Dear lord all these chapters are so long. I hope no one still reading finds them boring.

Keith stared at the crystals in his hand and grimaced. The girl from the balmera said he'd communed with it. She'd been surprised, but of course she was. They were probably the first galra in hundreds of years to treat it with kindness. The empire had fallen so far from the old ways. He clenched the earring studs in a fist and ran a hand over the crystal's surface. Somehow, the balmera had given them a physical representation of its hope after suffering for an unknowable time. It felt personal... like the balmera had been trying to give him a message.

"Hey, buddy," Lance said from the doorway of the crystal chamber. "You didn't come to bed. I got worried."

Keith crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. "Sorry. I couldn't sleep. There's been a lot on my mind."

"Your mission to the balmera?"

Keith nodded and bit his lip. Looking away, he admitted, "I can't stop thinking about the people I saw. I couldn't do anything for them, but the balmera helped me." He met Lance in the middle of the room and took Lance's hand. Lance raised a questioning eyebrow when Keith put the earrings in his palm. Keith offered a charming half smile. "I promised I'd get a crystal for you. The balmera gave me two."

Lance's confusion broke into an award winning smile, eyes alight in pure happiness. "Keith... did you just propose to me?" Keith snorted and grinned. Lance flung his arms around Keith and said, "Thank you. Seriously, man, it means a lot."

"I know, but you're worth it. Besides, I'd ask your parents for their first." Keith buried his face in Lance's neck. "Shoren or Antok will pierce your ears so my stud can wear his studs."

"Now who has the bad pick up lines?" Lance wrapped an arm around Keith's waist and said, "My mom will flip out when she sees you've turned her perfect angel into a bad boy with piercings and tattoos."

Keith dug his elbow into Lance's side. "I didn't tell you to ask Kolivan for a lecture on tribal markings."

"I was making small talk! You know, a little ice breaker between fellow 'warriors'... and I wasn't even talking to him! He just appears when you least expect him. You have no idea how nervous I am he's going to walk in while I'm showering and start a conversation!"

"He's galra, but he doesn't lack tact. That's one thing he's overflowing with." Keith yawned and asked, "But in all seriousness, what do you think about the tattoos? Should I get one?"

"You'd easily pull it off. With your skin tone, the contrast would be amazing!"

"Shh, Lance," Keith hissed. "People are trying to sleep." Lance ducked his head sheepishly and they walked in silence for a minute before Keith asked, "How are they adjusting?"

Lance rubbed the back of his neck. "Sam and Matt are handling it best, but Coleen is trying to help. The surgery's effects wore off a couple days ago, so I wasn't really... yeah. One of them actually got freaked out and blamed the blades for my hearing loss. Matt was super pissed. You know... if you spoke to them it would be influential."

"That's a big word," Keith teased.

"I'm serious, Keith," Lance deadpanned. "Why don't you want to talk to them?"

Keith came to a stop in the hall and ran a hand over his face. He looked up and sighed before taking Lance's hands. "Lance, I literally just finally worked up the courage to confide what I knew about my mother to my mother. Do you really think I'm ready to tell everyone I know... everyone who knew me before this all happened... that I'm half galra? The race the entire universe hates?"

"But your parents aren't Nazis!"

"Shh!" Keith covered Lance's mouth with a hand. "I know I'm being selfish, but please," he held desperate eye contact, "I'm begging you, let me tell them on my own terms." He lowered his hand slowly, searching Lance's eyes for any reaction.

Lance's eyes watered. He pushed forward, shoving Keith into the wall behind him, and kissed his lips. Keith closed his eyes and wrapped his arms behind Lance's neck. Lance pulled back for half a second and whispered between kisses, "You're a bastard for... asking, but I love you too... much."

Keith sighed in relief and panted, "Thank you... Shall... Should we take this to our room?"

"I thought you weren't tired." Lance smiled against his lips.

"Lance... Kolivan is standing beside us."

