Chapter Text
Keith looked up at the figure. The sun was blinding against the white marble. Almost glowing. He ran his eyes over its soft features, the smile lines beaming down at him from 50 feet above. Its hair a solitary cloud in the crystal blue sky. He thought he could almost see it blowing freely in the wind. His mind wandered with the wind, and imagined whispers of you are the universe’s only hope, you’re finally working together as one, and I believe in you, Paladins.
He has always liked the quiet. The calm and serenity it brought. How he could think and organize his thoughts clearly. The silence here was more. It was heavenly. It was a caress of peace that enveloped him, and made him feel safe. At home. But that peace could lead to chaos, as his mind wandered further.
Keith looked down, shutting his eyes. He saw it too clearly again. The flashes of realities. Their team all together one moment. Her last goodbye. Her parting gift to a boy who would’ve done everything to keep her with them. The blinding light. Then finally, gone.
Keith opened his eyes and looked back up at her. Allura’s figure stood tall and beautiful in the place she had so desperately wanted to see again, but never could. He couldn't help but feel guilty; he was standing on her home. He was able to experience everything she had talked about on Altea. The distant violet mountain range that encased the valley of the city. How the skies seemed to always be a shade of blue that matched the color of her eyes. The roaming fields of juniberries that looked like an ocean of bright magenta, lapping the land. Even the strange rock showers that Coran would talk about, scorching Keith’s jacket the first time a storm came through and nearly caught Pidge’s hair on fire. Keith looked at her, sad that her form was here, and she couldn't experience a bit of it.
Which, is of course, why Keith did his best to experience everything Altea had to offer when he visited. In three years’ time, he’d made sure to attend each Juniberry Festival, let Coran show him how to brew nunvil (despite dry heaving in the cellars with the scent of rotten eggs and feet in the air), and sat back and took in each moment of peace when he visited the farm.
Keith turned. He took wide strides as he walked back to his bike at the base of the steps. Hopping on, he looked back up at her once more, still a shining beacon in the sky.
“You will always be our princess,” quietly, a whisper to himself. Keith turned on the engine and flew down the road, leaving her to stand guard over her thriving home.
---
He wasn’t going to admit it to himself, but maybe he should have started cleaning a week ago like he said.
Dirty dishes laid in the sink, now overflowing with soapy-food-filled water, clanking as he tried to get them washed and in the other side. Dirt covered boots and tools still sat by the door, creating small islands of earth surrounding them on the still dusty floor. Clothes either were in the one neat, folded pile he started, or strewn across the couch like a tornado had blown through, socks mismatched or eaten by the wash, and zippers missing on some jackets due to turning the dryer on high for too long. The kitchen table was an attempt, with the juniberry jam, peanut butter, and bread at least NEXT to the basket. However the attempt to start MAKING the sandwiches ended when he realized he needed a knife, and that all the knives were dirty, and that MOST of his dishes were dirty and-
Yeah, ok, fine. He should have started cleaning a week ago.
Lance scrubbed the pot with all his might, but the crust was as stubborn as a yalmor. Like, mashed potatoes was the easiest thing to make, so how does he end up burning them to the bottom of the pot? Realizing he was wasting time, he opted for filling it up to let it soak. He moved back to the table to try and get the sandwiches made as fast as he could.
He was excited yeah, because everyone was coming back in today. And he knew he was happy since it HAD been awhile since they were together all at once. He just couldn't shake the feeling of impending anxiousness. His strokes at the bread with the jam were sloppy, and his fingers started to get covered in it. It wasn’t like he was NERVOUS or anything, these were his friends. His amigos. The guys he traversed across the galaxy with and kicked so much bad guy butt alongside with-
*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*
Lance seized and tossed his head. “Don’t come in yet!”
A blown-open door ignored that suggestion, and Lance yelped as he turned towards it. “Now is that any way to greet someone you haven’t talked to on a video chat in over 10 hours?”
Lance couldn't help but tear up. He dropped the knife and rushed to the door, where two very large arms embraced him in a bone-crushing hug.
“Really? 10 hours? Man I was thinking it was at least 12. I never thought I’d see that beautiful face again,” Lance said. Hunk gave Lance a quick squeeze before letting go, gripping his shoulders as he did. “Of course the real thing is always better.”
Hunk chuckled, hearty and deep. His smile lines were deeper, but still Hunk as Hunk should be. A headband crowning his head, a new, dark vest adorning his torso, allowing his muscles to pop in his yellow shirt. At his feet sat a bundle wrapped in a small towel, piquing Lance’s interest.
“Yeah, and the real thing ended up having to call Pidge, who decided to not turn her alarm on, and tell her she missed the first portal shuttle of the morning, so she’ll be here a bit later. So at least we can prep a bit beforeha-WHOA BOY!”
Hunk took a look around the room, wondering if he had entered Lance’s home or the scene of a robbery. Lance closed in on himself, ashamed of the mess. “Yeah, I know, I meant to start early, but I kept getting distracted, picked more flowers, milked Kaltenecker a bunch, I just…lost track…”
Hunk looked at Lance, his face pinched in guilt. Hunk’s eyes fell to the two blue flecks at the sides of Lance's cheeks, and melted. He understood.
“Dude, it’s fine. I mean whose side of the dorm was World War 3 back at the Garrison on a daily basis?” Hunk gave Lance a cocked brow, “Any less and I’d be worried.” Lance smiled at that…. ”but seriously dude we need to clean this place up,” and immediately turned upside down. Lance turned back to the sink.
“I know man, just go take a seat where you can and I’ll get this finished.”
Hunk whirled Lance back around to face him, “WE, compadre. I’ll get the dishes while you tackle the laundry. Might have to sacrifice the floor, but then, we move on to making sandwiches. We won’t let this ship sink too far down…although it looks like the sink has already sunk into the Marianas Trench.”
Lance shrugged in response. “Most of what you see is a lost cause Hunk, present company included.”
“Man, what did we talk about, you can’t say stuff about yourself like that dude.” Lance actually looked at Hunk with some fear; The Compassion of Hunk was a force that the universe could expand off of.
“Joking, man! I just meant that you’d never be able to cure this clutter bug no matter how hard you try! It’s like grime is coated in my DNA.”
“Uhh, your facial routine would say otherwise. I think you just get bit by the lazy bug from time to time, “ he said that, but Hunk still looked at him with concern.
“Yeah, you got me. Then let’s get cleaned up before everyone else gets here,” Lance turned toward the couch to get started on folding. Hunk followed suit to the sink, taking off his gloves.
“Yup. Can’t wait. Plus Pidge is gonna LOVE me once she gets here.
