revising the lyrics. The final result was this:

"Lucky"

Lance: Do you hear me, I'm talking to you

Across the stars, across the galaxies

Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying

Pidge: Boy, I hear you in my dreams

I feel your whisper across the stars

I keep you with me in my heart

You make it easier when life gets hard

[Both:]. Lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been where I have been

Lucky to be coming home again

Ooooh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

Lance: They don't know how long it takes

Waiting for a love like this

Every time we say goodbye

I wish we had one more kiss

I'll wait for you, I promise you, I will

[Both:] Lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been where I have been

Lucky to be coming home again

Lucky we're in love in every way

Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed

Lucky to be coming home someday

Lance: And so I'm flying through the stars

To a planet where we'll meet

You'll hear the music fill the air

I'll put a flower in your hair

Pidge: Though the breezes through the trees

Move so pretty you're all I see

As the world keeps spinning round

You hold me right here right now

[Both:] Lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been where I have been

Lucky to be coming home again

I'm lucky we're in love in every way

Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed

Lucky to be coming home someday

They were so caught up in the music that they didn’t notice that Sam and Colleen were standing in the open doorway. Sam had his arm around his wife and a faraway expression in his eyes, smiling at some distant memory. Colleen was visibly moved by the song and looked on the young couple with admiration. When the song ended, the Holts applauded. Lance and Pidge blushed.

“Mom, isn’t he amazing?” Pidge gushed.

“Lance, you have a voice like an angel, dear.”

“I thought the song was wonderful. Well done, both of you!” Sam exclaimed.

“You two had better get ready for supper. Matt will be here soon, with takeout from Pizza Shack. And there’s plenty of leftovers from lunch today.”

When Sam and Colleen went back downstairs, Lance and Pidge put their shoes on, and Lance put his guitar back in its case. Pidge handed him his sweater.

“Well, that went well. What’s the plan for after supper?” Lance asked as he pulled his blue sweater on over his T-shirt.

“I was thinking we can get Matt to teach us how he finally got to level 36 of Killbot Phantasm.”

Lance beamed at her. “That is a great idea! Then I’ll give you the surprise that I brought over for you. It’s in the white bag on the sideboard downstairs.”

“That bag smelled suspiciously like peanut butter cookies,” Pidge said.

“Of course!”

[gaamagirl565]

Matters of the heart S2 Ep 6

Matters of the heart

Season 2 Episode 6 The window of the rose {OPENING CREDITS} {Open to Isaiah jumping in front of a mirror in his best clothes} Isaiah: ughhh...Do I have to wear this?

Varian: you look fine, buddy! Isaiah: these clothes are sooo uncomfortable. Do I have to go? Varian: the Queen asked us to attend the ball so we’re going

Isaiah: ugh Varian: Princess Lily will be there… Isaiah:...fine I’ll go. Varian: *ruffles his hair* that’s my boy… Zapada: Ahem… {Varian looks up the stairs to see Zapada descending in a lovely evening gown} Varian:...wow. {Varian walks over and offers his hand} Varian: M’lady. Zapada: what a gentleman. {he picks her up and spins her around before setting her down} Isaiah: so are we going or what? Varian: alright calm down Isaiah: finally… I hate crowds. I wanna get this over with… {Cut to the castle and Lily fixing her tiara before walking into the ballroom} Rapunzel: Lily stop fidgeting you look great. Announcer: Presenting the Royal Family. Their majesties King Eugene and Queen Rapunzel as well as their highnesses the royal children. {the crowd claps as the royal family enter the ballroom; Lily spots Akina and runs over to her} Lily: AKINA! Your dress is so lovely! Akina: it’s nothing compared to yours Lily: I feel like a frosted cupcake... Akina: Well look sharp! Look who just walked in! {Lily turns around to see Isaiah walking in wearing a green suit with gold accents; Isaiah looks over and spots Lily and blushes; she walks over to him} Isaiah:...your highness… *he bows* Lily: good sir…*curtsies* {Varian walks over to Rapunzel and Eugene} Varian: your majesties… Eugene: oh no no no! Get in here! Team awesome! {Eugene pulls him into a hug and noogies him} Varian: ah! Eugene!! Rapunzel: Zapada you look amazing! Hows the little one? Zapada: active! Kicking me left and right! Lance: looks like another Varian then! Zapada: Doamne ajută-mă, I can barely handle the one! Varian: Hey! You married me! Adira: normally I don’t go to these functions but...small one begged me. Lance: and you look ravishing. Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen may the dance begin! Isaiah:........may I? Lily: o-of course… {Isaiah leads Lily to the dance floor; begin song “let love begin”; as they dance show flashbacks to times they spent together} {Lily} We met what seems to be so long ago

Little did I know what feelings were sure to grow We are the same 

But something new has spawned within Oh please Isaiah, let our love begin. As we dance here I look into your eyes

I think of all the times we both have laughed and cried

Oh listen to the sound of that lovely Violin

Please Isaiah let our love begin. Let our love begin… {Ends song} Isaiah: you’re a lovely dancer Lily: thank you Lance: awwww look at the little love bugs soon before you know it they’ll be signing the journal together Isaiah: U-UNCLE LANCE!! Eugene: yeah no…not my little girl Lance: maybe they’ll even go before the rose window! Lily: what? Rapunzel: You mean the window of the rose… Eugene: again...not happening. Varian: I think I remember hearing about that one. Xavier told me about it.  there's an old chapel to the north of the castle and there's a pink-tinted window with a rose design in the middle.  they say if two people stand in front of it and they start glowing pink it means that their love is blessed and their union is forever. Zapada: that is the most lovely Legend I've ever heard. Lily:  is it true? Rapunzel:  well me and your dad went to the window of the Rose before... and it turned us both bright pink. Lily: Really? Eugene: Yup. Isaiah: whoa... that's quite the legend. Anyway I'm going to go get some horderves.  you going to come with, Lily? Lily:  no I'll catch up with you later. Isaiah:  okay suit yourself. {he walks away and lily smiles and blushes; cut to later that night and Isaiah asleep in bed; we see a few pebbles hit his window} Isaiah: mgmhh, what? {he walks over and opens the window just as Lily throws a bigger rock; it zips past his face} Isaiah: AH! Lily: Shhh! Isaiah: *whisper yelling* are you crazy!? Its...4 am!? It’s 4 am! Lily: no really? I couldn’t tell. Isaiah: what are you doing!? Lily: Come down here! I have an adventure for us! Isaiah: At 4 am!? {Lily runs around to the front of the house} Isaiah: Wait Lily-! Uggghhh! {Cut to the front of the house and Isaiah walking out fully dressed} Isaiah: Okay...Now, what are we doing? Lily: I want to find out if that legend about the window of the Rose is real! Isaiah: What? But they already said it was! Lily: I know but I just really need to see it. Isaiah: why? why is it so important to you? Lily: it just is.. Okay? Isaiah: *sigh*  fine... but how are we getting there? did you bring a horse?

Lily:  actually... I brought something else. { really takes out a map and holds it up in front of him} Isaiah: ...THE TUNNELS UN- { Lily immediately puts her hand over his mouth} Lily: SHHH!  you know we're both going to get in so much trouble if people find out that We snuck off. Isaiah: *muffled* sorry… {she removes her hand and they start walking to a manhole} Isaiah:  but the tunnels under the kingdom? those are incredibly dangerous last time we went through them we almost died. Lily: correction...Akina almost died we were fine. c’mon... Isaiah:  oh yeah that's supposed to make me feel better… {They jump into the manhole; cut to them walking in the tunnels} Lily: careful... booby trap on your right. Isaiah: so you never told me why this is so important to you. Lily:  I'll tell you when we get there... I just... I need to know something. Isaiah:  like what? Lily: .. do you ever... feel something about someone... and wonder if they feel the same way Isaiah: Lily… Lily:  because I've been feeling a certain way... and I want to tell someone about it.. Isaiah: Lily! Lily:  Isaiah...I really li- Isaiah: LILY LOOK! {she turns around to see a giant mole creature charging at them} Isaiah: RUN! Lily: *runs with him* WHAT IS THAT!? The map doesn’t mention a mole thing in the tunnels! Isaiah: I must have dug through the walls!  this place is a perfect environment for a mole! {they sprint around various corners and the mole stays hot on their trail} Lily: How is it seeing us!? Isaiah: It...It probably smells your perfume from the party! Lily:.....my bad… {as their running they reach a dead-end wall with a cross on it} Lily: W-We’re trapped! Isaiah:....Not necessarily... I wanted to avoid using this but it looks like I don't have a choice.  get behind me quickly! {lily does as she’s told; the mole gets closer; Isaiah takes out a small alchemical orb} Lily:  what are you doing!? it's getting closer! Isaiah: when I tell you to cover your eyes! Okay? Lily: o-ok! Isaiah:....NOW! {Isaiah throws the orb and shields Lily; went it hits the ground a bright light flashes making the creature roar in pain before retreating} Lily:... what was that? Isaiah:  I grabbed a few things before we left... that was one of my dad's flashbangs. Are you okay? Lily: y-yeah… {she hugs him} Lily: Thank you… Isaiah: Hey look!.. {the cross on the wall has a rose engraved in the middle} Lily:  do you think this leads right into the chapel? Isaiah: only one way to find out! here I'll give you a boost! Lily:  what a gentleman! {she gets on his shoulders and pushes up a tile from the cieling} Isaiah:  see anything? Lily:  it definitely leads into the chapel... in fact I think it just let us right into the middle of the altar room. Isaiah:  well, climb in and pull me up. {Lily crawls in and grabs Isaiah’s hand and pulls him into the room} Isaiah:... next time we're just taking the main road... wow… {Lily turns around to see a pink-tinted window above the altar.  in the middle is frosted glass in the shape of a rose and slowly in the background, the sun is beginning to rise} Lily: it's absolutely stunning... it's like everything I thought and More. Isaiah:  yeah well now you see it. what are we here for? {Lily takes his hand in hers} Isaiah: *blush* Lily? Lily:  Isaiah... you are my very best friend. we've known each other since we were little and I need to tell you something. something important. Isaiah: *voice cracks* o-okay… Lily: Isaiah... I think I love you. Isaiah: and I think I'm about to pass out. Lily:  Isaiah I'm serious… the more time we spend together I get this funny feeling around you.  I can't explain it but I think I like it. and to be honest…. Well… Isaiah: yeah? Lily:  I never want it to end. Isaiah:...lily… Lily:  I really like you. like I mean...Like like you... and I need to know.  do you like me? {it’s silent for a moment and Isaiah takes both her hands in his} Isaiah: Lilianna Fitzherbert...I do like you. Lily: Really!? Isaiah: but… Lily: b-but? Isaiah:  don't get me wrong you're an amazing girl. and I do want to be with you someday... I feel the same way.  but with everything going on... I don't think it would be fair to you if I were to agree to a relationship right now. Lily:  why not? Isaiah:  I have a lot on my mind with the cult, and my dad and Zapada,  there are a lot of things I need to focus on and I wouldn't have a lot of time for you that wouldn't be fair.   also... you don't want to be with me. Lily:  what do you mean? course I do! Isaiah:   with what the kingdom says about me and my family.  I don't want to put you through any Strife just because you like me. I mean look at me... Lily:  I am looking at you... I see a strong and Brave boy he's gone through a lot of grief in his life.  I don't care about the scar Isaiah or the story behind it. I care about the boy behind the scar, the boy behind the story.  but I understand.  and you’ll always have me just let me know when you're ready and I'll be there. {Isaiah tears up and brings her hand to his face; she gently caresses his scar and he leans into it; they embrace each other with a smile and unbeknownst to them the sunrise makes the window turn them pink} {END CREDITS}

[crewhonk]

Of The Line (6)

Summary: The team meet Vision, Giovanna and YN talk boys, Pietro introduces himself

Words: 3.8K

AN: PLEASE, PLEASE COMMENT AND LIKE AND REBLOG OUR WORK! We’re getting a little discouraged due to the recent lack of notes on this series!

Till The End Masterlist / Of The Line Masterlist

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The next morning, YN woke to the sound of Natasha in the shower and Giovanna rustling restlessly in the bed next to her. She was groaning at the prospect of getting up and just as YN threw back the sheets to rise, Giovanna grunted and threw her arm over YN’s waist, not letting her leave to get ready for the day.

“Dude, we gotta get up.” YN laughed and Giovanna huffed, not saying anything. “We have to get ready to go back home— we have shit to do.”

“You are really not great to wake up to, you know that?” Giovanna grumbled and fell onto her back, throwing her arms dramatically over her face to block out the light.

“Oh yeah? And who would you want to wake up next to? Carter Baizen?” YN teased and sat up, hunching her back before straightening it and letting her spine crack.

“Someone who looks similar,” Giovanna mumbled. They hadn’t spoken about their Visions as fo yet, but there was something that told YN that it was about this similar looking guy. YN walked over to her duffel and pulled out a long sleeve, throwing it on and running her hands through her hair.

“Lance Tucker?”

“Very funny.”

“Dayton White?”

“Oh, I forgot about him.”

“How could you? You walked about fucking him in his racer for at least a month.” YN grinned, wiping the leftover mascara off of her face in the vanity mirror.

