The rest of the day went by quickly for Keith, although he didn't seem to mind it too much. After He and Thace had managed to beat Lance and Coran, although only by a few points, they had each parted ways.

Keith admitted he had need a bit of alone time to collect his thoughts and Thace had fully understood. They didn't see each other again until dinner, and for some reason, Keith found himself once again seated right between Shiro and Thace.

Keith partly wondered if Shiro was just being protective, but he did seem a bit more relaxed, or at least he seemed that way when talking with Oberon and Ford. Although, Keith did ponder if they should be more concern on the "This is how you make a proper bomb" discussion Ford was having with both Pidge and Hunk.

Before Keith realized it, he had gone to bed and it was the next morning. He got dressed and heard the kitchen was already active as he walked in.

Lance and Pidge appeared to be looming over some kind of project, while Hunk sat on the other side of the table with Ford and Thace.

The old Galran held a confused expression as he scratched his head. "So, let me see if I get this straight?" he said as Keith approached. "There is this 'force' that controls everything and it's use by the…what did you call them? Jedo?"

"Uh, Jedi," Hunk explained as he cut into his green scrambled eggs. "And the big bad guy, Darth Vader, can use it too."

Ford gave him a dry look. "If he's that powerful, why doesn't that Vader guy just take over the whole empire?"

"Well, he can't because he serves the emperor," Hunk explained. "He's the real big bad."

"From what you describe, the emperor just sits in a big chair all day," Ford commented. "Don't get how he's a threat."

"No, no, you don't get it," Hunk continued as he waved his spatula at him.

Keith blinked as he looked to them and tucked his hands into his jacket. "You're talking about Star Wars?"

Hunk sighed. "Yeah, and Ford is having trouble understanding the concept of the plot."

"What's to understand?" Ford continued as he shrugged. "It's the most foolish story I've ever heard and that Han Solo, guy? Doesn't sound the least bit trustworthy if you ask me."

Keith tilted his head to the side and looked to Thace. "Dare I ask how you got into this discussion?"

Thace rubbed his head. "I honestly can't remember," he replied. "Although, to be fair I never understood those Earth science fiction movies, no matter how many times your mother insist I watch with her."

Keith suddenly gain a mental imagine of his mother gleefully showing those movies to the stoic Thace and snickered a bit. Had to admit that would have been funny to see.

"Where's Shiro?" he asked as he looked around. "Or Allura and Coran for that matter?"

Both were normally up by now.

"In a meeting with Leah," Ford explained. "Oberon was giving her a call, and they decided to give her an update on how the plans for the alliance were going."

Ford shot an sideway glance at Thace, and Keith found himself looking way. Truth be told, Keith had almost forgotten about the alliance deal with everything that had happened yesterday.

Before he wasn't certain that Thace had even wanted to stay, but after their talk, it felt like the whole decision was left up to Keith in the end. He wasn't quite certain how he felt having the power to make such a big decision.

Hunk seemed to sense the awkwardness as he coughed into his hand. "So..uh, like I was saying, the emperor is dangerous and Darth Vader wants Luke to join him to the dark side to assist overthrowing him."

Ford wrinkled his nose in confusion. "Join the dark side? And where does he plan to take Luke? A dark side to a moon?"

"What? No, no, it's not literal," Hunk stammered. "Well, it's kind of literal, but he means the dark side of the force."

"This force has two sides now?!" Ford replied in dismay as Thace pinched the bridge of his nose. "That just raises more questions!"

"Hey, do you mind keeping it down," Pidge argued from her seat. "Lance and I are trying to do some calculations here."

Keith deemed it a good chance for escape of this conversation and went over to where PIdge and Lance sat.

"What are you guys doing?" he asked and frowned at the various bits of coloured stones and wax scattered around them. "You're not planting another glitterbomb are you?" he asked. "Because I thought Coran forbid you guys from doing that again."

Honestly, they were still finding bits and pieces in the recreation room from that last mess.

Lance glanced up, blinked but then seemed to realize what Keith was referring to. "What? No, no, Dude. Something way more important." He held up Xenia's drawing. "I'm getting Pidge to help create some crayons."

