Hi all!

Thank you so much for the reviews! I really appreciate them!

Enjoy,

Failte

"Mom?"

Darcy looked up at the sound of her daughter's voice. She and Becca had been sitting in her sister's office, talking. "Hey, Sky, what's up?"

"Can I talk to you a second?"

Becca stood and walked around her desk, "I have some things I need to see to, feel free to use my office."

"How are you feeling?" Darcy asked.

"I'm okay. I, uh, I wanted to apologize for the way I spoke to you last night."

"That's all right, honey, I understand."

"No, I was being a brat. I'm sorry. I was…I was tired and I felt strange and I just wanted to go to bed."

Darcy crossed to stand in front of her daughter. She smiled gently, "It's all right, honey, believe me I totally understand. I was in your position not too long ago. I remember the pressure and intensity of the situation. I've also been with your father long enough to know that when he, and you, are angry or annoyed, you just want to be left alone. Now, how are you feeling today?"

"I'm good," Sky sighed. "Red was still flying rough, I had to bring her in so Uncle Hunk could go over her again."

"How's your father taking it?"

"Not too well. He's out in the workroom now trying to help but driving Hunk crazy."

Darcy chuckled, "Yeah, Red is his second child. How are things going with you and Erik?"

"Fine, uh, why?" Sky felt the heat rise to her face, worried that her mother knew that they had been sneaking into each other's beds.

"I heard that Keith got an earful from Captain Klari since she caught you two."

"Yeah, Uncle Keith spoke to us. She really pissed Erik off. He, uh, he said some things to her."

"Like what?"

Sky looked down at the tips of her boots, "He told her that the whole reason he was flying with Voltron was because of me. He said that someday we would have…a family and that he wanted our children to be safe."

"Wow."

"Yeah, wow."

Darcy took her daughter's arm, "Honey, don't let him make you feel as though you should do anything you don't want to do. I know you're in love and I know how intense those feelings can be, especially when you're in the midst of battle. I also know that as your father's daughter, you are a passionate person. Just don't get ahead of yourself. You are too young to even think about marriage."

"I know, Mom, I'm not ready for marriage. But, well, I guess that thought was always in the back of my mind. I can't imagine my life without him. I guess I was a little surprised to hear him say out loud what I was thinking."

"I'm glad to know you're happy with him, Sky, just be careful."

Sky rolled her eyes, "I will, Mother."

"Yeah, I'm too young to be a grandmother."

Heat rushed to Sky's face at her mother's innuendo, "Mom!"

Laughing, Darcy hugged her daughter, "I know you'll do the right thing, sweetie, your father and I did a pretty good job with you. I am so proud of you."

"Thanks, Mom," Sky returned the hug.

"I'm just glad you're doing well," Darcy pulled back and held her at arm's length. "And you know you can come to me about anything, right?"

"Yeah, Mom, thanks."

"All right, let's go save Uncle Hunk from your father before Lance ends up with a wrench to the head."

……………………………………………………………………………………….

Sky looked over the top of her book and watched Erik.

All was clear and neither of them had guard duty that evening. It was two days since their last battle with Vinn and everyone was doing well, Declan was in good shape and practice was going great. It had taken over a day, but they finally had Red back to full power. Intel was showing no immediate threat and Captain Klari had slipped into quiet observance. Sky knew that both Keith and Erik worried about the Captain's silent acceptance of the way they were doing things and they were waiting for the other shoe to fall.

As it was, Sky was now sitting on the couch in the rec room with her back against the arm and her legs stretched out in front of her and across Erik's lap. He was engrossed in a show on the televiewer about the history of flight. His hand moved unconsciously as he stroked her shin, distracting her from the reading she was attempting to do.

She watched as he ran his other hand through his hair and let out a little 'hm' noise of interest at something the narrator said. Her heart skipped a beat as she studied him. He really is handsome, she thought. His dark blonde hair brushed his collar and the tips winged up a bit with just a touch of natural curl. His features were sharp and attractive.

"What?"

His voice cut through her thoughts and brought her back to reality.

"I'm just looking at you."

"Why?"

"Because I can," she set her book on the coffee table. "You are really cute."

He sat up straighter and ran a hand over his hair, "Why, thank you."

She pulled her legs off his lap and crawled closer to him, "It still amazes me that you like me."

"I love you," he whispered, capturing her chin between his thumb and finger. "Stop talking like that. I can't believe that you fail to see what a beautiful, incredible person you are. I love you." He closed the distance between them.

Sky sighed against his mouth, slipping her arms around his neck and leaning against him. Erik wrapped his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap.

"Okay," Cady declared, clapping her hands twice sharply. "Break it up."

Erik groaned and dropped his head to Sky's shoulder.

