#voltronship

Kidge-a-palooza 2019 Prompt: Pillow Talk. Pairing: Kidge (VLD) Universe: Canon.  Status: Part 5/7

Keith threw the papers toward the table when his eyesight began to feel more tired than usual, and sleepier than he would like to admit. He brought one of his fingers to the bridge of his nose to massage the discomfort that had given him to review hundreds of reports that were the same as his judgment. Arriving on earth had had great benefits for everyone, Keith could admit that, but working with Garrison's bureaucracy was something he was definitely not used to. Not even the Blade needed to resort to so much paperwork after field explorations or errands with allied planets. After he was unable to understand what he was reading, no matter how much he tried to concentrate, Keith decided to leave until the next morning.

Or day, in space it was difficult to know the time when one was distracted for too long. He saw his holopad clock to find out how many hours of sleep he had left before starting a new routine in Atlas.

2:35 a.m

He stretched with regret while he got up, at least he could rest about five hours before the first alarm. He headed for his designated room, dragging his feet through the corridors, watching like some people still stood watching the safety of the ship in which they were traveling on orders from the commanders. Something inside Keith was removed from nostalgia when he thought about how different Atlas was from the Castle of lions. Although his last years had lived between the secret base of BOM and in the quantum abysm next to his mother, Keith still had good memories when he lived with his friends in the altean castle.

Like how Hunk was investigating and preparing new dishes with what he found on desolate planets, Coran and Allura on the central bridge directing new coordinates to their destinations as guardians of the universe, Lance competing with him for the aisles at the slightest comment or suspicious look, Shiro instructing him on what was the best combat technique in the training room. Or Pidge resting in the lion's hangar updating her duties while trying to explain to him what she was doing, failing in the attempt.

Many times, those memories saved him from the madness of living in the middle of an intergalactic war. Sometimes even he couldn't measure everything they had lived in the last time since they discovered the blue lion in the desert. But there they were, in a ship of the latest terrestrial technology created by Commander Holt, fighting together with hundreds of people of different races to restore the freedom of the universe against the coming threats.

Although Keith at that time just wanted to sleep.

When he passed through the rest area, he vaguely remembered another of the many personal memories of the castle he guarded suspiciously. For a few seconds, he thought it was ridiculous, considering how many people in Atlas anyone could enter the room to pass the time. But he didn't stop his feet from moving automatically, opening the doors in the expectation of finding her with her computer.

His surprise was immediate when his instincts didn't deceive him. In the middle of a dark room, Pidge was lying on the floor wrapped in a comforter seemingly warm enough for comfort, with a cup of coffee on one side, and her computer in front. Her lenses reflected any image, so she would surely be watching a movie.

Keith smiled to himself when that image of seeing Pidge spending time as a normal teenager became very similar when they lived in the castle. His heart contracted from a sensation he thought he had long forgotten, but there he was again, excited to think of being alone in the same space as her, far from the sight of others.

''If you want to rest, we have rooms, you know?'' Pidge jumped when she heard his voice and the sound of the door closing behind his back. ''It's late, you should be sleeping.''

''Oh yeah?'' Pidge answered selflessly, stopping whatever she was seeing on her computer, stretching lazily. It seems that not only he had run out of time. ''I didn't even realize.''

''Clearly.''

Keith lay next to her, causing Pidge to slap her shoulder playfully while claiming about her ‘stolen space’ and trying to get away from him. Keith also removed the comforter after settling on the floor for Pidge to claim with greater emphasis. Causing a battle of laughter while fighting.

''Hey, that was mine!''

''I confiscate it, your leader needs it.'' Keith answered taking Pidge's hands so he wouldn't take it off easily. She just snorted incredulously.

''Since when does my leader Galra need such a thick blanket?'' She questioned struggling her wrists to free herself from his hands, highlighting the Galra in prayer.

''I have begun to age hastily during this trip.'' Keith moved enough to turn their bodies when they laughed, causing Pidge to stay under him, wrists held by his hands. ''It's something Galra.''

''What a liar you are!''

''You don't believe me?''

''Give me back my blanket!'' Pidge said, imitating an offended accent despite the wide smile on her lips. Keith approached his face to give her a quick kiss on her nose.

''Sorry Pidge, now it belongs to me.''

''The leader of Voltron is a thief and a pedophile, help!''

Pidge shouted before they fell into a new caress and tickle fight, but not too loud to be heard outside. Keith laughed at how ridiculous it sounded while defending himself against her attacks, taking her wrists to stop her again. This time, Pidge was on top of his body as she rested her arms on his chest, looking at him with that cheeky smile that Keith found so irresistible of her, especially when she bit her lower lip unconsciously at a thought.

God, he had missed her so much in recent years, even if it had been only months for her, it had been an eternity for him.

Keith for a moment realized that they had stopped fighting for several seconds, coughing slightly to rebuild their posture. It was very easy to get lost in those golden eyes when he had them so close.

''I accept the thief, but I never remember becoming a pedophile.'' Keith said with a serious look or an attempt from her. Pidge for her part, snorted hard.

''You are with a minor, Mr. Kogane. You should know that what you are doing is illegal.'' Pidge raised an eyebrow when she saw his surprised face. ''And considering that now you have two more years since your return in the quantum abyss, I fear that five years of difference implies a rather high sentence.''

''It's funny that you tell me about illegal acts, Pidge Gunderson.''

Keith defended himself, but without malice in his words, he was only following in stupid play that Pidge had decided to propose. He didn't take it seriously; they weren't on earth anyway and he had done much more than lying next to his younger companion in a government room.

The only thing Keith could fear on that ship over any officer if someone came into the room by chance was Commander Holt. Who surely had no idea about the relationship he had with his daughter under the table and anyone's eyesight. For a while, he supposed that Matt and Shiro suspected after what happened in Naxzela, but they were reasonable enough not to say anything at the moment.

The war they lived in had turned them into something strange. They were nothing, and they were all at once. Close friends who supported each other in ways no one else could.

He circled Pidge's waist with his hands to draw her a little closer to his body. The quilt several minutes ago went to the background and at that time they only wanted to stay that way, losing themselves in each other's eyes while their hands gave slight caresses in the area where they were. It was a comfortable environment, where words were not necessary.

If both could see a shooting star through the window of the room, they would like time to stop at that precise moment, where the threats seemed to have disappeared from space and Voltron was not needed.

They expected such a reality to happen soon.

A loud yawn from Pidge quickly brought them out of the trance. Keith smiled sympathetically.

''You better go to sleep.'' Keith said in a soft whisper, Pidge groaned in protest.

''Not yet. Just, let's stay here.''

''You have to rest. We both have to rest or we will fall asleep at the Shiro conference.''

''Fuck Shiro.''

They both laughed at Pidge's scathing comment, coming out more like a groan than something really insulting. She groaned again when she moved closer to Keith's body, placing her head in the space of his neck. She liked his smell; it was much more masculine and attractive than since she last felt it so close.

Pidge closed her eyes for a moment, concentrating on Keith's touches around her waist. Until, without realizing it, the words came out of her mouth.

''Do you think it will ever end?''

