What we'll have when everything else is gone Chapter 5 The day after part three, a voltron fanfic

I know… It's been awhile since my last update. I'm quite tired of saying it!

I thank you all for still following me, and reading and reviewing my fic.

A special thanks to cubbieberry: I read your PM, and I thank you very much for your appreciation. This update is for you. I know very well how fanfictions are sometimes able (at least for a short time) to push real life's problems away, so I hope that mine could help, too.

I don't own Voltron, nor the lyrics and music of the songs quoted in the story (that belongs to their respective authors/singers, in turn quoted in the story).
Since this is a fanfiction and I wrote it only for enjoyment purpose (not making money, etc, etc), I felt free to cut down some lines (mainly repeated chorus) of the lyrics of the songs.

The day after – part three

"I will be the first one performing." Lance commenced. "My song is dedicated to you all, my friends: when you take things too seriously, and you hole up in your little world, remember the words of this song. The song's title is The world is outside, a piece of an Earth's band, called Ghosts, dating to the early twenty-first century. I hope you, Princess, above all, could appreciate it. Well, let's start: one, two, three..."

Where'd your sense of adventure go?
You sit at home, with dinner on a tray,
The world is outside.
Do you remember how it used to be,
At 17, I've never been the same,
Forgot my lies.

She said, we could do anything, we can do anything,
Oh oh oh oh,
Open your eyes; the world is outside your door,
Oh oh oh,
Don't tell me your story if you don't have one.

...

This's justlike Lance: singing the praises offreedom and of the chance todo anythingwithoutconstraints. The princess thought, and couldn't hide the smile that those thoughts had evoked.

...

The last Monday in January,
Is apparently the worst day of the year,
Maybe they're right,
I don't even know what day it is,
I'm tired of this, wish we were kids again,
With time on our side,

She said, we could do anything, we can do anything,
Oh oh oh oh,
Open your eyes; the world is outside your door,
Oh oh oh,
You're kidding yourself 'cos everything else is old.
Oh oh oh oh,
You're taking your time; the world is outside your door,
Oh oh oh,
Don't tell me your story if you don't have one

Allura definitely wouldn't have been able to imagine a song more suited to her friend's personality. His apparently carefree attitude was his trademark. But, however much she had sometimes felt the need of that very freedom, Allura didn't believe she'd ever be able to lead her life following those values. But Lance would never ever be of any other mind, and perhaps that was his very beauty.
"Lance, you were wonderful!"
Lance, who was still running the last chords of the song with his guitar, winked at her: "Well, if you liked the piece, then you have to just follow the advice."
By the tone of his voice she couldn't say if he really meant what he said, or if he was just trying to provoke her.
Allura decided not to think about it too much, and excited about the show the boys had settled for her, she urged them to continue: "And now who is the next? I have to say that Lance scored highly with his performance. Hunk and Pidge, you'll have to apply yourself very much to beat him."
Lance made a sign of exultation with his fingers.
Hunk spoke up: "If I were you, dear Lance, I wouldn't sing victory too soon. The princess has yet to hear us. Come, take my place at the drums, because now it's up to me to sing".
And so saying he settled before the microphone. Despite pretending a lot of confidence, the clumsiness which he tried to adjust the microphone with showed all the nervousness he felt.
Allura tried to calm him with a smile: "Hunk, come on! I'm looking forward to listening to you!".
But her words had the effect of getting him even more worked up.
Hunk cleared his throat: "Well, well, princess, let me introduce you the song you're going to listen to...".
Then suddenly, as if remembering something important only in that moment, Hunk turned to Keith: "Oh Keith, you'll have to forgive me! When I chose this piece you weren't there, so you had no way to practice it with us. Sorry chief... If you can, try to follow us".
Then he turned again to the princess and continued: "I thought long about what song to sing. Eventually it came back to my mind this song from a rock band I used to listen to as a kid. This terrestrial band was of the beginning of the twenty-first century, too, and was called Nickelback. The song is titled Photograph and it speaks about memories. It suggests to not forget the past, but it also invites us to look up at the future."
On Allura's face a cloud quickly passed, and for a moment her smile faded. The same expression of astonishment and sadness was painted on Keith's face, too. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and they knew that the same thought had crossed both their minds.

Can this be possible? Didthe boysknowwhyKeith and Ihavequarreled? MaybeKeithhasspoken to them... But not! Even heseemscompletelystunnedby the choiceof this song.
Maybeit's justa coincidence...or maybe, simply, whenpeopleare linked bya strong friendshiplike ours, they don'tneed to say anything, becausetheycan understand each other with the heart.
How can I everthank you, my friends, for yourendlesskindness, forthe effortyou are making nowto bring me back a smile, to careso muchabout me, and about Keithandour relationship?

Hunk brought Allura's attention back to the present: "If you are ready, let's begin! One, two, three..."

