Thank you for reading. I know I'm so far behind, but it's been really hard with work and all. Please enjoy this latest chapter.

RossoDiSera: Thank you so much. This is pretty challenging. It's really KathDMD's doing. That girl is a master at that! I'm just sadly a small talent next to her. LOL!

KathDMD: LOL! I don't know what to say. Really…I have no idea what's going to happen. ;)

Carly Chameleon: That's so sweet of you to say. Thank you so much. This fic has taken me so many years to write and still, I'm re-writing some parts (hence, the irregular updates). I try to move away from the cookie cutter approach of happy characters all the time. For me, true love is beautiful but challenging and painful to reach. You have to work hard at it before receiving that HEA. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Mertz: Chickie dee! Sam's not that bad. You and Kath are going to have to decide….LOL!

SnyperLady: LOL! DiNozzo! I love it. Yeah, I can see him playing Lance…

GoPinkLion: Deeper and Deeper….Not going to get better. But, there will be an HEA. I would never end on a bad note.

Playlist:

Find A Way: Safetysuit

Nine Inch Nails: Something I Can Never Have

Chapter 18

Sam walked in to his office harboring feelings of anger and downright disgust. He was angry that he couldn't get one emotional outburst or gesture from Keith. Not one! There was nothing in his manner to indicate that he was angry, disappointed or sad about the news he heard. Sighing in frustration and disgust, Sam sat down on his chair and shook his head. Why was he behaving this way? Why did it bother him so much that he couldn't rile up Keith?

"The person I choose has to be sharp, quick, with severe lack of emotions to do what needs to be done. That person has to assimilate to any situation at hand. To physically, mentally and emotionally detach themselves from everything and anyone, because that is what they will live with for months. Complete detachment from those they know and love."

"Well, you sure proved it back there," Sam whispered to himself. The conversation from a day or two ago played in his mind and he couldn't help to think that Keith had truly detached himself from Allura. Sam was sure he loved her just as much as before, if not more, but he also knew that for Keith, the mission was more important. He didn't allow his feelings to get in the way. Why on Arus couldn't he do the same thing?

"Damn you," he sighed. "Damn me."

The general thought that slowly he was losing himself. He was losing his identity and becoming someone else. Someone he didn't like.

And the scary part…he didn't have the will to stop it.

XXXXXXXXXX

There had not been one moment in the day where Darrell could stay he focused. The amount of work piled quickly and his patience ran thin. He had to provide reports to both the Corps and Garrison on his latest findings on Korrinth and send Keith updates on the new lion systems. Not only did he have to talk to Coran about getting access to the base's higher level computer systems, but he had to rework certain firewalls to insure that Korrinth wouldn't hack into them. Nothing was fully complete at the moment and he knew Keith was going to remind him of his unproductive day as soon as he found that updates had not been sent to him.

Damn it, he thought to himself. Seeing Hope this morning had definitely taken him out of his comfort zone. Darrell wasn't expecting to see her at all. Yet, there she was. And, even though she had lost some weight, Hope looked as beautiful as the last time he saw her.

As he made his way to the Lions' Lair, his thoughts were on the raven haired beauty. He was so far gone mentally that he didn't realize he was about to run into Kirian Mosley.

"Hey!"

Startled, he looked up, "Kirian, I'm sorry."

"That's alright," she smiled. "It looks like something's on your mind."

Darrell chuckled before nodding a little, "Yeah, I guess I was a little out of it. My apologies."

"Don't worry," she answered with a little smile. "It's not like you trampled me. What's going on?"

"Nothing," he answered with a deep sigh. "I'll be fine. So what's going on with you? How was your day today?"

Kirian shrugged, "A little challenging. I had a small argument with the Commander this morning."

"Oh?" Darrell asked curiously. "What up our fearless leader's butt?"

"I told him that I'd like to go to Korrinth," she replied firmly. When Darrell looked at her with a questionable gaze, she continued, "It's a great opportunity, Darrell. I don't have much field work experience gathering Intel, but to be assigned Korrinth…it's a chance to get the experience I need to make a difference. I want this opportunity."