''What thing?'' Keith asked, without stopping his caresses, what Pidge thanked internally.

''All this war. I mean, the last time we thought we'd make it, Zarcon didn't die and we had to deal with Lotor. And when we defeated him after we met his true intentions. Zarcon's whitch appeared out of nowhere with a force much more overwhelming than Lotor's. It's like...'' Pidge paused for a moment, taking a breath while ordering the ideas inside her head. Even if she didn't see him, she knew that Keith was listening to her. ''It's like when we think we've won...''

''It just doesn't stop.'' Keith added; Pidge held on with some more force when she heard him.

''Exactly.''

''We knew that this wouldn't be easy... We would have to fight with forces that exceeded us in number and experience, but hey... We have left everything alive so far, right?''

''But how long will that fate last?'' Pidge inquired, with a latent fear blooming from her insides. ''What happens if…?''

''Pidge...''

Keith began a path of kisses on her face sweetly to mitigate her fears. He could understand her, many of those questions were also asked regularly when they left the problems barely alive and a few bruises. And he had never found the answer to any of them.

But at that time, it was his duty to calm her partner's insecurity.

''Everything will be fine.'' He took her face so they could both see each other. ''We are together in this.''

''We were also together when we were stranded in space, and you almost left on your own.'' Pidge's eyes darkened in pain; Keith bit his lower lip at the mention of that experience. ''What guarantees me that it won't happen again?''

''I know you're worried about all this... But even if I can fail, others are also there to support us.''

''It is not enough.''

He knew not.

Sometimes he used to be extremely stubborn and failed countless times as Votron's leader just because of his impulses the first few times. He couldn't help it; he was still human and many situations sometimes surpassed him. The others understood and were willing to support him when Keith was heading towards bad decisions that could cost them their lives.

But Pidge was afraid. And many times, he forgot that, despite her vast intelligence, she was still a sixteen-year-old girl in the middle of a war. Atlas could give them some more stability since they had their families close to the earth and supported them at all times, but ...

It was not enough.

Pidge removed herself from his arms to get up from the ground, with a look fallen from sleep and constant fears that possibly interfered with proper rest.

''Sorry for bothering you with those things.''

''It's ok, Pidge.'' Keith got up too, bringing his hand to her cheek. She felt freezing under his touch. ''It's good to talk those things. If you want, you can always go to my room and continue having pillow talk.'' Pidge's eyes widened at the suggestion and then gave way to a haughty smile.

''Keith, you should take your hands away from me if you don't want to be jailed.''

''Can you stop with that!?''

They started a new sleight of hand that ended when Pidge got up to the exit, taking her computer with her triumphantly. Keith took the comforter off the floor, keeping it in the closet of the room where it belonged.

Pidge before closing the door behind her, turned to Keith.

''Hey Keith.''

''Yeah?'' He answered turning to her once he closed the closet.

''Thank you.'' Keith nodded, approaching her to give her a sweet kiss on her forehead.

later..

Lance: why don’t you just cut your hair? Keith: I--.. wont../// Lance: why..? Keith: or..-- err.. you can’t tie it anymore../// Lance: *internal screaming*///

Kidge-a-palooza 2019 Day Three: Budding. Pairing: Kidge (VLD) Universe: Garrison AU Status: Part 1/4

The drops hit the asphalt with fury, wetting her boots on the surface when she walked with pause through the streets of the city, thanked internally that her mother insisted put them on before leaving in the morning to go to school, now they kept it adequately isolated from moisture. At least, having her feet dry while her body was soaking wet from the rain was a good thing, she thought.

It had been raining all week and it didn't seem to have any intention of stopping soon. Not at least while Katie was walking home, with her notebooks soaked in the backpack, her face wet, her hair a waste of how much it cost to fix it in the morning. And especially, with a pain in the heart that made her eyes sting in frustration.

She wasn't going to cry.

It is what had said herself before leaving school, after finding the umbrella that her father had given her completely shattered in the entrance, while distant laughter was heard around. But at that moment, where she was completely alone and destroyed, the vulnerability became palpable.

At least the water that ran down her face made the tears not be noticed.

Katie was so tired that they messed with her for being, practically who she was. She had never found a valid reason why they bothered her so much that she barely related to her classmates. And it couldn't end worse when her father told her that he couldn't pick her up because of an emergency at work, by half-telling what happened with her umbrella, and Matt was out of town to come and comfort her later.

Katie kicked a stone in his path and sucked hard, stopping her tears in the process.

Damn nature, I'd be lucky if she got sick with pneumonia that night, so at least she wouldn't have to go to class.

''Pidge?''

Katie listened from the side of the street, stopping her abruptly. When she looked up, she could see a familiar face that wouldn't expect to see so soon. She frowned when he came closer, covering it with a black umbrella, in which its interior had patches of colors that resembled the constellations. Katie's heart contracted with grief. It was the same design that her father had given to her.

''I already told you before, I don't like you call me like that, Keith.''

''Sorry.'' He answered dryly, without taking care of her annoyance. ''What are you doing here so late? You're soaked.''

''No shit, Sherlock.''

''You always have to be so nasty?'' Keith approached her, intimidating. Katie just looked away. ''Have I ever done anything to you?''

''Right now.''

''What did I do to make you behave like an asshole?''

''You're being intrusive, and I don't need you to cover me with that stupid umbrella!'' Katie hit it with her hand to get rid of her, scaring Keith for a moment.

''Be careful, it's a gift from my mother!''

''I don't care!''

''You fucking gremlin ...'' His fists pressed hard on the handle of his umbrella, biting his lip frustrated. ''Fine, go home alone! It's not like I have to put up with you when Shiro is not with you!''

Katie turned on her heels and walked with a hurried step toward her home, without looking back, where she had left Keith grumbling alone in the rain. It wasn't necessary anyway; she knew he wouldn't go on her quest after being rude with his gesture of help.

However, that wouldn't prevent guilt from growing inside her having rewarded her frustration with someone who didn't deserve it, he had no moral obligation to help her.

Keith wasn't her friend, it was just, coincidentally, the person who was near Shiro at opportune moments when she visited him in Garrison while waiting for her father. And who was accompanying him when her mother invited Shiro to dinner to celebrate some news.

Whenever she saw Shiro, Keith was by his side, accompanying him or conversing with Matt in his absence when he was busy, who seemed to have enough confidence to talk to him about anything.

Katie, for her part, didn't address him unless it was necessary, they had a difference of three years and there seemed to be no common ground between them when they were alone. So simply, they were accompanied in silence.

Katie had met him a couple of months ago, after a celebration in homage to the latest technological advances in Garrison with the help of the Daibazaal empire. Shiro, his personal hero and best friend of his brother, had presented him as one of the most promising pilots in recent generations.

But as quickly as they exchanged glances and a slight handshake, they had realized how different they were.

Keith loved the danger of training ships, caused fights inside and outside Garrison, and it was a headache for Shiro and Iverson most of the time because of their zero tolerance for frustration. When they were in the same room, Katie wasn't interested in anything that Keith was fond of, and he wasn't interested in understanding Katie's scientific interests.

