The bell over the door rang again and he saw a woman with a young child enter. She made a wide circle around the shattered mug on the floor, leading the child by the hand. Keith bit the inside of his cheek, which had become sore lately.

"I would like a latte and my son will have a hot chocolate."

It took every bit of self-control for him to keep a neutral face. He couldn't smile but at least it wasn't a frown. He collected the money and dropped it in the register.

"There's a broom by the bathroom." He called out without looking to the man. His hands were shaking as they ground the coffee beans and readied the milk. If he had the correct anatomy his ears would be folded back and tail would be tucked and looped around his leg. It was good to no be so, if only because the tail would trip him as he milled around behind the coffee bar, preparing the drinks.

"Son, it's been so long. I saw the name of the café and-"

"Yeah, you thought of mom. That must have been the first time in years." He yanked the filter holder from the machine and banged it upside down into the wastebin. The grounds fell out in globs. He tapped it harder.

"That's not true, but I understand why you'd say that." The man's voice was infuriatingly calm.

His jaw tightened and he was grateful that the timer went off to let him know the water had reached temperature. He scooped in the powdered chocolate and stirred.

"I've got to walk these over." He grabbed the handles of the mugs and walked out from behind the counter and to the table. The woman and son thanked him. Once he waa behind the counter again, he grabbed a straw and tapped it onto the palm of the other hand.

"I never wanted to leave," he pulled out a stool at the bar and sat down, placing his clasped hands on the counter in front of him, "I fought hard to come with. But your mom was called back to the war. As it was, she smuggled you with her."

"Kolivan's told me already. I wasn't meant to come with. I was a burden." The words tasted as good as a cup of straight black coffee, and did just as well to light energy in his veins.

"Keith-"

"No. Don't you- don't say my name. I'm at work, or I would shove you out this door. Get out."

"Alright, just," he reached into his pocket and pulled a card out from his wallet, "Please, call me. I want to talk. I- I didn't think I'd see you again."

Keith kept his hands busy with the straw, looking at the outstretched hand with the card. His dad sighed and let the card drop to the counter. With one last look, which was strikingly sincere with pleading and pain, he emptied the broom bucket into the trash, left it by the door, and walked out.

It might have been easier if the man had thrown a fit. Maybe Keith wanted him to lose himself to emotion, to yell, or cry, just something. Instead, his dad had stood there calmly. Sorrow was written all over his face, from the turned in eyebrows, to lines at the courners of the mouth. He looked haggard, too, face unshaven, hair unkempt. Maybe he had thought he would never see Keith again. Maybe he had searched. Maybe he'd spent all the years mourning his lost wife and son. But also just as possible was that he'd felt relieved when the pair had taken off for the stars. In truth, it hurt to think about his dad, and so he usually didn't.

It had occured to him, a few times since landing on Earth, to go look for his dad. But the thought of finding him dead was as painful as the thought of finding him alive. Reason, and Kolivan, and now his dad, had told him he was left with his mom to keep safe. That still didn't stop him from feeling abandoned.

He took the card into his fingers and looked it over.

Kenneth Kogane. So, Keith thought, I have a human family name.
Beneath that was an address to somewhere Roswell, New Mexico.
A phone number was listed.
But what concerned Keith was realizing he was reading without translation. The card was written in the Standard Intergalactic language. His father was human, right?

He tucked it into his back pocket.

What a time for his dad to come back. With a baby on the way, that was one more complication.

The Holt's daily arrival was welcomed with desperation. Matt barely walked through the door before Keith was calling him over. He scream whispered, wanting to get Matt's opinion and advice before anyone else.

"My dad came in today. I don't- I never thought- Look, this is what he gave me," he reached into his pocket and handed over the card. Matt squinted at it.

"Holy fuck dude, I can't read this."

"I know!" He waved his arms in emphasis. "It's in Standard Intergalatic. That language hasn't reached any systems remotely this far over, yet."

"Listen, you, me, and Shiro. On Friday night, sleepover. Bring this, ok? We were just gonna do video games and Webflix, but we can also play detective."

Matt handed it back over and he stowed it back into hiding quickly; if Pidge suspected anything was up, she would join them immediately. Which would clue Sam in. Keith loved the Holts, but he didn't want it to become a big deal, not yet anyway.

"Hey Pidge, Sam."

"Hey dude. Your family is wild. What an evening." She snorted and clapped her hands together. She must have been remembering something that happened.

"Yeah, well, you Holts are something, too."

The sarcasm just made her roar into more laughter. It was infectious, because he found himself chuckling along.

"Thank you Keith, we appreciated seeing your home and will be glad to host you all sometime at ours."

Sam was sweet. He could see where Pidge and Matt had got their caring and charm. Colleen had a good deal more fire to her. Where Sam was mellow and quiet, she had been loud and outgoing. Her wit was quick and sharp, reminding him so much of Pidge. Keith had shared many jokes and remarks with Colleen throughout the evening. Their humor was refreshingly similar.