“Why’s that?”
“Oh, you’ll see”
--
Pidge was NOT loving it.
Not two minutes after getting off at the Altea Grand Galactic Station was she being ushered off with Coran and Romelle, running around getting prepared for the evening. Coran was GOING to escort her to Lance’s farm, but now she was waiting, a bag on her shoulder, looking up at an Altean with a jetpack hanging up larger, pink banners across the high beams of the royal courtyard. She looked to Romelle, a tablet in her hand, checking away at all the preparations they’ve been through already. Coran was not making the banner hanging any easier, shouting at the poor event worker.
“Just slightly more to the left! No, no too far, back to the right—OH, you dipped down a bit come on back up, I SAID THE RIGHT!!!”
Pidge swore she could hear the sigh of exhaustion come from the Altean. She gave an audible one herself. She was still kicking herself for staying up late, looking at the night sky, checking for interesting reads in the stars, even logging a few anomalies she wanted to look at later. It was the call from Hunk three minutes before their shuttle was about to leave that woke her up, rather than the six alarms she plugged on her phone that she SWORE she didn’t press the snooze button for. “Coran, I’m late enough as it is, is there any way to hurry this along?
“Ah, sorry Number 5. Lots of preparations still to be made. The banners need to be hung, tables set for tonight, Bii-Boh-Bi STILL hasn’t arrived with the entertainment and the guest list – LORFAM I TOLD THAT’S TOO FAR TO THE LEFT!!!”
Lorfam, apparently, ended up ramming his face into the pillar next to him in shock, sliding down until he was knees to the ground. Pidge felt a great respect for anyone willing to put up with event planner Coran.
Romelle gave Pidge an apologetic look. “We are sorry Pidge, we’re just trying to get everything done third time around you know? I mean first time is always ‘WHAT DID WE DO WRONG?!’, then the second time is ‘Whooph! Can’t believe we pulled THAT off again’, so the third time is—“
“’Third time’s the charm?’”
“What? I was going to say is third time is ‘EVERYONE IS STARRING AT US WE’D BETTER GET THIS RIGHT BECAUSE WE’VE ALREADY DONE TWO, AND THEY’RE EXPECTING THE BEST TIME SO IT HAS TO BE PERFECT!!!’”
Pidge had to detach her nose from Romelle’s with how close she got, and gain her composure after that award-winning performance. “Yeah…but I’m just getting antsy. I’m already late and feel guilty about it. That…and I think Lorfam might need a tissue.”
Lorfam’s face was bright red and pulsing, a small trickle of red starting to fall from his nose, one tooth lacking a chunk that Pidge was sure had been there earlier. Coran crossed his arms, eyeing Lorfam. “Fine, go get cleaned up. But send Clervin in place then! At least he’s got the dexterity for precision work.”
Lorfam hung his head as he walked off, but Pidge was certain she could see his face with an expression of relief as he passed by, despite getting cherry red. She turned back toward the elderly Altean. “Your direction seems to be a bit…strict, Coran. Care to say why?”
“Again, sorry Number 5. Like Romelle said, we’re just trying to make this a grand time for everyone. Sorry if it’s taking longer than I said.”
“Maybe I can take her off your hands.”
A deep voice caused them all to turn. A large figure in Galaxy Garrison regalia and a fighter jacket stood in front of them. Taking off his sunglasses, a large scar ran across the bridge of his nose, silver hair bouncing in front of his stormy eyes.
“Shiro!” Pidge took two giant strides and leapt maybe five feet, landing right in Shiro’s embrace. One warm hand clasped her back; a more stiff, colder, larger arm held her steady. Shiro beamed at her, “It’s great to see you too, Pidge.” They detached and turned towards the Alteans. “I can take her to Lance’s while you two get everything ready, and then we can meet up tonight at the ceremony.”
“Good show, then. Just be sure everyone is looking their best! Suits all clean and not a mark on them sir!” Coran gave Shiro a wink before he and Romelle turned to attend their duties. Shiro leaned in to take Pidge’s bag for her. “Shall we?”
--
The walk to Lance’s farm passed through a larger field of juniberries, hills rolling and stretching until they reached the base of the mountains in the distance. To the left, a large forest of alderbrook trees grew, their star-shaped leaves a bright green, with their trunks a deep red. Pidge had never realized how breezy Altea was. It was like everything had to be moving, or the stillness would be uncomfortable. She was also thankful that everything seemed to be hypoallergenic; at least she never seemed to get a stuffy nose or itchy eyes from being outside.
The pair walked along the gravel road, laughing at some of the more comical aspects of their lives.
“-and dad didn’t know that Bae Bae had taken the screwdriver, and ends up finding it buried in the backyard a week later!”
Shiro smiled at her. He kept his pace slow to enjoy her company, also so they could actually talk together without her getting out of breath. “Sounds like Commander Hohlt’s got his work cut out for him with two genius children, and apparently a genius dog too.”
“Yeah, just a smart family in general. But what about the exploration missions? Matt says you’ve really expanded the United Galaxies.”
"Right. We’ve gotten more planets to join and offer assistance, technology, and even materials for education and research. We’re hoping to get more involved to start multiple trade routes, and lots have planets have already agreed to take part in some tourism and cultural ventures. We’re really bringing the entire universe together.”
Pidge side-glanced him, cocking a brow. “I also hear someone’s got himself a little co-pilot on these missions…”
Shiro gawked and choked, looking at her while his face got a few shades darker, “Who said that?!”
“Matt loves gossip. I love information. That’s easy two-and-two math right there, Shiro.”
“Well remind me to give your brother some ‘gossip’ next time I see him.”
“Noted. So…who is he? Is he cute? What’s his IQ?”
“Curtis, is fine, and we’ve just been enjoying each other’s company for the time being. Nothing out there, just two guys enjoying themselves.”
“Yeah, romantically flying across the galaxy through the stars, seeing planets filled with beauty and wonder.”
Shiro wondered when his face would finally lose it’s heat, and thus, turned the tides of the conversation, “What about you? Anyone more interesting than computers in your life?”
“Bleh, there’s no time. And really when we’ve got more planets being explored and more aspects of our reality to be studied, who could even THINK about dating? Ehh, no offense by the way.”
“None taken.”
They walked a bit more, Pidge’s legs starting to ache with the distance. “So, when was the last time you were on Altea?”
Shiro pondered a tic, recalling his last business mission. “About a month ago actually. There was an envoy from a neighboring galaxy looking to discuss some intergalactic politics. I was called in and Hunk helped me plan a diplomacy gala for them. Have to say we did a pretty great job. They were so impressed that they went back wanting to start elections for an ambassador. Hunk was just happy Vrepit Sal was able to handle his first event dinner on his own.”
