Finally! I'm so so sorry. Those of you who know me, know what the last six months or so have been for me. But, I'm committed to finishing this story. I really REALLY am!

Here's 34. Next chapter is already half way done.

Sisina: Nerve wracking. Yes! Loved this review. Hope you read this coming chapter.

LibAkilah: Thank you for reading. Hope you stay tuned. A lot of your hypothesis will be answered in the next few chapters. I agree on Hunk. I'm hoping I can give him more screen time in the coming chapters.

RossoDiSerra: Thank you for keeping up with my crazy story and my lagging updates! Were you able to watch? I really hated what they did with the remake. And Lance and Allura? Really? I don't know. I've always seen them more of a brother/sister than lovers. Oh. Whatever. I'm happy in my story zone. LOL!

Guest: I totally agree! LOL!

Guest: Really appreciate you reading. And you are welcome. Mosley is a bit annoying….

Guest: Thank you for reading. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

AutumnSea9: I love Keith too. He will always be my favorite. Enjoy!

GoPinkLion: LOL! Your comment had me laughing like crazy when I read it. Poor, poor Mosley…Not (well, according to you.) Enjoy this next chapter. Hope you like it.

As always, special thanks to Mertz for editing.

Playlist

Everdream-Epic Soul Factory

Event Horizon-Really Slow Motion

Fearless Motivation-Trailer Music World

Chapter 34

Darrell walked into the dining hall of the Corps base holding his lunch tray as he looked for a seat. He didn't know what he felt, but the word elation came to mind. He was elated, filled with inner happiness and peace, despite the fact that he was in a very active war with the Drules once more.

Even though the blue men were wreaking havoc on the Denubian, he felt a balance in his personal life that he never felt before. He was finally committed to the woman of his dreams and now they were days away from closing on their new apartment. Then, there was his team, his family. They were closer to becoming the family that they once were. It was something he never thought would happen. And, this homecoming came with new surprises.

Lance found happiness with Romelle and although the two had not publicly announced it, anyone who saw them together in a room would know something was going on between them. Lucy returned from Earth and Hunk was in heaven, the big man's demeanor changed drastically overnight. And, of course, there was Keith and Allura. Keith woke from the coma earlier that morning and Allura was ecstatic. He had never seen her so happy and so hopeful, a look that Allura hadn't sported in ages.

Darrell hadn't visited Keith because Lance didn't want him to have any visitors just yet. He and Allura were still working out the details on how to tell Keith about their knowledge of his well-kept secret. That meant that all he could do was work on finding what Lotor and his mad scientists cooked up in that laboratory. He and Lance interrogated Allura a few days before about her time with Lotor. She described what she saw in his lab. Darrell was beyond interested. If what Allura described was true, a hard battle lay ahead of them.

He wasn't sure what type of technology Lotor used, but he hoped Keith had more information and that he'd be able to be part of his interrogation. For the moment, all he could do was conduct research on the little information Allura told him.

After working all morning, he found himself hungry and took a break to catch lunch. As he looked for a place to sit, he found a sullen looking Kirian Mosley playing with her food. He walked over to her.

"Mind if I join you?"

She looked up, "Hey, Darrell. Sure, if you don't mind the self-loathing session I'm currently engulfed in."

Putting down his tray on the table, he sat down and asked, "Self-loathing session? What's going on, Kirian?"

She sighed, "I've been promoted."

"What?" he smiled, "That's great! Why would you be down about a promotion?"

She looked up at him, "It means that I leave Arus. I have to go back to Earth."

Darrell looked at her with a little confusion, "And that would be bad, because…"

Kirian sighed loudly, "You don't understand. I wanted to get a promotion here. I wanted to make a name for myself here. It's what I been hoping for ever since I can remember. I had a plan, Darrell. I would serve as assistant to Advisor Coran and I'd be so good, that he'd want to keep me in the Corps."

"But you are good."

"Yes!" she raised her voice as her eyes widened with annoyance. "I was so good, that his reports reached the Garrison and General Martinez from the Texas Garrison base snatched me right back! That wasn't part of my plan."