"Opportunity?" he was flabbergasted. "Kirian, if anything, it's a suicide mission!"

"Darrell, stop worrying. I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself," Kirian answered with a little edge in her tone. "I know what I'm doing. I want to become a Commander of my own unit or fleet. Whether it happens in the Corps or at the Garrison, I don't know and honestly, I don't care. But, in order to get there, I have to push myself and take on these types of missions. It's the only way I'll get the recognition I need to be considered for such a post."

"Kirian, I don't doubt your abilities, and I think you'll make your way to Sergeant very soon. After that, the higher posts will come with time. But, going to Korrinth? It's like trying to run before even learning to crawl. You're not ready. For once, I have to agree with Keith on this," he responded with a rougher tone.

Kirian noticed that this wasn't the normal playful Darrell. He had gone into a type of soldier mode that she wasn't accustomed to. She looked into his eyes and noticed that he shifted his gaze a little before looking at her. Inwardly she smiled, but exteriorly, she looked as if she was studying him. Then, she asked, "Why do you care so much about my decision to go to Korrinth?"

"I want to make sure that you're safe," he answered genuinely.

Stepping a little closer to him, Kirian smiled and asked, "Why?"

Feeling suddenly frazzled, Darrell awkwardly stepped back and laughed nervously, "Why? Kirian…I just wouldn't want anything to happen to a friend."

"A friend? Do you think of me as a friend?"

"Of course, I do," he replied with a nervous nod. "Yeah, a friend."

Kirian stepped a little closer, "What if—"

"Darrell," a third voice, a female voice chimed in.

Kirian turned around and watched as a tall raven-haired beauty walked up to them. With a smile on her face, her eyes held on to Darrell's form, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt."

"No," Kirian shook her head, "Not at all. You must me Ambassador Coran's granddaughter. I'm Ensign Kirian Mosley. I'm your grandfather's assistant."

Hope nodded, "Very nice to meet you Ensign Mosley. Please call me Hope."

"It's good to meet you too, Hope," Kirian smiled.

"Hope," Darrell chimed in, "Are you finished for the day?"

The young woman nodded, "As a matter of fact, yes, I am. Mom said she needed to meet with one of the board members tonight to go over some items for the gala and will be back home late tonight. I was wondering if you wanted to go out. Maybe have dinner?" Hope could tell that his eyes lit up with happiness as soon as the suggestion was shared. "Unless, you're on duty tonight?"

"No, I'm off. And, that'd be great," Darrell answered excitedly, but Hope could also tell that there was still guardedness in the tone.

Not wanting him to pull back, Hope turned to Mosley and asked, "Would you like to join us too?"

Surprised, the young petite blonde answered, "Oh, thank you for the invitation, but tonight I have to work late. I have all these reports to turn in to Ambassador Coran and I also need to prepare for an assignment I'm hoping to get."

"Kirian," Darrell began, but was cut short.

"I'm fine Darrell," she firmly answered. "Don't worry about me. This is something I have to do. Look, Hope just got here and I think you should take her up on the offer. Besides, I really do have a lot of work to do."

"Are you sure?" Hope asked. "I'd really love it if you come."

"How about a rain check? I'll be off duty after the gala? Perhaps we can plan a dinner before your leave?"

"That will be a great idea!" Hope answered with a smile.

"Perfect! Now, I really must go. Have fun both of you," Kirian answered looking at Darrell.

"Thanks Kirian," he answered as he looked at Hope. "Are you ready?"

Nodding, the girl answered, "Absolutely."

As both walked away talking about where they would go, Kirian looked at them. A sad smile registered in her features. Turning, she walked toward her quarters. It would be a long night.

XXXXXXXXXX

A knock on the door had Coran look up from the data pad he currently read. "Come in," he said as he pressed the button on his desk to open the door. Soon, Allura walked it with a small round silver object in hand.

"I came to drop off the latest status report of my class before leaving for the day," she answered with a small smile before placing the object on his desk.

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Coran reciprocated the small gesture, "I'm surprised that with everything on your plate lately you've been able to manage writing these. I thought your assistant would provide me with the reports."

