Allura watched the mice run into the med bay and leaned against the wall to eavesdrop. Keith chuckled and said, "Welcome back, trouble maker. What mischief have you caused lately? You know we should be enemies, right? Me and Red will gobble you up!"

A few squeaks and Keith laughing made Allura smile. She peeked in the door. Keith gently held the mouse he called 'the angry one' in both hands above him where he lay on the floor. He lowered it to his face and booped their noses together. "You're harmless, little guy." He put the mouse on his chest and looked at the pod. Then he looked at her in the doorway. His smile faltered a little and he sat up. Nodding in greeting, he said, "Princess. How are you?"

She folded her hands at her waist and answered, "I am well. And yourself?" She walked in and checked the pod monitors.

Keith answered, "I'm doing better today... The lions are less anxious when I'm with him."

Allura bit her lip and said without turning, "Ah. Yes... the lions." Scanning the monitor, she saw nothing new to report. "May I sit with you?"

"Uh, sure."

When she turned, he shuffled aside to make space. Settling beside him, she murmured, "Thank you." She played nervously with her mother's ring on her right hand and asked, "Has anything happened while you've been here?"

"No. How about when I was gone."

"Nothing," Allura answered.

"Hmm..." He folded his arms on his knees and groaned. "He is still improving?"

Allura couldn't even look at the pod with the sleeping boy. "I... I believe so."

They sat in silence. The mice played on the floor with a small gleaming coin Keith dangled from the end of a leather band. Allura asked, "What is that? You're protective of it."

Keith wound the chord around his palm and slipped the coin free. Holding it out, he said, "It's a charm. It was supposed to keep the wearer from danger and it's his, a birthday gift from his mother when he joined the garrison. His sister wears the same one. I don't know how he managed to keep the empire from confiscating it. When we were afraid, he would hold it and pray in spanish. I believe he thought I couldn't understand him, but..." Keith wiped at his nose and covered his face. "I've prayed those same words for him every night since we escaped."

Allura traced the profile of a woman on the coin with a finger. "It did it's task to bring you both here."

Keith barked a bitter laugh. "Thank you, Princess. I'm glad someone can still see the positive side of this. God knows I've reached my wit's end." He slipped the coin back onto its necklace before placing it around his neck. The coin was tucked into his armor with a soft kiss.

Allura's eyes stung and she bit her lip. "Perhaps... would you join me for my daily constitutional?"

Keith swallowed and gave a stuttered exhale. "Yeah... yeah, a walk would be nice."

Allura stood and reached for Keith's hand. "Come then. Up with you."

Keith's hand landed heavily in her's and she pulled him to his feet. He stumbled a step and caught his balance. His shoulders were slumped and when he walked beside her his feet dragged. She stepped closer and hooked her hand into the crook of his elbow. "Stand tall, Keith. You are much stronger than I've given credit."

He rubbed his eyes and answered, "I'm tired, Allura. There's so many things weighing me down."

"Then confide in me. Tell me why you're hiding here."

"I'm an open book to you, aren't I." Keith lifted his chin. "The others are busy working on building star ships out of that cruiser we hijacked. The other prisoners will probably take one and head to whatever haven they can find outside of the empire. Then I don't know what's going to happen. Krolia and the others will have to report to their superiors and I... I don't know where I fit."

Allura gently pulled him onward when he hesitated. "Surely you have options."

"No. Not really," Keith admitted. "My mother is part of the same group Krolia belongs to, but my dad was from Earth. I was raised there. All of my friends... the closest thing I had to family... I want to save them, but I'm just one person and I know I'm young by their standards. They treat me like a kid and I don't understand exactly why, but I'm trying. I'm trying so hard."

"Perhaps," Allura began, "I may be able to explain. My people are very familiar with your mother's. What have they told you about the galra?"

Keith shrugged. "Not much. They found out I was galra because of my knife. They took me to protect me."

"Of course. Your words bring kind reassurance to me about the race that murdered my own. I had believed there were no galra left who kept to their traditions." Allura patted Keith's hand and smiled shyly. "They lived in groups not bound only by blood. Families and friends raising children. Children, their greatest treasures. Did something happen when you were young? It is highly unusual that she only had one kit."

Keith took a deep breath. "I never knew my mother. My father told me she had to leave to take care of something. I think she rejoined her order."

"Then you are even more precious to them, an only son."

"That does clear up some confusion. Thank you, Allura, but I still don't know where that leaves me. I don't know when the order would let me help. And what about the lions. I- I can't just... leave Red." Keith waved a hand in emphasis. "She waited so long for someone to rescue her. I'm not cruel. I won't hurt her like that."

"Keith, please lower your voice. I... I don't want Coran to catch us."

Keith looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "He doesn't know I'm here?"

Allura put a knuckle to her lips and shook her head. "If he knew, I don't know if he'd look at me the same ever again."

"Because my race murdered your father?"

"Yes... though I know now that you and your own are not guilty. Give me time to explain how we've become close. He will accept you as I have." Allura led him to their destination and dropped his hand to go to a console.

"Accept me? As what?"