Look at this photograph
Every time I do it makes me laugh
How did our eyes get so red?
And what the hell is on Joey's head?
This is where I grew up
I think the present owner fixed it up
I never knew we ever went without
The second floor is hard for sneakin' out
This is where I went to school
Most of the time had better things to do
Criminal record says I broke in twice
I must've done it half a dozen times
I wonder if it's too late
Should I go back and try to graduate
Life's better now than it was back then
If I was them, I wouldn't let me in

Every memory of looking out the back door
I had the photo album spread out on my bedroom floor
It's hard to say, It's time to say it
Goodbye, Goodbye
Every memory of walking out the front door
I found the photo of the friend that I was looking for
It's hard to say, It's time to say it
Goodbye, Goodbye

Remember the old arcade
Blew every dollar that we ever made
The cops hated us hangin' out
They say somebody went and burned it down
We used to listen to the radio
And sing along with every song we'd know
We said someday we'd find out how it feels
To sing to more than just the steering wheel
Kim's the first girl I kissed
I was so nervous that I nearly missed
She's had a couple of kids since then
I haven't seen her since God knows when

Look at this photograph
Every time I do it makes me laugh
Every time I do it makes me...

While Hunk ended the song, a single tear slid silently down the princess' cheek. During the playing of the song she was completely engrossed in an attempt to relive the scenes inspired by the lyrics. Probably the author had written the song after experiencing the loss of a friend... every word, every memory, seemed to try to reestablish contact with someone who was not there.
Even Keith had been still and silent throughout Hunk's performance. He hadn't even attempted to follow down the melody with his bass guitar... He seemed quite worried to work out what was happening. Again, as it happened a few minutes before, his eyes met those of the princess... But this time neither of them tried to avoid that contact. On the contrary, for moments that seemed an eternity to them, they gazed intently at each other, and, as it always happened in situations like that, they understood each other. Both read what was stirring in the heart of the other: the fear, the pain for the fight that had drifted them apart, the resolve to not let a misunderstanding wound their relationship, the overwhelming desire to make it up and allow their souls to touch again... and to forgive. A shy smile bloomed on both their faces.
The room had suddenly become silent. Allura and Keith were slowly breaking eye contact when they realized that their three friends were staring at them and smiling blissfully. Allura quickly wiped away the tear that had stopped its descent on her cheek, but spared them all the sight of her blushing: that evening she was not going to hide any of her emotions; she wanted to be free to feel and let the others see her feelings, without worrying about embarrassment.
Hunk, smiling, urged her on: "Well, what do you think about the song? Did you like it?". Allura gave him one of her more beautiful smiles and showed him the sign of her emotion: "I liked it a lot... you made me cry! Hunk, I will never thank you enough for this gift! "

Mainly becauseI think youmanaged tohelp mebring myrelationship withKeith back, she thought.

Without thinking twice, Allura rose from the couch and rushed to embrace her big brother, planting a noisy kiss on his cheek and leaving him agape.
"Hey, I thought the reward should come only at the end of the exhibition!" Lance said, in a certain way voicing the disappointment that was plainly visible in Pidge's gaze.
Keith couldn't restrain a slight giggle as he stared intently the princess, waiting to hear her reply.
Allura visibly blushed and said: "Sorry, guys! I had no intention to break the rules of this competition. It's just that... Hunk deserved it." She looked at her friend with tenderness. Then, turning to Pidge, she said: "Don't worry, Pidge. This evening I won't be sparing with rewards. The first prize has still to be won. I'm looking forward to listen to your song too... This evening you have really amazed me. All of you".
Partially relieved by those words, Pidge approached the microphone and gestured to her to sit again on the couch and make herself confortable: "Listen carefully to my song, Princess, and remember that this party was arranged for you. I hope you can appreciate my gift and enjoy yourself."
Allura felt her heart swell to those simple, yet intense, words. Since the boys had entered for the first time into her castle, her life had completely changed. She felt like she had a family again, someone how worried and cared about her.
As far as Coran had become almost a second father to her, during the darkest years of the war, however, she felt that something was missing. When she met the boys and began to know them, she understood what it was: what she missed were friends.
She hadn't felt so happy in years, and it was all due to them. Sometimes she wondered what she had done to deserve the friendship and affection of such exceptional people. And often wondered about what would've happened to her life, and to her planet and people, if the five space explorers had not come to their rescue. The thought was so painful that the princess hastened to banish it from her mind.
Focusing her attention back to Pidge, she asked: "What is the title of the song you're going to sing?".
"The title is Monsoon. Even this song was written in the twenty-first century, and the terrestrial group that performed it was called Tokio Hotel. The singer, at the time, was only two years older than me... Maybe that's why I feel the spirit of this song very close to mine. And about the text, I leave you free to interpret it as you like! Are you guys ready? Then it's one, two, three...".
Sweet notes came slowly from Lance's guitar and filled the room, while the surprisingly velvety voice of Pidge began the singing.

I'm staring at a broken door
There's nothing left here anymore
My room is cold, it's making me insane
I've been waitin' here so long
Another moment seems to have come
I see the dark clouds comin' up again

Running through the monsoon
Beyond the world 'til the end of time
Where the rain won't hurt
Fighting the storm into the blue
And when I lose myself I think of you
Together we'll be running somewhere new
Through the monsoon
just me and you

...

