Episode 11: I'll Save You!

Several Years Ago

"Hey Adam!"

The sound of a loud, but boyishly young voice made Adam stop dead in his tracks. He knew that voice well, and it got on his nerves every time he heard it. Adam turned around, holding his schoolbooks firmly against as his chest as a barrier against the annoying teenager approaching him.

"Shirogane," Adam responded flatly, "Following me around again?"

Ever since Adam joined the Garrison, this boy had been pestering him, trying to make pleasantries and be friends. Adam could never fathom why, nor could he escape him. Since Adam was a gifted prodigy, and Shiro was more or less the golden boy of their age group, they had many classes together.

"I just wanted to see how your day was going," Shiro replied simply, practically bouncing on his feet. Even for a teenager, he was pretty energetic, "And I keep saying you can call me Shiro!"

"I don't want to give you the impression that we're friendly," Adam said, turning to walk to his next class.

"Aww, I think we're friends," Shiro said, feigning somberness while following him closely.

"Don't," Adam stated bluntly, "I don't know why you insist on pestering me when I make it clear that I don't want you around."

"I don't think you really mean it though," Shiro said brightly. Jeez, this guy was like a ray of freaking sunshine, encroaching on the shadows Adam had become comfortable with. It had to be an act. No one was this nice. Yet Shiro just kept on, "Besides, I think you could use a friend."

Adam rolled his eyes, "I have friends. You've met Phil. We've known each other for a long time," Adam corrected him. If that was all it took to get rid of this guy, he would have laid that out weeks ago. He must not have realized they were friends because of how equally cold and annoyed Phil was by this shining golden boy. Hell, why couldn't pester Phil every once in awhile!? Why did it always have to be him?

"Yeah, I know. But even when you're with him, you always look…"

As he spoke, Adam noticed that his voice had started to become distant. He stopped and turned around, seeing Shiro standing still in the middle of the hallway, hands gripping the straps of his backpack tightly and gazing down at the ground.

"What?" Adam pressed on, needing to know what could have made him stop in his tracks all of a sudden.

"Lonely," Shiro finally said, looking up at Adam with what looked like pity and remorse.

He couldn't explain why, but that pissed Adam off even more than anything. Still, he was in a public hallway and couldn't make a scene. Instead he just let that anger boil, gritting his teeth in disgust and spitting out, "You don't know anything about me,"

Adam stomped off, stopped in his tracks by the cheerful voice yet again calling out, "But I'd like to!" What the hell? Was he really still going? Adam whirled around, seeing Shiro still in the same spot, but his face filled with genuine sincerity. He tilted his head and smiled softly, "I bet seeing you smile would be really something."

Adam felt his face flush. What kind of response was that? Adam must have been too overwhelmed with anger to think straight. Yeah, that was it. That's why he blushed, because it was such a stupid thing to say.

"Just… just leave me alone," Adam told him, jogging off to his next class, thankfully without Shiro, "Dumbass," whispered under his breath.

Who did he think he is? It wasn't his job or business to look out for Adam. He could take care of that just fine by himself. He didn't need anyone…

VVVVVVVV

Present Day

Adam groaned, his body sore and his head screaming at him. He must have hit his head and passed out. Good thing he was still wearing his helmet. Adam pushed himself up onto his hands, the floor flat and hard, "Ughhh. Where….?" Still a little delirious, Adam forgot where he was for a split second. Suddenly, it dawned on him, and he looked over to his right, seeing Shiro collapsed on he ground next to him, "Takashi!"

How could he forget!? Just as they were about to crash, Shiro protected him at the last second. Shiro had unhooked his seat harness, and covered Adam's body with his own, taking the brunt of the impact once they hit the ground. How could he still be so reckless!?

Adam pulled on his shoulder, making Shiro lay flat on his back. He was still unconscious and unmoving, making Adam panic and his heart race. Wait. Stay calm. You have medical training for these kinds of situations.

Adam pulled off Shiro's helmet and then his own. He moved down, holding his ear against Shiro's head to see if he was still breathing. The soft tickle of air against the side of his face made Adam sigh out in relief. Thank god. He wouldn't have been able to hear Shiro's heartbeat through his armor, and he would have had to get it off him before he could start chest compressions. Luckily that wasn't necessary if he was breathing normally.

Maybe he was just relieved, or still dizzy, but Adam plopped down, resting his head on top of Shiro's chest, arms drapped over him.

Shiro let out a soft groan, lifting his head up and whispering out, "A… Adam?"

"Takashi," Adam sat up, cupping Shiro's face and looking in his eyes for any sign of dilation. They looked normal, so he probably didn't have a concussion, "Are you okay?"

"I think so?" Shiro said, unsure. His whole body hurt, especially his side, but nothing felt particularly broken. He sat up, just making sure that he still could.

Adam sighed deeply, his expression becoming aggressive and shoving Shiro's shoulder roughly, "You idiot! You're injured. Why did you brace my fall!?"

Shiro scoffed a happy sigh. Adam was still mad at him. That was good then, "Instinct, I guess. My wound's not even that bad," he answered simply, placing his hand over it.

"You moron. We don't know how bad your injury is," Adam scolded him, pulling Shiro's hand off his wound to take a look at it, "Why can't you ever let me be the one to protect you?"

Shiro looked at Adam's face as he examined the wound, seeing the worry and guilt in his eyes. Shiro mentally kicked himself. He did it again, didn't he? "Diagnosis?" Shiro asked, wanting Adam to focus on his medical training so he wouldn't get worked up worrying about him again.

"It's not glowing as bright, so whatever energy that Witch hit you with is wearing off. But I'm also seeing some blood start to trickle out. Which means pretty soon…."

"I'll start bleeding out?" Shiro guessed, "Good thing I have that fancy quick healing," he finished casually, not wanting to worry Adam more than he was bound to.

"That's not a good thing Takashi!" Adam shouted in his face. Typical reaction. Adam started fidgeting around, looking for something to cover Shiro's wound, "I told you that puts a huge strain on your body. If your wound opens up and starts bleeding…. I need to find something else to cover it. We need to get back to the castle. I have to treat it. I have to…!"

"Adam!" Shiro grabbed his shoulder, steadying him and keeping him from rambling on, "Relax. I'm okay right now. I mean, my side stings a bit, but I feel alright. So take a breath, and let's figure our next move."

Adam sighed. Right. He needed to stay focused. He can't get worked up just because of his personal feelings, "Okay. Okay, we should figure out where we are first," Adam looked around the Lion's cockpit, "Can you get the Black Lion moving?"

Shiro stood up, sitting in the seat and grabbing the controls. He tried pulling on them, reaching out with his mind to try and connect with it. Nothing moved or lit up.

"No good, it's not responding," Shiro sighed, slumping back in the chair.

"Can we still get outside?"

"Yeah, I think so. It looks like the mouth is still open," Shiro responded. It was holding the Red Lion after all, "Wait. Where's Keith?"

