A/N: Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. It has been a couple of months and for that I apologize. Thank you so much to everyone for following this story and for your feedback! I appreciate it all! Not gonna lie, I went through various different drafts for this chapter before I decided this was the better one. I hope you all enjoy it! Without further ado; Chapter Thirteen!

~Chapter Thirteen: Heartache~

Lance shot up in his bed. Sweat dripping from his brow with his heart hammering in his chest. He took a deep breath to calm himself.

He had that dream again; of being on Zethrid and Ezors' ship- them threatening Pidge and the red-hot anger that shot through Lance's entire body. And of course, like every other dream, he was too late. They hurt her to the point where either her neck snaps, she loses consciousness, they're blown out into space, or he is the one that meets the untimely demise. And every time the Paladin wakes up he has to calm himself down and remind himself, "It was only a dream. Pidge is safe."

Taking a sharp inhale, Lance recalled what happened only hours after escaping the ship. Keith had opened a channel only for him and the Red Paladin, making sure everyone else was asleep so they could talk privately.

"Hey, Lance." Keith's face popped up on the side of the panel. Lance's hunched form met his gaze. "Are you okay, man?"

Lance shrugged, "Yeah, I'm fine… why?"

The Black Paladin shrugged, "You just seemed…. Well, ever since we got back from Ezor and Zetrhids' ship you've been…. Quiet." the Paladin in question shrugged again.

He gave a tired sigh, "Yeah, yeah. I'm fine I just…. Couldn't sleep."

"Is it about Pidge?" the question struck a chord in the Red Paladin's chest. Had he been that obvious? Keith continued, "I know how you feel, Lance. I was scared, too-"

"Keith," Lance interrupted, "I wasn't just scared. I was terrified." the sympathetic look from their leader made the teen go on, "I don't know how to explain it. It was like a twisting feeling in my stomach made me want to vomit but then a jolt of anger ran up through my spine. I wanted to keep her safe, Keith. But I couldn't." he took a deep breath, "I just charged without thinking….. Like you do." he poked.

Keith gave a snort, "Yeah, that sounds like me. But Lance, you did protect Pidge." blue eyes met his in a you-gotta-be-joking way. "No, I'm serious! If it wasn't for you, Ezor would have done away with her. But you gave enough time for them to stop and turn their attention to us. Your acts, while they were brash, were….. Noble."

Lance smiled gratefully, "Thanks, Keith….. Never knew talking to you would help." the leader shrugged.

"It's amazing what happens when you set aside delusions of a petty rivalry, huh?" Keith poked.

The Red Paladin rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah whatever. Night, Keith."

"Night, Lance. And don't worry, Pidge is safe." Lance gave one last smile before signing off. Despite the smile he wore, once the screen turned back into his control console, the teen felt his face turn into a frown, not being able to shake the feeling of almost losing Pidge from his mind.

Shaking his head of the anxious feelings, Lance stared up at the ceiling of his room trying to distract his depressive thoughts.

It was weird staring up at the Garrison walls again, like visiting an old, childhood home that held so many memories. The only difference was that his family was on either sides of the walls instead of some dumb teens that couldn't keep their music down on the weekends. He smiled thinking of his family; his mom and dad... Marco... Luis... Veronica... Rachel... abuelita y abuelito... his niece and nephew….. all of them…. here…. with him…. Where they belonged. He had missed them so, so much. The teen was so happy to see them safe when they got to the Garrison.

"Is that your girlfriend?"

Lance cringed embarrassingly at the memory of Veronica's question. He had denied the accusation of course but that still didn't mean it didn't bring a smile to his face. True, in the past he would have loved to have boasted to his sister; "Not yet, but she will be!" However true that comment may have been. And it was, for a while. At first, Lance was skeptical about asking the princess to dinner since he had spent so long getting over his feelings for the princess, but after everything had calmed down and everyone got into a routine he figured out that he at least wanted to try. So, Lance had gotten enough courage to ask Allura out on a date

They didn't go anywhere; just had dinner at the Garrison and spent hours talking. To which he had to admit, was amazing! He listened to her as she went on about her plans for helping his race, her childhood, and so much more. He himself got to talk about his family and his time at the Garrison; "There was this one time that Hunk and I got in trouble for sneaking a cat into out room!" or "Pidge, Hunk, and I climbed a mountain for bonding time-", "Hunk and I tried to convince Pidge that Iverson was married to an alien-", "Pidge was so sick one time that I had to sneak in some Advil from the nurse's office-", "Oh man! This one guy, Chad, was always picking on Pidge- right in this hallway actually- punched him right here!"