“True, but no.”

“Gio?” YN said, pulling a sound from Giovanna. “Was your vision about Bucky?”

The stretch of silence answered her question and YN could feel her heartbreak for her friend. This case had pulled Giovanna away from everything, and she could see the stress of finding Steve’s best friend in her behaviours.

“Yeah.”

“Do you wanna talk about it?” YN asked.

“No.”

“Do you wanna hear about what I did last night?”

“What did you do last night?”

“Steve almost kissed me.”

“WHAT.” __________________

“This is a big mission. We need everyone exactly where they’re needed, and for you and Giovanna that is at the compound preparing for the package.” Steve reprimanded the impatient YN who had actually stomped her foot when he said she and Giovanna were to return to the tower with Bruce.

“Come on, Steve. You and I both know you need all hands on deck.” She whined, and he had half a mind to smile at her adoringly. Instead, he furrowed his brows even more and crossed his arms.

“We need all the best hands. You two haven’t gotten the proper training for something like this, and we would all be able to focus on the task at hand if I know— we all know that you’re home safe.” YN caught the slip-up, and she turned her head to avoid showing him the natural flush of her cheeks. They had yet to talk about the night before, but something between the two people had changed. There was no change in behaviours, but even Bruce had picked up on how they seemed to be dancing around each other almost playfully.

“Don’t use your captain voice on me.” She surpassed a grin, trying her damn best to keep her pout going for as long as possible— anything to make him keep looking at her the way he was now.

“Guess what?”

“What.”

“I’m using my captain voice on you. Go home. Stay safe. Get ready for us to get there.” YN broke the act, laughing lightly and looking up at him through her lashes.

“What’s in it for me?” She asked, rocking back on her heels and then her toes. He looked at her fondly, eyes dropping to her lips and blushing when he met hers again— the satisfaction of her affect on him completely apparent.

“Satisfaction of a job well done?”

“Do better.”

“I’ll stop waking you up for morning runs?”

“Stop waking me /and/ Giovanna up for morning runs and you got a deal.”

“Less grumpy kids for me to deal with the better. Fine. Go home.”

“See you there.”

He really liked the idea of going home to her.

_____________________

Nat had gone missing— taken by Ultron in his haste to have something to hold over the teams' heads— a sense of immunity, as Tony had called it.

Giovanna and YN had called it bullshit as they stomped anxiously and angrily around the lab, slamming tools into place and glaring at anything that had chosen to breathe the wrong way. They had stayed close to each other, and YN tried not to show just how horrified of the situation she was. This— this had been a part of the Witches Vision. Everyone whether willingly or unwillingly was going to leave her and it was wholly out of her power.

Just as her heart rate and breaths began to pick up, Giovanna placed a hand on her back. The weight of it calming YN.

“She’s going to be okay. We would know if something happened.” Giovanna whispered, reaching around to grab a wrench from he desk YN was leaning on. “We’re going to be okay.”

YN turned, then and saw her dad and uncle talking low in the doorway. Clint on top of the package they had just received (containing a red and silver humanoid robot in it) trying his very best to jam his fingers in any crevice to open it. Saw her best friend there, too, smiling at her despite her eyes filled to the bring with anxiety. Even JARVIS had made a surprise return— protocols, personality, even the command Giovanna and YN created which made JARVIS play “Cheerleader” by OMNI whenever they had done something right and cheered for their project success.

Things were going to be okay.

____________________

Things were most certainly not going to be okay.

“Our dads are crazy. They’re actually psychotic.” YN whispered from the other side of the glass wall in the lab. She was pouring over her notes she had made when she was nineteen, trying to find a flaw in their plan— anything that would stop Tony and Bruce from making the same mistake.

“Where do you think we get it from?” Giovanna sighed, pulling on a new suit arm prototype— a stealth weapon, apparently, despite the many wires currently exposed. Giovanna pointed a finger at a dartboard they had set up and shot a small, single blast at it, hitting the bullseye. At Giovanna’s ‘whoop’, “Cheerleader”  began to play.

YN and Giovanna laughed and thanked JARVIS.

“Anytime, ladies.” He replied.

Their celebrations as caught short, however, when three shadows entered the lab in the low lighting. The middle man was Steve, YN knew that easily, but the two people following him made a cry erupt from YN’s mouth.

“YN what— are you okay? Oh, holy Christ on a cracker.”

The twins flanked Steve, both looking nervous, both looking cautious, both looking exponentially scared at the sight of Tony standing over the coffin-shaped package. YN and Giovanna rushed out of their half of the lab, shoving the doors open and meeting Steve’s hard glare head-on.

“Did you two have any hand in this?” He growled, pointing a finger at both of them. The Dads made sounds of protests and moved to stand in front of their daughters before they could respond.

“Hell no! You know we’ve never fucked with AI, Steve.” Giovanna protested. “We stepped away the second they even started mentioning it.”

Steve looked to YN and she nodded, confirming Giovanna’s story and leather notebook in hand. The boy twin had yet to take his eyes off of her, and she shifted her weight at the intensity of his stare. She had showered and simply put on leggings and a hoodie, hair swept into a tight bun at the base of her neck, and she didn’t like anyone but Giovanna, her father and Natasha see her like this, let alone the man of her dreams and a stranger particularly keen on gaining her attention.

“I would never, but—“ She stared, tearing her eyes away from the silver-haired man. She looked at her dad and held up her notebook. “I was trying to find an issue with this plan of yours, and the only one I could find was that his personality would be pre-developed. There’s no way of manipulating or controlling his behaviour after you do this— he won’t be taught like a puppy or a kid— he’ll already have his own beliefs and his own opinions separate from that of us or JARVIS. There are too many unknowns in his psychology that it’s too much of a risk.” She explained.

“So, physically he’ll be perfect, but mentally he’ll be a wild card.” Tony hummed, crossing his arms and looking down at the humanoid. “He’ll fit right in.”

“Dad, no. This is out of your control. How can you but a shield around the world when you keep introducing new elements we don’t know how to control.” Giovanna stepped forward and placed a fist on her hip.

“This is the shield.” He replied, mimicking her posture and standing closer. YN averted her gaze, having been in the middle of far too many Stark Battles to know to get involved.

“Shut it down.” Steve snarled once more and YN pressed her thighs together in an attempt to stop any form of her body betraying her. Damn, she loved it when he was angry.

“You don't know what you're doing.”

“And you do? She's not in your head?” Bruce said, pushing YN behind him protectively. No way was he going to let this witch hurt his girl again. YN made to make a sound of protest when he took another step.

“I know you're angry.” The girls' voice was high-pitched and heavily accented, and YN’s heart broke. Jesus, they were just kids— this wasn’t their fault.

“Oh, we're way past that. I could choke the life out of you and never change a shade.” YN had never seen her dad this angry and not even show a remote sign of the green tinge in his skin. He was perfectly sober and perfectly angry and YN was perfectly afraid. Her grip was strong on his arm and his head twitched in her direction, acknowledging that he knew she was there.

“Dad, she’s young. She’s a product of circumstance.” Bruce grunted and YN squeezed her eyes before pulling the card she never showed. “I’m a product of circumstance. I’m only this good because I had a great teacher. She didn’t.”

“Banner, after everything that's happened—“ Steve tried to reason and YN could have facepalmed right then and there— he had to do his hero resining right now. Just as she had managed to get her dad to loosen up just the slightest.

“That's nothing compared to what's coming!” Tony shouted.

"You don't know what's in there!” The girl screamed back, fear making her hands shake. God, this was shattering YN, and by the looks of it, Giovanna felt similarly to her.

“This isn’t a game!”

“The creature—“

And then, in a sudden flash of speed and silver, the whole of the lab was destroyed. The silver-haired twin looked anxious but satisfied as he glared at the Bruce and Tony.

“No, no. Go on. You were saying?” He asked, accent thicker than his sisters. His eyes shot to YN and he winked, making YN drop her eyes nervously and Steve bristle. Damn it, it was hard to be on this kids side.

Then, much to Steve’s satisfaction and the redhead's horror, the glass shattered under his feet, sending him plummeting eight feet to the floor below. Clint stood there, staring down at him as the girl ran tot he edge of the hole Clint had just shot through.

“Pietro!” She cried, and YN looked towards the boy who was groaning on his back. Yeah, he seemed like a Pietro. Tony whipped to the control panel, moving to reroute the upload just as Steve threw his shield at the wall beside him. Tony as quick, however, and he pressed the button on his wrist, making his watch transform into a blaster and shooting Steve nine feet away from him.

“Steve!” YN cried, running from her fathers' protection and kneeling beside Steve who had a burn over his right shoulder. YN moved to touch it but hesitated and instead grasped Steve’s arm with one hand and guiding his face to look at her with the other.

“Hi, by the way.” He muttered teeth clenched at the pain he was feeling through the burn.

“You’re an idiot,” YN said, shaking her head and helping him up. He stumbled a little into her at the force of her pull and she looked up to him, his eyes already on her face. She was flashed back then, to the night previous— his hands on her waist, his lips brushing hers, promises of never leaving.

YN took a step away, then, needing to stay focused on the situation unfolding in front of them.

It wasn’t a huge deal, anyway, as Thor had appeared suddenly, jumped up on the casket and pulled his hammer to slam on the window just above the Humanoid’s forehead. Lighting surged through the room, and Steve turned, shielding YN from the blast with his own, and she pressed her forehead into his neck, bracing herself and most definitely not noticing how Steve smelled like subtle cologne and summer warmth.

The lights stopped flickering, and it took a second for the backup generators to kick in, plunging the team into silence and tension as they waited for something to happen. And happen it did.

The casket burst open and the man flew out of it, ending on the floor in front of them.

He was taller than YN had expected as she peeked from her place in Steve’s neck. Broad and lined with something resembling muscle. He had fingers, but no toes, and a bright yellow stone glimmering in the centre of his forehead. He looked around at them all, eyes frightened like a scared deer in headlights. He jumped at Thor, but Thor was quick to act, throwing him further across the room where he slid to a stop in front of the window, looking at himself.

YN could almost hear Giovanna say ‘me too, honestly.’

The rest of the team ran after him, and but he time they got there, the humanoid had morphed an outfit of grey and a cape very similar to Thor’s own. YN ran up the stairs and stopped to watch carefully as the creature moved towards them, less frightened but still cautious.

Few things had been explained in rapid succession following this birth.

The Vision, as Thor had named him, had a gem in his head apparently called an Infinity Stone. The yellow stone was of six— mind (the one in Visions head), time, soul, power, reality (which apparently wasn’t really much of stone at all) and space. Each of these stones could level a galaxy alone, but combined, they could destroy the universe.

“So why does this guy have a stone? Why don’t we destroy it?” YN asked, gesturing to The Vision vaguely. Thor shook his head.

“They cannot be destroyed— it was them who allowed for the Universe to be created and if one of them were destroyed, it would subsequently end.” He explained, and YN could hear Giovanna mutter quietly to herself (‘cool, cool, cool, cool, no doubt’) nervously.

“Okay, why is the stone in this guys forehead and not in a vault somewhere?” She asked.

“Having me here with you all is 98% safer than even the safest, highest guarded structure in the galaxy.” YN shot him a look— he was just born, what the hell did he know.

“Also, why does your "vision" sound like JARVIS?” Steve asked and it hadn’t been until then that she realized he was very much right. Steve walked up beside her, arms crossed (again) and staring both Vision and Thor down.

“We reconfigured JARVIS' matrix to create something new.” Tony piped up, and Steve huffed a sigh.

“I think I’ve almost had my fair share of new.” He muttered to YN who smiled up at him.

“Almost?” She asked quietly as the rest of the team continued to talk. Giovanna caught YN’s eye from over Steve’s shoulder and made a circle with two-fingered and slid one in and out of the hole. YN glared her quickly and missed the way Steve looked her up and down.

“Almost.”

“I looked in your head and saw annihilation,” Wanda growled and Vision looked to her, seemingly shocked for some reason at the sight of her standing up to him.

"Look again.” He murmured gently.

“Yeah. Her seal of approval means jack to me.” Clint glared.

“Their powers, the horrors in our heads, Ultron himself, they all came from the Mind Stone, and they're nothing compared to what it can unleash. But with it on our side—“ Thor cut himself off with a shrug and YN hated how smart and logical he could be in the scariest of situations. Admired it— but damn, it annoyed her. Any under pressure, both her and Giovanna threw plans out of the window and wung it (much tot he distress of almost everyone in the tower).

“Is it? Are you? On our side?”

“I am on the side of life. Ultron isn't, he will end it all.” Vision replied.

“What's he waiting for?”

Vision looked at Tony and there was a pause. “You.”

“Where?” Her father sounded weak, and tired and aged. YN would have moved to hug him, but she stood beside Steve, rooted in place— not only because she liked the way his arm brushed hers, or their fingers almost touched three times already, but because if she tried to walk, her knees would actually give out.

“Sokovia. He's got Nat there too.” Clint announced, and the team whipped their heads to him.

“Natasha’s alive?” Giovanna whimpered, and YN’s breath seemed to leave her whole body in one ‘whoosh’. Steve’s hand hovered over the small of her back, ready to catch her if she fell.