"Wait a second," Darrell realized as she spoke, "That's why you wanted to go to Korrinth? You thought you'd do so well there that Coran would want to keep you?"

"Well," Kirian sighed again as she looked down at her plate, "That was part of it, yes…but…"

"Ah, let me take another stab at this," Darrell shook his head. "You also wanted to impress another person…a certain Captain of the Voltron Force?"

"Guilty as charged." This time she snorted in disgust, "I wasn't planning on falling for him either. And I've tried, Darrell, I've really tried. I can't get him out of my head." She became quiet for a moment, pensive as she looked out at the crowd of officers sitting down and eating their meals, "I shouldn't have told you this."

"It's okay," he reasoned.

She shook her head, "No, it's not. These are your friends and I shouldn't be putting you in this position. Hell, I shouldn't be putting myself in this position! But, you're the only one I feel I can talk to about this. You're the only one who's been friendly to me. Lieutenant Garrett has always been distant and has never gone beyond professional in his behavior. I've had very little contact with Lieutenant McClain, with the exception of the last couple of days. I know that Lieutenant Altair can't stand me, and I can't blame her. I've acted like a childish fool around her and Captain Kogane has barely given me a glimpse since…whatever. Like I said, you're the only one that's been, friendly and approachable."

Darrell didn't know how to take that. It wasn't friendliness back then, so much as it was getting her into bed. What a total fool he had been. This girl didn't look at him as a commanding officer. He didn't feel that was a compliment, even though she obviously thought it was.

"Kirian," he said very seriously, "You can't be in love with Captain Kogane."

"Don't you think I know that?" she sighed again. "I know that he's in love with Lieutenant Altair and she's obviously in love with him. The times that I've visited him at the MedTech, she's always there. There's no doubt."

"So, in knowing that, maybe this promotion is a good thing," Darrell tried to reason. "Being here is not going to help. And now that he's woken up−"

"He's awake?" he eyes widened. "When?"

"A few hours ago," he replied annoyed at himself for not keeping his mouth shut. "But, he's not taking any visitors. Even I'm not allowed to see him." Last thing that Allura needed was this young lady around.

"Oh," she looked disappointed. "Well, maybe in day or two I can go."

"Maybe," he sounded unsure. "Listen, this promotion is going to be good for you. Maybe distancing yourself from him will give you a clearer perspective of things."

"Maybe," she didn't sound hopeful. "I've been such an idiot."

"You're young," Darrell smiled. "We've all been fools one time or another." Or many, he thought of himself. He fell more in love with Hope at that moment. She put up with a lot. "When are you leaving?"

"Not for a few days at least," she shrugged. "I have to finalize some projects that Advisor Coran gave me. I asked General Martinez for an extension."

"Good," he answered. "Use the time wisely. Who knows, maybe in a few years Coran will request you to come back."

Smiling sadly, she said, "If I could only be that lucky."

VVVVVVVVVV

Keith closed his eyes as he rested in bed. Every time he opened them the world around him spun. He felt tired, warm, and uncomfortable. What he wouldn't give to go home. He sighed.

"Let me guess? You are bored and you want out of here."

The woman's voice captured his attention and he opened his eyes briefly before closing them, "What can I help you with, Altair?"

With his eyes closed, Keith didn't notice her worried expression. Allura sighed inwardly as she tried to play it off, "Nothing. I just came to check up on you."

"I'm fine," he whispered. "And you are right, I'm bored. Care to brief me."

"You're off duty," she reasoned. "At the moment, Lance is in charge and he says you're not to have any information until you're back."

Keith opened his eyes again, "Altair, I'm not playing games."

"Neither am I," she shrugged as she sat down.

He didn't want to argue with her mostly because he didn't have the energy. The truth was that he felt horrible and by the looks of it, the feeling would last for a while. Keith remained quiet for a moment. He wanted to ask her the question since he woke up but hadn't had the opportunity. This was as good a time as any, "Did he hurt you while you were with him?"

At this, Allura sat up, "What?"

"Did Lotor hurt you?" he asked again, opening his eyes. "I didn't feel any pain coming from you, but I wasn't sure if you were blocking me."

