Author's Note: Thanks again to all of my readers, and especially to those of you who have contacted me to tell me how much you love my non-canon characters. It's because of you guys that I keep writing.
To Cha - I am so glad you like Morgan. She's a special character.
To Emie Mac - There will be an interesting bachelor party down the road. Let's just say "Poor Rackens" now and get it over with...
To Smithy - It's a good thing that Morgan is over Keith, 'cuz she's married to David! But it's interesting that you bring up Hunk and Shannon; there's more on the way for both of them.
To Sally On - The two of us are going to London to do high tea at the Ritz. You in? ;)
To FroofyB - Keith SO has groveling to do. And it's coming, too. Our favorite princess doesn't let anyone walk over her!
To bknbu - Girl, it's good to have you back! I hope things are coming along smoothly with the move. As far as Sven being ticked off...oh boy, wait'll you see what he does next...
To Wade Wells - I missed you, Lovey! Wait 'til you get a load of the next few chapters.
Title Song: "Set Down Your Glass" by Snow Patrol (this song is absolutely beautiful, and I suggest you all listen to it - this is the reason I love YouTube)
Allura was hardly hungry for dinner, not after that enlightening high tea and conversation she had with Morgan, but she could hardly blame Nanny for making sure it was put out on time. Though she learned later that Lance and Ginger had retired to Lance's quarters for the evening, she hated to admit that she hardly missed them. There were so many people at dinner, she could scarcely remember their names.
The Voltron Vehicle Team. The Albegas crew. The Explorer bridge crew. The Lion Voltron Force. They were all there. Again, minus Lance and Ginger, but they were otherwise all there.
They might not have been missed by Allura, but Shannon noticed.
The princess took her seat next to Keith, looking around the dining room at her teammates, new friends and new acquaintances. Pidge and Chip were seated next to each other, as were Hunk and Cinda. Aidan sat with Lisa on one side and Sven on the other. Cliff sat next to Sven, with Jeff and Christiane on the other side of him. Morgan sat between David and Jon, and Allura was surprised to see her niece seated next to the commander.
Nanny and Coran oversaw the event. For some reason, it made them smile. It reminded Coran of days long ago, when King Alfor would host dinner parties for friends and the heads of neighboring planets. It was about time that Arus started hosting dinner parties again. The ball for the Space Marshal had been a good start, but dinner parties were where all of the most important decisions were made, and where all of the most important alliances were forged.
He could see plenty of lifelong alliances being forged at this dinner table.
Nanny oversaw the kitchen events - she was too old now to be serving the enormous platters of food - and left Drea and Sofia to handle the heavy work. Graff, the senior member of the kitchen staff, played head sommelier as he selected the Arusian wines to pair with the evening's meal. With watchful eyes, she supervised Graff's pours, making sure that her darling Allura had been served first, and that Larmina didn't swipe any. The Lady of Arus was still underage.
Before the first course was served, Allura stood. As the planet's reigning monarch as well as the hostess, she was seated at the head of the huge table, and she lifted her glass of white wine. "A toast," she announced regally. All those present stood and followed suit, lifting their wineglasses or, in the case of the cadets, water goblets. "To our victory today. To alliances, old and new. To family, friends, and love. Cheers."
"Cheers!" The term was tossed around the room by nearly everyone in attendance, and more than a few wineglasses were clinked together. As everyone sat back down, Keith squeezed his girlfriend's shoulder. "That was very nice," he offered.
Briefly, she nodded back at him. She still hadn't decided what to do about him, though she sure as seven hells was not about to let him off the hook.
As Sofia brought out the first course, a seafood bisque made undoubtedly from the same whitefish that was in Lance's and Ginger's meal, Jeff inhaled nervously and stood up. His speech was impromptu, and certainly not as pretty or formal as Allura's, but he felt it was important nonetheless. "So I'm not going to repeat Princess Allura's sentiments, although I certainly share them," he stammered, his eyes darting around the room at his friends and teammates. "And because I share the sentiments, especially the love part, I wanted to announce that Christiane has agreed to become my wife."
The Vehicle Team broke out in cheers and applause, as did Taye and Aidan. Carefully, Lisa slid her hand underneath the table and along Aidan's thigh. The Albegas captain lowered his arm and gripped her hand in support. Sure, she loved him now and not Jeff, but having watched his old girlfriend marry someone else, Aidan knew that what she was feeling was excruciatingly painful.
Morgan and David jumped to their feet and embraced her newly-engaged friends. "Oh my God, Amigo!" she squealed, her eyes brimming with happy tears. "You're getting married!" She wrapped a free arm around Christiane and kissed the side of her face. "My babies are getting married!"