The only thing that seemed to have been congenial was when both had heard a comment from her father that both seemed to have an implicit competence on which of the two would give his first cardiovascular attack to Iverson for his bad behavior.

Samuel had made them laugh out loud that day, being accompanied by a clash of fists between them to have an enemy in common, after that, things hadn't changed between them.

Katie didn't care too much about having nothing in common with him, Keith was like all the other boys of his age she knew, except that he at least didn't bother her, cause of her intellect.

Keith simply respected her and gave her space.

A strong current of wind settled on her bones despite the thick gabardine that gave her some warmth on her soaked body. It was already getting dark and the cold became more noticeable when the minutes passed outside. Katie sighed defeated, but slightly calmer before leaving school. The walk had made her think about her attitude. She would give Keith a well-deserved apology when she visited Garrison over the weekend, and about her umbrella in case, she accidentally broke it. Even though his intentions were honest, she had behaved like a bitch.

''Katie!''

She turned in dismay as soon as she heard her name, thinking she had imagined Keith's voice in the distance. However, she saw him running in the rain completely soaked. In less than five minutes there he was, next to her, with his umbrella closed and a slight blush at the trot he was carrying before finding her.

Katie waited for the air to return to his lungs before speaking.

''I ... I'm sorry.''

''Why?'' She whispered softly. Keith looked away to the side of the street, thinking carefully about his words.

''I didn't mean to be rude to you. When I saw you in the center, I really cared to see you in the rain with nothing to cover you ... You looked lost.''

''No, it's fine. I was just upset because my umbrella had broken...''

''Seriously? You were not upset with me?'' Keith was surprised, Katie nodded.

''Not really, you didn't do anything bad either, you just found me at a bad time. So thanks ... I mean, for trying to help me a while ago.''

They both smiled in relief, laughing slightly after a few seconds at the obvious awkwardness of their conversation. It was the first time; they had an exchange of more than three words. That reality had been evidenced by not knowing what to say after a few minutes. But soon Keith, with a light pat on the asphalt with the tip of his closed umbrella, buzzed in affirmation to accept Katie's apology.

''There's no need, but next time, hit me instead of my umbrella. It's something I really appreciate, you know?'' Katie huffed funny. Moving her hip to a more relaxed position and crossing the arms.

''Sure! Don't hesitate to say where you want to hit you the next time you find me angry.''

''I'd prefer on the shoulder if it doesn't bother you, it'll be hard from you to get there.'' Katie pretended to be offended, with one hand on her chest.

''Is that a joke on my height? You're shorter than Matt!''

They both laughed vividly for a few seconds. The atmosphere between them had turned to something more comfortable and safer. Keith opened his umbrella when he saw Katie remove some of the drops on her face.

Somewhere in Keith's mind, he saw Katie's face as something curiously lovely as the water fell on her cheeks, while small strands of her hair clung around her skin. It's not like he didn't think about it before while talking to Shiro. More than once, he had seen himself lost in those big eyes full of curiosity. It hadn't taken him long to understand why Shiro liked spending time with her.

Katie was someone interesting. But hardly accessible.

He stood for a few seconds contemplating how she arranged the hair to the side of her neck when he saw her raise her face with curiosity and her eyes met his.

''What?'' Keith realized that he had been watching her for too long. He cleared his throat briefly before covering her completely with his umbrella, approaching her to share his protection, smiling timidly.

''Do you want me to accompany you home? It's already dark, and I'd worry about thinking you're walking alone in the rain.'' He saw the indecision in her eyes, but after a moment, Katie nodded with a sweet smile. Keith's heart jumped abruptly.

''Of course, why not?''

The rain began to wane when they walked down the street in the suburbs, were only a couple of blocks from Katie's house, but even so, the protection of the umbrella was something that Katie greatly appreciated. The warm lights of the posts were the only thing that illuminated the path, the colors of the trees and shrubs around them felt clear and lived because of the rain.

It was a nice walk, and some nervousness appeared in Katie system when she was aware that was having time with Keith. He had kinder than she thought, and they had exchanged a couple of jokes naturally when they got over the anger of the moment.

When she turned her gaze away, Katie had to strain a little to see Keith's face. The difference in height wasn't much compared to Shiro or Matt, but even so, Katie was too low compared to anyone.

It took a few seconds for Keith to look her straight in his eyes when he realized that Katie was watching him. There, stopping simultaneously, as if he expected her to start talking, Katie saw violet, one that could be compared to the thousands of galaxies around her beyond the infinite universe, a single color, she thought. It was the first time she had seen him even though he had been by her side countless times. Although she had never been so close to Keith as at that moment.

Katie smiled embarrassedly looking away to the sidewalk, she felt ridiculously silly at that moment.

''Your umbrella.''

''What?'' Keith asked confused when he realized she had said something, her voice had been soft, almost inaudible.

''It's beautiful, I didn't want to hit it on purpose. It's the same umbrella that my dad gave me a couple of months ago. My classmates broke it before the rain because they thought it was ridiculous.''

''Still bothering you?'' Inquired severely, Katie only made a gesture with her hand, playing down the importance of the matter.

''It's not worth worrying about that, besides ... You saved me this day, right?''

Keith could agree with that, and he didn't want to spoil the mood by arguing about her classmates, they would have another day to talk about it. Keith knew what it was like to be discriminated against by his high school classmates, he had lived it even inside the Garrison before Shiro intervened directly.

When they arrived at the Holt house, he thought it was a good time to say goodbye. But before even taking a couple of steps away, Katie took his arm.

''Thanks for ... Everything, I suppose. It was good to spend time with you.''

Again, the heat in his heart burned when he saw that sweet smile directed at him, even with the rain around him it looked lovely through his eyes. There was something in Katie that had changed that day, perhaps the first time they had talked, the comfortable time in silence, or the fact that he could see her more closely than in the past. Whatever it was, it made his pulse quicken.

''No problem, Katie.''

''Pidge.'' She corrected, walking towards the entrance of her home. ''You can tell me Pidge.''

The bubbling sensation around his stomach increased when he saw her smile for the last time and open the door to take her dog into her arms as fast as she saw him escape.

Kidge-a-palooza 2019 Prompt: Greaser. Pairing: Kidge (VLD) Universe: 50′ AU. Status: Part 1/2

Katie listened as her father opened the door of her room to make sure she was asleep on her bed, the same routine as always at the same time, she thought. Katie kept her eyes closed almost without breathing so as not to move a single muscle of her face, waiting for him to think that she had fallen asleep for many hours ago. She felt him approach on the window to make sure there were no "dogs" wandering around his house during the night, causing Katie to almost stop breathing. But after a few seconds and with a satisfied sigh, he kissed her forehead and wrapped her a little more to say good night, as he always did since Katie was five years old.

She waited a couple minutes in the same position, thinking that, if she moved a bit, she could see his father in the doorway with an inquisitive look. But when Katie turned around, she saw absolutely nothing in her room, just the normal mess of the room that her mother had recriminated that morning.