Lance stumbled in his haste to retract his tongue from Keith's and yelped. Keith groaned and rolled his head sideways to look at his grandfather. Kolivan wore a curious half smile and a raised eyebrow. "I'm impressed you were able to discern my presence from the others, kit." Keith signed for Lance, even though his boyfriend wasn't paying attention to him. Kolivan said, "In the new quintant, we are holding an inquiry. I would like you both to be present."

"Yes, leader," Keith instantly replied. "We'll be there."

Kolivan squeezed his shoulder in passing. "This boy you've chosen... I approve of him. He is highly intelligent and held his own admirably during the rescue mission at the research facility. If he wishes, I will appoint a mentor to train him in our ways."

Keith's eyes widened and his jaw dropped for a moment. He cleared his throat and said, "That is an incredible honor. I'll, um, discuss your offer with him."

Kolivan blinked down at him with a warm smile. "He is a paladin, after all. It would be incredibly irresponsible of me not to do everything in my power to prepare him for the days ahead." Kolivan looked further down the hall and added, "Try to get some rest, child. You've earned this reprieve."

"Sir?" Keith tilted his head in confusion.

"I read Antok's report. The mission was a success because you were able to connect to the balmera. The red lion did not choose you by coincidence, son. I am not so naive to ignore her behavior." With that, Kolivan walked down the hall and around the corner.

"He thinks I'm smart?"

"Huh?" Keith glanced sidelong at Lance. They started walking toward their room, but Lance's face was red and he stared at the floor.

"Your grandpa just now... I, uh, heard him."

"Right, the crystals," Keith said in realization. Squeezing Lance's hand, he reassured, "Of course Kolivan thinks you're smart. You're one of the brainiest people I know. You believe that, right?"

Lance scratched his nose. "I mean, my mom always told me, but I got teased a lot growing up. Youngest sibling and all that. It's kind of startling to hear her words from someone like him. He commands so much respect and I'm... I'm just me. Like, I want to believe him, but part of me thinks he's only saying that because Blue and I bonded."

"I want you to trust me on this, sharpshooter." Keith pulled Lance to a stop. "Kolivan has already analyzed our strengths and weaknesses. Our mentors increase the first and minimize the second, but Kolivan didn't say you were 'smart'. He knows you're more than that. So every time you second guess yourself or begin to question your worth, talk to me. I'll make sure those feelings go away until you believe it with your entire heart."

Lance offered a shy smile and tugged Keith onward. "You're such a good boyfriend... even if you did accidentally quote Naruto at me."

"Was that a reference I heard?"

Keith rolled his eyes and groaned. "How long were you waiting to join the conversation?"

Matt smirked and crossed his arms. "Seemed like I'd be interrupting an intimate moment." Lance's blush intensified. Matt asked, "When did all this happen?"

"Matt," Keith warned, "I know enough of your secrets to embarrass you too."

Lance pulled Keith to his hip. "Spill it."

"Be nice." Keith grinned and pecked Lance on the cheek. "We've been together since we left earth, but 'this' began last month. Kind of embarrassing really. I was freaking out and crying and Lance was there to pull me back. Even Thace hadn't been able to do that."

Matt had a doofy grin and Lance distracted through a blush, "What about you? How do you like the ship?"

"It's kind of awesome. Mom was showing me and dad all of the stuff the computers can do. They've been bouncing ideas about upgrades off each other all day." Matt stretched his arms above his head. "I finally snuck away half an hour ago."

Lance cocked a grin. "Your parents are keeping you close too?"

Matt raised an eyebrow when Keith elbowed Lance in the ribs and asked, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Lance, you promised."

"No, I didn't say I'd hide your secret from family."

Matt waved his hands. "It's alright, guys. My mom already told me."

"What?!" Lance and Keith shrieked in unison.

Matt's confidence wavered as he clarified, "About you and the galra on board?"

Keith felt hot and jittery all at once. "Matt, I swear nothing's changed. Krolia and I... we're close, but she'll never replace Coleen."

"My mom?" Matt came to a complete stop. "Keith, why would that woman replace us?"