"Oh, you know I love to write these myself," she answered with a shrug. "I know that I'm not able to physically be there for all their learning assignments, but writing these reports keeps me in the loop."

"Well, I'm very appreciative," Coran answered looking at her, "I guess before you leave, my congratulations to you are in order."

"Congratulations?" Allura questioned.

"Yes," he nodded, "You're upcoming nuptials with General Gellar."

"What?" Allura's eyes widened, "He told you? I told him to keep it quiet for now. We were supposed to have dinner tonight to talk about this."

"Don't be angry Allura, the man is happy," the ambassador replied with a sympathetic tone. "Who wouldn't be? Besides joining the woman he loves, you are offering the Lion's soul. I can't imagine anyone keeping quiet about that."

Just as Coran said these words, another thought entered Altair, "Who else has he told this to?"

"He announced it today at the General's meeting," Coran answered with a matter of fact tone. "Everyone was quite happy for him."

"I'm sure," she answered sarcastically. She was never too fond of the Generals. Some of them were pompous, arrogant vermin who were more comfortable with the title, prestige and ego than doing any actual work.

"Although, I must warn of you something Allura," Coran stood up and walked up to his surrogate daughter, "Keith attended today's meeting to discuss the Korrinth assignment."

Allura's eye widened as she whispered, "He knows."

Coran looked at Allura studiously before carefully asking, "Is that a problem?"

She didn't answer for a moment, but regrouped herself, "No. No, it's not a problem. How…how did he react?"

"You know Keith," he shrugged, "When have you ever seen him react to anything?" Allura nodded, agreeing with Coran as he continued, "The only thing he did was walk over to Gellar, shake hands and congratulate him."

"He did that?" she asked, sounding disturbed by what she heard.

"Yes," Coran nodded. "Allura, are you sure you're alright? Is this…event, for lack of a better word, going to affect you or Keith or either of your abilities to get through—"

"No! Absolutely not Coran!" she immediately answered. "Our relationship is over. We both know that and have accepted it." Immediately upon saying those words, flashes of the kiss they shared not too long ago began appearing in Allura's mind.

His lips

The feel of his tongue in her mouth

His hands on her body

The chills

The fire burning inside her

Still looking at her curiously, Coran held his thoughts and answered, "Alright then. Will you be leaving now or later on tonight?" Allura didn't answer. She suddenly looked far away. "Allura?" he raised his voice.

Startled, Altair jumped a little, "Sorry, my mind was…what was it you asked?"

"If you are leaving now or later?"

"Now," Allura shook her head as she composed herself, "Now. We have a meeting early tomorrow morning with Keith and I intend on arriving early."

"Alright then," Coran hugged her, "Have a good night."

"Goodnight, Uncle," she answered with a small smile before hugging him.

"Congratulations again Allura," he said.

Walking towards the door, Altair answered, "Thanks."

XXXXXXXXXX

Arus is beautiful at night, Lance thought as he patrolled the evening sky. What was more thrilling was being in Red. He missed that connection with his lion. In all the years without flying in the Red Lion, he could say that he felt a connection, but actually flying with him, the connection felt stronger, deeper.

"Although," he said out loud as he continued his patrol, "You have never spoken to me the way Black speaks to Keith. Why is that?"

The lion didn't answer.

"So, I guess you don't speak," Lance whispered sarcastically. "Or tell me how you managed to control that fall from a few days ago." He shook his head and decided not to say anything else. McClain you look like a crazy person talking to yourself.

Giving up on the idea of his lion speaking to him, Lance turned his thoughts to Romelle. He had to admit that she looked beautiful earlier that day. He hoped he could convince her to be his date for the gala, but he didn't know how. Thank goodness Hope was there. The kid helped the cause tremendously, he laughed.

His thoughts suddenly took him to the past. The day Hope was born….

January was normally the coldest month on Arus any given year. This year was no exception, Lance thought as he made his way to the MedTech ward of the hospital. The evening before had been rather uneventful, except when in the early morning hours, Sven ran out of his room carrying Romelle.

