Sweet Lullaby

Eight years. The fight for universal peace took eight long years to obtain. The final battle had transpired over the planet Earth, the birthplace of the five paladins. It was one of the most intense and fearsome battles they had ever fought and would be retold for ages to come. For a fortnight they fought in defense of their home planet. Eventually, Voltron was able to end the bloodshed with a single blow with the aid of the Coalition and the forces of earth. However, the casualties had been endless and the planet left disfigured but otherwise fine. The human race was a tough breed that could overcome all on obstacles, especially with a little alien aid.

Surprisingly, it did not take long for the humans to accept and flourish under the help of the Coalition. Earth took the stance of becoming a neutral territory that would offer safe haven to those in need. Though their medical and science was subpar, they were quickly advancing in the right direction with aid and guidance. The paladins had finally come home to their families and rejoiced for a time. But war changes people and space alters the mind. The Castle of Lions called to her paladins. Each one took their own time to realize that earth was no longer their true home. Space had stolen that title.

Keith was the first and only member to never fully venture far into the world. Over the course of the war his body had shifted away from its original form. Kolivan had confirmed that over the years of exposure to quintessence, stress, and once in a captive state among Zarkon's fleet. He had fully awakened his dormant genes unintentionally.

While he only grew to six feet in height, what the Galra culture considered below average, he was still clearly not human. Due to his half breed nature his complexion remained the same except that from fingertip to bicep, toe to mid thigh, and head down to his collar bone had turned purple like a slowly changed gradient. His nails lost their fragile human appearance to become deadly claws. His human ears had vanished and a pair of large purple ears emerged from his skull, almost merging with his now mid back length black hair. While he still had his same looks his eyes had become stunning grey on yellow. Lastly, he had grown a long slender tail with a tuft of black hair at the end much like a Chinese dragon.

Keith, having no family on earth, felt little urge to mingle with those on earth unless it was a family member of the paladins. It was clear that even though he was born and raised on this planet he no longer considered it his home. His home was among the stars and those he called family within the castle.

The second to heed the call was Shiro. While he did have some family he too never felt he truly belonged on earth. The war had weighed him down much like earth's gravity. His body was littered with the signs of warfare. He too had changed over the course but not as much as some of his companions. While he looked more or less the same he had become more muscular, his hair remained in an undercut but allowed the upper part of his hair to grow out just enough that he could sport a small ponytail. It was no were near the length of Keiths. After the world finally was able to understand what had happened on the Kerberos mission and let it fall into history, Shiro returned the the castle permanently. He no longer felt the need to remain on a planet. He needed space and he needed Keith whom he had much to discuss.

The third to join the alteans and the two was Pidge. Having started out as a young teenager she had blossomed into a fine young woman regardless of her small endowments. Long gone was her bed head of wild hair and small frame. She had grown to an average height, her brown hair chopped into a pixie cut that fit her well. Ironically, she now wore glasses and actually needed them thanks to years of wearing her brothers.

She and her sibling had spent all of their time with their family. She had found her brother and father. Her biological family had finally been completed. Her long life task was now complete and though she had the urge to remain on her home planet, she felt like she didn't quite belong. She found out far to quickly that those of her own age did not fit into her ideal spectrum of comfort. Then again, they never really had either. Following her father's wishes that she could do more off planet then on, she returned to the Castle of Lions. Promising to return home when she could and, of course, on holidays. Her brother Matt followed suit no more than two days later.

Hunk was the fourth member of the team to return. Unlike the others, he was actually quite content with being on Earth. His family welcomed him home and he spent the time polishing his cooking skills. But like all who lived in space he had the itch that would never go away. Split between wanting to stay and further help those in need he took a bit longer than most to return. Overall, the urge to be with his friends and lion struck him hard. Staying here on earth would be considered selfish he felt with the rest of the universe still needing help, guidance, a good laugh and finally a home cooked meal. Who better to serve all of that other than himself? Looking much older, but far more refined in muscle, with messy hair and facial scruff he returned "home". Of course, returning home also meant that he stocked up on every kind of earth ingredient he could muster. Not to mention bringing on board at least thirty different kinds of snack foods that he missed.

