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https://archiveofourown.org/works/29506704

Here’s a snippet…

Chapter 14

Final game. She was dialed in. She had a quick unexpected visit with her mom last night which left her in good spirits. No one knows her like she does and even better, she didn’t even have to say anything special. Just her presence. IN SPACE. Her unwavering belief that she would be victorious, was more than enough. It left her at peace with the knowledge that her family and friends were safe. For now. It was up to her to make it that way permanently.

Thankfully she managed to sneak in some training with pretend weapons because her mom kept up a steady stream of horticultural lecture points that probably bored her guards into a deep slumber. When they came to get her she swore she saw drool stains on the one guard’s shirt.

So when the door finally opened, she stood proudly meeting the eyes of the prince.

“Last time, please, reconsider. This could all be avoided if you just agreed to be my wife.”

“Are the cameras on now? I’d like to definitively say, I won’t lose. I never lose when it counts.”

The Prince freezes and sighs. “We could have been good together.”

Keith barely had time to react before the knife was at his throat.

Sighing he muttered carefully, “Now, before you decide to murder me, let me explain—”

His words died off at Pidge’s glare. And the fear he could see just underneath the anger. Not to mention the tears in her eyes.

“Explain?!? Explain! What! Your treachery?!” She continued in a low, controlled growl. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you crashed MY hover-bike, the very one that I’ve been working on for months for our son!”

Keith gulped and didn’t relax even when Pidge removed the knife. “Okay, yes, technically, you are right. But, “

Pidge stamped here foot in frustration while letting out a shrill “Technically?!”

Keith saw her anger ebb for a second and took his shot, smiling sweetly, “It was just a little test run. You know to make sure it is safe for Drew.”

Pidge crossed her arms, lips twitching like she was actually fighting off a smile. “You’re the worst. Now you just made my workload much heavier. It not only needs work on the transmission but body work as well. Look at this fender!” She moved to fling a hand out indicating the bike.

Keith took his chance, moving quickly to slip his arms around her waist. “But you love me anyways.” He ducked his head to kiss her temple and give her a slight squeeze.

Pidge finally sighed. Relaxing against his larger frame, she delivered a hard pinch to his unhurt side. “Yeah, yeah. Just, next time, don’t scare me half to death.”

Jan2 Frost

So decided I’m just sticking to this timeline…

Katie had a great idea, their anniversary was just a few days ago, two years together. But she wanted to surprise him, so she gave him some gift that Lance had recommended and left his real present to today.

The thought of the past few days made Katie giggle like a dork. Lance wanted to impart his wisdom on her and she felt like indulging him. So, they went to the dreaded mall during holiday season which was almost as bad as the last time they got lost in the space mall. Total clusterfuck. But Lance really was enjoying himself and so they wandered around looking for the perfect gift. Lance first recommended Jewelery but honestly, Keith would probably break it during a fight, so they quickly moved on. Then Lance suggested a hat, which mostly led to them trying on so many hats and being asked to leave the store.

Then they ran into Veronica and Ina who were shopping as well. They ended up eating lunch and talking. It wasn’t until Lance stole one of her fries that she got a whiff of his cologne and remembered that he used some of Lance’s one time and she really liked the way it interacted with his unique body chemistry. Whatever it was interacted with his skin’s pH level, his natural oils, and God it could even be his Galra genes because it smelled even better on Keith than Lance. Which she unfortunately told Lance.

Not that Lance believed her…until Veronica agreed. That was when Lance got sidetracked and had to find a better cologne for Lance.

Katie can still remember Keith opening his present at her parents house and saying haltingly, “I think you got mine and Lance’s gifts mixed up.”

Matt peered over his shoulder and then replied, “Nah, cologne is definitely a boyfriend/girlfriend gift.”

Keith looked started for a minute blushing so cutely! That’s when she leaned forward and whispered, “I really liked the way it interacted with your body chemistry. So sexy.” God he went from pink to red in a second!

Smirking she got back to work on her real present. Step one. Almost done!

Hours later Keith went to start his car and as the car heated, he saw a message in the frost of his car.

