Bonds of Love
By KittyLynne
Chapter 11- Home Sweet Home
Author's note: A shout out and a big hug to my awesome beta Shannon, aka Lance's Kitten. She's the best beta and a damn good writer. Do yourself a favor and read her stories. :)
From the command perch atop the deployed metal cylinders of the lion launch pads, Coran took a silent roll call of the people awaiting the arrival of Allura and Keith.
Lance, Pidge, Hunk and the Space Mice, who sat upon Pidge's shoulders chattering excitedly, were all present and accounted for.
Coran's brow furrowed as he realized the only person missing was one Nanny Manning.
He was certain he'd notified her of the Black Lion's return right after speaking with Varten, and again as soon as the lion ship's arrival was imminent. It had become standard practice for her to greet her darling Allura with an embrace after every trip or mission; it assuaged a bit of the pent up angst the poor dear felt over the Princess flying a lion, and the team had treated it with graciousness and understanding, considering how Hannah could go on when she was worried.
Nanny had shown surprising acceptance of his decision to allow the Princess extra time with one of 'those boys' in Althene. Nevertheless, it was almost inconceivable that she would ever be tardy for anything, much less something as important as this reunion.
Coran's frown deepened. With as hard as the woman worked and as little as he heard she'd been sleeping, she may have decided to lie down for a rest. It wasn't at all like her to oversleep. Perhaps he should-
The sudden swooshing sound of launch doors opening diverted the Princess' Royal Guardian from his train of thought. Soon after, Keith and Allura emerged from the lift and greetings echoed around the room.
Allura was all smiles and sparkle, that was nothing new. But Keith- seeing him with a smile and looking completely at ease was quite another.
"Welcome home!" Pidge said, raising his voice to be heard over the happily squeaking mice. "Wow! Can sure tell both of you got some sun! You look great, Princess!"
Allura smiled at him. "Thank you. And thanks for taking care of my little friends. It gave me peace of mind to know you were looking after them." She eyed the mice with mock sternness, as they squeaked and raised their paws in happiness. "I hope it went all right and they behaved themselves."
"They were aces. We had a real good time." Pidge said, basking in the glow of her favor, and deciding on the spot that he wouldn't tattle on the mice, who had taken base advantage of their mouse sitter in regards to snacks and sleeping in his bed-something which was expressly forbidden by housekeeping.
"How was the cuisine?" Hunk inquired.
Keith answered with genuine enthusiasm. "Fantastic! They held a feast in our honor, and the tables were loaded with native grilled dishes and sides, all prepared with what they pick wild, and organic ingredients grown in their gardens."
"Locally sourced and fresh is the absolute best." Hunk declared, envy in his tone. "Next time you head out that way, I'm going with! Gotta experience jungle garden to table!"
"You really do!" Allura affirmed. "Food sources are abundant. If we had gotten lost on a hike, we could have survived nicely on what grew wild. Don't you think so, Keith?"
He nodded. "For sure! There was a lot of tropical fruit along that trail."
They exchanged a smile.
"So I guess my T-shirt came in handy for you, Princess." Lance said, after darting a look at Keith.
"Oh my goodness, yes!" Allura exclaimed. "It was so comfortable for the climate, I wore it a lot. I'll be sure to return to you as soon as it's laundered."
"If you like it, keep it! I have others. They're nice for exercise of all kinds." Lance suggested, sending another sideways glance at Keith. He was trying not to be too blatant about needling his friend. But if Operation Cupid was to work, he had to get the guy to show some awareness of potential competition for his girl.
No reaction. Dang the man and his cool demeanor.
"I would like that, thank you! It'll be great for workouts!"
Allura's delight made Lance wish he'd made her a gift of the t-shirt outright. "Great! Hope you enjoy wearing it as much I'll enjoy that you're wearing it." He said, injecting a ample amount of warmth into his voice while giving his best friend another sidelong glance.
Keith's expression remained bland, but was that an eye twitch? Lance decided to push a little more.
"Hey Keith, I read up on Althene, and it has a solid reputation of being the most beautiful and erotically romantic region on Arus. Would you say it lived up to that billing?"
Allura was looking elsewhere. Hunk and Pidge were looking back and forth between the two pilots, as if they were at a tennis match. Keith gave his friend a narrow-eyed stare, but Lance's expression was a study in blandness, just as Keith's had been, giving the impression he wasn't expecting anything but polite conversation.
"I can confirm that it was beautiful and exotic." Keith finally replied. "For anything else, I guess you'd have to visit yourself and find out."
The answer was a crafty dodge, but the Mona Lisa smile that came to Allura's lips and the rosiness in her cheeks was like striking gold to someone well versed in reading her. Lance's smile was an understated expression of inner glee as he responded, "I definitely will have to do that. When I do, could I hit you up for tips on the most romantic spots?"
Keith opened his mouth, but whatever he was about to say was lost in the shrill squeaks of rodents. The Space Mice ran directly to the Princess, who bent down to scoop them up into her cupped hands.
Lance silently cursed at the mice. The Princess was engrossed in greeting her little friends, who were an effective distraction from the subject. All he could do was resolve to bring up the subject at a more opportune time. In fact, maybe he'd try questioning Allura instead. If something had happened, she had to be bursting at the seams to confide in someone. Who better to confide in than her best friend?
"Welcome! I give thanks to the lions for your safe return!"
Everyone turned towards Coran, who had finished lowering the cylinder bays and finally joined the homecoming party. His greeting to Keith was the typical handshake, but when he turned to Allura he became unusually emotional, giving her a hug instead of the usual clasping of hands. "I suspect I know the answer, but how was the trip?"
"It was more than I could have hoped for," Allura said as they parted. "There's so much to tell...but I'd like to take my things to my room first. There are a couple of mementos I want to put away for safekeeping."
He smiled. "Of course. While you attend to that, I'll prepare a meeting room for the team." His smile turned rueful. "Varten wasn't very forthcoming about answering questions, he preferred that you tell your own tale. I'm most eager to hear of your visit with the Carlacs."