VVVVVVVV

Keith slowly opened his eyes, slowly coming back into consciousness. He could see what looked like a wasteland from his seat inside the Red Lion, but nothing else. He was pretty sure he was alive, a feeling supported by the dull ache of his body. He needed to get back on his feet. Figure out what was going on.

"You okay, Red?" Keith asked aloud, grabbing the controls and hoping for a response. When none came he merely sighed, patting the armrest, "Okay. We'll fix you up. We had a tough battle."

Well if flying the lion wasn't an option, then getting outside and getting a view of the landscape would have to be a good start. How the hell was he going to get out though?

Keith climbed down to the mouth of the lion, seeing the ramp already opened up and laying slated to the ground. Thanks Red, Keith smiled. He walked out into the open plains, seeing what looked like nothing but empty wasteland and cliffs. No signs of civilizations or any other people. He needed a better perspective. Keith turned around, climbing on top of Red. Luckily the lion was splayed out on the ground, so it wasn't too difficult.

Keith stood on top of the head, looking out and still finding only empty wasteland, "Where are we? Where have we landed?" There had to be something around here. Then, with sudden realization, Keith remembered the Black Lion had been with him just before they crashed, "Shiro! Adam! Can you hear me!?" He called out on his comms, hoping to get a signal.

VVVVVVVV

"Keith, are you there? Keith!?" Shiro shouted into his helmet comm, getting only static in response. Both him and the Red Lion had seemed to be in bad shape last he saw them. Now it was his turn to panic, "I can't get a signal. I think my communicator is damaged."

Adam pulled his helmet back off, reaching inside it, "I can't get through either. It's possible the signal just isn't strong enough," he pulled out a small round metallic cylinder, reaching out toward Shiro with his other hand, "Here. Let me see your helmet."

Shiro pulled it off, handing it over. Adam grabbed the helmet, reaching inside and ripping out a large circuit chip with much less care than his own.

"Hey!" Shiro whined, a little offended at how poorly he was treating Shiro's equipment.

Adam waved him off, messing with the circuits and attaching it to the cylindrical earpiece, "We can fix it later. Right now we just need to get it working. If I can boost the range, we might be able to get in touch with him," Adam connected the ends with a soft click, handing it over to Shiro, "Try this."

"You can really do that?" he asked. Adam could do a lot of impressive things, but he didn't think mechanics was part of his skillset.

"I have many skills," Adam responded smugly, "Phil showed me how to tinker with some small electronics. Still not my strong suit though. I'll leave that to Hunk."

Shiro put the piece inside his ear, a voice cutting through the static, "Shiro, can you hear me? Adam? Are you there? Answer me!"

"Keith! I'm here. Keith," Shiro called back excitedly, running outside to clear up the signal.

"Shiro!" Keith called again, his voice on the comms coming through much stronger now.

"Keith! Keith, I'm here. I'm okay."

Keith made a large audible sigh, "You made it."

Shiro chuckled, "It takes more than a glowing alien wound, a fall from the upper atmosphere, and crashing into a hard pan surface, at what I'm guessing is about 25 meters per second squared, to get rid of me."

"Now you're just showing off," Adam rolled his eyes, following him outside onto the deserted plains.

"How are you?" Shiro asked Keith.

"Not good. My lion's busted. Wait, what wound?" Keith became more anxious once he comprehended what had been said. If Shiro was injured at all, then he would need medical care immediately. From what he understood about Shiro's condition from Adam, any significant strain on his body could be overwhelming and become even more serious.

"It's nothing," Shiro assured him, realizing his mistake too late. Last thing he needed was Keith to start worrying to when there was nothing he could do about it.

"Is Adam with you?" Keith asked, both hoping that they were together where he could find them, and so Adam could care for Shiro.

Shiro looked over at the dark-skinned man, watching him survey their surroundings, "Yeah, he's here. We're both here. My lion isn't working either. And it looks like we're stuck in the middle of a canyon-like crater, so I don't know how we can meet up."

Keith's helmet beeped, a beacon showing up on his visor pointing him in direction to his left, "Hang on. I think I'm tracking your comm on my helmet visor. I'm coming to you."

"Alright. We'll wait here for you," Shiro confirmed. Good thing Adam tinkered with their comms. It allowed them to get in contact with Keith and was evidently strong enough to give him a signal to track.

"Takashi," Adam said apprehensively, grabbing his arm.

Shiro looked over at him, seeing his gaze transfixed on something on the distance. Shiro followed his line of sight to the top of a steep cliff ahead of them. On it were several dangerous-looking alien creatures, two of them making their way down the cliff and right towards them.

Shiro called out to Keith, "On second thought, you'd better hurry."

VVVVVVVV

Several Years Ago

Iverson gathered two classes together in the sparring room. Usually only one class used it at a time for self defense training, but since these were the advanced classes, they were doing something special. Unfortunately for Adam, that meant his class was doing this with that freaking Shirogane's class!

"Today, we'll be doing a joint sparring practice. Everyone pick a partner that you think you can match," the lieutenant instructed.

Crap!

Adam rushed over to his friend with short black hair and glasses, "Phil, partner up with me," he begged.

"Don't we have to pick someone from the other class?" Phil inquired, perplexed by Adam's sudden urgency.

"That's what I'm afraid of. Just partner up with me!"

"Alright," Phil shrugged. It was probably against practice, but he'd do anything for Adam.

However, Iverson seemed to have his eye on Adam and called out to them, "Wright! Your skill is much higher than Choi's. I'm gonna put you with someone else," Please don't. Please don't, Adam silently begged, "Shirogane! Get over here!"

"Oh, son of a bitch…" Adam whispered. Why was fate so freaking cruel?

"Yes sir! What can I do for you?" Shiro marched over like the good little soldier boy he was.

"Partner up with Wright. You're both top of your class, so you should make a good match," Iverson instructed.

Adam sputtered. Please. This kid may have been the golden boy all around, but Adam totally had more skill than him. He just didn't feel the need to flaunt it by being a goody-two-shoes. He let his work speak for itself.

"Gladly, sir!" Shiro saluted. Once Iverson left, Shiro turned to Adam with a smile, "Guess we're partners."

Adam was going to respond with something spiteful, but he came to a sudden realization. This was a sparring class, and he was expected to do his best. If anything, this could prove to be a very cathartic exercise.

Adam smiled darkly, "Oh good. I'm looking forward to beating you down. I'm sure I can pin you easily."

"If you try and pin me then I'll just beat you off!" Shiro fired back.

"….." Adam's smugness went out that window at that response.

Surprised by Adam's silence, it took Shiro a minute before he realized what he said. His face immediately turning red like a tomato, he began sputtering, "No! I mean, I'll beat you off of me!... With my fists!... And… and… I'm just gonna get ready…"

He quickly walked away, grabbing fighting pads and equipment from the wall, the back of his ears still tinged pink with embarrassment.

"Dumbass," Adam chuckled to himself. Wait, no. He shouldn't be laughing at him, unless he does something really humiliating of course. What he needed to be doing was thinking of all the ways he was going to put this freaking kid in his place, and show him just how strong he really was, "I'm gonna show you who's the better fighter."