"It'll be a tight squeeze, but I look forward to it."

They fell into their routine, sitting at the same table, Matt at the bar, and Keith making their drinks.

"Mysterious alien language notwithstanding, how are you doing?"

Keith had made Matt's drink first, so he was sipping on it as he waited.

"Well...," he wasn't sure, actually, "I'm just sinking into being comfortable with being pregnant, and this feels like it's just something else to worry about. I'd made my peace with it. He didn't want me, and that's ok. That's fine."

"Are you sure he didn't want you? He gave you the card, so, he definetly wants to catch up."

Argh, he huffed, "I don't know, I guess. Maybe. I have to think about this. Hey, can I- I'm not supposed to but... can I have a sip of your drink?"

It had been a day, and he figured he'd earned at least a little caffeine.

"If you don't tell Kolidad, then sure."

Snort.
"Kolidad?"

"Yeah, man. I mean- ok, well, maybe that's not so tactful, given the current circumstances. But you can't deny he wouldn't come gut me with one of those ceremonial blades, should he ever get wind that I allowed this."

"You'd swear he's the one pregnant."

They chuckled and shared some more banter as Keith finished making their order. He asked about "sleepovers"; From what he knew, they were for young humans whom were still in their primary or secondary education. Matt waved his hand, saying "age is for losers", so Keith, assumed, they were not "losers". There would be some beer, which Matt told him was alcoholic just like the wine they'd had.

"Isn't it funny how every civilization has some type of poisonous beverage that its people consume for recreation?" Matt did have a point.

"There's scheduled to be another influx of Galrans soon. They've been asked to bring some foods and the like. I'll have Kolivan ask them to get some bridé. I think you'll enjoy it. It's sweet and spicey."

"Oh, just how I like it." He winked at Keith. Which earned him a laugh.

No other customers came in, so Keith sat down with his friend's, drinking his chamomile tea. Shiro had driven into Albuquerque to pick him up some from the best tea house in the state. He forgot what all was in it, but it was smooth and comforted both his nerves and stomach. They chatted about the dinner. To his happy suprise, Colleen loved him and wanted to have him over for tea and biscuits. The company made him feel warm and he gave a few rubs to his abdomen.

Kolivan's arrival startled the group. They were so deep in conversation, they'd lost track of time. The Holts offered to help him clean up and close up. He refused them, insisting it was his responsibility, at least, until Kolivan let him know they were headed to the night market. Three extra hands would make it faster, as they didn't want to be late and miss the fresher picks, so he accepted.

"Thank you for your assistance, Holt family."

"Oh, no need for formalities. We are glad to help. Colleen and I would like to have you over dinner sometime, by the way. Please get my contact info from Keith. There are things I would like to chat about, as well."

Keith watched Kolivan's face. Though he had made fast friends with the family, Kolivan hadn't really talked with them. Humans were weary of them, especially one as imposing as Kolivan. Sam reaching out would have been a shock. He hoped they would get to bond. Not all humans were so deep in prejudgice.

"Alright, Kit. We're going to meet the others there."

Keith hummed. The car window rattled against his forehead as he watched the scenery. It was so open, he realized. The land stretched on and on, ending only where there were mountains. The sun set so early in the winter months, as had been explained to him, and so the drive was beneath the night sky.

Stars painted the sky like freckles. Their lights flickered. Keith spotted some constallations, having taken to learning them from Shiro and his classes. It made for a quiet sky, that there were no passing by ships. At least, none that were visible. With no light to interupt from either the Earth, nor celestial vehicles, the view was breathtaking and clear.

Watching the stars, Keith understood what would have drawn Shiro out to them. Living on Earth for the past few months, it was easy to grasp the drive.

"Did you ever think I'd have a baby?" It was a random thought, but the otherwise silence allowed itself for being filled with anything. "Uhm, well. You know... Like this?"

He was acknowledged with a sound of pondering. Kolivan was never one to speak quickly.

"I knew that a day would come. Kit, your nose may be unable to smell it, but to me, us, your scent is strong. There was no doubt you would attract more suitors than you could possibly desire. But even so, I felt I could deny those facts. There was always a sense of putting the thought off. Yet, and as it has come to pass, I knew it would come quicker than I would be prepared for."

"Are you mad?"

"I have no ire toward you, nor Shiro, and especially not for your yet born child. Keith, I am proud of you. I trust you to make the right decisions for your life, and that of the one growing inside you. If I fear, it's not out of your competency, but rather, my own ability to not bend life around you that everything may keep you safe."

"Thank you. That means a lot to me."

"As you do to me."

What had Matt said? Kolidad?

The stars seemed to be blurry now, twinkling much faster. But that could have also been the tears.

The night market was a few towns over and was an hours drive away. It was closer to Texas, and was much more abundant in plant life than the middle and southern parts of New Mexico. As they approached there were short lampposts marking the way into town. It reminded Keith of human fairytales.

