Hi all!
Thank you so much for your reviews of the first chapter of this story. Don't worry, you will be seeing a lot more of the twins and you will get to know Lynnai and Brina better, but that comes with time :)
Thanks for stopping by and reading my story, I hope you enjoy it!
Enjoy,
Failte
Declan jumped to his feet and pushed his hair out of his eyes. There is no way Gid just did that, he thought.
"You cannot allow yourself to be so easily distracted," Hunk reminded the young prince.
"Yeah, yeah, I know."
"If you know then you shouldn't be so easily distracted. I thought twins had some kind of special mental link, can't you sense what he is going to do next?"
Both boys glanced at the big man, a little annoyed at yet another assumption non-twin people had about them.
"What happens when you lose your weapon," Hunk said, pacing alongside the practice mat. "You're left, weaponless, to face your enemy. You have to know how…"
"…to defend yourself and your teammates." The twins finished Hunk's speech for him in unison.
"I would think that if you've heard this often enough to memorize it, you would actually take it to heart."
"Yes, sir."
Erik slipped unnoticed into the gym, watching as the twins faced off. The corner of his mouth quirked up in a partial smile when he noticed one of them was wearing a t-shirt that read 'My Parents Went To Boston And All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt'. Of course that was Keith's strange, quite often lame, sense of humor. He watched as the two princes circled each other, expressions of intense concentration on their faces, as Hunk did his best to distract them and break their concentration.
He walked closer, but made sure he kept his distance to remain unnoticed. It took him a moment to figure out which was Declan and which was Gideon. They weren't identical, but they looked enough alike to confuse most people. With the two of them in t-shirts and shorts, their dark hair dampened with sweat, and their cheeks reddened, they were almost impossible to tell apart.
It was the small football shaped birthmark on Gideon's left calf that gave him away. Now that he could tell them apart, he found himself watching Declan more carefully. This was going to be the next leader of the Voltron Force, if he couldn't best his twin brother, how could he take on an unknown enemy?
Even as he was thinking that, he watched Declan strike out and take Gideon face down on the mat in two moves.
"Good job, Dec," Hunk said. "You're both doing a lot better, you just need to work on not being so easily distracted."
"Maybe if someone didn't fight with his girlfriend all the time, maybe he wouldn't be so easily distracted," Gideon taunted.
Declan grabbed his brother's arm and spun him around, pushing his arm up behind his back. "Let's keep the women out of this."
"You and Brina fighting again?" Hunk asked.
"No." Declan mumbled shoving Gideon away.
Gideon snorted, "Yes they are."
"Son," Hunk walked over and threw an arm around Declan's shoulders. "If you're going to be the new leader of the team, you need to be able to separate your personal and private lives when it comes down to Voltron and the Force."
"I know."
"It isn't going to be easy, but you can't go into battle worrying about whether or not your girlfriend is pissed at you."
"I know," Declan said testily.
"Maybe you should ask Erik how he does it, you know he and Sky probably go at it a couple of times a month," Gideon suggested.
"Only a couple times a month?" Erik spoke up.
The three men turned in surprise to see him standing by the door.
"Hey man," Gideon grinned at him. "How're you doing?"
"Fine. Just thought I'd see what was going on."
Declan was attacked with a sudden case of nerves. "I, uh, I have to go grab a shower and find Brina before dinner."
Erik watched him hurry past him and out of the room.
"It's good to have you home again," Gideon said.
"Thanks, it's good to be home," Erik said, still looking at the door Declan had just gone through.
"Don't take it personally," Hunk spoke up. "Declan's been…out of sorts lately."
"I wonder why," Gideon stated sarcastically. "I mean, come on, he's nervous and under a lot of pressure. He has been chosen to undertake the most powerful military force in the universe and he's only eighteen. He's trying to hold on to his first serious girlfriend while at the same time trying to figure out how to act as commander and he feels as though he is constantly being watched and scrutinized. And now that you're back, he has to live up to your reputation."
Erik slowly digested everything Gideon had just said. "He shouldn't feel that way. He'll do a fine job."
"Maybe you should tell him that."
"I would if he didn't run away every time I entered the room."
"Come on guys," Hunk said. "Erik, you just got back, give Declan a little time. Let's see how things go tomorrow morning."