“That’s awesome! I bet you, Hunk, and Lance must’ve been super popular at a party like that.”
Shiro’s steps slowed, his head losing its proud position. “Actually, Lance…didn’t come. I think Keith tried to tell him to go, but we never saw him.”
“…oh.” Pidge looked down, in truth, not surprised by the answer, guilt slowly washing over her as they walked. “It’s been maybe 6 months since I’ve been here last. I’m…sorry I haven’t been more in touch…”
A hand placed itself on Pidge’s shoulder. “We all have our own lives to lead, Pidge. It’s ok to be your own person.”
She smiled at that, happy that Shiro could still be the dad-figure of infinite wisdom. “Speaking of our lone wolf, what HAS Keith been up to?”
“Well, he’s been busy with the Blades. Disaster relief and rescue has been big. Plus they’ve been trying to crack down on some intergalactic mob and gang activity. Keith himself has put at least four crime bosses behind bars.”
“Wow, sounds crazy. You talk to him that much?”
“Daily actually. He can’t help but spill anything interesting that Marmora finds. But he does take some time off. He’s actually visited Altea quite often.”
“Yeah, I heard about that. Doesn’t he try to come for each Altean Festival or something?”
“Well, from our conversations, he visits Altea maybe, I don’t know, 3 to 4 times a month?”
“WHAT?!”
“Oh yes, he finds his time that’s for sure. Seems like after every mission he’s back here.”
Pidge was floored. That made it sound like Keith was coming back to Altea every other week. “What the heck is he doing here that often?”
It was Shiro’s turn for a side-eye. “Oh, he doesn’t really ever say why, but just that he ends up relaxed and ready for the next mission. I chalk that up to enjoying the terrain, taking in the sights, spending some time with-
*vvrrrrRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMmm!!!*
Pidge yiped and Shiro gawked as a very loud, VERY CLOSE engine revved directly behind them, quickly turning around to see a red hover bike parked on the road.
“Thought you taught me talking behind someone’s back was impolite, Old Timer.”
“Keith!” Pidge ran up to his bike as he dismounted, bumping against it as Pidge held him in her embrace.
Shiro looked on them, deadpan. “Yes, and I also thought I taught you to respect your elders and show common decency.”
Keith gave him a smirk. “And I also thought I was taught not to tolerate crotchety, old men.” With that, Shiro chuckled as he walked over, clutching Keith’s outstretched hand in a firm shake. Pidge looked at him expectantly.
“Thank goodness, can we get a ride?? We’ve been walking since the station and my legs are DYING.”
“Huh, gee, well I know I give rides to my friends, I’m not so sure about gossipers…”
“….I’m not in the mood for Galra-Keith’s comedy, what I want is broody, Regular-Keith to do his thing and be silent while we get on his bike the rest of the way to Lance’s.”
“Ha ha, climb on Pidge.” She tossed a victory fist in the air as she hoisted herself up, Shiro following suit.
“Thought you would’ve been here earlier.”
“I took the long way around. Wanted to see some sights before the crowds pour in.”
Shiro smiled softly, and set himself up behind Pidge.
Keith swung his leg over the bike, as Pidge grasped his middle preparing for the ride. “So, how many times HAVE you visited Altea this past month?”
Keith started the ignition and floored the gas, hearing Pidge squeal and Shiro yell out “EASY!” behind him, hoping the rushing breeze might cool down his quickly warming face.
--
At least the sink didn’t look like soap island anymore.
Hunk stood next to the kitchen table, wrapping the last of the sandwiches, and placed them into the basket. A look back around the downstairs told him what the duo had finished in the past two hours. “Ok, dishes done and put away. Laundry folded. Lunch ready to go with Kaltenecker chocolate milk chilling in the fridge,” he looked to the floor,”...floor is to be explained as a farmhouse; there’s gonna be dirt.”
Hunk placed his hands in his hips in triumph. Not perfect, but perfect for him. And of course it would be perfect for their friends...who would be getting here before they knew it.
He cupped his mouth, turning to the staircase. “Lance! Better hurry up, company’s coming and they’ll be here any minute!”
Upstairs, Lance heard him, but the urgency was not processing. He stood at the mirror in his bathroom, the water trickling through the faucet as he washed his face. It felt cool to his skin, causing it to prickle as it dried. Wiping off the water, his eyes dragged up to his expression in the mirror.
His face looked the same. Same dark complexion. Same chocolate locks. Same sea blue eyes that were a surprise the family when he was born. Same chin his dad said could pierce the side of a tank. Just his same face.
The addition of two teal Altean marks branded on his cheeks begged to differ.
They told the tale of a boy that went into space, fought off tyrants and armies. Saved countless lives and homes. Traveled further into the stars than anyone thought possible.
And fell horribly for someone he thought was too strong to lose.
His head dipped. It had seriously been that long. Each day that passed made it harder to believe. His life was so different. No more space battles, no more flying through galaxies,
No more-
A nudge came at his fingers, gripping the sink. Plachu, the grayish space mouse with bright red eyes, looked up at him expectantly. Lance’s brow creased as he smiled, scratching the small thing under its chin. “I know little guy. Won’t make today all gloom, promise.” Plachu squeaked in response, leaning into the pets as if the little mouse was the one doing the consoling. Lance turned to his bedroom, the remaining mice standing on his mattress. Each one giving him puppy dog...err, puppy mouse eyes. Plachu scurried from the sink to join them.
“Don’t worry guys, well make it a good day.” Lance placed the last of his laundry in his dresser, practically thankful for Hunk’s early arrival. It had been forever since he’d done actual chores for around the house, and a swift kick in the motivational knee is what he needed.
A shout from downstairs brought his attention to the door. “Lance! There’s some hustle and bustle down here!! Might want to hurry it up!!!”
The mice twitched at that, leaping off the bed and bolting to the door, their feet scritching as their claws pawed the wood floor. Lance stuck his hands in his pockets, looking back in the mirror once more.
“Well loverboy, lets go put on a show.”
--
Lance creaked down the steps of the house, the commotion getting louder. As the got to the base, he raised his head to the scene in front of him.
Hunk was cuddling something tiny is his arms, swaying back and forth with vigor as if he was trying to imbue it with his love. He set it down and let go as it brushed past him and bolted right into Lance’s arms.
“Lance!!”