Lance, who had just come back from patrol, caught up with him as he ran to Medtech.

"Sven, what's going on?" He ran next to his friend.

"She's going into labor, what the hell do you think is going on?" Sven shouted.

Looking at Romelle, Lance could tell she was in serious pain, "What can I do?"

"I…I don't know, just follow me for now," Sven replied as the two ran down the hallway.

Once inside MedTech, Gorma ordered Sven to put Romelle in a gurney before the three ran into the operating room.

He waited in room for a while before Keith walked in, "I was at Control when I watched the three of you run in here. I couldn't get anyone to cover my shift till now. How long have they been in there?"

Lance shrugged, "About an hour. Where's Allura?"

"She still out on Patrol and isn't due back for another hour," he responded. "I don't want to tell her. She'll just be nervous wreck up there until she comes back."

"Might as well," Lance answered. "Doesn't do her any good to wait out here anyway. It isn't like we can do anything for either of them."

Looking carefully at his third in command, Keith asked, "Hey man, are you alright?"

"Yeah," Lance answered suddenly with a smile, "I'm fine. Why?"

"You look…I don't know….you don't seem yourself," Keith answered. "What's bothering you?"

Lance shook his head, "Nothing. I'm just worried about Romelle. Well, worried for them both. You know Sven, he's usually calm about everything, but he was a basket case earlier."

Keith chuckled, "Well, he's having a kid. Who wouldn't turn into a basket case with something like that?"

"I guess," Lance smiled sadly. "I just hope Romelle makes it out okay."

"She's a strong girl Lance," his friend answered.

"No," Lance disagreed, "She just looks strong. You all think that just because she has a resemblance to Allura, she's not as strong as that crazy nut job."

At the statement, Keith laughed. "Allura is not that bad."

"Yes, she is," Lance snorted, "She may be your girlfriend, but even you know how crazy that girl is." He paused for a moment as he found himself chuckling a little. Once composed, he continued, "Romelle isn't Allura, Keith. She's…vulnerable. She's afraid at times, but hides it well."

"You seem to know a lot," Keith replied looking carefully at Lance.

Lance looked away. "You know me. I pay careful attention to all the girls. How else can I conquer them?"

"Planning on conquering Romelle?" Keith joked, but the pun was laced with a little truth. Lance could tell his friend was probing. Keith's probing could be very dangerous at times.

"Don't be an idiot!" Lance played it off, feeling nervous. "I'm just sharing with you what I notice about Romelle. I could tell you some things about that wildcard of yours."

Keith didn't laugh this time. He just looked at his friend with a mix of emotions. Then, he did what Lance never thought his friend would do, he changed the subject, "How long do you think they'll be in there?"

"I don't know," he answered, grateful that the topic died. "If the kid is anything like Sven, it could be hours. It will come out when it wants to come out."

Keith laughed and at that moment Hunk and Pidge walked looking disheveled, from being woken up from their sleep.

"The guard on duty called and told us you were here," a young Darrell answered as he put on his glasses.

"When did she go in?" Hunk asked.

"About an hour ago," Keith replied. "Have a seat gentlemen, we might be here for a while."

As the four friends sat in silence waiting for news, Lance's thoughts went back to Romelle.

That night, Lance watched as his two friends disappeared through the double doors and a deep pain stung his chest. He was happy for Sven. He was jealous of Sven. Because at that moment, he wanted nothing more than to be at Romelle's side.

XXXXXXXXXX

With a last gulp, Keith had finished his fifth bottle of beer as he sat outside the balcony of the third floor of the brownstone. He would have thought that, by now, he'd be drunk. Surprisingly, he wasn't. His mind was as clear as a crystal.

After the Generals' Meeting (and Sam's announcement), Keith made his way back to the lion's lair. Alone, he locked himself in, turned off the cameras, shut off his mind, and let his rage out. Screaming to the top of his lungs, he didn't know if the anger and resentment would kill him. At that point, he didn't care. He longed to take in a last breath and loose himself into oblivion.