So far, so good, Keith thought. Everything seemed normal, no one appeared to have noticed anything was different between him and Allura. Lance was sniffing around, but that was nothing out of the ordinary. Disguising his jealousy over the t-shirt had gone quite well, he could tell Lance was disappointed he hadn't taken the bait.
Besides, having a t-shirt for hikes was practical, par for the course. It would be a bad idea to object to something so harmless, even if it did rankle to think of Allura wearing another man's garment. And though he wasn't thrilled with how she'd gotten it, she did look great in it. And if she did workouts in one...well, it would make his a lot less mundane.
So maybe he'd give Allura one of his own t-shirts to wear? The thought brought on a half smile that lasted until Lance offered to carry Allura's backpack to her quarters and she accepted with what seemed like overly abundant enthusiasm. The half smile was now a camouflaged display of gritted teeth as an irrational surge of resentment thundered through him.
This was the downfall in his brilliant plan- having to stand impassively by instead of objecting as his friend plied Allura with his considerable charm. Was this jealousy, or was the territorial lion in him taking over? With all the different techniques he'd been trained in, emotion was usually a controllable factor. But now-well, he wasn't even sure he could risk showing his expression!
And so he turned away from the sight of Lance and the Princess, only to be met by Coran's shrewd gaze. The older man placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you, Keith, for seeing her through this difficult time, and thank you for bringing her back safely to us."
"You're welcome, but you don't really need to thank me. It's my sworn duty to defend her at all costs."
The words were abrupt, the tone gruffer than he intended. Jealousy was harder to contain than he had thought, as were his eyes, which kept straying in Allura's direction, dammit!
The creases in the outer corners of Coran's eyes deepened as he smiled. "There is no doubt in my mind you'd do everything to uphold that duty. I was talking to Varten just before your return and he was singing your praises. I hope you know that you made a profoundly good impression on a man that has been a great and constant champion for Arus."
Keith felt his face grow hot as his petty and uncharitable thoughts about Lance vanished in the face of getting an honorable commendation- also a reminder that true character was revealed when no one was looking.
He needed to do better. With an effort, he drew composure about him like a cloak. "Thank you for saying so. I was fortunate to have found out a lot about him, Coran. He's a hero and an amazing person, and I'm deeply honored that he's spoken well of me."
Coran kept his expression impassive, knowing the young man before him did not realize that his simmering emotions were easily read by another with the aptitude to do so. As a practiced diplomat, he had been masterfully adept at keeping his ability a secret while making those subtle connections, his probing so skilled as to be indistinguishable. It was a method he had used with the greatest of care and discretion over the years, but such subtlety had been all but useless in fighting the war against Doom.
And so, he'd fallen out of practice. But Keith's emotions, amplified by his connection with his lion, sent out a strong signal that read as easily as having a sign held up in front of him. In mere seconds, Coran knew the truth of the young man's feelings without direct invasion of Keith's private thoughts. What he saw and felt from the mind of his young friend was both pleasing and bittersweet for one who'd had to say farewell to a beloved wife. "I'm certain that what you've learned about the lions during your visit will serve you well."
Keith nodded, looking solemn. "By all accounts I should feel like a veteran, but I've come to realize I'm a neophyte."
"That's a good thing. Humble awareness of self is an absolute necessity for further enlightenment. I'm sure your lion will guide you on the journey."
"My experience with BL so far has me thinking he'll be more like a drill sergeant or a crotchety professor than a guide."
Coran lifted an eyebrow. "From past anecdotes Varten has told me, that's quite possible. I think the words I heard most often were 'hard to please' 'unrelenting' and 'cantankerous cat', with expletives sprinkled in."
"That doesn't surprise me in the least."
The two men grinned at each other.
The moment of understanding ended with the Princess coming to her guardian's side. Grasping his arm, she tip toed to kiss the hollow of his cheek.
"What is all this?" Coran said, sounding gruff but looking pleased. "Have you caught jungle fever? Displays of affection-"
"I want to thank you again for your support." Allura said, interrupting. "Without your help, I couldn't have found my true place."
The diplomat was somber, but the corners of his mustache turned up as he laid a paternal hand on her shoulder. "It was and is my honor and privilege to do so." As Allura's mile faded, he added, "is something wrong?"
"I just realized- is Nanny all right? It's not like her to miss a homecoming!"
"She was fine when we spoke earlier today." Coran said." But I'm wondering about her too. To ease both of our minds, I will page her from the comm."
Pidge, who was standing around listening because he had nowhere else to be, smirked to himself at hearing Nanny's absence being discussed.
He figured he was the only one who knew the cause of the woman being late. The mice had clued him in, and he couldn't wait to get the confirmation with his own eyes and ears.
Coran never got a chance to page Nanny. Before anything could be done, the door to Castle Control room slid open and Nanny strode into view. Her pace and posture indicated haste, but her demeanor was remarkably twinkly for someone who was constantly preached that punctuality was a virtue and tardiness was a sin.
Pidge's smirk grew. Clearly, her clandestine meeting had gone well.
"So very sorry I am so late to the party!" The governess called out cheerfully. "But as the boys say, better late than never!"
Allura blinked, rendered momentarily speechless by Nanny's blithe unconcern as she doled out hugs to her charge and to Keith, while saying, "so vonderful to see you, dear children, I hope you had fun!"
She cast her beaming face to the others, including them in the swath of her benevolent smile, seemingly unfazed that she only received bewildered stares in return. Even Coran was looking flabbergasted.
Pidge recovered first. He beamed back at her, his brown eyes shining behind his glasses. "You're an awfully good mood, Nanny." He said. "You've never been late before. Did something extra nice happen this morning?"
The other pilots flinched as the Royal Governess turned and fixed her gaze upon her questioner, who quailed under her unblinking stare in spite of his determination not to. But there was no reprimand for being cheeky, and her smile never wavered as she replied,
"My baby is home again, safe and sound. What could be as nice as that?"
What else indeed, Pidge thought. Of course it wouldn't have had anything to do with getting a bouquet of beautiful flowers from a handsome groundskeeper...
Lance had sidled over to him. "What's up, squirt? You look like the cat that caught the Space Mice."
Pidge shrugged. "I just thought she'd yell at me, and we'd find out why she was late. A ploy, you know? Guess it didn't work."