“If we're wrong about you if you're the monster that Ultron made you be—“ Bruce’s voice wavered.

“What will you do— oh,” Vision seemed to realize that the teams ere still fearful— still raring to defend each other against this new intruder. Even the twins seemed to be a little more guarded by Steve. “I don't want to kill Ultron. He's unique, and he's in pain. But that pain will roll over the earth, so he must be destroyed. Every form he's built, every trace of his presence on the net, we have to act now. And not one of us can do it without the others. Maybe I am a monster. I don't think I'd know if I were one. I'm not what you are, and not what you intended. So there may be no way to make you trust me. But we need to go.”

And in one sweeping motion, Vision swept to pick up Thor's hammer and walked out.

____________________

“I never did catch your name.” A voice piped up from behind YN, and she looked up from her guns and batons and harnesses to see the familiar sight of silver hair and cocksure smile. He walked over with a pair of new sneakers hanging from one hand, the other shoved into his pocket.

“YN. YN Banner.” She replied, smiling despite herself. “Sorry for punching you earlier this week.” She said, squinting at him.

He only shrugged. “I liked it.” And then he smiled and winked and YN felt her fingertips warm. He truly was a gorgeous man.

“You did?” She giggled and he leaned against the table, watching her pack her things in their places and strapping her uniform together.

“Not really, but someone as pretty as you paying any attention to a street cat like me? I’ll take it.” He murmured and she looked up, rosy cheeks and hot ears.

“Ain’t you just a smooth mother fucker.” She hummed, and zipped her jacket up to her neck and swept her hair into a tight ponytail. She shouldered her duffel back and he followed her out of the armoury, strutting beside her lightly.

“Only when I have a girl to impress.” He joked and she rolled her eyes, smiling.

“Oh, who would that be?” She played along as she entered the hangar walking to the quinjet that was fired up for them. He sped up, turning around and walking backwards so he could smile at her. She surveyed the room, seeing Giovanna and Tony talking about their suits and the new AI he had activated, Clint with Wanda seemingly talking sternly. She saw Thor and her dad talking and watching the agents load up the jet for them. Then, Steve, who saw the way that Pietro was looking at her and the way YN flirted back easily with a bright smile. Steve, who frowned and stormed into the jet. Steve, who much to the thrill of Giovanna, was amazingly, epically jealous.

“Here’s your comm,” Giovanna walked up to the pair of them, tight under-suit showing off her beautiful, tiny, strong body. She handed them the small tech pieces.

“I should go and see my sister,” Pietro said when he realized Giovanna was staring hard at YN. He had a sister, he knew that look. He turned, and YN tilted her head watching him go.

“You have a Steve, you know.” She said and YN rolled her eyes. “He’s super jealous.”

“He is not!” YN shot back, stuffing the comm in her ear and turning it on to make sure it was functioning.

“Is too. He’s pouting in the jet if you want to see it for yourself.” She replied, walking beside her and up the ramp. YN tried her best not to look up at the driver's seat— she didn’t want to give Giovanna the satisfaction.

“He won’t do anything about it though,” YN whispered, and Giovanna groaned in annoyance.

“Are you kidding me? He literally tried to kiss you last night.” She pulled on her Iron Suit censors over her ankles, waist, and wrists looking up at YN as she tied the laces on her boots.

“Yeah,” YN said, mimicking her and tightening up her own combat boots. “But he won’t try anything like that again. We were tired and emotional and it showed. It’s nice to have someone openly calling you pretty and making me feel more than a pining teenager.” YN whispered back, eyes darting over to Steve to make sure he wasn’t listening. He gave no indication of hearing anything if he was.

“I know, Bun.” Giovanna hummed and kissed her temple.

“I just want to get dicked.”

“I know, Bun.”

__________________________

Taglist (must reblog at least three chapters, send an ask to be added): buckybarneshairpullingkink / staringmoony / through-the-crevices / highladyofasgard / @i-am-always-famished / @filia-sapientiae / @somekryptonitewriting / @fashionlive15 / @godlymissbalor / @fanfictionjunkie1112 / @nerdy-bookworm-1998 / @songforhema / @army-crawl-andersen / @buckybarneshairpullingkink / @shynara51 / @deathofmissjackson / @a–1–1–3 / @liffydaze / @shymarvelfannanni / @freakpotterfan / @callie-bear15 / @sunflower-borhap-boys / @criedwolfwritings / @vxidnik / @captainomad / @lazinessisalliknow / jjlevin / @gwlaxygirl / liaswhorable

[draconida]

Shance Fic Recs

Well, while I was in my AO3 profile, I realized how many bookmarks I have! So I've decided to make fic recommendation lists.   [This list will have other parts, and I include fics with Kuro and Sven]

1- Black to Blue by PuppetMaster55

Lance, the undisputed (no longer, since he finally got the team to stop questioning his position like a month ago) leader of Voltron finds himself in the absolute strangest scenario: being the Blue Paladin.

Lance, still finding his place on team Voltron, wakes up to the weirdest world: one where he's the Black Paladin.

OR, I take a universe where Lance was always the Black Paladin and have him swap bodies with canon Lance, throwing both sets of teams for a trip.

[This fic is the beginning of a series in process, super recommended]

2- Black & Blue by starboyshiro (this author writes a lot of love to Shiro)

“Something wrong, babe? Did you have a bad day or something?” Shiro asks, plopping down on the couch next to Lance.

“Nothing happened, I'm just looking at all of these cute cats thinking about how much I want one, but can't have one.” Lance frowns, resting his head on Shiro's shoulder as he continues to scroll through Instagram.

Shiro can't stand to see his boyfriend upset. That's been a proven fact since Day One of their relationship. It's only natural that when Lance mentions his disappointment at never owning a cat, Shiro goes above and beyond to cheer him up…

3- I Fold by starboyshiro [Explicit]

“Do you even know who I am?”

“Am I supposed to?”

“Most people around here do.”

An intense poker game turns into a rather steamy night. Can this scrawny grad student handle the force of the famous journalist Takashi Shirogane?

4- Is That A Bowl Of Popcorn In Your Lap Or Are You Just Happy To See Me? by munchiesafterdark [Explicit]

“How many bags should I do?” Shiro called, waving the four unopened packs in his hand at Lance questioningly.

“I think two should be fine,” Lance shrugged. “We can always pop more if… we…” He trailed off, train of thought vacating the station as Shiro turned his back to him to put the remaining packs of popcorn into the cabinets. His hips swayed to an unheard rhythm, defined muscles flexing as he reached up and slid the popcorn into place on the top shelf. Lance’s eyes trailed down to the V of his back, the sweats hanging low enough for him to spot the curve of his round ass. Yet another anomaly of those pants was the manner in which they accentuated his bottom while still remaining baggy around his legs.

The obnoxious ding of the microwave nearly startled Lance out of his skin. His shift on the couch must have been audible, Shiro raised a brow at him over his shoulder, a cocky smirk crossing his lips as he leaned over to retrieve the finished bag of popcorn.

Fuck, he was toying with him! Well, two could play that game!

5- Nasty Smoothie by strawberrylovely

Lance works in a smoothie shop. Twice a week, a certain customer comes in and orders a nasty smoothie. Lance is head over heels.

6- A Hit and A Miss (tletoe) by strawberrylovely

Basically, Lance goes to a party with Hunk and blows his friend a kiss. However, he wasn’t expecting the cute stranger standing in front of Hunk to think the kiss was for him.

7- you should let me (love you) by godsensei

There’s something in the bathtub. Suddenly, Lance is pissed at his past self for watching so many horror movies with creepy shower scenes. He’s certainly too young and beautiful to die like this, right?

Right, totally.

He hesitates, but creeps forward, peeking slowly behind the curtain.

Hm. There’s a hot guy in there.

8- just call me daddy by proletaricat [Explicit and omegaverse]

It's the typical a/b/o story - someone's off their suppressants, surprise heats, bam sex! Except this time Lance escapes capture with the help of Hunk and Shiro has to apologize for his behavior later, interrupting Lance in the middle of his Altean telenovela. Then they bang. It's... it's basically just a PWP with daddy kink and knotting.

9- Sometimes Playing Around with the Occult Can Turn Out Well (Like... REALLY well) by gorgawesome [Explicit]

Lance had the best costume prepared for this Halloween Party. He was totally gonna slay and finally get laid for the first time in MONTHS!

Except it's Halloween Night and he's stuck looking after the family bookstore, because local robberies or something. Honestly? He was too busy pouting to be listening.

Can an awful, boring night turn for the better? Yes. Yes, it can.

10- I found religion between your thighs by KillTheDirector [in process]

He had been topside for over four decades, enjoying the freedom he never had down in the pit. Routines were established then broken then reestablished, but Shiro abided by them because that’s what kept him alive.

Then he met a witch that was more suited to being an incubus than him.

11- One Symbol Off by Silas_Writes [Explicit]

anonymous whispered: Incubus/succubus shiro and witch lance use summoning circles and potions inappropriately

12- To Seduce the Seducer by singtolife [Explicit]

At a college party, Shiro meets Lance, and they hit it off immediately. Only to find out after they have sex that this amazingly sexy guy was a little too good to be true.

13- Blue Skies in Stockholm by Shanced [Explicit, non-con and Kuro]

Lance gets captured by Shiro (who was fused with Kuro by Haggar) and the rest is self indulgent kinky sex. Lance gets raped and wrecked by Shiro and develops Stockholm syndrome, or the likes of it, Shiro can apparently unfuse with Kuro and they have a really good time.

14- Treadmill by kitausu

At 2 minutes of torture in, Lance heard the buzz/click noise of someone’s electronic key activating and opening the door to the gym. And of course, because this was Lance’s life, Hunk had pushed him onto a treadmill with a mirror right in front, affording him an absolutely stunning view of the man walking through the door.

Had Lance loved till now? He was pretty sure that he had never even felt an emotion before seeing the beautiful male specimen reflected beside his face in the mirror.

or, Lance waxes poetic about Shiro's everything, and Hunk set it all up in the first place.

15- Black & Blue & Red All Over by thesynapticsnap

When Lance shows up to the gym with a limp and covered in bruises, Shiro assumes the worst (spoiler: It’s nothing bad! Nor anything kinky, surprisingly).

16- Car Door Blues by ShiekahKami

Shiro never would have expected that accidentally knocking that cute guy out could change his life for the better.

17- Give It a Shance by YonaDawn [in process]

The domestic life of Shance. At least until they become Twitter and Youtube famous. Then it's a wild domestic life.

18- Bowling for Balls? by EllaAniMine

They were just supposed to be bowling... It was harmless fun, or it was supposed to be.

Lance thought he was being funny, but a message that was supposed to be a joke was sent, and now Lance isn't laughing.

19- llévame si quieres by kalakauuas

Shiro takes his dogs to the park and meets the world’s cutest uncle and his niece.

"Lance and his little niece, petting Shiro’s dog, looking soft and serene; it’s like nothing could ever be truly wrong in the world if this is able to happen. What Shiro wouldn’t give to have this sight in front of him over and over again. He scratches Sirius behind the ears, and gets a reassuring lick in return as an act of solidarity. You’ve got this. Man’s best friend, for real."

20- (Mg,Fe2+)2(Mg,Fe2+)5Si8O22(OH)2 by starboyshiro

Lance and Shiro decided to expand their little family and adopt a dog. What they name him is rather questionable.

21- You're Worth More by AbandonedLibrary

Lance wanted to prove his pod his worth after that jackass rolo came in with black pearls in hand.

As the pearl expert in the group he needed to keep his name sake.

Though... Lance learned there are things worth more than pretty pearls.

22- Curiosity Caught a Cat by c0cunt

Shiro has been distancing himself from his friends and family for a long time. All he really has now is Matt's cat, Zekrom. At least, until a man crashes into his balcony to pet his cat.

23- Head Over Heels by saecchii [Kemonomimi and Explicit]

Shiro gains a new roommate, who he is absolutely smitten with.

24- Stray Cats by kitausu

Lance is really enamored with the cute guy who keeps coming into his pet store and buying WAY too much cat food.

or, Shiro moves into a new apartment and sees how many strays there are in the parking lot and just HAS to feed them.

25- Kiss the Bees by kitausu

Lance is smitten with the beekeeper next door.

26- BlueVoice by kitausu [Explicit]

Lance runs a relatively popular voice RP blog and one day hears his own voice coming out of the headphones of the really hot guy next to him at the gym.

27- Change of Plans by kitausu

When Shiro is left at the alter, he decides to go on his honeymoon alone. Enter Lance, the man Shiro had hired to take him and his would-be bride on a month long tour of Europe.

28- To The Grooms by AChapterCanBeABook

There is no better way to celebrate the best day of your life than reminiscing with the people who you love the most and who have been with you through nearly every step in your life. Let's not forget a little bit of embarrassment which goes along with best men speeches, especially if your best man is your brother and the other best man is his accomplice in this whole thing. nevertheless, it doesn't fail in livening up a wedding as well as making in just that much more sentimental.

29- Tell the Truth by thesynapticsnap

Lance is bitten by a 'love bug', turning him into a blushing, stammering mess around his crush- Shiro. Shiro helps him deal with the negative side effects, learning more about Lance's crush and considering his own feelings as they talk.