"No, Keith," she shook her head. "He didn't hurt me. I'm alright."

"How's the general?" he asked genuinely, closing his eyes again.

At that question, Allura remained quiet. It had been a prolonged silence that made Keith open his eyes once again.

"Allura?"

"Sam," she began, "Sam didn't make it, Keith." When she looked at him, Allura saw the sadness and pain in Keith's features. Not only that, she felt it. She wasn't sure if he allowed her to feel his pain or if he was too weak to keep it from her.

"I'm so sorry, Allura," he said. "I'm so very sorry."

The tears threatened to come, but she wouldn't cry. Keith was going through a lot and he didn't need more pain coming from her, "The memorial service is tomorrow afternoon. Coran is putting it together. Sam didn't have any close living relatives. I think there was an aunt who lives about a day or two away from the city, but he never really had contact with her. Anyways, the team will be going with me tomorrow to pay their respects."

"I'm sorry, I can't be there," was all he could offer as he fought to keep his eyes opened.

"I know," she smiled. "Rest up, Keith."

"I wish there was something I could do," he sighed miserably. "I−"

She smiled a little, before standing up, "You've done a lot."

Keith looked at her a little curiously. There hadn't been any bitterness in her tone. Rather, she said it with a feeling of sadness and empathy.

"Anyways, I have to go," she turned and began walking out the door. "I'll come back tomorrow after the service to check on you."

With that, she walked out of the room leaving Keith not only dazed, but extremely confused.

VVVVVVVVVVV

Later that night, Keith woke up feeling excessively hot. Having woken up from a nightmare, he noticed the sweat glistening off his forehead and his damp hair and clothes. Aside, from the anxiety he felt from the dream, he also knew the heat that percolated his body was a fever.

"Damn. Sven leave me the hell alone," he whispered. "I can't deal with this again."

Unable to get up, he called in a nurse to help him freshen up and give him something for the fever.

Within minutes, expecting a nurse, Keith was surprised to see Dr. Gorma walk in, "What's going on, Captain Kogane?"

"Didn't know you made house calls," he replied groggily.

"Only for my favorite patients," the older man replied as he looked over at the data screen on the side of Keith's bed. "101 fever…must be another side effect of the medication. Do you feel anything else?"

"I'm still dizzy," Keith closed his eyes. "A little less than before, but not by much. Just that for now. Should I expect more?"

"Hopefully, not," the physician answered as he continued monitoring the screen. "Everything else is looking good, Captain. I'm going to prescribe some Ibuprofen for the fever. I'm sure we can get it down by morning. I'll also have a nurse come in a few minutes to help you freshen up and help you change."

"Thanks, Doc," Keith sighed. "Any chance I can get out a little sooner?"

Patting the Keith on the shoulder, the doctor said, "Not a chance, Kogane. Be a little patient. You'll get better soon."

VVVVVVVVVV

By morning the fever had lowered somewhat, but it was still present, and the dizziness was also there but a little less than the day before. Keith was attempting to have breakfast, even though he had no desire to eat, when Lance walked in.

"Morning," Lance said as he sat down and took a seat on the sofa that had been his bed for the last few nights, "How you feeling, Kogane?"

Keith looked at him curiously, "Lance, what are you doing here?"

"What?" Lance snorted, "I came to see how you're feeling. Is that a crime?"

Continuing to study him, Keith replied, "Not that I don't appreciate it, but−"

"But what?"

"I just don't understand why you're here. I…I honestly wasn't expecting any visitors," he answered guardedly.

Knowing that he had to change tactics immediately, Lance sat up and asked, "I came to interrogate you. You feel like answering a few questions?" Lance noticed Keith continuing to study him. God, does he really think we are that uncaring? What have we become? Lance thought as he tried to keep his demeanor cool and aloof. He and Allura needed to speak to him fast.

That seemed to relax Keith a little. He sighed as he pushed the food tray away from him, "Sure. What do you want to know?"

Inwardly sighing in relief, Lance asked, "I need to know what you saw inside Lotor's base."

"In that case, shouldn't Darrell or any one of the others be here?" Keith tested him. "When interrogating, two members have to be present."