Erik nodded, "I know Sky can't wait to get back into Red."
"Just relax, enjoy this feast Nanny has prepared for tonight. Speaking of which," he looked at his watch. "I have to go home and gather my brood. I'll be seeing you guys later."
"Where are you going now?" Gideon asked as he walked with Erik out into the hall.
"I guess I should go unpack."
"I thought you were doing that earlier."
"Nah, I took a nap and then I went for a walk, reacquainting myself with the castle."
"How'd it go?"
Erik smirked, "It would be a lot easier if everyone stopped looking at me like I was the most pitiful creature they'd ever seen."
"Give 'em time, Erik, no one is quite sure what to say or do."
"How about they treat me like they did before I left?"
"Because you're not the same person you were when you left."
Erik opened his mouth, about to snap at him, but he knew Gideon wasn't referring to his scars. "I guess I'll go unpack and get ready for dinner."
Gideon stopped in front of his door, "Erik, we all are really glad to have you back."
"Thanks, Gid, I'm really glad to be back."
Declan yanked his t-shirt off over his head and threw it angrily in the general direction of the hamper. When he missed and it hit the floor, he swore and stomped over to pick up the shirt and shove it into the basket.
"What is wrong with me?" He asked the quiet room. "This is Erik for Pete's sake, I have nothing to fear from him. How can I lead the team if I can't even face Erik?"
He rubbed his hands over his face and groaned loudly.
How did this happen? He thought as he flipped through the shirts in his closet, settling on a maroon button down shirt. Why is it that as soon as I am chosen to lead the team I become a gigantic wuss? Declan walked into his bathroom and turned on the shower, stripping out of the rest of his clothes and stepping into the stream of hot water. I need Erik's help, why can't I just talk to him about it? I need to just get over this or there is going to be a lot of trouble.
He rubbed the shampoo into his scalp, scrubbing a little too hard. Is all this even worth it? Before I was chosen by Black, Brina and I never fought, now it seems like we fight once a day. And it is over the stupidest stuff. I can't believe I flipped out because she told some guy the time when we were in town yesterday, I was behaving like an ignorant Neanderthal.
His relationship with Brina was feeling the effects of his stress and he knew it was his fault. But his pride prevented him from admitting that. After every argument, he went and apologized to her and every time she would accept. He knew she loved him or else she would never put up with his attitude problems and mood swings. And he also knew she wouldn't put up with it forever. For the sake of their relationship, Declan knew he had to get over this and start treating Brina with the love and respect she deserved. She was the best thing to ever happen to him and he couldn't let her go.
With a vicious flick of his wrist, he shut off the water. After drying off and wrapping a towel around his waist, Declan leaned close to the mirror, rubbing his chin, trying to decide if he needed to shave. Truth be told, he did need a shave, he just didn't feel like doing it. Girls like that slightly rough, scruffy look, right? Well, maybe on the right guy.
Afraid he looked more unkempt than the sexy, Declan quickly shaved, removing all remnants of his five o'clock shadow. He combed his fingers through his hair, brushing it back from his face before returning to his room to dress. The clock on his nightstand showed that it was only four thirty, he still had another hour before they were all meeting in the rec room. This had gone from what was going to be a simple barbeque to welcome Erik, Sky, and Darcy home to a full blown party. They were all told to dress for it, they would meet in the rec room for drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Then they would all move in to the dining room where they would sit for hours eating and talking.
"Well, I guess now is as good a time as any," he said to himself. "Time to grow up and behave like the man I am, or rather should be."
Declan knew Brina had gone home to visit her family earlier in the day and he assumed she'd be back by now to get ready for dinner. Squaring his shoulders, he took a deep breath, ready to drop his attitude, and his pride, in order to properly woo his girlfriend. He stopped in front of her door, two rooms down from his own, and knocked.
"Who is it?"
"It's me, Brin," he called through the closed door.
A few moments later, the door slid open and Brina greeted him with a small smile, "Hi, what's up?"
Declan took a moment to study his girlfriend. She stood before him with one hand on her hip, wearing a simple black dress with a knee length skirt and a slight ruffle at the hem and sleeves. Her long auburn hair fell past her shoulders while she held her hairbrush in her hand and her feet were bare.