Keith's blood drained and he was suddenly freezing. Lance's vice grip on his hand was the only thing keeping him from bolting. He started hyperventilating and Matt put a tentative hand on his shoulder.

"He can handle it, kid."

Keith looked over where their teachers from the garrison were gathered. Sam, Coleen, Brad, and Chad watched with patient empathy. Keith rubbed his arm. "How long have you known?"

"A while," Chad answered incredibly soft for once. "You two look so alike and it's you, Keith. We know all about your trust issues. That alone says volumes."

"Sam?"

Sam wrapped an arm around his wife's waist. "We're here for you, son."

Matt looked between his parents and Keith. "Is this about why you've been avoiding me?"

"It wasn't completely intentional," Keith explained. He looked around the circle of people who cared about him and said, "I feel kind of stupid saying it now, but... everyone... Krolia is my biological mother. I'm half galra."

Coleen smiled warmly and leaned into Sam. "There's nothing foolish about coming to terms with your heritage, Keith."

"But you all knew... apparently before even I did." Keith sighed and shook his head. "And it's not just Krolia. The leader of the blades and his lieutenant are her father and brother. I have a blooded cousin. But the blades are the last tribe of galra that follows the old ways. Our bond is not based on blood alone... and it's why Thace went to such lengths to earn my trust."

"Dude," Matt whispered, "that's crazy cool! You're like some kind of secret assassin from space! How wild is that?"

"Only the wildest!" Lance answered while squeezing Keith from behind.

Matt put his hands on Keith's shoulders and started steering him away. "You have to tell me everything."

"Alright, alright," Keith said. "You don't have to push so hard." Lance laughed and pulled Keith forward. Keith fought back a smile. So much for the rest he was supposed to get tonight.

Keith sat beside Antok and Ulaz. He had one leg pulled to his chest and he listened intently while Lance braided his hair behind him. Kolivan spoke of different missions he wanted to undertake and the agents would offer their opinions and advice. He considered every word said to him with respect for the one who spoke.

When Kolivan said his name, Keith startled where he sat. "Hmm?"

Kolivan asked, "What do you think should be done regarding which missions are approved?"

Keith chewed his lip and surveyed the holoscreen. The little figures hovering beside each symbolized the agents selected for each mission. Some of them only had one or two. Others had none. His answer came as a murmur. "There aren't enough of us."

"Unfortunately, it has always been this way." Kolivan spoke gently. The others in the room were silent in their own thoughts.

Keith frowned and pulled his other leg to his chest. Had Kolivan asked him to specifically give that answer? Keith chewed on a nail and asked, "But what if there were more?"

A few agents looked at him kindly and Keith had his unasked question answered. Antok rested a hand on Keith's shoulder. "We have been listening for rumors of any others who oppose the empire for as long as our order has existed. There are no longer any olden tribes strong enough to stand apart from Zarkon's reign."

Keith dropped his gaze. Antok squeezed his shoulder and the conversation moved on, but the seed had been sewn. What if there were more? He felt Kolivan's eyes on him throughout the rest of the inquiry, but he was distracted. He could hardly focus on what anyone said as that question consumed him.

The others had started to leave when Keith heard his name again. He looked up at Kolivan with wide eyes as he sat beside him. Antok squeezed Lance's shoulder and Lance hugged Keith from behind. "I'll be sparring when you're ready."

Keith nodded and tried to hold himself together beneath Kolivan's scrutiny. He was probably disappointed in how Keith had conducted himself after the question. Shame burned his ears and his head was stuffy with it.

"What's on your mind, kit?"

Keith startled at the gentle question. He met Kolivan's paternal gaze and hesitantly asked, "Are you positive there's no one else?"

Kolivan smiled and sighed slowly. "I have been searching for that answer as long as I have guarded our order. It is how I met both of my wives. There are always a few, but to bring them into the guild is a great risk. How can I threaten what little we have with a clean conscience?"

Keith knew there was experience behind the truth in Kolivan's words. It made what he'd been thinking all the more ridiculous, but Thace had taught him there was no knowledge from secret words. "I know I'm new, but have you ever thought that maybe... maybe there are fighters among the colonies the empire enslaves?"