Lance almost rolled his eyes. Leave it to Keith to state protocol even in sick bay, "Yea...yeah," he nodded. "I've already called Darrell. He's on his way. Let me call him again." Getting his comm. unit, Lance called out to, "Hey, Darrell. Keith and I are waiting for you. Get your butt over here."

VVVVVVVVVV

As he worked with Hunk in the lair, loud music blaring around, Darrell felt his comm. unit alert him. Walking over to the console to put the music down, as Hunk yelled, "Hey! You put it down at the best part!"

"Hold on," Darrell yelled as he pressed the button, "Darrell here."

He heard Lance's voice, "Hey, Darrell. Keith and I are waiting for you. Get your butt over here." Darrell noticed that Lance cut him off before he could answer him.

Hunk looked at him, "I thought we weren't supposed to see him?"

Darrell shrugged, "We're not. Something's going on. Guess, I'm going to see Keith earlier than I thought."

VVVVVVVVVV

Walking into Keith's room, Darrell studied Lance's eyes. Reading through them, he knew he had to play along with whatever Lance would say next. His friend, with unspoken words, said follow my lead. Next, he looked at Keith, who looked as serious as he usually did. He doesn't know.

"Glad you're feeling better," Darrell carefully said.

Keith nodded.

Yep, he doesn't know, we know.

"Keith's feeling better. Thought it was a good time as any to do so," Lance said as he gestured Darrell to a seat in the chair adjacent to him. Looking back to Keith, he asked, "Can you tell us what you saw?"

Keith sat up a little and closed his eyes for a moment before he spoke up. Now the dizzy spells only came when he sat up, "I…I saw Zarkon."

"What?" both men looked stunned as they voiced out their surprise to his words, but it was Lance who spoke, "Zarkon? He's dead."

Keith nodded, "He is. But, whatever Lotor cooked up in that lab created a replica of Zarkon. It wasn't…alive. I mean, it wasn't a Drule or any living organism by definition. It was a robot, but then again it wasn't."

"What do you mean?" Darrell asked.

"I don't know how to explain it. It looked like he was made out of liquid titanium, but then he changed. He broke apart and then became something else…"

"What?"

Keith laughed humorlessly, "Me. It became me. I fought it, at least I attempted to. I threw the first punch and I didn't even dent the thing. My hand went right through it. It, however, punched me hard enough to knock me cold. I came to in the room you found me in."

Darrell sighed as he thought through what Keith shared, "In her interrogation, Allura told us that what she saw in the lab was a swarm of insect like creatures just flying around in an enclosed area of the lab." He thought some more, "Could be some type nano-technology made out of liquid titanium or something similar to it. These insects, for lack of a better word, work together to form whatever is commanded of them."

"How?" Lance asked.

The younger man shrugged, "Listen, this is just a hypothesis. I'd have to research it more. Hunk might be able to help me. He knows more about working with titanium since he's the builder. In answer to your question, my first thought is a central computer. It needs to be something that provides it with orders."

Looking back at Keith, Lance asked, "If this thing does what you just said, then there's a possibility that could be Lotor's idea of a robeast for us."

"You're right," Keith agreed. "Darrell, you need to find out more about this form of nano-technology. We need to know how to destroy it."

"On it, boss," Darrell immediately nodded.

Keith looked at him strangely. Darrell had a tendency to call him that every now and again, but he hadn't addressed him like that in years.

Lance gave the kid the evil eye. "We should go," he said looking annoying and hoping that Keith would read his actions in another way.

"Yeah, fine," Darrell quickly nodded before standing up and going out the door. "I'll get started."

Nodding at Keith, Lance followed Darrell out the door.

VVVVVVVVVV

"Kogane I will not argue with you again! You will stay here until the vertigo is gone. Your fever has lessened but is by no means gone and I will not have you out of MedTech until it breaks." Gorma's neck veins popped out at the heated argument with his worst patient. A few hours after Lance and Darrell's visit, Keith had lost all patience and asked a nurse for his discharge paperwork.