He licked his lips, "Hey, um, do you have a minute?"
Brina's brows knitted together in a look of concern, "Of course, come on in."
Declan entered her room and stepped aside to allow her to close the door. He looked around her room, the layout was the same as his room and all the others in the wing. But she had added simple feminine touches that made it completely her own. She was partial to pastels as shown by the lavender comforter on her bed and the pink and lavender throw pillows. A couple of small, floral, pastel throw rugs were scattered on the floor and the ceramic dancing figurines she collected were spread around the room on her dresser, vanity, and shelves. The entire room held the subtle, clean fragrance she wore. It wasn't a floral scent, but something entirely different, clean and pretty. Declan loved the smell, but he couldn't place it, so he had eventually just picked up the perfume bottle on her vanity one day and read the label, 'Spring Rain'.
"Dec?"
He turned and flashed her a weak smile, "I was hoping we could talk."
"Sure, have a seat."
Looking around, he settled on her desk chair while she sat on the edge of the bed, crossing her ankles demurely and watching him expectantly.
"I've been doing a lot of thinking," he began. "I've had a lot on my mind lately and I've been behaving like a moron." He paused, waiting for her to either disagree or make a smart remark, but she did neither, just kept watching him. So he continued. "I've been stressing out lately and I've been taking that out on you. It's totally unfair and I know it. And you…you've just been amazing. You've taken all my crap and, for some reason, you've stuck with me. I don't know what to say to you. Well, I guess I could thank you. Thank you for putting up with my attitude and for not leaving me for the kind of guy who really deserves you. I am going to try and do better by you, I promise."
Brina's expression changed to one of understanding as he spoke. When he finished, she patted the spot beside her on the bed. "Come here."
He moved to sit beside her.
"You're right," she began. "You have been acting like a moron and there has been more than one time when I was ready to tell you where you can stick your attitude. But then I would think of what it was like before you started stressing and the idea that once you got a handle on it all, it would be like that again. I love you, Dec, and that has given me enough patience to deal and to wait. I know not to take it personally, I mean, I'm not saying it doesn't hurt, but I understand."
Declan smiled softly and touched her cheek with his fingertips, "I don't know if I could ever tell you how much you mean to me. Thank you for sticking with me and I promise to start treating you like you deserve to be treated. I am so, so sorry for upsetting you or hurting you. I love you."
She leaned over and kissed him gently, "I know you're sorry and that's why I've continued to stick with you. I just wish you would let me help you rather than just snapping at me."
He nodded.
"It's the whole pride thing, isn't it?" Brina asked.
Declan felt the heat rise to his face, "Yeah, I, uh, I guess you could say that."
"Stupid man," she teased quietly. "You're trying to do it all yourself to prove that you can do it. Get over yourself, Declan James. You can't do it all yourself and all you are doing is stressing out and behaving like an ass."
"I know."
"Okay, I accept your apology, but this is it. The next time you try and take your stress out on me, I will break up with you."
"That's only fair," he replied. "I promise to only treat you like the amazing, wonderful woman that you are. I am working on how to better deal with everything. The first thing I need to do is get over my fear of being in the same room with Erik."
"Why are you afraid?"
Declan shrugged, feeling foolish.
"This is Erik, probably the least frightening person I've ever met."
"Yeah, well, you didn't take his Lion and his job away from him."
"Neither did you. You were chosen, Dec, you can do this. Erik doesn't blame you, he wouldn't. Is this what has had you so upset?
"Yeah," he admitted, his face darkening even more with embarrassment.
"Oh, honey," she sighed. "You're behaving like a moron again. You know that Erik doesn't blame you and that he only wants to help. This imagining the worst is what's making this so hard for you. Just talk to him."
"I will."
"Good. I've missed you."
"Missed me?"
"Yes, I've missed you. The sweet, funny, obnoxious, prank loving, immature pain in the butt I feel in love with."
He raised an eyebrow, "I think there was a compliment in there somewhere."
"It was all a compliment, trust me."
Declan took her face in his hands and leaned forward until his forehead rested against hers. "I will do my best to be the biggest, most immature pain in the butt that I can be."