He guess he should've known that he was talking a lot about Pidge throughout the time he and Allura were "courting" (as she called it). But truth was, he just didn't notice…

Lance had asked Allura out formally again. He figured spending so much time together would have been exhausting but he couldn't help it, he was excited! He wanted to know more about her (as if he didn't already know so much). But he recalled some advice his mom had given him once before, "Get to know her, mijo. You'll find out if you truly like her then." Of course, he never really followed his mother's advice before but he figured "Eh, better late than ever."

As he put the final touches on his hair, Lance gave a look over himself in the mirror. As he gazed at the changed man- not boy as his mom kept pointing out- in the mirror; "You've grown up so much, Lance! Into a young man." He guessed he had. Along with maybe his physical features, Lance couldn't help but feel that maybe….. His feelings were changing, too?

Though it was a ridiculous assumption, throughout the last few weeks the young man had felt a bit hollow….. He had noticed this whenever Pidge would dismiss herself whenever he would enter a room. Despite not wanting to show how much it hurt, he was really missing hanging out with Pidge. Lance figured it might have to do with the fact that she was helping make major improvements and technological discoveries around the Garrison. He was so proud of her in that regard! Despite it only being a few weeks since they all got busy it was still lonely. A small part of him wondered if that's why he asked Allura out; just so he was not as alone as he felt. True he had Hunk but somehow… it wasn't the same. He wanted to be around Pidge but she didn't give him the time of day anymore. It hurt.

He couldn't let that bother him, though.

Lance had a date with Allura to think about.

Lance shook his head, "You got this, Lance." he coaxed himself, "Just be yourself and everything will be fine-"

Knock Knock Knock

The sudden knocks at his door cut him from his thoughts. He looked at the clock on his nightstand. Five-fifteen. He was supposed to be meet Allura at five-thirty. Who the heck wanted to see him NOW of all times?

Heaving an annoyed sigh, Lance figured there would probably be one person who would want to see him RIGHT BEFORE he was supposed to be meeting someone for a date.

"Hunk!" he slumped over making his way to the door, "This had better be good, man! I have to meet Allura any mi-" as the door slid open his heart jumped into his throat, "Allura!" he cleared his throat, "H-hey! What're- Did you want to go now or-?"

The princess gave a short laugh, "No, Lance. I…. was just wondering if I could have a word with you?" she inquired as she flattened her dress. Lance was a bit surprised to see her in her formal attire, given that the Garrison had accommodated by giving her (and the rest of the Alteans) some clothes they felt would be more comfortable to wear.

Lance squeaked, "Oh!" before moving to let her in, "Of course." as she entered his room Lance watched as her long hair bounced gracefully. The young Paladin was always impressed by her grace. Even in pressing times, the princess had the air of royalty and grace that any fool could see was intimidating. Which is one of the reasons he fell for her.

Allura looked around the room and smiled as her eyes landed on a picture of his family.

"You have a wonderful family, Lance." she stated, picking up the picture from his stand.

Lance gave a small smile of appreciation, "Thanks. I think so, too." he watched as Allura gazed lovingly at the photo. It occurred to him that maybe it was bringing up bittersweet memories for her so he gave a little cough to ease the tension, "So uh… what was it that you wanted to talk to me about?"

Shaking her head, Allura put down the photo, "Yes, of course. Um," she turned to face the young man staring him directly in the eyes. Man, her eyes are breathtaking. Lance thought. She took a deep breath and Lance listened as she explained, "Lance, I haven't been completely honest with you. And in light of certain conversations we've had, I don't think you've been honest with me either."

The teen raised an eyebrow, "Wh- How do you mean? Of course I've been honest Allura!" he sighed, "I've never been honest with anyone else." the woman before him gave a small smile.

"But you have." she stated. Lance shook his head. She wasn't making any sense! What brought this on? "Lance," she reached a hand out and grabbed his gently, "I have been thinking and… the last thing I want is to hurt you."

"A-and I don't want to hurt you-!" he tried his best to deject but Allura held her hand up to silence him.

She looked down in thought, "I know this, Lance. But what I am trying to say is….. I am not completely over my heartache with Lotor." Those words stung. Lance wanted to ask why and say that he would do better than that jerk ever did! But something stopped him…. Even though his heart sank, a feeling of relief washed over him as she said those words. But why?

"And," His attention refocused on her as she continued, her eyes piercing into his, "I know being in a relationship with you would only tear us apart. And that's not fair to you. You deserve someone who would treat you better than that. Than some sort of… oh, how would you earthers say this?"

Lance gave a sad smile, "A rebound?"