Sky scowled at her friend as she brought her hand up to cradle the back of his head and leaned her cheek against his hair, "You have really bad timing, Cady."

"If you didn't want to get caught then you should have gone to your room," Cady sat on the edge of the coffee table, facing them. "I need to talk to you guys, Erik, so please stop pawing Sky."

With a sigh, he stopped stroking Sky's back and pushed her off his lap, keeping his arm around her shoulders, "What is it, Cady? And this better be good."

"I need you guys to teach me everything you know about flying."

Erik snorted. Sky smacked his arm and asked her friend, "What are you talking about?"

"I've come to the realization that nothing is happening between me and Tristan because we don't have any common ground. So I figured that if I knew all about flying, we would have something to talk about."

Erik furrowed his brow, "Wait, what? You and Tristan? When did this happen?"

"It hasn't yet, that's what I'm trying to fix. So, will you help me?"

"Cady," Sky leaned forward. "You aren't interested in flying. You can't pretend to be something you aren't in order to impress someone. If it is meant to be, it will be. But if you try and start a relationship on half-truths or lies it will all blow up in your face. Just be yourself and he will see you for the wonderful person you are."

Erik cupped her cheek and turned her to face him, "Wow. Beautiful and smart." He gave her a loud, smacking kiss.

Cady rolled her eyes, "You aren't helping."

"She's right, Cady," Erik told her. "Just be yourself. Do you think he might like you?"

"I don't know. I'm afraid he thinks I'm an idiot or a spoiled brat…"

"Which you are," he said innocently.

Sky pinched his leg, "Stop that."

"I'm serious, Erik, I think I'm in love with him."

His eyes widened, "But…but you hardly know him."

"But I know this is right."

"Then pretending to be interested in something you have no interest in is totally unnecessary."

Cady glared at him, "You're not helping. Don't you have something else you could be doing?"

"Yeah. I could be making out with my hot girlfriend, but I have to listen to you plot ways to trick a guy into liking you."

"Maybe you guys need a chance alone to talk," Sky suggested.

"Yeah, that sounds great, but when and how?" Cady asked.

"Tell you what," Erik said. "I will have a word with Lt. Alexander and see what he has to say about all this."

The Princess grabbed his hand, "You will? Really?"

"If I do will you leave us alone now?"

"I don't want to seem desperate. You can't let him think I put you up to this."

"I won't. Now go away."

"Thank you, Erik."

"No problem, Cady."

She jumped to her feet, a smile on her face, "Let me know as soon as you speak to him. And don't make me sound pathetic or anything."

"Can't promise you anything," he mumbled.

"I'll make sure he behaves," Sky promised.

With an excited grin, Cady hurried from the room.

"You won't screw this up for her, will you?" Sky asked.

Erik started at her neck and slowly moved his lips north. When he reached her ear, he whispered, "Absolutely not. As soon as she can be distracted by him, she'll leave us alone."

Sky disentangled herself from him and held out her hand, "Come on, I don't want anyone else to walk in on us."

He smirked, "God, I love you."

……………………………………………………………………

After practice the next morning, Erik and Sky made plans to go on a quick five mile run before the team went for target practice. The final plan to get back at the twins was really coming together and they had convinced Lance and Keith to help them, now they only needed Pidge's help. They didn't really need Hunk's help, but they were going to ask him anyway just because they knew he would like to be involved.

Erik was surprised to see that he had beat Sky outside, glancing at his watch he noticed he was ten minutes early. He stood beside the large tree near the back entrance where they had agreed to meet. They were going to circle the lake twice, the castle twice, and then around the lake a third time.

Placing his hand on the tree, he grabbed his left ankle and pulled his leg back, stretching. He dropped his left and grabbed his right ankle when he heard the door open. Without turning, Erik called out, "It's not often I'm early, I want you to make note of this."

"Okay," replied a too masculine voice. "Should I note the date as well as the time?"

Erik dropped his leg and turned to see Lt. Alexander standing by the door dressed in workout gear. "Oh, sorry, Lieutenant, I thought you were Sky."

"That's all right, I'm often confused for her."

"Going on a run?"

"Yeah, know any good routes?"

"Sky and I are going to do a quick five if you would like to join us. It's a good workout, some uneven ground, a few hills. If you're looking for something more intense, there's a trail through the woods that's pretty hilly."

Tristan nodded, "Thanks, Erik, I appreciate the advice."

"No problem, Lieutenant," Erik replied, noticing the other man's hesitation. "Was there anything else?"

"Can I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"It, uh, I guess it's kind of personal."

"Okay."