She jumped out of bed and avoided making as much noise as possible while removing her horrible pajamas given by her granny, and starting to dress in a much more comfortable way for that night, Katie has to be careful, the walls were thin and her father's ear had sharpened during the last months due to the misbehavior of his beloved daughter. But Katie was smarter and had learned to cheat quickly to get away with it. Fifteen minutes were enough to be completely ready with her red polka dot dress and a jeans shirt around her shoulders to give her some warmth during the night. Katie thought she could do something with her messy hair, but she preferred to tie it in a high ponytail with enough fixative so that it wouldn't bother her eyes.

If she made a lot of fuss her parents would realize that she was trying to escape late at night.

Took some of money and the keys to the house to put it in her shirt pockets and opened the window of the room with a lot of patience, if she wasn't careful, the wood would make a horrible sound that could discover her. There was nothing strange around the houses of their neighbors who were already resting, but if Katie paid a little attention, she could hear Lance and Hunk discussing some stupidity a few streets down.

After a few seconds, Katie could see that ridiculously long hair wrapped in cheap grease peeking out from the bushes of her neighbors. She sat in the window frame with a sardonic smile when she watched him walking with a cheeky smile like he were the king of the world and everyone had to bow at his feet.

His leather jacket gleamed in the dark, possibly because of engine grease that never cleaned correctly. Her dresses always ended up spoiled when he took her in his arms. The poor man who had no future to offer her, except for an old motorcycle and a life full of dangers in the face of his parents' discontent, was under her window, opening his arms so that she would fall to him like a foolish girl that possibly abounded in his life as a criminal.

And in spite of everything, Katie was more than happy to fall before him, that night and those that came.

''Hey Pidge you know if...''

Her older brother's words remained in the air when he saw Katie with her feet hanging over the window frame and her body ready to jump, with a terrified expression at the thought that she might have been caught in the act. Matt entered quickly to take her arm with one of his hands, preventing it from jumping.

''What are you supposed you're doing? Dad and mom warned you not to go out with that greaser again!'' Whispered annoyed, what seemed to Katie rather a groan at low volume. She cleared her throat in annoyance when he pulled her arm to release her.

''They will not notice if I come back before Dad wakes up.'' Katie answered sure of herself, it was an infallible plan according to her point of view. Matt, however, shook his eyelid.

''They'll put you in a damn convent!''

''If you're so worried about Matt, then make sure they don't notice!''

She whispered loudly to her brother and then kissed him on the cheek in farewell before throwing herself into Keith's arms, who held her perfectly before falling to the ground.

Matt could see them laughing like children holding hands while the guy who stole his sister demanded to hurry up while losing them a couple of streets below. Surely that's where Keith had hidden his motorcycle from his father's sight. Who had given the speech to Katie last week never to go out with him under any circumstances.

And there was his sister, directly to danger. Matt hated Keith from the day he met him, but he knew that during his outings he would do anything to keep her baby sister safe. He prayed that at least she comes back less drunk than the last time, or it would be difficult to help her raise the window to fool his parents.

Again.

 ...

 They arrived quickly at the Allura's house who was in the same neighborhood, the lights and screams resonated loudly outside the house hinting that perhaps the alcohol had already beaten their guests for many hours. Katie thought that Matt was exaggerating, even if she was caught, she could easily ask her friend for help to convince her parents that she had been with her all this time. Her parents loved Allura from the day they met her, and they believed blindly that she was a completely demure English woman and a good influence on her life.

Nobody knew that Allura was doing that kind of party while her parents were in the UK visiting her family, much less that she was the girlfriend of one of the boys from the motorcyclist's band in the city.

Katie laughed at the idea, if only they knew...

''What is so funny?'' Keith asked approaching her body to him and made their way to the drinks table. Katie shrugged when she took a bottle.

''Oh, nothing important.'' Katie answered with a half-smile. Suddenly she felt strongly pulled by soft hands. In the middle of the crowd, she could see Romelle and Allura calling her with impetus. She turns to look at Keith one last time before being taken by force. ''I think they want me to go with them. I will be back soon!''

''Be careful.''

It was the last thing she heard from his boy while her friends made their way into the house where Allura had blocked all the guests. Chuck Berry's voice didn't allow Katie to hear anything that they were trying to tell her, which seemed urgent and novel as Allura moved her hands when she spoke. Katie guessed they were impatient how long she had taken her to get to the party that time, but she had to wait until Romelle closed the door behind them to finally understand what they were screaming at her for a long time.

''Better be important, do you know how hard it is to see Keith without my parents finding out?'' Romelle snorted without paying much attention, but before opening her mouth, Allura placed her hand on top to stop her.

''Not here, let's go to my room.''

They followed Allura to the stairs in silence while they saw a few people around the main room talking while they drank, but it didn't seem to matter to her friend at the moment.

Once Katie closed the door, Romelle shouted at her.

''Allura is pregnant!''

''Romelle!'' Allura seemed disappointed, but Katie did not know if it had been for shouting about the news or that she had said it before her. She, however, was speechless.

''What you what?!''

Katie tried to articulate something as she weighed the surprise that the news had given her, without success while Romelle shook her from one place to another. It was true that Allura had behaved a little strange in the last time that even Keith asked if it was completely normal. Her appetite was not the same, going from eating large amounts of fat-filled foods to excessive hours, she was much more upset than usual and had gained a few weights. Pretty strange thing coming from someone of high performance as it was Allura.

Katie sat on the edge of the bed carefully, looking at her friend who was sweating cold at that moment. There was only one thing she needed to know.

''When was the last time?''

''Two months ago.'' Allura answered quickly, causing both to release a sigh full of relief. Romelle watched them confused.

''Hey, what are you talking about? Is there something I haven't heard about?''

''You'll see Romelle ...'' Katie commented, patting the side of her bed for Romelle to take a seat. ''Your dear cousin here is not someone who knows how to control correctly.''

''Pidge, I warn you ...'' Allura said spitefully, but Katie didn't take it.

''She was with Lotor four months ago.'' Romelle gasped loudly as she got up from her seat to Katie's amusement and Allura's displeasure.

''You thought it was not Lance's!'' Katie laughed sardonically when she saw her friend hit her face with a pillow with Romelle's comment. ''You thought it was from the commercial hair boy!''

''Allura is a bitch!''

They both began to laugh while holding hands and jumping across the room, being accompanied by Allura after a few minutes when the tension of the environment broke down in a few moments, turning into a meeting full of congratulations on the news of her pregnancy. It was a serious subject that had anguished her most of the week without allowing her any rest. More than being pregnant, if it was of Lotor. Since her father would force her to marry him to honor the family name, and thus, get rid of the person that Allura had chosen to love.

That day Allura had discovered that she had only a couple of weeks, so she was completely sure that it was Lance's son. Sharing this news with her dearest friends had filled her with happiness and she was glad that they took it as something good.

''I'm very happy for you, but ...'' Katie looked down at what wasn't being said in the room. But Allura's eyes were full of determination.

''Don't worry about Lance, I'll make father see the kind boy in him.'' Allura touched her belly full of expectation and a sweet smile on her face. ''I know he will be able to see what I do.''

''And if not, you can always count on Uncle Coran's support.'' Romelle replied with a sweet wink, both girls laughed at her words. ''That man knows how to convince Uncle Alfor.''

''I think so.''