He felt his face flush with pleasure. His girl was really something else. Who else would get a message in frost from their girl. With instructions for step 2.

Jan3 Bells

Katie was so damn tired. She felt awkward, uncomfortable, and just annoyed. But to be fair, everything annoyed her. Her body. The smells in her lab. Her shoes. Damn even this stupid song! She looked at the bell next to her. That annoyed her too. She didn’t want to use it. She was a paladin of Voltron she was a badass.

Hours later, she looked over at the small bell and shook it. It rang out clear. She grinned and thought, an Angel just got their wings somewhere.

Suddenly, the door slammed open, “Is it time? Are you okay?”

Katie let out a yelp. “Babe!! I thought you were at work?”

“No way baby, I’ve always been at your mercy. I just went to the bakery and got you your favorite snack.” He waves a bag and opens the bag, offering her a chocolate covered donut with a grin.

Katie giggled, “My hero, but honestly you better hope that this baby comes soon cuz I’m so done.” All while making a gimme motion with her hand. She’ll definitely eat that donut!

Keith sat on the bed offering the donut and put his hand on her gigantic belly. “Hey little bud, be good, so mommy can rest. I can’t wait to meet you.” He kissed her belly while move slowly up her body.

Katie felt her mood lift. She felt her eyes fill with tears. “How do you always make me feel better?”

Jan 4 Good Luck

Time skips again…same timeline…

Katie and Keith were sitting in the auditorium seats. Nervous. This was it. What they had been working towards. Weeks of practice. Tears. Tantrums. More tears.

Keith was strangling the candy box into a weird shape, so Katie leaned over and nudged his shoulder. When he turned towards her, she leaned up and brushed her mouth against his, whispering “He has this.” Hell, they had this.

Then the heavy curtains opened so they and see they little Drew up there on the stage, with his clarinet in his tiny hands. From the the opening note, they knew their little guy was going to do great!

Keith looked further down to both Mr. And Mrs. Holt, his mom and …Kolivan. He grinned, “Here’s to the first of many Christmas concerts.”

Jan 5 Skating

Katie looked forward. This place was a hot mess. Crying, screaming, and screeches. Hell, she even saw someone puking. Picking up speed, she skated towards the opposite goal line. Matt said let’s go ice skating. Let’s have an outdoor day. Hey, let’s play hockey family against family just for fun.

Her two kids were crying. Mostly because they were mad but still there were tears. Keith was sporting a bloody nose and had James’ shirt grasped in his fist. He punched him and said, “You aren’t even a member of Lance’s family so how come you are playing?”

Katie roller he eyes. This was probably why Lance felt compelled to make a bet. Giggling she met Matt’s eyes.

Dec 30 Poinsettia

Keith groans. He got carried away. He never should have made that move last night. But she looked so cute, and he had no reserves. He quickly tried to get things back to normal, but he was he was left feeling dissatisfied. He wanted her to like him, and he wanted to date her. He didn’t want to be just friends anymore.

He needed to spell it out for her and let her know that he wanted to be her. Before she lost patience with him. But he had never really asked a girl to be his girlfriend before. In the past, a few girls had asked him out and he either said yes or no. He couldn’t even recall breaking up with anyone. A girl broke up with him once over the phone and he thinks one moved.

He has seen Lance ask out a few girls, even Hunk when he started dating Shay. But he wanted to do something special for her. Something as unique and special as her. While finishing breakfast, he absently searched his phone for ideas, but nothing felt right. He quickly tidied up and then went out for his morning jog. As he was finishing his five-mile run, a florist shop caught his eye. In the window, there was twinkling lights, with snowflakes, red plants, and green vines. It made him think of Katie. She loved twinkle lights, and he always thought of fairies when she had them up in her room. Plus, red was his signature color and the green vines made him think of how naturally he and Katie fit together.

He walks into the shop and using his Apple Watch to pay, he walked out with three poinsettias and a few additions. He grinned. This was going to work!

Keith quickly got home and set a few things up.

He quickly texted Katie.

A few minutes later, he opened the door to a frantic Katie. “What happened?! I have my first aid kit did you get hurt on your run?”