"Guess not." Lance seemed satisfied, and Pidge mentally congratulated himself on his increased level of skill in practicing subterfuge.
"I am so sorry if the extra time away worried you Nanny, I had more to do that I first thought in order to find out about my family," The Princess said, clearly still anticipating a delayed inquisition.
"Of course it vas important! Und I vas not so vorried as you had the handsome Captain looking after you!" Nanny replied happily.
A simmering silence followed, as those that had been recipients of the sharp side of the Royal Governess's tongue struggled to assimilate this shocking new attitude. Eyes turned to Coran, who simply lifted his shoulders in a small shrug.
Pidge was almost bursting to tell what he knew. But having an admirer appeared to be doing wonders for Nanny's disposition, and imagining how much more pleasant things could get around the castle if Nanny and her gentleman friend were able to carry on without interference was enough motivation to keep quiet.
The silence was growing awkward.
"Well, I guess I'll go change before the meeting." Keith finally said.
A chorus of eager affirmations followed.
Leaving the beaming Nanny for Coran to deal with, the young people departed.
The human shaped silhouette cloaked in the shadows of an overhanging wall straightened to a posture of high alert, and then flattened itself, blending in perfectly with the darkness as it observed the members of the Voltron Force filing out of the Castle's control room.
The sight of one of the pilots walking alongside the Princess brought an inaudible hiss of displeasure. Hopefully the man in brown leather wasn't always that attentive to the girl- the dossier said she was free of romantic entanglements, and that the biggest problem would be nullifying the Voltron captain, whose very existence was a bane to the plans of Prince Lotor of Doom. Lotor had used the word eradication, but that tactic didn't play into the bigger picture; one that the Doom Prince didn't have the foresight to envision.
It was a plan of survival, whose blueprint didn't include the assassination of valuable resources.
Hence the current position. To fulfill the mission, it was necessary to observe the daily routines, get to know those who were closely involved with his chosen targets. Patience was vital, not a virtue for the tyrannical rulers of Doom, but one that had served well in getting things this far along.
Voices receded down the corridor as the team dispersed. The shadow slunk along the wall and glided into an open vent, unseen and unheeded by humans and security emplacements alike.
The rodents scampering across the hall were another story. The strange scent and sense of lurking danger halted Cheddar in place, and the mouse looked behind him just in time to spot the shadow that darted around a corner.
It happened so quickly, it was easy to think it an imagined movement. But with Doom constantly on the prowl, the savvy mouse took nothing for granted. He squeaked a command to the others to follow it and find out where it was going. He would alert the Princess.
"So you were successful in finding what you were looking for, Princess?" Lance inquired as he strolled along the corridors, her backpack slung casually over his shoulder.
"Yes, but not entirely." She smiled apologetically at his ill concealed exasperation. "It's very complicated, and I'd like to wait so I can tell the story to everyone at once. I promise to answer all of your questions then."
"I can understand not wanting to repeat it five times!" Lance said. "Tell me this much, at least...how was it, spending time with our Fearless Leader? Did he manage to unwind and have fun for a change?"
"He seemed to relax and really enjoy himself," was the noncommittal answer. "To be honest, it's impossible not to relax in that place. It's so beautiful and peaceful, and there are no monitors beeping or alarms going off..."
"I bet he still stayed in uniform to uphold the Force's image."
"Only when we first arrived. After that he wore jeans and T-shirts. For the feast he even consented to wear native dress-"
Allura clamped her lips shut, too late in realizing this was something Lance would pounce on.
"And what is native dress for an Althenean?" Lance prodded, not hiding he was sensing a juicy tidbit of information.
"A sarong," Allura said, reluctantly.
"No way! They got Keith to wear a sarong?" Lance's grin was wide. "Never thought I'd see the day Keith went all jungle boy. I'd pay big money for that selfie!"
Allura chose not to respond, not wanting to provide more fuel for the fire. Thankfully they had reached her chambers. She keyed in the code, and pressed the switch to open the door.
Lance followed her into the room, and set her pack on a nearby chair. He turned the moment she spotted the tissue wrapped, ornately bow bedecked dress box sitting upon the pillows of her enormous bed. A large gift tag displayed her name.
"What's this?" She asked. "Do you know anything about it?"
He shrugged. "A surprise, it looks like. Maybe a welcome home gift?"
She pounced on the word. "So you do know about it! Is it from you?"
"I think you'll know when you open the card."
He smilingly watched as she plucked the gift card off the present, a slight hint of color in her face. "It's from Hunk?" She unwrapped the tissue, and lifted the box cover, From inside, she pulled forth a filmy nightgown. "But this is mine! I thought he was going to...oh, what has he done...?"
She draped the garment upon the bed and arranged it with reverent gestures, all the while staring at it with sparkling eyes.
Lance had to acknowledge once again that Hunk was a master at his craft. The ornately embroidered lioness stood out vividly against the white of the background, with lighter and deeper hued threads skillfully used as shading to give her dimension. The lilies beneath her paws were so realistic they looked ready to be picked from the front of the gown. "The guy sure has mad skills with a needle. Who'd have thought those big beefy hands of his could make something this delicate? And I gotta ask, how did he even get the opportunity?"
Allura turned her gaze to the man standing behind her. "I had torn this gown the other day, and was upset. It was a gift from Nanny, so obviously I couldn't ask her to fix it. I confided this to Hunk, and he offered to mend it himself. I was so surprised to find out he knew a lot about needlework, but I wasn't expecting this level of artistry or perfection! The repair is amazing! Why would he go to so much trouble?" She shook her head, holding up a staying hand as Lance opened his mouth. "Please don't. I know it's your nature to tease, but please be serious for a minute. Why would he do this?"
Lance crossed his arms and surveyed her a minute. "All right. You know Hunk's a bit rough around the edges when it comes to expressing himself, right? But he's a sensitive kind of guy beneath the bluster. He couldn't have been more eloquent in telling us that you're like family to him when he showed Pidge and me what he'd made for you."
"I can't believe he even showed you." Allura murmured. "He took quite a risk."
Lance looked a bit stung. "Hey, we wouldn't ridicule him for expressing those feelings, or for having an incredible skill with embroidery- well, not much on that part anyway," he amended, at seeing her wry glance.