Keith sat up in bed and sighed in frustration, as he closed his eyes. Within the last twenty-four hours, the fever and the dizzy spells had lessened, but were still present. He still felt miserable and he knew the feeling would last at least a few days. He decided that if he was going to be miserable, he'd prefer to be miserable at home.

"The vertigo will go away whether I stay here or not and the fever isn't even high enough to merit me staying at MedTech. Dr. Gorma, I've been here enough times to know the rules and protocols of your own department," he calmly stated. "I can't fly, I can't drive. Believe me, I have to rest, so might as well do it at home."

"You're practically bedridden for the next couple of days, who the hell is going to take care of you?" Gorma questioned with his usually sarcastic tone.

"I have Agatha."

"Who?"

Sighing again, Keith answered, "I'll manage. Believe me, Doctor. I've taken care of myself in worse situations. All I need is for someone to take me back to my place."

"You're not going anywhere."

Keith looked up, "The only way you can keep me here is if I'm in a life or death situation. That's not the case. I'm stable and most likely not going to get worse. Remember policy, Doctor…"

Gorma rolled his eyes in annoyance but also in acceptance. Kogane knew the policies of MedTech better than him, "Fine. You win. This goes against my recommendation, I still think you should stay at least a day or two, but if this is what you want, so be it."

"Thank you," Keith nodded.

Walking toward the door, Gorma didn't bother to turn around, "But should you fall and break that thick head of yours, don't you even believe for one minute, I won't strap you back in bed and you'll spend the reminder of your healing process in here!"

Keith smiled as the doctor walked out of his room. He could have sworn he heard Gorma whisper to himself, "Ungrateful bastard!" before the doors closed. The captain knew he didn't mean it. Gorma always felt it was his duty to overprotect all five of them. Keith guessed that in his older age, those feelings had grown worse. Once gone, the captain picked up his communicator, "Mosley."

"Captain? You're up. Thank God!"

"Thanks for the welcome," he told her, closing his eyes as a dizzy spell attacked him. "I need you to bring me some workout clothes from the base's gym."

"You're leaving MedTech? I don't think that's a good idea," she asked a bit surprised.

He shook his head a bit annoyed at the young girl's comment. "Yes, I'm discharging myself and I need something to walk out with."

"No problem, Captain. Would you like me to take you home as well?"

"Yes, unless you have something to finish here…"

"No!" she immediately interrupted. "I'm…I'm okay. Give me fifteen minutes and I'll be right there." With that she cut off communication.

VVVVVVVVVV

Mosley couldn't contain her excitement. Kogane had called her. Her!

This was something she was not expecting. After her conversation with Darrell, she didn't think she'd see the captain anytime soon. But, the chance arrived, and she wasn't going to let it go.

"Yes!"

Smiling, she picked up her bag and ran out of her room, heading to the gym to get what the captain requested.

VVVVVVVVVV

After the funeral, Allura drove back to the base with the purpose of speaking to Keith. She intended to tell him that they knew he had done for them. Lance would not be happy. They had agreed to talk to Keith together, but it wouldn't help if both of them cornered him. It be better if he heard it from her first.

As she walked into the base and headed to the MedTech unit, she began to think of all those years that she could have been with Keith. She shook her head dismissing those thoughts. Reliving the past would not bring it back, so why wallow in the what ifs.

For the first time in nearly a decade, Allura saw a future, and a future with someone she loved and could never live without. But she needed to release all the secrets around her. Truth needed to come to light, for everyone's sake.

"Good afternoon, Lieutenant," Allura heard the voice of one of the nurses as she walked into the unit.

She nodded with a small smile as she continued her path. She knew where she was headed and what she wanted. Altair couldn't wait to see him. As she walked into the area where Keith was in, she took off her hat to feel more comfortable. She wasn't fond of wearing her full military outfit, but the occasion demanded it and she owed it to Sam to respect him in every way possible. When she finally made it into the room, she expected to find Keith lying in bed but found it empty.

Surprised, she found herself thinking the worst. Something had happened while she was at the funeral, something had happened to Keith and her heart began pounding. Quickly, she left the room and looked for someone around the vicinity.

Within seconds, she found a nurse stepping out of a room. "Where is Captain Kogane?" Altair asked.