Her eyes slowly focus on the table. She mutters, “Keith?”

Keith holds her hand and pulls her to the table, “Katie, I’ve been feeling like this for a long time, but I can’t be a coward anymore. I have so many feelings for you. When we were in high school, I just wanted to protect you, so I made sure that they knew we were a team. And then I joined the service and kept in the loop by Shiro. And then, we got to be real friends. But I learned I am greedy. I want more than your friendship and hugs. I want your love and kisses too! As I was out running today, I saw the florist shop over on Main-and it made me think of you.”

He sat on the chair and pulled her on his lap, with his arms around her middle. He tired to get a read on what she was thinking but he couldn’t tell. So, he took a deep breath, “The red flowers and the green vines remind me of us. We go well together, and the little lions remind me of your first drawing in our art class.”

Katie gasped, “So you do remember?! That first meeting?”

Keith nods, “Yeah, you had my attention from the first. My admiration and my friendship, but now Katie, you have my heart too. Will you please be my girlfriend?”

Suddenly, threw her arms around his shoulders and replied, “Of course!!”

Dec 31 Eggnog

Keith was standing awkwardly around the dining room table at Lance’s New Year’s Party. Waiting for Katie. For his girlfriend.

Keith smiled.

“Mi amigo! What’s with the creepy smile?”

Keith frowned at Lance, “What the fuck man? You're such a jerk.”

Lance laughed, “Grab a drink! Have some food! We are ending this year on a bang! Seriously, hermano, I have fireworks for later.”

Keith rolled his eyes as Shiro and Matt came by. “What my sister isn’t with you?”

Keith averted his eyes and looked around the basement. It was pretty crowded but missing his girl.

An hour later, Keith was feeling annoyed. Veronica, Ina and Griffin were in his group talking about the lastest UFO sighting. Keith knew this was all crap but he didn’t have the energy to argue. So he just ignored the group.

Then there was a cup in his face. “Have you ever had eggnog?”

“Um nope, and seriously, that sounds pretty gross, I’ll pass.”

“But Keith, have a drink of mine, it’s a holiday tradition.” Said Veronica.

Suddenly, Katie’s voice called out with conviction, “Yeah that’s not a alien. That was a drone that went wrong—not mine, by the way—but nevertheless no alien. And eggnog, ick. That’s just gross.”

Keith quickly found her eyes, “Babe, forget that, Lance has fireworks.”

All eyes were suddenly on him.

“BABE?!?”

Jan1 Auld Lang Syne

Katie felt her face flush, but she wouldn’t avert her eyes. Keith was hers. She wouldn’t pretend that he wasn’t hers or she was his. She went to him and gave him a hug. “Hi… babe.”

Veronica started, “Um, babe? Are you two, like together?”

Both and she Keith straightened. But neither shied away. Keith grinned, “Yeah we are together, but more than that, she’s my girlfriend.”

Suddenly, the room erupted, “Ten…nine…eight…seven…six…five…four…three…two..one..”

Keith turned to his girl, “Happy New Year”

“Happy New Years.”

And then Keith kissed her, her first kiss of the year!

“So, how come everyone is signing the same song??”

Katie laughed, “It’s Auld Lang Syne, which is a song for the new year. It’s an old Scottish song that asks it it okay that old times be forgotten. It is a reminder for those setting forth in the new year.”

Keith grinned, “I’m not forgetting a second of our old times, instead, let’s just add to them.”

Dec 27 Candles

No power. Katie was sitting in the dark. She had matches but without candles it really didn’t matter. They were not even the long matches, so they went out way to fast to be any good. She was stuck. No laptop. No internet. No phone. Sighing closed her eyes regretting deeply that she forgot to charge it before she got caught up in her project. And now she had to pay the price by sitting in the rapidly darkening room.

Winter sucked. It got dark too early and there’s no way she’s walking to her brother’s apartment in this weather. Hell, she probably wouldn’t even make it down 13 flights of stairs! More importantly, how can there be power outages in this day and age. Once the power is up, she’s hacking into the power company and upgrading their power grids. This is bullshit. Ruining her weekend gaming plans and now leaving her bored. Now she wishes she didn’t do work first and gamed first instead. Hell, she’d rather be at work if she knew there was going to be no power here! At least she would have been with Hunk and Lance.