Brina grinned, "Well, maybe you could tone down the immaturity a bit."
"Don't try to change me, baby," he whispered. "I am who I am."
She giggled and kissed him, "Thank goodness for that."
Declan nuzzled her neck, pulling her close, "What do you say you and I sneak out of this little soiree early tonight and go make out."
Running her fingernails up and down his back, she whispered, "Only if you talk to Erik."
"Tonight?"
"You don't have to discuss the Lions or the Force, but you have to at least go up to him and ask him how he's doing. Break the ice between the two of you."
"And then we can make out?"
Brina smiled, "We'll see."
He ran his fingers through her hair, "You're so pretty."
"Okay, then we can make out."
Gideon couldn't help but smile as he pulled up in front Lynnai's house. It was a modest two story house with a wide front porch. Over the years he had spent a lot of time at this house, sitting on the front porch with Lynnai, having dinner with her family, beating her brother at video games, and sitting on the couch in the family room watching movies and stealing kisses from her when no one was watching.
The two of them had known each other almost their entire lives and had been dating for over four years. She was such a major part of his life that he couldn't imagine a time she wouldn't be in it. She was as much a part of his family as he was to hers. And he loved her, madly.
He climbed out of the dark blue car, one of the few castle cars that didn't have the royal insignia emblazoned on the doors. Every so often, he liked to pretend he was just a guy going on a date with a pretty girl. And since Lynnai had been invited to the welcome home dinner, Gideon decided to be a gentleman and pick her up.
He rang the doorbell and waited, smoothing his shirt. Gideon was excited about this evening, his time with Lynnai had become more scarce as of late. He had been very busy with the Force and his training at the Academy. Lynnai had her schoolwork with another month before she finished for the summer holiday. Then come the fall, she was going to start at the University, studying to become a teacher.
The door was wrenched open and Gideon found himself face to face with Dell, Lynnai's twelve year old brother. "Hey Gid!"
"Hi, Dell, how're you doing?"
"Good. Hey, guess what I did."
"What?"
"I got to level fourteen on Quest."
"Are you serious?" Gideon asked, exasperatedly. "I have yet to get past the twelfth level."
"Do you want to know the secret?"
"No, I will win, I just need more time."
"It's really not that hard."
"Shut up, Dell."
"I mean, I figured it out rather quickly."
"Well, good for you."
Dell grinned, "All you have to do is when you get to the island, go through the trap door and…"
Gideon grabbed the boy in a headlock and clamped a hand over his mouth, "Not only will I figure out how to get through the level, I will defeat the game before you do."
"Oh really, Gideon, can't I leave you alone for five minutes without worrying about you beating up my brother?"
He looked up and dropped Dell on the floor when he saw Lynnai coming down the stairs. Dell landed on his hands and knees, jumping up, he yelled, "Go through the third door and open the trunk, the key for the portcullis is in there!" Before disappearing into the family room.
"He was asking for it," Gideon explained weakly.
She smiled softly, "I'm sure he was."
He looked her up and down grinning, "You look pretty hot."
She twirled in front of him, looking very much the beautiful gypsy dressed in a long, full light green skirt and an off-the-shoulder peasant blouse with bell sleeves. On her feet were a pair of sandals that laced halfway up her calves. Her dark blonde hair was sun streaked and her skin lightly tanned. She wore only a little makeup, highlighting her eyes and lips and only a few pieces of simple jewelry, including a beaded necklace he had given her for her last birthday.
"Thank you, you're looking pretty good yourself," Lynnai said, leaning in for a quick kiss. "Just let me tell Mom and Dad we're leaving and we can head out."
"No problem."
Lynnai hurried down the hall and stuck her head in the kitchen, "Gid's here, we're going to head out."
There was the sound of a chair scrapping and her father looked out into the hall, "Hi Gideon."
"Good evening, sir. How are you?"
"Just fine, thank you. You guys have fun, try to be home by midnight."
Lynnai rolled her eyes, "Oh come on, Dad, I'm not a child."
"You know the rules, midnight until you start University," he kissed the top of her head. "Be careful. And, Gideon, tell your parents we said hello."
"I will sir, good night," Gideon said as he took Lynnai's shawl from the hook in the hallway.