"Please Lance, promise me you won't make him feel uncomfortable. As a favor to me?"
"Really? Not even a small joke about hemming and hawing, or being on pins and needles?"
"Not a word."
"Oh all right." He pretended to grumble. "I'll keep quiet. But only because I like you."
"Thank you." She said, rolling her eyes a little at the mischievous look he sent her. "You are such a tease! But despite that...I like you too." She grinned, then continued, "actually, one of the things I like most about you is that you don't put me on a pedestal. Laughing with you always makes me feel...like I'm just a regular person who has friends."
"With or without the crown, you're always my friend."
Surprised, she looked up. Lance met her gaze, his expression sober and sincere.
"It's fun joking around, but I want you to know I am dead serious about keeping my promises, Allura. You have my word that I won't give Hunk grief, but to be honest, I couldn't bring myself to tease him about it if I wanted to. He's a skilled craftsman, and he did his best work to show you how much he cares about you. Making fun of that would be a crime, and despite what may be said about me, I'm a man of honor."
"I know that you are." She regarded him with teary eyes. "I've never doubted that."
They regarded each other in silence until they realized it had gotten awkward.
"But this isn't about me, it's about you and Hunk." Lance said quickly.
"Yes. The nightgown is beautiful. I wish I could make something just as lovely for him, but I'm afraid I don't know how to make anything that he'd be able to use."
"You've given him the things that he cherishes most." Lance replied steadily. "Friendship and trust, and on top of that, you've given him a lion statue that belonged to your father. And the chance to be the pilot of Yellow Lion...is a gift of a lifetime."
She looked happier, but not satisfied. "But those aren't directly from me. I want it to be only something I can give, and not just because he's part of the Voltron Force."
Lance's eyes twinkled as he smiled. "You're going to agonize about it, I can tell. Tell you what, I happen to know of something super special to give him that would make him really happy-"
Allura interrupted. "Not anything with food! I want it to be something that will last a lifetime!"
"Please give me some credit. I'm way more creative than that." He sniffed. "What I'm thinking of is something he'll definitely have for a lifetime, and only you can give him!"
She looked intrigued- and just a titch uncertain. "Tell me. What is it?"
"A memory." He said smugly. "A beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime memory. A memory only you can give."
She scrunched up her nose. "That sounds nice, but what would he want to remember about me for a lifetime?"
Lance shook his head, both amused and touched that she didn't realize she was unforgettable. "You remember when it was time for the Love Bridge festival, and we all drew straws to see who would help you reenact the story?"
She nodded. "Of course I remember. Hunk won."
"So much was happening, you probably didn't realize it at the time, but he was literally sick with disappointment over how his big moment with you on the Love Bridge was ruined by Lotor." Lance told her. "He messed up trying to save you, and then Yellow Lion was damaged, and...well, from start to finish, it was very demoralizing for him."
Blue eyes held regret and empathy. "He was way too hard on himself." Her gaze sharpened. "And you were hard on him too."
Lance fidgeted and looked sheepish. "Yeah, I know. Here's the thing. I think getting a real kiss from the Princess he admires and wants to impress would replace the bad memory with a good one. And it'd give him a great story with a happy ending to tell to his future children. If you'd be okay with that, I think that's the way to go."
Her cheeks were rosy. "I'm okay with that...but it seems rather conceited of me to assume...I mean, I don't see how a kiss from me could be that unforgettable."
"It's not the kiss, but what it conveys. And yes, before you ask, it's enough compensation."
"You're certain it's something he'd like?"
"Very sure." Lance said, thinking it the understatement of the year. "This is serious, and I'm telling you the truth. I may be hard on him, but I love that big lug and I want to see him get his just due."
"Then it's decided!" Allura declared. "I'd be honored to do it! And I'll give him the best kiss I can. A real one, not a peck on the cheek!"
Lance's grin faded a bit and his face reddened slightly. "That would do it. But...uh...please don't take this the wrong way...but...with Coran and Nanny hovering and looking over your shoulder, you haven't really learned the art of kissing. I'm not trying to pull anything, I'm serious. If you need instruction, I'm discreet and a good teacher."
To his surprise, she wasn't embarrassed or put out. And she was smiling in a way that made him think she knew more than anyone knew she knew. "That's very thoughtful of you, Lance, but I think I'll be okay. I've seen movies, and read a lot on the subject. Oh, that reminds me, I have something in my bag to put away!"
As her companion blinked at her retreating back in silent bemusement, Allura hurried over to her pack and unzipped it. As she turned back the sides, a small book fell out and bounced off the mattress, and she gave a cry if dismay as the tome landed at Lance's feet.
The Princess had frozen in place. Her expression was aghast. It was up to him to retrieve things, and he did, with great care. The title on the book's spine was visible; 'Passions of the Heart, Sonnets of Love', and it looked to be very old, but yet in mint condition. As he carefully grasped and lifted it, a pressed flower fluttered out from between its pages.
After a assessing glance, he picked up and handed the flower and then the book to the Princess. "There you go. That's a strong binding, there's no harm done that I can see."
"Thank goodness," she half whispered. She held it flat on the palm of her hands, allowing it to fall open to a place where passages had been marked. Inserting the pressed flower into the crease between the pages, she explained, "Varten was so kind to give me this rare book of classical Arusian poetry. Some of the best loved sonnets, verses and excerpts from tales of romantic lore are in here. I must be more careful!"
He was dying to ask where the flower had come from, and what its significance was but he just didn't have the heart to be nosy as he watched her tuck the book into a dresser drawer with a care that showed how precious it was to her. He'd already made a mental note of the page number of the marked passage and filed it away for future research in the castle library.
She was staring at the book as if in a trance. He cleared his throat, and she jumped and then shut the drawer.
"All set and ready to leave?" He asked.
Her smile, he knew, was her thanks for his discretion. "I think so, yes."
They turned in the direction of the door and jumped in tandem as the chime sounded. Though he doubted an enemy would announce their presence by a door ringtone, Lance was instantly on guard. "Were you expecting company?"
Allura shook her head.
"All right. Let me see who it is."