Instead, Katie is sitting on her couch feeling depressed when suddenly she hears a knock. Um, why would someone be knocking on her door. Especially when she can’t even check her ring camera to see whose there. She freezes; she usually never answers the door when she doesn’t know whose there. It’s not like she ever invites anyone over so it can’t be someone she knows.

Knock KNOCK. It sounded…angry?

Getting up slowly, she quietly walks to the door, looking through the keyhole. Huh.

Unlocking the door, she pulls it open cautiously, “Hello?”

“Hi, so this is going to sound stupid but I have candles but no matches. And since my stove hasn’t been delivered from the store yet, I can’t use that either. So, um want to partner up?”

Katie stared at the man in front of her. Blinking, she realizes she knows this man. Keith? Keith…the bad boy from her childhood was standing in front of her? Her brother’s BFF kinda brother was literally standing here. In her doorway.

“Um, ok? Do you live here? Or well obviously not here, cuz I live here, but in this building? On this floor?” Jesus Katie, shut up!

“Yeah, 5 doors down. Well, I’m just staying here it’s my brother’s place, he’s doing a semester abroad somewhere so I’m crashing here.”

Clicks in place. Oh yeah that makes sense.

“Well, sure, come in-and watch your step, I’m not a neat person, and I’m not expecting anyone so there’s parts everywhere.” Oh. My. God. Can I sound dumber?!?

Katie’s pulse is racing. Fucking Keith Kogane is in her apartment. If she told her 15 year old self this she’d have called herself a liar. She had a sort of crush on him during high school. Granted he never knew who she was but that really didn’t matter. And Matt never told her that he was staying in Shiro’s place. Now what? They can’t play any games or watch a movie. Hell, she doubts she even has edible food.

After she locked up, Katie lit the first candle that Keith offered her and then they were just sitting in her living room, shoulder to shoulder on the small loveseat she has. Awk-ward!

Katie starts to make some piles of paper, magazines, notebooks and parts. God she really should clean on a regular basis. Or hire someone. Damn. This was actually embarrassing and she never felt embarrassed.

Just then, Keith moves a foot and sends a freshly made pile of clothes slide into a pile of magazines. He quickly saves the clothes but as he saves the pile his had touches her bra. Both of them freeze and Katie knows she blushing furiously. His eyes find hers and then he practically jumps over the damn couch.

OHMYGODWHYISMYLIFELIKETHIS!

Keith turns and then freezes. “Hey, is this a Mothman figure?”

Katie rapidly throws the clothes in her arms in her bedroom and slams the door. “Um, yeah. You know him?”

Keith nods, “Um, yeah. Along with every other cryptid and ghost story out there.”

Katie grins, “I bet I know more.”

Hours later, the lights abruptly return. Illuminating the mess, as well as the empty beer cans, discarded chip bags and candy wrappers. Both blink when Keith grins, “I’m so glad Shiro told me the Holt girl lived in 1308.”

Dec 28 Holiday Movie

This will be a continuation of the last bit, with time skip.

Keith was walking with his friends. It’s been almost a year since that power outage and him knocking on Katie’s door. He knew his life had changed from that first knock. He was annoyed and had zero expectations for that night. But, that one night, it changed his whole life, and he knew she had no clue, the impact she had on him.

Through her, he met Lance and Hunk, apparently again. Though he had no recollection of them, he went to high school with them. And over time, they became friends. Then Shiro returned home. Suddenly they were all hanging out together and suddenly he was part of a larger group text.

Then through Katie getting an internship with Altea Corporation he met Allura and Coran. Then through her work teams, he met Lotor, Acxa, Zethrid, Ezor and Narti. While he wasn’t a big fan, they also were part of the circle. Things were so different from a year ago, yet not as different as he hoped.

Glancing towards Lance he saw how he was trying his best to get close to Allura. Despite Lotor being her ex, he had no qualms about putting himself in the way. His eyes tracked to Katie, who he has probably likes since she moved into his intro to drawing class.