30- Guess Again by thesynapticsnap

Keith confronts Lance about something he witnessed during a team mind-melding exercise…too bad he’s got the wrong culprit.

31- Smooth by thesynapticsnap

Lance’s first meeting with Shiro doesn’t go as planned – it turns out so much better than he expected.

32- Blind Date by kitausu

“What’s the crisis? I thought you had a blind date? Didn’t go well?”

Lance wailed, collapsing into the couch with a dramatic sigh.

“Yesss, Hunk. He’s too handsome. He’s just so hot. You would not believe what he did to me. I still can’t believe it.”

or, Lance goes on a blind date and can't handle how hot Shiro is.

33- SandMan by Might_suck_but_thats_ok

Shiro goes on a blind date with Lance.

34- Lucky by zombiegardener

Shiro accidentally tells Keith that he's dating one of his frenemies from high school over a Saturday morning phone call, because how is this his life?

35- Boundaries by zombiegardener

It's really hard to keep a relationship secret when you're making out in the middle of a hallway.

36- beauty queen on the silver screen (living life like i'm in a dream) by heavenlyrare

What do you give to someone who already holds the world in their palms?

OR

The sweaters Shiro’s mom knits him every Christmas actually serves a greater purpose for once.

37- Text Me by strawberrylovely

Shiro, trying to get away from two girls who won't stop flirting with him, sits down next to a stranger who he pretends is his boyfriend. The stranger, who has pretty blue eyes, goes along with it.

38- Undateable by strawberrylovely

Lance just wishes someone would date him. Shiro offers to do just that.

39- Black Friday by strawberrylovely

Lance is gonna get that stand mixer. Unless of course a handsome stranger gets to it first.

40- Midnight Tradition by strawberrylovely

Lance goes to a New Years party and meets a guy named Shiro. They may be strangers, but they kiss at midnight anyway. After the party, Lance doesn’t think he’ll ever see Shiro again. That is until the next New Years party when the two meet again and a tradition starts.

Parts 1 / 2 / 3

[cabbagebender]

[header reposted from this post by @ao3commentoftheday​, with permission]

The following excerpt is from an April Fool’s Day VLD fic I started last March, and am considering finishing up for this April 1st.

The context: Team Voltron is spending a week of vacation at Shiro’s cousin’s very nice mountain lodge house. They have one conference meeting that happens to fall on April 1st, but other than that, they have the week off.

“I was up early,” Pidge said, “so I set up the dining room as a conference space.”

“What does that mean?” Lance asked. 

“Like I tested the equipment and set out stuff to take notes.”

“That's old-school of you,” Shiro said.

“What can I say, even I get nostalgic sometimes.” 

Shiro laughed as he walked into the dining room. “Oh.”

Each seat had a sheet of colored construction paper and a blunt crayon in front of it. 

Hunk chuckled. “Nice one.”

Pidge glowed with pride.

Allura sat down in her chair and picked up the crayon with some interest. 

“What is this?”

“It's–” Keith began, but Pidge grabbed his arm, gesturing at him to shush. Keith frowned at her, but didn't keep talking.

Romelle picked hers up as well and inspected the label. “It says it's a… cray-on.”

“Whatever that is.” Allura turned around to the others. “Are you not going to tell us?”

“I like seeing you figure it out,” Pidge said. 

Alura sighed and returned to examining the crayon. 

“Oh, there – look,” she said after a moment, leaning towards Romelle. “It says Wild Strawberry. That's an Earth fruit. What does yours say?” 

Romelle turned the crayon. “Cotton Candy.”

“Flavors?” Allura suggested.

“Maybe they're like those candy canes,* Romelle said. 

“Oh, no,” Hunk muttered.

“The packaging does look similar,” Allura took the edge of the paper wrapping and pulled it down.

“Wait, Allura, no–” Pidge cried out, but it was too late – Allura had already stuck the crayon in her mouth and taken a tentative bite. Romelle immediately followed suit.

“Hoooly quiznack,” Lance said.

“It's chewy,” Allura said, Then she made a face. “That doesn't taste like strawberry at all.”

“I like it,” Romelle announced, taking another bite. 

Hunk looked like he was going to be sick. “Guys, that's not food.”

Romelle looked up, the stick in her mouth. 

“It's not?”

“No! It's a writing utensil! It's made of wax!”

Allura grabbed a tissue from the center of the table and discretely spat out the bite she'd already taken. “That would explain why it tastes so strange.”

“Like you can talk,” Keith said. “You drink nunville.”

“Is it dangerous?” Romelle asked, her eyebrows flying up. 

“Well…” Pidge blinked. “I mean… probably not… they have to make it non toxic for kids.”

“So… if I had more, it wouldn't hurt me.”

“Don't eat more!” Keith exclaimed, and all the other humans chimed in to agree with him. Shiro sank into the chair at the head of the table, looking faint – and a loud raspberry noise ripped through the room.

The conversation halted. Everyone turned to look at Shiro.

 “That wasn't me,” Shiro said quickly. 

Hunk sniggered. “You sure?”

Shiro reached under his seat and pulled out a deflated whoopee cushion. “Alright, very funny, who left this here?”

The other paladins glanced at each other. 

“Wasn't me,” Pidge said. 

“Yeah, me neither,” Hunk seconded.

“Or me,” Keith added.

“I don't even know what that is,” Allura said, and Romelle nodded along. 

Shiro turned to look at Lance.

“Uh,” Lance said. “I… I thought Keith was gonna sit there.”

Keith shot him a glare. 

“Oh, really?” Shiro said. 

Lance laughed nervously. “Uh–”

Shiro's mouth twitched into a smile, and Lance relaxed a little.

Which meant that, when Shiro jumped out of his chair, grabbed Lance, and threw him over his shoulder, Lance was too slow to react. 

"Hey! Put me down!"

Shiro turned around and walked out of the dining room.

“Shiro, think about what you're doing!” Lance yelled, kicking futilely. 

Shiro remained impassive, walking through the living room.

“Wait,” Pidge said. “Are we going where I think we're going?”

Shiro grinned.

“Wait, where do you think we're going?” Lance demanded. 

A second later, Allura caught on and laughed. “Oh, you can't be serious.”

“What?” Lance pressed.

"Can someone get the door? Shiro asked.

Pidge hopped ahead and slid open the glass door to the outdoor pool.

"Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no–” Lance said, and then Shiro dropped him in the water. 

Lance went under with a splash and emerged gasping.

“I can't swim!” Lance yelled. 

Shiro's expression morphed from triumph to horror. “You said you grew up on the beach!”

“Yeah, but I–” Lance flailed vaguely in the direction of the pool wall. He seemed to be barely managing to keep his head above the water. “We just – splashed around in the shallow part!!! We didn't–” 

“Wait, hang on,” Shiro said, frowning. “But – you and Hunk–”

But he didn't get to finish. Keith dove onto his stomach at the edge of the pool, stretching his arm out as far as he could. “Grab my hand!”

Lance beat at the water like an oar and managed to propel himself a few inches in Keith's direction. He reached out – after a few slippery tries, his hand clasped Keith's. 

“Thanks,” Lance breathed. Then he grinned. “Wow, you have a terrible memory.”

“Huh?” Keith asked, and then Lance dove under the surface, yanking down on Keith's arm. Keith yelped and tried to grab at the side of the pool, but in vain – he went tumbling face first into the water. Lance shot back up like a dolphin and gave a triumphant whoop before settling down into a lazy backstroke, circling Keith's point of entry. A second later, Keith came up spluttering and looking ready for murder. 

“You–” he seethed. 

“I can't believe you don't remember the upside down pool,” Lance said. “Why would I be going swimming if I couldn't swim? How could I have survived the whole mermaid planet with Hunk if I couldn't swim!?!?”

“Oh, man,” Hunk called out, laughing. *Keith, I can't believe you fell for that. Lance? Not know how to swim? That's a good one. He's basically a duck.”

“Excuse me,” Lance said, “I'm a swan.”

“Yeah, cause swans are assholes,” Pidge mumbled. 

“I was worried!” Keith exclaimed in high-pitched indignation.

“Aww, you really do ca–”

A deluge of water crashed against Lance's face. 

“Seriously, what was that for!?”

“Well, I was trying to get Shiro back,” Lance said, “but I wasn't going to pass this up.” 

He splashed Keith back.

“Awwww yeah, splash party!” Hunk cried. “I'll be right back, I'm gonna go get my swimsuit–”

But he'd barely made it a few steps towards the door before another huge splashing sound occurred, followed by quick footsteps coming directly towards him. Hunk turned back around to see what the matter was. He had a fraction of a second to process Keith running at him, water droplets flying into the air behind him, and then something kicked Hunk's legs and he went down. A cold wetness sank through his shirt from all sides as he hit the wet floor and Keith climbed on top of him.

Hunk groaned up at the sopping wet person lying on his chest.

“Why?”

“You laughed at me,” Keith said simply.

Hunk sighed. Then he pushed Keith off easily, sat up, and pulled his shirt off, followed by his shoes. 

Lance cheered. “You coming in?”

“Since I'm already wet.”

He grabbed Keith around the waist and stood up, lifting Keith off the ground.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Keith said, and then Hunk cannonballed into the pool, and for the second time that day, Keith was drenched against his will. 

Hunk emerged, laughing – then he blinked around.

“Where’s everyone else?”

“They made a break for the door when you jumped,” Lance said. 

Keith scowled, pushing his bangs out of his eyes. “Yeah, 'cause they're smart.”

Hunk whacked him with a pool noodle.

It was a very soggy trio that tromped back into the meeting room.

“We brought you towels,” Pidge said sweetly.

Allura stood well on the other side of the table, lifting the towels over with her old staff – red, blue, and yellow.

“Scared of getting wet?” Hunk said. 

“I saw what Keith did to you. Dry off before you get it on us.”

She prodded the staff forward. 

“Thanks,” Keith said grouchily, taking the red one. Hunk followed suit with the yellow, but Lance was still busy figuring out the best way to arrange his sneakers on the heater.

“I'm placing an open bounty on Lance's head,” Keith announced, as he dried off his hair. “Whoever wins gets nothing but smiles from me for a day.”

Hunk whistled. “That's tempting.”

Keith pulled the towel off of his head, and Hunk and Lance gasped – but the girls all snickered, and Shiro bit back a smile.

“What?”

*Your –” Lance pointed. “It's red.”

“My what!?”

“Uh-oh,” Hunk said, pulling his own towel off of his head. “Is my–”

Keith stared at Hunk’s hair, which was bright yellow.

“Altean hair dye,” Allura announced. “Activated by water. Don't worry, it's temporary.”

Keith looked at the towel, which was now white on the inside. Then he spun around, looking for a mirror, which he finally found over the fireplace. His hair was, indeed, bright red. 

“ALLURA.”

“Well,” Pidge began, “the rest of us helped– ahh!” She broke off as Lance grabbed her and ran his wet hands through her hair.

“Someone hand me a towel!” he yelled.

Hunk tossed over the yellow one – then, after a moment's consideration, picked up the blue one as well. “I wonder if they mix to make green.”

“Only one way to find out– oof!”

Pidge had elbowed Lance in the stomach to make her escape.

Keith climbed on top of the table and stared at the ceiling.

“Uh, Keith,” Hunk said, “what are you doing?”

“Strategizing,” Keith said, and then he held his hand up to the sprinkler system and summoned his bayard. 

Everyone shrieked as the sprinkler burst on, showering the room. 

Keith hopped off the table and grabbed the blue towel out of Hunk's hand. 

“Hey, Allura,” he said, holding up the towel. “I think maybe you need a little Blue Lion pride.”

She held the staff out in front of her. “Don't you dare.”

Keith kept advancing, pushing forward against the staff with his chest. Allura stood her ground, but she was so focused, she didn't notice Hunk sneaking up behind her. 

"Got her!"

Hunk wrapped his arms around Allura's torso, pinning her arms to her sides, and lifted her off the ground.

"Put me down!"

Keith threw the blue towel to Lance, who was standing closer. 

“Lance, I'm warning you!” she yelled, but it was too late. Lance had wrapped the blue towel around her head. 

Hunk set Allura down as Lance pulled the towel away. 

"You know what, Allura," Hunk said, "blue hair suits you."

Allura glowered. 

[angels17324]

The Violet Paladin (Keith x Reader) Ch. 2

Word count: 1963 Update schedule: Every Monday [Masterlist] [Ch. 1]

We made it to the other side unharmed, there was a planet near us, but not much else, and the other ship didn't follow us.

"The lion seems to want to go to this planet. I think it's going home," Lance tried to explain as we flew into the planet's atmosphere. We all huddled closer to Lance... Mostly for the stability of the chair.

"Is it just me or is anyone else having second thoughts about flying through an unknown wormhole?" Hunk asked.

"It got us away from the alien warship didn't it?" Lance questioned back. "I don't know if you've noticed but we're in an alien warship!" Keith retorted "What you scared?" Lance smirked.

"With you at the helm? Terrified," Keith glared.

"Cadets!" Shiro warned in a commanding voice. "If we're going to get through this we're gonna have to work together," He told us.

