We went down in two groups because the Holts, Shiro and Adam lived in the city while Hunk and I lived in a smaller town about three hours outside the city. Allura dropped us off in a shuttle on the edge of town, while Coran took the city folk closer to the city. From there we would be able to take a bus to our homes. Shay's eyes were glued out the window the whole time, her face practically attached to the glass. Keith was a little more subtle but I could tell he was just as excited to see Earth by the curious looks he shot out the window every so often. Poor Saros seemed scared of all the fast moving scenery because he hid in Hunk's chest most of the ride. On the other end of the scale Nova was content to sleep in my lap the whole way; I knew driving would put her to sleep. The Garrets got off two stops before us and I could tell that both Keith and Shay were sending each other 'best of luck' looks. The two had become great friends over the years, almost as close as Hunk and I.

When we got off it was around noon so there were people crowding the streets. For a moment I was worried that Blue and Red would get trampled until I realized that if they could fly through moving asteroid belts they were perfectly capable of dodging dozens of legs and feet. With that worry out of the way another came to take its place. What if they don't live in the same house. What if they moved? Probably sensing my worry Keith squeezed my hand at the same time Blue sent reassurance through our bond. Taking a deep breath I found myself walking the familiar path down the old dirt road that led to my childhood home.

When we reached the house everything was just how I remembered it, bikes and yard toys haphazardly laying in the yard, a mountain of shoes by the door, and mothers flowers lining every square inch of her garden. You couldn't see it from the front but I knew that the old swing set, trampoline, and pool had to be in the backyard as well. To the right of the house you could see the old barn that still had the death trap of a rope swing hanging inside. I couldn't wait anymore, I grabbed Keith's hand and dragged him to the door.

"Should I knock?" I asked as soon as I actually reached said door.

Keith shrugged, "Do you have a key?"

I frowned. "I left it at the Garrison. I didn't think I'd need it going out with Hunk and Pidge."

"Guess we knock then."

And with that Keith knocked before I could protest. There was a groan from the other side then some stomping. Soon the door was answered by my twin, Rachel. She looked much older now, though luckily she was still shorter. Her hair was grown out to her hips and she looked darker but I knew it was her. Immediately I wrapped her up in a hug. She must not have recognized me because she started pushing back against my chest.

"What?!" She squackied, trying to escape my grip.

I wasn't having any of that. "Nope! I haven't seen you in forever, you can stand a five minute hug."

This had her pause and look up at my face, "Lance?"

I squeezed tighter, "It's me, Sis."

"Holy shit, I almost didn't recognize you!" She exclaimed, holding me back to give me once over. "Damn you're buff now!"

I gave a weak laugh before it dissolved into sobbing, which caused her to start sobbing. I couldn't help it, I missed her so much.

"Niña, who is it?" I heard Mama from inside.

My legs moved on their own and before I knew it I was walking inside hunting down Mama's voice. Once I found her we fell into yet another sobbing mess, which normally would have been a beacon for every living thing in the house. However, the only McClain's home were Mama, Rachel, and a toddler I've never met before that just jumped right into the hug. I don't know how long we sat there in the middle of the kitchen but it didn't feel long enough. It was only when I heard Keith's questioning chirp and Nova's mimicked one that I remembered I left them on the front pouch. Quickly I stood up and made to go get him but Mama had a death grip on my arm as if I would disappear the moment I was out of her sight. The sad thing was, I couldn't blame her.

"Mama, I promise I'm not leaving, but I have to get them."

"Them?" Rachel asked from my side, now holding the toddler.

"My family."

"Family!? We're your family. Are you telling me you left for four years and found a replacement family while we thought you were dead!" She yelled at me.

"Hey, I know you're upset, but you have to know I would never do that to you guys. The situation is more complicated." I tried to explain. Since Mama wouldn't let me go I ended up slowly leading everyone to the front door where Keith was still waiting outside with Nova in his arms and the lions at his feet. The adorable bastard looked like a kicked puppy and if he had his ears visible I knew they'd be all droopy.

"Baby, you know you could have come in, right?" I asked fondly.