Pidge buried her face in his chest, giving a hug even Hunk would call impressive. Lance returned it along with a pat on her choppy, caramel locks. She looked up at him, eyes misty with relief, “I am so happy to see you, I’m sorry I haven’t been around more I know I need to call more often I haven’t even told you snot all the projects we’re working-“
“Whoa, whoawhoawhoawhoa, Pidge, you’re fine! It’s great to see you too!” A sly glance down at her painted curiosity on her face “...great to see your height hasn’t changed.”
Pidge grimaced, putting herself at arm’s length. She looked past his shoulder to the kitchen table, eyes going scaultrite-lens wide. “Hunk, is what I think is in that bundle, IN that bundle?”
Hunk’s triumphant look told her what she needed to know, but he still had the pride to tell her anyway. “You mean, THAT bundle? The one that has cookies in it? Peanut butter cookies? Coleen Hohlt’s secret family recipe peanut butter cookies? Eh, probably.”
Pidge’s eyes were stars as she glowed at him. “Hunk, name it. Any kind of robot, kitchen tool, appliance, whatever, name it and I’ll build it.”
Hunk chuckled as he walked over to her, letting her know about every new gadget he’d appreciate in his kitchen. She moved with him into the dining area as Lance turned back to the door, startled as a large hand was already outstretched to meet him, “Great to see you sharpshooter.”
Lance smiled as he took Shiro’s grip, returning a solid shake that sent warmth up his arm, “Back at ya, gramps”
Shiro’s smile and brow both flatlined, but the cheer returned not a second later. ”Sorry I didn’t catch you last I was here. It was such a whirlwind trip and I couldn’t get away.”
“Ah it’s nothin’. Can’t expect the life of a space explorer to be anything but busy.”
“You didn’t go to that gala?”
Lance glanced behind Shiro. Keith stood in the threshold, a pack slung over his shoulder, the strap gripping at his red biker jacket. Lance wondered if the guy only owned one black shirt, or if that was only what he buys, since that’s all he ever saw him in. Keith’s boots were worn, but looked freshly cleaned, his pants tucked in tight.
Lance brought his attention to Keith’s face. His expression was expectant, thick brows dark and downturned in a glare. His mouth sat as a small, thin line, as if it was waiting to pop with some choice heated words. His eyes, despite his forever brooding glower, were the only thing that seemed soft. Lance could never figure if they were storm grey or violet, and resigned to thinking that being part Galra meant having chameleon eyes. Lance took a quick look at Keith’s cheek, remembering he wasn’t the only one with a permanent reminder of their space odyssey. It had always made him look older.
Lance pouted as he eyed Keith. “Well, when your cow gets in the garbage and starts mooing uncontrollably and you have to stay up all night rubbing her belly, I’ll be sure to wonder where YOU are at our next shindig.”
“You said you were gonna go.”
“Yeah, back when I had a cow content with eating grass and hay for her life. Now she’s developed a palate! It’s not like everything is gonna be just like you left it every time you visit.”
They both glared at each other, before cracking smiles and chuckling at their light bickering. Nothing had changed in the least.
Keith held up his hand. Lance took it and gripped it tight, a familiar and comfortable vise around his palm.
“Promise you’ll go to the next one?”
“Whatever you say, mullet.”
They walked into the kitchen with everyone, Pidge attempting to open the bundle of precious cookies while Hunk swatted her hand away. Shiro watched them proudly, the mice perched on his shoulder.
“It was a bit of a shame the Blades had a mission that day. Would have been nice to have you there.”
Keith shrugged, “Tell Kolivan. He’s never been the one for super formal events… or being social.”
“Yeah and you were at one point too. Now it takes twenty minutes just to get you off my porch when you leave,” Lance turned his attention to the broader man, “seriously Shiro can you tell your prodigy to let me have some breathing room every once in awhile?”
Shiro eyed Keith, where he saw a distinct brush of pink flecking his bridge while his eyes hid behind his bangs. Shiro looked back at Lance, who didn't seem to notice. “He’s an adult Lance, plus it’s his choice what he does with his vacation time.”
“Coming out to a farm every other week doesn’t sound much like a vacation.”
Across the room a very loud and deliberate “HA!” came from the smallest of them. Pidge wiggled her brow as Keith glared daggers at her.
...and with that, “Ok then! How about we get this lunch show on the road. Have to say that our waistlines are to be ignored today, as Carb Town is the destination. Pidge, we’ve got your cookies to go along with some fresh chocolate milk, peanut butter and juniberry jam sandwiches, a tub of food goo for our vegetable substitute, and Lance, a special surprise for you.”
“I thought the cookies were the surprise.”
“For Pidge yeah. But I got one for you too.”
Hunk walked over to the bundle on the table. Unwrapping it, it cased a container with the cookies on top, but a second container on the bottom. Its contents being fluffy, golden-brown puffs, flecked with green chives and shone with an egg wash from baking.
“Hunk...no way…”
“I know how to hook my homies up.”
Lance walked to the table and grasped the container, opening it up, and smelling the sweet and savory warmth of the rolls inside.
“But did you bring-“
“Got you covered, have a little hotplate so we can melt some butter, classic style, along with my spin of some olive oil and a special blend of herbs and spices. Garlic knots have to be savored, not shoveled.”
Lance couldn’t believe his nose. They smelled fresh from the oven. Like how his house used to smell after mom was getting ready for holiday gatherings with the family. He could almost hear Marco talking about the dates he would botch or Veronica’s latest precision score at the range. Almost.
“Th…Thanks man.”
“No problem. NOW, how about we get out to eatin’ so we can all come back, get ready, and go eat again?”
--
Their meal was spent under one of the biggest alderbrook trees, about a ten minute walk from the farmhouse. Star leaves fell lightly down on them, crisp and bright, adding color to the scene. The swing Lance had outfitted on one of the lowest branches for when his niece and nephew would come visit swayed in the breeze. They had draped a picnic blanket under its shade, splaying the contents of their basket to indulge as the time passed.
Most of the conversation was pass-around storytelling; each member talking about what they’ve been doing, how their lives had changed drastically: Pidge helping future explorers reach their potential and developing the tech and software for them to do so; Hunk using his restaurant and catering expertise to expand it to full event planning and cultural diplomacy; Shiro flying through space (“with his brand new CO-PILOT” “Pidge quiet!”) and spreading peace and relations with other planets; Keith training new Blades, along with their humanitarian work and investigating intergalactic crime. Lance…on the farm, with Kaltenecker, growing juniberries and other crops and taking them to market.
They laughed, yelled, hooted, and even saw some food goo fly across the blanket. Keith watched each member closely, taking in their mannerisms and expressions, noticing no difference after all this time.
