Author's Notes
A pinch and punch for the first day of February! And welcome to month of love hearts! To kickstart Valentine month, here's a delish KA chapter with rating T ( with sexual innuendos and KA hot kisses).
Thankyou for reviews, and just want to share, I haven't seen a single episode of the sitcom 'How I Met Your Mother' (only read the synopsis on wikipedia). Thus, this fanfic (and its title) is not in any way related to the sitcom. And like all my other fanfics, this is absolutely HEA. (cubbie write a non-HEA? never ever ever never ever never! LOL)
And adding disclaimer clause that World Events Productions (WEP) owns Voltron and Voltron Force.
This chapter is dedicated to birthday girl KA fanfic writer Limetwist. Happy Birthday Amy! Cheers, mate!
Chapter Two.
The music was too loud, the dance floor was too crowded, and most of his batchmates were too drunk. Climbing up the stairs, Keith decided to take refuge on the rooftop, where hopefully there would be a breeze tonight. Summer was definitely here.
I wonder if she's up there.
And sure enough, Keith saw her sitting down on the ridge of the tiled roof; her golden hair unbound, like her pale blue dress, gently swaying in the starry night. He was so relieved he had found her. He waved at her. "Hey, fancy meeting you up here. Mind if I join you?" Please say yes...
Allura dragged her gaze to Keith, shrugged, and then stared back at the shimmering stars.
He scaled the sloping tiled roof. "I saw you earlier, but you disappeared."
"Too hot, too crowded. I'm not a party person," she said flatly.
"Me neither." Keith sat beside her. This was the closest he'd ever been with her without any wall of rivalry between them.
They sat a few minutes in silence, not really talking, but acutely aware of each other's presence.
"I just realised I will miss competing with you," Allura quietly admitted. Her eyes flitted to gaze at him; a small smile tugging her lips.
Keith smiled back, "Me too. By the way, what do you plan to do after graduation?"
"I want to be a pilot, travel to the farthest galaxy, and never come back."
"How about your family?" Keith's dark chocolate eyes swept her perfect profìle and her graceful neck.
"I have no family except my aunt. My parents died when I was eleven. They died when a car bomb blew up outside their small offìce, killing everyone in their three-storey building."
"I'm sorry," Keith said quietly, his tone sincere.
She nodded. Without hesitation, Allura slid lower on to the tiles, practically lying down on the gently sloped roof.
Keith followed suit, stretching his arms above his head.
"How about you, what are your plans after graduation?" she asked, her eyes continued to gaze at the brilliant night sky.
"Same as yours," he replied.
She glanced, raising her brow. "Really?"
"Yes, really. I love flying too. Besides, I don't want to miss our friendly competition." He grinned.
"For sure." She grinned back. She shifted to her side, facing him. "You know, this is the longest and friendliest conversation we've ever had."
Mirroring her move, he turned to face her and rested his head in his hand. "I believe you're right."
"So, who's attending your graduation?" she asked.
"No one. Everyone's off planet and couldn't be bothered to travel. Besides, I like it here. I can be myself..." His voice trailed off. Keith then leaned back, placing his hands behind his head. Staring blankly into space, he realised he had the best four years of his life. Why did it feel things were about to change?
Allura hummed. With her back now flat on the tiled roof, she quietly spoke, "By the way, thanks for asking me to attend tonight. I wasn't really going to go." Her blue eyes flitted towards Keith, she hesitated for a moment, then added, "I'm…I'm glad you're here." She really didn't have her own group of friends. She was too busy studying very hard so she could beat Keith Kogane for the top spot.
Before Keith could answer her, his tummy let out a loud growl. He flushed beet red and laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck."Ah, hungry?"
Allura's eyes narrowed.
xoxoxoxo
"Wow, I can't believe you cooked this," Keith said with gusto between large mouthfuls, devouring Allura's freshly-cooked pasta dish.
"I can't believe you didn't cook for four years." Placing her hand on her hip, she arched her brow and stared at him. Seeing her rival and competitor, sitting in her own flat, enjoying her cooking was…something she never expected.
"I forgot that today was the last day of classes. I didn't expect everything else in campus would close early," he replied between swallows. "This is really good, Allura. Who would've guessed the blonde bombshell could cook."
Both her brows shot up, her voice an octave higher. "Blonde bombshell? Wh-who said…and what—"
"—What? You didn't know your campus nickname?" He choked, interrupting her imminent tirade, Damn slip of the tongue. Keith reminded himself to throttle Lance later.
Within a heartbeat, Allura lurched forward, invading his personal space. "This is the very reason why I wanted to beat you, Keith Kogane. Men like you only think skin deep. I...I could strangle you right now." She growled.