Gideon held the door open for her and offered his arm to escort her down the steps and to the car. Lynnai smiled as she slid into the leather seat and buckled her seatbelt. Gideon raced around to the other side and slid in. He leaned over and kissed her gently. "Hi."
Lynnai giggled softly, "Hi."
"How are you doing?"
"I'm okay. I can't wait for the school year to end and I've missed you, but otherwise, I'm okay. How're you?"
He took her hand and brushed his lips over her knuckles, "I'm much better now that I'm with you."
"How is everything going up at the castle?"
Gideon started the car and pulled out, "As well as can be expected. Declan is freaking out about leading the team and facing Erik."
"How is Erik?"
He shrugged, "All right, I guess. He doesn't look good, he's scarred and his hair is still growing back, so it looks like he has a bad buzz cut and he's lost weight. I mean, he doesn't look bad, but, geez, Lynnie, I guess we didn't really know what to expect, I just never expected to see Erik like that."
She patted his leg, "But he'll get better, right?"
"He's going to work on building his strength back up and he's planning on having more surgery to reduce the scarring and he's still hoping to some day get his eye sight back."
"And Declan is stressing, huh?"
"Yeah, he's afraid Erik is going to hate him for taking over Black."
"And being Declan, he is being over dramatic."
Gideon snorted, "Yeah, that about sums it up. The worst part about it is that it seems he and Brina are constantly arguing."
"I know."
"You know?"
She nodded, "Brina has called me a couple of times looking for a shoulder to cry on and advice on how to deal with him."
"She asked you for advice on how to deal with Declan?"
"We've become friends, I really do like her. I guess you could say we've bonded, we're both dating handsome princes. She was looking for advice, since I've known you both longer and since you're twins I think she hoped I knew how to handle Dec because I can handle you." Lynnai trailed off.
"Handle me?"
"Yes."
He smirked, "Yeah, well, I just hope they can work it out. Brina is good for him, I've never seen him happier."
"And he's good for her, she's cares a lot for him."
Gideon nodded as he pulled into the Castle garage, "I'm afraid that he might be pushing her away."
"I don't think she'll be pushed aside as easily as you think."
"I hope you're right."
"I'd think that you would know by now that I am always right," she teased.
He smacked his forehead with the heel of his palm, "Of course, how silly of me. Will you ever be able to forgive me?"
"Hm, maybe. Someday."
Gideon parked the car and turned to look at her with his most pitiful, hang dog expression.
"Oh, sweetie," she smiled and patted his cheek. "That has never worked on me. But I think it's cute that you keep trying."
Erik knocked on Sky's door. He could hear Figment barking excitedly and Sky trying to shush her.
"Who is it?"
"It's me."
A moment later, the door slid open and Sky greeted him, dressed in a knee length tan skirt and a black embroidered blouse. She clutched Figment to her, "Hi."
He swallowed, "Hi."
"Are you all unpacked?"
"Yeah. You?"
"Yeah." Sky turned and walked over to the dog's crate. "I fed Figment and walked her, so she should be good."
"You look nice, Sky."
"Thank you," she locked the crate and turned around. "So do you." He really does, she thought. He was wearing a pair of pressed khaki slacks and a deep blue shirt she had always liked because it brought out his eyes. But, of course, he was wearing his dark glasses, so she couldn't see his eyes.
"Thanks," he mumbled. An apology for his earlier behavior sat on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn't voice it. He knew he had been too harsh and she certainly hadn't deserved it, not after how patient and wonderful she had been over the past few weeks.
Sky knew he was watching her, she could feel his gaze on her. She walked over to her dresser and with shaking hands, she took the trinity knot necklace he had given her out of her jewelry box and fumbled with the clasp. Glancing in the mirror above the dresser, she saw him standing by the bed, still watching her. For a brief moment, Sky was afraid she was going to burst into tears. Frustration and irritation fought within her as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath to take control of her emotions. She was trying so hard to be patient because she knew that some day, hopefully soon, her Erik would come back.
She opened her eyes again and turned around, almost slamming into Erik. "Oh, sorry, I didn't see you there," she murmured, embarrassed.
"Sky…"
"Yeah?"
