Hi everyone. This is my first story so hope you enjoy it. I have to give a big thanks to Mertz, BlueLionSTL, and Wade Wells for all their help. I especially want to thank Mertz! If not for you, I wouldn't have had the guts to even write this! Thanks again...you're the best!
Feel free to review, but no flames please! Just doing this for enjoyment.
Disclaimer: I make no claims to Voltron or any of the WEP characters.
CMS
Life's Too Short
The water's surface is smooth and clear as glass as the sun shines brightly on Arus' ocean. Violent ripples appear suddenly as five separate sonic booms are heard as each awesome lion of Voltron enters the Arusian atmosphere.
"Great practice team!" Exclaims Keith.
"Yeah Princess. Your reaction time was perfect. I don't know what you were worried about." Pidge says confidently.
"Thanks Pidge. That means a lot to me." Replies Allura.
"If anyone should be worried about their reaction time, it should be Hunk!" Gloats Lance with a smirk and a wink.
Hunk bites back, "Hey, give me a break, I didn't have breakfast yet!"
"Alright Hunk. Let's get back to the castle everyone. I think we are all hungry." Replies Keith. A beep is heard on Keith's com link, "Keith here."
Coran's distinguished voice is heard, "Keith, I just received a message from Admiral Graham. Are you and the rest of the team on your way back?"
"Yep, be there in about five seconds." he responds. "You're going to have to hold off on breakfast a bit Hunk."
"Oh man." whines Hunk. "What's going on Keith?" Allura asks with concern in her voice.
"Coran needs to see all of us Allura."
____
Each pilot returns their lion to its den. As the Voltron Force starts to make their way to Castle Control, Keith grabs Allura's elbow delicately and pulls her aside. "Allura, may I have a moment?"
"Of course Keith. Is everything alright?"
"Um, ye...yes" stutters Keith. "I was just wondering if you...would like to have dinner with me tonight? Just you and I?"
"Oh. I see." While trying not to sound too excited, Allura announces, "Yes, I would love to!" A smile clearly present on her lips.
"Good, I will come get you around 5:30. Ok?"
"Perfect." All the while unbeknownst to them, their bodies start to get closer to one another.
"Ah....um...you two lovebirds want to join us or should we send a memo?" Interrupts Lance, with nothing but cockiness from his com unit.
Keith and Allura smile at each other and head up to Castle Control to meet with the others. Coran stands with arms folded in front of his chest. With one eye brow raised, he asks, "Are you two interested in what I have to say, or would you like to pass?"
"Sorry Coran," exhales Allura, a mere whisper.
"I suggest we go into the conference room. We will need to use the holo-map."
______
The force sits at a long rectangular table. Coran is seated at the head, Allura and Keith, to his right side of the table, and Lance, Pidge, and Hunk on the left. A holographic planet sits high above the table's surface. "Isn't that planet Rhinar Coran?"
"Yes it is Allura".
"I finished speaking with Admiral Graham just moments ago. It appears as though the people of Rhinar have had enough of the Doom forces ruling there."
Keith asks, "They are rebelling?" Coran looks towards Keith and nods.
"It appears that Garrison Intelligence has discovered that Doom pretty much has forgotten about Rhinar and really only uses it to house slaves from all over the galaxy."
"Are my people on Rhinar as well Coran?"
"Yes princess, there are citizens from Arus on Rhinar." Coran sighs. "I thought long and hard before telling you about it. I knew that it would become personal."
Allura stands, using the back of her legs to push her chair back from her. "Of course it is 'personal' Coran. It should be to all of us. These are innocent people from all over, not just Arus. Their loved-ones are wondering if they are still alive, hurt, hungry, and God knows what else!"
"Allura's right. So, what did you bring us in here for Coran? To talk about the weather? It is very nice out, but are you getting ready to ask us if we want to go free the slaves?"
"Lance, please." Coran says with eyebrows knitted together. "We have to really think about this…."
"What's there to think about?"
"Well, I have to think about Allura's safety!" Coran states with a hint of irritation. "We have to make sure that Doom's forces aren't too strong for the five of you. Not to mention that Lotor or even Zarkon could be on Rhinar."