She was so close, he could feel her warmth. He inhaled her sweet, subtle floral fragrance.
So close…close enough to kiss her.
"Did you know you still look beautiful even when you're angry?" He looked at her dreamily. Somehow, he was happy and content at this very moment. What was that saying? 'The way to a man's heart is through his stomach'. This apparently rang true for Keith.
Allura gave him a shocked look; she stepped backwards. She never thought herself as someone beautiful. She thought she was too tall, too introverted and socially inept. Nobody complimented her before. Heck, nobody dared to approach her throughout her stay in GA Academy. Only Keith Kogane was brave, strong, and intelligent enough to challenge her in every academic subject. And she still couldn't believe Mr Competitive Crankypants was in her apartment, complimenting her. "This is not the kind of conversation we've had all these years. We were arguing…you constantly riled me up—"
Keith raised his fìnger, interrupting her. "—You were always angry and upset with me. I never intentionally riled you up." He wiped his plate with a slice of ciabatta bread then plopped the piece of bread in his mouth.
"Whatever." Dropping on the chair in front of him, Allura slumped forward, rested her elbow on her tiny dinner-table-for-two, her hand under her chin. Annoyed. Defeated. Confused. I give up. What's with this guy? Is he for real?
"How about I make it up to you. I will not only wash your dishes tonight..." Keith stood up, gathered their dirty dishes and walked towards the sink. "Tomorrow after graduation, since both of us have no family or guests to see us receive our awards, let's go out for dinner."
She shifted in her chair to face him. "Are you asking me on a date?" she asked, narrowing her eyes. "What are you up to, Keith Kogane?" The hottest man I've ever met is asking me on a date? Her heart skipped a beat.
He turned to face her and leaned against the kitchen sink. "Why, yes. Yes, I am asking you to be my date. And I should've asked you long ago." You're not only intelligent, brilliant, and gorgeous; I've fallen in love with you. He stepped forward and held out his hand. "Allura Raimon, will you dance with me?"
"Dance? Are you insane? We don't even have any music," she argued, grimacing.
He took her hands and pulled her up to her feet. "I invited you to a dance party and somehow you ended up cooking dinner instead. I owe you a dance," he said smoothly, gathering her in his arms.
"I…I don't know what to say to you," she stammered. She normally didn't stammer, but in Keith's presence, she was clumsy; her confìdence in tatters. She felt his arm around her waist, his hand rested on her back.
Keith expertly held her, humming to some melody held in a three-beat structure. He moved so smoothly around her tiny living space, Allura didn't have to think what her feet were doing.
"Are we seriously doing the waltz? This is weird. This is not the Keith Kogane I knew on campus. Wait…how and why do you know how to dance?" Her heart slammed in her throat. Keith was holding her. She could feel his warm hand on her waist; heat penetrating through her pale blue dress. She suddenly felt lightheaded and suprisingly giddy.
"I'm having the time of my life, milady." He leaned forward and whispered, his lips brushing the shell of her ear, "Breathe, Allura. Just enjoy the moment." He straightened his back and continued to hold her. "And my own mother had taught all her sons to dance the waltz," he explained.
As Allura's eyes met his dark chocolate ones, her pulse quickened. With their eyes locked, she felt a jolt of connection. For four years, she competed with Keith with almost everything: from drills, flight simulations, and practical exams; she had always viewed him from the other side of the fence. And now—
"You smell so sweet," he said, smiling. Her scent was intoxicating, especially when they used to spar and beat each other up during hand-to-hand combat practice and practical exams.
Allura stiffened, and then muttered in a slightly grumbling tone, "You told me that in judo class and I lost to you that day."
"I was just saying the truth. I didn't mean to unnerve you," he said bashfully. As their bodies locked together, Keith thought she fìt so perfectly in his arms.
He danced with such admirable grace, Allura felt like she was being swept off her feet by some fairytale prince. Blinking her thoughts back to the present, Allura replied with slight annoyance, "I thought you said it deliberately. I lost my concentration and I hated you for it." She pouted, pursing her lips.
Despite their rivalry, it had dawned on Allura that Keith had never said a single mean word to her, and he had always been respectful of her. Life appeared constant for her for four years and Keith had been a part of those four years of her life. Now that their classes and exams were over, Allura wondered what was next for them. "Ah, Mr Kogane, you're forgetting something. With all your suave steps there are dishes that need to be done," she said coyly.
"One last twirl and one fìnal dip, milady." Keith effortlessly twirled her and flawlessly executed the last dance step. Within a blink of an eye, he picked her up in his arms.
"Hey! What gives?" She squeaked.