VVVVVVVV

Present Day

Watching the large creatures move toward them was unsettling. They scaled down the cliffside with relative ease, long claws visible even from this distance. They looked like they were the size of lions, but were clearly reptilian in appearance. Whatever they looked like, they needed to protect themselves from these things. In their current state they wouldn't be able to put up a good fight against them, especially when they were outnumbered.

"Quick, let's get back to the…!" Adam turned around toward the Black Lion, seeing two more creatures coming out from around both sides of it, blocking their route back, "Shit."

These things hunted with strategic attack patterns. The main hunting force was heading toward them from the cliffs, while these two kept their prey from running away. This was a pretty sophisticated hunting pattern for mere alien creatures.

"I'm not seeing a way out of here," Shiro said tensely, analyzing their surroundings for a position they could either run to or defend themselves. But with such large open plains of desert, there was nowhere to go. Even if they made inside the Black Lion, these things would be right on their ass, following them in before they could find a way to barricade the entrance.

As the creatures closest to them approached, Adam held his right arm in front of Shiro, pushing him back and stepping closer to the Black Lion.

"Stay back Takashi," he said determinedly.

"Are you crazy? I'm not letting you fight these things alone! There's too many," Shiro argued, seeing more creatures start to enclose around them.

"You're still injured! Would you just listen to me for once!?" Adam screamed, visibly upset. How can he still be putting himself in harms way? This situation was far more dangerous for him than it was for Adam.

"Sorry, but you know I can't do that. I'm not gonna leave you!" Shiro got into a fighting stance beside him, activating his arm.

Stubborn ass! Adam screamed internally. Realistically, the only way they were getting out of here was if they fought together. But Adam felt incredibly displeased by it. He wanted to be able to look out for Shiro and defend him himself.

Adam grabbed his weapon, forming a broadsword. The two in front of them were approaching slowly, suggesting they knew what kind of threat Adam and Shiro posed. These things were definitely smarter than the average predator. They were watching them and analyzing them to see how they would strike. But still, even if they were waiting to see what they would do, why wouldn't they just wait for the other creatures to enclose on them? Unless of course…

The sound of the rocks clattering behind them made Adam whirl around, holding up his sword, long claws clashing against it. Shit! These things were fast. The ones behind them had been a lot further away a minute ago. It was just like he thought. Not only were the ones by the lion meant to cut off their escape, they were the distraction too! They drew their attention so the main party could come at them at top speed.

"Adam!" Shiro called out, shocked and worried as he looked over his shoulder.

Adam slashed at the creature, making it jump back to avoid the attack. These things were agile too. This wasn't going to be easy. He wasn't even sure they stood a chance at this rate.

One of the monsters by the lion hissed, jumping toward Shiro, seeing his lack of a weapon as an invitation. Shiro bent his knees, bracing himself for the weight, and punching up as hard as he could with his metal arm. His glowing fist tore through the creature's stomach like butter, making it wail out and fall to the ground, blue blood coating Shiro's arm. The other creature by the lion hissed loudly, clearly not expecting Shiro to be able to dispatch one of them so easily.

Adam continued to fend of the one behind them, slashing at it quickly and jumping out of the way of its swipes. They may have been agile, but their stature limited their attack movements.

"Shiro, what happened?" Keith called, hearing their struggle through the communicator.

"There's several creatures. Me and Adam are trying to fight them off," he panted, punching at the one in front of him, diving out of the way of its tail when it turned to smack him with it.

A soft clicking sound behind him caught him off guard, "Huh?" he looked over his shoulder, just as claws collided with his back and sending him tumbling forward, "Aghhh!"

"Takashi!" Adam screamed, hearing Shiro's yell and seeing him fall to the ground. The creatures lured him into a trap, making him dive out of the way of an obvious strike to get sneak attacked by another. Fortunately it looked like it only slashed the back of his armor, and not actually cutting anything. Adam ran over toward him, readying his arm to form a shield around them. He stepped between Shiro and the monsters, just as it brought it's claw down. It collided with Adam's arm forcefully, his shield never appearing, knocking him flat on his back, "AHHH!"

"Adam…" Shiro reached out to him.

What was going on!? Why didn't Adam's shield activate? Did he overexert it fighting that damned witch? Or was it not working because of whatever caused their current situation and saped their energy out of the lions? Whatever it was, that was one of Adam's trump cards flushed down the toilet. He couldn't rely on it for protection.

"Something's wrong. My shield won't activate," Adam hauled himself up on his hands and knees next to Shiro, seeing the creatures circle around them slowly.

"These things are toying with us. They know we can't win."

He was right. They could have easily killed them right now, but they wanted to watch their prey squirm and try to fight. With intelligence came vindictiveness evidently. At least it was keeping them alive for a few more seconds. Just long enough to think of something. Anything! They couldn't win like this. Not with just the two of them.

"We just need to stall long enough until Keith gets here. Then we might have a chance," Adam said.

Shiro nodded to a cliffside to their right, "Over there. There's a cave. If we can't get to the Black Lion, that might be our best shot."

Adam grabbed his weapon, forming his signature halberd, "Then let's go for it."

Adam stood tall, swiping his halberd hard in front of him, making the creatures jump back. He spun it, slashing it down in the direction of the cave to make them split apart, creating a split-second opening. Shiro dove through the line of creatures, running straight for the cave. Adam used the butt of his halberd, digging it into the ground and launching himself over the creatures as they tried to reform their vulture's circle. Adam and Shiro took off at top speed, but the alien monsters were right behind them.

Adam turned his weapon into a large shield, running directly behind Shiro and deflecting every swipe of their dangerous claws that he could. One of them managed to flank them, jumping around Adam and swiping at Shiro. Again it collided with his armor chestplate, but no doubt still hurt based on Shiro's groan. Adam bashed it with the shield, knocking it away.

Within seconds they were at the edge of the cave, some rocks and debris hanging precariously over the edge. Adam formed a strong sturdy spear with his weapon, tossing it at the hanging rocks. Shiro hesitated for a moment at the action, but Adam tackled Shiro into the cave. Their bodies rolled into it, the rocks tumbling down around them and sealing them inside. They were separated from the creatures, but also from their only way of escape.

VVVVVVVV

Shiro's arm was caught in a vice grip, his weight being hauled over Adam's shoulder as he slammed hard into the ground. The impact knocked the wind out of him, making him freeze up for a moment. They were pretty evenly matched, but damn if that wasn't a good move.

"Aghh! Damn," Shiro spat out in frustration, looking up at Adam.

Adam sneered down at him, "You know, this is pretty therapeutic. I might like you a lot more if I can wail on you like this more often."

Shiro scoffed, pushing himself up onto his feet. He smiled, exhausted but satisfied. Adam may have been sinister about it, but this was happiest Shiro had ever seen him. And that was something worthwhile.

"I thought it might be helpful. You win this round," Shiro laughed, standing up tall and brushing himself off, acting like he barely exerted himself.

Adam frowned, displeased that Shiro was so chipper despite his beatdown, "Why do you say that?"

"No reason," Shiro shrugged, turning to walk away.