She nodded sadly, "Yes, a rebound as you call it." she sighed once more, "Lance, it has been an honor to fight beside you and call you my friend. I don't want that to change."Conflicted as he was, this confession gave Lance a sort of feeling of gratitude. In the past he would have been upset beyond repair by this conversation, but as realized before; he was a new man.

He nodded, "Allura. I can't lie, I was hoping there was something between us. Anything! But," he looked down and took her other hand, "I'm glad you're being honest with me." he raised her hands and gave them a gentle kiss. He let go of her hands and gave her a look over once more.

"I'm glad I am, too, Lance." Allura confessed.

A few moments of silence passed between them before Lance spoke again. He rubbed the back of his neck, "So, we're still friends right?"

Allura gave a small giggle, "Of course, Lance."

He smiled, "Good! I guess a platonic relationship is better than none, right?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way. I would hate to lose your friendship, Lance." Allura moved in for a hug to which Lance gladly returned. The embrace was welcoming and warm, much to his surprise- Lance was expecting more awkwardness. But they parted as friends.

The princess broke away from the hug but kept her hands on her friend's shoulders, "Besides!" she gave him a warm smile, "I know you and Pidge will be very happy together."

The unexpected statement caught the poor Paladin by surprise as he stared at the woman in surprise. He gave a nervous laugh, "Uh…. what?"

"Oh," Allura let go of him as she explained, "Lance, do not worry. I know about your feelings for her. I supposed it should have been obvious for me what with your constant talk about both of your exploits together while studying here." with each word spoken the whole world seemed to slow down for Lance. His heart pounded as the weeks previous began going in rewind in his mind. Had he really talked a lot about Pidge to the point where it seemed like he had feelings for her? His cheeks seemed to heat up at the thought of him and Pidge being together in that way…..

"Lance?" Allura's voice broke him of his trance. Lance focused back on the woman in front of him.

"No." he stated.

"No?"

"No, no! That's not- I-I don't have- You got it all wrong, Allura!" his voice gave an uncharacteristic crack as he tried his best to explain everything. But as he opened his mouth to say more, nothing came out. How could he explain everything? What the crow could he even say? Was Pidge not a vital part of his life? Was he not happy when he recounted tales of their mini-adventures within the Garrison? Was he not happy with her around? Was Pidge not his best friend? The one he held so many moments with that he would treasure for the rest of his life? Was she not important to him? The realizations came in full force like a punch to the gut.

His gaze turned back to Allura in desperate attempt for explanation. Like looking at her would help his feelings any.

She smiled gently, "Lance," his breath hitched as she calmly said his name. How could she be calm? His feelings were on the fritz! "Lance, it is alright. You do not have to hide your feelings from me." His feelings? What feelings?

"I don't have feelings for Pidge!" Lance bursted out. "Pidge is just my best friend, okay?" he began pacing back and forth, trying to think. It was as if nothing made sense anymore so his pounding heart decided to do all the thinking for his brain, "I-it's not like I noticed the way she- she smiled everytime Rover would follow her! Or how sad she was when she lost him! Or how much she loves technology and science-y stuff! Making me want to learn more just to understand her excitement! Or how she's fiercely protective of her family and friends. And no matter how small she is compared to the bad guy, she'll take them down- no problem!"

He let out all his thoughts in one fail swoop. Each word getting softer and softer as he spoke. "Or whenever she's in danger all I see is red! I wanted to strangle Ezor and Zethrid after what they did! I just want her to be safe because-" he cut himself short. Oh… now he understood what Allura meant.

He glanced over at his once greatest heartache. Her calm demeanor already giving away what they both knew. "How- how when she's around I get these weird feelings in the pit of my stomach….." He let out a sigh, sitting down on his bed, letting his head hang down in defeat. "It's…. It's not like I notice how cute her freckles are….. Or how smart she is….. Or how she's my best friend and-" he let his eyes wander up to Allura as she sat down with him, "and I don't want to lose her." he let a wave of silence fall over them both as he debated whether or not to just let the rest of his secrets drip out. He bit his lip.

Boy, he thought, how awkward is it that I'm explaining to my ex-crush about my secret crush?

Lance gave a small chuckle, "Did you know-" he rubbed his hands together in attempt to ease his tension, "I- uh…. I wanted to kiss her once?" he explained what had occurred one time on the castle when he woke up in her room. He told Allura that even though he dismissed the feeling almost immediately, the thought of kissing Pidge had occurred many times after that incident. But of course, he was stubborn to admit his feelings so he chalked it up as just being a relative thing he wanted to do when he saw a pretty girl.

The Red Paladin let his rambling turn into inward thoughts. Mulling over what he was experiencing, hardly noticing Allura as she studied his face.