Allura said much more animated. They heard a scream and a loud bang in the backyard that let them know they would soon have to go to the party and see how things were out. Or they would destroy the house before they realized it due to the effects of alcohol and drugs. But before heading for the door, Allura took Katie's hand to bring her a little closer to the dresser in her room.

''What are you doing?'' Katie asked curiously when she saw her draw some lipstick of different tones from her collection.

''I will have to take me to Lance at some point of the evening to give him the news since we can't see each other during the day in full view of everyone. And I can't do it if he starts arguing with Keith for some stupid reason.'' Allura colored Katie's lips before she had something to say, resigned. In the end, Katie like that. ''You will be my distraction, take Keith wherever you want, except to my room. It is understood?''

''What? The one who is pregnant is you, not me.''

Allura tapped Katie's shoulder at that statement playfully, though she was slightly sore for a few seconds as she walked down to the backyard.

There, in the middle of a fight where Lance seemed to be losing to two men much bigger and heavier than him, Katie could see her boyfriend at the end of the pool chatting animatedly with the guys in his band. The lively voice of Vince Taylor passed back to begin to resonate 'Love me tender' in the environment. It was at that moment when Keith realized her presence, and with a sweet smile approached her as if nothing more important existed in the world.

Katie would be a liar to say that she didn't feel slightly envious from her beloved friend that night, having the luck to share the happiness of a future family with the person she loved the most in the world, and dare to face her father if he didn't agree with her decisions.

Allura was a woman with convictions, and Katie, although she left her house in hiding from her father, was still afraid of her father reaction if he knew that she was still dating with the alleged gang member who would lead her astray. While Elvis's soft voice dictated words of love in her ear, she wondered if she was able to leave everything for Keith.

But when he came close to her, to kiss her with such tenderness and delicacy that Katie twisted her head when he took her waist with one of his hands, Katie could think that she was brave enough, at least that night.

''It took you an eternity, what was it that Allura needed?'' Katie bit her lips, amused when Keith tilted her intrigued gaze.

''I can't tell you yet, but you'll know soon.''

''Are not you planning something? Are you?''

''If I told you, where would the fun of surprise be?''

They both smiled before kissing again leaving the subject settled, Katie didn't have the authorization to tell him, and Keith didn't ask more than necessary, preferring to think that Allura was simply strange. It was a languid kiss, sweet and soft, while enjoying the tenuous melody, to give space to a much more intimate atmosphere. Katie gave a quick glance around when Keith began to rock in the same position.

The low lights and the tempered music didn't have to be anything more than Romelle's work that she had surely used so that Allura had the ambiance to release the news to Lance.

She looked away to rest his head on Keith's chest, she didn't want to think about them that night. A soft growl came from his boyfriend's throat that made her laugh softly. Keith was enjoying the moment.

''Only Elvis is capable of this.'' Added Katie, to see Keith smile with a hum of affirmation. The low lights made his eyes look much more purple than normal.

''And only you are able to make me dance.''

Katie laughed to lower her gaze again, feeling strangely ashamed when the smell of motor oil coursed into her senses. But she had to give him credit that Keith was not lying, he usually didn't dance. But there were moments, like that, where he showed her his deep love for her with gestures like taking her by the waist and rocking around.

It was the most devotion's act to what he was capable of doing, and she deeply appreciated it.

After a couple of hours of dancing and laughter with her friends. Keith decided to take her home before it became dangerously late, she said goodbye to Romelle after a few minutes looking for her, she didn't ask about Allura and Lance, who had disappeared from the party some hours ago.

The cold air of the streets that reached her bare legs cause of her dress made her wake up a little from the alcohol she had ingested. Katie felt she would never get used to riding the red motorcycle that Keith loved so much.

When she arrived at her home and was helped by Matt to climb to her bedroom window, she didn't mind listening to her brother talks about the dangers of her actions and how terrible it would be for their parents if they discovered her.

But for Katie, the world was in order when she was able to spend time with her beloved.

 ...

 ''Hey Kogane, a guy here is looking for you!''

Keith cleared his throat in discomfort when he wiped his hands on the engine grease from the car he was trying to fix all morning. For days he had no news about Lance and the work was accumulating from orders that Keith wasn't able to handle them form his own. Also, his instinct for a long time was saying to him that something was not right. But Keith wasn't sure what or where to look for Lance, so all he had left was to wait.

When he arrived at the entrance to the workshop, Keith was frozen when he saw that it was Matt, Katie's older brother, who dressed elegantly as always. Something in the stiffness of his face told him he wasn't there for a casual visit.

His body tensed the instant he approached him.

''What are you doing here?''

''You should be grateful, Keith. What I am doing will surely cost me my father's trust.'' Matt handed him a simple envelope to take, Keith hesitated for a few seconds before taking it off. When he saw that the signature was from Katie, he went into a rage thinking the worst.

''What does this mean!?''

'''Her goodbye.'' Matt answered with the same poison that Keith professed him. ''Katie was sent to a convent as soon as my parents listened that Allura was pregnant with one of your friends.''

''Allura what?'' The place suddenly began to turn in Keith's mind, being taken by Matt before falling to the ground. Katie had been sent away? Was this being her way of saying goodbye?

''It seems you didn't know anything.'' Matt supported Keith in a chair to try to rejoin. ''I'm so sorry, Keith. Allura and your friend escaped from the city when Mr. Alfor didn't accept them. So that the same thing wouldn't happen with Katie, my parents sent her to the other side of the country.''

Kidge-a-palooza 2019 Prompt: Mist. Pairing: Kidge (VLD) Universe: Fantasy!AU. Status: Part 3/3

''Keith?'' He felt that someone was pulling his sleeve drawing his attention, meeting a worried look from Pidge. ''Are you okay?''

''Yeah... Why wouldn't it be?'' Asked uncomfortably while directing his attention to another place, some nymphs began to make a food competition in which Hunk seemed to be winning. She hummed incredulously to get his attention again.

''You've been looking at that plate for twenty minutes. Lance is betting that you could be like this all night.''

''Ohh.''

He placed the empty plate on a nearby table, returning to the same place he had been throughout the evening. Not that Keith didn't want to talk to others, the air from the balcony window felt good enough to move into the living room, where being surrounded by a sea of ​​people wasn't exactly something that Keith felt precisely comfortable, his dark nature made the crowds seem overwhelming, so he didn't want to mix with each other despite the protests of his friends during the first hours in which he preferred to isolate himself for the moment.

From his place he could see Shiro and Matt laugh along with some close friends who were invited to celebrate their marriage, making a slight smile draw on his face. He liked to see Shiro happy after so long delaying his union with the person he loved, his work as an explorer made finding a suitable date a complete ordeal, until that night, where their souls would be united even after death.

That thought made Keith's interior stir uncomfortably, vaguely remembering what he visualized thanks to Allura's abilities.

Pidge was still by his side drinking from a transparent cup, silently keeping company, looking towards an unknown address in the room.

''If you feel uncomfortable, you can always go back to our home and rest, it's not like Shiro is bothered by it.'' She said after a few minutes in silence, Keith raised an eyebrow, curious.

''Is not that.''

