Author's Notes: This fanfic was written for the Voltron Fandom's Secret Santa Gift Exchange 2016, created and hosted by Mylari. A huge thanks to Mylari for all her hard work to make this happen, and for her dedication and multitude of contributions to the fandom! The title, as well as the chapter titles, of this fanfic are all episode titles from the 1984 Voltron: Defender of the Universe.

Prompt: a story where the Space Explorers have to come back to Earth permanently, after the end of DotU original series. The night before their leaving, Keith and Allura find a way to finally express their feeling for each other, knowing they will have to part the next day. Citrus level to be determined by the writer.

Warnings: Adult language. Adult situations. Sexual situations.

Disclaimers: Voltron and all associated characters are owned and copyrighted by WEP. This story is for entertainment only, no money is being made. Original characters have been created and are owned by the author.

Final Victory

By KittyShan (aka LancesKitten; aka Shannon)

"If you live long enough, you'll see that every victory turns into a defeat." ~ Simone de Beauvoir

Part IV - Magnetic Attraction

People were gathered about the room, seated at tables laden with food and drink, celebrating the great accomplishments of the Voltron Force. Toasts were made, resulting in both laughter and tears being shared by the many guests, friends, and even those who had become family, who had gathered to say goodbye to the team of Space Explorers. When the morning came, it would be time for the mighty heroes to return to Earth.

Coran stood, lifting his glass high. "There isn't much I can say that hasn't already been said tonight. You are all heroes, not only to Arus, but to the entire universe, this goes without saying...but to me, you are all like sons. I want for you only the best, but I will miss you greatly. I wish you safe passage back to Earth tomorrow, and I hope we will all meet again, if not in this life, then in the next."

The sound of glasses meeting, that clink of crystal, could be heard, along with a chorus of voices echoing the Royal Advisor's sentiments.

"Your Highness," Coran turned to Princess Allura and nodded, reminding her that it was her turn, for she was to make the final toast of the night.

"To the Voltron Force," she began, her voice trembling with the tears she fought to hold in. "For all eternity, Arus and I, will owe you a debt of gratitude. You saved us-"

She broke off, unable to keep her heartache at bay, tears slipping unbidden down her cheeks. Bowing her head for just a moment, she took in a deep breath in an attempt to gather her strength.

"I'm sorry...my speechwriter crafted the most lovely words for me to share, but tonight I must speak from my heart." She took just a moment to look around the room, smiling bravely through her tears. "Hunk, Pidge...Lance, and...Keith, you have become so much more to me than merely protectors. You are my dearest friends, my family. My heart is broken to see you go, but I understand you must. I pray you will return to us someday soon. Until then, be safe, and know you are all loved."

The room was quiet and loud at once, not a dry eye among the crowd. The Princess's words were felt in every heart, her own pain suffered by every person who looked upon her visage. She lifted her glass high, but her hand shook so badly she quickly pulled it back and returned her drink to the table.

"I'm so sorry...I can't..." she gathered her skirts in her fists, and after a quick glance at Coran, she fled the room in tears.

"Princess!" The Royal Advisor turned to follow, but was stopped by a hand on his arm. He turned to find Lance pointing toward the door, where Keith was now disappearing behind the swirl of pink satin.

"Looks like Keith's got it," Lance met Coran's eyes, both men sharing a knowledge that the other had thought a secret. "They need time to say their goodbyes."

"Indeed," Coran clapped Lance on the back. "More so than even they realize."

: )

: )

"Allura," Keith called. "Please wait!"

The Princess stopped at the end of the corridor, and turned to face the handsome Captain.

"I couldn't stand one more moment in that room. This is just so hard...I don't know how to say goodbye."

"I know," he said as he reached her side. "I am sorry that you are having to go through this, Princess, but we have to go back to Earth or everything we've fought for is for nothing. Karpp will do everything he can to ruin Arus, we can't allow that to happen."

"I understand," she turned away from him and walked slowly down the hallway. "I just feel so helpless."

