Voltron is WEP's, the others are mine.

Short, but sweet.

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"Keith?"

Keith looked up from where he was currying his white stallion. Little Annie Harrison stood watching him from the doorway. He smiled at her. "Hey there sweetheart. What brings you out here?"

She shrugged. "Everyone's busy. Can I pat him?" She asked eagerly.

"Of course, come here." Keith held his hand out to her and Annie hurried towards him. Keith placed an apple in her hand. "Here, like this." He showed her how to feed the horse.

Annie laughed. "He tickles! What's his name?"

"Gaerwn. I think he likes you." Keith laughed as the stallion ruffled Annie's hair.

She sighed. "He's beautiful. Can we go for a ride?

Keith paused. I'm really not in the mood. He started to shake his head, but one look at Annie's downcast face changed his mind. He was a sucker for a beautiful woman. He sighed. "Sure, let's go." He quickly saddled and bridled Gaerwn, then hoisted Annie up onto the animal's back. Pain streaked through his chest making him pause for a moment. He took a deep breath, waiting for the pain to subside, then climbed up behind her. "Ready?" He asked.

"Ready Keith!" She giggled with excitement.

"Then what are we waiting for!" He touched his heels to Gaerwn's flank, and they galloped out of the paddock. Keith let his horse run for a few moments, then slowed him to an easy canter. Annie squealed with delight. They continued on until the Castle was out of sight. Keith's side began to ache in earnest, and he slowed his horse. "How about we give Gaerwn a breather." He said, pulling the animal to a stop in a large field.

"You can pick some flowers." He slid off the horse, helping Annie out of the saddle. She ran off across the field. Keith leaned against his horse, waiting for the pain in his chest to fade. He ground tethered Gaerwn, letting the horse graze, and moved over to sit in the shade of a tree. Annie looked back at him, waving. Keith waved back. A few minutes later, she came and sat by his side. "Got enough flowers?" He asked smiling.

Annie nodded. "Yes. Does the Princess like flowers?"

"She loves flowers. Are these for her?"

"Yep." The little girl grew thoughtful. "Keith?"

"Yes honey?"

"That bad man, the one who tried to hurt me and take me away, where is he?" She looked up at him.

Keith took her hand and looked deep into her green eyes. "He's gone Annie. He can't ever touch you again."

"Are you sure?" She asked seriously.

"I promise."

She sat quietly for a few minutes, then turned to him once more. "Keith?"

"Yes Annie?"

"Daddy said you got hurt really bad. That you almost died." She looked up at him in concern.

Keith nodded. "I almost did Annie."

She paused for a moment, thinking. "Lance got hurt a few months ago. Daddy came here to see him. Mommy cried."

"She didn't want Lance to be hurt. Sometimes people cry when they're scared." He told her.

She looked up at him in surprise. "Are you ever scared Keith?"

Keith nodded again. "I was very scared when Lotor took you and Allura."

"I was scared too." She grew quiet again. "Keith?"

Keith smiled. "Yes Annie?"

"Now that you found your real Mommy and Daddy, does that mean you won't live with us anymore?" She asked innocently.

Keith looked down at her. "Well Annie, the Princess and I are married now. My home is here, on Arus."

She puzzled over that for a moment. "So, will you still visit us?"

"Of course I'll still visit you. And Allura will come with me." He grinned at her.

"I like her. She's pretty. And nice." Annie smiled back, and then her expression sobered. "Keith? Are you still my big brother?"

Keith took her tiny hand in his. "Annie, I will always be your big brother."

"I'm glad you didn't die Keith. I love you." She wrapped her arms around his neck.

Keith swallowed the lump in his throat. "I love you too Annie." He held her close for a moment, then smiled at her. "Come on. Let's get back and get those flowers some water. Maybe Nanny has some cookies we can steal from the kitchen!"

She laughed and gathered her flowers in her arms. Keith lifted her onto Gaerwn's back, and together they rode back to the Castle.