"Hey, you better not be suggesting that you went easy on me!" Adam yelled after him.

"I would never," Shiro smirked over his shoulder. What the hell? Was this asshole really taunting him? What happened to the whole nice guy act? Was he just screwing with him this whole time!?

"That's it! Rematch! Right now!" Adam stomped his foot, practically throwing a tantrum like a child.

"Happy to, but the class is about to end," Shiro said, eyes moving to look over to their instructor.

Just as he said that, Iverson blew a whistle, signaling everyone to stop.

"That's a wrap everybody. You all did exceptionally well. Shower up and head to your next class," he ordered.

"Maybe next time," Shiro winked, walking off toward the locker room.

That son of a ….! Adam was steaming, "You better believe there's gonna be a next time! And I'm gonna kick your ass! No question!"

Shiro tried to stifle a laugh as he left the training room. Adam didn't realize it, but he could be surprisingly cute when he was pissed off. And like it or not, he was starting to get through to him. Even if he had to be on the receiving end of his cruelty, Shiro was dying to know what else was hiding under that rough exterior.

He didn't really understand why he continued on. He just saw someone who was angry, withdrawn, and clearly needed a way out. Shiro just wanted to help. Why else was he here if not to make a difference in people's lives? Sure he wanted to go to space and make incredibly discoveries, but saving someone who clearly needed it now was just as important. Maybe he had a compulsive need to fix things, or maybe his own lack of family made him feel like he needed to be the responsible one. Whatever it was, he was going to give Adam a chance to vent all his frustrations and anger. And maybe one day… just maybe… he would reach that softer side of him.

VVVVVVVV

"Are you alright?" Adam asked, holding Shiro in his arms.

"I'm fine," Shiro panted, catching his breathe and trying to relax his body.

"Uh-oh," Keith's voice came I over the communicator.

"Keith, are you okay? What happened?" he quickly asked, letting Adam they still had a signal underneath all this rock.

"Minor delay, but I'm on my way. How are you?" Keith informed him, letting him know not to worry.

"I'm all right, but me and Adam trapped in a cave, and some nasty-looking creatures have us cornered."

Hearing that, Keith started to panic a little, thinking of how to get to them as quickly as he could, "Stay put. I'm on my way. I just have to... figure this out," Shiro heard him take a deep breath, whispering to himself "Patience yields focus."

Shiro smiled, glad to hear his own personal mantra again, "That really stayed with you, didn't it?"

"You've given me some good advice. If it wasn't for you, my life would have been a lot different," Keith said fondly, reminiscing about their past.

Shiro let out a quick, sarcastic chuckle, "Yeah. You wouldn't have crashed a flying lion on an alien planet and be stuck with little hope of rescue," Shiro looked deeply in Adam's eyes as he spoke, conveying his regret and apology to him as well, "So, you're welcome."

"Stay with me, Shiro. I'll be there soon," Keith promised, ending the call.

Adam wiped a smudge of dirt off Shiro's face, brushing his white floof of hair to the side, "Look at you. All beat up like this."

"I remember a time when seeing me like this made you smile," Shiro reminisced thoughtfully, thinking back to the days they would spar together.

"You know I don't feel that way anymore," Adam said remorsefully, "I was just… angry. And I thought hurting you was a way to keep you…"

"From getting too close?" Shiro finished for him.

That was something Shiro had come to know about him over the years. Had he known the kind of pain that Adam was holding onto all those years ago, he wouldn't have pressed so hard to get his attention. At the time Shiro thought he was doing something good, giving another troubled student a chance to vent all their negativity, and hopefully open up and make a real friend in the process. In the end, his strategy worked. But looking back on it, Shiro realized how insensitive he had been. He invaded Adam's space, practically forcing him to open up to him. He should have been better than that, given him a chance to talk to real professionals or something. But Shiro was just a dumb kid with good intentions, and a stupid crush.

Adam nodded in response, "Yeah. It scared the hell out of me. I didn't want to let anyone in after I lost my brother. In my young mind, it was the smartest way from feeling that pain, that loss, all over again."

"I'm sorry I was so persistent," Shiro apologized, "I think you could have had a much happier life if it wasn't for me."

All it took was one look at where they were to know Adam could have had a much safer life if it hadn't been for him.

"That's not true," Adam shook his head. Despite how things turned out, he couldn't even begin to imagine his life without him. Everything he had done for him, "I was a stubborn, closed-off kid with no regard for other. And it took another stubborn-ass kid, trying to force himself into being my friend, to snap me out of it."

"Hahaha, ow," Shiro laughed, the movement making him cringe. He probably had a fractured rib or two, but it made him both relieved and happy to know he cherished the stupid things Shiro did back when they were teens. Still, that didn't change the situation they were in, "Adam. Listen… even if Keith gets here…"

"I don't want to hear it," Adam cut him off. He could already tell by the way he was talking that he was going to start spewing off last wishes or something. He wasn't about to listen to that, because listening would mean accepting the possibility.

"If it comes down to it, just leave me behind. I don't want to slow you down,"

"I'm not doing that. I'm never going to do that," Adam shook his head furiously, eyes welling up with tears, "I'm going to save you! Just like you've always saved me."

"There's something I need to tell you, in case I never get the chance again," Shiro insisted. He loved the beautiful things Adam was saying, and hated to see him cry; but they needed to be realistic about their situation. With the state he was in, chances were very slim he would make it out alive.

"Enough!" Adam screamed, "Anything you have to say, you can tell me when we get out of here!"

"I'm serious," Shiro said sternly, his own eyes beginning to water, "Don't you want to know?"

"Takashi…" Adam whimpered faintly, no strength left in him to protest.

"When I left you behind, I was trying to push you away," Shiro admitted. It was now or never.

"I know all that. We've been over this, but I don't care about that anymore."

"It wasn't just that… I tried to convince myself those were the only reasons I left. But the truth is, I was scared."

"What?"

"I was scared… of what was happening to me. I was trying to prove to myself, and to everyone else, that I could do more. I was trying to defy the limitations placed on me, because I didn't want to accept the path my life was inevitably heading," Shiro braced himself. This was it. This was the moment Adam was going to hate him for the rest of his life, "That's why I left, fear and selfish pride."

Adam bowed his head, his face hidden by the dark shadows of the cave, "Why didn't you tell me this before? I love you. You're supposed to be able to come to me when something's bothering you."

"You were always dealing with so much. I didn't want to burden you," Shiro told him.

"That's not fair Takashi!" Adam looked at him, his eyes full of fire and emotion, "You took on all my problems as your own. I deserved the chance to do the same for you!"

That was just like Adam. Being given an earthshattering revelation, and he was more upset about how he couldn't get even with Shiro. It was funny, in a beautifully frustrating way. That didn't make what Adam said any less true though. Adam deserved a chance to be there for Shiro, but he was so concerned with being strong, both for Adam and himself, he never gave him one. He didn't break down and cry, or show his weakness. He kept it all bottled up, so he could preserve as much happiness and joy as he could. But that wasn't right either. All his decisions, everything that made so much sense at the time, it was all wrong. How did Adam ever fall in love with him, when he was so incredibly bad at relationships?

