Title: Friendship
Author: KawaiiChica
E-mail: KawaiiChica@tuxedomask.com
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Not mine. Never will be. Want my own Lance but its not happening.
Author's Notes: New characters and I'm sorry for any changes I've made to the Voltron storyline - I did say its been a long time since I see this show so I'm not sure about how well it fits in the Voltron universe. (And on a more personal note: I changed E-mail addresses - my old server was closing down its free members services)
" " Speaking
[ ] Thoughts
***********
"Oh My Lord, Princess!" Nanny yelled as she headed over to the bed and fluttered about, waking up the occupants. "You four get out of here this instant! I can't believe the indecency! Och Princess, how could you?"
"How could I what?" Allura yawned as she lifted her head to see Hunk and Keith getting up.
Beside her, Pidge was stretching out, Lance groaned behind her and turned his head into his pillow.
"Sleep with all these men around you! Its most innapropriate, how can we let you spend three months with them when things like this go on here in the castle?!" Nanny yanked Pidge out of bed as she scolded Allura.
"Hey! That's not fair! Nothing happened here! We were talking and making plans and all just kind of drifted off at some point. It wasn't planned, and I didn't do anything innapropriate!" Allura sat up and glared. "Besides, you can't change your mind, thanks to Lance's contract I have three months off and I plan on enjoying them!" she huffed and lay back down, turning her back to Nanny. "I'm starting my vacation with a late morning, I'll get up later."
Pidge shrugged at the stunned Nanny and followed Keith and Hunk out of the room, heading towards their own to shower and change. Lance got up too and informed her that he was gonna go get ready, "You get some more sleep though, we'll leave when you want."
"Thanks" she yawned and fell asleep again, moving to where he'd been in the bed. [Smells like him] she smiled and drifted off.
"Was that all that happened?" Nanny asked Lance as the door closed behind them.
"Yes that's all that happened, nothing more, nothing less." He bowed curtly, excusing himself to his room. [So... I wonder how we're gonna pull of being married? Maybe that wasn't such a good idea.]
***********
"Allura you ready yet?" Keith asked from outside her room.
"Almost!"
"There's someone here who claims to know you." He could guess where the guy knew her from. [Probably one of those 'underground' friends she talked about last night, like that other one, Zeke]
Allura's door opened and she stepped out, pulling her hair up into a ponytail. "Really? What's he look like? Did he give a name?"
Keith shrugged, "I don't know, I was just told to inform you."
"Ok thanks, my bag was taken down earlier." She lowered her hands from her hair and took his arm.
On their way downstairs Allura started telling him of her plans for the vacation until they reached the staircase.
"Tony!" she yelled, quickly running down to where her friend stood.
"Allura!" he cheered and raced up to meet her halfay, nearly falling back as she threw herself into his arms.
"I'm so glad to see you! Zeke didn't tell me you'd be dropping off the stuff!" Allura hugged him tight.
"I need to breathe sweetheart" Tony released her and stepped away to look her over, "Wow... when did my girl grow up?"
Allura grinned and shrugged, "Time will do that to ya, what do you think?" She turned for him in a slow circle.
Wearing tight, hip-hugging blue jeans, black boots, a simple black tanktop and her hair up, she looked really good. Casual but nice, and -very- hot.
Tony whistled and gave her a lopsided grin, "I think we might have to stop with our regular greetings."
"Hmph! Don't be stupid," Allura rolled her eyes and stepped over, grabbing his chin in one hand, she quickly pulled his head down for a peck on the lips. "See? No harm done" she winked and slid her hand down to his jacket pocket, sliding her hands in to search.
"So'd you bring our stuff?"
Chuckling, Tony caught her roaming hands in one of his and shook his head at her, "Ever the impatient one eh? I'm here to take you to your new place- after I meet your guys."
"Oh yeah" Allura bit her lip and finally acknowledged their audience as she found Lance behind her leaning on the railing.
Both men looked each other over briefly before shaking hands. "Tony this is Lance, Lance meet Tony, the one I told you about before."
"Nice to meet you" Tony greeted.
"Likewise, I've heard quite a few stories about you" Lance replied with a casual smile.
Allura then proceeded to introduce him to the others and to Nanny and Koran who had come down to see them off. "How do you know the princess?" Nanny aksed.
"He was her guardian for a time" Koran answered for Tony, "King Alfor sent her to you at the beginning of the war, if I remember correctly." he looked over the man holding Allura around the waist.
"Yes, I had the pleasure of watching over this little imp for about half a year." He smiled and turned to Allura. "We need to talk a bit about the details of your trip."
Noting the serious tone of his voice, Allura agreed and motioned for the guys to enter a small parlor nearby. "We'll call you when we're leaving" she told Nanny and Koran before entering and closing the door behind her.
Keith and Lance sat on opposite sides of the sofa, Hunk stood by a table, Pidge and Tony had taken a seat on the small sofa across from the others. Allura moved over and sat between Lance and Keith.
Tony spoke up, "So the main deal is that the woman who owns the building is really picky about her tennants. She only takes married couples and families but made an exception for Zeke. She trusts him, thanks to his finding tennants for her from time to time. A recommmendation from him is always good for her so she accepted your group. Just watch out for her snooping around sometimes, I´ve heard she´s kind of a busy-body."
"Great" Lance mumbled
"You sure you'll be able to pull off being a married couple? Because you´re going to have to take this marriage seriously. For starters, here are your rings," Tony pulled a small black jewelry box from his inner jacket pocket.