"Like your teachers?" Kolivan pulled a leg up onto the bench beside Keith. "I know what you're asking, but we have always protected ourselves from the shadows. We are galra, kit. There are few we trust and fewer still who trust us." He leaned heavily into Keith and added, "I will be forever thankful to them for raising you, however. I only wish you and your father had come to us sooner. I would like to have met the man who won my daughter's heart. I shall have to settle for what you and your mother can tell me about him."

Keith recognized the topic change for what it was, but there was no way he could stop thinking about earth. He hugged his knees and Kolivan wrapped an arm around his shoulders. Keith whispered, "I want to participate in the missions."

"I know, little one," Kolivan replied. "That is why I am so careful to keep you close." Keith furrowed his brow at Lance's words from the night before. Kolivan rested a hand on Keith's head and said, "Your mother's impulsive tendencies are your own, kit. She has tested my patience in every way, but I'm sure you'll surprise me." Kolivan pulled Keith to his chest and coaxed, "I love you, child. Your pain is ours and we shall suffer with you until it is gone."

Keith swallowed the lump in his throat and shut his eyes. Earth. He'd managed to avoid thinking about it for so long, but now his walls shattered. Instead of focusing on shoving his emotions away, he let them consume him. It was hot and he was burning up inside, but he could tolerate it because of Red and the blades and everyone else who loved him. Family. Kolivan steadied him when he started trembling.

"Keith! Where are you!? Please, answer me?"

Keith sat up abruptly. "Allura?" He pulled from Kolivan's hold and stood searching the room. "Allura, I hear you! What's wrong!"

"Keith, I'm scared. Why won't you answer me!"

"Keith, what's the matter?"

Keith's troubled eyes landed on Kolivan and he couldn't breathe. The door opened and a breathless Lance flew into the room. "Keith, I heard Allura and Blue is freaking out!"

Then Keith noticed Red as well. When Lance sprinted from the room, Keith was a step behind him. He heard the blades following, saw the flash of lights while the alarms went off, but the panic in Allura's voice pulled him forward. In the hangar, Red and Blue were hissing and growling, tails whipping into the the walls.

"Keith!"

Keith ignored Kolivan's warning and reached for his lion. "Red, easy girl!" He ducked under her tail and jumped. He grabbed a hold of her lower jaw and pulled himself into her mouth. "Easy, big girl. I'm here. Where's Allura?"

"Keith? Lance? Someone, please respond!"

Keith climbed into the cockpit. When the screens lit up, the hangar was open and Red was jumping out into space. Blue roared at his shoulder and Lance's concerned face filled a corner. Keith hit the coms and opened a frequency. "Allura? Allura, it's Keith, can you hear me?!" The space lit with a brilliant blue white ring and Keith shouted, "Lance, pull back!"

He barely followed his own command before the Castle of the Lions manifested from the wormhole. Lance screamed as Blue just avoided colliding with one of the towers. "Lance, you alright?"

"We're good, Keith." He said through the coms, "Allura, we're coming to you."

Two bay doors opened and Keith felt Red's desire to enter. Blue already approached the other door. Keith followed Red's demands and they landed in a pristine white and blue hangar. Red accents adorned the walls, but Keith didn't look around long enough to see anything more. He vaulted Red's teeth and shouted, "Allura? Lance?"

"Keith!" Lance was sprinting toward him down a long hallway.

Keith ran at his side and said between panted breaths, "She must be on the bridge. This way!"

His mother screamed through the coms, "Keith, get back here now!"

"We received an SOS from the princess. We'll be in contact once we have more intel."

"Kit, wait for backup. That's an order, Keith."

Keith grinned. "Sorry, Kolivan, but I can't help my impulsive tendencies."

"Of all the- Antok, get us in there!"

Keith ignored the coms as Kolivan's tone shifted. "Lance, we need to-"

"Keith! Lance!"