"I'm sorry," Shiro cupped Adam's face, silently wishing he could have been a better man for him. Done more for him, "I'm sorry for all the times I didn't treat you right."

Adam gasped a silent cry, "Don't be sorry. You brought out the best in me," he grabbed Shiro's hand, kissing it softly before resting his forehead against it, tears trickling down his face, "You made a mistake. I forgive you. Just stop talking like you're going to die. I can't imagine my life without you."

There it was. The one thing Shiro feared more than anything else. Adam's forgiveness. How could he ever be worthy of something so benevolent and kind? He was a stupid, selfish fool. His skills as a pilot and a leader were the only things he considered redeemable about himself. It's why he threw himself so hard into Voltron. He thought if he could save the universe, and protect others, maybe he could atone for all the poor decisions he made in his life. That's what he thought at least. Even if it wasn't directly, he thought it could make up for the pain he put Adam through. But that was a lie.

Nothing was ever going to change the way he screwed up Adam's life, even if Adam himself would never admit it. It's why Shiro refused to even try and restart their relationship. He didn't deserve that love, and he sure as hell didn't want to hurt Adam anymore than he had. And in the most ironic twist of fate ever, here was Adam, wanting to save him, begging him to stay, even forgiving him. Why was fate so cruel? Didn't it know that the man he loved was worth more than that? So why did it keep bringing him back to him? This isn't how it should be!

And yet…. Shiro couldn't help but feel… happy.

Shiro began to shake and quiver in Adam's arms, crying unabated. Being given Adam's forgiveness was like a blessing. With just a few words, he had taken away all of Shiro's internal suffering and regret. How could he even begin to handle so much love? It was overwhelming, and all he could do was cry in response. For the first time in a long time, Shiro felt himself wanting. Wanting a chance to make up for all the mistakes he made. Wanting a chance to be with Adam again, to love him, and do right by him. He wanted it more than anything.

The sound of rubble shifting from above them made them stop and look over, the faint sound of hissing coming from the other side of the cave. The creatures had dug their way toward them, and from the sound of it, they were very close. Shiro sat up, holding Adam firmly in his arms. Fate really is cruel after all.

VVVVVVVV

Several Years Ago

"Who does that asshole think he is?" Adam huffed, stomping off down the near empty hallway. Just when he was starting to enjoy himself a little, that freaking golden boy had to act like he wasn't even a challenge! Adam totally kicked his ass, he just couldn't admit it!

Adam roughly bumped into another guy's side, too wrapped up in his own feelings to notice or care, "Hey! Watch it kid!"

Adam whirled around, seeing an older cadet, accompanied by a friend, looking back at him with irritation. He didn't have time for this.

"Watch it yourself!" Adam barked, continuing to walk away.

"What did you say!?" the man responded, grabbing Adam's arm roughly, dragging him back and slamming him into the wall.

"Hey! Get your fucking hands off me you piece of shit!" Adam screamed.

"Wow. Kid's got a mouth for a cadet," the man's friend commented.

Finally, Adam noticed their disheveled appearance. Messy hair, improper uniform etiquette, and unnecessary jewelry. Based on the color of their nameplates, they were two years above him. They should have been in a class right now if that was true. Great. Of all the people to pick a fight with it had to be with delinquents. But Adam was too fired up to stop now.

"I may be a cadet, but I could kick your ass in a one-on-one!" he spat at the friend.

"Except it's not one-on one you little punk," the man said, digging his hands into Adam's wrists even harder, making him grunt.

Damn, Adam was good, but he couldn't take both of them. He could break out and get away, but he wasn't about to give these losers the satisfaction of seeing him run away, "Too afraid to fight me like real man? Have to hide behind your friends like a whimp?" Adam taunted.

The man sneered, "It's called using your resources. My resource just happens to be a friend to kick the ass of any kid who thinks they're too big for their britches," He let go of one of Adam's hands, pulling his fist back to deliver a punch to his face.

This was it. Adam would dodge the attack, making him punch the wall and injure his hand. Then he could take on the friend. Maybe… He would need to be quick.

Just before the man brought his fist forward, a stern, yet familiar voice called out to them, "Collins! O'Neal!"

They looked over, seeing Shiro eye them with dissatisfaction. Adam didn't even know he could make such a face.

"Get lost Shirogane! This runt is asking for it," The named Collins responded. Adam had to wonder how he knew them since they were older cadets. Must have been his golden boy status giving him connections.

Shiro approached them calmly, "That runt is a child prodigy in the same grade as me."

"No freaking way," Collins looked back down at Adam, not wanting to believe it. He knew how much stock the Garrison put into their most promising and advanced students. Beating him up would no doubt lead right back to him if that was true.

Shiro moved even closer, standing next to Adam, almost as if he was guarding his body from Collins, "And furthermore, Commander Sansa is looking for you to go over your less than… exceptional performances lately. I wouldn't make it worse by being late," he threatened.

"….." Collins eyes Adam and Shiro back and forth, his friend already retreating away. He dropped Adam and took a large step back, "Fine. I have better things to do than waste my time on this kid anyway."

Both him and his friend walked off towards the offices, leaving Adam and Shiro alone in the hallway.

"Have a nice day!" Shiro called after them, reverting back to his cheery nature.

"I didn't need your help," Adam brushed him off, but not moving to leave just yet.

"Clearly," Shiro said with a surprising amount of sarcasm, putting his hands on his hips and smirking at Adam.

"You're just here because Sansa needed to see them," Adam dismissed. It's not like Shiro went out of his way to help him. It was just a matter of convenience and this boy's compulsive need to be Adam's friend.

"Actually I lied about that. Sansa doesn't know about their poor performances," Shiro shrugged, looking over his shoulder and then back to Adam like he was telling a dirty joke, "But she will now."

Adam quirked an eyebrow, admittedly both impressed and confused, "Wow. Didn't think the golden boy could be so shady."

"I was just trying to help you," Shiro smiled softly.

There it was again. That damned, perfect, handsome smile. No. Not handsome. Well, objectively it was a handsome smile. Shiro was a good-looking guy after all…

None of that matters you idiot!

Right. Shiro was just doing what he always did. He was just trying to be helpful, and be his friend, in that oh so annoying manner. That persistence that only he seemed to have. Everyone else that tried to make friends with Adam were either incredibly fake and just wanted to suck up, or they were naïve in thinking that Adam even needed them in the first place. No matter who it was, he would scare them off in a day or two, sometimes in a single conversation. The only friend he needed was Phil. He was the only friend he had before his life turned into hell, and was the only who knew what he was going through.

But Shiro… was different. He didn't seem to mind when Adam told him off. In fact, lately he seemed to thrive off of it. Was he some weirdo that liked being abused by others? If that was true, why did he try so hard to be the perfect soldier, praised and admired by everyone? But more importantly, why couldn't he ever just leave Adam alone!? He told him that he didn't want him around, and yet… he still went out of his way to try and save him from, an arguable deserved, beating. What was with him?