"Ok" Lance leaned forward and took the box from him, opening it to find three rings. The first was a stunning, solitaire diamond on a platinum band. Then two more platinum bands, identical save for the sizes.
"Three rings?" Keith asked, holding Allura's right hand.
"The engagement ring, and two wedding bands." Tony explained as he took the box from Lance and handed him the diamond solitaire.
"I don't have to wear that right?" Lance asked jokingly.
"No! I'm giving it to you to put on her hand. If she's gonna be your wife for the next three months, you should be the one to put it on her." Tony sighed
"But just in pretend right?" Allura clarified
"Do we have to start over?" Tony glared
"No" Allura giggled but turned serious as Lance took hold of her hand.
Slipping the ring on her finger, Lance felt a tinge of possessiveness and had to mentally berate himself for feeling so. [This is just for a little while Lance, don't be stupid and start believing it could be real.] With a quick look around at the others who were watching intently, he took the second ring, and slipped it on after the other.
Allura couldn't help but blush as he slid the rings on. Then as the box was turned in her direction, she had to let go of Keith's hand, which she hadn't noticed tighten on hers earlier. She took the ring and slid it onto Lance's ring finger.
"Woah, that feels so weird" Lance said, lifting his hand to look at it. [I'm married]
"For a while," Tony laughed, making him realize he'd said it aloud too.
Allura sat giggling at his awed tone and looking down at her own hand. Her giggling stopped as Tony pulled out the marriage license dated back to a month earlier. "You have to sign this and we're stopping by Zeke's to take some pictures on the way."
"Pictures?" Hunk asked, pulling over a chair to sit.
"So we can edit them into wedding pictures you can put up at the place you'll be living in. We'll also be making some other types of pictures. Some of you guys at a picnic, at a party, whatever backgrounds you guys want, Zeke can make." Tony pulled out a couple pairs of keys.
"Your cars, a blue sports car, fully loaded with a new sound system and alarm. A black one, different make, also fully loaded. The blue is a four door, the black a two door, and there will be another two at the place when we arrive."
"Cool for you guys" Pidge huffed as he heard there were four cars only.
"You too since I plan on taking my bike" Lance told him
"Really?" Pidge's eyes lit up
"You can have the smallest car, its an older version and not too fast" Tony added
"Hey, a car's a car!" Pidge grinned
"So can we go now?" Allura moved forward, about to stand.
Tony's next question stunned her into staying where she was, "Have you two slept together yet?"
Hunk, who had brought a water bottle with him and was taking a sip, choked and required Keith to stand and whack him on the back a couple times to catch his breath. "Thanks" he finally managed, looking back at the two on the sofa.
Allura sat back against Lance, who´s arm was still draped over. "We have in the way I've slept with you" Allura told Tony.
"So you would have no problems sharing a bed?" He asked
"No" Lance shrugged
"And you would have no problems holding hands and snuggling in public?" Tony continued
"Some peole have trouble snuggling?" Lance raised an eyebrow, Allura laughed and shook her head 'no'.
"You'll have to kiss too" Tony reminded them.
The room's other occupants got even quieter, if it were possible. Lance and Allura froze momentarily.
Allura bit her lip uncertainly, Lance unkowingly following her example. "Because you will have to kiss and snuggle and be lovey-dovey for at least the first month." Tony explained, "Newly weds are usually like that."
After a moment of careful thought, Allura broke the silence. "I wouldn't mind kissing Lance"
Lance nodded, "I wouldn't mind kissing Allie." He couldn´t help noticing Keith's growing discomfort.
"Let's just make sure you can - go ahead" Tony leaned back with a grin.
"Go ahead what?" Allura asked, guessing 'what' by his look.
"Kiss" Tony answered with the grin still on his face.
"O... k..." Allura turned to Lance, with a quick smile him, she moved a hand to cup his face and pressed her lips to his. She felt goosebumps on her arms as Lance lifted a hand to the back of her neck and returned the kiss briefly before pulling away. They stared at each other for a second before flushing and turning to their audience. Each confused about their emotions during the brief kiss.
"Good enough for a hello and good-bye, but you are gonna have to do better real soon if you're going to be acting as lovers." Tony's watch beeped and he stood. "And my stall time's over so we should get going now."
"Lovers?" Allura turned and asked, suddenly a bit dazed by how quickly things were moving - not to mention the idea of kissing Lance again, perhaps a bit more passionately, and the word Tony had just used to describe their relationship.
"Yes, lovers, most married couples are intimate in that sense." Tony gave them a warning look , "Notice, however, that I said 'most' married couples and you will not be one of them." he gave Allura an extra look.
Allura sighed and was about to follow as they all walked out, but Lance's hand on her wrist stopped her. "Hey, you sure you don't mind..."
"No, do..." Allua started
"No, I just realized this may be a bit awkward is all." Lance stood and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"A little weird yeah, but... I don't think it'll be awkward. We're good friends who have to pretend to be lovers for a bit, we can do it right?" Allura looked up to him.
"Right... its just that I hadn't thought of this as pretending to be 'lovers,'" Lance sighed as they headed towards the door.
Allura bit her lip and went along silently. [Neither had I]
***********
"I'll follow you on my motorcycle" Lance called out as they split up into the cars.
Allura and Tony were being left alone in the smaller black one, Keith, Pidge, and Hunk taking the blue. "Ok that's fine!" Allura hopped in while Tony closed the door for her.
"You'll all just have to follow me, I know a back road that'll cut the distance a lot." Tony walked around and got into the driver's seat.