His eyes ended on Lance, who was smiling at a joke from Hunk about how Vrepit Sal once tried to give a tip back to the customer, thinking it was a bribe to get better food (“Isn’t that what a tip is?” “Yeah, but the customer’s not supposed to know that”).
Lance’s smile was genuine, but Keith could see undertones of something else, something you’d notice only if you’d paid attention to its details every day, in close quarters, for an extended period of time. Lance’s eyes were glossier than they used to be. He carried bags underneath them from exhaustion; Keith always wondered where the exhaust came from, although he had his hunches. Lance’s skin, the thing he used to pride himself on, was drier, lips cracked and chapped due to biting them often. His shoulders hunched more, making him appear smaller whenever he was in a conversation.
The outside was a façade. An attempt to play-pretend being happy.
Keith looked down, thoughts swarming with guilt, and something he couldn’t place.
--
Full bellies and belching contests aside, the team walked back to Lance’s in two groups; Lance, Shiro and Pidge leading the way, comparing different planets' vegetation, and Hunk falling in step to walk behind by Keith. The sun shone down on them while the breeze swept at everyone. Keith kept his head down, mind in full concentration, thinking of some way to-
“So whatcha thinkin’ about?”
Keith looked up quick at Hunk to his side, Hunk focused and waiting for an answer. Keith told him the truth, “Nothing.”
“Yeah like you’d actually think I’d buy that. You’ve kept your interest in the ground for the past five minutes this whole walk when we have like, the most beautiful scenery to look at. Seriously dude, what’s up?”
Keith realized he really couldn’t hide from Hunk, a comforting and terrifying thought. Hunk was too good with emotions, and if he had a hold of them, someone was most likely to end up crying (MOST most likely, Hunk).
Keith sighed in defeat. “I’ve…just been thinking…about a lot… not one specific thing.”
Hunk cocked a confused brow at Keith, looked forward, and then looked back. “Really? To me looks like you’re thinking about ONE specific thing, and that thing just entails a bunch of thoughts.”
……….MAN Hunk’s intuition should be studied. Keith marveled at his friend, not sure whether to attempt at disagreeing or pour his heart out. Instead, Hunk continued.
“I’m thinking that there’s a lot you want to say, and you’re scared if you do, stuff isn’t gonna turn out how you hope.”
Keith looked down at that, adding a check box to the list Hunk was slowly going down.
“And so you’ve resolved to just hovering around, being present, and taking in all the good stuff, and making sure there’s no bad stuff to worry about. Classic Keith-actions-over-words style.”
Keith looked away from Hunk. He could feel his steps slow, the distance between them and their friends growing.
“But you know, I think there needs to be a balance of both good and bad stuff. Cuz if all you have is good stuff to remember, then at some point the bad is just gonna come crashing down in a giant wave, and you might not be able to get out. So if you just chip away with a little bad here and there, then you’ll be able to experience the good more often, and hey, it might even reward you.”
Keith whipped his head back at Hunk. He was smiling brightly with understanding, and deep brown eyes that said I know locked with Keith’s. A smile slowly expanded at the bottom of Keith’s face, grateful for Hunk being part of that ragtag group that ran into the desert all those years ago.
“…So…and I’ll end it here. All I’m gonna say is, maybe try talking? Cuz if it ends out bad, that just means you’re one step closer to something good happening.”
….Keith had no words. No thoughts. Just a grin on his face and a thank-you to the universe for a big, happy, loving friend.
“Thanks Hunk.”
“You got it dude.”
…
“Just let me know when you do…I wanna document it and tell Pidge I was right.”
--
Keith looked in the downstairs mirror, straightening his red tie, flicking his brushed and now side-parted bangs out of his eyes. Eyeing himself, he never figured he’d look good in pink. But, the way the black undershirt made the soft pink of the suit pop, along with his black mop on his head, he thought he could add SOME pink to his wardrobe…like a wristband or something.
He looked up. He had never paid it any mind, but he really HAD grown up. His jaw was set more, baby fat finally receding to show more defined features. He tried to soften his look, which made his eyes widen as he noticed the striking similarity between himself and his mother. He’d come a long way; he’d just never realized how it showed.
Keith turned to the staircase, “Lance, everyone’s gone on ahead. Time to get going.”
“Be down in a tic, mullet! Perfection takes time!”
Keith shook his head. Yeah…perfection…
He looked around downstairs. Hunk had said they’d done a massive cleaning overhaul when he’d gotten there. Keith knew all too well how often those happened, being part of many a cleaning escapade himself. He didn’t mind helping…he was just concerned how often he’d had to do it…
Lance’s walls were covered with photos and memorabilia. Art pieces from multiple planets and people. Photos of family, friends, and events they’d attended. Hunk’s mice-selfies sat in frames on a console table.
One photo sat on the windowsill of the sink, alone, and catching the evening light from outside. Keith picked it up gingerly, stroking the frame with his thumb. His eyes rested on the smiling faces in it.
Lance, looking dapper and clean cut in a sweater and collared shirt.
Allura, stunning in a simple white dress as her hair cascaded down her shoulders.
The two of them, arm in arm, underneath a lush tree, looking happy together-
“Alright! Coming down!”
Keith put the frame back in its place, walking back to the foyer.
“You really want to be late for an event that kind of has to include us?”
The steps creaked as Lance came down. “It’s not late, Keith. If we ARE the stars of the show, everyone is just simply, early.”
Keith looked up at him. Lance was in a matching pink suit and shirt, the only difference being a blue tie in place of Keith’s red one. His hair was slicked back, and few, fine cowlicks slicked and fell on his forehead. His face freshly washed and glowing, the orange light catching little details in his suit and features.
Keith, maybe, lost himself in what he saw.
“….Uhhh…you ok man?”
Keith shook his head. A little more vigorously than he meant to, making him dizzy. “Fine! Just…fine.”
Lance shrugged as he went to the larger mirror, fixing his tie similar to Keith. His fingers moved more slowly, until he lowered them, almost like he’d forgotten about them, as he stared at his reflection.
Keith let the silence take over for a moment, but doesn’t give it too much power, “Something on your mind?”
“Ahh, nah. Just getting ready.”
Keith crossed his arms, sometimes proud of the thoughts that came to him, “Didn’t someone tell me the amount of thoughts stored in his head could fit inside a giant ship?”
Lance laughed a good, barking laugh, before it settled as quickly as it started, “Yeah, feels like nowadays all I need is that little paper airplane to fit them in.”