"Why? After I've done nothing but be cruel to you?" Adam asked aloud. The question was burning into him, and he needed to know the answer.

"Haven't I answered that already?" Shiro tilted his head, looking like a lost puppy dog. Shiro had always been upfront and honest about his intentions. Maybe his feelings and desire to help were so genuine that Adam couldn't comprehend them? Regardless, Shiro never kept his motivations secret.

Adam just clicked his tongue in annoyance, "Fine. Don't tell me," he started to walk away again, but stopped, turning around and pointing at Shiro with a certain ferociousness, "But just know, I'm going to pay you back. Got it!?"

"Huh?" Was all Shiro could manage to say. It seemed like Adam had something really important to get off his chest, but he had no idea what that meant.

"You saved me, which means I owe you, whether I like it or not," Adam admitted regretfully. Had Shiro shown up by mere coincidence looking for those two cadets, he could have written the whole thing off. But Shiro came across them, and then went out of his way to help. An action that could have easily gotten him in hot water instead. Despite himself, Adam couldn't ignore when something like that had been done for him, "I believe people always have to pay back what is owed. So one day, I'm going to pay you back, and I'm going to save you! I promise you that."

Adam stayed there pointing, expectantly waiting for some kind of reply.

Shiro stood there dumbstruck, but also incredibly touched. Suffice it to say, that was probably the nicest thing Adam had ever said when addressing him. It was so sweet by comparison, Shiro couldn't help himself but to say, "Aww, my hero."

Adam dropped his hand with a huff, "Ughh, you made it weird. Why do you have to suck so much?" He held his bag tightly, taking off down the hall, "Once I save you, I want nothing to do with you!"

"Adam, wait!" Shiro called out. He wanted to chase after him and continue teasing him, but maybe it was best to leave it like this for now. Shiro had to admit, he was very happy right now, "Pay me back, huh? Then I guess I'll just have to keep saving you."

VVVVVVVV

"Keith. Keith!" Shiro called him over the comms.

"Hang on. I'm almost there," he replied, panting heavily. He was running towards them as fast he could, setting his lungs on fire.

"Good, because these guys just started digging," Shiro informed him.

Shiro and Adam shifted as far back to the cave as they could, still holding each other. The rubble started to give way, the creatures coming into view. A light at the end of the tunnel that promised doom rather salvation. Adam held his metal arm out in front of them, hoping against hope that his shield would activate. If he didn't have to leave his weapon behind, he could have used it to form a makeshift shield to keep the creatures at bay.

"Shiro, I have a visual on the Black Lion," Adam heard Keith say, his face pressed close to Shiro's.

That was good. Unfortunately, the cave was a good distance away from the Black Lion, and it sounded like Keith was barely approaching it. He could definitely help them fight, but if he took too long…

One final piece of rubble was pulled away by a pair of long claws, the rest of the debris caving in and opening the pathway. In seconds, one of the creatures moved the front of its body inside, reaching out to swipe at them.

Without warning, Shiro turned his body on top of Adam's, putting his back to the creatures to protect him. The monster grabbed his leg, claws digging into it, and hauling him out with a painful scream.

"Takashi!" Adam scrambled to get out of the cave as fast as he could. He had to get to him! Reaching the mouth of the cave, another creature tried to bite at him. He brought his metal arm up, the creatures mouth getting a good hold on him, but unable to pierce the reinforced plates under his armor. Instead it just pulled him and threw him out into the open, "Aghh!"

"Shiro, what happened? Shiro!" Keith called out, hearing the commotion from his end, not realizing that the communicator had fallen out of Shiro's ear and was now resting on the ground.

Adam collected himself as he looked up, his brain going into overdrive on what to do next. His weapon was close to the cave entrance, just a few feet from where he was. But on the other side of him was Shiro, sprawled out on his stomach, one of the creatures pressing a leg onto his back to hold him down. He needed to act fast. If he knocked the creature away from Shiro, they would be defenseless, but if he went after his weapon, that thing might kill Shiro before he had a chance to do anything.

Coming to that realization, Adam did the only thing that made sense to him.

"Stay away from him!" Adam roared, jumping at the giant lizard and punching its jaw as hard as he could with his left arm, sending it rolling over. Adam put up his fists, standing between Shiro and the other creatures, "Takashi, get up!"

Shiro struggled to move, but could barely get the front of his body off the floor, "I can't... Hnng… It's my leg," he looked down at it, seeing the side of his leg mangled by claw marks. It wasn't bleeding profusely, but had to have cut something important to render him so immobile, "Adam, just go…"

"NO!" Another creature jumped at Adam, biting down on his arm, its weight sending him falling back onto the ground.

Damn it! Please! He needed his particle shield! Why couldn't it just activate already? Something!

"Adam!" Shiro cried, trying to haul himself over to him, the other creatures enclosing around them, "Adam, just leave! I don't want you here! You have to get away!"

"No, I won't!" The creature realized it wasn't getting through Adam's arm, using the force of it's jaw to throw him across the ground by Shiro. He was shaken up by the motion, but continued speaking as he tried to stand, "I'm not going anywhere. Even if I have to die… I'd rather stay here with you. It's the only place I want to be."

Shiro felt his heart tighten up like a vice, watching Adam struggle to stand after having the wind knocked out of him, seeing drops of water falling from his face onto the dry desert ground. Shiro wanted to cry and scream. Why couldn't Adam just let him go?

Another giant lizard jumped at Adam, wanting to sink its teeth into him. Adam rolled onto his back, shoving his metal fist into its mouth.

Was this really how it was all going to end? No. Please. Please make it stop. Even if I have to die, just save him!

As that thought crossed Shiro's mind, an earth-shattering stomp and a rush of wind came over them. The Black Lion, stood tall above them, roaring with ferocity. It swiped forward, knocking the giant lizard off of Adam, tearing off Adam's armored gauntlet. The other creatures began to back up in response to this new threat.

Adam quickly got back on his hands and knees, crawling over to Shiro and throwing his body on top of his out of protective instinct. He looked up at the lion, finally realizing just what was happening. The Lion swiped at the group of lizard monsters, knocking them away and chasing them off. Adam couldn't believe it, but then again, he should have expected it. He was always saving Shiro, and now him too he guessed. He really was every bit as talented and amazing as Shiro believed him to be.

"Keith…"

VVVVVVVV

3 Years Ago

Adam walked into his and Shiro's shared apartment, dropping his laptop bag on the couch and walking over to the kitchen where Shiro was sitting.

Adam turned on his coffee brewer, speaking to Shiro while grabbing a cup, "I just got back from Iverson's office. Keith is off the hook for now, but he still has trouble cooperating with others," He set the mug into place, turning to Shiro while waiting for it finish, "You have to know how bad this is reflecting on you."

Shiro put down the pen he was using to grade papers at the table, sighing, "I know, I already talked with him. But his going forward can't be weighed on how it looks on me, it needs to be for his own benefit."

Adam could sense the exasperation in Shiro's tone. It wasn't the first time they had this conversation since Shiro took Keith in about a year ago. And honestly, Adam wasn't the only one. Iverson and many others didn't seem to have much faith in Shiro's choice, only letting things continue on because of all the good will and respect he gathered.