They drove out in silence for a good fifteen minutes before Tony broke the mood. "So you're doing well from the looks of things."
"Yeah we've made a lot of progress since the end of the war." Allura smiled as she thought of all the building that had been going on.
"And you've got an interesting little triangle going there" He grinned and glanced into the rearview mirror where he could see the car and motorcycle.
"Triangle?"
"Oh you know, one girl with two guys" Tony shrugged and smiled at her, "You really prefer the one you've got?"
Allura flushed and shook her head, "Its not like that Tony, Keith and Lance are just friends. Lance has been hanging out with me a lot and keeping me company on many sleepless nights lately." twisting her rings on her finger, she sighed. "We're just good friends"
¨Mhmm... right.¨ Tony grinned and she quickly changed the subject.
"So how is Liz?"
Tony beamed, "Good! Very happy with her part in my work and even happier now that she's on her way to becoming a mother."
Allura's face lit up, "Oh my gosh! You're going to be a father?! Congratulations Tony!" Leaning over, she wrapped her arms around his shoulder and kissed his cheek affectionately.
"Thank you baby, its good to know you're rooting for us." He moved a hand from the steering wheel to her waist in a way of returning her hug.
"Of course I am Tony! You and Liz were so good to me, and you've been watching out for me even though you think I don't know its you." she giggled and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Someone's gotta keep an eye on you, or you'd be fainting even more often" He heard her gulp and tightened his hold on her waist. "And no, Zeke didn't tell me you fainted, he wasn't alone in the room when you called and his company decided to inform me, which I would've found out from someone in the palace anways."
Allura sighed, "Should've realized you'd have people at the castle."
"I thought you did" Tony stroked her side tenderly
"I'll remember that when I get back" she yawned and asked, "How will you be keeping track of me at the apartment?"
"I´m good friends with the owner, not to mention I live two stories down from you."
"Really? That´s great! I get to hang out with Liz again." Allura grinned and lay her head on his shoulder.
"She´s excited about that too¨ Tony kissed the top of her head as she yawned again and slid his hand away, "You lay the seat back and get some rest."
"Wait, just one thing, this will be a real vacation? We won´t be working at all?" Allura asked
¨Nope, no official work at least. You´ve got a lot of money saved up so you won´t need to worrry about that and we all want you to relax.¨ Tony turned at a fork in the road, "Almost forgot to make that stop at Zeke's"
"Oh yeah" Allura had been moving her seat back, but lifted it as she recognized the path.
[This is gonna be so great] Recognizing the driveway to Zeke´s cabin, Allura smiled and cheered. "Yay! I get to see Zeke!"
Tony chuckled at her cute enthusiasm, [That's my girl]
He pulled up to the cabin and shut off the engine, getting out a little bit after Allura, who was quickly running up the stairs. Zeke had been expecting them and sat on his favorite chair on the porch until Allura ran up.
"Zeke!" she ran up and threw her arms around him in a big hug.
"Angel!" Zeke hugged her back and spun her around for a moment before setting her down and looking her over. "When'd you get so big?"
Allura struck a thoughtful pose, "Sometime in those three years since I last saw you."
"Glad to see you looking so good" Zeke grinned and turned to their arriving guests.
"Welcome everyone!" Tugging Allura along, he went down the steps to the guys coming over.
During their introductions another person stepped out of the cabin and stayed back, watching Allura carefully. [She looks really good... I can´t believe I was such an idiot] He realized he'd been spotted when Allura's name was repeated in a louder tone and he saw her eyes were stuck on him. [Oh great]
Zeke called him down and explained who he was to the others. "This is my nephew, Devon. He's just here on a quick visit."
The guys nodded and introduced themselves, each shaking hands with him before he stopped in front of Allura.
Her cheerful expression had dissapeared quickly and she greeted the stranger with an almost icy tone, "Hello Devon"
He moved to lift her hand, but she stepped back so he merely replied "Hello Allura"
"This is an unexpected surprise" she said, moving closer to Keith, who happened to be the one closest to her.
"On your part, I knew I'd be seeing you again since last night." he saw her nod and sweep her eyes over him.
Allura struggled to keep her composure, "You look well"
"Looks can be decieving" he shrugged, realizing his mistake as her attitude grew colder.
"Yes, I believe I learned that last time we met," she replied and turned her back to him, walking over to where Tony was talking to a couple of the guys, one of them smiled as she stood by him and took him by the hand. [Ah... So's he's to play the part of her husband]
He was interrupted again by Zeke calling him over and telling him about the youngest one's computer knowledge. [Pidge - don't forget their names] he reminded himself. After the intro's were over with, they headed inside to get their business done and on their way.
The photos didn´t take too long, despite Allura and Pidge having a field day picking out backgrounds, settings, story ideas and poses. Not to mention the costumes recquired for some of them. Allura giggled as the guys had to dress like barbers and blushed profusely when she had to dress like an old-style hooker, for a picture of what was going to be her 'first date' with Lance at a fair. She also had a nasty fight with Tony over the costume, but he managed to get her to wear it. She seemed full of energy and enthusiasm during most of the shoot, until they moved onto the wedding pictures.
"I have a dress that'll be just the thing for you" Zeke winked and led her over to her dressing area and pointing to a dress he'd covered with others.
"Thanks" she stepped in and changed.
"You ready yet?" Zeke asked after fifteen minutes of waiting for her.
"Yeah, go ahead, I'll catch up" Allura replied, her voice waivering a bit.