Again, Keith let the silence creep a bit. He did that on principle. Let a little time to breathe. Don’t push anything. Only interrupt it so it didn't have a chance to take hold. Because sometimes-
“Since when did you end up becoming the guy with the quick quips, huh?” Lance turned toward Keith, a grateful expression focused directly on him.
Keith returned it with a determined beam, “I’ve always had great quips, it’s just before I was using them to dodge your cockiness.”
Lance clutched his heart. “Excuse me! I was never cocky. I was a proud and determined teammate, and knew I was the better one.”
Keith shut his eyes as he turned to the door. “Sure thing, Lance. Come on, they’re waiting.”
Lance paused. Keith knew it was a split second, but he caught the frown line crease on Lance’s forehead, before immediately going back to a smile.
“Yup, can’t let the party start without the best of the bunch right?” He strode past Keith out the door, and Keith couldn't help but pause behind him, before following and shutting the door.
--
Romelle was right. Third time everyone WAS staring.
The royal courtyard was shaded in oranges and reds from both the evening sunset and candles surrounding the pillars. The pink banners flapped lightly in the breeze (Clervin really WAS precise), and gold streamers spiraled down the pillars, accenting their white glow. Bouquets of juniberries mixed with white lilies framed the staircase, leading up to the stage, which was decorated with five glowing statues. Large cats of red, blue, green, yellow, and black stood facing everyone, standing tall and proud among the soft lights that danced around them.
The open amphitheater had maybe two-thousand seats, slowly filling with local guests, dignitaries, and long time friends coming from near and far. Members clad in Garrison wear filed from the Station, the Atlas pouring out more people as they hurried to join everyone. Blades mingled with Alteans, removing their masks and allowing their faces to shine with a moment of relaxation. People had to pardon themselves as Arusians passed by their knees, carefully trying not to bump into them. Balmerans, Olkari, Bii-Boh-Bis, humans, and more, all together in one place.
Seemed like only a miracle just years ago.
As the commotion started to calm down, four seats were finally filled front and center. Pidge was trying to loosen her green tie, as Hunk swatted her hand away (“Wait at least until AFTER the ceremony?” “Fine, but if I asphyxiate, I’ll haunt you”). Lance and Keith sat beside them, watching them bicker before a mic tap brought their attention to the front.
Coran stood proud on stage. While they all knew him as their goofball uncle, he did have his moments of commanding poise. Especially today.
“Thank you all for coming today. I have to say that, being our third year doing this, I can’t be more grateful for the amount of support you’ve all shown, and how many of you still come to this memorable occasion."
A round of applause broke through the crowd. As it died, Coran picked up.
“Now, since I am the one who does most of the planning of these events, along with some much needed help from my assistants and confidants,” two winks made their way to both Hunk and Romelle, “I have been told that I am to relax and enjoy the evening that I have worked to prepare for all of you. So, I hand it off to someone to continue the address. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, Captain Shiro of the IGF-Atlas.”
A roar of applause came from the crowd as Shiro took the stage, strides wide and purposeful. Keith felt a swell of pride as his big brother took his place. He’d always known Shiro deserved the spotlight. Everyone else was just now getting to see it.
“…As Coran said, thank you all for coming today. Many of you made long journeys to join us for a single evening. It speaks volumes that you would choose to spend your time here with us today.
“Today, we are here to do two things. Remember. And Celebrate. I’d like to believe we can leave mourning at the door, and do out best to enjoy each other’s company, and reminisce on good times and memories we’ve made, and will make for the future.
“I will keep my words brief, but I want to take this moment to remind us why we are here. We are here, due to the bravery. The strength. The compassion. The sacrifice. And the love, of one individual. Whether or not you know her story, it is because of her, we are all able to walk freely here with our loved ones.
“She lost her home, her family, her agency for her own life, and ultimately, her life itself. But every time, every action and decision she made, every time I would see her push forward, I knew it was never to try and make up for her own life’s tragedies. She was a force of nature that the universe itself could not handle. Her drive, was to make sure each living creature in every system, had a chance for happiness that was robbed from her.
“And while many of us, sad, grieving, or angry at her fate, wish we could somehow create justice for what she did, I know, deep down, that’s not what she would want.”
Keith looked to his friends. Pidge lifted up her glasses, wiping her eyes. Hunk already has a tissue held up to his nose. Lance-…
Lance looked tired. He was looking up at Shiro, eyes trained on him, but unfocused like he was looking right through him. Keith’s chest knotted as he gave his attention back to the stage.
“She would want us, not to think of her, but to think for ourselves. Her last gift to the universe, to reality itself, was to allow us to have our homes. Our families. Our agencies. And our lives, to live out to their fullest extent.
“As I said, let’s not give in to sadness today, but celebrate her life the way she would want us to: by celebrating us. Each one of us may be a single part of this ever-expanding universe…. But all it takes is one person, to change the entire course of time, and space. We have done so much in these past three years. And thanks to her, we can continue and change it further.
“So remember, the universe may be large, but YOU are part of it. A small part that can cause ripples of change and prosperity for years to come. Do so, in honor of one who believed in everyone.”
Shiro stopped. Composed. Breathed. And released.
“Long may we cherish her. Princess Allura of Altea. Defender of the Universe.”
Thunderous applause broke from the crowd. A standing ovation waved up as Shiro looked out towards them.
The four in front stood as well, Pidge and Hunk leaning into each other for support, applauding quite loudly.
Keith clapped lightly, finding his eyes drifting back over to Lance.
His chest contorted painfully.
Lance was looking straightforward, eyes focused on nothing. They were glossy and tinged with red, but unmoving. Until Keith saw a single tear fall down his face, passing over his teal freckle.
Keith had to look away, his eyes starting to sting. Feeling guilty that it was probably not due to Shiro’s speech.
--
“I. Am. FULL."
Pidge relaxed back in her chair as her silverware clattered against her plate. Hunk’s smug mug beamed at her with pride, knowing he’d outdone himself.
“Well, this year’s menu I tried an Altean-Earth mix, applying some Cajun spices to the steamed tubers, with a pork tenderloin that gets marinated overnight in some of the more…savory food goo. Nothing too fancy.”
“Hunk, I think the only thing you KNOW is how to be fancy.” Lance popped another bite in his mouth, chewing slowly, but let another quiet whine out because MAN it WAS good.
They sat as a team at one of the dinner tables. They surrounded the larger part of the courtyard, allowing for general mingling and socializing, but also leaving room for a small dance floor for those who wished to move and groove. The setting sun had led way for the lamplights to shine hues of blue and orange over the floor. Music surrounded the guests, a sound that, to anyone from earth, was like a mix of old sea shanties with Appalachia mountain music.