Thinking back, he couldn’t help but smile. She was added to his class a week before the semester ended. He had no idea why someone would do that do a kid, but the Garrison didn’t care. Finals came and everyone had to put their artwork in the Winter show. She drew a mechanical lion, it was beautiful.

Since that moment, Keith kept an eye on her. He saw her rise to the top of the class and he made sure, no one messed with her. He might have gotten into a few more fights, gotten a few more detentions, definitely more lectures… but it was so worth it. She blossomed. Her head no longer down. Her voice strong. And when she was valedictorian, he felt satisfied. Honored to see her reach her potential.

Now, he was in her inner circle. It was amazing. Yet, he still felt…unsatisfied.

At the ticket booth, he tried to pay for Katie’s ticket, but Matt had already paid for hers. Then he winked at him?

Keith sidled up to her in the concession line. “Hey wanna split? It’s way cheaper to share.”

Katie nodded when suddenly Griffin accosted them.

“Holt!”

Both Holt siblings turn, but only Katie nods. Keith grits his teeth and tries to keep his composure.

“What are you seeing? Elf?”

“Oh, is that playing? I like that one too! Unfortunately, we are seeing Krampas 2.0.”

“Isn’t that a horror movie?”

“Well, I guess if that’s what you want to call it? Personally, we call it a holiday movie. Right Keith?”

Keith takes that cue to step up to her and throw his arm around her shoulders. “Exactly. Just our type.”

Katie grins. “Cryptids unite.” She holds out a fist and Keith kisses her temple, softly knocking her fist.

Keith can feel the stares of their friends but he’s decided. He’s going all in.

Dec 29 Takeout

Katie is confused. She felt like Keith was trying to tell her something last night but she had no clue what. She knew what she wanted it to be but she really wished he was clearer. Did he…like her? Like she liked him.

When Griffin showed up it felt like things were super charged. But then her brother, Shiro and Hunk intervened and things kinda sputtered out. Now she was determined to clean her place. After last year, she really needed to.

So Katie focused. Room on room. She folded, she dusted, she organized. It was six o’clock and she was finally done. But now it was late and she was hungry. Flopping down on the couch she groaned. How did the day pass so quickly?

Knock. Knock KNOCK. She ercognized that knock.

“Keith?”

“Hey, hungry? I’ve got the crème le crème of leftovers…a la Hunk.”

She grinned. “My guy.”

Locking up, she followed Keith to his and Shiro’s apartment. “Um, is Shiro here?”

“Nope, he went with Matt to give the update to the Rebel cause. You okay with that?”

“Of course. Why are you asking that?”

Keith paused, then shook his head. “No reason. Let’s heat up the food and then wanna watch the premiere Mysteries Unsolved?”

Katie grinned, “Um, YEAH!”

Hours later, Keith reached for the last biscuit, “Are you sure you’re full? Otherwise, this is mine.”

Katie grinned, “Piggie. But, yeah, I can’t eat another bite.”

Dec 25 Ornament

Katie’s grandma always gave her an ornament for Christmas. Over the years, she had collected about 23 of them, minus the ones that she accidentally broken. Holding tightly to one now, she couldn’t help the tears brimming in her eyes. Even without looking at it, she could picture it, a tiny stethoscope ornament from when her grandma thought she was going to be a doctor. Just a few months ago they had a good laugh at that one, honestly no way she would be a doctor! But sadly after this year, there would be no more ornaments for her, at least not from her grandma. Not anymore.

Fist clenched around the ornament, she hastily wiped her eyes. She just needed a moment. A moment to remember, to cry and to escape the joyful chaos around her. Everyone else was having a wonderful time and she refused to let anyone see her pain or drag them down. Fuck that. Just a few minutes alone, she thought, to pull herself together and get herself under control.

Moving past her parents, who definitely had too much to drink, Katie felt a moment of lightness. She loved seeing her parents together having fun. Moving along she started collecting cups and plates that needed to go into the kitchen. It would look like she was just tidying up. But instead of stopping there, she dumped the items off on the stairs, keeping her drink and continued past her old bedroom-snagging her favorite blankie to climb the narrow stairs to the attic. It would be much cooler up there and quieter. She just needed to center. Breathe.