All the guys noticed her waiver, but only three moved to find out what was wrong. Keith, Lance, and Tony, although Hunk noticed Devon clench his hands and step back oddly. [Wonder what's up with them? I'd never heard Allura talk to someone the way she does to him, and they've been so cold this whole time.]
Noticing Lance was going, Tony stepped back and turned to the others, with a shrug he led them out to where the backgrounds were in the room next door. Keith and Devon both looked over their shoulders before leaving.
Hearing the door click shut, Allura sighed and came out of the dressing area, surprised to find she hadn't been left alone. Noticing her teary eyes, Lance moved closer and wiped away a tear as it fell.
"What is it Allie? Something wrong?" his voice soft and soothing.
Allura shook her head, smiling sadly up at his worried eyes. "Its nothing"
"No its not, you don't cry over nothing"
Shrugging, she looked down at herself and her left hand. "I just felt really... sad suddenly"
"Why? About what?" Lance kept his hand cupping her face, his other playing with a loose curl of her hair.
Allura's eyes watered again, "This fake wedding... its just... " turning toward a mirror her chin wavered. "Look at me! I'm never gonna have this for real!"
Lance sighed and stepped over behind her so they could both be seen in the mirror. He was looking at her, reminding himself this was a fake marriage. Her dress was simple, V-neck with a fair amount of cleavage but not too much, the skirt falling to about mid thigh, white stockings and heels, a sparkling tiara holding her wavy hair back beneath a sparkly veil attached to it. She looked stunning. "Don't talk like that Allie, you'll find someone."
Allura shook her head, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand, "Not like this, like a normal bride... I'm gonna have a coronation at my real wedding and have to wear another stupid poofy dress and... and..."
"And?" Lance sighed and moved his arms to pull her back against him in a comforting hug, pulling a handkerchief out of his tux pocket to wipe her eyes with.
"And I won't get to choose my husband like most brides either. Koran has already informed the council to start searching for suitable candidates, can you believe that? Like he was hiring for some job position or something!" Allura leaned back and gulped as he squeazed her tight. ¨I´ll be lucky if my husband even likes me, forget about loving me.¨
"What are you talking about? How could he not love you? You´re the most amazing woman I´ve ever met Allie. Strong and independent, but also sweet and caring. You´re compassionate and loving, not to mention extremely attentive towards those you care about. He´ll think himself the luckiest man alive, and he will be."
"You really think so?" Allura smiled softly at him in the mirror and turned in his arms to hug him. ¨Oh Lance, I hope you´re right, because I know I´m not the paragon you just described.¨ she pulled back smiling more easily now. "I´m sorry I got bummed out, and thank you for cheering me up."
Lance looked down uncertainly, "Anytime Allie, are you sure you´re ok?¨
¨Yes, I´m ok now¨ she sighed and leaned into him a bit.
¨Good, then we'd better get out there."
***********
The wedding pictures came out well, Allura and Lance had to kiss quite a few times, Tony silently noticing Keith and Devon gritting their teeth, clenching their fists or turning whenever they did. The shoot ended around seven at night and they said their farewells to Zeke and Devon, whom they found out would be living in the city near them.
On the way to Spretz, Tony drove Lance´s motorcycle, Lance and Allura took the black car and the guys took the blue one again. Tony explained that it would look weird if the newlyweds didn´t arrive in the same car, which everyone agreed to.
Arriving at the building, Lance opened Allura´s door and wrapped an arm around her waist on the way in. The others had agreed to let them enter first and the guys would follow soon. The owner, Mrs. Wintro, a widow of ten years and hopeless romantic, welcomed them enthusiastically and quickly had Lance sign the paperwork while handing Allura the keys.
¨This way¨ she led them to the elevators and explained about the building´s policies and such on the way up to the penthouse. ¨No wild parties, although gatherings are fine as long as they don´t disturb the other tennants.¨ the elevator doors opened and she stepped out into a small hallway leading to the apartment´s large, glass doors.
¨And here you are, your new home¨ she watched as Lance took the keys from Allura and stepped forward to unlock the doors. Opening them just a bit, Lance tucked the keys in his pocket and turned to Allura with a charming smile.
¨I hope you don´t mind, but there´s a tradition I´ve heard of and always wanted to try¨ without waiting for a reply, he stepped forward and lifted Allura in ´princess fashion.´
¨Oh!¨ Allura gasped and wrapped her arms around his neck, holding her breath as he carefully opened the doors with his foot and carried her over the threshhold into the aparmtent.
Stopping in the middle of the entryway, he let go of her legs, but kept his arm on her back and was surprised when she turned into his chest and gave him a beaming smile, her arms tightening about his neck. ¨Oh honey, that was so sweet!¨ she leaned up against him and pulled his head down to hers for a kiss.
Hearing Mrs. Wintro sigh dreamily by the doorway, Lance tightened his arm around her back and lifted his free arm to cup the back of Allura´s neck. Deepening the kiss, he inwardly smiled as he felt her shiver and pulled her closer. The kiss ended after the elevator doors opened and the click of a camera, followed by a flash of light and Pidge´s voice reached them.
¨Now -that- is a kiss!¨
***********
The end for now.
I hope this chapter was ok and not too bad. I'm sorry if any of the guys are OOC. I don't remember much about the original Voltron so I might be changing stuff about their pasts and stuff. (Like- was Keith a Terran? I thought he was, and that Terra was Earth right?)
Don´t forget to Review! (And if you want to tell me who you´d prefer Allura to end up with in your review that´d be great - I´d really like to know who you guys like more) Thanks!
