Both are in Pidge's room. The walk to the apartment was slow and fraught with tension. Pidge kept telling herself, stay calm, stay focused, and just stick to the facts. No emotional outbursts. Pidge honestly didn't know if this was possible but she had to try, just for her sanity.
Conversely, Keith couldn't even calm his thoughts enough to figure out what he feels. He's overstimulated and he knows that he tends to act without thinking and he doesn't know if doing this with no sleep is such a great idea. But damned if he is going to allow Pidge to go off with Griffin. As they walked to Katie's place, he couldn't keep his eyes off her. His eyes are just tracking her and he can't even think. He just wants to hold her. It's literally killing him to see her slowly limping. She wouldn't let him carry her but he made her give up her bag.
Both are sitting on opposite ends of the couch. Keith can't help but think about the last time they were on the couch, wrapped in each other. He felt his heart shudder. He looked at her and he couldn't stop the words.
"I love you"
She looks up—stunned. They NEVER said the words before. Either of them. Sure she felt it but she didn't want to scare him. And she always assumed that he wasn't able to say them. Tears welled in her eyes. She looked at him, and her heart just hurt. She LOVED Keith. James was nice and maybe given time, something could have grown but…Keith. Her sword to her shield…fellow cryptid lover…damn IT.
Keith knows he should have waited. Let her talk but honestly he was scared. Scared she wouldn't listen, scared he missed his chance. And while on the Blade mission he realized, he wanted this. More than he ever knew. In hindsight, he took this mission because he needed some space. Katie and his relationship moved so fast. They were always teammates and friends. When they got together it was almost too easy. They knew each other's likes, dislikes and could even seemingly read each other's mind. But he was uneasy. Relationships didn't come easy to him and he felt like Katie would realize that she didn't need him, but rather someone fun like Lance or sweet and smart like Hunk. So he ran. And while on his mission, he came realize that their relationship was just right for both of them. His mom reassured him that in any battle fear can either propel you to greatness or hold you for death. Shit his mom was totally team Pidge. So when they finally saw each other and unknowingly or not, he was the reason for this mess, he impulsively told her what was in his heart. Shit.
He looked at her and saw her eyes fill with tears and there! He saw it…love. It was still there maybe hidden and hurt but it was still there. As long as she still loved him, he had hope. He could fix this!He leaned forward and his forehead touched hers gently, he took hold of her uninjured hand, and rubbed soothing circles on it. "Pidge, you know me. I'm a lot of things, reckless, impulsive, brash. But I don't lie. Ever. Please tell me what happened and" gulp "let me tell you what happened on my end, please."
Katie honestly felt helpless. She just couldn't say no…what the hell happened? She swallowed, "Short version…you left. I sent messages that should have gotten to you. I never heard from you but no one did. We assumed it was a communication black out. I was ok with that. But then you should have been home and you weren't. Then I was worried and still no messages. I tried tracking you but that felt wrong when I could somewhat still feel you through the lions consciousness but nothing solid. Then Shiro heard from you. You were safe, things were dicey but ok. Still no message and I'm not going to lie, it hurt. Around that time, I was helping the pilots with there MFE's and upgrading tech. I think Lance told Veronica that I was sad, which she must have shared with the team. Suddenly I'm invited to dinners and game nights. Everyone, including James…was nice. Then we get a picture from the Blade of Marmora and in it…" she looks down and whispering she continues "it looked like a victory picture, in the background, you and Acxa were, hugging?kissing?embracing?"
Keith feels a tear hit his hand. "NO! Never!" He brings his hand up to her cheek, pulling her gaze to his. "Katie, again, I fucked up by even going on this mission but know this, you are who I love, who I want to be with. At no time, did I ever kiss Acxa!"
Katie left out a slow breath, "ok, but I didn't know that at the time, and everyone saw that picture, shit, it was in one of our team meetings! You have no idea, how much that hurt! Everyone looked at me and I had to sit through a meeting, acting like my heart wasn't breaking. After, I ran out and got in my car for a drive. (Keith takes a sharp breath in) No Keith, you didn't cause this accident, I'm not an idiot! Unfortunately, a drunk driver hit me and I lost control of the car. I went over some kind of bank and lost consciousness."
At this point, Keith carefully pulls her into his arms. "I'm so sorry, so sorry." He's holding her and pulls her onto his lap, just holding her and letting her cry. Eventually Pidge looks up, and sees that Keith is crying as well. She looks shocked. Keith never cries!