"Allura!" Keith and Lance shouted. She slammed into his chest and Lance hugged them both. Keith asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"No, no, nothing like that." She kissed his cheek and said, "The vitals on Red were suddenly out of control and I panicked! I knew she'd been spotted by the empire recently and I feared the worst!"

Keith pressed his cheek to her's. "I'm sorry. That was my fault. I've been dealing with stuff."

"Stuff?" Allura held him at arms length. "Keith, are you sure you're alright?"

Lance stood at her shoulder, her worry in his eyes. Keith bit his lip. They both cared. He gently pulled from her hold and touched his com. When Allura opened her mouth, he held out a hand and said, "Krolia, we're with the princess. We do not require assistance at this time. Until we return, we'll check in every varga."

"Kit-"

"We're safe here, grandfather. I'll be in touch."

"Grandfather?" Allura asked, "Keith, did you find your mother?"

Keith exhaled and ran his hands over his face. "She found me... You remember Krolia?"

"Oh. That's unexpected. How... ah... how," Allura cleared her throat. "Perhaps we should have this conversation sitting down?"

"Yeah... that's probably best," Lance said. "Um... your adviser, the dude with the mustache..."

"Coran? He is not pleased with my decision, however he is my adviser. Our relationship has always been closer to that of a parent and child, but I am not a child anymore. He is slowly coming to terms with that." Allura lifted her chin and gestured for them to follow. "Are you hungry? There's refreshments in the cafeteria."

"Krolia and Coleen are keeping us well fed," Lance answered.

"Where are-" Keith grinned and crouched as four mice raced excitedly toward them. "There you are, troublemaker!" Their excited chattering when he scooped them up was heartwarming. Their squeaks as they ran up his arm to his shoulder echoed in the hall until they closed the door of Allura's bedroom.

Lance flopped down on the bed five hours later. Keith stepped into the hall yet again to make a call. No doubt Krolia would storm the castle if they were even a few seconds late. The littlest mouse hopped onto his chest and chewed on the pendant around his neck.

"He's different now."

"Hmm?"

Lance looked over where Allura sat on the edge of the bed. She rubbed the blanket between her thumb and fingers and smiled at the floor. "He was feral before. Lost. I don't sense that in him anymore."

Lance smiled at the ceiling. "He's still wild. That's never going to change. But... he is different than when we were in school together. The galra we're with, his family, helped him break through barriers I didn't even know he had."

"Those crystals you wear," Allura broached hesitantly, "are they why Keith was sighted at the balmera?"

Lance played with an earring self consciously. "Yeah. After the healing pod, I lost my hearing. These power the implants that gave it back."

Allura looked at him and smiled. "They're beautiful. Considering the danger involved, he must care deeply for you. I know he is strong, but he needs you. The blue lion chooses those who support others. You've always stood behind your friends, Lance. I'm asking you to stand beside him this time."

Lance sat up on the bed and caught the mouse before it fell. "We're, ah... Are you... are you trying to wing-man for Keith right now?" He rubbed his neck and smirked crookedly. "Keith and I are sort of... he's my boyfriend now. We kissed and ah..." He chuckled nervously. "I-"

The door opened and Keith stepped into the room. He rolled his eyes and blew out his cheeks. "Allura, I'm sorry, but my mom is losing it. We have to go." Allura stood and put a hand to her mouth. Keith touched her arm. "If we can calm them down, I want to come back. It was good seeing you again."

Allura lowered her hand and asked, "Would it be presumptuous of me to ask... may I accompany you? They would be reassured about your situation and we can continue this conversation." She looked at the ground and admitted, "I also believe I owe your mother an apology for threatening your life when we met."

Lance met Keith's eyes with a shrug. "It's worth a shot. Wanna ride with me?"

Allura smiled mischievously. "Actually, there's someone your lions will want to meet."

When they left the bedroom, Coran stood in the hallway a few feet away. He glared disapprovingly toward him and Keith, but Lance stood tall. Coran looked from them to the princess and then walked on. Allura sighed, but didn't move to him. Lance took her hand and encouraged, "Let's go."