"Does this mean I'm going to be down a couple of roommates?" David teased with a huge smile on his face. He lifted Christiane in a hug and kissed her hard on both cheeks. "Congratulations, Love. And congratulations, Jeffrey. Seven hells, it's about time." He shook Jeff's hand and drew him in for a patented guy hug. "So when can we expect this wedding?"
"No wedding." Christiane shook her head adamantly. "We'll just go to City Hall once we dock back in New York and do it there. No frills, no expenses."
"Besides, it's not like we have a lot of money saved up." Jeff shrugged uncomfortably. "We'll need a place to live, and that's where the money should go. As much as I love you, Morganza, we can't live in your house forever, especially not once we're married."
"Sad but true, Amigo." She sighed.
Jon stood up and hugged Christiane. "Welcome to the club, Chris," he laughed. "You're now officially inducted with David and me - married into one big, crazy family. Or at least, you will be soon." Then he set his sights on Jeff. "But if you think you're getting away without a wedding, Captain Aki, you'd better think again. You'll just have to man up like the rest of us."
Jeff laughed nervously, placing his hand on the back of his head. "Well, Sir, like I said before, we just don't have the money. Unless you can think of a place to hold a wedding that won't cost us any money, it's City Hall or bust."
The commander shot him a pointed look. "I believe I know of a place on Fifth Avenue that would accommodate a wedding reception at that price point, Jeff."
"Sir, no. I cannot accept -"
"You can and you will. Besides, if you think for one moment that I'm the only man who should have to go through with it - or that Morgan and Lenora will allow you to get married without a reception - then you've got another thing coming."
"With all due respect, Commander, I hate you right now."
"Good. Morgan?" Jon asked, and she came right to his side. "Do you think you and my wife are up for the challenge of planning a wedding reception for Jeff and Christiane?"
Morgan smirked. "Free rein in a triplex on Fifth Ave, Jonny? Seriously? I accept the challenge. I'm sure that Len will accept, too."
"Seven hells." David dropped his head back and laughed. "You're really in for it now, Jeffrey."
"Good. Then it's settled." Jon patted Jeff on the shoulder. "I suppose I should contact Mrs. Hawkins and let her know that her home is about to become a reception site." He glanced over at Christiane. "How do you feel about Per Se?"
Christiane grinned. "Jon, as long as I get an Opera Pastry from La Bergamote, I don't care about the rest of the food."
"Fantastic." Jon looked over towards Allura. "Princess Allura, would you mind if I contacted my wife in Castle Control?"
Allura smiled. "Of course not," she responded. Then, with a wink directed at her niece, she added, "You might as well take Larmina with you. Just in case you forgot how to get to Castle Control from here."
Larmina eyes glowed with excitement at the idea of speaking with Lenora. "I'll take the commander, no problem." She grabbed his arm. "Come with me, Sir."
"Thank you, Mina."
As the cadet escorted the commander out of the room, Aidan placed a hand on Sven's shoulder to keep him from combusting at Hawkins' references to his wife. "Dude, save it for later tonight," he hissed, and the Norwegian seemed to calm down. It was then that they noticed Keith standing up. He looked over at the newly engaged couple, and for a brief moment, Aidan thought he might have to defend his tech sargeant's honor.
Or Lisa's old boyfriend. He was prepared to do either.
Keith left Allura's side and made his way over to Jeff and Christiane. Morgan stood at the ready by her family. If she had to take Keith down, she was prepared to do it. She would not let him ruin their happiness.
His eyes ran over his sister, and then finally he turned to Jeff. His best friend, his Academy roommate, and now his sister's fiancé. "Aki," he said slowly, "I trusted you to watch over my sister in my absence."
"That's exactly what I did, Kogane," he answered simply. He was ready for the inquisition and punishment. And he was ready for Keith to break his jaw. He probably deserved it, and he knew Morgan would have his back and attack like a cornered pitbull, no question, if he did. "I never expected to fall in love with her in the process."
"That was what I was waiting to hear." Keith smiled at both of them benevolently. "Christy, you and I need to speak further. I think I'm ready to repair what's been broken. What I've broken. Other than that, I am so happy for you, and I don't think you could have picked a better man to spend the rest of your life with." He turned away from them for a moment, facing the rest of the teams with joy shining in his turquoise eyes. "Everyone, I'd like for you to raise a glass for my sister and my best friend. To their happiness always!"
As their friends and teammates cheered, Christiane embraced her brother. "Thank you, Akira-chan," she whispered shakily. "Thank you a thousand times over. I love Jeff just as much as he loves me, and I'm so grateful that you understand and that you're happy for us."