"There's a castle over there," I pointed out. We flew closer until we landed. "The lion would tell us if the air was unbreathable right?" I questioned before following the others. 

"Only one way to know, but let's be careful still," Pidge said. We walked out and onto the ground, the lion suddenly roared loudly... very loudly... Jeez, I thought I listened to music too loud. However, it seemed to have opened a door for us, we walked in.

"Hello!" Hunk shouted.

"I thought the steps would have been bigger based on the size of the lion," Pidge analyzed.

"Well someone had to have built the lion and the castle so they wouldn't be much bigger than us if they're still around that is," I responded. Looking around it looked abandoned. That is until a light scanned us. Shiro tried questioning the light before a path lit up for us.

"Hello?" Hunk kept calling out as we walked through the hall. We reached a large room with a podium in the middle. Two pods soon rose from the floor, I looked at them amazed. The first pod opened to reveal a girl who looked not much older than me.

"Father," She cried out as she almost fell, Lance, catching her. "Who are you? Where am I?" She questioned.

"I'm Lance, and you're right here in my arms." He tried flirting.

"Your ears, they're hideous what's wrong with them?" She asked I cupped my ears feeling slightly offended. Before she grabbed Lance and pulled his arm behind his back and pinched his ear. After Lance explained how the blue lion brought us, she had more questions than answers, but we found out her name was Princess Allura. She went to the control panel when the other guy emerged, and immediately attacked Lance, I almost felt bad for him, but it was kinda funny to watch them explain a battle that never happened.

"It can't be, we've been asleep for ten thousand years!" Allura shouted. Allura told us about Zarkon, which Shiro informed us that he was still alive for over ten thousand years and that he was looking for Voltron.

I looked around at the technology they have, for being over 10,000 years old it looks thousands of more years beyond the current speck of our tech back home. A flashing red alert brought me back, and I looked to see another one of those ships we had just escaped.

"Let them come, by the time they get here you six will have reformed Voltron, and destroy his empire!"

"Princess there are six of these lions, how will we find the other five?" Shiro asked Allura lead us to another room where a platform lit up, and then a star map appeared around us.

"The black lion looks like it's in the same location as the blue," Allura told us how the black lion is in the castle. Then she went on to explain the Lions mirroring their paladin's quintessences... still, don't understand what that is, but I am curious to know which one fits me.

"The black lion is the decisive head of Voltron, and takes someone who's men will follow his command," No real surprise there that the black lion is Shiro's "The violet lion is a creative one ever changing, its pilot must be adaptable and creative. As the heart of Voltron always between the mind and body and balancing everyone out," She smiled at me.

"The green lion has an inquisitive personality, and need's a pilot of intellect and daring," The green lion is Pidge.

"The blue lion-" Lance interrupted her.

"Let me guess, best/ most handsome pilot of the bunch,"

"The yellow lion is kind and caring, its pilot puts the needs of others above his own," Hunk is now the yellow lion.

"The red lion is temperamental and the most difficult to master, the pilot needs to rely more on instinct than skill alone," Keith is the red lion.

"Wait, this guy?" Lance asked.

"However I, unfortunately, can’t find the red lion at the moment, the castle might need some tune up after 10,000 years," She explained.

"Alright team, we don't have much time," Shiro said. "Pidge and I will take a pod and go for the green lion, Lance and Hunk take the blue lion and go find the yellow lion, Keith and (Y/n) go for the purple lion as fast as possible, and if you find the coordinates for the red lion go get that one as well," Shiro explained.

"I'll load pods with the coordinates, and send them to the blue lion" Coran left with us following shortly after. "Now make quick work of your missions we can only keep the wormhole open for about two of your earth hours,"

"Wait, what!" we all called out moments too late as we'd already flown through the wormhole. I sighed a bit not knowing much other than Coran said it was a peaceful planet. Keith piloted the pod towards the planet.

"You pilot way better than Lance," I said trying to make small talk, no response, "Not much of a talker?" I tried again, still no response... "You know this will be a really boring trip if you don't at least try to talk." I tried a third time, still no response so I just gave up until we landed.

"Let's hurry," He finally said hoping out shortly followed by me. I walked around trying to sense the lion or something and I felt as if I were being pulled in a direction. "Hey, do you even know where you're going?" He asked. "Not really."

"Are you trying to get us lost or something?"

"You can always go back to the pod," I told him, while still walking. "Besides I feel-" I screamed slightly as I fell through the floor. I landed in the middle of a cavern with a glowing light down the hall.

"Are you okay?" Keith asked I could almost feel a smirk from him.

"Fine, just go back to the pod or something I'll meet you when I get out," I said before walking towards the light, I heard him say something but not what as I already walked in pretty far.

I turned to an opening and saw the violet lion in a similar state to how we found the blue lion.

"Wow..." I said slowly walking up, I placed my hand on the forcefield which disappeared after just like with the blue lion she knelt down to let me in. "You're gonna have to help me," I said as I sat in the seat, she pulled me forward and almost as if I could hear words she showed me what to do, and I flew out. After I had met up with Keith we were the first group back, shortly followed by Shiro and Pidge. Then finally Hunk and Lance who seemed to have been through hell.

"You made it." Allura seemed happy.

"Yeah, just barely that was a nightmare. I almost puked out there. I felt like Hunk," Lance groaned.

"Imagine how I felt. I am Hunk!" He said.

"Yeah, we had a tough time too," Pidge smiled at Shiro.

I chuckled a bit, "Us too." I looked over at Keith who just shook his head.

"Have we found the red lion yet?" Shiro asked getting back to business.

"Allura just located it, There's a bit of good news and bad news. Good news is, the red lion is nearby, Bad news is it's on a Galra ship orbiting Arus, oh but good news again we're Arus!" Coran said.

"They're here already?" Shiro said I swear I heard a bit of fear in his voice.

"Yes, it seems my calculations were off, finger counting is more of an art, not a science," Coran said.

A large screen suddenly appeared in the room which what seemed to be a purple furry creature like being was this a Galra I thought.

"Princess Allura, I am commander Sendak of the Galra Empire. I come on behalf of emperor Zarkon, lord of the known universe." He stated everyone, gasped, " I am here to confiscate the lions. Turn them over to me or I will destroy your planet." The transmission ended.

"Alright let's not panic," Shiro said.

"Not panic? That scary purple alien thing is driving his ship right towards us, and we only have five lions,"

"Only four working lions," Pidge noted.

"Thank you, Pidge. Four working lions and a castle that's 10,000 years old!" Hunk continued.

"Actually it's 10,600 years old. You see my grandfather-"

"Not helping Coran," I said.

"See? Now is the perfect time to panic," Hunk said.

"Wait, this castle has a particle barrier we can activate,"

"Girl, you've already activated my par-"

"Lance!" Shiro scolded.

"The particle barrier won't hold against the ion cannon forever, the Galran technology must have advanced since we last fought them,"

"Panic now?" Hunk asked.

"No. we just gotta figure out our plan of action and figure it out quickly," Shiro said.

"I say we pop through a wormhole and live to fight another day," Lance said.

"I second that. Yes. We tried to find all the lions, right?" Hunk tried to get everyone on board. "We only have four lions, we can't form Voltron. I mean we can form a worm and go through that wormhole Lance was talking about."

"Alright it's settled, Allura you're with me, one of you take the old guy," Lance said.

"We can't just abandon Arus. The Galra will keep destroying planets and capturing prisoners until we stop them," Pidge said.

"Okay. If we run, then maybe Sedak will follow us and leave Arus alone as we did with Earth, we form the snake worm thing, and fly out of here,"

"Sendak could destroy the planet and come after us anyway," Keith told him. 

"Staying is our only option."

"Here's an option: Shut your quiznak!" Lance shouted.

"I don't think you're using that word correctly,"

"What do you know, Mullet?"

"We're staying!" They got in each other's faces, honestly, if I didn't know better I'd think they were five.

"Leaving,"

"Staying!" Pidge shouted.

"Snake!" Hunk shouted.

"Idiots," I muttered.

"Guys stop!" Shiro shouted. Everyone separated from each other, with Shiro and I in the middle.

On one hand, I had agreed with Pidge and Keith, we needed to stop the Galra on the other I agreed with Lance and Hunk, although probably not for the same reasons, we don't know exactly what you're up against.

"Princess Allura these are your lions, and you've fought the Galra before what do you think we should do," He looked at her.

"I... don't know," She seemed conflicted.

"Perhaps your father can help," Coran said. The two left and I just hoped they'd hurry in whatever they were doing or we'd be in big trouble.

[Next] If anyone wants to be added to a tag list please message me. 

Tag list~

@somebodytouchedmysaeran @ittie-bittie-tittie 

[attemptsatwriting-exe-blog]

Tease (Lotor x Reader)

This is an x reader posted from my previous account, @whysleepwhenyoucanwrite. It can also be found on my AO3.

Prompt: Guess who xD Cannnn I have a LotorxReader with the prompt, "How have you made it this long without someone throwing you out an airlock or something?" Because that sounds funny

A/N: Absolutely NO idea who this is XD Sorry this took so long! I’m gonna try and get my other prompts out soon aha. Sorry if you’ve been waiting for ages! I promise I’m working on your request (or will be soon). Anywho, thank you for requesting, ‘anon’!

Tease (Lotor x Reader)

Lotor had switched sides. That was what he claimed, anyway, after saving all of you and having a “discussion” with the team. He’d been a constant presence in the castle for the past few days; none of you trusted him, especially Keith and Allura, but as Shiro had pointed out, he didn’t have much reason to lie now he had been declared a traitor to the Empire, and you could keep a better watch on him if he remained in your vicinity.

So, the nine of you (if you included Matt, your newest arrival) had a tenth addition to the castle.

Which was all well and good, except he was so annoying.

It wasn’t as if there was any specific act he had committed that infuriated you; it was just his general attitude. The way he walked around as if he owned the place, that stupid smirk on his face and his fucking hair -

Another thing; he was unfairly attractive. Unfairly. Lance would be the first to agree with you - you’d caught him trying to enter Lotor’s room one time, claiming that “I need to find out what hair products he uses! It’s not fair!”

He also decided that the chair next to you was the one he sat in at every meal, making mealtimes awkward as hell. One time you’d been happily eating your food goo (or, well, as happily as you could be, considering it was food goo) when you’d turned to see Lotor staring directly at you. When you’d raised an eyebrow, he’d simply placed his spoon into his mouth, and winked. To your utter horror, your face had heated up, and you’d looked away to see Keith staring.

From that point on, you’d firmly decided to stay far away from Lotor as much as possible.

But he made it so hard.

At training he’d insist you be his sparring partner, and despite your constant glares at Shiro, he’d agreed. When you were all relaxing, he’d somehow find an excuse to sit next to you. Even when you were hanging out in the kitchen with Hunk - your safe haven - he’d miraculously appear, claiming he smelled something good - then sending you a smirk.

It was weird, and borderline creepy - scratch that, just creepy. You hated it.

“Do you have an obsession with me or something?” you’d suddenly blurted out one time in the corridor, when the purple pointy-eared bastard had shown up at your side again. Lotor simply gave you a side-eye, then smirked.

“So you have noticed my interest in you.” Not even glancing your way, Lotor huffed in amusement. “I wouldn’t call it an obsession. It’s simply more pleasing for my eyes to be around the best looking person in this castle.”

With that, he’d continued on his merry way, boots clacking against the floor as you stood stock still, sputtering in shock.

“What do you mean he called you the best looking person in the castle?!” Lance shrieked, the hairbrush he had been calmly passing through your hair jerking and probably pulling out fifty strands with it. You yelped, and Lance hurriedly apologised, going back to brushing smoothly. “I thought that was me,” he whined.

“Aw, Lance,” you giggled. “It is you.”

“Well, I’d certainly hope so,” he replied indignantly. “Otherwise there isn’t much else going for me,” he added, voice low enough you almost couldn’t hear.

“Excuse me, what?” you exclaimed, turning around abruptly. “What do you mean, not much else going for you?!”

Lance had frozen, looking like a deer caught in headlights. “Well, I mean, uh…”

“You’re our sharpshooter!” you practically yelled, your face barely inches away from Lance’s. “And you’re the one that boosts morale, that glues the team together… not just that, you’re smart, you’re protective of your friends, and you’re the best damn shot I’ve ever seen. The team wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Lance smiled, eyes glassy, and you reached around for the mirror behind you, then held it up to his face.

“Now, repeat after me; “you is smart, you is kind, you is important”.”

Lance chuckled a little, but did as you instructed, speaking into his reflection. “You is smart, you is kind, you is important.”

“Hell yes you are!” you shouted, and wrapped your friend in a hug. “Now keep brushing my hair, I like it.”

It was one thing receiving glances and vague gestures. Now he was being forthright about it.

When you were sparring, he’d lean in and whisper “you always look your best like this,” then flip you over his shoulder while you were still stood in shock. Then, while you were pinned down:

“I must admit I’ve already imagined you below me, although it was in quite a different context to this.” You shoved his smirking face away from you.

That was the first straw.

The second straw came when Allura and Shiro were explaining bayards to Lotor in depth, per his request. When Lance demonstrated how a Paladin could switch the form of their bayard, switching from his blaster to a rifle, Lotor leant down and whispered “You’ve already unlocked my bayard,” his breath hot on your neck.