They parked in a makeshift lot. Judging by the amount of cars, it was likely already busy. Continuing on foot, the ground became bricked. Through a line of houses, there was a large center, where all manners of stalls and carts were set up. It was all illuminated by stringed lights looped into the branches of trees that made a canopy around the edges of the center. It was easy to spot the rest of their party, as Galra towered over most humans.

Khli, a tall but smaller-framed Galra, with stripes running from forehead to neck, waved at Keith. He waved back and motioned at Kolivan to follow.

"We had just arrived, worry not." She addressed Keith, running the length of his braid through her hands. It was a calming gesture.

"I look worried?"

"As water when a stone's been cast in. Here, have a honeypop. We acquired these from the booth behind us. They are sweet."

He hummed a thanks and took the pop in hand. It was shaped like a Terran insect. It had wings and stout abdomen, with six little legs poking out from beneath. Popping it into his mouth, he realized he had tasted something like it before. It had been on toasted bread. He handed it to Kolivan to try, whom agreed it was familiar, and pleasent.

"Let us seek something savory, the sweet shall spoil your appetite, young one."

She handed him some plastic wrapping, likely what the pop had come in, and re-sheathed it.

The sounds of grilling pulled Keith towards a stall at the middle. Various meats were being cooked and the smell was a mixture of them, as well as a tanginess. He wondered after the types of spices, as they were so fragrant.

Digging into his pocket, he pulled out the tips he'd received for the day. Kolivan had allowed him to bring it for the occassion. He turned around to ask Khli is she wanted anything.

"I will take one, thank you, kitten." It was refreshing to hear Galran.

"Excuse me, I'll take t-"

"We don't serve your kind here. Move along." The man behind the stall punctuated his statement with a jab of the tongs his was using to flip the meat.

"My.. kind?"

"You weird space cat things need to take a hike."

Oh. That "kind".

Keith was quick to shoot forward, but Khli was quicker.

"Keith," she spoke pointedly in Standard Terran, "He isn't worth it. Not one so uncultured."

"You come here and leech of my taxes, and think you're better, huh?" The man hung the tongs on the side of the grill and reached for the knife.

It was likely any empty threat, but Keith couldn't rationalize in that moment. He ducked out of Khli's hold and sprung himself beside the man. In one swift move, he threw the man to the ground and had him held down by the arms folded behind him.

"You want to say that again?" Keith growled into the man's ear.

"Keith! Keith! Get off him, people are starting to stare! You'll get us kicked out!"

He snapped his head up. Sure enough, people were looking his way, and starting to whisper. The last thing he wanted was to get his family kicked out. He jumped off the man, whom groaned as he got back to his feet.

"See? This is why we don't want your kind."

Keith's teeth were snapped tightly against each other. His fists itched to be thrown, but he breathed deep, instead, and fell to Khli's side. She murmered comforting words to him. It hurt, but Keith allowed her to steer him away from the stall. They decided to go find the others and ask where they had eaten.

"Kit, you jeopradized us. You cannot be ruled by your emotions."

Keith grumbled as he bit into his buttered corn on a stick. Kolivan was right, and he hadn't meant to lash out.

"But we can't just let them talk like that about us." He spoke around the corn he shoved into his cheeks so he could talk.

"We can and we must. When you physically assault a human in defense of us being peaceful, it speaks the wrong message."

This time he bit off enough corn to keep himself from speaking. The adrenaline hadn't quite worn off yet and he was ready for a fight, whether he wanted to be or not. It wouldn't be wise to engage Kolivan, especially not in public. Ultimately, Keith respected him, and so he busied himself with filling his stomach.

"Someone's got fluctuating hormones." Regris sing-songed.

All Keith could do was shoot him a glare. There would be time enough at home to spar. That is, if Kolivan and Ulaz allowed him.

That thought made Keith deflate.

When he finished his corn, along with two others, because he'd felt suddenly ravenous, Ulaz took him aside. They walked over to a bench that was out of the way. There were no people there and it felt good for Keith to have some space.

Ulaz had purchased a hair brooch for Keith, which made him smile. His braid was undone with the gentle, precise hands of the doctor, whom was trained to touch with care. A slight purr vibrated through him as Ulaz finger-combed his hair.

"Now, what is it that is really bothering you?"

"Hm," Keith closed his eyes, feeling relaxed as Ulaz reworked his hair back into style, after clipping in the brooch, "Well, I. My dad, my human dad, he came in today."

Ulaz hummed to let him know to continue.

"I wasn't expecting it, is all. I thought- I didn't think- He's alive. He's here. And.. I don't know what to do about that."

"I trust your judgement, kit. Whatever you feel is best."

They shared companionable silence for a few minutes longer before rejoining the others.

The night was winding down, and they had acquired much fresh produce. Stalls were closing down and packing up. He barely made it to the car, where he promptly fell asleep against the window. He didn't remember waking up between then, nor making his way into their sleep room, but he woke up there just the same. Beside his pillow were various trinkets and teas. It made him smile.