"Well, we will just have to find that out. We can't pass this opportunity up Coran. And as far as the forces being 'too strong', I think plenty of the Alliance planets will be willing to help out in any way possible". Keith firmly states while taking Allura's hand and gently pulling her back down to sit. She looks down at him as he has her hand. He smiles up at her and squeezes her palm slightly. She sheepishly smiles back to him and sits.
"Alright, I will find out all the details I can and get back with all of you. I am sure Sven, Romelle and Bandor will want to help as well. Rhinar isn't that far from them or us. If everything goes well, you may be able to go in two days." With that the Voltron Force stands to exit the conference room. As Keith and Allura turn from the table, Keith nudges Allura slightly and whispers, "I'll see you in a little while."
Allura smiles and whispers back, "Don't keep me waiting too long." Coran, who sees the entire exchange between the two calls for Keith. "May I speak with you?"
"Sure" shrugs Keith.
"I have been seeing, shall I say, some…., oh…let me just say it….some romantic insinuations between you and Allura!" Coran says so fast that Keith almost didn't catch what he had just said. "What is going on?"
"Well Coran, if you must know, I asked Allura to have dinner with me tonight."
"I see. Well….fine." Coran responds, not sure really what to say next. "Have a good time; I guess."
"Thanks. Plan to." Keith turns on his heels and leaves the room. Coran just stands with mouth open wide. As soon as he realizes he is alone, he begins to chuckle. "Ah, young love. Just hope he knows what he's getting himself into"
_____
"Hey Pidge, where ya goin?"
"I'm headed to the lions Hunk. I want to run some diagnostic checks on them before the mission. Wanna help?"
"Sure thing. Can't be too careful. This sure is a memorable event, wouldn't ya say?"
"Yeah, Princess sure has every right to be happy."
________
Lance sits at the control panel in Castle Control. Tapping his finger on the hard surface and cradling his cheek in his right palm, he studies the screen that over-looks the nearby countryside of Arus. "Ah, so peaceful. If only everyday could be like this. It sure would be nice to be able to spend a day like this with a beautiful woman. Too bad Allura doesn't have a sister."
"What about Allura having a sister?" Keith asks from behind Lance.
"Oh, nothing. Was just talkin to myself is all."
"Hey Lance, if you need me, signal my com unit. I am going to be busy later."
"And what are you going to be doing that is more important than hanging out in the Control Room with your best bud?" smirks Lance.
"That would be…. none of your business. Says I."
"Ha! Be that way then. See if I tell you anything."
"What do you have to tell me? You're just sitting here mooning over yourself."
"I'll think of something. By the way, you and Allura have been quite chummy lately. Anything you want to confide in?"
"No."
"Fine"
"Yep, see you later." Keith waves his hand and smiles at Lance as he leaves.
"Something is definitely going on and I will find out what."
______
Allura stands in front of her full length mirror making sure that no strand of hair is out of place on her head. She is dressed in a pair of white cotton, flare pants and a loose, blue, silky halter top. The straps start just below her collar bone and the bottom wraps just at her waistline. Her shoes are a simple slip on pair, but blue to match her shirt. Allura's hair is flowing down and resting on her lower back. It is pulled loosely back just on the sides and her circlet rests perfectly on her forehead.
"Why am I so nervous? This is Keith. The man I trust with all my heart. My best friend. It's just dinner! No, it's a date. Could I tell him that I love him? Do I? Oh yes. I do. So much!" She is pulled out of her reverie when she hears a knock on her bedroom door. With one last look in the mirror she says "Coming."
As Allura opens the door, she sees what she believes is the most handsome sight she has ever known. It's Keith, standing in her doorway. He is wearing a pair of black slacks and a form fitting cream colored short-sleeved shirt that shows off just about every well-toned muscle of his upper torso.
"Hi…you look beautiful."
"And you look quite handsome yourself Commander." Allura says with her hands on her hips.
Keith holds out his hand to her and she quickly takes it with hers. "Shall we go?" asks Keith never taking his eyes from hers.
"We shall," states Allura, eyes fixated on his as if in a trance.
Keith and Allura walk with fingers entwined down the corridors before she asks, "May I ask where we are going? The dining room is the other way."