Through your frustration, the soft ‘oof’ that came from the Prince as your elbow made contact with his midsection was quite satisfying.

After the group had disbanded, you approached Allura, figuring she’d at least have some idea of how to deal with unwarranted flirting.

“Princess.”

Allura turned to you, blue eyes questioning. “Yes, Y/N?”

You’d planned to be quite calm and collected when you approached the Princess about this; after all, she clearly appreciated maturity, and you wanted her full attention on this.

Instead, your voice cracked as you managed a desperate “help me.”

The last straw came at dinner, after a brief respite period with no random invasions of privacy, no pick up lines, and no flirting. In retrospect, you should have known it was coming.

He’d been silent next to you for the entire meal, which should have been a warning sign in itself. Right when you were least expecting it, the uncomfortably familiar sensation of whispering in your ear was present again, paired with the words “While this food goo does prove itself satisfactory, I’d much prefer to… how you Earthlings might say… eat out.”

That was it.

Within a second, Lotor was blinking at you through the food goo that dripped down his face and hair, looking ultimately displeased. Before anyone could open their mouth, you beat them to it.

“How have you made it this long without someone throwing you out an airlock or something?” you exploded, standing up for emphasis. “Do you treat everyone like this, you fucking dickass?”

“Language,” Shiro chided, and you turned to him hoping your eyes were screaming murder as much as your brain was, because really?

A tense silence descended upon the table, with you staring daggers at Shiro, and Lotor glaring at you through food goo, before it was broken with an indignant cry.

“His hair!”

Of course, Lance.

“Don’t you understand how much effort goes into having hair like that? The - all that work - gone to waste -”

“It was FUCKING WARRANTED TRUST ME,” Pidge spoke through gritted teeth, staring at the table with wide eyes. Matt sent her a confused glance, before turning to Lotor.

“What did you just say to traumatise my little sister?”

A heavy weight dropped in your stomach as you realised - “Oh GOD you heard that.”

Pidge nodded, still not looking anywhere but directly in front of her. Even Lotor had the decency to look relatively ashamed. Allura narrowed her eyes at the prince, crossing her arms, while Keith’s eyes darted rapidly around the room with confusion.

The room became instantly more uncomfortable, and you felt a hot flush creep up your neck. Any minute now -

“So, uh… what did he say, exactly?” Keith asked, eyebrows raised.

“You don’t want to FUCKING KNOW,” Pidge groaned, leaning forwards to whack her head on the table. At this, Shiro frowned at Lotor too, shoulders rising. The half-Galran looked around the room; Lance appearing conflicted, Keith, Hunk and Coran confused, Matt and Shiro intimidating, Pidge mortified, and Allura murderous. Evaluating his choices, he appeared to come to a smart conclusion, because the prince mumbled an apology in your direction before leaving the room in a hurry.

As you were getting ready for bed that evening, you were disturbed by a knock at the door. Opening it to see Lotor, looking sheepish, you tensed, back straightening.

After waiting for him to say something, and instead meeting an awkward silence, you cleared your throat.

“What do you want?”

Cheeks flushing a slightly darker shade of purple, Lotor refused to meet your eyes as he spoke.

“It has been brought to my attention that my behaviour towards you has been… extremely inappropriate.”

“You can say that again,” you snorted, and received a harsh glare. Unfazed, you smirked in return. “Just telling it like it is, Prince L’Oreal.”

“It was not in my intention to make you uncomfortable.” Still looking anywhere but at your face, Lotor continued. “I wish to apologise for my behaviour.”

Analysing the man in front of you, you considered your options. You could refuse his apology, and either he’d stay away from you… or he’d keep the comments coming with a vengeance. That, or you could accept his apology and see how things went.

“You’ll stop with the unwanted comments?” “Of course.”

You fixed Lotor with a suspicious stare, scrutinising him with your gaze. While he still didn’t meet your eyes, he did appear sincere.

“Fine.”

He looked up at that, blue eyes gazing directly into yours. “… ‘fine’?”

“Fine.”

Appearing satisfied, the prince turned and walked away. Just as you made to return to the safety of your room, he swivelled on one foot and appeared in your doorway again. Your eyelids lowered in exasperation.

“What now?”

Once again, he wouldn’t meet your eyes.

“The Princess, ah… advised… that if I really desired you the way I do, I should court you.”

You blinked.

“Court me?”

“Yes.” Gaining confidence, Lotor extended a hand to you. “Spend time with you. Buy you gifts. Make you happy.”

Courting. No one on Earth did that anymore; romance had mainly descended to ‘send nudes’ and the occasional date. It sounded… old-fashioned, sure, but kinda nice.

The only thing you were doubtful of was the person you’d be courting.

You began to evaluate the decision in your head. First and foremost, Lotor was certainly not lacking in the looks department, that was for sure. However, you’d been fighting against him for months, and still weren’t necessarily able to trust him. Also, he’d been a dick similar to the fuckboys you’d encountered back home. Ew.

Still, he seemed sincere in his apology, and his intent. Besides, you could easily end the process whenever you wanted to - with the knowledge that Allura would kick his ass if he did anything to hurt you.

Well…

“You know what? Sure.”

Before Lotor could speak, you uttered one last sentence before closing the door in his face. “But I expect flowers, bitch.”

[kcwcommentary]

VLD2x08 – “The Blade of Marmora”

2x08 – “The Blade of Marmora”

Team Voltron is heading to the headquarters of the Blade of Marmora. Hunk comparing Ulaz’s base being in a pocket of space to a space taco wasn’t funny the first time, it’s not funny when he does it again now, and they even push it further to space jelly donut and a space éclair and space cheese blintzes. I really wish this show hadn’t been so reductive and one-note with most of its characters.

The base is located at two black holes and a giant blue star. Hunk analogizes the temperature differential to microwaving a frozen burrito. The writers just can’t stop. To the science, or more specifically the visual depiction. I admire the choice to have this involve black holes and a supermassive star being consumed by them. Here’s the problem: the planar orientation of the accretion disks around the black holes. The star sits in the middle of the two black holes, but the accretion disks around the black holes run perpendicular to the line that runs between the black holes through the star, kind of making an uppercase H shape. The accretion disks are the two vertical lines and the line that runs through the star is the horizontal line of the H. That is not how accretion disks work. The visuals this episode is using has the matter of the star being absorbed by the black holes moving into them along the horizontal line of the H, making the accretion disks completely disconnected from the stellar matter being absorbed. That’s not how it works; accretion disks are made out of the matter being absorbed, not separated from it the way the show’s depicting it.

Keith gets a little too aggressive when there’s a suggestion that they not actually go to the base after all. Shiro just looks at Keith like he’s trying to put together what’s resulting in Keith’s sharp reaction. The base contacts the Castle Ship, and they announce themselves as Voltron sent by Ulaz. The base will only admit two people to go. Lance gets cocky and suggests, thinking of himself, that Shiro should take someone who can “stay cool.” Shiro agrees and declares Keith is coming with him. Lance responds by ranting, proving his lack of cool.

On the trip in to the base, Shiro asks Keith about his loss of composure earlier. Shiro then goes on talking about Keith leading Voltron someday. Of course, this is the show setting up killing Shiro at the end of the season. I have trouble viewing this objectively, analyzing it for being useful foreshadowing or whether it’s too heavy-handed (I tend to view it as the latter though) because I know it comes out of the EPs wanting Shiro dead. He’s in the way of their desired ascendancy of Keith to the head of the show, an act of writing that invalidates the work the show’s done to establish Shiro as the head of Voltron and Black Paladin. It mostly just angers me. Shiro’s bit of a calling out about Keith and Allura leaving the group in 2x06 is a nice return. This show rarely bothers to handle any kind of fallout or consequences for behavior, so Shiro’s polite, but firm, yet still relatively quiet challenge on Keith’s behavior here is narratively welcome. They eventually make it to the base.

Meanwhile, Thace is on Zarkon’s ship and oversees a Galra being taken to be questioned by Haggar. They’re still looking for the saboteur.

Shiro and Keith meet Kolivan, the leader of the Blade of Marmora. Kolivan does not approve of Ulaz’s sending them there. Shiro defends Ulaz’s honor by citing his sacrifice. The Blade somehow knows that Keith is carrying one of their blades, subdues him, and takes it from him. Like the knife salesman last episode, they accuse Keith of stealing it. Keith counters that he’s had it his whole life. Kolvian tells them to leave. Keith demands answers. Kolivan responds to the idea that Keith seeks knowledge. Keith must undergo the “trials of Marmora.”

The trials are said to result in either “knowledge or death.” This is clearly meant to mirror the standard Galra philosophy of “victory or death.”

Keith begins, and a member tells him to surrender the blade. The two fight. Shiro observes. The Blade tells Keith if he surrenders the blade then the pain will cease, Keith refuses, and the Blade lets him go and advance through a door. In the next chamber, Keith fights two Blades. They repeat the lines of the first fighter: “Surrender the blade and the pain will cease,” and when Keith says no, “You are not meant to go through that door.” The next chamber is three Blades to fight. Then five, then seven. Shiro and Kolivan speak in observation, Shiro expressing that he knows Keith will not quit.

The rest of the crew on the Castle wonder what’s going on and think of a plan to connect with the Red Lion’s sensors.

Thace continues his work as saboteur and is told Haggar wants to talk to him.

Keith, beaten and nearing exhaustion, thinks of a different action as he watches the hatches in the floor close after the next set of Blades rise into the chamber. He throws his blade to wedge open one of the hatches and fights to get down into the hatch. “Guess I really wasn’t supposed to go through that door,” he says, having made it to some other chamber of the facility. He’s hurt badly enough that he passes out. When he comes too, he sees Shiro, who tells him he doesn’t have to keep fighting, that he can just give them the blade. Keith says he can’t. And we get to see the real Shiro, who asks if the Shiro Keith sees is a hologram. For some weird reason, the suits the Blades wear can create a “virtual mindscape, reflecting its wearer’s greatest hopes and fears.” While I get how that can be part of their trials, why their suits in general would be able to do that I don’t know. Keith’s suit looks the same as ever Blade’s suit, but maybe his is specific for these trials and the other Blades’ suits can’t do this?

“At this moment, your friend desperately wants to see you,” Kolivan tells Shiro. Awe!!!

Keith talks with virtual-Shiro, saying the blade is a connection to his past. That he doesn’t feel he knows who he is and thinks the blade can help him find out. Virtual-Shiro says the Paladins are all the family Keith needs. I think that’s harsh and restrictive. Keith says Shiro’s “like a brother” to him. Virtual-Shiro is uncharacteristically unShiro-like, essentially calling Keith selfish “as usual.” That’s so sad that this is what Keith thinks of himself, or at least what he thinks everyone else, even someone he’s super close to like Shiro, thinks of him. I haven’t seen Keith do anything whatsoever that seems selfish. Keith says he’s made his choice, and virtual-Shiro responds, “Then you’ve chosen to be alone.” This touches on Keith’s fears of abandonment. The drive to find belonging is not uncommonly spurred by a person’s fears of abandonment, so this characterization makes a lot of sense. Virtual-Shiro walks away, and after a moment of thought, Keith runs after him, only to see himself standing in his old home back on Earth.

There, Keith talks to his father, who keeps telling him everything’s fine though Keith hears explosions outside. Keith looks outside and sees a Galra ship blasting the landscape. Keith says he has to go help, but his dad presents the idea that he can get answers if he stays. He says Keith’s mother gave him the blade. Keith’s really still unconscious on the floor. Shiro’s defends of Keith, saying they can’t let Keith die. Keith’s dad tells him if he exists their house, he’ll never find out who he is, but Keith can’t let people be hurt, so he leaves, his dad still holding the blade.

Haggar questions Thace. He lies. She seems to believe him, and declares he’ll help her find the traitor.

The Red Lion attacks the Blade’s base, and Shiro says that it’s doing so because it knows Keith is in distress. Team Voltron can tell that the attack is happening, but don’t know what all is going on. They turn to Allura for leadership, and she very decisively tells everyone to maintain their focus. Given that the show eventually takes leadership away from Allura, it’s sad to see her having such a strong moment as that line. The voice acting behind something as simple as saying “stay focused” is so well done here.

Shiro helps Keith stand. The Blades still won’t let them leave with the blade, saying Keith “failed to awaken it.” The Blades move to attack, and Shiro activates his arm in defense. Keith, rather than see Shiro and the Blades fight, offers up his blade. The real world mirrors the vision world Keith was in; like he left the blade with his father to help those being attacked by Galra outside, he’s willing to give it up here. He proclaims, “It doesn’t matter where I come from. I know who I am.” If defeating Zarkon requires him to give up the blade to get the Blades as allies, then he’s willing to do it. His blade starts glowing and grows longer. The Blades say that it would only be possible for that to happen if Keith was at least part Galra. I don’t like the conflation of action (Keith initially failing to awaken the blade) with genetics (needing to be Galra to awaken it). The genetic component somewhat invalidates the idea that the blade awakens because its wielder has passed the trials. 

