Chapter 3 - Thace and Ulaz

Thace and Ulaz were looking for Keith. They knew their kit didn't relax enough, so they were going to make sure he didn't overwork himself. They figured he had been on the training deck but strangely found it empty. "I thought he'd be here."

"I know, Thace. Maybe he's in the lounge?" Ulaz suggested.

The pair of mates walked to the lounge, but Keith wasn't there. However, Shiro was. "Thace, Ulaz. Is there something you need?"

"We are looking for Keith. Do you know where he is?" Ulaz asked.

"We already looked on the training deck, but he wasn't there," Thace added.

"Did you check his room?" Shiro suggested.

"No."

%%%

Keith was doing another puzzle, a 500 piece that showed the city of Tokyo, Japan. He smiled. Shiro had picked this one up from the Space Mall when the other Paladins had gone last. He was glad he had more puzzles to do. Hunk was right. Hobbies were a good thing. He was about halfway done with the puzzle when there was a knock on his door. He paused with a puzzle piece in his hand and answered, "Come in."

To Keith's delight, Thace and Ulaz entered his room. He grinned at his father figures in the Blade of Marmora. The two Galra stared at their kit, confused as to his activity. He was seated at his desk. His jacket was hanging on the back of the chair, and his knife sheath was laying across his lap. His entire posture screamed relaxed.

"Kit, what are you doing?" Thace asked, watching Keith putting some pieces together.

"It's a jigsaw puzzle. I find it relaxing actually," Keith explained, putting some more pieces into place.

"You are actually relaxing?" Ulaz inquired.

Keith another piece in the puzzle. "Yes. The team actually encouraged me to indulge in this hobby of mine."

The two Galra were dumbfounded. Their kit had finally taken the advice that he needed to relax. They were glad he had a team that looked after their kit when they were away. Thace walked over to their kit and nuzzled the back of his neck. Keith paused in his puzzle piecing and purred to him. Taking that as a cue, Ulaz came over and started grooming Keith, starting with his hair. Keith purred even louder. Even though he loved putting puzzles together, nothing relaxed him more than nuzzles from his father figures.

Fin