"It's a surprise," winks Keith.
They walk up to a door and Allura looks at Keith inquisitively, "This is the interior gardens. What are we doing here?"
"Close your eyes."
"Why?" Allura asks, suspicion written all over her face.
"Do you trust me?"
"Of course I do!" snaps Allura.
"Then….do as I say your Highness." Allura closes her eyes and Keith pulls her inside with the hand that he has been holding hers with as the door swishes open. "One thing." He whispers to her. "We have to take our shoes off."
"Oh?"
"Just stay still." Keith lets go of Allura's hand and bends down. "Hold onto my shoulders." Keeping her eyes closed, Allura takes both hands and feels for Keith's shoulders below her. She steadies herself as Keith slowly removes each one of her shoes. At this point, Allura is very happy she reapplied her nail polish to her toe nails.
Keith slowly lifts his head up to look at Allura. He smiles as he looks at her glowing and trusting face. God she's beautiful. He stands back up. Allura's hands are still placed on his shoulders. They are face to face now, Allura trying with all her might not to open her eyes. She knows if she were to open them, she would not be able to look away from him.
Keith reaches up and takes one of her hands. "Ok, let's go." He begins to walk. Allura is walking behind him with one arm stretched limply in front of her. Keith's arm is behind him with his hand holding Allura's. The feeling of soft, plush grass can be felt under their feet. The smell of every different kind of flower is dancing fragrantly in the air. They reach their destination and Keith pulls Allura to stand in front of him.
"Now my princess, you may open your eyes," Keith whispers, his lips mere inches away from her ear. Allura opens her eyes slowly. She inhales slowly as she sees a white blanket placed flat on the soft green grass. Short, fat candles are lit on the surrounding boundaries of the blanket, just on the outskirts into the grass. A large brown wicker picnic basket is resting on the top of the blanket.
"Please have a seat beautiful."
"Why, thank you sir." Allura says while smiling brightly at him. Allura strides over to the blanket and Keith holds her hand while she lowers her body to the ground. Keith follows suit and sits on the opposite side of her.
"Hungry?" He asks while slowly opening the basket.
"Absolutely." Giggles Allura. "Keith, did you do all this yourself?"
"Don't act so surprised." He laughs. As he pulls his hand from inside the basket, he holds out a sandwich wrapped in a clear bag. Giving it to her he says, "Nothing fancy, but I think you and I like a lot of the same things."
"Yes, I believe we do."
Keith pulls out a sandwich for himself as well. Then he continues to pull more items from the basket. There are plates of fresh fruit of just about every kind. "I know how much you like fruit."
"Is there anything about me you don't know?"
"Well, let me think. What's your favorite memory?"
"Well, that is pretty easy. It is one of my happiest days, but then again, one of the saddest."
"Care to share?" Keith asks hesitantly.
"I was ten years old and it was snowing out. I think it was the first time I saw snow. I didn't get to go out much do to the fact that Arus was under attack increasingly. My father came to me that day and asked me to play in the snow with him. Of course, I didn't hesitate. We bundled up and stalked out into the snow. It was pretty deep. We stayed close to the castle in case of attack. We made snow angels and we even had a snow ball fight. I won, but I think my father let me." Allura giggles. She slowly moves her gaze away from Keith's. Staring off into the air, a tear slowly rolls down her rosy cheek. She speaks softly, "That was the last time I saw my father alive."
"My God Allura, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to make you relive painful memories." Keith moves his left hand up to Allura's cheek and wipes the runaway tear from her face.
Allura looks down into Keith's worried eyes. "Oh, it's ok Keith. That is a wonderful memory. I actually got to spend a joyous time with my father before he passed. Please don't feel bad about that!"
"Hey, you went through all this trouble, let's eat."
"It was no trouble Allura. I assure you."
Allura smiles at him then looks down toward the food. "Strawberries! Where in the world did you get these?" Allura asks excitedly.
"My little secret. Actually, I think Hunk was hiding them."
"Really?"
"It was a joke Allura." States Keith with a raised eyebrow. Allura lets out a giggle and Keith smiles brightly at her.
"Ya know…"
"What?" she asks.
