"Look at this beauty," Shiro exclaims. His eyes glistens with childlike wonder as he points out the massive space rocket. This rocket would send him and his two colleagues to the farthest known moon in their solar system, named after the three-headed hound of Hades. The name Kerberos alone in Greek mythology sounds formidable, acting as the dutiful guardian of the unknown universe.

He looks at his junior pilot with bemused excitement. "Isn't she wonderful?"

"She's beautiful," Keith murmurs in agreement, taking in the awesome view of the future of space exploration. "I can't believe it, Shiro! You're the first pilot, uh, I mean—" he steals a glance at a small gathering of brunettes behind them "—one of the first pilots to explore Kerberos." His small smile widens as he directs his full attention on Shiro, recalling one of their many conversations prior. "Shiro, your dream is coming true. I couldn't be more proud of you."

Shiro places his hand on Keith's shoulder, reminiscent of their shoulder touches throughout their time at the Galaxy Garrison. "You know, Keith," he speaks softly, his voice dropping to a kind whisper. "I'll be gone for a year. We've had some great times together. I'm going to miss you." He pulls Keith into a tentative embrace, which Keith returns gently.

"I'll miss you too," Keith says, his eyes growing forlorn. He blinks. He allows this vulnerability to elapse for some time before he removes himself from their hug. Keith internally berates himself for not holding on long enough, as it would be a long time before they could see each other again.

Shiro nods. "Don't get into trouble while I'm gone, all right?" He grins.

"You know it," Keith says. He gives Shiro a playful nudge. "I can't help it. It's part of who I am." Shiro gives him a questioning look, and Keith sighs, feeling a sense of guilt gnawing at him. "All right, I'll restrain myself. Just for you."

Shiro ruffles his junior's hair. "I know you do." Then he adds with a grin, "Calm down, I'm just kidding."

His chuckles and Keith's words of admonishment fill the sun-kissed atmosphere. The winds pick up a steady pace, setting the tone for the upcoming launch of the Kerberos expedition.

.

.

.

"No."

Keith stares at the monitor, his eyes blinking and gradually widening with shock. Within seconds, the rapid-fire chatter dissipates and uncomfortable silence crawls into the mess hall with growing dread. He stands fixed to the ground next to the server, gripping the tray of an awful amalgamation of what an average Joe would consider goop. His knuckles whiten. Like everyone else in the hall, his eyes are glued to the television monitor that flashes the latest news. The white-haired national news anchor's words—repeated verbatim from the teleprompt—are unflinchingly professional and seemingly too casual for the agitated viewer.

"No, no, no," Keith repeats to himself, as if he's practicing a hushed Gregorian chant in need of divine guidance.

He walks closer to the source of his distress, feeling something waver in his eyes. "That's not true." His breathing starts to accelerate; he feels as if he's about to die from a few looks of concern coming his way, Keith hurriedly departs from the mess hall before anyone can console him.

Displayed on the monitor are the three high-res portraits of Takashi Shirogane, Samuel Holt, and Matthew Holt with the ominous tagline:

.

KERBEROS MISSION DISAPPEARS PILOT ERROR.

.

A/N: Hi! I'm alive. Real Life took over (aka I finally graduated).

To the readers who wanted me to continue other fics — I'm sorry. I love these fandoms and characters as much as you do, but I can't bring myself to continue their stories. Perhaps one day.

I've been enjoying Voltron: Legendary Defender so far. If you have not yet watched it, please give the series a chance. It's also my first time writing and publishing slash, so please be kind. (Yes, times have changed.)

I love Keith and Shiro, but mostly Keith.

Happy Boxing Day. Stay tuned for more.