Quickly, she went up the stairs, pushing the creaky attic door open softly. Quietly closing the door behind her, Katie leaned against it and slid down to the floor, balling the blanket up and holding it tight. The moonlight streaming through the uncovered windows illuminated the scattered boxes, providing her just enough light for her to see. She pulled her knees close to her chest and exhaled shakily, taking a sip of her long-watered down holiday drink. She had no idea what was in it, but it really didn’t matter. She knew there was some alcohol in it and at least the coolness of the room was helping her nerves settle.

She felt her exhaustion hitting her like a 2x4. Maybe working till the early hours of the morning wasn’t her best idea. But at least-Katie felt her body cool and start to unwind. Suddenly, Katie felt herself being pushed forward by the door behind her. Looking up she peers into the darkness…Keith??

“What the hell?” She muttered, trying to scramble to an awkwardly standing position.

The door opened and closed in an instant with Keith closing the door quietly behind him, his presence both unexpected and undeniable. Without a word, he gently pushed her back down and slid down beside her, his shoulder brushing against hers. She was sprawled awkwardly and quickly straightened. She can feel him looking at her, studying her silently. Katie frowned and looked the other way, but Keith shifted closer and gently brushed a tear away from her cheek.

“Ahhhh, Katie,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing. “Don’t hide. You’re not alone. You never were.”

Her throat tightened. Forcing out the words, she swallowed down her feelings and replied, “Keith, no. I WANT to be alone. Go!” Shoving furiously, she motions for him to get up and leave.

But Keith only sighed, catching her cold hand in his. His other arm moved around her, pulling her closer despite her protests. His warmth seeped into her, steady and comforting. Familiar.

“Haven’t you learned anything?” He said, his tone soft but teasing. “And Lance says I’m the slow one.”

Katie opened her mouth to reply, but Keith didn’t giver her the chance. With a sudden movement, he scooped her up and placed her on his lap, holding her firmly but gently.

“You don’t have to be alone, dummy.” He said, his voice firm yet she can hear the thread of affection. “You’ve got so many people who care about you. And damn it, Katie, you’ve got me. For better or worse.”

For a moment, Katie sat still, her breath catching in her chest. She wanted to argue, to push him away again. But instead, she let herself be selfish and lean into him, her head resting in the perfect spot against his shoulder. Maybe just maybe he was right.

Dec 26 Vintage

There is a ball for the heroes of the universe. Keith had tried to ignore the talk. He didn’t need to stand in front of a crowd and wave. He especially didn’t need their thanks. He didn’t need any accolades to pump up his ego or to attend the ball to make connections.

What he did need however was to see a certain paladin who was said to be there. But in order to go he needed to look the part. Which given his return from the field, he did not look like should be allowed in the kitchen door. He groaned. He couldn’t miss this. He quickly showered, shaved and then was stalled. He didn’t have any dress clothes. He was so screwed.

There was a knock and when he opened the door his mom quickly strode in.

“Here. This was your dads. I know it’s old but he only wore it once. It was left on my ship and I’ve kept it on hand. It…helped me more than you could know.”

Keith froze. He mumbled, “Dad actually wore this?”

“Yes. He looked very handsome. As will you.”

There was a moment of quiet. When she continued, “Get moving.”

Keith was striding into the event after checking in with Lance on their location. As he moved through the red carpet with single minded focus he saw Lance, Hunk and Pidge. He kept walking until he as abruptly stopped by some lady with a microphone.

Annoyed, Keith growled, “Move.”

“Hello, Paladin Kogane, what are you wearing for tonight’s festivities?”

Keith growled louder, “Move it.”

Lance danced over, “Well hello my gorgeous Ms. Walker, as you can see, Mr. Kogane is wearing a vintage suit and I have on a Valentino. My man Hunk Garrett here is wearing a …”

Pidge quickly grabbed Keith’s arm, pulling him down the carpet and into an alcove. “Are you good? I didn’t think you were going to make it here tonight?”