Allura lifted her chin, eyes shining slightly. She blinked a few times and took the lead. They followed her toward the hangars. The lions' curiosity hummed in the back of Lance's mind and judging from Keith's pace, he felt it too. Allura warned, "Do not be alarmed. She is quite curious."

An emerald flash of metal filled the hangar before coming to a complete standstill. Lance's broad smile was met by the bright yellow eyes of the green lion. She was smaller than Blue, but slightly larger than Red. Her eyes glowed with a familiar sentience and she leaned forward blowing air over them as she sniffed their scent.

Lance turned to see Keith's reaction when she pounced forward. Keith shouted, "Oh shit!" just before the green lion's paw swatted him into her jaw. She purred as she nuzzled him. Keith's laughter echoed in the chamber and he asked, "Why is she -gah-"

Allura put a hand to her mouth and explained through a crystalline laugh, "The green lion is the red lion's counterpart. She's recognizing her sister's paladin."

Lance cocked his head. "It feels like there's something more."

When he spoke, the green lion's head swung toward him. Its eyes shimmered as she blinked before the golden stare held Lance's gaze. Lance felt a gentle tap in his mind and broke their staring contest. When Green entered his conscience, his body went limp and he slumped forward. His unwilling trust fall ended as quickly as it started when Green pressed her nose to his chest.

Lance wrapped his arms around her and whispered, "You remind me of someone. I miss her." The lion's nearly overwhelming curiosity paced through his mind as Lance recalled Katie's face.

"Green," Keith called. The lion drew back from Lance's mind and he swayed before catching his balance on her. He was shaking slightly and when he looked over, Keith's eyes were incredibly anxious. Lance nodded and stepped back. He put his hands on his waist and leaned backward with a deep breath. Keith said, "Allura, where did you find her?"

"She was waiting for me. As soon as she saw me, she dropped her particle barrier. While she allowed me to fly her from the planet she'd nurtured into a lush haven, I am not her paladin." Allura's eyes lost a little of their sparkle and her smile fell. "I admit, I do have a request, but I don't know how to go about asking. I know you both agreed to protect the lions, however, what I ask is highly dangerous and I am scared you will agree without analyzing the risks."

Lance folded his arms. "Allura, if you're willing to take the risk, you don't even have to ask. We're with you whatever it is."

"Boys!"

Lance flinched as Coleen's voice shouted in their coms. Keith rubbed his ear and muttered, "How did she override the channel switch? We're on our way back!"

"You have one minute before we come in after you. Keith, I'm counting."

Keith bit his lip, barely holding back a curse word Coleen would surely wash his mouth with soap for. He started jogging backwards and said, "Get to your lion, Lance. I'll see you in the void."

"That's not ominous."

"Just go!"

Lance saluted Keith and ran toward Blue. "Allura, if you're coming with, get in a ship now." Blue waited with her mouth open. Lance vaulted inside. When he sat in the pilot's seat, the screens lit up and Blue rumbled pleasantly. Keith and Coleen were arguing in his ear. The familiar angsty teenage banter brought a smile to his face. Then Blue responded to him and they blasted back into space.

The ship hangar opened. Lance felt the hair on his neck rise in sudden concern that only elevated when he saw the number of people waiting inside. Shame gave him indigestion. Time for a lecture.

He delayed as long as he could, but then the green lion was landing between Red and Blue. Lance squared his shoulders and went to her as she lowered her head. Allura descended with grace and poise. Lance offered a hand which she took, disembarking the lion as though Green was a horse drawn carriage. Lance drew her to his side and offered an elbow.

Allura's palm was slightly clammy where she held his inner arm. He leaned close and whispered, "There's no need to be nervous."

"I trust you, Lance, but I am out of practice with courtly dialogue," Allura whispered back.

Lance smiled with a confidence he didn't feel and said, "Just stand there looking beautiful. Keith and I can handle your introduction."

"Ah," Allura said with a blushing smile and glance at the ground, "I'm more than capable of that."