Adam spoke softly, letting him know it wasn't another attack, "I'm just worried about you. Your reputation and everything you've built here mean the world to you. Why would you risk it for someone who barely even wants to be here?"

"This again?" Shiro eyed him tiredly. Well, so much for that.

Adam held his hands up in surrender, "I'm sorry. I just don't see in him whatever it is you see in him," Adam pulled out the seat next to Shiro, sitting next to him to make their conversation more intimate and hopefully less intense, "Why don't you mentor that new golden boy? Griffin I think it was? He sounds like a perfect match for you."

Shiro shuffled through his papers, pulling a test with a near perfect score, the name James Griffin written atop it, "But he's not the one who needs me," Shiro dropped the paper, looking Adam dead in they eye. His brown eyes were lit with a fiery passion, threatening to set Adam's own soul ablaze, "Keith has so much talent, but it's buried underneath all that anger and isolation. No one else believes in him, so he doesn't believe it's worth even trying. He's closed himself off when I know he can be so much more."

Adam gave him a small smile, feeling a strange fondness for the way Shiro was acting. He hadn't seen him be so stubborn about something in awhile. He couldn't explain why, but it made Adam feel a little happy inside, "You have that much faith in him?"

"I do," Shiro responded simply, a little confused by Adam's sudden tender behavior. After a moment he collected himself, clicking his tongue and smirking, "And you weren't a picnic to deal with either when we first met."

Adam rolled his eyes, visibly offended by insinuation that he had anything in common with Shiro's new troublemaker, "The two of us are nothing alike. I never stole your car!"

"No, but you did try to beat me down all the time," Shiro replied smugly, thinking back to their various sparring sessions.

"Because you were such a smug little brat, thinking you could just walk up to me and be friends! What's with that!?" Adam said a little, feigning offense, standing up to grab his cup of coffee now that it finished brewing.

"And I still got through to you didn't I?" Shiro answered, coming up behind Adam and surprising him, wrapping his arms around his waist.

"I…!" Adam tried to think of a comeback, stunned both by Shiro's sudden contact and his infallible logic. Adam turned his head to look at him, scowling, "I don't like when you win arguments."

"I win lots of arguments!" Shiro cried, as if to say, 'what's that supposed to mean?'

Adam reached up, pinching one of Shiro's cheeks, "Only because you're so cute and I hate to see you pout!"

"Hey!" Shiro, swatted his hand away, face automatically turning into the aforementioned pout.

"Point proven," Adam grinned, giving Shiro a quick peck on the cheek, turning to face him directly. Adam fidgeted with Shiro's uniform, straightening out the collar before toying with his dog tags, "But I suppose, if anyone can get through to someone like Keith, it would be you."

Adam was the most closed off person, but Shiro got through to him. He opened his heart to him in a way that he never thought he could, and he was so grateful. The least he could do was return some of that kindness and hope Shiro could do the same thing again.

"Thank you," Shiro said appreciatively, kissing Adam's forehead, "Trust me, one day, he's gonna be a great pilot."

Adam chuckled, "We'll see. You win this round Takashi."

VVVVVVVV

Present Day

Adam bandaged up Shiro's leg with some supplies Keith had in his lion. After rescuing them, Keith took them both over to Red to get some distance from those alien creatures. Whatever had drained the lion's power seemed to have worn off, and Keith set them both up in a protective stance around what was now their makeshift camp.

Keith had set up a fire, and they all leaned against a large flat rock jutting out of the ground. It would be wiser to stay inside the lions given their environment, but there was no predicting what the weather was going to be like. Besides, Keith had managed to scavenge some water from a nearby geyser field somehow. Adam would have to ask about that later, but it was resourceful. He was currently boiling it in a metal bowl, which Adam was pretty sure was a part inside one of the lions. The kid had good survival instincts if nothing else.

"Thanks for saving us," Shiro finally told him, watching the young man work tirelessly.

"Either of you'd have done the same for me," Keith said. He looked at him with concern, "How's your wounds?"

"Their great. Getting bigger all the time," Shiro strained out a chuckle. Keith didn't say anything except continued to look worried, and Adam just gave him a disapproving look as he finished bandaging his leg, "Just trying to lighten the mood," Shiro apologized.

"Still has a terrible sense of humor, so I think he's alright for now," Adam quipped, looking over at Keith reassuringly.

He was lying though. Shiro's condition had him in an internal panic. The wound on his side was one thing, but now he had a huge gash on his leg. He didn't even have enough bandages to cover everything, so his side remained exposed. Without proper care, he was terrified of what would happen to Shiro. And how long did he have before that happened?

"What about you two? Are you okay?" Shiro asked them, seeing Adam's battered state, and knowing Keith came a long way to get to them.

"Would you stop worrying about others for one second and think about yourself for once?" Adam chided him. Was this just some innate character flaw of his? To neglect his own health and safety in exchange for everyone else's? Didn't he understand how that affected Adam?

"I've been selfish enough for one lifetime," Shiro told him, speaking as intensely as he could, but only coming off tired and weak.

Keith looked a little confused by the meaning of that response, realizing something more must have been going on.

Adam looked over at Keith hesitantly, eyes avoiding his, "Keith, can you get some more firewood?"

"Ughh, yeah, sure," Keith stepped up and walked away, reading into the signal for privacy.

Once he was out of earshot, Shiro gazed deeply into the fire, whispering, "I don't deserve your forgiveness, you know."

"Too bad. You have it," Adam pulled Shiro's body towards him, laying his head down into his lap to rest, "But I'm never going to forgive how you keep trying to recklessly throw your life away," Not that Adam was one to talk. He thought on numerous occasions how he would trade his own life for Shiro's… But still! That was something he was allowed to do! Shiro didn't get to be the one who heroically sacrifices his life anymore, leaving him behind. It was Adam's turn to do that. Hypocrisy be damned!

Shiro looked up into Adam's eyes, weary and somber, "I did it again didn't I? I've hurt you," Shiro put a hand to his cheek, rubbing away invisible tears from Adam's face, "I really am an idiot."

"Shut up and save your energy," Adam chided, grabbing Shiro's arm and resting it down against his own chest.

Shiro looked at the ring that was now dangling freely from Adam's neck, having come loose from being knocked around, reaching up only a little bit to twirl it in his fingers, "Sorry I lost… your dog tags."

Adam smiled comfortingly, shaking his head, "It's okay. I don't need them to remember how much I love my brother. And I still have you."

"However long that lasts," Shiro remarked..

"Stop being so damn morbid," Adam clicked his tongue, grabbing Shiro's hand and forcefully pushing it back down to show his irritation. In this state, it was the roughest he could be with him right now. But he would definitely give him a good smack later! He would….

"I'm just being realistic," Shiro stated simply. This wasn't a joke to him. He really believed that he could die here, a reality Adam refused to accept. But Shiro just kept on, looking up at Adam with unmistakable intent, "If I don't make it out of here, I want Keith to lead Voltron."