Keith flushes and looks away from her. While shaking his head, he says, "Nothing….you will just think I'm being mushy."
Allura puts her hand to her mouth and gasps out, "Commander Keith…you, mushy? Let's hear it mister."
"I was just going to say how much I like to hear you laugh."
"Well, thank you." As she says this, Allura picks up a strawberry from the plate. She sits up on her knees and bends toward Keith. Her strawberry filled fingers move towards Keith's moist lips. "You get the first bite," seductively states Allura.
Keith parts his lips, never removing his eyes from hers. He slowly takes a bite from the strawberry. Allura watches his reaction and slowly leans back into her spot on the blanket.
"My turn." Keith picks up his own strawberry and he too leans toward Allura. As his fingers reach her lips, she slowly parts them, the tip of her tongue making a slight appearance. Eyes again fixated on each other.
As the strawberry enters her mouth, Allura's tongue softly brushes Keith's fingertips. Keith's eyes go drastically dark and his heart skips a beat. It takes everything he has to pull away from her. He looks away, then down as he stands up. Allura looks up at him while she slowly chews the fruit that she accepted from him moments ago. She looks at him confused by his reaction. Keith looks back to Allura and holds his pointer finger up to her.
"I'll be right back." Keith walks just out of her sight and suddenly the most beautiful soft music begins to play. He walks back to the blanket and stretches his arm out to her. "Would you dance with me Allura?"
"I would love nothing more." She takes his hand and he pulls her to him. They stroll just beyond the blanket and embrace. Allura has her right hand placed in Keith's left, held just above his shoulder. Keith takes Allura's left hand and places it on his right shoulder. He slides his hand down her body and rests it on her hip. He gazes deep into her bright blue eyes and is captivated. She is finding it hard to breathe.
They begin to sway to the music. With every step they take, their bodies inch closer together. "Keith, you asked me about my favorite memory. What about yours?"
"To be quite honest, it was the day I came to Arus and met its princess." With Keith's words, Allura's eyes began to glisten.
Keith moves the hand placed on her hip to the small of her back. Eyes never leaving hers, he pulls her slowly closer to him. Allura releases her right hand from his left and places it on his chest. Her left hand immediately follows suit. She runs both of them up towards his neck and gently intertwines her fingers behind it. Keith lowers his head and passes his lips over Allura's waiting ones. At once, they close their eyes and get lost in a tender kiss, their tongues slowly investigating each other. They break the kiss and raise their heads to once again look into each other's eyes. "Allura…I have wanted to tell you something. Allura….I lo…"
Beep Beep Beep
Keith's com unit interrupts his sentence. "Ahhh, I'm sorry."
"It's ok. It is probably important."
Keith smiles slightly at her. What I was about to say is important. "Keith here."
"Keith, sorry but the sensor in Sector Four is out," informs Lance.
"Just have Hunk and Pidge check it out." States Keith, never taking his eyes away from Allura's.
"No can do Commander."
"And why not?" snaps Keith, turning his head and burning a hole in the com unit with his eyes.
"Well, apparently Hunk ate a little too much at dinner and is unable to leave the bathroom. Pidge is still running checks on the lions. He doesn't want to chance anything for the mission. I think he's trying to impress Allura."
With that comment, Allura's eyebrows raise.
"And Allura, Coran told me not to bother her. Something about a meeting."
Keith looks at Allura with amusement while she softly giggles. "No, don't bother her. I'll be right there Lance."
"I'll be waiting with bells on." muses Lance. Keith disconnects the link and places it back in his pocket. He pulls Allura closer to him and says, "I'm sorry."
"Please don't apologize. This was lovely. And maybe someday, we can pick up where we left off." All the while Allura's palms are rubbing up and down Keith's chest.
"Plan on it." Keith releases Allura and starts to head out the door.
"Keith, please be careful."
"You know me!" Keith assures her while exiting.
_______
Keith briskly walks into Castle Control. "Keith, I will watch things from here while you and Lance check out Sector Four."
"Thanks Coran. I'm sure it's nothing."
Coran whispers to Keith, "Sorry about your date."