He fell in step beside her, the duo walking in a companionable silence toward the recreation room the team used for informal gatherings, and relaxing. Once there, he reached out and held the door open for her, and she crossed the room to stand before a large window where she could see a beautiful night sky.

"Would you like something to eat, or drink, Princess?" Keith asked, uncertain of what to say or do to lift her mood. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"Actually," she sighed, turning to meet his gaze, "I would just enjoy spending some time with you..."

He made his way to her side, and attempted a smile. "I'm going to miss you, Allura."

"Oh, Keith," she fought for control of her tears. "I'm going to miss you, too."

For some time, they shared a silent vigil, watching the stars, listening to the soft sounds of the night, simply enjoying one another's company. When Allura finally spoke, her voice was clear, albeit filled with emotion.

"If this is the last night we ever share, if these are the last moments we have together..." her voice trailed off as she reached out to take his hand. "Keith," she cast away all pretense, letting him see her deepest emotions, raw and naked. "I love you. I have always loved you."

"Oh God," tears filled his eyes. "Allura, we can't. Not now, not when I have to leave you."

"Please, I don't know how I'll ever live without you. I don't even know who I will be without you."

"I know, Princess, I know..." He pulled her into his arms, crushing her against his chest and burying his face in her hair. They both shook with a desperate emotion; with a loss of hope. When he finally loosened his hold, he took a step back and searched her face.

"I have loved you since the moment I knelt before you and pledged my loyalty to you and to Arus. You are the reason I breathe, the reason my heart beats," he dropped to his knees, tears spilling down his cheeks as he rested his head against her waist. "I pledge to you now, Allura of Arus, I will find my way back to you."

"Keith, my love," her tears spilled onto the top of his head before she joined him, kneeling on the floor. She reached for his hand and lifted it to her lips, placing a gentle kiss in the center of his palm. "I need you. Here. Now."

Pulling her back into his arms, he kissed her, softly, urgently, until it seemed all the air had left their lungs. "I need you too, but we can't-"

Her fingers covered his lips. "Enough of what we can and can't do. I am a grown woman and you are the man I love. Tonight could very well be our last night together, ever."

"I will return-"

"When? Will you be gone for a few weeks, a year? What if you never return, Keith? What if there is never another chance for us? Can you live with that? Because, I cannot. Make love to me."

When he hesitated, she pulled his face down to her own and placed the most innocent of kisses on his lips. "If this war has taught us anything, it's that life and love are fragile and can be stolen from us at any time. Give yourself to me, Keith, if we never have another night like this, at least we will have this to carry us through the rest of our lives."

He reached out and cupped her cheek, gently stroking his thumb over her satiny skin. "I will, my love, not as a memory to carry through life, but as a promise to return to you, to claim you for eternity as my wife."

When their lips met, it was a prelude to their loving. Soft and gentle, desperate and wild. Keith's tongue urged her lips apart, begging entry into the lush wetness where he ravished her mouth. They pulled apart only out of the necessity to breathe.

"Tonight, Allura, I claim you as mine," his voice was clear and strong, yet laced with undeniable emotion. "As I worship your body with my own, know it's a promise to worship you for all eternity."

"I make you the same promise, Keith, to be yours, and yours alone for all eternity."

As their words floated into the night's silence, they made true their promises. Touching, tasting, loving. Their bodies became one. At first, it was like a spring rain, gentle and soft, but soon their storm had become a hurricane, wild and unrestrained. Finally their apex was reached and it was as if the sea itself had swallowed them whole. Gasping for air, they lay spent in one another's arms.

Keith reached for Allura's hand, bringing it to his lips and tenderly kissed each finger. "When I return, I want us to be properly married."

"Yes," she smiled gently, extracting her hand from his so she could run her fingers through his hair. "We have a few more hours until sunrise...will you hold me?"

"I'll do more than hold you," his eyes darkened as he spoke.

And once more the storm began to build between them.