"But-" he broke the pregnant silence, "I can't say anything. Pidge is- she could never feel the same way about me."

"You don't know that." was Allura's immediate response.

He scoffed, "Allura, look at me! She's super smart and I'm just- I'm just….. the sharpshooter-"

"With more to offer than he realizes!" the princess held Lance's hands and looked deep into his eyes, "Lance, you will never know how she feels if you do not try. You always let me know how you felt about me and while circumstances are different, I was flattered! But Pidge is different. Pidge knows you better than I do. She knows all of your flaws and from what you said, your insecurities." as Lance's eyes casted downward, Allura reached up to cup his cheek into the palm of her hand. "Do not let her get away, Lance. You will never know how she feels unless you tell her how you feel."

The sharpshooter gave a tired sigh as the memory faded. His talk with Allura- while still gave him doubts- gave him a little more confidence to try and tell Pidge how he felt. However, every time he saw the girl that now occupied his thoughts, she would quickly dismiss herself. In the past, Lance would not have a problem of following the girl who had his affections and end up swooning her. But Pidge was different. Pidge was…. A lot more intimidating. Whenever he saw her a little voice in the back of his mind told him it would never work out between them. They were too different. It would never work…

Lance let out a frustrated groan. He wasn't even sure if his feelings were valid! He spent so long trying to woo Allura, how was he to know if his feelings were even true? He didn't want to think of Pidge- or have her think- that she was some sort of rebound! Lance knew how that felt, and despite being on good terms with the princess…. It still didn't feel good. Pidge did not deserve that kind of treatment! He didn't want to lose her because of that…. she was just too important to lose.

Throwing the covers off his bed, Lance planted his feet on the ground. He looked up at the clock on his nightstand and groaned. It was only seven o'clock. He and the rest of the division he was helping had the night shift that started at three A.M. so they all had to go to bed early in the evening.

He shook his head to clear his mind. If he was going to get to sleep, he needed some tea.

As he got up, all the things worrying his mind seemed to suffocate him as he put on his regular clothes. Doubts, fears, and nervousness filtered in and out of his brain as he made his way out the door and to the kitchen where he normally got tea from. Familiarity breeds contempt, he figured…. If that was even the right term he was looking for. He bet Pidge would know…

As the thoughts of one of his best friends ran through his mind, he hardly noticed the two figures already occupying the room he entered. He looked up, "Oh! Sorry, I didn't realize you two were in here. Uh," his heart leapt into his throat as his gaze rested on the mother of his- dare he say it- crush. "-hello Mrs. Holt. Hey, Hunk."

….

"Katie has had so many heart-breaks in her life. Please don't be another for her."

"With all do respect, Mrs. Holt. I don't plan to be."

The promise he made ran through his head as he made his way down the corridors. New, confident energy bursted through him as Lance reached the lab Pidge normally worked in. The door slid open and Lance was not surprised that he was greeted by an empty room. Mrs. Holt had said she was sleeping after all.

Well, Lance mused, when she wakes up and comes to her lab (like her knew her so well to do) he would be waiting.

He sat himself down at her work station, looking around as he did so. Each little gadget and impressive large mechanisms reminding him of why he was here; to lay his feelings out on the table- so to speak.

The conversation he just had with Mrs. Holt definitely put his mind on the right track. Pidge did have some form of feelings for him- as confirmed by her mother. Thank you, Mrs. Holt. Lance would definitely have to tell Pidge how amazing her mom was. Almost as amazing as his. Almost. If not, on the same plane.

"Alright," he said to no one in particular, "you got his, Lance. You were the Blue Paladin and now the Red Paladin after all! I've defeated hundreds of Galra and other weird space creatures. If I can do that, I can tell Pidge how I feel!" he nodded in determination.

Leaning back, Lance closed his eyes as his heart raced for what he was preparing to say to Pidge when she finally got to her lab. Going over line after line of what he wanted to be perfect confession material. He wanted to get this just right. He didn't want to mess up. He wanted to make her feel special when he confessed, he wanted everything to be perfect right down to the letter because….

He was in love.

Lance had been with her since the beginning; starting out as just classmates to teammates to friends to best friends to comrades in arms….. He was with her through every snippet. Lance did not want to lose that.

He had to get this right.

He just had to.

A/N: And there you have it! Another chapter done. I'm sorry if this one is not as good or up to expectations but I tried! Also, I just wanted you all to know that in light of some things I need to work on and for my different interests, I have decided that the next chapter will be the last for this story. I am truly sorry to do this but I feel like it is for the best. Thank you so much for reading and I will see you all in the next chapter!