The young man, clearly startled by her harsh and demanding tone, answered her, "Lieutenant…I believe the captain checked himself out."

"What? How? He can't…he's suffering from vertigo?"

Shaking his head, the young man replied, "I…I don't know. But I can check in the system."

"Why don't you do that?" Allura retorted as she rolled her eyes in annoyance.

The kid walked toward the nearest station and began typing in the captain's name, "Yes, Lieutenant. He checked out about an hour ago. Private Kirian Mosley escorted him out."

"Damn," Allura boiled. "She took him."

The nurse nodded nervously, "Yes, Lieutenant."

"Thanks," she told him as she turned around and walked out the MedTech unit intending to find Kogane and step over the nuisance that stood her way.

VVVVVVVVVV

Mosley pulled up to the brownstone. To his surprise, Keith found that he needed more help than he thought. It would take a few seconds, but after he stood straight up, the world immediately whirled around him and he closed his eyes to try to stop the spinning. Kirian ended up carrying most of his weight as they reached the loft. Keith seemed surprised by the young girl's strength. For such a small frame, she carried his weight with ease.

Once at the doors of the loft, Keith placed his hand on a security-pad bolted by the wall and within seconds, the door swooshed open. Then, they took the elevator to the living area.

"I'm going to try to take you upstairs," Kirian began as she walked him to the stairs that lead to his bedroom.

Keith slowly shook his head, "No, wait," he replied as they reached their destination. He grabbed the railing and pressed a button located under the frame. Kirian's eyes widened as she saw the stairs transform into an escalator.

"How did you…"

"It's not the first time, I've been…sick." he answered and left the statement unfinished.

The escalator brought them up within moments and Kirian immediately took the captain to his bed. Once lying flat, the world stopped spinning for Keith.

Letting out a sigh, Kirian took a blanket from the end of the bed and covered him. "Are you nauseous?" she asked as she sat down next to him.

"A bit."

"Did Gorma prescribe anything for you?"

Keith nodded, "Yeah, he's having someone from the base bring it later. He gave me a dosage of the stuff before I left."

"Okay," Kirian nodded. "You rest. I'll start preparing something for you to eat." She stood and began walking toward the staircase.

"Mosley, thanks but I think you should return to the base," Keith answered flatly and unemotionally.

She turned in surprise, "You can't expect to stay here by yourself in this condition."

"I'll be fine," he replied. "Thanks for bringing me here. You've done more than enough."

"But Captain…"

"Mosley," Keith stated firmly. "That's an order. Go back to base. I'll be fine." He yawned a bit. Whatever Gorma had given him had begun to work.

Seeing that he would soon succumb to the medication, Kirian smiled inwardly. All she needed was to keep him busy a bit before he'd finally pass out. "Ok, let me at least bring you a pitcher of water, just in case you get thirsty." She hurried down the escalator not giving the captain enough time to object.

Kirian went to the kitchen and slowly began her task. Minutes later she took the escalator up and by the time she put the tray down in the night stand, Keith was out. If he thinks I'm leaving… she thought as she shook her head and looked at him.

The young girl smiled, noticing how he slept peacefully. She sat down next to him. Keith, unaware that Kirian had decided to stay with him, didn't notice her presence. She touched his forehead, still warm. But hopefully, the meds Gorma prescribed would soon end that. He looks so peaceful. She smiled, but within seconds, that smile faded.

She gently brushed his hair with her fingers, but soon those fingers began to caress his cheeks and then roam around his lips. Sighing, Kirian leaned down with the intention of feeling those soft lips against her own; but at the moment of impact, Agatha interrupted her.

Visitor at the door, Captain, the home computer stated.

Kirian rose in surprise and ran down the stairs. When the door swooshed open, the young girl gasped at the person standing in front of her.

"Lieutenant Altair!" she swallowed nervously.

"Where is he?" Allura demanded and walked passed the young girl without so much as an acknowledgement.

"He's upstairs. He just passed out."

Turning, Allura looked a bit alarmed, "Is he okay?"

Nodding the young girl replied, "Oh yes. It's the medications that Dr. Gorma prescribed. Someone is scheduled to bring the rest later today."