Lance winked when she made eye contact. She giggled. Yup. He still had it. They stepped up behind Keith where he stood with his chest puffed up and his hands carefully open at his side. Sam held Coleen's arms and quietly talked her down. Kolivan stood near the wall with crossed arms. Antok appeared from the dark hallway and Kolivan's stare turned on Allura. Lance shifted in front of her before she noticed.

Thace put a hand on Krolia's shoulder. She finally looked away from Keith. They held eye contact before she took a few steps away and ran her hands through her hair. Facing the wall, she wiped her eyes with the back of a hand before covering her mouth and shaking her head. Keith flinched and his shoulders finally fell. He bit his lip and looked at the floor.

Lance knew his moment was now. Clearing his throat, Lance said, "Guys, I want you all to meet someone important." He wrapped an arm around her Allura's shoulders, pulled her tight to his side, and said, "This is Princess Allura. The lions brought us to her and she saved my life."

Allura raised a hand as much as Lance's embrace would allow and smiled nervously. "Hello everyone. It's nice to formally meet you all."

Keith took a deep breath and rolled his shoulders. He flashed a thankful smile that fell when Thace groaned. Keith shook his head and stomped away. Thace followed a second later, vanishing in the hallway past Kolivan. Lance forced himself to keep smiling and saw Coleen walking toward them.

"Princess, it's good to see you again."

Allura held out her hands. "Oh, it's just Allura, Mrs. Holt."

"If you want me to call you that, I'm Colleen. This is my husband, Sam and my son, Matt."

Lance let Allura escape as she grinned and clapped her hands in a burst of uncontainable excitement. "You're the ones Keith told me about!" She reached for Matt's hands. "I am so glad you're both safe."

Krolia walked back to the group and sniffled. She offered a strained smile and folded her hands at her waist. "Princess Allura, you gave us all quite a scare."

Allura slowly dropped Matt's hands and she bowed her head. "I know and I am sorry. It was never my intention to alarm anyone. Please believe me when I say what I did was out of concern. I was afraid something had happened. I came as fast as I could."

Lance put his hands on Allura's shoulders. "But we're still alive. Yay!"

Krolia rolled her eyes and gave a half smile. "Alright, Lance. Why don't you take Matt and give the princess a tour."

Matt nodded rapidly and shot finger guns at Krolia. "That I can do. Allura, if you will be so kind and follow me." He offered an elbow. She bit her lip and looked at Lance, who nodded approval. She slipped her hand in the crook of Matt's arm and they walked away.

Lance could feel eyes on him and glanced over his shoulder. The blades looked away before he could catch them... if they had been staring. He rubbed his arms self consciously and started, "Look, I know you're pissed, but we're okay. Nothing happened. And we did come back fine! So don't take it out on Keith, alright. I've never seen him so scared as when Allura contacted us and-"

"Lance," Coleen said with that look. The stare. The folded arms and cocked hip. Oh shit. "You both could have been seriously hurt or worse. Don't think your actions won't have consequences. We'll discuss the repercussions once your friend goes home."

Lance closed his eyes, but nodded. "I understand. It won't happen again."

"And Lance," Krolia said with a little more concern. Lance opened his eyes and she was a step in front of him. He didn't get to flinch before she embraced him. "Lance, we are all glad nothing happened... but please..." She pulled back and cupped his cheek in one hand. Her thumb gently rubbed away a tear he hadn't noticed. "Please... don't shut us out like that. I was so scared I was losing him again."

Lance felt his lip tremble and closed his eyes so he didn't have to see Krolia's disappointment any longer. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." He repeated hopelessly, "It won't happen again."

She tucked him under her chin for a few more moments before she kissed his hair and stepped back. Lance's throat constricted as he struggled to contain his emotions. When he opened his eyes, he was barely keeping it together. He ducked his head and strode toward the exit. There wasn't anyone left to stare, but he didn't think he could really give a tour at the moment. He went to the bedroom he shared with Keith and shut the door.

So is the development enough? Do you like it? Please review?