Living without Allura had been a torturous hell for all these years, but he had always hoped that a miracle would bring them back together. He believed in miracles, as any child would. After living over forty years maybe a little bit of his childlike thoughts still lived in him. Opening up another bottle, Keith began drinking again.

If it hadn't been for the lions, he would have lost the little sanity he had left. They healed his emotional wounds and tendered his soul. Only then did he calm down. But the damage had been done. The hurt was still there. Allura was about to share the lion's soul with another. The thought made him literally sick.

He had to get his mind off the subject if he intended to win this war. Hopefully, once Lotor was out of the picture, Keith could go back to his previous life as a hermit. He rolled his eyes, "Pitying yourself is foolish Kogane. Stop the melodrama."

Sighing hard, he rubbed his eyes with both hands before standing up, collecting the bottles and heading back inside the loft. He needed rest. Tomorrow was their group briefing and those never went well. And Lance is on duty tonight, he thought for a moment. He'll be in the best of moods tomorrow morning. Ogre was a light word to describe Lance when he didn't sleep.

In the kitchen, Keith threw away the bottles and began taking the stairs to his room when Agatha alerted him, "Captain, there's a call waiting for you."

"Who, Agatha?"

"Searching," the woman's voice replied. A second later, she answered, "The line is untraceable. I'm unable to verify who or where the caller is located."

"I know who it is," Keith replied as he headed to the elevator, marking the second floor. An untraceable line meant only one person who had the ability to hide well. Hazar.

XXXXXXXXXX

Allura arrived home first from the base. Sam had invited her to celebrate their engagement by going out to one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. Earlier, as she had left the base, she watched as Keith walked out toward the parking lot where his motorcycle was parked. She thought about talking to him, but what would be the use? Would he even listen to her? Worse, she tried reaching out to him, but she felt nothing. He had closed himself. How could he even do that? It was impossible for her to do such a thing. She didn't even know it could be done. Yet, Keith had done it. How?

Noticing when he took off on his bike, Allura had no choice but to go home. Sam had stayed behind finishing up his day before meeting her at her apartment.

Now, as she waited for him, Allura's mind could not stop thinking about Keith. What he must have felt when he heard the news? What did he think? Did he feel any pain, disappointment, anger…jealousy?

"This is ridiculous," she muttered to herself as she looked out at the dark sky from the dining room glass door that led to a balcony. "You left me Keith! You didn't want to have anything to do with me. What did you think? That I wait forever for you to change your mind?"

Allura wasn't expecting an answer, but she demanded one. She wanted a confirmation that Keith Kogane didn't want to have anything to do with her. That he didn't love her, that she was free to marry Sam.

But, if the confirmation proved right, could her heart take the realization? Could she use that as an excuse to go through with the fact that she'd be with another? Forever?

She owed it to herself to find out.

Grabbing the keys to her car, Allura sprinted to the front door, only to be stopped by Sam who was just walking in, "Hey? Where are you going?"

"I need to go back to base," she lied. "I forgot that I have this report that I need to turn in to Coran before my meeting tomorrow."

Sam laughed a little, but his tone was questionable, "Allura, you can turn it in to him tomorrow before the meeting. We have reservations in an hour and you're not even dressed."

"I know," she shrugged it off, "I'm sorry Sam. I want to go celebrate too, but this report is really important. I've turned over my cadets and other responsibilities to another lieutenant, the least I can do is write and turn in the reports to Coran."

"But–"

"Listen, I will try my very best to make it back on time," she gave him a quick peck on the lips, "But I have to do this."

A little bothered, Sam didn't hesitate to let out a frustrated sigh before he answered, "We're supposed to be celebrating tonight Allura. I don't understand why cadet reports are so important?"

Getting annoyed and very impatient, Altaire tried to remain calm, "They are important because my cadets deserve them to be. Honestly Sam, I'm not sure why you are angry. You'd do the same for your cadets."

"I'm not angry," he replied.

"Well then annoyed," she snapped. "You know how important to me my cadets and my responsibility as an officer of the Corps is. If it needs to be done, it needs to be done."