Keith bit his lip and shrugged shly. "I didn't want to intrude on the moment."

Mama had finally let go out of shock so I took the opportunity to walk over to him, wrap an arm around him and give him a kiss. It was adorable that the guy who constantly did things on impulse was actually shy to meet my family. Keith always seemed so confident in everything he did, not many would guess he's actually really awkward on the inside. "You wouldn't have intruded, you simply would have joined the moment." I looked at my mom and sister seeing the confusion on their faces, I remembered I needed to introduce everyone. "Guys this is my fiance/mate Keith, our daughter Nova and our cats Blue and Red. Keith, this is Mama, Rachel, annnnnd I don't know who this little cutie is." I gestured to the toddler.

"This is Lana. My daughter." Rachel explained.

"You have a daughter!" I bent down to greet the little cutie. "Hi Lana, I'm your Uncle Lance."

Rachel laughed, "Well it looks like you do too. Like always you copied me!"

"What? I didn't even know you had a kid! How could I copy you?" I exclaimed standing back up since Lana was hiding her face from me.

"I don't know but you always seem to find a way." She sighed.

I rolled my eyes before looking at Nova. "This is your Abuela, and your Auntie Rachel, and your cousin Lana." I explained to Nova slowly, while pointing at each person.

Nova squealed in greeting while Keith shifted nervously. "Hi," He said, giving a little wave. "It's nice to finally meet all of you. I've heard a lot of stories." That seemed to break Mama out of her shock because she started crying again.

"Mama you okay?" I asked, reaching out to hold her. She nodded holding a hand to her mouth.

"Welcome to the family!" She cried as she launched at Keith, trapping him and Nova in a hug. Poor Keith looked like a deer in the headlights and held onto Nova tighter, almost shielding her from Mama's hug, while Nova squealed in delight. Mama's eyes then lit up, "Oh, yes! You too, Chica!"

Mama reached out to take Nova and, like it was in slow motion, I could see Keith tense and pull the baby out of reach like he did with anyone not on the team. I knew it wasn't really his fault. Galra were naturally overprotective parents, of course he's not going to hand her over to someone he just met even if he knew logically she was safe. Keith seemed to be mentally beating himself up over it, so I know it was just his motherly instincts to protect taking over. Mama had been excited to hold her new grandchild but now she faltered at the awkward situation.

"Oh, I'm sorry," She said uncomfortably.

Quickly I stepped in to defuse the situation. Wrapping my arm around Keith I whispered in his ear, or where his disguised ear is. "Baby it's okay. You can trust them, I promise. Nova is perfectly safe."

Keith cringed, "I know, I'm sorry. It's just my instincts."

"It's okay," I said. "Momma, he didn't mean anything by it. I'll explain everything later okay? For now why don't we call everyone."

"That's right! We have to call everyone!" Mama jumped for a distraction. "Oh, they'll be so happy! Rachel, go call your siblings. I'll call Dad and Nana."

Rachel sent Keith a suspicious look before rushing to call up all the sibs (siblings). Meanwhile I walked Keith over to the couch, where we leaned against each other.

"I'm sorry, Lance. They're your pack, I know they're trustworthy. I don't know why I did that. Well I do, and I tried to stop it. I don't know why I couldn't just let her hold Nova. I'm-"

I cut him off with a kiss. "Hey, it's okay. They'll understand. I don't blame you. No one does. It took you months to let anyone besides us hold her. People who you connect with spiritually, even the people who raised you, you wouldn't let hold her. Of course it's understandable you're not going to let someone you just met hold her."

"I still feel bad." He pouted. "I ruined the first impression. They probably think I'm a freak or a jerk now."

After kissing his nose I explained. "They don't think you're a freak or a jerk. They'll understand once we explain everything. It's an understandable reaction, don't worry about it."

He sighed, ruffling Nova's hair. Our baby gave a chirp sensing Keith's distress. Naturally Keith nuzzled her showing he was alright.

"It's okay babe," I gave him a squeeze, "I won't leave your side unless you want me to. And if you need to step out at any time just let me know."

"Thanks." He said before kissing my cheek.