Brokenly, Keith replies, "Katie, I sent you messages. I swear, you can look at my communication devices, I sent messages. I don't know why they didn't go out but" he nudges her face up so they gaze into each other's eyes, "I did send you messages. I swear, and if I knew at any point that you were hurt, I would have been here. I would have gotten back somehow. I did get messages from Shiro but they seemed weird. Like I was missing the conversation or something. But know this, you were always on my mind."
Pidge lets out a shaky breath. "What happens now?"
Keith replies, with a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth, "I know what I want to happen. And it involves a lot of you and me time."
Pidge replies, "I broke up with you. After the accident, and no word from you." She looks down, and softly says, "James has been there for me. He found me when I didn't come in to work the next day. He got me out of the car, called the police, he has been there for me so much…and he appears interested in a personal relationship," Keith interrupts with a low growl, "No." She looks at him and snaps, "You cannot say no." He replies, " I never got your message that we broke up. As far as I'm concerned you ARE MINE…just like I…am…YOURS. Please, I don't think I've ever begged for anything after the age of 10…Pidge, I'm begging you. Talk to my mom, look at my communicator, do your thing with research, find the answers! I am not hiding anything from you. But, I'm telling you now, I'm not giving up on us!"
They talk and Pidge takes him at his word. She will find out what happened even if it's just for closure. Se gets a notebook and starts to compare timelines. Keith looks at the messages she sent to him. He feels awful. Finally, she asks him to leave so she can think and get some rest. He doesn't want to leave, in fact, he wants to demand to stay. But she counters, "You're tired, I'm tired. Let's each think about all this and call me tomorrow. We will figure out a plan."
Keith gets up and kisses Katie, so sweetly it almost makes her cry again. The he ruins it by saying, "Don't let Griffin in here." Her head snaps up so quickly he actually takes a step back with his hands up. He quickly leaves. Pidge texts the girls: Allura, Romelle and Veronica. **911 come to my room ASAP** Once they all arrive they order a pizza and as countless women before them, from a multitude of planets before them have done, they talk and analyze the situation-with copious amounts of food and drinks.
Meanwhile, Keith leaves and texts the boys of the group **Emergency-my room ASAP**Keith arrives home, showers and changes. Shiro arrives first, then Hunk, Lance, Coran and finally Matt. Matt looks at Keith, "Did you mean to invite me?" Keith looks him in the eyes and confidently says "Yep."
Keith quickly rehashes the conversation with Pidge, reiterating, he wants to be with her and only her. He continues telling them he left his cell and communication device from the Blades with her. Everyone is looking at him with mixed emotions. Obviously the team wants him and Pidge to resolve their issues. But Matt interjects, "What about James?"
Keith closes his eyes, and replies, "honestly I don't care about him. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful he found Pidge but he's not going to get her because I give up. Look at me, I love her…"
Then Hunk squeals and everyone looks at him, "What? This is my endgame. I like them together!"
Lance smirks, "Well, I'm not as excited as Hunk, but as long as you are being honest it sounds like someone set you up. You both deserved to be happy so I'm on board. I don't have anything against Griffin but I've got your back."
Shiro looks at Keith, and Keith finds himself holding his breath. If Shiro doesn't believe he should be with Katie, he doesn't know what he would do. Shiro replies, "I knew something fishy was going on. I'm always on your side." Keith looks at Shiro and closes his eyes. When he opens them, he can't say anything he just nods.
Matt sighs and says, "I always want what's best for my sister. And I know you don't lie, so let's find out who did."
Katie and the girls had a lot of wine and are all in Pidge's room. The loud knocking on the door super early in the morning is NOT welcome. Pidge doesn't even move, so Allura stumbles over and rips the door open, growling "This better be good."
James is standing at the door and takes a step back. "Um hi, Allura. I just wanted to see how Katie is doing. I'm sorry I didn't realize she had company."
"Company?! I'm family!" Retorts Allura.
James awkwardly agrees and reiterates, "Can I talk to Katie please?"
Allura closes the door and moves in to wake Pidge. "Honey, Griffin is at the door. What do you want me to tell him?"
Pidge struggles to wake, "um, can you tell him to hang for a sec? I gotta pee and brush my teeth…don't tell him that though!"