Not wanting to begin a fight with his fiancé of only a couple of hours, Sam nodded calmly trying to ease off the tension, "I apologize darling. I know your work is important. Listen, go. How about I call the place and change our reservation date for this weekend? I'll cook tonight and we can celebrate at home."

Smiling, but still tense, Allura answered, "Okay. Thank you for understanding." She kissed him again and then walked past him to the elevators, "I'll try not to stay too long."

After Allura left. Sam remained at the door. This was not the evening he had been planning. Something was off. He wasn't sure what it was, but he felt something was suddenly off.

XXXXXXXXXX

When Hunk opened the door to his home, he thought he'd find Lucy either in the kitchen, or in their room. Surprisingly, he found her sitting by the virtual fire place so deep in thought that she didn't hear him come in.

Hunk had to admit that he purposely stayed at the base longer than he needed to avoid seeing her. After embarrassing her earlier that morning, he just couldn't face her. Worse, he realized that his feelings hadn't really changed. He wanted a baby. The thought of being a father was in his heart, but not at the moment. Not with this war and certainly not with a maniac on the loose.

"I thought you'd spend the night at the base," she told him when she finally realized he was there.

"Why would you think that, Lucy?" he asked as he walked up closer and sat next to her on the floor. At that moment he had realized she covered herself with a light blanket and cup of tea sat by her side. "I would never leave you alone at home, unless I had to."

"Really Will?" she snapped. "What about today?"

He closed his eyes in regret, knowing full well what she meant.

"I'm sorry, Lucy," he told her softly, "I never meant to embarrass you."

"Do you think that that's the reason, I'm mad? Seriously Will, you think that's the issue?" Lucy replied with a hurtful tone. "What hurt me the most is the thought I have in my mind. The thought that you don't want this baby. And, that's the worst feeling in the world. Will, do you want this baby?"

"Of course I do!" he immediately told her. "Lucy, it's literally a dream to know that you are pregnant," Hunk attempted to hold her hand, but she would have none of it. However, he continued, "I want this baby, more than anything, but I'm just worried. So worried that…"

"That what?" she now took interest in what he had to say.

"That I won't be around," he shrugged. "That it'll get hurt or killed." Hunk attempted to hold her hand again and he felt immediate relief when Lucy allowed him to hold it, "You have no idea what the Drules can do. And this bastard that we have against us now… Lucy, I'm more than worried. I'm down right scared out of my mind."

XXXXXXXXXX

As Darrell lay in bed. He thought about what had led to the events he was now part of.

Just an innocent dinner, that's all it was supposed to be. But, it wasn't.

It all began with a question.

"So, tell me," Darrell began, "How do you like the job?"

They had decided to go to a Thai bistro on Hill's drive, a few blocks off of Almeria Avenue. It was a small place, away from the craziness that Almeira Blvd. The restaurant was small, very small. The two sat at a corner table on the far end of the restaurant. It was a cozy little corner with dim lighting and very few other tables around them. Secluded enough, from the world around them, Darrell listened.

"I really like it," she told him with excitement in her voice. "Don't get me wrong, I miss Arus a lot, especially mom and dad. But, my friends have made the transition a little smoother."

"Oh?" he asked curiously. "Tell me about them."

"Well, there's Amy. She's the secretary at the firm and a real sweet girl. She's always making sure I have what I need, sends me reminders of things I need to do before a meeting. Just little things that let me know she's watching out for me. I know that she doesn't have to do that. She does it just because she's a nice person."

"Yeah," Darrell nodded. "She does sound very nice."

"She is," Hope agreed with slow nod. "Then there's the architecture group I hang out with. Robin is the most seasoned of all of us. She's kind of our leader. Her job is basically to oversee our projects. She's pretty cool. Sometimes, a bit aggressive, but that's because she has a goal of making partner in five years."

"She's a go getter," he added.

"You have no idea," the brunette laughed, "She's completely focused. I'm sure she's going crazy assigning my work to the rest of the group. Bobby must be screaming bloody hell."

"He's another in your group?" Darrell asked as their food was placed on the table.

"Yeah," Hope answered. "He's a project manager. Another one that keeps us in check. He's a little younger than the rest of the group. Still working on his last year of architect school. He is dying to move to Arus after graduation and work for Dad's firm."