He gently touched her cheek, "Sky, I love you."
She smiled shakily, "I know."
Erik chuckled, "That's not the response I was hoping for."
Her smile grew, "And what response were you hoping for?"
"This one," he leaned down and kissed her gently.
Sky slid her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly.
"Come on," Erik said gruffly, his arms wrapped around her. "We have to head down to the rec room, we're late for a party in our honor."
"Screw 'em," Sky mumbled into his shoulder.
"That's my girl," he laughed, releasing her from his embrace. "But we should go down before your father comes looking for us and he withdraws his permission to allow me to marry you."
"Okay, but you have to promise to be in a good mood tonight and not be overly sensitive, or I will withdraw my acceptance of your proposal."
"Yes, Ma'am."
Sky slipped her hand into his, "It has been over five hours since I last ate."
"And you're still alive?"
"Jerk."
"Yeah, I know," he sighed, pulling her across the room. "But what are you going to do about it?"
"Oh, there are a few things I'd like to do," she muttered. Sky was glad to see that Erik was feeling better, she wished they could talk about what had happened earlier and his behavior, but she didn't want to take the chance and ruin his good mood.
They heard the crowd gathered in the rec room before they reached it. The two of them were ten minutes late, as was evident by the fact that they were almost the last to arrive. Keith and Allura were there with all six of their children, Cady, Declan, Gideon, Tess, Charlotte, and Nicky, as well as Tristan, Lynnai and Brina. Hunk and Paton were there with their children, Casey, Mykel, and Natalia, Pidge stood with Becca and their kids, Luke, Tori, and baby Ben. It seemed that Lance and Darcy were going to be the last to arrive.
"Erik, Sky," Keith greeted them from across the room. "How're you guys doing?"
"Just fine, Uncle Keith," Sky grinned at him.
"Are you all settled in?" Allura asked.
"Yes, Ma'am, it feels good to be home."
Erik remained silent as Sky spoke for them. He looked around and settled his gaze on Declan. He glanced back over to see Sky was already talking with Cady and her parents so he crossed the room to where the twins were talking with their girlfriends.
"Erik," Lynnai grinned and greeted him with a hug. "It's so good to see you again. How are you?"
"I'm doing all right, Lynnai, how are you?" He asked, returning her friendly hug.
"Can't complain, everything is going well."
"You're graduating soon, aren't you?"
"Yup, in a few weeks, and then I'm off for a few months."
"That's great," Erik said, noticing Brina leaning over and whispering in Declan's ear. "It's a good, scary feeling to graduate, but I'm sure you'll do great. We can use some more talented teachers here."
"How's it going, Erik?" Gideon asked, resting his hand on the small of Lynnai's back. "You guys all settled in?"
"Yeah, Gid, it took some time, but I got everything put away."
"That's good. Hey, if you'll excuse us, I am going to steal away this lovely woman and get some drinks."
Subtle, Erik thought as he nodded. "Of course."
"Erik," Brina hugged him and kissed his cheek. "Welcome back."
"Thank you, Brina."
Without another word, she smiled and moved past him, leaving him alone with Declan, forcing the two men to finally face each other.
"So, uh, how was your flight back?" Declan asked, rubbing the back of his neck.
"It was fine, long, but all right. I was just anxious to get home."
"Yeah, you guys were away for a long time."
Erik smiled, "Come on, Dec, what's going on? You've been acting almost as though you're afraid of me."
"Afraid?" Declan scoffed. "Well that's just silly. Of course I'm not afraid of you."
"Then what's going on? Are you nervous about flying Black? You've been up with her, haven't you?"
"Yes, she's amazing," Declan's expression softened and his eyes went out of focus, as though he was seeing beyond Erik. "Black is the most powerful machine I have ever flown, I mean, I've ridden in her many times over the years, but I had never flown her alone. It was different from what I had with Blue, stronger, more intense."
Erik nodded his understanding, "How, uh, how is she handling?"
"Well, she's been kind of temperamental, but we seem to have reached an understanding."
"What do you mean?"
Declan ran his hand through his hair and hesitated while he carefully chose his words. "At first, it seemed like she wasn't happy to have me at the helm, like she was…grudgingly allowing me to fly her. Does that make sense?"