Allura returns to Griffin and tells him to wait, again closing the door and not inviting him in. Pidge finally stumbles to the door and steps in the hallway. "Hey, sorry bout all that. We had a girls night and well, let's just say, the wine was flowing!"
James moves in for a hug and holds on. Pidge lets him but cannot control her thoughts at this time. She likes James. He's been so sweet and supportive. But…Keith. She cannot just turn off her feelings even if she wanted to, and after yesterday she is not sure if she wants to. She sighs. This is exactly why she didn't date.
James loosens his hold on her and looks down. "So, I'm sorry for just showing up. I just had to know where we stand?"
Pidge takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. "Keith and I talked for a while and obviously I talked to the girls about " hand waving "everything. Keith said he sent messages and didn't get anything from me. He also said that Acxa and him are just professional teammates. I don't like the idea of being manipulated so I am going to look into what happened. As far as us, or Keith" James interjects, "Katie, this isn't a briefing. Take breath!"
"Sorry, I just feel like no matter what I do someone is getting hurt. I really want to know what happened though. I don't like the idea of someone manipulating me."
"I understand. I guess I'm concerned about us. I know that we aren't even really dating but I gotta be honest with you, that's my goal. And I know that Keith and I are on opposite ends here but I just wanted you to know that I want you to be happy. I just want it to be with me. I mean, I've known Keith a long time and I'm not saying he's not a good guy. I know you guys went through hell up there. But, I want you to keep an open mind, ok? Don't fall back to him because it's the safe option."
Pidge takes a deep breath and says "Ok, thanks for understanding and for being patient."
James hugs her tight and softly kisses her lips. "Don't count me out."
Shiro happens upon them at this point. He clears his throat and says, "Hey, I'm here to get Allura. Guess you girls had a late night." Pidge agrees with a laugh.
Now all three of them are awkwardly standing in the hall with Shiro making no effort to move or go into the apartment. James looks at Katie and says, "Ok, I have to get to work but I'll call you later. Maybe we can get a bite to eat and you can fill me in?"
"Sure thing, call me."
Shiro raises an eyebrow and looks at Pidge. She sighs for the millionth time this morning. "Hey Shiro" voice suddenly breaking at the end.
He raises his arms and she dives in. He hugs her tight, and finally she feels some of the tension leave her body and she feels her eyes water. He really gives the best hugs. And right now she just needs to feel like everything is going to be ok…even if it might not be.
Keith is lying in bed, alone and suddenly feeling very worried. This is not how he imagined his return to Earth would go. In fact, this is not remotely even close. What is he going to do? What happened? How did he get so far off track in his life? When did he even start imagining a life with Pidge? When he left, he needed space. What a joke. If he could only go back and tell himself to never leave. To bind Katie to him in a way that nothing could break them apart. But he couldn't go back. He was so screwed.
*Knock, knock, knock*
He refuses to get up.
*Knock, Knock, Knock*
Still nothing.
*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*
FINALLY he gets up and opens the door. "Hi mom."
Krolia strides in and slams the door. "What IS going on?"
Keith flops back into the bed burying his head under the pillow. Where does he even start? She walks into his room, grabs a chair and pulls It near his bed. He's back at the Garrison in one of the rooms they have and he absently wonders if Griffin is nearby. Fuck.
"Keith, I've heard from other Blades that your Pidgeon was hurt and that another boy has been caring for her. This cannot be right, how did we not hear of this?"
Keith growls lowly and rolls over. "Mom something seriously went wrong." Then he launches into the whole story. At the conclusion, his voice breaks and he tries to explain how he's feeling. Finally he just stops. He covers his face with his arm and just tries to regulate his breathing. Nothing is working. He has suffered less at the hands of the enemy.
Krolia however is putting pieces together. She is hesitant to tell Keith that she believes Acxa is at fault here. But she feels like the girl has some designs on her son but nothing concrete. After looking at her son, she decides to investigate further before bringing her suspicions up. If she is wrong, she does not want to implicate the girl. If she is right, that is for his mate to determine the punishment (with some careful direction from her). Right now she needs to focus on him and how he is feeling. It is time for her to be his mother.
"Keith, look at me. What do you want to happen?"
"I love Katie, more than anything. But mom, I really messed things up and she…she…deserves the best. And Griffin, mom, he is the best, he was the best student in our class, he always said the right thing and made the right choices. Teachers loved him, everyone knew he was going to be someone amazing. When Shiro came to test us for pilots, the teacher recommended him and …and then there's me… stealing, fighting, arguing…mom, what if she is supposed to be with Griffin?"