For a while, the team wondered if Lance would return. Weeks passed by without word. No one had actually even seen him past the first couple of days upon return. Everyone assumed he would not return and remain here, on Earth. Coran, who now sported an eye patch due to a hazardous explosion on ship, had informed the others that they would wait before finally departing into space quitely. Giving Lance more time and even though they had tired to hail him in order to let him know they would be departing, he never answered. It wasn't until that very night that the tall pilot of the red lion entered the castle.

Looking more torn than any other paladin he stood in the doorway. He had experienced rain once again and the seasons. He had his biological family here on this planet that he had longed to return to for so long. But his mother, a large and gentle woman, told him there was more for him to do and she was proud to have him as her son. Lance had selfishly wanted to remain on planet but it took his whole family to encourage him to return to the paladins. They loved him deeply but knew deep in their bones that he would never be happy to remain on the ground. His heart was elsewhere.

His whole family delivered him to the castle where everyone greeted him as well as his kinsmen. Tears came and went as well as casual jokes before finally the McClains departed. Each saying a kind word to their family member and friends. Though his mother took to seemingly teasing and hinting at something towards Keith and Shiro, causing the two to blush. She left them a single item of good luck before hugging her son and leaving. Wishing them well.

Lance stood in that doorway, until his family left. A smile tugged at the corner of his scarred lip. He's family, both families, loved him. He had two homes. One on space and one on earth that he could always return too when the need struck him. Standing tall, he adjusted his scruffy hair that had remained the same and scratched at the small goatee at his face. The war might of ended but Voltron was still needed. He would be his lions paladin until death took him.

He entered the home with wide open arms and a teasing sentence of greeting as the paladins formed a group hug. Allura stood off to the side, allowing her mixed family a moment. Much like the others she too aged, though physically she appeared the same her mental status had matured far more than anyone else's. She almost felt like a mother to them all. Pulling up her shoulder length hair into a quick ponytail she chuckled at her family. Announcing their departure and too head to the bridge. Space was calling and they would answer the call.

No more than three months later, Keith and Shiro announced they were to be wed. It was of no surprise to anyone. They had all seen their relationship develop. As hard as the two black paladin's had tired to keep it low key it didn't work so well. A party was held in their honor and they were wed three months later. Kolivan and the Blades of Marmora arrived in support as well as performing the ceremony in Galra style as it was only fitting considering one of the grooms was of their kind. Keith had screwed it up a few times during practice but eventually performed it spot on during the service. Lance, of course, was the best man even though they all carried that label.

Strangely enough, it seemed the lions had their own gift to their two paladin's that day. Keith had been unable to pilot Red for many years and Black had been the same way. It had left Keith feeling incomplete. He had fully adjusted to doing only blade work while using his own stolen galra fighter to get around. However, on that day he was greeted by the soft rumble of Black in acknowledgment of the bonding. Keith and Shiro from then on could both pilot the Black lion. Allura wasn't one hundred percent certain to why black had decided this, other then perhaps it being due to the galra ceremony. Kolivan had explained it as two souls becoming one forming a bond so tight that black could of easily identified it as one person. Whatever the true reason might be sharing a leadership role was strange to both and took a bit to work out. They simply decided to share the role, the lion, and their ideas when a decision had to be made. Surprisingly, it worked out which honestly surprised everyone.

Time passed by and everyone returned to their roles. While there was small battles here and there with the leftover forces of Zarkon remaining it was nothing like it had been in the past. Now, Voltron helped rebuild civilizations, lives and homes. While still investigating any signs of the old empire coming around.