"Alright, thank you, Ensign Mosley. I'll take over from here. You are dismissed."

The girl's eyes showed shock, "But…"

"Is there a problem, Ensign?"

"Oh, no…I…I just thought…you might need me for something else, Lieutenant."

Allura knew the game, the girl intended to stay and take care of the fallen captain. Altair smiled. Cute, but pathetic. She really should find someone her age. "Thank you for all your help. But, I'm sure Captain Kogane can take care of himself. You must have work to do at the base."

Nodding uneasily, the girl agreed. But Altair could tell her dismissal bothered her more than she let on. "Alright, Lieutenant. Please, let me know if you need assistance."

"Sure," Allura smiled coldly.

The young girl turned around and left without a word.

VVVVVVVVVV

Kirian walked out the doors of the loft with an inward rage that brewed with each step. How dare she! The young girl sighed to release her frustration. She loves him. How can I be mad at that? She concluded as she exited the building and entered her car.

Turning the vehicle on, she drove down the road and away from the loft, away from him. She needed to leave. Darrell was right. Distance was what she needed. She shook her head. "I'm so stupid!" she told herself.

Sighing, she thought a bit more. Maybe it was time to s start working on making everything she had worked for come true.

VVVVVVVVVV

Darrell's attention did not waver away from the vidscreen as he worked on the research that Keith asked for earlier. He finally finished after working for hours writing a program that would help him close any gaps with his theory. He sighed tiredly when he finally sent his findings to Keith and Lance.

Moments later, he heard the door of his office open.

"I'm finally done, Hunk. You want to grab dinner?" Darrell asked as he continued looking at the screen.

"I'm not Hunk, but I wouldn't mind grabbing dinner with you," he heard a female's voice.

Darrell turned around and smiled, "What are you doing here?"

Hope walked to Darrell holding a take out bag. The room suddenly smelled of Italian spices, "I figured the love of my life needed some sustenance after all these hours of work. And I figured you'd like to have an early dinner since I have a special dessert waiting for us at the hotel," she kissed him and he returned the kiss without hesitation.

When he finally loosened his hold on her, Darrell asked, "What's for dessert?"

Smiling back, Hope said, "Strawberries…whipped cream…me."

Laughing now, Darrell hugged her, "I think that's the best dessert you've ever served."

VVVVVVVVVV

When Keith woke, he felt heat all over his body and a need to relieve himself. He sat up slowly and the room started spinning, but not as fast as it did before. Noticing the silence around him, he deduced that Kirian had respected his wishes and left him. Sighing, Keith rose and supported himself with the furniture around him as he made his way to the bathroom.

As he slowly walked, he tripped. Not wanting to hit the floor, he slammed himself against a wall, hoping that it would support him.

"What are you doing up?" he heard the voice of someone way too familiar and very unlikely to be there. For a moment he thought he hallucinated the person who appeared next to him.

Keith felt her hands on him as they guided him to the bathroom, "Come on, I'll help you get there."

"Allura?"

"Yes, I'm here."

"What are you doing here?"

"Taking care of you," she answered as she led him to the toilet. "Here, use the counter for support."

Reaching borderline angry, Keith huffed, "I'm quite capable of doing this myself."

"Fine! Just make sure you aim right. I'm here to take care of you, not to clean," she told him as she walked out of the bathroom and closed the door.

A few minutes later, the door to the bathroom opened and Keith walked steadily out. Allura hadn't moved from the door. She had heard the flush, the faucet and was surprised that Keith was able to do it all by himself in his condition. As soon as he saw her, he asked, "Are you going to answer me now?"

She grabbed ahold of him and led him back to bed, "You still feel hot. Your meds were delivered about an hour ago, I'll go get them for you now."

Keith laid down, but before Allura could turn around and leave, he grabbed her arm, "What are you doing here?"

She sighed, "I told you, I'm here to take care of you."

"Altair! What the hell is going on? Lance, Darrell…you're all acting…strange."

"We need to talk," Allura stated flatly. "But not now, let me give you your meds first."

"Allura!"

"Later Kogane," she yelled in her most regal tone as began walking down the stairs.