''So?'' Pidge inquired, staring at him.

''What I saw in that cave... It's something worrisome.''

''I think you should stop thinking about that, Keith. It will end up obsessing you and it's not like you can avoid it.''

''So I hope it happens without doing anything?'' Keith responded frustrated, drawing the attention of more than one person around who moved away suspiciously when he saw a notoriously annoying dark elf. Pidge sighed heavily.

''It wasn't what I said.''

''So?''

''Keith looks around you, we're celebrating, we don't must to fight.'' The guilt ate his heart as fast as he heard her, causing the frustration inside to vanish completely. One of her hands landed on his chest, with some guilt in her expression. ''I know Allura is capable of showing you is scary; in part I feel guilty for taking you to her. But if you keep thinking about it, it won't prevent it from happening.''

''I know.''

He responded by taking her hand to bring it to his lips, kissing her knuckles with tenderness, Pidge smiled in response knowing that his concern was valid, she had also lost her mind when she met her prophecy years ago, before beginning her journey as a treasure hunter.

Traditional music began to emerge around the room while the lights dimmed to create an atmosphere as intimate as magical, small lights rose to enchant the atmosphere. In the center of the hall, Keith could see how Shiro and Matt began their first dance as a couple blessed by the union of the ancestors. They were simple and somewhat awkward steps the first few seconds since Shiro was not exactly a good dancer, but he tried his best until they both managed to reach a perfect pace.

Everyone was fascinated by the new union where both were the only ones dancing around as if they were the only people on earth, until Colleen and Samuel, Matt and Pidge's parents that Keith met during the week, joined in a welcome celebration by those present, and began to fill up with more couples who joined the couple's dance.

Even Hunk joined after a few minutes with Romelle, a girl as charismatic and energetic as Lance who joined their group as explorers a few months ago at the request of Allura.

The atmosphere was so joyful and lived with energy that Keith forgot for a moment about his worries until Pidge's hand felt over his. When he looked at her, Pidge bit her lip with longing for a quick look at the room where everyone enjoyed a good time.

Keith released a laugh between his teeth at the implicit question.

''I have two left feet.'' He declared as he let himself be pushed towards the center of the room, Pidge shrugged a little livelier while letting Keith take her waist with one of his hands, she rested hers on his shoulder.

''Look what a coincidence, I have two right feet.''

 Both smiled as they took the position and began to imitate the simple dance that everyone in the room followed. To Keith's surprise, Pidge guided quite well on his steps, that even his lack of ability to keep up was not completely visible. It wasn't long until both were as synchronized as the rest of the couples, and despite being surrounded by so many people, Keith didn't feel uncomfortable at any time, his attention was directed to Pidge, who lowered the dim light looked wonderfully beautiful. Her eyes shone like the hottest fire through the mist of darkness, as did those freckles that subtly peeked over her skin. And that, at that moment, the reflection of the lights next to the makeup that her mother forced her to wear for the traditions, gave the illusion that it shone like the stars, and he would be delighted to count one by one throughout the night.

''Wow, it seems you don't do anything wrong.'' Pidge walked away to allow him to turn her around for a moment. Keith shrugged as if it wasn't the big deal.

''That's because I have a very skilled partner.''

''Yes, I think so too.''

Hearing her laughter was enough for Keith to feel that his heart was compressed with joy by having her in his arms that night.

Until again, the image of her being taken by the prince of the dark elves, returned to his mind painfully that he almost worried others as soon as they saw him take his head.

He growled loudly as the annoyance ceased, those images faded from his thoughts leaving his mind blank. When he looked up, Keith was being watched by his friends who asked if he needed anything or had hit his head by accident.

Allura, who previously saw her enjoy a dance with Lance a few minutes ago, was watching him worried. Something on her face made him think briefly that she also felt guilty for delivering a prophecy he didn't ask at any time.

He rose strongly, avoiding everyone's questions as he headed towards the exit asking for some space. Shiro immediately turned away from the others, saying that perhaps he just felt too tired, and if Keith needed something, he would go to them.

Pidge just watched him disappear a few steps without even calling him, she knew that when he needed to be alone, Keith was completely inflexible.

She just hoped he was fine.

 ...

 He walked aimlessly for several minutes through the valley where a mist loomed in the dark until he decided to lie on the grass meditating on what happened. Not even the moon was visible over the sky, he was only with his thoughts and guilt for worrying his friends during such a special night. But Keith didn't want to deal with anyone at that time, he just wanted to be alone, with his thoughts, with regret at the idea that the person he loved most had the possibility of being handcuffed with the greatest jerk in the universe.

Keith didn't hate Lotor, but thanks to what Acxa spoke to him when they were during their explorations and the way he ended up taking advantage of others, he knew that he wasn't a completely honest person. The reason why Emperor Zarcon had stripped him of the village in the first place. Lotor was a manipulator, a man who loved the use of dialectics to others to take advantage of what he most craved, absolute power.

Just thinking that Pidge could suffer the misfortune of ending up with Lotor, perhaps it was because he could take her to that destination, and it was something that completely stirred his stomach. Because of his indecision about what he felt for her and the idea of ​​thinking that perhaps he had more time to think about what many warned him since his relationship with her began.

Keith had to accept that an open and uncompromising relationship would eventually bore Pidge. She was a nymph, a supernatural being who united in body and soul to what she truly loved, and that project in all her forms in her life.

But he personally was scared.

That he ended up negatively, that she got bored of him, or that his love wouldn't last until the end of their days as it was supposed to be. Life had instilled in Keith that not everything turned out the way one planned, he lost his father from a very young age even when he had promised that they would be both for a long time. And when he met his mother, he learned that half of his inheritance belonged to a cursed race. What could guarantee that your relationship wouldn't end in misery just because he wasn't completely sure of his feelings?

He loved Pidge, but he didn't think she was able to love him forever, no one, really.

By surprise he felt a tongue lick the left side of his head, drooling him completely. There, he saw Kosmo extremely happy to find him, as if he had been separated for a long time, or perhaps he felt that his partner wasn't truly happy.

He stroked the contour of his ear as he saw that Pidge also approached him with a slight smile.

His heart was compressed with pain.

''Hey...'' He greeted her trying to look neutral. She sat beside him while Kosmo snuggled around them both.

''He always knows how to find you, even when we can't see you.''

''Yeah, he is a great buddy.'' Keith replied with a smile. Pidge laid her head on his shoulder with more force than necessary, showing her discomfort in a unique way. Keith didn't complain.

''Shiro wants to think you need to be alone for a moment, but I'm sure you're still thinking about that stupid prophecy.''

''Yeah...''

''If you want to talk, I can always listen to you. I got mine not fulfilled; you know?''

''You were about to be raped by an orc.'' Answered irritated, she just shrugged as if the fact didn't affect her.

''And you were there so that wouldn't happen. That was a tiny possibility.'' Pidge affirmed with a strong determination in her eyes. ''But I held on to it, I believed that someone would help me escape from that destiny. Do you know how difficult it was?''

''I know.''

Keith could give faith in it, so he didn't hesitate. It wasn't easy for either of them to trust others with such intensity, usually, even during missions, they tended to perform their tasks individually. So, he assumed that it was a true ordeal for her to imagine relying on someone else to not die as painfully as at the hands of the elves.