Keith took a sip of his drink, a light juice with a tart finish, as he looked over to Lance, “But are you complaining? Since you could eat this good any time you wanted, having Hunk as a friend?”
Lance would’ve answered, before a large hand clasped his face, Hunk glaring. “Keith, don’t give this guy any ideas. I still need to make a living you know.”
“Considering we’ve saved reality time and again, you’d think we’d be set for life or something,” Pidge leaned back stretching in her chair.
Shiro gave her a sympathetic smile, not unlike her dad when she was stuck on a certain algorithm. “It would be too awkward to take that many handouts Pidge,” (She grimaced, recalling doing exactly that with wanting a certain Kill Bot Phantasm), ”plus it’s nice to really work for what you want rather than just getting-“
“Did you know that there is a 33.29 percent chance of at least 177 realities where you are pampered and glorified, and have all of your needs cared for?”
Everyone yelped as a noodle in a pink body suit slipped up in between Pidge and Shiro. Shiro was certain he has a millisecond flashback in the instant he was able to calm down.
“Oh...hello...Slav.”
Slav eyed Shiro slowly, squinting as he did, “I also told your friend over there that he had a 2 and 13/26 of a percent chance that there’s a reality that you will actually be the first one to ask for a dance.”
“WHAT?!?”
Shiro bolted out of his chair, careening across the floor for a tall, dark figure. The remaining four followed his path with their gazes before Pidge turned back to Slav, “Wouldn’t that just be two and a half?”
“I know what I said.”
Hunk set his hands on the table before raising himself upright. “Well, I’m gonna go make sure Shay has got everything ready before the dessert line comes out. She said she was trying her own cake recipe and I THINK she might have used hazelnut, so I’m gonna go...make sure... she’s got everything.”
Lance cocked a brow. “She’s not gonna let you try it ahead of time Hunk.”
“I KNOW. I said I’m gonna go see if she needs HELP.” And before he left, Keith swore he saw a wink in his direction.
Pidge stood as well. “I think I’m gonna go talk to some of the Olkari. They’ve been sending more students to the Garrison and I wanted to see if anyone has made a decision for a separate facility made specifically for their natural interface program.”
“I shall join you! In over 84 out of 120 if the realities where I join you, there’s a 64.49 percent chance of us coming back without anyone losing their left shoe,” his eyes contracted to squints as he looked at her, “...you DID put on shower clean deodorant this morning, right??”
................Pidge walked off to the Olkari in question, while Slav trailed her in haste, spouting how the chances of their survival depend on each person’s distinct odor.
Lance smiled and clasped his drink, taking a calculated sip. Keith eyed him, waiting for...he didn’t actually know. Lance looked out over the crowd. Slowly, that smile started to dip, giving Keith the incentive.
“So, anyone ask for your autograph yet? Shiro’s gotten maybe forty or more people coming up to him already.”
Lance smirked. “’Course man, can’t keep people off of me.” Funny, since Keith had been standing next to Lance since they got there, and he recalled they’d been pretty much left alone most of the night.
“Oh yeah? Well, I’ve seen your family roaming around. It’s been awhile since they’ve all been up here together. Have you gotten a chance to talk to any of them yet?”
Lances head started to turn back to the floor. “Ah, a little, Luis is held up with his the twins, and Marco and Rachel can’t stop finding aliens to flirt with, and Veronica said she was gonna be busy tonight and wouldn’t tell me wh-YYYYYY?!?!”
Keith puzzled and raised his brow. “What’s wrong?”
“MY SISTER!!”
Keith turned to where he was looking, and gaped his mouth open, seeing what Lance saw.
On the dance floor, parading around in wide circles, were Lance’s sister Veronica, and in her arms, Keith’s second in command, Acxa, both giggling and smiling bright, blush on both of their faces, before Veronica laid a quick peck in Acxa’s cheek.
There was not a thought between Lance and Keith aside from a collective... HUH???
“Looks like you two just discovered warrior women like to keep secrets.”
A soft, but VERY familiar voice knocked Keith out of his stupor. He turned and looked up to see a tall woman, clad in indigo robes that hugged her figure, a pink sash running across her shoulder like the other foreign officials. He didn't have to describe her face; it was his, just in a shade of purple.
“Krolia! You mean you knew about this?!?” Lance squawked as he slammed the table. Krolia let out a quiet laugh.
“Wasn’t something I should tell.”
“Yeah, well Veronica didn’t tell ME anything.” Lance slumped in his chair.
Keith’s brow twitched, whispering, “Acxa didn’t tell ME anything either…”
Krolia eyed both of them. Not like the officer or warrior that she was, but a motherly look that made Keith’s skin warm, “Well, don’t hold it against them, they were probably just waiting for the right place and the right time.”
“Yeah,” Lance started, “but to leave her own brother out of the loop-“
“And Axca knows about being careful with feelings on missions-“
“Boys.”
Lance and Keith perked to a halt at the motherly command. Keith looked at her hesitantly, but also...REALLY? He’s an adult!
“We’re all here having fun tonight. How about you two join in on that?”
She turned and walked off, leaving a protest lodged in Keith’s mouth, before seeing her join with another Blade in similar robes and a braid that wrapped around his neck, eyes steady until they met hers, melting. Kolivan.
Keith beamed. He had a moment to realize, he had never expected his life to turn out like this.
“So, you know you can go off and have fun right?”
Keith turned back to Lance, who was staring blankly at the dance floor.
“What about you?”
“Eh, kinda tired. Think I’ll just sit and wait for Hunk.”
“I can wait with you.”
“Dude, there’s probably like, seventy people who want dance with you right now.”
“No there’s not.”
“Wanna bet.” An epiphany. “I bet you 2500 GAC that the first person you ask to dance with you says yes.”
Keith paused, staring blankly. “So you’ll win if I ask someone and they say yes?”
“Duh dude! First person, and you’ll be forking over the cash!”
Keith paused again, before standing slowly, turning, and holding out his hand.
“Would you like to dance with me Lance?”
Lance took a second to process, before crashing. “That-that doesn’t count!”
“You said first person.”
“Yeah, like, a guest?! Like I knew you were antisocial but come on mullet!”
“Why are you complaining? You accept and you win.”
And…Lance was trapped. It was either keeping his dignity and pay out, or gain some cash. He also realized how Keith basically just forfeited…
“Lance I’m practically paying you to dance with me.”
Lance raised his brow. Curious.
“That sounds kinda-“
“Lance.”
He stood, cockiness back in his face, that familiar glint of mischievousness in his eye. Lance took Keith’s hand, and Keith swore the air heated up at least five more degrees.