Allura opened an armor chest and lifted her father's bayard from its holster. Turning to face him, she held out the bayard and answered, "As a champion of the universe, the Red Paladin, pilot and bonded pair of the Red Lion of Voltron."

Keith reached out and grasped the bayard in his right hand. Allura held her breath. The curves of the bayard lengthened and flashed with light to form the beautiful edges of a sword with no true cross guard. He placed the flat across his palm and admired the blade. Allura smiled and covered her mouth with her hands.

Keith's awe filled gaze lifted to her's and his expression became one of concern. Half jogging to her, he dropped the sword and hugged her. "Allura, what's wrong? Please don't cry."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Keith. I was so horrible to you." She clung to him as she had when she'd first awoken. "I don't deserve your forgiveness. Or your kindness."

Keith was a tree, a wall that she cast herself upon for support. He stood tall and firm against her. How stupid she'd been when the bayard proved true everything she'd believed false. Her knees gave out and she felt Keith's strong arms guide her to the floor. He gently rocked her, his murmured comfort a breath of a whisper on her ear.

"Of course I've forgiven you, Allura. You were scared and in pain. Blaming me and the others was a knee jerk reaction. Allura," Keith put a hand on her cheek and wiped her tears away, "I forgive you because your heart changed. You are a good person who deserves every kindness."

"I'm such a fool, regardless."

"Because of the sword?"

"Because it is an Altean soldier's short sword and my father's bayard. If I had given it to you nearly a pheob ago, we wouldn't have been enemies until recently." Allura reached toward the sword on the floor. "May I?"

Keith reached for the hilt and handed it back to her. The sword became a flash of light before returning to its original form. Allura closed her eyes and composed herself explaining, "The bayard only listens to its master, made from the same materials as the lions themselves. Thank you, Keith, for indulging me," she stood and placed the bayard back in the armor chest, "but I wish to be alone for a moment. Can you find your way back to the med bay by yourself?"

"Yes, princess. Are you sure?" He insisted. Allura nodded. His warm hand brushed her arm a final time before he nodded in return. "Come talk to me any time. No one should grieve their father alone."

"Thank you, Keith, from the depths of my being."

The mice were chittering excitedly in the doorway. Keith picked up his pace. "What is it?" He jogged in and breathed, "Lance."

The fluid finished draining from the pod as he slid to a stop, nearly slamming into the pod in his haste. Keith's hands ran over the front of the pod impatiently. When it finally vanished, he had to catch himself then his friend as Lance fell forward. The residue on his body quickly absorbed into his bare skin and he shivered. Keith nearly burst into tears as Lance's heart beat against his.

He lifted Lance into his arms and carried him to a cabinet. After a frantic search, he found a blanket and wrapped it around Lance's shivering form. Then he held Lance close to himself to share body heat. "Lance? Lance, can you hear me? Just, please, let me hear your voice again."

"Did... Did you know... that I can speak french?"

Keith felt his heart stop and asked, "Lance? Lance, are you- It's me, Lance. I know you can't speak french."

"You sure about that Keith? I can always give you a demonstration... but my french is only good between the legs of a beautiful woman."

Keith froze, then stammered, "God Lance, not even thirty seconds and you're already whipping out bad pick up lines!" He shook his head and hugged Lance tighter. "For a moment, I was terrified, you know. I thought you had some kind of amnesia or..."

Lance huffed a laugh against his neck. "What can I say? Classic lover-boy sharpshooter for you." Lance moved back and reached up to run a hand through Keith's hair. "And your mullet is getting a little out of hand. It's not my fault your hair is as long as Katie's."

"My mullet! You should see your own hair. It's completely fallen out!"

Lance's eyes widened in panic and he frantically felt his scalp. "Fuck, Keith! Don't tease me about that! You know my hair is one of my best-" he gasped as Keith squeezed him again, "-features. Keith. Keith, buddy, what's the matter? Keith, I'm here. I'm here, it's okay."

Keith whispered, "I promised I wouldn't leave you, so don't you dare leave me alone like that ever again."

Lance was quiet as he returned Keith's hold. "Keith... What happened? I- I remember being on the ship and then pain, but it's gone now. Where are we?"

Keith answered, "We're at the home of the lions. Lance, there's someone who's been waiting to formally meet you, but it'll be easier to show you than explain."

"Okay, okay, but um... where are my clothes?"

"I'll ask Allura if she has anything you could wear."

Lance raised an eyebrow. "Have you been making friends on your own? Who are you and where is my lone wolf alpha?"

Keith wrapped an arm around Lance's shoulders and rested his hand on Lance's head. Lance's humor died and he leaned into Keith's shoulder. Keith ran his fingers through Lance's hair and said, "We made it, Lance. We survived and we're going to keep looking after one another. Us and our lions."

They sat together for the first time since they'd escaped. It felt right and brought more comfort than either of them had expected. The mice approached and made a bed in the fold of a blanket while Keith waited for Lance's strength to return enough for him to walk. Reaching into his armor, he removed the dried rations Krolia had given him the day before. "Eat. You've missed too many meals."

While Lance chewed, Keith pulled the necklace out from beneath his armor. He lifted the leather band over his head and pressed it into Lance's hand. Lance swallowed and looked at the necklace. "It's warm. You've been wearing it? I thought you weren't religious."

