Disclaimer: Don't own Voltron, that's Dreamworks and Netflix. Gahh! January 20th can't come fast enough! I need that underwater episode! This chapter is a bit shorter than the last, but you'll see in the next one why I broke it down this way. Enjoy!


~Trust in Me~


The first thing the shorter boy decided to teach Hunk was the "Turtle Float." This technique was a relatively simple one. Wrap your arms around your legs, take a deep breath, and bob in the water like a cork for as along as you can. Easy enough in theory, but the thought of being surrounded by that much water made Hunk nervous.

He didn't want to have a panic attack in front of his new friend. So Hunk put on his bravest face and focused in on what Lance was saying, "First things first. You need to get rid of those water wings dude."

Protectively, the larger boy folded his arms across his chest. Yeah... there went all his composed bravery already. "B-But Lance! Without them I'll sink to the bottom like a stone. What if I suck in water through my nose? Being completely submerged is really weird man! I won't be able to recover, and totally start to freak-"

Then Lance's voice did something, no one's had ever done; cut though his spiral of distress. "Hunk!" The tan boy grabbed his shoulders in support. "Calm down. Panic solves nothing. If you do that while under the water, you'll take it in."

"Duh!" Hunk threw up his hands in frustration. "Why do you think I've had such a hard time learning? I-It's just really scary!"

"I know." Lance soothed, tightening his grip on Hunk's shoulders. "But you can't rely on the arm floats forever. They're like training wheels on a bike. If you leave them on too long, you'll never be able to ride without them."

Hunk bit his lip and looked down in shame. He knew Lance was right, but the larger boy still couldn't gather up the courage to try.

Lance saw this, and did his best to be supportive. "I'll be right here the entire time. Nothing like that will happen, I promise."

Sniffling, Hunk blinked back the tears his eyes. "Pinky swear?"

A gentle grin slid across Lance's face. "Pinky swear," he said, offering the boy his own finger.

Hunk let out a shaky sigh and returned the gesture.

Afterward, Lance helped remove the yellow floaties from his arms and gave Hunk one last pep talk.

"The key is to stay calm and trust that the water will support you. It may not be thick and sturdy like earth, but it totally will. At first, you'll sink a little, but then gradually be lifted up to the surface. Let the water wrap around you like..." his face scrunched up in thought, "-a big wet blanket! Or a chilly hug!"

This analogy made Hunk giggle. Lance had a way of being both sweet and silly at the same time. The easy laughter bubbled up from Hunk and swept away his fears in a wave of joy. "Well, I do enjoy hugs."

"See!" Lance said excitedly, with a light punch to Hunk's arm. "You can totally do it! I've got faith in you man!"

The small boy's unbridled enthusiasm made Hunk laugh again. An odd sense of bravery and determination suddenly filled him to the brim. For the first time, Hunk actually felt... strong. Like he could move mountains or fight off a bear! He could do this! Lance believed in him. The larger boy then took a deep, calming breath. "Okay, here I go!"

And with that, he ducked under the frigid water below. The shock of the temperature change hit him first: sharp, cold, biting. It made his head feel funny, and then his body began to sink. Almost immediately, Hunk wanted to scramble back to the surface, but a light, warm touch on his arm stopped him. Hunk's eyes snapped open in surprise. For there was Lance, calmly floating right along side him.

The boy's sapphire blue gaze shone back at Hunk. As if to say; see it's safe, don't worry, I'm here with you.

A sense of peace and tranquility settled over Hunk in a way that he had never known. He and Lance were safe there, because they were together. Slowly, the dark-haired boy began to relax and let his eyes drift close. Then, wrapping his arms tight around his legs, Hunk put his full trust in the water.

He curled up into a ball, and began to float.

The dip he felt was minimal. And for a moment, his body sat suspended there. Neither above or below; Hunk drifted in serene state of limbo. After which, his body gradually began to rise. A shiver traveled down his spine as his back breached the surface. Wind dancing across his wet skin in reassurance. As if to say, it was still there, waiting for him. Anytime he wished, he could bring up his head and refill his lungs with its life giving essence.

The water cradled Hunk's body like a child. The element was so foreign to him, and yet supportive... safe, almost like the ground. Turned out, his was friend was right. Floating did remind Hunk of a loving embrace. Except, you know; wet and chilly, instead of warm. Effortlessly, the clear blue liquid returned him to the surface. Like it was naturally inclined to do so. Well, it sorta was; the human body being made of over 60% water and all. Buoyancy, you know? Though, strangely, Hunk had never thought about it this way before.

That something so strong and powerful, could also be gentle and calm.

The euphoric peace washed over Hunk again, as he cracked opened his eyes. The water stung for a second, but he quickly blinked it away. A huge grin spread across his face as he saw Lance, still loyally hovering along side him.

The brown-haired boy gave Hunk a cocky wink and pointed top side. As one, the pair returned to the surface and breathed in deep the fresh, crisp air.

"Great job, buddy!" Lance congratulated, with an enthusiastic pat to his back. "So what do you say? Wanta try again?"

A giggle of pure happiness escaped Hunk's chest as he nodded; yes, he most certainly would.


To Be Continued...


Author's Notes: So a bit more of my head canon subtly coming into play here. Now, in the show. A lot of people are fixated on that one scene where Keith burns his hand, thinking that means he's part Galra. I really like that theory, but I think the creators were trying to relay something else of importance to us in that scene. It was Yellow, or Hunk's color quintessence that healed Keith's hand. I think it was their way of saying, Hunk's power heals the physical body. Which also connects to why Hunk loves to food so much, and wants to cook for others. He's naturally driven to help strengthen their physical selves. Where as Lance's quintessence is blue. The same as the ship's and the raw power they drained from that one planet. (Also Allura's as well, if I'm not mistaken) Blue represents the spirit, it is life itself. Lance's strength is that he empowers the team on a deeper level. He gives them love, hope. And reminds them why they are fighting, so that life can be free and joyful for everybody. Can't wait to see how quintessence comes into play and the characters further evolve. They really set up a great cast for this one.

Anyway, there's my two cents again. Next chapter will be longer, I promise. And I'll hopefully have it up by Monday or Tuesday. Thanks for taking the time to read! And as always:

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