Krolia feels her heart breaking. After everything, how could her son still doubt himself so much? She has failed him but NO more. His father was a great man. He knew how to risk everything for what he loved. She had risked everything and unfortunately it didn't work in the end. But not for her boy. He will get this happy ever after that she has heard about, that earthlings write stories of.
"Keith, do you really think this Griffin is the 'best'? Did the red lion not choose you? Did you not put your team over your own desires? Did you not put yourself in danger to save the many?"
"Well, yeah, but…so did she. Green chose her~She ultimately chose us before she looked for her family~She saved me! And I'm not the funny one, or the smart one, or the good one, or even the kind one…I'm the angry one, the brash one…the MULLET one. She deserves the best and the brightest, and I honestly don't think I'm it. Maybe this is fate saying, back off and let her"
"NO! You are the passionate one, the brave one, the ok, I cannot fix the hair but that can be cut! YOU are the best and the brightest and I am so sorry that you do not see that! But you are also Galra. And Galra do not quit, we do not forfeit, we not give up. And if this girl is yours, we do what we must. We fight. We persevere. We continue. Because I can tell you, this special person, this love, is not easily replicated. I loved you and your father. There is no other so if you have this chance this opportunity, do not give up. Do not yield!"
Keith looked up and really looked at his mom. It was this moment that he realized he was not some accident or some mistake, but he came from love. The love he used to think was fake or made up. The whole fairy tale thing wasn't real but love was. His dad loved his mom and he never found another.
"Do you think… I'm really fit to be…hers?" Keith haltingly asked.
Krolia looked at him and stated, confidently, "Yes."
Keith smiled and said "Thanks." Tears in his eyes he stated, "I'm not giving up!"
Pidge on the other hand decided to do what she does best. Follow the data. She looked at all of Keith's and her own electronic devices and started to follow the trail. She hit a bump and started to get aggravated when the incessant knocking finally registered. She got up and opened her door to find Hunk. He smiled and waved peanut butter cookies in her face, with the sweetest smile.
"Hey, so I thought you might need some help and I know how you get so I also brought you food!"
Pidge inhaled that sweet sweet smell and sighed. "Did Keith send you?"
"NOOOOOO. Pidge, you know that I'm your friend as well right? In fact, first."
Pidge smiled and said, "How could I forget." She hugged him (sneakily, grabbing the cookies) and pulled him into her room.
As they got comfy, Hunk couldn't help but ask, "So, what the hell happened?!"
Pidge froze, "I don't know. But I promise you I will find out."
Hunk shuddered for a moment cuz an angry Pidge is scary as hell, then smiled and returned, "There was never any doubt. Let's get to work! Tell me what you need." While Pidge was scary, he was not marshmallow either. NO ONE messed with his friends. He would help them and pity to whoever was at fault.
Pidge looked at Hunk and felt a moment of peace. If her friends can save the universe, this was in the bag!
Pidge and Hunk were working at a furious pace. What started as a few tugs, after some hard pulling transformed into more and more. In fact it was looking the whole situation was being manipulated from outside of the ship. In addition, they were analyzing the picture that had Acxa and Keith hugging. Hunk took that one on because he didn't want Pidge to have to constantly stare at the picture. But as he started to analyze he noticed many inconsistencies, blurring around the edges of the images, halos around certain elements but the big clue was in the picture Keith was missing the sheath that Pidge made for him. He never took that off. These all added up to making him think that they picture was photoshopped. Once he was sure he brought it to Pidge's attention and held his breath.
Pidge turned and stared. She tried to be unemotional and rational. Turning over the new information and matching it with what she knew as well as the timeline. She stared, analyzed and slowly let her breath out. She looked at Hunk, tears filling her eyes and smiled.
"Thanks, Hunk" she said softly.
"No, no, no thanks necessary." Hunk replied. "Honestly, I wish we thought to look deeper before this. But, everything just snowballed so fast. We didn't have time to take it in much less question. We saw the picture, you got hurt and, I was just so scared. I couldn't lose you!"
Pidge looks over to Hunk. He is such a sweetie. I knew I was having a hard time dealing with my feelings of hurt and then the ramifications of the accident. The team was wonderful with supporting me. But I don't think I realized how much it affected them as well. Especially someone like Hunk, who feels things deeply and isn't afraid of being speaking his truth.