~ K. C. ~
Author: KawaiiChica
E-mail: KawaiiChica@tuxedomask.com
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Not mine. Never will be. Want my own Lance but its not happening.
Author's Notes: New characters and I'm sorry for any changes I've made to the Voltron storyline - I did say its been a long time since I see this show so I'm not sure about how well it fits in the Voltron universe. (And on a more personal note: I changed E-mail addresses - my old server was closing down its free members services)
" " Speaking
[ ] Thoughts
***********
"Oh My Lord, Princess!" Nanny yelled as she headed over to the bed and fluttered about, waking up the occupants. "You four get out of here this instant! I can't believe the indecency! Och Princess, how could you?"
"How could I what?" Allura yawned as she lifted her head to see Hunk and Keith getting up.
Beside her, Pidge was stretching out, Lance groaned behind her and turned his head into his pillow.
"Sleep with all these men around you! Its most innapropriate, how can we let you spend three months with them when things like this go on here in the castle?!" Nanny yanked Pidge out of bed as she scolded Allura.
"Hey! That's not fair! Nothing happened here! We were talking and making plans and all just kind of drifted off at some point. It wasn't planned, and I didn't do anything innapropriate!" Allura sat up and glared. "Besides, you can't change your mind, thanks to Lance's contract I have three months off and I plan on enjoying them!" she huffed and lay back down, turning her back to Nanny. "I'm starting my vacation with a late morning, I'll get up later."
Pidge shrugged at the stunned Nanny and followed Keith and Hunk out of the room, heading towards their own to shower and change. Lance got up too and informed her that he was gonna go get ready, "You get some more sleep though, we'll leave when you want."
"Thanks" she yawned and fell asleep again, moving to where he'd been in the bed. [Smells like him] she smiled and drifted off.
"Was that all that happened?" Nanny asked Lance as the door closed behind them.
"Yes that's all that happened, nothing more, nothing less." He bowed curtly, excusing himself to his room. [So... I wonder how we're gonna pull of being married? Maybe that wasn't such a good idea.]
***********
"Allura you ready yet?" Keith asked from outside her room.
"Almost!"
"There's someone here who claims to know you." He could guess where the guy knew her from. [Probably one of those 'underground' friends she talked about last night, like that other one, Zeke]
Allura's door opened and she stepped out, pulling her hair up into a ponytail. "Really? What's he look like? Did he give a name?"
Keith shrugged, "I don't know, I was just told to inform you."
"Ok thanks, my bag was taken down earlier." She lowered her hands from her hair and took his arm.
On their way downstairs Allura started telling him of her plans for the vacation until they reached the staircase.
"Tony!" she yelled, quickly running down to where her friend stood.
"Allura!" he cheered and raced up to meet her halfay, nearly falling back as she threw herself into his arms.
"I'm so glad to see you! Zeke didn't tell me you'd be dropping off the stuff!" Allura hugged him tight.
"I need to breathe sweetheart" Tony released her and stepped away to look her over, "Wow... when did my girl grow up?"
Allura grinned and shrugged, "Time will do that to ya, what do you think?" She turned for him in a slow circle.
Wearing tight, hip-hugging blue jeans, black boots, a simple black tanktop and her hair up, she looked really good. Casual but nice, and -very- hot.
Tony whistled and gave her a lopsided grin, "I think we might have to stop with our regular greetings."
"Hmph! Don't be stupid," Allura rolled her eyes and stepped over, grabbing his chin in one hand, she quickly pulled his head down for a peck on the lips. "See? No harm done" she winked and slid her hand down to his jacket pocket, sliding her hands in to search.
"So'd you bring our stuff?"
Chuckling, Tony caught her roaming hands in one of his and shook his head at her, "Ever the impatient one eh? I'm here to take you to your new place- after I meet your guys."
"Oh yeah" Allura bit her lip and finally acknowledged their audience as she found Lance behind her leaning on the railing.
Both men looked each other over briefly before shaking hands. "Tony this is Lance, Lance meet Tony, the one I told you about before."
"Nice to meet you" Tony greeted.
"Likewise, I've heard quite a few stories about you" Lance replied with a casual smile.
Allura then proceeded to introduce him to the others and to Nanny and Koran who had come down to see them off. "How do you know the princess?" Nanny aksed.
"He was her guardian for a time" Koran answered for Tony, "King Alfor sent her to you at the beginning of the war, if I remember correctly." he looked over the man holding Allura around the waist.
"Yes, I had the pleasure of watching over this little imp for about half a year." He smiled and turned to Allura. "We need to talk a bit about the details of your trip."
Noting the serious tone of his voice, Allura agreed and motioned for the guys to enter a small parlor nearby. "We'll call you when we're leaving" she told Nanny and Koran before entering and closing the door behind her.
Keith and Lance sat on opposite sides of the sofa, Hunk stood by a table, Pidge and Tony had taken a seat on the small sofa across from the others. Allura moved over and sat between Lance and Keith.
Tony spoke up, "So the main deal is that the woman who owns the building is really picky about her tennants. She only takes married couples and families but made an exception for Zeke. She trusts him, thanks to his finding tennants for her from time to time. A recommmendation from him is always good for her so she accepted your group. Just watch out for her snooping around sometimes, I´ve heard she´s kind of a busy-body."
"Great" Lance mumbled
"You sure you'll be able to pull off being a married couple? Because you´re going to have to take this marriage seriously. For starters, here are your rings," Tony pulled a small black jewelry box from his inner jacket pocket.