“Your lead. Just don’t step on my toes, left foot.”
Keith smirked as he took them to the floor; a slow, melancholy piano solo played alongside the string band. It was a song that you didn't actually have to know how to dance to, Keith silently thanking Romelle for the music choices; just feel the music and sway with the rhythm.
Keith grasped Lance’s hand as they started to move. Lance had nothing to worry about; Keith had spent years in combat to make him light on his feet (and made Krolia help him work on his ACTUAL dancing). They shuffled back and forth across the floor, Keith not ever getting too close to Lance. His periphery caught multiple pairs of eyes on them, like spectators watching deer in the wild; not making any sudden moves for fear one would run off.
Keith focused back on Lance, whose eyes seem more interested in Keith’s tie.
“So, you really haven’t talked to your sister yet? Last I was here you hadn’t called her in 3 weeks.”
“Well Garrison life is rushed and crazy. She’s got a full plate,” a frown, “…but free enough to start a budding romance apparently.”
Keith didn’t want to change the subject, but he was stuck between Hunk’s “balance the bad” and Shiro’s “tonight no sad”. He sighed, and indulged him.
“Yeah, that makes all my officers dividing their time between missions and relationships.”
“That shouldn’t affect work?”
“No, but the amount of gossip I’m bound to hear might.”
They sashayed around the floor. Keith spotted Hunk helping Shay set up the dessert line, a new frosted mustache on his lip. His eyes turned to Pidge, where the young Olkari she ventured to talk to was tugging her arm to the dance floor, herself looking red with embarrassment. And then they fell on Shiro, who was about ten feet away, laughing loud and hard in the arms of the same man he was scrambling over to earlier. Keith felt Lance sigh against him, his eyes trained on the same scene.
“You know...I think out of all of us, Shiro really got the happiest ending.”
Keith paused his thoughts to understand what he heard, then, “…you mean we all didn’t?”
“No!! Nonononono I just meant that, if anyone DESERVES a happy ending, he should get it ya know? Like, he died like how many times and got tortured for a year and had his consciousness locked away in an infinite abyss; the guy deserves a break.”
Keith felt himself tense. He didn't want to, but Hunk’s advice started to creep up his spine. “Are we…AT, an end?”
Lance’s face scrunched in confusion as he looked at him, his lips pursed. “Well, yeah I guess? Go on an adventure. Save the day. Come back a hero. Boom. Happily ever after.”
“So, you think that’s an ending then?...Sounds more to me like a new beginning.”
Lance considered that. “I... guess that makes sense. Fine, happily ever beginning.”
Keith steeled. He wished he had his old armor, shield, something.
“...And...you don’t think you deserve that?...A happy beginning?”
If Keith was a bystander, he’d thought Lance had gotten whiplash with how fast his head spun. His face looked like he had just seen someone take a bite of Balmeran cuisine. Keith was waiting on landmines before Lance spoke again.
“Wha...what do you mean? Dude, I’m happy. I’m great! The farm is doing awesome and the Altean kids I talk to love hearing about the fantastic tales of the Voltron Alliance. I’ve got Kaltenecker and the mice, plus like, Altea is BEAUTIFUL. There’s no war or fighting and...it’s great!”
“Ok but... Lance, the last time your family was here together was four months ago, and they were the ones who surprised you by coming up here.”
“Well, my family had their own lives Keith, I’m not gonna make them spend all their time on worrying about what I’m doing.”
“Ok, ok, but…what about that gala a month ago? You had two of our friends you could have seen, and you just…didn’t go.”
“Keith, I SAID Kaltenecker got sick, it’s not like I could just get away!”
Keith started to get hot. Lance looked exasperated and he had no idea what to do. The music started to end as their dancing slowed, almost to a halt.
“I just… I want to make sure everything’s…fine.”
“Everything IS fine, Keith. You don’t have to worry.”
The song ended. Keith searched Lance’s face for…SOMETHING. But Lance just let his hands fall away from Keith’s sides.
“Good, uh…good dance. I’m gonna…gonna go get more juice.” And Lance trudged off, leaving Keith alone on the floor, surrounded by party-goers.
He almost ran after him, nothing in his head for something to say, until a firm grip slapped his shoulder.
“Having an alright time Keith?”
He looked back to see Coran beaming at him. He was decorated in a jacket, embroidered with pink accents and badges of status gleaming in the lights. His wrinkles showed age, but also years of laughs and smiles that Keith couldn't help but feel wash over him at he looked. He sighed, hanging his head a bit.
“Yeah, it’s…it’s been a great time Coran. You’ve really outdone yourself this time……she’d love it.”
Coran lowered his hand and placed it behind his back. He looked out over the crowd. His eyes seemed to focus on every little detail of the scene. “It means a lot to hear that. Can’t believe I’m here doing it….have to say, it’s astounding to see how far you’ve all come.”
Keith felt a tad guilty. He knew he was a part of the team…deep down. He also knew that for most of their service to the universe, her remembered being separate from said team; he didn’t get to see the same development Coran saw.
“You’ve also blossomed into quite the leader. Strong. Determined. A little headstrong and impulsive, but we can’t always have the perfect package. That’s what you’re teammates are for; to get you back where you need to be.”
Keith looked at Coran, who was glancing at Keith to the side with an all-knowing look, stroking his moustache. “Now if only there was a way to teach you how to use your words more…effectively.”
Keith sighed and laughed, fairly certain that, despite his best efforts to conceal, hide, and keep his walls, just about everyone had been able to take a peek inside, and see the truth.
“Thanks Coran. I’ll do my best.”
“See you do! As Pop-Pop Wimbledon always said, ‘the mouth is the most disgusting, but accurate portal into the mind—“
A piercing crack and a flash of light washed over the courtyard, enveloping everyone and causing an instant of black shadows to appear behind everything standing. Tables shook and anything not pinned to the earth fell, multiple noises of shattered glass and pots starting to clutter the ground. The music stopped. Keith had to shield his eyes, blinded, until it faded. He and Coran gained their bearings, looking around to assess the other guests, most of which who were pointing up at the sky.
Keith dared a glance up. His face turned slack. He could feel Coran looking the same.
“…By the ancients…”
A large red circle marred the starry night. Marks and strange writing surrounded it as it spun slowly. Dead in the center of it, four ships flew out. Sleek cylindrical vessels, they reminded Keith oddly of dolphins; thin bodies about the size of an earth passenger plane, with wings that looked as if they could move separate from the hull. They flashed with red lights that accented their stone grey color, which Keith could swear it was in some sort of pattern.
And they were speeding directly for the party.