Somehow she'd always suspected Pidge's little crush on her. The song's choice said it, too. But she was also certain that it couldn't be more than just that: a little crush.

I know that he cares for me like a loving little brother. He is so sweet and this song is lovely. She thought.

...

A half moon fading from my sight
I see your vision in its light
But now it's gone and left me so alone
I'll know I have to find you now
Can hear you name and don't know how
Why can't we make this darkness feel like home?

Allura was really amazed by Pidge's performance, surprised mainly for the singing talent of the young boy. His gentle voice, combined with the dreamy words of the lyrics, was able to recreate an almost magical atmosphere.
"Pidge, you were awesome! Really I didn't expect you to sing so well! And the song, too... was really beautiful. I felt like being transported into another world... a world of fantasy, almost dreamlike. You were able to convey a very intense and wonderful atmosphere."
Getting up from the couch, she headed for her teammates: "Guys, I don't know how to thank you for this gift. Your surprise was the most welcome. And the music... well, I may not be so used to such melodies, but they really have a powerfully evocative force. I managed to seize so many emotions in the words of the lyrics... And I must say that I liked all your performances."
The boys exchanged glances of triumph, pleased to have reached their first goal: bringing the princess' good mood back. Allura continued with her speech: "For this reason, I think all three of you deserve the reward offered as a prize." So saying, the princess approached in order Pidge, Lance and Hunk, leaving on the left cheek of each of them a light peck. The three looked again at each other, exchanging knowing smiles, fully satisfied.
Behind them even Keith couldn't help smiling silently: after all, he was really happy to see his team, his friends, so serene and carefree. And, most of all, he was delighted to see the radiant cheerfulness of his princess...

Why did I behave like such a fool last night? It was all so perfect between us. Keith thought with some regret.

The captain's thoughts were interrupted by Pidge's loud cry: "Hey, wait. So it is not valid!" Everyone turned quizzically to Pidge. And then he said: "Hunk has received two kisses! I thought the competition ended in a draw."
At this, everyone burst into a hearty laugh, leaving Pidge in utter gloom.
Wiping the tears from her eyes, Allura turned to him with tenderness, laying a hand on his head and mussing up his already tousled hair: "You're right, my little friend, Hunk received two kisses... But I said that everyone deserved an award, not that the contest ended in a draw! Although I enjoyed all the performances, I must say that for me the winner is Hunk."
Then, turning towards him, she said: "The words of your song have really touched my heart... It was what I needed." Allura walked up to him and hugged him again with affection.
"You're welcome, princess. We are here in your service." Hunk hugged her back holding her tight.
While she was in the arms of her friend, Allura opened her eyes and glanced at Keith: every trace of sadness, anger or despair was by then gone from his face. Now, in his eyes, Allura could finally recognize the Keith of the previous evening, before their argument, who joked with her and smiled, that looked sweetly at her, and whom she loved... HER Keith. To those two black eyes, that now looked at her with tender feelings, she answered with a radiant smile.
Entirely regained her good mood, Allura withdrew from Hunk and addressed them all: "Well ... now what are we going to do? Are we beginning the delicious meal that you prepared, or have you got something else in store?"
Lance, Pidge and Hunk exchanged a knowing look. Just as they had planned, Lance stood up and spoke: "Actually, yes... There's one more thing missing to complete our party..."
Lance feigned to be concentrated on a very important issue, emphatically putting his fingers at the bridge of his nose. But actually he was only concerned about hiding the smile that was promptly surfacing on his lips. Allura skeptically raised an eyebrow.
Lance pretended not to notice, and continued: "But for you to discover the ultimate surprise, I need a hand... In fact I think I'll need Pidge and Hunk' help, so that you can discover 'this thing'..."
Lance winked to his friends: the plan was put in action.
Lance had very careful tried to leave the princess oblivious of the fact that what he had devised was only an excuse for letting her be alone with Keith... But from the look on the princess' face he probably hadn't been so good...
But perhaps the effort was not necessary: Allura didn't seem angry nor annoyed; somewhat Lance would've sworn to see in her amusement and a slight impatience. Maybe things would have gone on better than expected. Sure enough he hadn't missed the glances his two friends had exchanged: after all they hadn't found it hard to make peace! Evidently the relationship they had built was even stronger than the reason that had originated their quarrel. And this was a very good thing ... for both of them. Keith and Allura deserved the very best in life, after all they had suffered... And Lance was convinced that he would never known two people meant for each other like the two before him. The sooner they understood it, the better: it was about time for them to find happiness!
"Okay... So we go. Pidge and Hunk: with me, come on!" The three got quickly out from the room.

_o_

A.N. about the songs' choice:

I like Nickelback's music very much (mainly "Silver Side up"): the song Photograph was perfect for my fic, so I used it.
On the other hand, I'm not a Tokyo Hotel fan (but I like Monsoon), and frankly I don't know Ghosts discography, but for this song (courtesy of my husband that uses to listen to a LOT of music): I chose these songs because, while listening them, I found the lyrics, and the singers' voices, very suiting the characters of Pidge and Lance (my opinion).