"Ok" Lance leaned forward and took the box from him, opening it to find three rings. The first was a stunning, solitaire diamond on a platinum band. Then two more platinum bands, identical save for the sizes.
"Three rings?" Keith asked, holding Allura's right hand.
"The engagement ring, and two wedding bands." Tony explained as he took the box from Lance and handed him the diamond solitaire.
"I don't have to wear that right?" Lance asked jokingly.
"No! I'm giving it to you to put on her hand. If she's gonna be your wife for the next three months, you should be the one to put it on her." Tony sighed
"But just in pretend right?" Allura clarified
"Do we have to start over?" Tony glared
"No" Allura giggled but turned serious as Lance took hold of her hand.
Slipping the ring on her finger, Lance felt a tinge of possessiveness and had to mentally berate himself for feeling so. [This is just for a little while Lance, don't be stupid and start believing it could be real.] With a quick look around at the others who were watching intently, he took the second ring, and slipped it on after the other.
Allura couldn't help but blush as he slid the rings on. Then as the box was turned in her direction, she had to let go of Keith's hand, which she hadn't noticed tighten on hers earlier. She took the ring and slid it onto Lance's ring finger.
"Woah, that feels so weird" Lance said, lifting his hand to look at it. [I'm married]
"For a while," Tony laughed, making him realize he'd said it aloud too.
Allura sat giggling at his awed tone and looking down at her own hand. Her giggling stopped as Tony pulled out the marriage license dated back to a month earlier. "You have to sign this and we're stopping by Zeke's to take some pictures on the way."
"Pictures?" Hunk asked, pulling over a chair to sit.
"So we can edit them into wedding pictures you can put up at the place you'll be living in. We'll also be making some other types of pictures. Some of you guys at a picnic, at a party, whatever backgrounds you guys want, Zeke can make." Tony pulled out a couple pairs of keys.
"Your cars, a blue sports car, fully loaded with a new sound system and alarm. A black one, different make, also fully loaded. The blue is a four door, the black a two door, and there will be another two at the place when we arrive."
"Cool for you guys" Pidge huffed as he heard there were four cars only.
"You too since I plan on taking my bike" Lance told him
"Really?" Pidge's eyes lit up
"You can have the smallest car, its an older version and not too fast" Tony added
"Hey, a car's a car!" Pidge grinned
"So can we go now?" Allura moved forward, about to stand.
Tony's next question stunned her into staying where she was, "Have you two slept together yet?"
Hunk, who had brought a water bottle with him and was taking a sip, choked and required Keith to stand and whack him on the back a couple times to catch his breath. "Thanks" he finally managed, looking back at the two on the sofa.
Allura sat back against Lance, who´s arm was still draped over. "We have in the way I've slept with you" Allura told Tony.
"So you would have no problems sharing a bed?" He asked
"No" Lance shrugged
"And you would have no problems holding hands and snuggling in public?" Tony continued
"Some peole have trouble snuggling?" Lance raised an eyebrow, Allura laughed and shook her head 'no'.
"You'll have to kiss too" Tony reminded them.
The room's other occupants got even quieter, if it were possible. Lance and Allura froze momentarily.
Allura bit her lip uncertainly, Lance unkowingly following her example. "Because you will have to kiss and snuggle and be lovey-dovey for at least the first month." Tony explained, "Newly weds are usually like that."
After a moment of careful thought, Allura broke the silence. "I wouldn't mind kissing Lance"
Lance nodded, "I wouldn't mind kissing Allie." He couldn´t help noticing Keith's growing discomfort.
"Let's just make sure you can - go ahead" Tony leaned back with a grin.
"Go ahead what?" Allura asked, guessing 'what' by his look.
"Kiss" Tony answered with the grin still on his face.
"O... k..." Allura turned to Lance, with a quick smile him, she moved a hand to cup his face and pressed her lips to his. She felt goosebumps on her arms as Lance lifted a hand to the back of her neck and returned the kiss briefly before pulling away. They stared at each other for a second before flushing and turning to their audience. Each confused about their emotions during the brief kiss.
"Good enough for a hello and good-bye, but you are gonna have to do better real soon if you're going to be acting as lovers." Tony's watch beeped and he stood. "And my stall time's over so we should get going now."
"Lovers?" Allura turned and asked, suddenly a bit dazed by how quickly things were moving - not to mention the idea of kissing Lance again, perhaps a bit more passionately, and the word Tony had just used to describe their relationship.
"Yes, lovers, most married couples are intimate in that sense." Tony gave them a warning look , "Notice, however, that I said 'most' married couples and you will not be one of them." he gave Allura an extra look.
Allura sighed and was about to follow as they all walked out, but Lance's hand on her wrist stopped her. "Hey, you sure you don't mind..."
"No, do..." Allua started
"No, I just realized this may be a bit awkward is all." Lance stood and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"A little weird yeah, but... I don't think it'll be awkward. We're good friends who have to pretend to be lovers for a bit, we can do it right?" Allura looked up to him.
"Right... its just that I hadn't thought of this as pretending to be 'lovers,'" Lance sighed as they headed towards the door.
Allura bit her lip and went along silently. [Neither had I]
***********
"I'll follow you on my motorcycle" Lance called out as they split up into the cars.
Allura and Tony were being left alone in the smaller black one, Keith, Pidge, and Hunk taking the blue. "Ok that's fine!" Allura hopped in while Tony closed the door for her.
"You'll all just have to follow me, I know a back road that'll cut the distance a lot." Tony walked around and got into the driver's seat.