Keith shook his head. "I'm not, but you've been a strong influence. Your prayers..." He looked away.

Footsteps approached the door and Lance tensed, lifting an arm instinctively to defend. Keith put a hand on Lance's arm. "It's alright. That's Allura."

She came around the corner then, heels tapping as she came to a stand still. She gasped and looked around, her gaze falling on the two of them. Grinning, she ran forward and called, "Lance, you're awake!" Keith shifted to give Allura space as she fell to her knees in her floor length gown. She reached for Keith's hand and squeezed, sharing a smile with him before returning it to Lance. "We've been so worried about you."

Keith saw the disbelief in Lance's eyes and said, "Lance, this is Princess Allura of Altea. This place is her home and we've been guests here for nearly a month. You've been comatose since we arrived."

Allura smiled and bowed her head. "I'm so glad we finally get to meet. I've heard so much about you."

"Me?" Lance asked.

Allura nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! Keith has told me much of your heroics."

"Oh has he now?" Lance asked with a smirk at Keith.

Keith shoved away from Lance and asked, "Can we go now? Blue really is anxious to meet you."

Allura clapped in excitement. "Yes! You must go to her right away!"

Lance laughed and said, "Alright. We can go. Help me up."

Allura and Keith both took a hand and pulled him to his feet. He draped the blanket around him and let Keith wrap an arm behind his back. Allura walked on his other side, a hand out to catch him if he needed assistance. When they made it to the front door, the lions rose to meet them.

Lance gasped when he met Blue's eyes. "Whoa! She's... I feel her. She's happy to see me. Keith..."

"It's okay, man. There's a lot to process. I didn't get it all at first either." Keith patted Lance on the back and said, "Wait until you see inside."

Allura was bouncing on the balls of her feet with excitement. Keith felt the lions' purr radiate through them all. When Red nudged him, he rubbed her nose out of habit. Blue lowered herself to her chest and opened her mouth. Keith guided, "She's waiting for you, buddy."

"Princess, stop!"

Keith felt a heavy weight settle in his gut. Allura gasped and looked at him with terror. Keith reached for her hand. "Don't. We'll do this together." Allura bit her lip and looked back at the castle where Coran stood in full rage.

"Keith!"

Keith looked ahead where Krolia and Coleen were sprinting toward them. There was hell behind, hell ahead, and freedom strangling in the middle. Allura pulled out of his hold and backed away. Keith shook his head. "Please, don't go."

"I'm sorry, Keith. I'm so sorry." She covered her mouth and fled back the way they'd come.

"Keith! Lance!" Coleen picked up her pace and ran to Lance. She was beside herself sobbing when she hugged him. "Oh, thank God you're awake!"

Krolia was less relieved. She grabbed Keith's arm and demanded, "Were you in the castle?" He hesitated and she asked instead, "How long?"

"A few days, maybe a week and some. I was fine!"

"What were you thinking? You could have been killed! What would I do if you were hurt?!" Krolia hugged him tight. "I asked you to stay out here for your safety. Do not scare me like this."

Keith choked up and apologized, "I'm sorry."

"Keith? Why are you apologizing?"

Keith looked at a confused Lance. "Huh?"

"Well, it's a very one sided conversation you're having."

"What are you talking about? Krolia is practically screaming at me." Keith took a step toward Lance and asked, "Are you sure you're feeling well?"

Coleen looked Lance over, holding his head in both her hands. "His eyes are focused and his balance is good for someone who just woke from a coma."

"Mrs. Holt, I can't read lips. You're going to have to speak up."

"She's talking normally," Krolia said, her concern for Lance outweighing her anger at Keith. She walked up behind Lance and snapped her fingers just behind his ears. No response. Coleen blanched. Krolia frowned and said, "Keith, has his hearing been impaired since he woke up?"

"Not at all. We held a completely normal conversation earlier."

Lance looked back at Keith and jumped when he saw Krolia so close. "Don't sneak up on me like that. Keith, what's going on?"

"I'm not sure. Lance, you can hear me, right?"

"Yeah, it's everyone else who's being weird."

Krolia pulled Coleen aside and said, "Something is wrong, but until we know what, we mustn't alarm him. Go fetch Ulaz. I'll keep an eye on him."

Lance looked at Keith and asked, "What's going on?"

Keith wrapped an arm around Lance again and explained, "You can hear me and you heard Allura, but for some reason, you're deaf to everyone else. When you passed out, you hit your head really hard." Lance's breathing picked up and Keith soothed, "Just stay calm. Ulaz will know what's going on. He'll fix you right up."

"You think? You just told me I have selective hearing... literally!"

Keith put on a brave smile. "Then let's just be glad it's my voice you get to listen to." Keith guided Lance from the lions and noticed he held something in his other hand. When he looked, Allura's ring rested in his palm. The one she was always playing with when she was nervous. He slid it onto his left hand and kept walking. He had enough to worry about with Lance for the moment. Returning her jewelry could come later.

So... maybe I lied about hurting Lance... a little bit. What could it mean?! Review, please? Help a gal out?