Keith's tiled his head as he took a seat. "Crayons? Why, you got a sudden urge to draw?"

"They're for Xenia and the other rebel kids," Pidge commented as she stared at a piece of red clay. "Lance thought it would be a nice treat for them to have something with actual colour to draw with."

"Ooh," Keith said thoughtfully as he glanced to the black and white picture Xenia had drawn. "That's actually a nice idea, Lance."

"Isn't it," Lance said as he puffed out his chest. "I want to encourage as much artwork from Xenia and those kids as possible. If they want to keep drawing team Voltron, I want to make certain they have right colours for it."

Keith gave a smirk as he leaned against his hand. "Suppose would be hard to tell everyone apart if they were all drawn in black."

Pidge smirked. "I don't know, just have Lance's head be bigger than the rest and be easy to tell him apart."

Lance glared. "Yeah, and be easy to tell which one is you because they just have to make you the shortest one-Ow! My foot!"

Pidge kept her glare as she stomped her foot again. "Make another short joke and I'll step on your other one."

Lance pouted and looked ready to reply, but was cut off by Hunk.

"Lance, could you please back me up here," he bellowed. "And help Ford understand why you just can't shoot Vader!"

Lance sighed as he rose. "Duty calls," he said.

Keith kept his smile as he moved in closer to Pidge. "So, are you going to be able to make crayons?"

"Think so," Pidge said without removing her gaze. "Coran says these stones were used by Alteans to make markings for wall artwork, so hoping I can work from that." She paused as she looked to Keith. "So..how are things between you and Thace?" She pointed over her shoulder. "Got to say, you see like you don't mind being around each other now."

Keith paused as he leaned in his chair. "Better, I think. Still, kind of weird to have an actual dad around, but..I can wrap my head around the concept now if that makes sense?"

"It does," Pidge said as she patted his shoulder. "With that said, do you think you'll be okay if Thace stays here with us?"

Keith straightened his posture and folded his hands into his lap. "Well…I…"

"Good morning, all!" Coran greeted as he entered along with Shiro. "Hoped you all slept soundly."

"We did," Thace commented and frowned as he glanced behind him. "Where's Oberon? I haven't seen him yet this morning."

"He's still currently in the control room with Allura as they're discussing the alliance matter with Leah," Shiro said and looked to Lance. "On that note, you need to go there, Lance."

Everyone paused as Lance glanced up in confusion. "Huh? Me? Why do I need to be there?"

Shiro gave a small smirk as he ruffled Lance's hair. "Just go, trust me," he said. "It's nothing serious, I promise."

"Ookay," Lance said slowly as he rose.

"Mind if I come too?" Hunk asked.

"Yeah, same," Pidge said as she raised her hand. "You've sparked my curiosity now to the point I need to see what kind of trouble Lance has gotten into this time."

Shiro laughed as Lance glared at them and tossed his head to the door. "Go ahead, I doubt Allura will mind."

Ford frowned as he looked to Thace and shrugged. "We better go and touch base with Leah anyway."

"Agreed," Thace said as they go up and proceeded to head out of the room. Keith shrugged and went to follow, but Shiro held him back.

"Wait, Buddy, I want to have a little chat with you," he said gently, "about Thace."

Keith paused and crossed his arms. "Oh, alright, although I haven't eaten yet."

Shiro gave a small smile as he gestured to the food. "Let's grab something quick to eat and then we'll chat, okay?"

Keith took a breath and nodded as he went to snag some food. He had a feeling he rather have a full stomach before they had their chat.

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Pidge hadn't been quite certain on what to expect, but when they arrived it seemed rather ordinary. Allura and Oberon were talking as Leah's image was clearly shown on the communication monitor.

Oberon glanced over and blinked at the sight. "Oh wow, didn't mean for you to bring an entourage with you."

Pidge huffed. "You're in a meeting with a leader of a resistance and you're requiring Lance," she said as she shrugged. "You can not blame us for being curious."

