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 V - It'll Be a Cold Day

The Princess opened her eyes just enough to see the morning light, then closed them and promptly snuggled back under her blankets for warmth. She took in a deep breath and released it unhurriedly, enjoying that place between sleep and wake. She considered the strange dreams she'd had, part nightmare, part fantasy, as she stretched out, and slowly became aware of both the dull ache between her thighs, and the fact that she was completely nude.

In a flash, she realized both the nightmare and the fantasy had been no dream, and gasped as she turned to face the man lying next to her.

"Good morning, Allura," Keith's voice was still thick from sleep as he reached out and brushed a few strands of hair from her face. "My God, you are beautiful."

A flush covered her body, head to toe, as she remembered last night, and the way he'd scooped her into his arms and carried her back to her bedroom, not caring who might see them together, or if they knew what was about to happen between them. Once safely alone in her rooms, they had made love over and over again, until a sated exhaustion had claimed them.

She reached out and brushed her fingertips against his lips. "I thought it was all a dream."

"It was no dream," he spoke as he caught her hand with his own, placing tiny kisses on each of her fingers. He stilled and his expression became serious. "I hope you don't regret last night..."

"Never," she smiled shyly. "Do you?"

In reply, he leaned over and gently kissed her lips. When he pulled back, he gave her a lazy smile. "My only regret is the timing...I don't ever want to leave."

Tears filled her eyes, and she shut them in an attempt to hide her pain.

"Allura, please look at me," he urged. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"It's not you," her voice shook. "I don't ever want you to leave, either, but I know you must."

"I promise you, Princess, I will come back."

When she nodded, he began to kiss her once more, this time with a gentle passion, but their time had run out. Both their comms began to beep in an alert. After a shared look of acquiescence, Keith reached out and pushed the button on his receiver.

"Captain Keith, here."

"Captain," Coran's voice came through the small speaker. "The transport from Galaxy Garrison has arrived."

"I'll be right there, Coran."

Once he had severed the communications link, Keith moved to sit on the side of the bed, purposely avoiding eye contact while he fought for control over his emotions. He swallowed hard, trying to force the lump from his throat before he spoke.

"I have to go now, or I never will."

"I know," she whispered.

: )

: )

An hour had passed before the Princess of Arus made her way to the docking bay to receive the envoy from the Galaxy Alliance. She understood that they were simply doing their jobs, but it did not sway her disdain, which she made clear with her cold and formal manner.

"Your Highness," a junior officer stepped forward and offered a slight bow. "The Galaxy Alliance, Galaxy Garrison, and Space Marshall Karpp, all wish to offer their deepest appreciation for your coopera-"

"Enough," Allura's voice rang out, icy in its tone. "I understand you are following orders, but I refuse to play this game. I am furious at the way the Voltron Force is being treated, and aghast at the threats made against my planet, its people, and my very person."

From the group of GG troops came sounds of shock, which led Coran to step forward.

"Perhaps you were unaware," the Royal Advisor informed them. "The Voltron Force returns to Earth under great duress. Space Marshall Karpp has threatened Arus as a means to force these heroes, your brothers-in-arms, to his will."

"With all due respect, Coran, they have their orders." Keith stepped forward to stand beside the older gentleman. "I refuse to hold them responsible for Karpp's actions."

"Thank you, Captain," the young man looked both relieved and concerned. "For what it's worth, no one here knew about Space Marshall Karpp's threats, sir."

Keith nodded his understanding before turning to face the Princess.

"We have to go."

"Please," tears filled her eyes as she faced the Galaxy Garrison soldier. "Allow us just a few moments to say our goodbyes?"

"Of course, your Highness," the officer signaled his unit to step back, and as they did, he once more turned to face the Arusian monarch. "Truly, I regret your sorrow."

Allura met his eyes, but made no reply; it seemed as though all her strength had seeped away. One by one, each member of the Voltron Force stepped forward, said a few tender words, and then hugged her tight, all with the promise they would find their way back to Arus. Finally, she stood facing their Captain.

Keith moved to where she waited and pulled her into his arms, holding her tight against his chest. She inhaled deeply, taking in his scent, absorbing his warmth, as she gained strength from the sound of his heart beating beneath her ear. After what seemed too short a time, he took a step back and met her eyes.

"I love you, Allura."

Her mouth opened and closed as she searched his gaze. Finally she spoke, her voice trembling with unshed tears.

"I love you, too, Keith."

Without concern or care, he once more pulled her into his arms, this time kissing her deeply and desperately. When he broke the kiss, he let loose the weariest of sighs before turning away and hurrying across the docking bay to where the GG envoy waited.

Allura watched in stunned silence as the group of space explorers boarded the small ship. Within moments, the vessel was airborne and on its way back to Earth.

: )

: )

Returning to the here and now, Allura pulled herself together, giving herself a quick mental shake as stood. Taking in a deep breath, she looked back out at the sky. Without thought, she covered the muscles of her stomach with one hand and wondered how long it would be before her waist would thicken...she wished she had been able to share her news with Keith, she felt badly for keeping it from him. But the moment he returned, she would tell him everything.

Earthlings took weeks, sometimes months before they realized...It was different for her people. Arusian females knew they were pregnant at the moment of conception.

End.