Lotor, who had been a blade for three years, kept in contact with the paladin's with any findings. But so far, nothing was out of place. Everything was peaceful and well in order. It wasn't until a year from now, marking their ten years of space did something eventful and life changing happen.

As usual the Castle of Lions floated through space. They had just finished visit plant Arus and was now in route towards Puig. The puigans had sent word that they had seen a few galra fighters passing through the atmosphere but were not sure. The team had agreed to check it out just to be on the safe side.

"So, how long have Keith and Shiro been married, again?" Pidge questioned aloud as she closed her communications with Keith. She had been informing her friend of their change in plans and current destination to Puig. He had agreed to meet them on the planet once he was finished with the blades meeting he was forced to attend.

Hunk, with his feet up on his console, shrugged. "I don't know. Hmm, close to a year now? Maybe a little less?" He offered while investigating the Ding-Dong he held in his hand as if he was looking for anything that could possibly be wrong with it. Once satisfied, he took a large bite out of the treat.

Lance on the other hand slowly rose a brow at Pidge from over his shoulder. "They've been married for nine months. But, honestly, it feels like they have been married for four with how they act." Slowly, his eyes narrowed into thin sneaky slits. "Why do you ask?" He inquired with a long wavy grin that only made him look more imp like-goatee in no way helping the matter.

The young woman sat there in deep thought before shrugging her shoulders. "Oh, no reason. Just curious. I figured their anniversary would be coming up soon."

Lance rolled his eyes, "Oh yeah, thanks for reminding us that they will probably go disappear for a week molesting each other. Just the mental image I needed."

"I would much prefer it if you didn't try to visualize what I do with Keith during that time." The amused voice of Shiro rang out as he entered the bridge. Pidge and Hunk both snickered while Lance turned a shade of red. "Well, it would be much easier not to think about it if you two weren't so vocal the other night!" He called out in his defense.

Snickering increased from green and yellow. Shiro on the other hand looked a tad embarrassed with a tinge of pink across his cheeks. Not sure what to say about it he decided to leave it alone with the help of Allura who quickly changed the subject as she entered the bridge alongside Coran.

"Well, I feel like I could wrestle a-bear was it?" She paused to glance over at Coran who seemed to be thinking on the subject. "Yes, I think the Earthlings had called it a bear." Coran confirmed with a short nod.

"Well, a bear then. I slept quite well." Nearing her usual spot on the ship she would extend her hands to touch the controls. The ship instantly jerked into life and once her course was plotted she dropped her hands to her side. "We should reach Puig in roughly three vargas. We aren't too far from there. Has then been word on Keith yet? Heavens know Kolivan will keep him forever if allowed."

Hunk waved a hand in the air absentmindedly, "Yeah, Pidge got a hold of him a few minutes ago. He said he would be meeting us there."

Allura smiled, "Excellent." Her smile then fluttered only for a nanosecond as he took notice of Pidge fidgeting in her seat. How unusual, she only did that when she was nervous. "Pidge, are you quite all right?" She asked with a head tilt. Allura was almost certain that the green pilot was about to fly out of her seat and drift off into space with how suddenly she hunched over her console.

"Oh, no. I'm all right. Just a bit, ah, concerned about Keith. You know, last time he went to a blade meeting his ship broke down on a random asteroid. I keep telling him we need to find a new fighter jet but he is just so damn attached to the one he has now. It's ten years old and nowhere near as awesome as the lions." Pidge was rambling. Everyone could tell she had something going on but chose to ignore it. If she wanted to talk about it, she would but until then it was best to let her have her moments of word vomit.

"Yes, I remember that." Coran twirled his mustache. "If I recall correctly he was about to be turned into putty by Kazoowits." No one asked about the Kazoowits but they all did recall some large nasty centipede monster that lived on the asteroid. The thing had almost eaten the hybrid. He was lucky that Lance was able to save his ass when he did.

"Um, yeah. Anyways, I just hope he doesn't have any problems." Pidge adjusted her glasses.