They drove out in silence for a good fifteen minutes before Tony broke the mood. "So you're doing well from the looks of things."
"Yeah we've made a lot of progress since the end of the war." Allura smiled as she thought of all the building that had been going on.
"And you've got an interesting little triangle going there" He grinned and glanced into the rearview mirror where he could see the car and motorcycle.
"Triangle?"
"Oh you know, one girl with two guys" Tony shrugged and smiled at her, "You really prefer the one you've got?"
Allura flushed and shook her head, "Its not like that Tony, Keith and Lance are just friends. Lance has been hanging out with me a lot and keeping me company on many sleepless nights lately." twisting her rings on her finger, she sighed. "We're just good friends"
¨Mhmm... right.¨ Tony grinned and she quickly changed the subject.
"So how is Liz?"
Tony beamed, "Good! Very happy with her part in my work and even happier now that she's on her way to becoming a mother."
Allura's face lit up, "Oh my gosh! You're going to be a father?! Congratulations Tony!" Leaning over, she wrapped her arms around his shoulder and kissed his cheek affectionately.
"Thank you baby, its good to know you're rooting for us." He moved a hand from the steering wheel to her waist in a way of returning her hug.
"Of course I am Tony! You and Liz were so good to me, and you've been watching out for me even though you think I don't know its you." she giggled and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Someone's gotta keep an eye on you, or you'd be fainting even more often" He heard her gulp and tightened his hold on her waist. "And no, Zeke didn't tell me you fainted, he wasn't alone in the room when you called and his company decided to inform me, which I would've found out from someone in the palace anways."
Allura sighed, "Should've realized you'd have people at the castle."
"I thought you did" Tony stroked her side tenderly
"I'll remember that when I get back" she yawned and asked, "How will you be keeping track of me at the apartment?"
"I´m good friends with the owner, not to mention I live two stories down from you."
"Really? That´s great! I get to hang out with Liz again." Allura grinned and lay her head on his shoulder.
"She´s excited about that too¨ Tony kissed the top of her head as she yawned again and slid his hand away, "You lay the seat back and get some rest."
"Wait, just one thing, this will be a real vacation? We won´t be working at all?" Allura asked
¨Nope, no official work at least. You´ve got a lot of money saved up so you won´t need to worrry about that and we all want you to relax.¨ Tony turned at a fork in the road, "Almost forgot to make that stop at Zeke's"
"Oh yeah" Allura had been moving her seat back, but lifted it as she recognized the path.
[This is gonna be so great] Recognizing the driveway to Zeke´s cabin, Allura smiled and cheered. "Yay! I get to see Zeke!"
Tony chuckled at her cute enthusiasm, [That's my girl]
He pulled up to the cabin and shut off the engine, getting out a little bit after Allura, who was quickly running up the stairs. Zeke had been expecting them and sat on his favorite chair on the porch until Allura ran up.
"Zeke!" she ran up and threw her arms around him in a big hug.
"Angel!" Zeke hugged her back and spun her around for a moment before setting her down and looking her over. "When'd you get so big?"
Allura struck a thoughtful pose, "Sometime in those three years since I last saw you."
"Glad to see you looking so good" Zeke grinned and turned to their arriving guests.
"Welcome everyone!" Tugging Allura along, he went down the steps to the guys coming over.
During their introductions another person stepped out of the cabin and stayed back, watching Allura carefully. [She looks really good... I can´t believe I was such an idiot] He realized he'd been spotted when Allura's name was repeated in a louder tone and he saw her eyes were stuck on him. [Oh great]
Zeke called him down and explained who he was to the others. "This is my nephew, Devon. He's just here on a quick visit."
The guys nodded and introduced themselves, each shaking hands with him before he stopped in front of Allura.
Her cheerful expression had dissapeared quickly and she greeted the stranger with an almost icy tone, "Hello Devon"
He moved to lift her hand, but she stepped back so he merely replied "Hello Allura"
"This is an unexpected surprise" she said, moving closer to Keith, who happened to be the one closest to her.
"On your part, I knew I'd be seeing you again since last night." he saw her nod and sweep her eyes over him.
Allura struggled to keep her composure, "You look well"
"Looks can be decieving" he shrugged, realizing his mistake as her attitude grew colder.
"Yes, I believe I learned that last time we met," she replied and turned her back to him, walking over to where Tony was talking to a couple of the guys, one of them smiled as she stood by him and took him by the hand. [Ah... So's he's to play the part of her husband]
He was interrupted again by Zeke calling him over and telling him about the youngest one's computer knowledge. [Pidge - don't forget their names] he reminded himself. After the intro's were over with, they headed inside to get their business done and on their way.
The photos didn´t take too long, despite Allura and Pidge having a field day picking out backgrounds, settings, story ideas and poses. Not to mention the costumes recquired for some of them. Allura giggled as the guys had to dress like barbers and blushed profusely when she had to dress like an old-style hooker, for a picture of what was going to be her 'first date' with Lance at a fair. She also had a nasty fight with Tony over the costume, but he managed to get her to wear it. She seemed full of energy and enthusiasm during most of the shoot, until they moved onto the wedding pictures.
"I have a dress that'll be just the thing for you" Zeke winked and led her over to her dressing area and pointing to a dress he'd covered with others.
"Thanks" she stepped in and changed.
"You ready yet?" Zeke asked after fifteen minutes of waiting for her.
"Yeah, go ahead, I'll catch up" Allura replied, her voice waivering a bit.