The tensions calm. Shiro and Keith return to the Castle Ship, bringing Kolivan with them. Kolivan bows to Allura, expressing gladness that she’s alive. Kolivan informs them that they’ve learned the Galra have become aware that there’s a spy in their midst (Thace). This necessitates an acceleration of their activities’ timetable.

This is a really good episode. There is so much character revelation and development in it, particularly for Keith. The episode does a lot of world building too, showing us Blade culture. It’s definitely one of the best episodes of the series for me. As much as the show eventually put Keith in the position of Black Paladin, even with this episode foreshadowing it, his character arc is not that of someone in that position. By connecting Keith to the Blades, that establishes his position within the show as being the link between Voltron and the Blades. By also making Keith Black Paladin later, the show places too much on one character. Being a connection to the Blades and being Black Paladin are two significant spaces within the framework between characters and the narrative. By placing both on one character, it causes the scope of the overall narrative to narrow. Had the show kept Shiro as Black Paladin and let Keith’s significance be that of his connection to the Blades, the narrative wouldn’t have become as exclusionary as it eventually does and strangle itself.

Right now, the position of Black Paladin for Shiro and the member of the Blades for Keith positions them both in connection to the antagonists of the show. This is wholly lost by the end of the series, where the fight ceases to have anything to do with being a Paladin or a Blade. I really wish this show hadn’t lost this connectivity between character and plot.

[lotura-archive]

Hey i was wondering. Do you have any headcannoms fir lotor if he went to earth wirh the palidans i seaso. 7 instead of qhat happened in cannon and other random headcannons on lotor? Mine would be that he would be VERY fond of sweets like cakes and pies.

Hi, timberwolf012! Thanks so much for your note! It’s funny, I was thinking about this very topic just a few days ago, haha. I totally agree he’d love sweet things! Here’s some of my head canons for if Lotor ever visited Earth (assuming that the latter half of s6 didn’t happen): 

Lotor adores Earth fantasy/fairy tales based off what he’s learned from Pidge’s book and movie collection. So he finds the nearest Renaissance fair and walks around without disguise, claiming he is a Fae prince. The children adore him and bring him flowers. He graciously accepts a flower crown and wears it for the full day.  

Allura, outside of such fairs and comic conventions, has to help Lotor disguise himself to fit in with human locals. (He never learned how to control that part of his Altean blood.) She helps him shapeshift rounded ears and a skin tone matching that of his mother’s, Honerva. She catches him staring in a mirror or reflective surface often. 

Department store shopping is an adventure, because he is a tactile person and has to touch all the different fabrics. The problem? He buys the same outfit every time. Allura is secretly frustrated. 

Lotor demands to Galaxy Garrison that they treat Allura with all the honor due her station as a princess and intergalactic diplomat—he does not understand why they don’t stand for her when she enters a room and why they don’t bow. Allura tries to deescalate the issue, but secretly she is pleased. 

It rains on Earth. Lotor loves rain. And various teas. And sitting in front of big windows. Pidge suspects he might be part cat. 

He tries coffee, various cocktails, and a 5-hour energy drink, and the next thing the paladins know, he’s learning Spanish from Lance and memes from Pidge, shouting a mix of “Victory or death” and “Wakanda forever!” in the midst of a laser tag war with some of the Galaxy Garrison cadets. He has a massive headache when he wakes up the next day, but he is the new favorite alien on the base, and he takes pride in that. 

Does he look like the cadet James Griffin? When he shapeshifts into his human disguise, many people mistake him as perhaps the cadet’s older half-brother. As Lotor has never had siblings, he suddenly feels protective over the young pilot and his team and offers tactical advice to the young ones, just as he does for the paladins. 

He loves all the wondrous stories humans have about half-breeds. He works to collect Inuyasha, The Holy Pearl, Star Trek, Vampire Hunter D, and Guardians of the Galaxy, among others. Spock is probably his favorite hybrid, though. Because he is the logical choice. 

“Allura, if the humans want to build this…Atlas ship, it needs to transform. Just think, Voltron, the Sincline ships, and Atlas—defenders of the universe, together! It would be a glorious testament to our alliance and its representation, with checks and balances to ensure that no singular race can overcome the other.” 

Sam Holt notices Lotor always pulls away from the teams whenever their families are around, and so he tries to involve Lotor in the building of the Atlas and goes out of his way to ensure Lotor and Allura feel welcome eating with his family in the mess hall. 

Lotor is often called away to deal with reports about his empire and to settle concerns from his slowly growing list of loyal generals. It leaves him a bit bleary-eyed. Dayak often cuts into the transmissions to bother him about various things—identifying potential candidates for the title as his Blood Empress (which makes him roll his eyes), the last-known whereabouts of Haggar, and “Just when is that yellow paladin named Hunk going to return to fight me to the death? This is very rude, to leave an old woman waiting for a battle. Perhaps I shall come to visit you all—"

Lotor accidentally eats a pot brownie offered to him at a city market, ends up watching space movies like Interstellar and The Martian, and starts crying about the beauty of human perseverance and connection across vast distances of space. 

He thinks cars are great fun and wants to buy a Bugatti, but then pouts when he realizes how expensive they are. 

Lotor’s in awe of all the Earth cultures. He makes a vow to visit every single country at some point because the diversity makes his explorer/scholar-heart just squish in delight. 

He saves a cat with a broken leg and carries it around in a sling until they can find a veterinarian. The cat becomes a resident at the Galaxy Garrison and gains the name Lieutenant. 

The paladins discover they cannot take Lotor to a grocery store. Lotor has a habit of looking at the brand information for each individual food item, critiquing the marketing tactics and declaring that he will find the best one out of all the options. At some point, Allura has to grab him by the ear and yank him away from the various jars of salsa. He still manages to grab a few while she drags him along. 

Lotor likes salsa. And baklava. And basically any kind of food. It all rounds back to his love of human culture and its diversity. 

Fast food? Not as fast as food goo, but a thousand times tastier. 

The Galaxy Garrison has a state-of-the-art training court, and the entire Garrison has running bets on whether Lotor or Allura would win in a fight. Most people initially assume Lotor would win, but then they watch Allura body-slam Lotor to the floor like a boss, and several people change their bets. Their combat matches often end in a draw, which makes the rivalry heighten all the more. 

Coran starts up a Monsters & Mana guild at the Galaxy Garrison. Lotor joins the game as a bard and dumps all of his points into charisma. Allura has to save him often, but he charms anyone they encounter. He often rolls to seduce until Coran puts a limit on how many times he can do that. 

Lotor has to sometimes stop himself from tripping Admiral Sanda and wonders if there is a legal way to get her kicked off the base. Or if anyone would miss her if she suddenly…disappeared. 

The chaos of the Garrison occasionally wears on his nerves (so many people, so many young ones trying to prove themselves, loudly). And so he shapeshifts to his human disguise and leaves to take a walk in the nearby city park. Sometimes, an equally stressed Allura joins him. As they walk, they hold hands and say nothing and everything at the same time. 

Lotor can’t hold down alcohol due to his Galran biology and is a major lightweight. This becomes a troublesome thing when Admiral Sanda insults Allura at a private dinner to discuss the imminent threat of the Fires of Purification. He does not remember how he insults Sanda, only that it has something to do with the backend of cows. The Earth generals are very careful after that to keep Admiral Sanda out of his sight. Secretly, several of them thank him for saying what everyone has wanted to for apparently the last fifteen years. Allura kisses him for it but then pokes his chest and says she can fight her own battles, thank you very much. He thinks all of it is a fantasy from his hangover. 

He learns about Halloween from the paladins and cadets. Apparently, the Galaxy Garrison partners with the nearby town and opens its doors for the little children to do something called “trick or treating,” and all the officers offering candy dress up, like in a masquerade. Everyone tells him that he and Allura should dress up together. He tries not to overthink it and so suggests they present as the Fae King and Queen of the Unseelie Court. His heart stops when he sees Allura in a shimmery, elfin dress. He eats a lot of candy to keep his mouth busy from saying something not meant for children’s ears. Oddly, Allura does the same thing. 

Lotor decorates his room at Galaxy Garrison with books, schematics, a few drawings from Pidge, an odd set of Christmas lights he finds in a forgotten box, his collection of shows about half-breeds, and pictures others have given him of himself surrounded by friends, smiling brightly. 

He very quickly decides that he likes Earth. 

This is all I got for now, but I had fun thinking about head canons! Thanks again!

[justheretobreakthings]

Remember Me - Chapter 18

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Word Count: 3,386 (Total Word Count: 71,103) Read on AO3

Story Summary:

It was strange enough for the paladins of Voltron to have found another human this far from home, locked in a Galra prison. But it was stranger still when this human insisted that he knew them, and even that he was the former red paladin of Voltron.

That couldn’t possibly be true, could it? After all, if this Keith was actually a part of the Voltron team, then why does nobody remember him?

Chapter Preview:

“Something wrong, Lance?” Shiro asked.

“Nah,” Lance answered. “Red got spooked because she thought Keith was too close to her flamethrower, I think.”

“Really?” Keith said, sounding genuinely surprised. “She - was she, like, worried, or - ?”

“Don’t flatter yourself, pretty sure she just didn’t think the newbie could handle the heat.”

“Very funny. I’ve landed at least as many shots as you have in this battle, and I’ve been dodging just as well.”

“Yeah, easy to dodge when you’re that tiny a target.”

“Should be easier to hit the other ships when you’ve got that big a weapon.”

“Red says you’re a weenie, Keith.”

The first stop on their dreaded tour of new planets who seemed to be good potential sources of vehicles and transportation technology for the Coalition came around all too soon, and it wasn’t easy for any of the paladins to keep their eyes open as Coran went over the choreography for their air show. Sure, there had been a bit of a gap since their last one, but the basic structure of the show was so ingrained in all of their heads that it would probably take years for them to forget. Lance still occasionally found Coran’s charts popping up in his dreams at night.

“Coran,” Lance finally groaned, cutting Coran off mid-sentence after he’d been talking for what felt like phoebs on end. “We already know all of this. We’ve done these show-of-arms things before.”

“You don’t know all of it,” Coran said. “If you hadn’t interrupted me, you would know that this show includes almost a full twenty ticks of new choreography for you paladins to learn.” Pidge and Hunk joined him in groaning this time, and Coran harrumphed and turned back to his chart. “You know,” he said, “Back when we first did these shows you all were plenty enthusiastic about them. Especially you, Lance.”

“Yeah, but we were like little kids being excited about school on the first day of kindergarten,” Pidge said. “We didn’t know what sort of horrors were in store down the line.”

“Kindergarten?” Coran repeated, brow furrowed.

“It’s school for little kids,” Hunk said.

Lance nodded and added, “They put like thirty little six-year-olds together in a pit armed with rocks and make them fight for dominance to teach them the laws of the jungle.”

“Good gods, that’s barbaric!” Coran cried, his face instantly turning a shade paler.

“He’s joking, Coran,” Shiro said hastily. “Lance, what have we said about scaring Coran like that?”

“That it boosts creativity,” Pidge answered.

“No, Pidge.”

“Hmph,” said Coran. “Let’s get back on topic, shall we?”

“How come Allura doesn’t have to be here?” Lance asked.

“Because, Lance, she is currently piloting the castle,” Coran replied. “Besides, I already went over the new choreography with her while you were all on your sleep cycle. Honestly, the amount of sleep you humans need is utterly absurd. How you lot manage to fall asleep every single quintant is beyond me. In any case, I need you to stay awake for the time being. Thotirn will be invaluable to us as an ally - their spacecrafts and the fuel to run them are the chief intergalactic exports of their whole quadrant, and they’ve got plenty to spare. But they’ll only let us dip into their supply if we put on a good show! Now, back to where we were before I was so rudely interrupted. I want Yellow and Blue to be mirroring each other in a bell tailslide right here, so Hunk, follow closely…”

Lance sighed and slumped back into the couch cushion as Coran continued, only adjusting himself to keep from leaning against Keith’s shin. The latter had perched himself on top of the couch, feet on the cushions, in his armor, although still in the Altean armor rather than the paladin armor the rest of them wore. He wasn’t part of the air show, of course; Coran had asked if he’d be interested in taking a turn with the microphone, but Keith had declined, although he had still, after some hesitation, accepted the invitation to join them at the dinner party scheduled to take place afterward. In the meantime, he had joined them in the lounge for Coran’s choreography lecture simply for lack of anything better to do.

Lance noticed, though, that Keith’s eyes were just as glazed over as the rest of them, and didn’t seem to be following Coran’s movement, just staring off into space instead. “Bored?” Lance asked, quietly enough that hopefully Coran couldn’t hear him.

Keith nodded. “A little,” he muttered.

“You remember having to do these in your version of Voltron?”

Keith shrugged, by now long past the point of physically flinching whenever ‘his’ reality was brought up. “Some,” he answered. “A lot of the shows were probably after I had left, though. And before that, I kind of, um, missed some due to - I was busy.”

“You got to skip them?” Lance huffed. “Lucky.” Keith didn’t reply, so Lance continued, “So was it for Blade stuff or other missions or, like, ‘personal’ issues or - ?”

Keith shushed him and nudged him with his foot. “I can’t hear Coran,” he whispered.