"What?"

"You saw him too, right? He did it. He flew the Black Lion," Shiro said proudly. When Keith saved them, everything had become clear to Shiro. He saw the person he helped care for and train, be accepted by the ultimate symbol of heroism and leadership, the Black Lion. It had deemed Keith worthy, letting him fly it to save the people he cared about. How could Shiro not be proud? All the effort he put into helping him get on his feet, to become a great man, was proven worthwhile, "He's ready. And if you're there for him, I know he can do it."

Adam had to admit he was a little surprised by that last remark. Him and Adam never had the kind of relationship that Keith had with Shiro. The opposed each other a lot in the beginning, and Keith even hated Adam until recently. How could Shiro think Adam could be any help to him when he had already done so much for him already?

"You have so much faith in him. Even when he was troublesome, and refused to listen to others, you believed he could do it," Adam eyed him attentively. Shiro and Keith always seemed to have this instant connection, like they were brothers, forever looking out for one another. In truth, it's one of the reasons Adam didn't like to be around Keith back then. Seeing them together, it reminded him of his own brother. A bitterness and jealousy was born out of that, and it blinded him to all the good qualities Keith had for so long. But now that he could look past that, he had to know. Had to know Shiro saw, and why he thought Adam could be a worthy successor to his role as Keith's mentor, "Why did you put so much effort into caring for him?"

Shiro scoffed, both amazed and amused that Adam never made the connection before. Shiro squeezed his hand tightly, smiling, "He reminded me… of the first time I met you."

Adam gasped softly, unsure of what to say. That was the reason? That's how it started? He cared for Keith, took him in, believed in him…. because he saw the same things in him he saw in Adam? To think, he was such a driving force in the pair's now familial bond. It was true, Adam and Keith's pasts were very similar. No family, isolated, and angry with others just trying to help. But he never imagined that Shiro took that as a sign to be there for Keith as well. What could he say to that?

Adam regretted how harshly he treated Shiro back when they were kids, but hearing this changed everything. It meant that even at that time, Shiro cherished the time he spent with him. That his confidence and persistence towards making Adam a friend and better person was taken as a lesson, one he applied to another person that desperately needed him. For the first time, Adam felt like something good had come from his anger back then, and it felt like a weight lifted off his chest. How was it that Shiro always knew just what to say? Even injured and exhausted, he was helping Adam, making him feel better. It was amazing. How could he not… love this man?

"Takashi…. I…"

"Adam! Shiro! Look!" Keith's voice cut into Adam's confession, dropping a bundle of dried sticks as he ran towards them. Adam looked over shoulder to see Keith pointing up at the sky. He looked up, seeing a large portal had opened up in the atmosphere, the Green Lion coming out of it, followed by the Castle. However it happened, they had found them, and they were saved. Shiro was saved.

Adam looked down at him, relief coursing through his body like a euphoria, finding that Shiro had not once taken his eyes off of him. Even with a portal being ripped open in the sky, bringing the promise of rescue, he only had eyes for Adam.

Realizing that all his fatalistic promises and wishes were now rendered useless, Shiro could only smile at Adam and say, "Looks like you win this round."

He drifted off to sleep in Adam's arms, finally feeling comfortable enough to do so. Adam nodded. That's right. He did win this round, and he would continue to keep winning. Because he was right, and Shiro was going to be saved. And no matter what, he would always be there for Shiro, to save him and bring him back. And now he didn't have to do it alone. Adam looked up at Keith, catching his gaze, and sharing a smile with him. Adam had a new family with him now, and everything was going to be okay as long as he had that.

VVVVVVVV

In the throne room of the Galra's main command ship, Zarkon and Haggar stood above two of their subjects bowed before them, Thace and Prorok.

"Explain to me how you let Voltron escape," Zarkon inquired, addressing Prorok, the man in charge of the defensive systems during the assault.

"Perhaps it was a mechanical failure, sire. Haggar boosted the solar barrier's power beyond its normal limits," he reasoned. He had no idea what could have made the barrier shut down, or that Thace had been the one to let them go. He could only guess at the cause.

Haggar hissed at him, "This was no mechanical failure. The two sentries that were guarding the barrier control were found destroyed. This was clearly sabotage."

Surprised by that news, Prorok bowed his head again, looking at the floor as he addressed his emperor, "Lord Zarkon, I will start an investigation immediately. I will not rest until the perpetrators are captured."

"Perhaps I can save months of investigating," Zarkon mussed darkly, his gravely voice sounding accusing in nature, "Who has been trying to chisel Voltron away from me this entire time? Who sent his fleet out without my orders to get Voltron?"

"Sire, no! I-I would never do that," Prorok answered in a panic. He only tried to take affirmative action to help Zarkon achieve what he wanted. He wanted to reach the new world that was promised them. He would never jeopardize that!

Zarkon looked over at the two drones standing guard by them, waving his clawed hand at Prorok, "Get rid of him."

"No! I'm innocent!" he screamed, trying to run toward the emperor. His hands were quickly secured behind his back, being dragged out of the room. How could this be happening!? He only wanted to serve!

Prorok continued to kick and scream his protests on the way out, another man passing him to enter the throne room. He stopped, watching the Galra man's boisterous efforts fall on deaf ears with some amusement.

"Before we dispose of him, the druids will find out all that he knows. Then, he will receive a punishment worse than death," Haggar promised Zarkon.

Thace felt a small modicum of guilt for his part in that, but he did what he had to. Voltron needed to be saved, and everyone here was either a bloodthirsty Galra or a mindless servant to Zarkon's cause. Prorok happened to be both, but that didn't mean Thace couldn't feel sympathy for causing someone pain unjustly. The thought that kept him strong was that this was for the greater good, and anyone here would kill him in a second if they had the chance to. No use lingering on sympathies for killers and tyrants.

"Lieutenant Thace You are now in charge of the investigation, Commander," Zarkon told him, letting him know of his sudden promotion to Prorok's spot.

"Vrepit sa," Thace responded, letting no emotion show on his face.

"Congratulations Thace. I'm sure you'll do well," A masculine, but unusually cheerful voice called out behind him.

Thace stood, turning to see the young man enter, finally done watching Prorok's tantrum from being dragged away. Thace sighed a little heavily, probably more than he should have let on, but this guy could be exhausting. Especially when he had no idea where his true loyalties lie.

"Is there a reason you are here Aiden?" Thace asked bitterly.

Aiden waved his hand, stepping by toward the throne before turning to face him directly, "Oh nothing special. I just came down here to give our emperor some news."

He stared Thace down, almost to say that he could see right through him. He kept acting like he knew something about Thace, but never acted on it or even hinted at it in conversation. If he knew Thace's true aim, surely he would take action against him, or maybe even help him. But he did neither. So did that mean he didn't know anything? It was hard to say, and Thace wasn't going to try and pry answers out of such a dangerous weapon.

"Speak," Zarkon ordered, unbothered by Aiden's more casual way of speaking.

Aiden winked at Thace, turning his attention back to Zarkon, wearing a wide grin, "I think I know where we can intercept Voltron."