Erik shrugged, "I don't know, I never had that problem, we just…connected."
Color flooded the prince's cheeks, "I…I don't think she wants me to fly her."
"Then you wouldn't have received the calling, Dec. Maybe, well…what happened to me, happened rather suddenly, I suppose Black was caught as off guard by what happened as I was. She probably just needs to get used to you. Is it getting any better?"
"Yeah, I mean, she is starting to accept me more."
"What about you?"
"What about me?"
"You seem uneasy and I've been told you've been out of sorts. If you're upset or unsure, Black is going to pick up on that. If you're doubting yourself, she might doubt you as well."
Declan shifted his gaze and took a nervous sip from the soft drink he held in his hand.
"I just hit the nail on the head, didn't I?" Erik asked quietly.
"A little too close for comfort," Declan admitted, embarrassed. "I don't know what I'm doing."
"Neither did I when I started and that's why I came back," the older man told him. "I want to help you. Not being able to fly any more is something I have to come to terms with and it's not going to be easy. But I think, I hope any way, that helping you guys will help me."
"How?"
"I don't know, I'm just hoping it will. Any idea who is going to take over Blue?"
Declan shook his head, "Dad, Mom, and Lance have been locking themselves into Dad's office and discussing it a lot over the past few days."
"My guess would be that since they haven't said anything, they haven't chosen anyone."
Sky kept looking over to where Erik and Declan were speaking. Over the last five minutes, she watched as the two of them went from tense interaction to relaxed conversation. They had unconsciously stepped closer as their words came more quickly.
"It's nice to see Declan acting more like his old self."
Sky turned to see Brina standing beside her, watching them just as she was. "I know what you mean."
"You think they'll be able to help each other out."
"I hope so. Has he been that bad?"
Brina sighed, "He's been moody and snappy, he hasn't been himself at all."
"How are you doing?"
"It…it's not easy."
Sky smiled humorlessly, "I know all too well what you mean."
"We talked about it before we came down here and he promised to stop taking his stress out on me…"
"What do you mean he takes his stress out on you?" Sky interrupted.
"Oh, he picks fights with me. Don't worry, I give as good as I get, I haven't exactly been perfectly understanding. When he snaps at me, I snap back."
"If I know Dec, he needs that. He can't be allowed to take his stress out on you."
"At least he has been talking to me, for a while he completely cut Gideon out and that really upset Gid. What about Erik, how is he handling everything?"
"As well as can be expected."
"That good huh?"
Sky sighed, "I am trying so hard to be patient. His moods swing from high highs to deep depression, but more and more he's been depressed. I'm hoping that now that he's home, he'll turn it around."
"Will he ever be able to fly again?"
"It's not likely, but he and Becca are looking into procedures to help him regain his sight."
Brina bit her lip, "Declan is worried that Erik is going to hate him for taking over Black."
"Erik doesn't blame Declan for anything. He can no longer fly Black, someone has to, and he believes Declan is the best one for the job."
"Glad to see the two of them are talking," Keith said, coming to stand between them.
"It's nice, isn't it?" Brina asked.
"Yeah, it is."
Sky turned to look at him, "So, who is going to fly Blue?"
"Straight to the point, huh?" Keith chuckled. "We'll discuss that at dinner, if your parents ever show up."
"Maybe I should call them."
"Nah, Allura spoke to your mother about an hour ago, they know what time to be here, I'm guessing your father is holding her up."
"Yeah, he never was the most prompt person. Any hints?"
"No, Schuyler."
As if on cue, Lance and Darcy entered the rec room, hand-in-hand, talking quietly and giggling like school children. Sky rolled her eyes, still a little embarrassed by her parents open displays of affection.
"Finally," Hunk called out. "We can eat."
"Oh, were you waiting for us?" Lance asked, innocently.
"You know we were," Pidge replied. "What happened? It takes you longer to primp in your old age?"
Laughter drowned out Lance's response as he took a step closer to Pidge, but was held back by Darcy.
Keith stuck two fingers in his mouth and let loose with a loud whistle. After everyone quieted down and turned to look at him as he announced, "All right, all right, we can all pick on Lance later, but now that they have finally shown up, I think we can head into the dining room."