She waited as he walked to the comm to answer the summons. As a very familiar accented voice announced that the Royal Governess requested entry, Lance groaned.
"Why does she bother? Doesn't she usually just barge in?"
Allura shrugged. "She might have forgotten the code. It changes daily."
"Do I have to let her in?"
"Well, since we have to open the door to leave...it would seem inevitable."
"Dang that reasonable logic of yours!"
She laughed at the face he made.
As the door was opened and Nanny hurried into the room. Lance resigned himself to the tongue lashing sure to be delivered at being caught in Allura's room without a chaperone. But the woman just blew by him, didn't seem to notice him at all. She was all about Allura, running up to her and curtsying.
"I am pleased that you are here, my Princess." She trilled. "Coran sent me to tell you to join him in the debriefing room at your earliest convenience."
"Thank you for relaying the message. As a matter of fact, Lance and I were just about to make our way there." Allura said.
The governess's gaze turned to the Red Lion Pilot, who sent a 'thanks for throwing me under the bus' glower at his companion. "Ah Lance, I meant to thank you earlier for helping our Princess with her bag! Such a thoughtful and gallant young man!"
Lance's jaw dropped and he eyed the woman in front of him. He was suspecting sarcasm, but could find nothing but genuine approval in her expression. A glance to his side told him that Allura was also gaping at the governess, who was standing at attention, with hands folded in a demure and deferential manner.
Nanny never waited for a directive, she always set to doing what she needed to do and saying what was on her mind.
"Was there something else, Nanny?" Allura asked.
"With your leave, I'm here to help get your things reorganized from your trip."
As she spoke, Nanny's head twitched to one side and stayed there, giving her the look of an inquisitive cat. It took the young people's mind off the astounding fact she'd actually asked permission to do something.
Allura and Lance exchanged glances, but he asked the question. "Are you feeling all right, ma'am?"
"Of course!" The older woman replied as her head gave another involuntary spasm.
"No offense, but that's a pretty severe tic you've got going."
Nanny put a hand to her neck, her expression blank until her head gave another jerk. "Ach, that! Just a bit of tightness from contraction. I believe I tweaked a muscle stacking bed linens on the shelves."
"I don't want you in any discomfort." Allura said, frowning. "Please go to see Dr. Gorma. I can unpack my things myself."
"Stuff and nonsense!" Nanny declared with twinkly firmness. "All he'll tell me is to take a couple of those aspirin tablets from Earth- an inefficient use of my time when all it requires is an adjustment, like so!"
Allura and Lance watched as the Royal Governess did a couple of neck rotations; a jarring crack was heard and both young people grimaced.
"Back in place and as good as new!" Nanny asserted.
Indeed, the spasms had stopped.
"It seems better," Allura said, "but are you certain that it shouldn't be looked at-"
"Quite certain!" Making shooing motions with her hand as she spoke, Nanny ushered them towards the door with a return of her usual briskness. "All is vell. I have work to do, and you must go to your meeting."
There was nothing they could do but leave with the Governess's farewell ringing in their ears.
"That was way beyond weird." Lance said, as the door slid closed behind them. With no other option, he and Allura automatically directed their steps in the direction leading to the team conference room. "Guess she knows best how it feels, but that adjustment did not look or sound normal."
"No, it did not." Allura agreed. "I'm still concerned that there's something wrong."
"There must be, 'cause you know when Nanny says I'm thoughtful and gallant, a very hot place is about to freeze over!"
"Oh Lance, you know she only gives you a bad time because she cares so much!"
"Yeah, being chased while having a number ten skillet held over my head has made her affection for me abundantly clear."
"And what could have prompted that scenario, I wonder?"
While the Red Lion pilot regaled her with the latest escapade that had happened in her absence, Allura's peals of laughter echoed into the corridor.
A couple of minutes later she was still chuckling and attempting to playfully swat his arm as they rounded the corner. Lance grabbed and held it, pulling her off balance. She braced herself from falling into him by putting her hand on his chest when she heard someone speak.
"Is there a problem here?"
They had frozen in place at the question, but as soon as Allura spotted the man who asked it, she quickly tugged away from Lance's hold. "Keith? What are you doing here? Aren't you going to the meeting?"
"Yeah, since when does our Illustrious Leader resort to lurking?" Lance chirped.
"It's a given with you running amok." Keith said. "The others are waiting for us."
He looked quite calm, but his aura was giving off storm signals and Allura wondered if she should warn the unsuspecting Red Lion pilot of impending danger.
Fortunately, Lance's intuition seemed to be working well because he didn't attempt any further wisecracks.
"Great! Let's go." He said, with an ease that spoke of a clear conscience. "Like I was telling Princess, I can't wait to hear about your trip."
The awkwardness dissipated as the three of them continued to walk. There was nothing different about the way Keith was bantering with Lance, but Allura couldn't shake the feeling of tumult lingering about his person, or that he was avoiding looking at her. It was a two way link, he had to feel her unease, so what was she to do if he wouldn't acknowledge it?
Finally she managed to catch his eye, and extended what she thought of as a psychic hand. For a few anxious seconds there was resistance. In turn, she projected calm and reassurance, seeking to soothe the unrest and irritation lurking beneath his smooth facade.
Keith's demeanor softened, and he gave a half smile. Not totally satisfying, but it was enough.
Lance watched the byplay between his friends with marked interest. He wasn't overtly psychic, but he'd always been sensitive to certain vibes...and he was certain there was some kind of energy flowing from the Princess to Keith. Whatever was transpiring between her and Keith, Keith sure looked happier all of a sudden.
Did the Princess have psychic abilities? Is that what the Althene trip had brought forth? It would explain feeling her presence in the castle when she was halfway across the world.
And he could feel a sort of charge in the air just walking next to her. It wasn't static, or anything solid. There wasn't enough to be sure what it was.
As bad timing would have it, both energy flow and his observations were interrupted by their arriving at their destination and an opening door panel.
Pidge greeted them at the door with a grin, with Hunk standing further in the room behind him. "Is it story time now?"
"We should have milk and cookies for story time," the Yellow Lion pilot joked.