Lance raised a brow. It wasn’t as if Keith needed to know any of this stuff. Still, assuming that it was just Keith’s socially incompetent way of ending the conversation, Lance moved his focus back to Coran and his holographic charts.

After another quarter of a varga that dragged on for an eternity, Coran finally turned off the charts, declaring that it was time to move to the bridge, as they would be reaching Thotirn shortly. The paladins stretched and did their requisite amount of grumbling before following him, moving to take their usual seats around the bridge.

“Do we have an estimated arrival time?” Shiro asked Allura where she stood at the castle’s controls.

“We’re on course to break their atmosphere in just under ten doboshes,” Allura answered. “After that it’s just a couple more to get the Lions to our planned landing site and - ”

She was cut off by a loud beeping as something red popped up on one of the holoscreens before her. Coran rushed to join her at the controls, and the other paladins were immediately on the alert, all their former boredom forgotten. “What is it?” Shiro asked.

“Is something attacking the castle?” asked Hunk.

“Not the castle, no,” said Coran. “But something’s attacking Zondrivis. The Thotirnian city we’re visiting,” he added in response to the paladins’ puzzled expressions. “We’re getting a distress signal from them. I’ll see if I can get a visual.”

“You think the Galra knew we were coming?” Pidge asked. “Is this an ambush?!”

Another holoscreen expanded from the control panel with a magnified view of the surface they were flying toward. “Hmm, doesn’t seem to be an attack for us,” Coran said. “Those ships look like Holvarthan craft. I’m sure if they’d known Voltron was going to be making an appearance here, they would have sent Galra ships after us.”

“Holvartha is currently under Galra’s thumb, though,” Allura said. “So they’re certainly no friends of ours.”

“Doesn’t look like they’ve got too big of an invasion force going here,” Coran said. “No reason Voltron can’t take care of this.” He turned around to face the others. “All right, paladins, looks like there’s been a change of plans. That distress signal was only just sent, so the Holvarthans probably haven’t done much damage yet. Thotirn has a large vehicle supply, but little by way of weaponry, so taking them down will be our job. Focus on pushing the invading forces away from industrial areas and civilians, then we’ll take them out. All in all, should be a fairly easy job.”

“Oh, this is wonderful!” Allura cried in delight, clasping her hands together with a smile.

The others stared at her.

Face reddening slightly, she hurried to say, “I meant, it’s wonderful that this should be a relatively simple victory. And, of course, taking down an invading force will be a far more productive way of demonstrating our skills to the Thotirnians than the air show… which we, erm, won’t have to do now…” She cleared her throat. “I wasn’t calling the attack itself wonderful, because, of course, a potential ally being invaded is… it’s not wonderful - ”

“Good save, Princess,” said Pidge. “We heading to the Lions or what?”

“Yes, yes, the Lions,” Allura said with a fervent nod. “To your hangars, all…”

Lance got up from his seat and started toward his zipline, and the others all did the same, save for Keith, who approached Shiro and tapped on his shoulder. “Um, Shiro?” he said. “The, uh, the cruiser’s been fixed up, and - and you and Allura said once I’ve done some training with, um, with you guys, that I could join on the - ”

“On the missions, yeah,” Shiro said. “Sure, go for it. This should be a good starter mission for you.” Keith’s face lit up, and he turned to the bridge’s exit before Shiro grabbed him by the arm. “But if I, the team, or Coran gives you an order, you follow it, okay?”

Keith nodded. “Yeah, I will.”

“And no unnecessary risks.”

“Okay.”

“Intentionally crashing your ship into another ship counts as ‘unnecessary’.”

“Shiro!” Allura said. “We’re going!”

“Right, right.” Shiro released Keith’s arm, and the latter raced out of the bridge with what Lance was almost certainly would be classified as a spring in his step.

Lance got to his own zipline, sliding down the wire until he reached his seat and sank into Red’s cockpit. Her dashboard lit up as he put his hands onto the controls. “All right, girl,” he said. “Ready to get some exercise?”

He interpreted the speed at which she bolted out of her hangar as a ‘yes’.

Red was the first in the air as usual, but the other Lions were quick to follow, with Keith’s little cruiser joining the chase after an extra half a dobosh before the castle returned to its own route to find its landing site. “Got a visual on a couple of them,” Lance announced into his comm as his viewscreen zoomed in on the moving ships on the horizon. “What’s our strategy?”

“Don’t do anything until we’re close enough to aim more precisely,” Shiro said. “We don’t want to hit any Thotirnian crafts by mistake.”

“Well, duh,” said Lance. “I meant, in a minute or two, when we’re closer, what’s our strategy?”

“We’re aiming to get the Holvarthan ships away from any areas where a proper battle could harm industry or civilians,” Coran said. “I’ve no doubt any Thotirnian ships current holding the fort are doing the same. The fighting seems to be concentrated near Zondrivis’ eastern border, so if you can push them eastward, you’ll have the space to take them down fully. Hunk and Shiro, your Lions are big and sturdy enough to push them physically; Lance and Keith, try to either corner them or see if any will give chase. Allura and Pidge, you can do the same, and disable any exterior weapons or thrusters if you’re able. Disable, don’t destroy.”

A chorus of assents sounded over the comms, and by this point they were close enough to the battle site to start splitting off and facing the various Holvarthan crafts head-on. Coran was right in that the Thotirnians had a few of their own ships in the air as well - judging by the blue-green accents on some of the ships as opposed to the purples that indicated the invaders’ Galra affiliation - but they wouldn’t have lasted long on their own, as those ships were outnumbered and absurdly tiny, looking to be merely half the size of Keith’s cruiser.

The Thotirnian ships made way as the Red Lion entered the fray, and Lance couldn’t help but let a little grin spread across his face. It was hard not to feel a bit like some sort of superhero whenever the Lions of Voltron entered a battle, the almost mythical presence swooping in and saving the day with apparent ease.

“Hello, little mouse,” Lance muttered as he set his sights on a Holvarthan ship that was racing toward one of the Thotirnians. “Kitty wants to play.” He shot Red’s flame out in front of the ship, blocking it from the smaller vessel it had been pursuing and turning its attention toward him. Immediately he sent another beam its way, careful not to actually hit its nose, but get close enough to force the ship to alter its course.

The Holvarthan fired back, and Lance easily ducked Red under the blast. “That really the best you got?” Lance asked, pulling Red around and firing again, forcing the ship to sharply bank left and still catching a bit of its wing. “Ooh, you’re gonna have to be faster than that if you wanna - ”

“Lance,” Pidge cut him off. “If you absolutely must trash talk this much, do you think you could turn your mic off first?”

“Oh,” said Lance. “Sorry. Just having a little fun with this one. I’ve got it chasing me.”

“Attaboy, Lance,” Shiro said, and Lance took a moment to be glad their conversation was audio-only, as otherwise Pidge and Hunk would never stop ragging on him for the way his chest instinctively puffed with pride. “We’re pretty close to some open space on your two o’clock, so you can take it down once you’ve got it readied.”

“On it,” Lance said. Tongue between his teeth in concentration, he set to toying with the other ship, keeping Red close enough to let the other think it could catch up to him, occasionally sending blasts back toward its tail as a little shove of encouragement to keep its sights on him.

Once he had lured the ship sufficiently into the safe zone, he rounded on it, positioning Red to take it down in one final rush of flame. Right before he had the chance, though, another sharp blast shot toward the ship from his nine, splitting the Holvarthan’s vertical stabilizer straight down the middle and knocking it off its center. The ship rolled in mid-air, then a second blast caught its impulse engine dead-center. The engine burst and took the surrounding craft down with it.

“Keith!” Lance snapped into his comm as the little cruiser darted across his viewscreen.

“What?” said Keith.

“You just stole my kill!”

“What are you talking about?”

Lance huffed. “I’m the one who got that guy over here! You shoot down the ships you push out here, I shoot down mine.”

“What the hell does it matter? As long as the ship is taken down, what’s the difference who hits it last?”

“You can’t just - ”

“Keith, Lance, not the time to argue,” Shiro said. “Keith, Lance has a point, you’ve got to be sure to communicate with us so we know what the team is doing.”

“Sorry.”

“And Lance, Keith has a point too. Our priority is just getting these ships out of commission quickly, so it’s not the time to call dibs or keep score. It’s not a competition.”

“If sort of is,” Pidge said. “The Holvarthans are losing.”

“Not a competition between us, I mean,” said Shiro.

“Eh, whatever,” Pidge said, and Lance could practically hear the shrug. “On the topic of communicating positions, got a big one here and we’re approaching Red, wanna help bring it down?”

“I’m on it!” Lance said, swiveling Red’s gaze until he spotted the Green Lion approaching, dragging behind her with a mass of thick vines a decently large Holvarthan ship, the cannon atop it frozen over with Blue’s ice.

“If you need any - ” Keith started.

“Nah, we’re good, you take care of your own targets,” said Lance. “Go ahead and move Green out of the way, Pidge, I got this guy.”

The ends of the vines broke off from Green as she flew off, and Lance sent a stream of flame toward the ship from Red. He let out a whoop as it hit the target dead-on, the flames moving along the vines to curl around the ship as they brought it down. “Nice!” he said. “I get bonus points for style on that one! Game highlight right there.”

“Lance,” said Allura. “Please keep in mind that there are real Holvarthan people piloting those crafts. Taking down invading forces is a necessity, yes, but let’s not be crass about it.”

“Right, uh, sorry Allura,” Lance said.

“They’re Galra allies,” Pidge muttered. “Seems like a waste of politeness.”

“Uh, if we’re not too busy arguing about battle decorum,” Keith said. “Some of these ships are trying to make a break to the west.”

“Not on my watch, they’re not,” Lance grunted, veering Red around to take off toward the escaping Holvarthans.

Overall, the remaining battle managed to be more or less uneventful - or as uneventful as an airborne battle on a foreign planet between an invading alien armed force and a bunch of giant magic lion robots can be expected to be. There was one minor incident, during which Lance had set to fire a blast from Red’s flamethrower toward an oncoming Holvarthan ship, only for her not to respond.

“C’mon, Red,” Lance growled. “I thought we were past this! Why are you - ”

In the back of his mind Red redirected his attention toward movement on his viewscreen, where Keith’s cruiser was pulling around from behind the ship. “Are you kidding me?” Lance muttered, trying the flamethrower again, and relieved to see that Red was cooperating again now that Keith was out of the line of fire. “He would have dodged that, no sweat. What’s your deal?”

“Something wrong, Lance?” Shiro asked.

“Nah,” Lance answered. “Red got spooked because she thought Keith was too close to her flamethrower, I think.”

“Really?” Keith said, sounding genuinely surprised. “She - was she, like, worried, or - ?”

“Don’t flatter yourself, pretty sure she just didn’t think the newbie could handle the heat.”

“Very funny. I’ve landed at least as many shots as you have in this battle, and I’ve been dodging just as well.”

“Yeah, easy to dodge when you’re that tiny a target.”

“Should be easier to hit the other ships when you’ve got that big a weapon.”

“Red says you’re a weenie, Keith.”

“Must you guys do this now?!” Hunk finally interrupted.

They both gave their requisite apologies and brought their focus back to the battle at hand, and said battle wrapped up fairly smoothly not too much later. Once the sky was clear of threats the Lions and the cruiser went back to make their landing near the castle ship, the pilots worn out but otherwise unharmed and the Lions no worse for wear.

It was usually nice to get a bit of rest and quiet in after a battle, but descending from the Lion’s jaw to be greeted by the applause of a gathering crowd of the population you’d just saved was a pretty decent substitute, as Lance was reminded as he and the other paladins disembarked. He removed his helmet and waved to the spectators, beaming brightly. “Yes, thank you!” he called. “You’ve been a great crowd! Don’t forget to tell your friends about Voltron!”

“Take it down a notch,” Shiro’s voice said in his ear as his human hand landed on Lance’s shoulder. He smiled politely at the onlookers, lifting his Galra arm in his own perfunctory wave.

“It’s the adrenaline, Shiro,” Lance said. “These the people who were here to watch the air show?”

“Seems like it,” Shiro said. He gestured with his thumb, and Lance looked to see that Allura and Coran had approached a couple of particularly well-dressed Thotirnians and were in conversation with them. “I think they’re seeing about rescheduling the show.”

“In the meantime, then…” Lance trailed off to blow kisses toward the crowd and begin waving again.

His wrist was just a little sore by the time Allura and Coran returned to the others and gestured for them to gather around. “We spoke with the directors who had been overseeing Voltron’s press appearance,” Coran said. “This whole affair with the Holvarthans ran clear through the time we’d blocked out for our show.”

“However, the dinner and fellowship gathering is still right on track,” Allura said. “So we’ll want you to remain in your armor for that, but feel free to take the time to eat up and stretch your legs.”

“Hang on,” said Hunk. “Does this mean we’re definitely not doing the air show?”

“Correct,” Coran answered with a nod. “The Thotirnians seemed to agree that our taking down the Holvarthan invasion was sufficient performance from Voltron.” He smiled. “They seem quite eager to see about joining forces. Congratulations, paladins, you put on an excellent show.”

“So,” Lance said slowly. “That whole giant review of our flight choreography…”

“Was a total waste of time, yes,” Pidge finished with a solemn nod.

“Fantastic.”