A small chuckle came from the team leader. Shifting his weight to the right he offered her a most charming smile. "Ah, I wouldn't worry about that. I convinced Keith to take Black for that reason. I simply don't trust that beat up fighter no matter what Keith says about it." It was a hunk of junk and Shiro would much rather "accidentally" drop it off into space somewhere then keep it on board. Though the idea of sleeping on the sofa didn't bother him as much as Keith's rage at losing something he was overly attached too.

"Well, that is a good thing." Pidge stated with a clack of her tongue as she promptly ignored the strange look she was getting from the eldest pilot. It seemed to occur to Shiro at the exact moment that Pidge should've known that his husband was in their shared lion. Afterall, Pidge had just hailed him a few moments ago with news.

"Pidge." His voice drew her name out with the full intent of letting her know that he suspected her of with holding information. The youngest merely sunk into her chair with a tiny smirk. "You know what? I think my brother might need me in the bay!" With a quick hop and a skip she vacaded the bridge before Shiro could squeeze an answer out of her.

Confused he turned towards the others and they all shrugged. "Ain't got a clue, man. I wasn't listening to her and Keith's conversation." Hunk proclaimed in his defense. Lance seconded that with shyly admitting he was actually listening to music. This left Shiro sighing softly to himself, "Well, whatever it is it certainly has her in a strange mood.

The rest of the journey was uneventful. Nothing unusual happened other than Hunk wrestling with the food goo pipes that became blocked. They landed safely on the planet's surface. Shiro and Allura went to greet the leaders and discuss what they had seen. Gathering the information they needed they had just started back into the castle when they caught sight of Black entering the atmosphere.

"Well, looks like he didn't get eaten by a Kazoowits." chuckled Shiro. "Let's wait for him at the bridge. I'm sure he has a lot to tell us."

Little did Shiro know that Keith, did in fact, have a lot to tell him or in this case, show him. Keith, still in his blade attire entered the bridge with a small greeting, "Hey guys." His voice came out a bit too high pitched to his liking. It always seemed to happen when he was nervous about something. Each member either turned to greet him or merely waved a greeting. Shiro had went in for his usual return greeting in the form of a quick peek on the lips. He didn't get to perform his greeting when he noticed something very, very different with his lover.

In Keith's arm was a black and violet blanket that he held as if he was carrying a load of eggs. Shiro stared for a moment and pointed to the bundle in confusion. "Um, Keith, what is that?" He asked carefully with uncertainty. Pidge peered around her chair with a big smile on her face knowing exactly what it was Keith was carrying in his arms.

"That is what I would call a toddler." Pidge said with a chuckle. As if on cue a pair of tiny purple arms reached out of the covers with a large yawn. Reaching out the small hands took firm hold of Keith's braid, snuggling against it.

"Wait, what?" Shiro exclaimed in shock. "A child?"

Lance had suddenly appeared next to Keith and was looking at the toddler that had just drifted back into sleep. "Holy shit, Keith had a galra baby!"

"I did not have a child!" Groaned Keith for a moment. Looking at his friends and husband it then occurred to him that they all had shocked expressions minus a particular female of the group that he squinted at. "Pidge, you didn't tell them ahead of time?"

"Pfff, and where would the fun be in that, Mommy." She snickered.

NOTES

So let me say, this story came to me when I just couldn't sleep after long hours of work. It will probably be a slow update but I feel like a good cheery story is needed while I am working on writing a dark one. So, please set back and enjoy the paladin's trying to be good foster parents to a tiny bubbly galra toddler. What could possibly go wrong? Please feel free to leave some feedback/reviews as I love hearing from you all.
Also, I haven't actually fully decided on the couples I want to portray as I have thousands of ships in this series so I think I'll let the story progress in a way that feels most natural to the it. I adore stories of the paladins being older too so this is gonna be interesting to write considering I think most of them have formed a very interesting relationship with one another and are 1000% comfortable with each other too.