Keith returns a whisper, "Well, Allura understands." Coran hits the button for the shoots to the lions to grant access to the men. Keith and Lance sprint to their entranceway and grab their T-bars. As they begin their descent, Lance lets out a hoot.
_____
As Keith and Lance land their lions in Sector Four, they both emerge and walk up to the problem sensor. Keith stands firm as he looks around. Lance kneels down and opens the small, square door to the sensor and whistles. "Just as I thought. Sensor is blown."
"We'll have to fix it. I don't want to take any chances." Keith flatly states.
"Man Keith, you sound like someone pissed in your corn flakes. I think I'll have to find you a date." If I could find one myself that is.
"I was on a date!" Keith spats out without thinking. Lance looks up at Keith, noticing a shocked expression on his face.
Lance immediately stands "Who were you on a date with?"
"None of your business."
He thinks for a moment. "Allura...wasn't it? That's the 'meeting' she was in. Wahoo. I knew it!" Lance yells while smacking his hands together.
"Lance, don't go running your mouth. We are enjoying being with each other without outside interference.
"Hey Keith, I got ya." Recognition strikes him. "Oh man, I'm sorry I pulled you away from Allura tonight."
"It's ok Lance. Allura is very important to me, but I am sure even Allura would have left for the safety of her people." With that, Keith turns and begins walking toward his lion to retrieve some tools.
________
Keith strolls down the corridor towards his bedroom. The repair to the sensor was a long and tedious one. He stops right outside his door, putting his head back, he sighs. He is so tired and hungry that he is agitated. Keith enters his room and it brightens automatically. One day maybe Allura and I will have a full, peaceful date. "Damn I'm hungry." Just as the words escape his lips, he notices the picnic basket on his desk. Keith first looks around to see if he has company. Seeing he is the only one there, he strolls over toward his desk. As he stops in front of it, he spies a folded soft blue piece of paper. He smiles brightly as he knows Allura is the deliverer. He begins to read.
Dear Keith,
First of all, I know you are very hungry, so I made you a new sandwich and packed it on ice. I saved you some strawberries, so enjoy them.
Second, I want to thank you for a wonderful evening. Although it was brief, it will be one
I won't forget. I look forward to the next one.
Allura
Keith folds the note and places it on his desk. He picks up the basket and sets it on the floor. He then sits down next to the basket and opens it. Eyeing the contents, he begins to pull them out. Keith smiles as he starts to eat his dinner, for the second time that night.
______
The next morning the Voltron Force is called to the conference room. Allura and Coran are already seated and waiting for the others. As they walk into the room, each one acknowledges Allura and Coran.
"Thank you gentlemen for joining us. I have news about the mission. Everyone who will be joining us on this mission is all ready to go. Can you be prepared to leave tonight?" asks Coran.
"Hot Dog!" Hunk yells with a clap of his hands.
"There you go again, thinking about food." Pidge laughs while shaking his head.
"Are you telling us that everyone will be in place by morning Coran?"
"Yes Keith. Galaxy Garrison got so many responses from the Alliance planets that they had to turn down some of them."
"What if we need them?"
"Well, evidently, they don't see much of a risk Lance. Rhinar has been pretty much abandoned, remember. They don't see much of a resistance from Doom."
"And have they determined whether any authoritative figures are on Rhinar? Like Lotor?" Keith asks, turning his gaze toward Allura. She catches a look of concern in his eyes, and then looks back to Coran.
"They have looked into it. It seems as though Zarkon is accounted for on Doom and Lotor has been located on Zira."
"What of Sven, Romelle, and Bandor? Will they be ready as well?"
"Yes Allura. Sven and Romelle, along with many alliance soldiers, will be clearing the ground for you guys. Bandor and his fleet will patrol the air. Once all is clear, transport ships will join you to carry the freed captives home."
"Piece of cake."
"Hunk!" shouts the team.
"Alright, if everything is explained, I will inform you of the schedule. Please go do what you need to do to prepare yourselves for the mission." Everyone stands and begins to leave the room. "Allura."
"Yes Coran?"
Coran takes hold of Allura's right hand. Bringing it to his chest and wrapping his hands around it says, "I know this means a lot to you, but please….don't lose your head."
"I won't Coran. I promise." Coran releases her hand and smiles deeply at her.