Keith chuckled. "Wish I'd thought of that!" He looked into the room."Looks like we're just waiting on Coran-"
He broke off as the Princess uttered a happy exclamation. Running to Hunk, she virtually launched herself at the gentle giant and threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you, Hunk! It's the most gorgeous thing I have ever seen! Thank you! Thank you so very much!"
Lance had to chuckle. The expression on Keith's face mirrored the thunderstruck look on Hunk's face, but the big guy still had the presence of mind to close his arms around the Princess, lifting her off the floor in a huge hug that was wonderfully uncaring of her rank.
"What is this all about?" Keith asked Lance.
Lance shrugged. "You'll have to ask the lady."
Allura was still gushing. "I couldn't believe my eyes. It's just stunning."
"Told ya I was good." Hunk's grin was cocky, despite the deep blush that darkened his tanned skin.
"You're much better than good," the Princess corrected, pulling back to look him in the face. "It's a masterpiece, and I will treasure it as I cherish having you as my friend!"
And with that declaration, and to the amazement of all, Allura kissed Hunk. Right on the mouth. An honest kiss, long and lingering, chock full of tenderness and gratitude for all that he was. After a stunned moment, Hunk closed his eyes and kissed her back.
"Whoa." Said Lance. "Didn't see that coming."
Hunk's expression was a study in happiness as the kiss ended and he gently set Allura's feet back on the floor. She clasped her dainty hands around his large paws, giving them a light squeeze, and he fought the urge to tear up.
She was a precious and noble lady, a Sweetheart of the First Order. He silently renewed his vow to protect and defend her at all costs. "You do me great honor, Princess," he replied, in a courtly tone he never knew he possessed. "My deepest thanks, I will cherish that-"
Further eloquence was stifled by the sound of a throat being cleared. Hunk looked startled, and after a look past Allura, highly uncomfortable. Allura turned with a frown to see Coran had arrived and that everyone present was staring at Hunk and her with expressions that ranged from stern to envious to amazed.
"Coran," Hunk said sheepishly. "Didn't hear you come in. Er- sorry about that."
No one asked him to clarify. They all knew he meant the kiss.
"Absolutely no need to for you to be sorry, Hunk." The Princess told him. To her guardian and the rest of their onlookers, she added, "and there's no need for glowering or admonishments. What's wrong with my thanking a friend for his gift?"
"If you're saying thank you to friends, how about me?" Pidge asked, partly out of hope it would work, and partly because it was clear his big buddy needed a reprieve- Hunk was not used to being the center of this kind of attention and his discomfort was painfully clear.
Allura smiled at the Green Lion Pilot. "This was special one just for Hunk. He did me a kindness I can never repay in kind." She looked at the others. "I'd appreciate if no one spoiled this moment. The gift he gave was heartfelt and sweet. I don't want my thanks for it turned into a bad remembrance.'"
"No chance of that." Hunk mumbled. "That kiss was a doozy."
"Sweet? Are you sure that gift was from Hunk-OW!" Pidge glared as Lance nudged him hard with an elbow and whispered something. Comprehension dawned and Pidge's face grew as red as Hunk's. "Never mind."
"Right. If we've concluded the public display of affection portion of the meeting, shall we get down to business?" Coran suggested, one brow raised in inquiry. His tone was not unkind, but it brooked no arguments.
"You heard him, team." Keith said. "We've got a lot of ground to cover."
The secondary prod did the trick, and the group moved to the conference room table.
"You'll have to tell me about this special gift," Keith said in an undertone as Allura walked past him.
"I'll be happy to." She murmured. "It's not a secret."
The exchange did not go unnoticed by Lance, who immediately added it to his mental list of romantic evidence. Quiet exchanges of words often indicated greater intimacy had been achieved, and he made sure that he seated himself where he could observe any further exchanges.
When everyone was seated and ready, Coran brought the meeting to order. After introductory remarks by the Princess, she deferred to Keith by requesting his account of the Althene trip, just as they had planned earlier. Keith began to speak, and quickly had his audience engrossed in his story.
An hour later, the assembled lion pilots sat silently reflecting on specific parts of the tale they had just heard. If it had been anyone but the practical, analytical Keith telling it, they would most likely would have been accusing him of embellishment or taking a hallucinogen. As it was, they were loyal soldiers who accepted the facts as their leader had presented them. He'd given no reason for them to doubt he wasn't of sound mind.
While Keith spoke, Allura had looked from face to face, trying to gauge the feelings of her dearest companions. Despite their obvious effort to keep an open mind, she had seen the uncertainty as Keith spoke of communicating with the lions in their true forms. At times they looked amazed, at others, a bit freaked out, as Pidge would say. She couldn't blame them. To think of the lions as sentient beings was not something they'd been prepared for; it wasn't something any scientifically trained pilot would just accept.
Another realization had surfaced that was problematic. Although she was thankful that Keith had not related the intensely personal details and sensations that had occurred between the two of them and their lions, there was no denying the omission diminished the impact of the events he had disclosed. It was like saying magic existed, but not describing how it looked and felt. Having that knowledge and sharing it was an integral part of making a connection and establishing trust, wasn't it?
She needed to reassure and convince her friends that it was possible to talk to their lions, and all the lions had a place in this quest. To show the amulets together was the one sure way to make the point. Making direct eye contact with Keith, she placed her hand over her collarbone, directly over where the amulet rested under her flight suit, thinking, they don't fully understand. I must show them.
Keith frowned. His amulet's mass was growing warmer and pressing into his skin. But showing its power was risking the repeat of what had transpired between Black Lion and Blue Lion. Describing it as a linking of human and Lion Spirits for the purpose of communication was understating the matter...and Allura was female in a room of males. Would it be the same for her coming in contact with the other Lions?
His gaze traveled around the room, meeting the sober expressions of each of his teammates. Was he so insecure that he'd deny them the privilege of learning about the lion bonds? The heaviness of the stone around his neck bore witness that it was a necessary risk. For them to believe, there had to be trust. For there to be trust, the ability to link had to be shown as truth.
He gave a curt nod, a silent acknowledgment to proceed. The Princess quickly stood up.
"My dear friends, I would like to show you something wondrous. Something that is the physical manifestation-" she glanced quickly at Keith then back to the others, "-of my bond with Blue Lion."