''Trust that you will know what to do so that this prophecy doesn't happen, even if that means depending on others.''

He looked at her for long seconds before nodding, still uncertain. He could see that the freckles that decorated her face didn't shine because of the lights in the room, but because of the natural magic around Pidge's veins, they were like stars, which guided him from the darkness that at that time tormented his thoughts. So he hugged her tightly before he realized, Pidge corresponded after leaving the initial shock.

''It would be much simpler if you weren't involved in that.'' Keith felt her hands cling more tightly around his back as if she could give him some relief.

''Okay Keith, Allura doesn't give the prophecies on a whim. She gives them to people who need to change their destiny. Change it, I'm sure you'll make it.''

''How are you so sure?'' Pidge took his face with both hands; the determination was engraved on her face.

''Because you are by far the most stubborn and proud boy I've ever met, you won't let something like that beat you, will you?''

Keith remained unchanging for a moment until he released a loud laugh that infected Pidge when she spread. He hugged her again, this time both of them lying on the lap of the cosmic wolf.

They stayed that way, for a long time, the dense fog that covered the sky began to slowly fade away to give way to hundreds of stars that shone brightly as if their future was promising. Keith felt it that way, with that sweet nymph by his side, he really felt he could do anything.

Kidge-a-palooza 2019 Prompt: Longing. Pairing: Kidge (VLD) Universe: Post canon. Status: Part 6/7

For the past five years, Keith was always clear that the war had left serious consequences in himself, many of which cannot be seen physically. After all, it was inevitable when fighting a 10,000-year-old empire, but not all of them usually hold negative characteristics.

One of them is his impeccable ability to react to critical situations with enviable speed and serenity, always giving the best option when his judgment is warranted.

But at that time, while being accompanied by Ezor and Zethrid through the aisles of the garrison with palpable anxiety, he may end up fainting right there.

Both women were worried about him, being their leader both in the intergalactic aid program, and in the control of Marmora leaf missions, so seeing him with the nerves to the surface is not something that can be considered good.

The message that the green paladin sent hours ago had certainly worried him, but Keith declined to mention anything about its content.

When they reached the restroom, they met Lance chatting animatedly with a couple of cadets who were part of a project that he was probably leading in his spare time. Keith ran quickly to him as if life were going out of it.

''Hi! I thought you would arrive in a few more weeks...''

''Lance, Where is Pidge?'' Lance looked at him in dismay, and with some fun on his face.

''Apparently, you read her message recently, right?''

''I don't have time for your games, tell me where it is!'' He asked anxiously, drawing the attention of Ezor and Zethrid.

''Hey calm down buddy, today is her day off, she must surely be at her parents' house.''

''Thank you.'' Without paying attention to Lance's questions, he went immediately to the exit, without first asking his companions not to follow him for any reason and disregarding congratulations on Lance's high before leaving the room.

''Did something happen with Miss Holt, Mr. McClain?'' One of the cadets asked.

''Nothing important, Pidge probably played a joke on our friend.''

''What type of joke?'' Ezor inquired, curious about the whole thing. ''Did say she was dying?''

''Nah, she will surely have told him that was a father.''

The screams of both girls were stuck in her throat as Lance approached the screen of his cell phone, and a sweet awww came out in their place on the part of everyone to see the images taken a couple of days ago.

 ...

 When he arrived at the residence of the Holt family, he realized that his hands were sweating profusely, he didn't know very well what would do when he saw her after several months of absence on earth. Colleen received him happy to see him earlier than planned at the door, and without knowing what to say, he followed her silently inside the residence.

There, in the middle of many familiar faces, he could see Pidge sitting on the floor next to Kosmo and Bae Bae, surprised by his appearance.

''I'm glad you came back early! Did you read my message?''

''Hello...'' It was the only thing he could articulate while taking her hands tightly. He was shaking but dared not hug her in front of her parents at that moment. ''So it is true?''

''Of course, I couldn't believe it either.'' She brings him closer to their pets. ''Look, don't you think they are the cutest thing you've ever seen in the universe?''

Keith didn't give credit, he didn't know if it was because of the little puppies that surrounded his partner on her stomach, or the vile scam of the message Pidge had sent him. Kosmo had had a litter of four small wolverines, whose colors varied from white to dark blue that characterized it. The face of desolation was palpable, making Matt and Shiro laugh loudly, who had already guessed what Pidge had told him to force him to return earlier than expected.

''I am going to kill you.'' He said at last. Pidge, however, was falsely surprised by his threat, moving away from him to take one of the puppies in her hands.

''As you wish, but first we have to put names to our little babies.''

''Pidge...''

''Keith breathes.'' Shiro patted him on his back, seeing as a vein protruded over his hundred. ''If it had been true what I think Katie sent you, she wouldn't have told you by courier.''

''Already at this point, I think I have lost all faith in her, we will break.''

''Dramatic.''

''Learn not to scare people, damn it!'' Before pouncing on Pidge, she was approached by the puppy she had in her arms excited. He took it doubtfully after a few seconds, not even Kosmo had been as small as he did when he found him in the quantum abysm next to his mother, which touched him for a moment, slightly fading his frustration. ''It's... Too fragile.''

A loud sigh came out of his lungs as soon as he relaxed, calming the mood of the room, to sit next to Pidge and look more closely at the other puppies.

They searched for their mother's chest awkwardly, and barely had enough strength to open their eyes as they climbed on top of each other, complaining in the attempt. Keith laughed when one of them turned to try to get away from his brothers, completely relieving his annoyance with Pidge's lie.

He pulled her to his lap to lean on her shoulder when she told him how difficult it had been to help his space wolf to give birth, since that same night, a heavy storm fell that alerted Kosmo for many hours. Matt and Shiro had decided it was time to leave them alone, to give them some privacy.

''I'm very sorry that you took it so hard, I thought it wouldn't be so bad. '' Keith kissed the contour of her shoulder, in response to having been forgiven many minutes ago, Pidge sighed in relief. ''Aren't they beautiful?''

''They are, but ... What will we do with them as soon as they grow up? It is already difficult to take care of Kosmo and BaeBae when we are working.''

'' Well...'' Pidge turned to stare at him. ''Mom commented that it would be best to give them up for adoption.''

''Why?'' Keith couldn't help the trouble in his tone of voice. ''They are Kosmo's children, I will not get rid of them.''

''Okay, listen.'' She settled on the back of the chair to see his head-on. ''I knew you wouldn't like the sound of this, but you have to understand that having four cosmic wolf cubs is not a game, Keith. They need care, food and a lot of attention when they are young, we hardly pay attention to ours. How do you think they would feel seeing us only three hours a day?''

''Yeah, but...'' Keith felt doubtful about the issue. Pidge gave him a soft kiss on his cheek to appease the atmosphere that had tensed in a few minutes. ''I don't like how that sounds… I couldn't leave them.''

''You won't, in fact, when Mom mentioned the idea, it had occurred to me who could have the privilege of having a beautiful Kogane-Holt puppy.''