Tristan looked at his feet a moment before looking up and asking, "Is it difficult to be dating someone you work with?" Erik rubbed the back of his neck and glanced up at the beautiful blue sky as he contemplated his answer. "Well, it's not always easy. I mean, we have to be able to separate our work and personal feelings. There are times when I would love for her to stay on the ground so that she won't get hurt, but I have to remind myself that Sky is a very talented pilot and she has a deep connection with her Lion. Asking her to quit flying is like asking her to stop breathing. We live in such close quarters so our relationship is moving quickly, well, she thinks it is, I've waited years for her. I guess it comes down to the positive outweighing the negative. No, it's not always easy, but it certainly is worth it. Why?"

"Oh, I was just curious. I know with the Garrison that dating within the ranks is strongly discouraged and I can only imagine how difficult it can be, what with the battles and traveling and reassignments."

"I understand where you are coming from, Lieutenant, but I really believe that if it is meant to be, it will be. Keith and Allura made it work, so did my parents and Sky's parents. Is there, uh, is there someone you're interested in?" Erik asked innocently, seeing a slight reddening in Tristan's cheeks.

He shrugged, "No, I was just wondering."

Smirking, Erik asked, "You have a thing for Captain Klari?"

Tristan's eyes widened and his mouth fell open, "What? No!"

"Cady?"

Tristan looked everywhere but at Erik, "Uh, no. I don't know where you got that idea. She's a nice girl and all, but she really isn't my type."

"Ah," Erik nodded his head understandingly. "I see. She's not your type. So you like them stupid, heartless, uncouth, and ugly."

"That's not what I mean," he sighed.

"You know I love Cady, she's like a sister to me. She may seem a bit flighty sometimes, but she is a sweet girl with a heart of gold. She is loyal and hardworking and one of the most dependable people you'll ever know. She's also a bit of a smartass and a little self-centered, but I guess that comes from being a spoiled Princess of an important planet."

"Why are you telling me all this?" Tristan asked.

"Because I don't think you should sell her short."

"I saw what she is capable of, I saw it in the caves."

"And?"

"And what?"

Erik rolled his eyes, "Do you like her?"

"It's more complicated than that."

"No it isn't."

"Good news," Sky swept outside before Tristan could reply.

Erik grinned at her, "You're late."

"I have a good reason," she replied. "I was talking to Uncle Pidge and we have his full cooperation."

"Great!" He stole a quick kiss. "When are we going to do this?"

Sky blushed as she acknowledged Tristan, "Oh, hi, Lieutenant."

Tristan bowed to her, "Miss Collier."

She rolled her eyes, "I've told you a hundred times, please, call me Sky."

"Sorry, Sky."

"Tristan is going to join us for our run and if we don't get moving, we won't get back in time for target practice."

"Then let's get moving," she said, starting to jog. The three of them started out at a quick jog and circled the lake once, moving up to a faster clip. "So, Tristan," Sky said as they started their second loop around the water. "Do you have girlfriend back on Terra?"

"No, I don't," he huffed. "It's really difficult to have a relationship when you're sent to fly all over the known universes."

"But if you found the right girl, you would settle down, right?"

"That's a little ways off. I'm not ready to settle down."

"What are you looking for in a woman?"

"You're getting a little personal, Sky."

"Yeah, Sunny," Erik said, deciding it was time to take the heat off the Lieutenant. "What's with all the questions?"

"I'm just trying to get to know Tristan a little better."

"Sounds to me like you're hitting on him."

Sky raised an eyebrow and shot her boyfriend a side-long glance, "You worried?"

"No," Erik sized up Tristan. "I could kick his ass."

"Oh yeah?" Tristan asked.

"Yeah."

"Put your feet where your mouth is!" The Lieutenant shouted as he put on a burst of speed and raced ahead.

Not to be outdone, Erik and Sky took off after him, running at full speed.

………………………………………………………………………….

"Ready?" Keith whispered.

Erik and Sky ran their hands down either side of Gideon's door frame, securing the edge of the plastic wrap. Erik gave Keith the thumbs up. Over at Declan's door, Lance and Cady were doing the same thing. Hunk stood on a ladder putting the finishing touches on some contraption he had rigged up, but refused to allow anyone else to handle.

Keith, Allura, and Brina all stood against the opposite wall watching the action.

"I'm only here to make sure no one gets hurt," Allura whispered. "But I want you all to know that this ends today."

"Yeah, Ma, whatever," Cady waved her off.

"I mean it, Cadence."

"Fine, Mother, but you have to explain that to the twins."

"Shhh," Sky hissed. "Let's not ruin this."

Since Declan was back on his feet and feeling back to normal, Sky and Cady decided it was time to exact their revenge with the help of their fathers, Erik, and everyone else they dragged into the fray. Brina didn't want to take part, but she wasn't going to miss the outcome.

They all stepped out of the way as Cady picked up her camera and Lance pointed his video camera at the twins' doors.