"We just came along to insure you weren't doing anything or saying anything foolish," Thace replied firmly.

Oberon sighed as he turned his chair to Leah. "They have so little faith in me, Dear."

Leah gave him a dry look. "You do remember that I married you. I know fully well why that have little faith in you."

Oberon gave a mocking gasp. "Shocking, I can't believe my own wife would say that!"

Leah shook her head as she turned her attention to Allura. "Princess, would you please be so kind as to seat Lance in front of the screen."

"Certainly," Allura said as she brought over another chair and gestured to Lance. "Come sit."

Pidge arched an eyebrow and Lance nervously ran his fingers through his hair. She couldn't exactly blame him. It did seem rather weird they specifically requested Lance.

"Uh, sure," Lance replied as he took the seat. "So, what exactly did you need me here for?"

Leah merely smiled and to Pidge's amazement suddenly disappeared from the screen. "Alright, Sweetheart, go ahead."

Fast pace feet were heard and tiny hand grabbed the camera. "HI, LANCE!" a cherry Galran girl cried out as she appeared on the screen. "DID YOU LIKE MY DRAWING?!"

Lance's face instantly switched from confusion to pure joy in less than a second. "Xenia! Hi!" He gave a laugh as he scooted closer to the screen. "You bet I got that drawing, which is awesome! I'm going to hang it up inside my lion."

Xenia blushed as she grinned brightly. She then lowered herself as she reached into her lap and pulled out a crumpled paper crane. "I've been practicing! See! See! I'm getting really good at it!"

Lance gave a thumbs up. "You sure are! And I heard you got a lot of snow there."

"Yeah, it's cold," Xenia said and pouted. "And Tral won't stop throwing it at me-"

"It's her fault!" Tral said as he poked his head in. "She keeps borrowing my stuff!"

Xenia huffed as she tried to shove him away from the communicator. "Tral! Go away! I'm talking to Lance!"

"Yeah, well, it's my turn now!"

"No, it's not!" Xenia cried as she tugged at Tral's cheek.

"Hey!" Oberon bellowed as he lowered his head over Lance's shoulder. "No fighting! That was the agreement remember?!"

Xenia froze in her tugging and Tral dropped his hands to his sides. "Yes, Dad," they said in unison.

Lance gave a chuckled as Pidge recovered from what she saw and looked to Allura.

"So, you wanted Lance here to talk to the kids?" she asked.

Allura gave a nervous grin. "Well, it just seemed fair since she is clearly fond of Lance."

Pidge gave a skeptic stare as Hunk giggled.

"It was her big eyes wasn't it?" Hunk said. "Broke you down?"

Allura sighed in defeat. "She kept interrupting and asking if Lance was around," she stammered. "And when those big eyes locked onto me, I couldn't say 'No'."

"Ah, yes," Coran muttered as he tugged his mustache. "The old 'big eyes' can defeat many a strong opponent." He gave Allura a smirk. "I recall you using the same tactic on King Alfor back when you were small."

Allura blushed as Hunk stroked his chin. "Hey, if we're connected to the rebel base, think it's possible for me to snag some more Galra recipes?" he asked.

Pidge sighed as she rubbed her forehead and frowned when she glanced behind her. "Hey, where are Shiro and Keith? I thought they were right behind me."

Coran turned to her as he crossed his arms. "If I'm not mistaken, I believe they are having a little chat. Shiro mentioned to me he wanted to try to clear up the um…'alliance conditions' today."

Pidge's frown tightened as she stole a glance to Thace. If he had heard Coran's comment, there was no indication in his face about it. It was as if the guy was a master of being neutral.

Although, that would be useful for working undercover I suppose, Pidge thought.

They had only been told of the conditions a few days ago, but it made sense Shiro wanted to reach a decision regarding it today. They couldn't keep Leah and the he rebels waiting for an answer forever, with the empire hovering over their heads they didn't have that luxury. Still, she hoped Keith knew what he wanted now and that he could live with the consequences of it.

"Hey! Pidge, Hunk, c'mere!" Lance called out. "Xenia did more drawings of our lions! You got to see them."