Placing a kiss on his sister's forehead, he whispered, "I am. I'm really happy for the both of you, Eiko-chan."
She knew undoubtedly that it was true.
With her arms around both her brother and her fiancé, and Morgan and David nearby, Christiane had never felt so settled or so complete in her entire life. Her family. This was her family; the family she had deserved and never gotten when she was a child. Well, she had it now. And as she gazed into Jeff's dark eyes, she knew she would have it for always.
She set down her glass to kiss the man she loved, ignoring the cheers and catcalls that erupted around them.
It had been a long, long time since he'd been to a bar. And he was quite sure that no Arusian bar had Ciroc vodka for his beloved vodka tonics, no matter how heavily it was endorsed by Lance.
Whatever he was wearing when he left Pollux was inexcusable for a night out. Sven had approached the royal tailor to see if there was anything on hand for him to wear. Acting as though he was going out in New York City, the Norwegian had chosen a pair of dark denim jeans, along with a blue-and-white pinstriped button-down shirt and black leather shoes. As he looked at himself in the tailor's full-length mirror, he almost recognized himself. He was tempted to shave his beard off, but he finally decided to keep it, thinking that it was a reminder of what he had been through since graduation.
He was glad to see that Aidan hadn't dressed much differently. The Albegas captain was dressed in dark denim as well, with a black button-down shirt and matching leather loafers. "Wow, Viking. You look nice. I feel like I should've brought you flowers or something."
"Shut up, Dalloway."
"You ready?"
He sighed. "As I'll ever be."
"Awesome. Let's go."
One of the reasons Lance had suggested Heaven Bar was because it was within walking distance of the castle. They made their way to the bar without small talk or other idle chit-chat, saving it for once they had a few drinks down their throats. Sven grinned in the irony of the the fact that the bar was named Heaven. He remembered how he, Jeff, and Keith had celebrated Morgan's twenty-first birthday at Cielo in New York. Cielo meant "heaven" in Spanish. At the time, Aidan hadn't been old enough to come out with them.
How times had changed.
The bar itself was nice, with a sophisticated lounge-like atmosphere and a clientele that consisted of more than the average just-of-age Arusian kid. Taking charge, Aidan chose a spot at a red velvet banquette and sat down, sprawling himself out to claim the four-seat spot. "Dude, they never give enough room at these tables," he grumbled unapologetically.
Sven couldn't say he disagreed.
They sat there at the banquette, looking through the menu, until the waitress came over to take their order. As she did, she looked up from the table and stared at Sven, a look of recognition in her eyes. "Excuse me - you're Sven Holgersson, right? Of the Voltron Force?"
He shuddered warily. "Yes."
"Oh my God." The young waitress looked around for someone. Or something, they couldn't be sure. "Uh...wait right here. I'll be right back." She scampered off without taking their drink order.
Aidan shot Sven a look. "Well, that was weird."
The Norwegian shrugged. "Yeah, tell me about it. I'm famous for being the injured member of the Voltron Force. The Arusians will never let me forget it." He was slightly annoyed, but he realized that he wasn't really upset with the Arusians. It was the Polluxians who really never let him forget about his imperfections. His wife's people.
God, he missed his elskede.
"Dude, look at the menu." Aidan grinned as he slid a drink menu over to Sven. "The house drink is called the 'Blue Lion.' That was your lion, right?"
"Was." He looked uncomfortable.
"Hey, I'm not suggesting you order it. Sounds kinda frilly." The Albegas captain scanned the menu for the equivalent of his beloved Johnny Walker. "Is there a man's drink anywhere on this menu? I should've known that McClain would send us to a place with girlie drinks just out of spite."
Sven laughed. "That sounds like something he would do."
Their waitress finally returned, dragging a man with her. He was roughly five or six years older than they were, and impeccably dressed. "Sven Holgersson?" he asked, staring at Sven in awe. "It is an honor to have one of the Voltron Force here tonight. I'd like to start you and your friend off with a complimentary 'Blue Lion' house cocktail, if that's all right with you."
Sven was too busy staring at the man's face to answer. He was handsome by anyone's standards, with hazel eyes and long, rich brown hair. But his good looks were marred by a long scar underneath his left eye, running almost down to his lip. "That sounds wonderful, thank you," he responded finally.
"Please. It is my privilege." He shook Sven's hand. "Brent Halix, owner and bartender."
"Well, you know who I am. This is Aidan Dalloway, a former classmate of mine."
"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Halix." Aidan broke out his usual Dalloway charm, complete with a grin and a dimple. "Thank you for the drink." Even Aidan knew it was better to have a free frilly fruit drink than to have to pay for it.