Keith scooped Allura in his arms and gently settled her down on her two-seater sofa. "Relax and put your feet up." He placed her legs on to the coffee table.
"I don't do relax." She gulped a breath.
"Really? You should." He winked at her, then walked back to the kitchen and began washing the dishes.
Allura leaned forward and looked at the man that stood in her tiny kitchen. She couldn't help herself; she raked her eyes from his broad shoulders, his muscled back, down to his lean waist, and tight ass. Swallowing hard, she shook her head, clearing her luscious fog. "For someone who doesn't cock...er...cook you seemed comfortable in the kitchen." She slapped her palm on her forehead. Damn Freudian slip.
"Someone else cooks. I normally just wash dishes," he said aloud without looking at her.
"Who cooks?"
"Mostly Hunk. Lance shops for ingredients; Pidge loves chopping and mincing. Sven, he sets the table, replenishes the pantry, inventory stuff."
"Those are your friends?"
"Yes, and I would trust them with my life."
"I see. You're lucky you have…friends." Allura leaned back and closed her eyes.
"You're welcome to hang out with us, but since we're graduating tomorrow…" Keith shrugged, and then wiped his hands on nearby hand towel. "There, milady. Done. Your kitchen's sparkling clean."
She snapped her eyes open and sat upright. "That was quick."
"Those were dishes just for two. I'm used to washing dishes for a group of fìve hungry men," he laughed, plopping beside her on the two-seater sofa. "So, what do you do to relax after school?"
"I don't...I…" She couldn't tell him that relaxing wasn't in her vocabulary and that she was too busy studying.
"Game consoles? Cable TV?"
She shook her head.
Keith gave a sweeping glance of her tiny studio apartment. Neat. Tidy. Too organised. He thought for a moment. Then, snapping his fìngers, he tapped her shoulder. "May I?"
"What?" she asked, sounding confused. Next thing she knew, he turned her halfway; her back was towards him. Keith began massaging her tight shoulders.
What felt an eternity for Allura, she eventually relaxed in his touch. She felt his fìngers moving up and down her spine; his thumbs applying gentle pressure on the back of her neck. She fìnally felt her shoulder muscles relax, the tight knots loosening. Slowly, her eyes drooped and she made a small, pleasant purr.
"Better?"
"That. Feels. So. Good. I am so going to melt right now. Where have you been all my life?" she said jokingly.
"Beside you. Patiently waiting for you to notice me, not as a threat or rival," Keith said quietly, his voice low and deep, "But as someone who admired and loved you all these years."
His reply surprised Allura. He sounded solemn, sincere even. Turning, she looked at him. "Keith…I…I don't deserve this…your kindness…" your love and admiration…
"Nonsense." Keith held her gaze, his hand continued to massage her fìngers.
Allura's thoughts were in chaos. She had felt her tummy flutter each time she and Keith competed, and she had thought it was due to the thrill of competition. But now, her tummy still fluttered, and she was still a nervous wreck beside him. His fìngers were strong and warm. His touch soothing, leaving goose bumps on her skin. This was Keith Kogane, the most amazing man she had ever met and he was here with her, taking care of her.
Breathe…Allura…Breathe—
"Allura, are you alright?" Keith asked; his voice hoarse.
She blinked. Breaking her momentary reverie, Allura attempted to regain her focus. "Keith, would it be okay to ask you a favour? Since today was our last day as students…" Blushing profusely and averting her gaze, she hesitated for a moment. "Promise me you won't get angry, okay?"
"Why would I get angry?"
Here goes. Allura puffed out a breath."I've never kissed anyone. I mean…I've never been kissed…what I'm saying is…" She faltered and stumbled with her words. This is so embarrassing.
Keith stopped massaging her hand but still entwined her fìngers with his. "Allura, I'd be honoured to be your fìrst." And your only one. His body instantly hardened. Never been kissed before? Is she serious? Keith couldn't believe that here he was, beside the classmate he admired all these years, the woman of his dreams.
Gently tilting her chin, he gazed in her bright blue eyes. Slowly leaning forward, he brushed his lips against hers. Her lips were soft and pliant.
Slow…do this…slow…
Keith felt Allura was curious, interested. He rubbed the corners of her lips with his and gently sucked her lower lip. He then felt her slowly relaxed.
She had never been kissed before. Allura wasn't sure what to do. She eventually followed his lead, mimicking his movements. There was tenderness, respect, and gentleness in his kiss.
His lips were warm and he smelled of clean soap with a hint of coffee. She felt his tongue gently coaxing…teasing. Hesitantly, she parted her lips, his tongue touched hers; she could taste him.