All eyes were fixed upon Allura as she reached beneath her collar to grasp the thin chain of her necklace. Gasps were heard as she gently pulled the stunning sapphire stone into view. She settled it against her collarbone and adjusted the chain so it lay flat around her neck. The gleaming golden lion head shone brightly upon the backdrop of blue, its glow reminiscent of sunlight reflecting on the surface of water.
Coran leaned forward, his eyes filled with amazement, and his face flooded with color. His hand extended, as if it longed to touch the stone. "Magnificent." He breathed. "I...I hoped...but never thought I would see it again in my lifetime."
Allura's smile was tremulous. "Do you think she approves?"
Her Guardian sat back, hand falling to his side, while his eyes glimmered with tears. "Oh yes. Heavens, yes."
Realizing that a hush had fallen over the room, Allura looked at her teammates, taking in expressions that ranged from empathetic to awe. "As Keith has told you, we now know my mother was the pilot of Blue Lion and that she died defending her realm. Blue Lion has given me the same amulet she wore as a symbol of our own bonding."
"That's real beautiful, Princess." Hunk said gruffly.
Pidge swiped a finger under his glasses. "It's perfect."
"Keith, you said that Varten Carlac gave you the Black Amulet." Lance said. "If you're wearing it, could we see it?"
Keith's reply was to draw forth the amulet. The gold lion's head flashed, and the polished surface of the onyx shone with black fire. The power it exuded was palpable to every onlooker.
The appearance of the Black Lion bond stone had sparked a surge of power in the Blue Lion sapphire that Allura felt most keenly. It subsided, and then surged again. To her relief it wasn't sexual, but rather like a poke or nudge, she thought with a slight tinge of amusement. Was it trying to get her attention? Was it a sign of approval and a cue to let the others know that a lion bond could be theirs as well?
Lance looked from stone to stone, mouth hanging open, before saying, "can anyone else feel that energy current? Or has my imagination run away with me?"
"No! It's there! It's the link," Allura assured him. "With the power of the stone, and with your permission, I'd like to try and connect with you, Pidge and Hunk on a deeper level. As in my mind to your minds," she added hastily, seeing sparks of mischief flare in the Red Lion pilot's eyes.
"Will it hurt?" Pidge asked.
"It isn't painful, but it can be somewhat...intense."
"Is it like being hypnotized?" Hunk asked.
"No. Relaxing is part of it, but you'll be yourself and in charge at all times."
"But we'll feel things." Lance stated.
"Yes. But I can't say what. It depends on you." She cast a sideways glance at Keith, who was tight-lipped but calm, to Coran, who nodded approvingly, and then back to her three teammates. "It is entirely up to you boys. I will not force you to try it if you're not ready."
Hunk was the first to speak. "I don't know what to do, but I'm good with trying it." He grinned at Allura. "But if you happen to run across the secret location of my candy stash, you gotta swear not to say anything."
She laughed. "It doesn't really work like that, I don't think. But just in case, you have my word."
"I'm in." Pidge stated. "I have nothing to hide."
Lance shrugged. "I don't know that it'll work with me, but go ahead."
Allura nodded. "It may not work, but I thank you all for trusting me enough to let me try. Try to relax and keep your minds open."
Gripping her amulet, she closed her eyes and followed her own instructions, forcing herself to empty her mind of distractions, and concentrate on her warm feelings for the friends standing before her. She wouldn't expect much. Even the briefest connection would be a success.
At first she saw nothing but fog. She attempted to reach into the cloud, but it felt solid as a wall. No one there yet. Refusing to give in, she grasped her bond-stone in both hands, and tried again, projecting love and peaceful intent within her mind as she reached out into the thick mist in search of a psyche. It was like hanging from a trapeze in midair, wondering if anyone would find her.
Then she felt a touch, and then a wave of gratitude as a psychic hand engulfed hers and pulled her forward. The aura the hand exuded was earthy, full of raw power, and yet was kind and gentle. She smiled as she acknowledged Hunk's presence, sending her emotion as the gentle sustenance of a creek flowing next to a high earthen bank. Hunk's eyes widened. "Oh. I can feel it! It's her..." In his surprise, he allowed the stream of gentle consciousness to slip away, and cursed aloud as it left.
Moving on, Allura felt a refreshing swirl of breeze, dancing close enough to be harnessed, before changing direction in a gust that hinted at the latent force of a cyclone. Allura smiled. Ah, yes, this would be Pidge...as a greeting, she sent a misty rain to mingle and dance with the wind.
Pidge made an involuntary sound that fell somewhere between a gasp and a giggle. Red faced, his wide eyes sought Keith, mutely questioning him if what he felt had happened.
Keith nodded, his expression wry.
After gently releasing Pidge from their connection, Allura moved on to the next sensation that rose to meet her. It was not gentle or whimsical. It burned into her cortex. She fought back, parried the thrust with flowing currents of tranquility from the depths of her psyche, believing with her entire being that the deeply passionate nature of Red Lion was as tender as it was fierce.
Lance was shocked by the ferocity of the emotions that raged within him. He'd suppressed or declined to acknowledge what had only plagued him in his dreams up until now, shrugging them off with the rationale that hot blooded fierceness and a strong survival instinct was all a part of being a pilot of Red Lion. Those traits were no reason for alarm unless primal instinct was in danger of overruling reason and logic. Like now.
For the first time, he was afraid he was in danger of losing control. This intimate connection with Allura was putting cracks in his armor, threatening to unleash raw feelings he'd carefully tamped down. Exposure was to be fought at all costs.
And so he battled, seeking to build a wall against the fires of baser instinct. The struggle grew desperate; he was slipping... and then a wave of calm descended; a waterfall of reassurance and calm serenity that doused any need to lash out. Under the onslaught, the fire he brought gentled, its heat becoming a warm caress. His tensed muscles slowly relaxed and his mind quieted. The Princess was there in his mind, soothing him, loving him, giving him peace. He took in what she gave, savored it, let it soak to the marrow of his bones. It could have been a minute, or an eternity before he sensed he was losing himself to something he could never have. He forced himself to let the feeling -and her- go, though it felt like a sudden punch in the gut.