"Oh, yeah?" Hunk said intrigued as he yanked Pidge forward. "This I got to see."

Pidge let herself be pulled forward, but not before stealing one more glance at Thace.

If you do anything to hurt, Keith, Pidge swore in her head, I'm going to make you regret you ever came here.

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Once they had eaten, Keith took Shiro to his room where they were certain they could chat privately without interruption.

Keith took a seat on the bed as he watched Shiro shut the door. "So, the thing you want to discuss is it about Thace?"

Shiro gave a nod as he pulled up a chair. "Yeah, it is," he said as he sat and leaned forward. "Allura, Oberon and I were talking to Leah and the other rebels cells are getting anxious for an answer on our end regarding Thace."

"Oh," Keith said as fiddled with his gloves. "Yeah, makes sense."

Shiro gave a small smile. "I know the situation with you and Thace is…unique to say the least, and last thing I want to do is rush you on this but," he narrowed his eyes, "do you want Thace to stay here with us?"

Keith sucked air between his teeth. "Thace isn't a bad guy, and he's saved me, I don't want to just kick him out." He ran his hand through his hair. "And, I don't want to risk ruining the alliance with us and the resistance-"

"Stop right there," Shiro said gently as he placed on hand on Keith's shoulder. "I'm not asking what you think is best for Thace or for us. I'm asking what YOU want to."

Keith swallowed as Shiro held his hand. "I told you before," Shiro continued, "if you rather Thace not stay with us, I'm certain we can reach another solution for that."

Keith chewed his bottom lip. "And what about you? Would you be okay?"

Shiro gave a small smile as he flexed his cybernetic hand. "I would," he said sincerely. "I'm getting more used to the rebels." He gave a small chuckle. "You know, Ford helped fix my arm yesterday and I..got some insight from Oberon."

Keith raised an eyebrow at that. "Wait, from Oberon?"

"He's a lot smarter than he lets on," Shiro said. "Point is, I will be fine."

He made a fist with his hands. "Will take some getting use to, but I am adjusting." He dropped his hands into his lap. "So, Keith, what do you honestly want? Your feelings are a higher priority for us, and Allura agrees with me too."

Keith lowered his gaze and his eyes landed upon the dagger hanging off his hip, the one little object that made him investigate his connection to Thace in the first place. It was exactly then Keith knew what he wanted. He might regret later, but in this moment, Keith had his answer.

"I…I want him to stay," Keith said slowly as he fingered his dagger.

Shiro's face remained expressionless, but he tilted his head and his lips were set in a firm line. "You're certain?"

"Yeah, I am," Keith said as he raised his head. "My mom died when I was little and Thace knows stuff about her that I didn't even know." He ran a hand through his hair. "It's been a long time since I got to talk with anyone about her like that..you know?"

Shiro gave a thoughtful frown as he nodded. "Yeah, that makes sense."

"Also," Keith said as tugged at his gloves. "I just… I've always wondered who my dad was, and I want to learn more about where exactly I came from."

Shiro nodded as he gave a smile. "I understand," he said as he climbed to his feet. "Okay, I'll tell Allura we'll accept the rebels' offer and Thace will stay here permanently." He grasped his hand to his chin. "Although, we'll have to find out if Thace is alright with all of this."

"He is," Keith said as he stood up as well and tucked his hands into his pockets. "We chatted yesterday and he basically told me he would go along with whatever I decided." Keith gave a small smile. "Even admitted he rather did want to get to know me too."

Shiro said nothing, but his eyes narrowed and gave a smile. "Alright, then that's what we'll do." He then reached out and ruffled Keith's hair. "Before we tell them though, want to do a little sparring?"

"I'd be up for that," Keith admitted as he went to open the door. "Afterwards, do you want me to tell Thace?"

"Uh..no," Shiro said as he crossed his arms. "I'll tell him, if you don't mind. There's a matter I wish to discuss with him too."

Keith's eyes hardened, but merely shrugged as they walked into the hallway. He trusted Shiro, although he couldn't help but wonder what exactly he had to discuss with Thace.