Moaning, she splayed her hands on his hard chest. All common sense from her organised brain obliterated. She remembered last year, she saw a glimpse of Keith after soccer practice; he had his shirt off, his sun-kissed, tanned body on display. She wanted to run her hands on his hard abs back then, just as she wanted to smooth her palms on the hard ridges of his abs right this very moment.
She felt his kiss deepened, inviting her to delve into something…more. She moaned her reply, her hands suddenly having a mind of their own. "Keith," she whispered against his lips.
Breaking their kiss, Keith was breathing hard. He rested his forehead against hers, trying to catch his breath. He then cupped her face and he gazed at her flushed face. "I waited so long for you, Allura."
All heavens above, she was delicious. He kissed her again, as if starved for her. He dragged his lips to her cheek and jaw then nibbled her neck. He wanted more, he wanted to devour and taste her everywhere.
Tilting her head for better access, Allura lost herself in his hot kisses and roaming hands. And there was that delicious electric jolt pulsing between her legs.
Allura had complete control over her emotions for four years. Nothing else mattered except her grades, her fìnal GPA, and reaching top place. But now that she had reached her goal, her victory seemed empty. Keith changed all that tonight. He was with her now, in her own flat. And he's so hot, damn too good-looking, and he just confessed how he felt about her.
Panting, Keith stopped abruptly. "Allura, I'm going too fast." He held her at arms length. She was entrancing, utterly gorgeous with her warm red cheeks and full, lush lips.
Allura gulped a breath as her heart slammed in her throat; her pulse pounding straight to her ears. "Are you backing down on a challenge? I'd never thought you'd be afraid of a girl," she teased, peering under her lashes.
"You have no idea the power you have over me, do you?" he asked, his voice gruff. Thumbing her lower lip, he let out a low groan.
Letting go of Allura, Keith stood up and strode towards her tiny kitchen. He grabbed two glasses and began fìlling them with water from the tap. He needed to separate himself for a moment, before his need for her overwhelmed them both.
Allura tried to calm her breathing. She had never thought her body could respond this way to Keith's kisses. And she wanted more.
What seemed forever, Allura walked to Keith, closing the gap between them. She pressed her chest to his muscled back. "Keith, I trust you, and I want…I want it to be you…I want you to be my fìrst," she spoke quietly, wrapping her arms around him.
Without turning, he held her hands. "You don't know what you're asking, Allura."
"I do, Keith. I want it to be you," she said softly.
You, and only you...no one else.
"All these years, I wanted only you," Keith said.
He pivoted, and then kissed her. When he deepened his kiss, images flashed in his head: of fìve lions roaring, beautiful children dancing, and a giant robot blasting into space.
xoxoxoxo
It was nearly dawn when Keith walked back to his dormitory. He couldn't wait for the graduation ceremony later in the morning. He would be with Allura again. He did promise he would meet her backstage as they have speaking roles during the ceremony. Smiling to himself, he was rather pleased how things turned out for both of them last night.
As he turned around the corner, he saw several GA military personnel in heavy battle armour waiting outside his building with a convoy of heavily-armoured vehicles.
One of the soldiers approached him. "Keith Kogane?"
"Yes?"
The soldier walked towards the heavily-armoured limousine, and opened the door.
Keith peered and saw an elderly individual beckoning him. His eyes widened. "Sky Marshal Graham."
"Keith, we tried to reach you half an hour ago. I'll give you ten minutes to grab your belongings. We need to bring you to a secure location. The entire Arusian Royal Family had been killed. You're the only one left."
Keith froze. Time seemed to stand still. He couldn't breathe. His entire family was dead? "It can't be. There must be some mistake. How could that be even possible?"
"We verifìed the reports. No mistake. The incident happened several hours ago." Graham's tone pained, urgent.
Keith raked both his hands through his hair. It felt too surreal, like some bad horror movie and he needed to shake himself awake. His pupils dilated, his brain trying to comprehend what Graham told him. "My entire family…dead? Mom, Dad, and both my brothers…" his voice barely audible.
What happens now? What about my plans to have a career in the GA military? And how about Allura? We made plans after graduation and we're moving in together tomorrow...
Keith clenched his fìsts, his brows creased tightly. This changes everything. He had to think of something fast. Squaring his shoulders, Keith decided to use a tone he had never used all these four years. With the death of his entire family, including his two older brothers, the burden of the crown fell on him. As the new Crown Prince of Arus, he knew he could negotiate anything he wanted. "I'll go with you, Marshal, but with one condition. It's concerning your top graduate Allura Raimon. There is something you should know."
Sky Marshal Graham nodded. He was willing to give anything to the future king of Arus, just to have him agree to move him to a secure and safe location.
(TO BE CONTINUED)