Trembling internally, Allura broke eye contact with Lance. The leaping, roaring flame of emotion- raw yearning mixed with torrid desire- that had emanated from him had come close to consuming her. Once the fire was unleashed, she'd wanted to run from the connection, but she'd hung on, ferociously determined not to lose herself or him through unpremeditated, irrational fear. Control had been achieved, but she'd not wanted to risk letting go even then. If truth be told, in the end he'd been the one to push her away.
Whatever it was that Lance wanted at that moment, he hadn't wanted her to know what it was. She had felt something burning within him, a desperation and a longing for something he wanted with every fiber of his being. Such intensity and passion was well suited to the Lion Warrior of Fire, but with that passion came the dread of having emotions laid bare to another. Would fear of exposing what he saw as a vulnerability prevent him from bonding with Red Lion?
She became aware that Keith was looking at her, and without thinking, she sought comfort from him through their bond. Once again, sexual overtones were absent. The need for reassurance was stronger, and she was thankful for the affirmation she'd not lost perspective dabbling in the emotions of others. Relief came as his presence wrapped around her like a blanket warding off a chill. While she basked in the enveloping warmth and protection, she sat down and deliberately unclasped the stone.
After a minute, she felt Keith withdrawing, and her mind was hers alone.
"Are you all right, Allura?" Coran asked with concern.
"Yes, I'm fine. It's just a bit tiring. Are you boys all right? Any ill effects?" A chorus of 'are you kidding, of course we're all right' style affirmations made her smile.
"So now you all have a bit of understanding of what having a psychic connection is like." Keith said to the three pilots. "And that it isn't for those who aren't completely open to it."
Lance frowned, but his head nodded in unison with the others.
"What about Keith? Can we connect with him too?" Pidge asked.
Allura spoke up. "I'm certain you could. I thought one step at a time is best. My hope is that since you were able to connect with me, knowing what it's like will make connecting to your lions easier."
"I'm more than ready to do one of those vision quests thingies," Hunk declared. "So am I!" Pidge agreed. "If I can connect with Red Lion on a metaphysical plane, it would give me a huge advantage in any battle for sure." Lance said. "And if the five of us have the ability to be psychically joined, I bet it'll make Voltron that much stronger."
Coran got to his feet. "That is an excellent point, Lance, and I surmise it would require all five of you to return to Althene. I'll contact Governor Carlac for specifics. We will have to plan carefully so as not to jeopardize the security of this planet."
Keith turned to the older man. "If their vision quests are successful and all of us are bonded with the lion ships, do you think it means Zarkon and Lotor will finally be history?"
"Remember the truce." Allura spoke up, with gentle rebuke. "We don't go starting fights."
"We won't, Princess. But you can bet they'll forget about the truce as soon as they replenish their arms and lazon supplies." Keith replied grimly.
"Then there's no time to waste." She looked sad but determined.
Coran nodded. "I'll get to work then. If anyone has questions, bring them to our next meeting."
"Lion practice at eight o' clock tomorrow." Keith said, and then, as the others departed, called out. "Coran, do you have a moment?"
He'd almost been out the door, but hearing his name called, the Royal Advisor halted in place and waited as the others filed past him. "Captain? What can I do for you?"
"Mostly just listen, I guess."
"All right. I'm listening."
Keith cleared his throat. "First, I just wanted to say that I have the utmost respect for you as the Princess's guardian, sir. In the interest of that respect, and full disclosure, I feel should tell you that I did not give a complete accounting of everything that happened during the bonding with Allura, myself and the lions."
Coran's eyebrows lifted. "I assume you have a valid reason."
"Yes sir."
"Was she in mortal peril?"
Keith immediately shook his head. "She was safe at all times. Just not always...in control." He reddened. "I mean...she was feeling things that were not in her realm of experience..."
"So you're saying that what you omitted was done out of concern for her virtuous reputation?"
The Captain's face reddened even more. "Yes. But she's not...we weren't...I mean, her virtue hasn't been compromised! It was part of the ritual we consented to. Honestly, we had no idea that the lion bonding between Blue and Black involved a psychic exchange of feelings that were...uh..."
"Of a supremely personal nature?" Coran supplied helpfully, as the young man fumbled for words.
"Yes. I didn't think it was necessary or appropriate to be sharing those details with the others at this time...but...maybe I should, because it could happen to them when and if they bond." Keith ruffled the the hair on the back of his head with one hand, a gesture that the Royal Advisor had observed whenever the Captain was ill at ease. "In any case, I hope you understand why I held back information and that you still trust me around Allura."
Though he knew what he was going to say, Coran took a moment in order to weigh his response.
As an Arusian empath, he sensed the sincerity and earnestness of the young man before him. But even if he couldn't, being chosen as heir to Black Lion was sufficient and irrefutable proof that Keith not only had the heart of a champion, but that he was was worthy match for the Princess. Unfortunately, that fact and his personal vouching for Keith were only small stepping stones in what was sure to be a very bumpy crossing over troubled waters of public opinion, including that of Galaxy Garrison.
No matter, of course. As Royal Advisor, he didn't take controversial stances often or lightly. But controversy should not be a deterrent to doing the right thing. He'd dealt with many highly sensitive diplomatic situations, and this would be no different. Giving Keith his verbal seal of approval was a given- he owed him that, and so much more. The whole planet did.
The young man was trying his best not to show any hint of his emotions. But the bit of tightness in his face and the glimmer of dark defiance in his eyes was a giveaway. Clearly, this Lion Warrior was not about to relinquish his love without a fight. Coran found that kind of resolve quite pleasing in one so young. For that matter, all five Space Explorers, Sven included, had shown him in their own ways that chivalry was not dead and gone, it just came in different guises.
To be young and in love was a powerful thing. He trusted that power would be used for good.
"You have my complete confidence, Keith, and I have no qualms about your decision making regarding your relationship with Allura thus far. For what it's worth, it truly gladdens me to know she has bonded with a fine young man like you. And now, if you'll excuse me, I have some comm calls to make..."
With quick salute and a smile, Coran departed, leaving Keith to stare after him.
To Be Continued!