"Really? Why?" Darrell leaned in.

She shrugged, "He says he's always liked Arus. But in reality, I think it's because his partner was transferred here last month from the Garrison. Bobby wants to be closer to him."

The statement suddenly put Darrell at ease. Not even noticing, Hope continued on.

"Christine is another architect that started two weeks before I did. She and I are close. We kind of watch out for each other. And then, of course, there's Jason." She ended with a little chuckle.

"Jason?"

Hope smile brightened unconsciously. "He's a partner. Actually, he made partner a few months before I arrived."

"And he's in your group?" Darrell unconsciously leaned in again, putting his chopsticks down and ignoring the food before him.

"No, not really," she answered as she began to eat. "But he oversees the current project I'm working on. Robin reports to him, but he's been at the site along with her. He's been very sweet to me. Kind of taken me in under his wing. You know developing me more and offering suggestions when I'm stuck."

Darrell nodded and smiled through her answer, but in reality the anger that he felt inside was slowly breaking his composure. Jason, the sweet man that was 'developing' Hope. Yeah, right!

He is definitely grooming her, he thought, for his bed.

Hope could be so gullible. The man obviously liked what he saw and was making sure Hope fell for him slowly. Darrell knew the game very well. He himself had played the it many times.

Rebecca had come into his life when he was probably sixteen. She was a sweet girl from one of the neighboring villages near what was once the castle. They met on a day that the team had gone for what Arus called the Festival of Lights. Once every five years a shower of meteors entered the hemisphere and brought a rainbow of lights. It looked like a natural fireworks show, sort of like a fourth of July. People would bring out their blankets and wait for the show to begin. Rebecca sat with her family near where the team sat. It was mostly puppy love, he had to admit. And make out sessions. But, nothing beyond that. He was sixteen.

At eighteen, Christina made her debut. She was fun and feisty. Christina was a Garrison officer who was transferred to Arus for a special assignment. At first, the idea of dating a Voltron pilot seemed exciting to her. Unfortunately, their dating happened during the worst time for the team. Their relationship suffered. He didn't make it any easier on her either. That relationship, although turbulent, lasted almost two years. Then, a few years after that came Courtney. By that time, he had moved already back to Earth. He and Hunk had begun working for the Garrison on creating Intel equipment.

One night, Hunk and Lucy invited him to go to a party hosted by Lucy's friend. It was at that party that he met Courtney, an attorney in one of California's most prestigious law firms. The two hit it off immediately at the party. The synergy between them was amazing. So amazing that Darrell thought she was the one. He had even proposed to her. The engagement lasted for about a year before he broke it off.

Between his three formal girlfriends and the women who he shared a bed in between, Darryl had fine-tuned the ways to seduce women. He knew exactly what Jason was trying to do to Hope. And he didn't like it.

Maybe he was trying to protect her. Of course, the most rational explanation was that he was jealous. The way she smiled when she had said his name angered him.

"Are you alright?" she suddenly asked.

Looking up at her, Darryl answered, "Yeah, why?'

"You went quiet there for a while," she looked at him curiously.

He changed the subject and the two continued on the evening chatting and catching up. Then, he drove her home. She went to kiss him goodnight when suddenly, as if he couldn't contain himself, and the kiss that was meant to go on his cheek went to his lips. Because he turned his face toward her. It was a quick kiss, but the energy, the electricity sparked. And a second kiss lingered and deepened. Before he knew it, the car was just wasn't big enough for what he wanted to do to her.

"Hope, I want you," he said between kisses. His lips made their way to her neck. He could smell her perfume.

"Where…where do you want to go?" she asked breathlessly.

He smiled. Kissed her and drove away.

Now, as he lay in bed with Hope in his arms, Darryl sighed inwardly. Looking at her as she slept soundly, he couldn't help himself from thinking, what am I doing?

Hope moved against him and he cuddled her closer to his arms. He did not know what he was going to do. This was not helping Hope. This wasn't helping what he was trying to accomplish. To make her happy.