All the guys noticed her waiver, but only three moved to find out what was wrong. Keith, Lance, and Tony, although Hunk noticed Devon clench his hands and step back oddly. [Wonder what's up with them? I'd never heard Allura talk to someone the way she does to him, and they've been so cold this whole time.]
Noticing Lance was going, Tony stepped back and turned to the others, with a shrug he led them out to where the backgrounds were in the room next door. Keith and Devon both looked over their shoulders before leaving.
Hearing the door click shut, Allura sighed and came out of the dressing area, surprised to find she hadn't been left alone. Noticing her teary eyes, Lance moved closer and wiped away a tear as it fell.
"What is it Allie? Something wrong?" his voice soft and soothing.
Allura shook her head, smiling sadly up at his worried eyes. "Its nothing"
"No its not, you don't cry over nothing"
Shrugging, she looked down at herself and her left hand. "I just felt really... sad suddenly"
"Why? About what?" Lance kept his hand cupping her face, his other playing with a loose curl of her hair.
Allura's eyes watered again, "This fake wedding... its just... " turning toward a mirror her chin wavered. "Look at me! I'm never gonna have this for real!"
Lance sighed and stepped over behind her so they could both be seen in the mirror. He was looking at her, reminding himself this was a fake marriage. Her dress was simple, V-neck with a fair amount of cleavage but not too much, the skirt falling to about mid thigh, white stockings and heels, a sparkling tiara holding her wavy hair back beneath a sparkly veil attached to it. She looked stunning. "Don't talk like that Allie, you'll find someone."
Allura shook her head, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand, "Not like this, like a normal bride... I'm gonna have a coronation at my real wedding and have to wear another stupid poofy dress and... and..."
"And?" Lance sighed and moved his arms to pull her back against him in a comforting hug, pulling a handkerchief out of his tux pocket to wipe her eyes with.
"And I won't get to choose my husband like most brides either. Koran has already informed the council to start searching for suitable candidates, can you believe that? Like he was hiring for some job position or something!" Allura leaned back and gulped as he squeazed her tight. ¨I´ll be lucky if my husband even likes me, forget about loving me.¨
"What are you talking about? How could he not love you? You´re the most amazing woman I´ve ever met Allie. Strong and independent, but also sweet and caring. You´re compassionate and loving, not to mention extremely attentive towards those you care about. He´ll think himself the luckiest man alive, and he will be."
"You really think so?" Allura smiled softly at him in the mirror and turned in his arms to hug him. ¨Oh Lance, I hope you´re right, because I know I´m not the paragon you just described.¨ she pulled back smiling more easily now. "I´m sorry I got bummed out, and thank you for cheering me up."
Lance looked down uncertainly, "Anytime Allie, are you sure you´re ok?¨
¨Yes, I´m ok now¨ she sighed and leaned into him a bit.
¨Good, then we'd better get out there."
***********
The wedding pictures came out well, Allura and Lance had to kiss quite a few times, Tony silently noticing Keith and Devon gritting their teeth, clenching their fists or turning whenever they did. The shoot ended around seven at night and they said their farewells to Zeke and Devon, whom they found out would be living in the city near them.
On the way to Spretz, Tony drove Lance´s motorcycle, Lance and Allura took the black car and the guys took the blue one again. Tony explained that it would look weird if the newlyweds didn´t arrive in the same car, which everyone agreed to.
Arriving at the building, Lance opened Allura´s door and wrapped an arm around her waist on the way in. The others had agreed to let them enter first and the guys would follow soon. The owner, Mrs. Wintro, a widow of ten years and hopeless romantic, welcomed them enthusiastically and quickly had Lance sign the paperwork while handing Allura the keys.
¨This way¨ she led them to the elevators and explained about the building´s policies and such on the way up to the penthouse. ¨No wild parties, although gatherings are fine as long as they don´t disturb the other tennants.¨ the elevator doors opened and she stepped out into a small hallway leading to the apartment´s large, glass doors.
¨And here you are, your new home¨ she watched as Lance took the keys from Allura and stepped forward to unlock the doors. Opening them just a bit, Lance tucked the keys in his pocket and turned to Allura with a charming smile.
¨I hope you don´t mind, but there´s a tradition I´ve heard of and always wanted to try¨ without waiting for a reply, he stepped forward and lifted Allura in ´princess fashion.´
¨Oh!¨ Allura gasped and wrapped her arms around his neck, holding her breath as he carefully opened the doors with his foot and carried her over the threshhold into the aparmtent.
Stopping in the middle of the entryway, he let go of her legs, but kept his arm on her back and was surprised when she turned into his chest and gave him a beaming smile, her arms tightening about his neck. ¨Oh honey, that was so sweet!¨ she leaned up against him and pulled his head down to hers for a kiss.
Hearing Mrs. Wintro sigh dreamily by the doorway, Lance tightened his arm around her back and lifted his free arm to cup the back of Allura´s neck. Deepening the kiss, he inwardly smiled as he felt her shiver and pulled her closer. The kiss ended after the elevator doors opened and the click of a camera, followed by a flash of light and Pidge´s voice reached them.
¨Now -that- is a kiss!¨
***********
The end for now.
I hope this chapter was ok and not too bad. I'm sorry if any of the guys are OOC. I don't remember much about the original Voltron so I might be changing stuff about their pasts and stuff. (Like- was Keith a Terran? I thought he was, and that Terra was Earth right?)
Don´t forget to Review! (And if you want to tell me who you´d prefer Allura to end up with in your review that´d be great - I´d really like to know who you guys like more) Thanks!
~ K. C. ~