When Brent excused himself to personally mix their drinks, Aidan smiled. "Dude, not a word of this to anyone. No one is to know we were here drinking frilly drinks. Got it? I have a reputation to maintain."
"You and me both."
Brent returned a moment later with two large hurricane glasses, each filled with a small amount of ice and a lot of potent blue liquid, garnished with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. "Thank you again," Sven offered, picking up his fruity drink and clinking his glass with Aidan's. "Cheers, Dalloway."
"Dude, I feel like such a tool right now, with a cherry on top," Aidan cracked up. He took a sip and raised an eyebrow. "Hey. This is pretty potent. A couple of these could get a guy really messed up."
"Well, that's what Blue Lion does, Tool." He sipped the pretty blue drink. "Hmm. Girlie and potent. This could be dangerous." He placed his glass back down on the table. "So what did you drag me out here to talk about?"
Aidan took a long sip of his Blue Lion drink and set down his glass on the table. "Sven, how are you doing about the whole Lenora thing? How did you get over her?"
Sven's slate-blue eyes grew wide, and his face paled slightly. "How did I get over Lenora?" he repeated quietly, rolling the words over his tongue as though it was a foreign concept. "How did I get over her?"
"Yeah. Did the wife and kid thing help?"
"How did I get over Lenora?" he repeated. "Dalloway, I'm not over Lenora. I'm not. It doesn't matter that I'm married. It doesn't matter that I have a child. I'm not over her, and I probably never will be. And it's taking everything in me not to punch Hawkins in the face whenever I see him."
The Albegas captain sighed. "Seven hells. Then there's no hope for me."
Sven's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"
Aidan leaned back in the red-velvet banquette. "Lenora is my ex-girlfriend, too."
Lenora knew it would be any day for her mother. Angelie Nabors-Stensson had fought the good fight, bravely waging a war against her stage-four colon cancer with a variety of treatments and medical interventions. This time, though, when her mother was admitted to Lenox Hill Hospital, she knew they were at the end of the road.
It might have been easier if Sven was there. In fact, it definitely would have been easier. The only reason Angelie had lasted as long as she had was because her daughter was still unmarried. And with no father, no siblings, and no cousins, she was alone in the world. Yes, she had her friends - Lenora had tried to convince her time and time again that she considered her Space Academy friends to be her family - but Angelie refused to accept the idea that her daughter wouldn't be alone. They were merely friends; not a family born of blood or created from marriage vows.
"Not all families are made that way, Mom," she'd tried to tell her, but the woman never listened.
Now Lenora sat by her mother's bedside as the machines beeped. She shuddered every time she heard a beep - it meant that more morphine was being administered. And she knew what that meant: the end was near, and the morphine was not only keeping her mother comfortable, it would also depress her breathing until it stopped.
She had been asleep for hours, and Lenora had been holding her hand, rubbing her thumb back and forth over her mother's skeletal hand until she feared she would rub the skin raw. Watching her mother suffer so much was just as painful as seeing Sven's broken body on Ebb. She wondered if it was wrong to pray for an easy, painless passing instead of a prolonged life for her mother. There were truly some fates that were worse than death.
Angelie's eyes fluttered open, and Lenora held her breath, gripping her mother's hand in a way that wouldn't hurt her. "Mom? How are you feeling?" she asked, holding in the tears that wanted so badly to drain out. As she stared at her black nail polish, she wished she was wearing her black lipstick, too. It matched the well of sorrow she'd become.
"My...little...girl," her mother sputtered, clenching her hand as best she could around her daughter's. "I...love you."
"Oh, Mom, I love you too. Shh. You should be resting."
Angelie shook her head ever so slightly. "I wanted to...say something...to you."
"Go ahead, Mom."
"Sven." Her eyes rolled around, coming to focus on Lenora. "He was...the best man...you'll ever find. I'm...only sorry...I won't live...long enough to...see you...marry him."
She swallowed hard, choking on the sob that she knew was coming. She had to be strong for her mother. She didn't want her mother to see her crying. It was too much - she'd lost her father and her fiancé, and now she was about to lose her mother. How much more was life going to take from her?
"Trust me, Mom, when he comes home, I'm going to marry him. I promise." She didn't say if, even though that word would have been more accurate.
"Even though I...won't...be here?"
She was torn. She didn't want to think about her mother not being there, but then again, she didn't want to pretend that her mother was going to live a long and healthy life. "Mom, I promise you, whenever he comes home, I'm going to marry him."
Angelie nodded. "Good. I love...you."
"I love you too, Mom. I love you more than anything."
Angelie would never speak again. She slipped into a coma later that evening, and within two days, she was gone. Lenora never got over the fact that their last conversation was about Sven, and how sad her mother was that they had never gotten married.