''Okay, I hear you.'' He replied laughing at the last. Hearing their last names from Pidge's mouth sounded temptingly pleasant.

''First, one of them is ours, right Kosmo?'' The wolf growled affirmatively; Keith's eyes shone with happiness knowing that they would stay with a puppy. ''Shiro said he planned to talk to Curtis to adopt one of them.''

''Seriously?'' Keith couldn't agree more with that decision. Pidge nodded animatedly.

''Before you arrived, he told me that he would tell him this week on his day off, so, if that were the case, Shiro would be the new home of one of the puppies.'' Both were satisfied with that decision, knowing that Shiro's home would be as ideal as being with them. ''One can go to the McClain family.''

''But Lance doesn't like Kosmo. And... Dogs in general.'' He commented skeptically. ''Why would he want one?''

''Because Lance didn't ask me, but Veronica. She said her family needs to have a guardian for the animals when they are not at home, and her nephews would do well to grow up with a pet.'' Keith nodded pleased once he thought carefully. It was a good idea, also considering that Lance's family was numerous and friendly, his puppy wouldn't feel alone at any time. So far, the options were adequate and close, so he felt no problem giving them to them. ''The other…''

''Who else? ¿Hunk? Koran?'' She slowly denied.

''Hunk said he didn't have time to have a recipe eater when he constantly travels through space. And Coran is not very interested in having a partner having the mice, and could eat his comb for the mustache.'' She sighed softly to say the last proposal, hoping that Keith wouldn't take it so badly.  ''It's Iverson.''

 ...

 Two months passed quickly since the last time Keith had embarked on land.

Many times, while in space, he didn't feel truly close to his planet. His family was close to him, complying with the control of the government of the galras, while his companions accompanied him on interstellar travel. Logically, he missed his friends more than he would admit out loud, but if by any chance of fate, Atlas returned to sail with all his neighbors inside, Keith would leave nothing behind to bind him on earth.

That thought was slowly eating him up. Somehow, he wanted to have what his friends missed when they walked away during diplomatic missions. Family memories, endearing sensations that would take him to a past day, and especially, a place where he could return when he was not busy. Those kinds of ideas had come as soon as Pidge had thrown that ridiculous joke that even her parents recriminated once they had heard.

For several days, Keith had the feeling that his first emotion upon knowing that lie was a disappointment, but he couldn't understand why.

''You have a strange face.'' Acxa let her look at the data on her screen to avert his gaze to Keith, worried when he didn't answer her in any way while still looking at nothing. ''Does something happen?''

''I... I've only been thinking a lot.''

''About the puppies?''

''What?'' He looked up confused.

''They have already turned three months. Veronica told me to take it this week because your wolf no longer breastfeeds them.''

''Oh yeah, you're right.'' He sighed wistfully to remember that fact, he had been close to the puppies to spend their last days with them, a soft smile was drawn on his face, making Acxa growl.

''You don't trust in me.''

''I do.''

He stopped her quickly, if something he had learned working with her, is that Acxa easily resented the minimum questioning of trust. He didn't recriminate her for that and had learned to cope with it. Working with Lotor had left sequels in her as in Keith with the war.

''I'm confused.''

''About Kosmo?''

''It's not about Kosmo!'' Keith sighed heavily before continuing, at least she seemed more relaxed. ''I... I received a message from Pidge before embarking on the Garrison.''

''I heard from Ezor, she told you that you were a father.'' Keith nodded silently.

''I thought it was she who was pregnant, and I think I lost my mind a bit in the process because I haven't stopped thinking about it.'' Keith was silent for a few seconds, saying it out loud felt lighter than many weeks ago, Acxa meanwhile, waited. ''I guess maybe I got more excited about it.''

''Well, who among us wouldn't want a family? It's something we never had when we grew up.''

A family.

Keith's mind stopped working at those words... As if he hadn't seen something too obvious that was written in his nose.

But before continuing to talk, Pidge and Iverson approached them.

''The ship will be ready to leave in another week for the A-78 galaxy, so we are loading the latest power supplies.''

''Thanks, Pidge.'' Keith mentioned while Acxa accepted the latest reports from his hand.

''I'll go show it to Kolivan so that everything is in order and we leave without contingencies.''

And with a soft smile towards Keith in an attempt to comfort, Acxa withdrew into the room. Seizing the opportunity, before Iverson said goodbye to Pidge and continued his work, Keith stopped him.

''Sir, I would like to speak with you.''

''What is it about?'' Inquired severely.

''Are you still interested in adopting one of Kosmo's puppies?'' Iverson was slightly confused for a few seconds, and with a drastically lower voice, he asked.

''I ... I didn't know if it would be considered.''

''When we first arrived on earth, you treated my wolf kindlier than many people. I really believe that our puppy would be in good hands if you wanted to.'' If there was some emotion in Iverson's eyes when Keith finished, it was immediately changed to a neutral face, although his smile remained.

''Well ... Yes, I'd love to.'' Pidge's smile widened at his response. ''Now, if you'll excuse me, I have issues to attend to.'' Pidge gave him a soft hug as they watched the officer entered through the hallways of the Garrison, clearly happier than normal.

''That was very sweet Keith, I thought you wouldn't want to give it to him.''

''What I said was true, Iverson loved Kosmo as soon as he saw her. After thinking about it for a few days, I didn't think it was a bad idea.''

Keith circled her waist while Pidge rested her arms on his shoulders, giving them a feeling of intimate comfort. There was nothing but machines and airplanes parked outside, with a few people who had more interesting things to do than observe them. So it was one of the few moments that could be affectionate outside the home without feeling uncomfortable.

''You're a mature man, Keith Kogane.'' Pidge smiled sweetly. So, Keith thought that moment would be ideal to let his worries out.

''You know, I've been thinking a lot about something.''

''Yeah, me too.'' Keith was surprised by the seriousness of her face, lightly squeezing his hands on her waist, had Pidge also had his same concerns all this time? ''How did BaeBae manage to breed Kosmo? Isn't she, like, three times bigger than my dog?''

''Oh my god, Pidge.'' He growled loudly, dropping onto her shoulder.

''What!? It is a genuine question.''

''I want a family.'' There he was, his low impulses acting again. He felt her back tighten on his fingers at that statement. So, without being able to continue fucking anymore, he continued. ''Not puppies, or rare machines that you do in your spare time, I want a family with children... And maybe more puppies, because they were very cute.'' When he looked up, he could see the alert in her eyes. Pidge was scared, or confused, he didn't know very well which of the two won her heart at that moment. ''I... I'll understand that you don't want to say anything for now, or send me to hell. But I want you to know that I have thought about it a lot, there is no one with whom I want to have a family, then with you, Ka-''

''Yes.'' It had been a whisper, almost inaudible if it wasn't for the proximity. Keith felt his heart pound so fast it would explode inside.

''Y-yes?''

''Yes... I would like to have a family with you.'' Pidge laughed while he saw Keith's face lighting up with joy, but before he wanted to kiss her, she pulled it away with a wave of her hand. ''But you have to talk seriously, not here. At home, both alone.'' He took hir fingers to give them a strong kiss on her yolks.

''Of course.''