"All right," Sky whispered. "Do it."

It was 4:39 am and Pidge was waiting in Castle Control for the signal from Keith to sound the alarm in the Voltron wing. When his communicator beeped, Pidge flipped the switch and heard the distant ringing of the alarm.

A moment later the doors to the twins' rooms slid open and both boys ran full force into the wall of clear plastic wrap that blocked their doorways. Half asleep and wrapped in clingy plastic, they stumbled forward, pulling the wrap from the doorframes and triggering Hunk's surprise. A bucket of water tipped over both of them, soaking them and causing the plastic to hang heavily.

"What the hell?" Declan blinked and looked around, trying to pull the plastic from his arms.

Gideon, looking equally confused pushed his wet, dark hair from his eyes.

Laughter rang through the hall as the others watched the twins first fight the plastic and then stand stunned with confusion. Even Allura had a hand clamped over her mouth to hide her smile.

"You had this coming," Sky giggled.

"What?" Gideon asked.

"Allow me to jog your memory," Cady said. "Orange hair."

"Tackling and tickling," Sky added.

"Yeah," Erik threw his arm around her shoulders. "Only I'm allowed to do that to her now."

Lance sent him a withering look.

"This is the best you could do?" Declan scoffed. "You had the original Voltron Force at your disposal and this is the best you can do?"

Sky raised an eyebrow, "Who says this is it?"

"What is the meaning of all this?"

Everyone turned to see a very angry Captain Klari standing with her arms crossed over her chest.

"It's nothing to concern you," Keith said stiffly.

She took in the scene before her, "Do you often use the castle alarm system for fun?"

"Really, Captain, it was nothing," Allura spoke up. "You may return to your quarters."

Klari turned her glare to Erik and Sky, causing him to tighten his arm around Sky's shoulders and pull her closer. "Why do I think you two have something to do with this?"

Lance stepped forward, "And what do you mean by that?"

"I mean, Lieutenant, that your daughter and her boyfriend have proven to be troublemakers."

"They are no more so troublemakers than we were at their age," Keith said, hoping to stop any fight Lance might start.

Sky flinched as she felt Erik dig his fingers into her shoulder.

"Captain, we will discuss this later," Allura said her most authoritative voice. "But how we run our crew is of no concern of yours. You may return to your quarters. That is not a request."

Her nostrils flared, but Captain Klari turned and stalked down the hall.

Declan pulled a piece of slimy, wet plastic wrap from his hair and sighed, "When is she leaving?"

"Not soon enough," Keith grumbled. "All of you get dressed and be in Castle Control in fifteen minutes. Long practice today."

"What did you mean that this wasn't it?" Cady whispered to Sky.

Sky shrugged, "I don't know, just messing with them."

…………………………………………………………………

When Keith mentioned long practice, he was not exaggerating. The five of them spent the entire morning practicing formations, running the obstacle course and hitting the firing range. They were all flying tighter and had mastered the act of forming Voltron in one fluid movement.

"Come back in for lunch," Keith called over the communication line as mid day approached. "We'll be meeting in the conference room after you eat."

"I don't like this," Lance mumbled behind him.

Keith turned, "They are our best bet."

"I don't want you using my daughter as bait."

"We're not and she won't be alone. Sky can handle herself and Erik will be with her."

"If we thought they couldn't handle this, we wouldn't ask them to do it," Hunk added.

Lance glared at his friends, "I want extra security with them."

"We're sending backup, but they will be in plainclothes and hidden amongst people," Pidge said.

……………………………………………………………………..

Thirty minutes later, the ten members of the two Voltron Forces met in the conference room.

"You guys looked great out there," Keith announced.

"You're doing us proud up there and you are obviously growing closer as a team," Allura added.

Keith continued, holding up a few printouts, "We have received some Intel that leads us to believe Vinn's men might have entered Arus."

"Where?" Erik asked.

"We think they're trying to mingle with the people in Alforia," Hunk said.

"It has been a week since Vinn's last attack and it appears people are once again comfortable going out. We want to send a couple of covert operatives into Alforia tomorrow evening to feel things out. Look for anyone or anything out of the ordinary," Keith explained.

"Who?" Gideon asked.

"We're sending Erik and Sky. It'll seem less obvious to see the two of them out together."

"What are we looking for exactly?" Sky asked.

Keith shuffled through the papers in his hand. "We have a few descriptions of men for you, I'll make copies of these and get them to you."

"If you aren't comfortable with this," Lance spoke up. "We can get someone else."

Sky looked at Erik and then at her father, "No, we're fine with this."

"There will be plainclothes guards and police officers all around town, you will have backup at all times and you will be required to check in hourly," Keith said. "So, you up for this?"

Erik nodded, "Bring it on."