"Hey, how are you doing, ya know with everything? Sorry I haven't been as good as a friend lately."
Hunk looked torn, "No, please don't worry! And definitely don't apologize, you've had a lot on your plate. I don't know. You know that I always have your back, right? But Keith just looked so damn sad. I don't want to take sides, really, and I know that James has been great. I'll be forever grateful that he found you and that he helped you out. Believe me! And don't get all Pidge angry, but Keith really loves you, ya know? I know he has a hard time letting down his guard but he does. Please don't doubt it. And while, I hate to take sides, but if Keith truly didn't know what was happening that's really shady. But"
Pidge sighs, " I know Hunk, I know. I feel like there is more going on here than what is apparent but I also don't know how much is influenced by my emotions versus fact. I'm trying to look at this from an analytical perspective. I'm torn."
Hunk looks sad, but agrees. "How did the girls night go? What do they think?"
Pidge smiles softly, "Dude, they have no clue. We did eat and drink a lot! It felt nice to be surrounded by girls who have my back. You know that I never really had girlfriends. I'm more of a loner, a read in her bed and tinker at home kinds of girl. Now I find myself surrounded by girls who don't get mad when I'm sarcastic or moody…or even sad. They aren't friends with me because I'm smart and can help them….but anyways did you know that Lance's bedtime routine takes approximately an hour! That's why he liked to push us off to bed! Ummmm, but honestly, how has this affected Shiro and Matt? They are best buds and I know Matt was ummm, upset."
Hunk laughed, "Yeah, well, Keith knows the way to your heart. Sooooo, he asked Matt over when he explained his side. Honestly we just want the best for you." At this point, Hunk is almost crying and he lunges for Pidge and holds her, squeezing her tight.
Pidge knows he loves her and for now, that is enough.
!
Griffin looks to his team. "What do you think I should do?"
Kincade looks uncomfortable and says "I honestly have no clue. Keith is her teammate turned love interest. I don't know how you can compete? Don't take it personally."
Veronica replies, "Do you love her?"
Silence….
"I could"
Veronica slaps her hand on the table, "NO! Not good enough, not for Pidge. I get it, you like her, she's smart, wicked smart, brave, cute, sarcastic, sweet and surprisingly innocent etc. But if you don't love her, it's not enough. Shit I love her! And I know Keith loves her. So if you don't love her, you gotta let her go."
"But I could love her! It wouldn't be a far jump, honestly I'm almost there. If he came back a few months later, who knows where we would have been. And Keith is not a stable guy, she should have someone who is there for her. I'm that guy!"
Veronica sighs, "yeah, yeah, yeah, you could be. But right now you aren't there. And know who is? Keith! Right now, shit, he'd do anything, fight anyone, kill anyone to be at her side. And that's what SHE deserves."
Kincade blurts out, "Dude she a scary woman. Smart but scary. Plus, I think Keith has her family on his side…and you don't mess with the Holt family."
Griffin shakes his head, "NO, it's not like Chief Engineer Holt would tamper with me because of Pidge. I don't give up, and she's worth more than just throwing in the towel. So maybe I don't love her right now, but I'm not just bowing out. We are more than just friends and I really care about her. Why should I just give up? Step aside for Keith? I don't see him stepping aside. Veronica, you're right, maybe I'm not in love but I feel something very real."
Ina chimes in, "Statistically, men fall in love faster than women so I doubt that Pidge loves you yet. "
Nadia interrupts, "Ok Ina, I think we all know that love is not a perfect science. Look James, we all love how things have been with you and Pidge. It seemed very natural and easy. But with Keith back and in direct competition with you, the game has changed. Just be prepared because Pidge cannot control her emotions in this, as much as she would like to."
James nodded and with a determined gleam says, "I know."
James is sitting alone, all of his team has drifted off, his head down on his arms. Veronica is right, Katie is something special. She deserves everything, love, affection, and commitment. Can I promise her forever? Do I love her? I don't know. But I know that I have deep feelings for her, this wasn't something I was looking for. We started out as friends. She hung out with the team and I found myself amazed at her ingenuity and her genuineness. I've never met someone who was so unaware of their attractiveness or didn't chase him like he was a prize. She didn't dismiss him because he wasn't as smart as her and she didn't like him because he was the top guy. He wasn't looking for this, but damn if he was going to turn away.
