Keith bounced on the balls of his feet behind Lit's workbench. The lanky boy muttered, "That isn't going to make me finish any sooner, Keith. This requires time and finesse."

Keith backed off and drew his knife. "I want this to be a surprise. It has to be done before Lotor gets back."

"This isn't like your armor. I'm working with entirely new technology here, but it feels like I've stepped back in time," Lit complained.

Keith pulled the hood of his armor up and began drilling a complicated set of kicks and flips. "Mr. Grey went to the trouble of finding this stuff specifically to order."

"I'm not upset," Lit backpedaled. "This stuff is new and I'd never be bored or bothered playing with it." Some wiring shorted out with a loud snap and Lit yelped. A single line of smoke rose into the air and he apologized, "Of course, there's always going to be mishaps while I'm learning."

Keith and Lit shared a laugh before the door opened and Anjac rushed in exclaiming, "The armada has returned!"

Keith and Lit were two steps behind her when they ran to the largest hangar. Lotor's vessel was docked to the side. Keith grabbed Anjac's hand and pointed, "There!"

Gnov had beaten them to the landing bay, but the crew was just disembarking when they slid to a stop. Verolle was easy to spot, standing well above the rest. Anjac and Lit ran into his arms and he grinned with a bellowed laugh. Keith elbowed Gnov in the side and wiggled an eyebrow. She scoffed and folded her arms, turning to hide a blush. Keith smirked and continued scanning the crowd, but Lotor was nowhere to be seen.

Verolle strutted over with a beefy arm wrapped around Lit's narrow shoulders and explained, "If you're looking for Lotor, he insisted on inspecting her himself."

"Thanks," Keith replied and jogged through the officers and soldiers returning home. Once inside, he made his way to the bridge. The lights were set to minimum and Lotor wasn't in sight. He was just about to look elsewhere when the sound of a tool clattering against metal was followed by a halfhearted curse. The noise led to the open maintenance hatch giving direct access to the engines. Keith ducked his head in and called, "Lotor?"

A bang and louder string of curses gave way to Lotor sliding out from between the engine banks on his back. Grease and dirt marred his face and he rubbed his head, further spreading the muck. "Keith?"

"Yeah, it's me. Verolle said you were still on board. What are you doing?"

Lotor climbed the ladder and sat on the floor of the bridge with his legs hanging down the hatch. "I wanted to see how she handled her maiden voyage. She was incredible, smooth, and fast responding to the lightest touch. You'll love flying her."

Keith put his hands on Lotor's shoulders and squeezed. "You'll have to take me for a joyride sometime."

Lotor groaned and leaned back into Keith's legs. "You only need say the word." He turned, kissing Keith's hand on his shoulder, before running a dirty hand through his hair. "I missed you."

Keith sat beside him and leaned into his side. "I missed you, too." He closed his eyes and breathed in Lotor's scent, the light fragrance smudged by engine grime and sweat. It was intoxicating.

Lotor shifted, twisting his hips and tipping Keith's chin. His breath hit Keith's lips as he whispered, "I would like to kiss you now, if I may."

Keith's eyes fluttered half open and his lips parted with a small moan. "I thought you'd never ask."

An instant later, they were chest to chest, the soft touch of Lotor's hands a contrast to the hard pressure of his chest plate. A minute later, his hands guided Keith's hips, angling him so he knelt between Lotor's legs. His hood fallen back, Keith pressed his hips into Lotor's groin while his hands roamed through silken, ivory locks. Talons scratched his scalp and Lotor gently yanked his hair, eliciting a high moan and a sharp intake of breath. Keith rebuked huskily above his exposed throat, "Easy, tiger."

Here in the ship, away from prying eyes, Keith let himself go. Learning and exploration were second nature, after all. He and Lotor were laid out on the floor. Unaware of how much time passed, the dirt on Lotor's skin had rubbed off on Keith and he barely noticed that the lights on the bridge took on a slightly bluer tone than before.

"This is Kolivan of the Blades of Marmora hailing the galra vessel Retribution. Does anyone- Oh my god! Keith?!"

Lotor cursed violently, rushing to stand, but his waist was pinned under Keith and he accidentally tossed Keith sideways. Keith grunted and caught himself on his palms while Lotor quickly stood and smoothed his rumpled clothes. He flicked his hair back and his voice cracked as he covered, "Kolivan, I," he cleared his throat, "uh, wasn't expecting to hear from you so soo- Aunt? What are you-"

Keith picked himself up, fixed his hood, and leaned a hip into the navigation officer's chair. He folded his arms and raised an eyebrow at Kolivan and the woman beside him. Kolivan was in a state of shock, unable to speak or truly react. The woman beside him was earily familiar, even though he was sure he'd never met her before. She wore armor like he and Kolivan, but her hair was short and framed her face with the smallest ponytail barely visible over her shoulder. Her eyes widened in anger and she suddenly whipped around to glare at Kolivan in an unmistakable way.

It was then that Keith knew who she was and said casually, "You must be Krolia. Talias told me about her... Wait," Lotor's remark finally hit him like a slap in the face and Keith shot back, "aunt?!"

Kolivan asked in a quiet demand, "Lotor, explain what we just witnessed."

Lotor whimpered slightly, but stood taller. "Kolivan, Krolia, this isn't how I planned to tell you, but I'd like to formally introduce my consort, Keith Kogane." He gestured hopelessly and Keith pushed off the chair to stand beside him. Lotor's arm snaked around Keith's waist and he added, "I hope this doesn't change our allia-"

"She is dead for this!" Krolia shouted before marching off screen.

Kolivan blanched and said quickly, "I'm going to have to call you back. Keith, we will discuss this later. Krolia, wait!"

The screen went dark and Keith muttered, "Did I just... get you in trouble?"

Lotor fell backwards into the pilot's seat and let his head lean into the headrest. Covering his face and groaning, he replied, "Of all the alliances we've made, the one with the blades proved the least secure and I think it just snapped."

"Nonsense," Keith answered with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Kolivan will hold true. He's still accepting a lot of changes."

Lotor looked at Keith between his fingers and slid lower in the seat. "Oh, I know. He drilled me for information nearly every day on the return voyage. I see how he achieved his title and position with interrogation skills like that in addition to everything else he is capable of. I don't think I let slip too many of our secrets, but..."

"Clearly, you didn't," Keith drawled. He put his arms around Lotor's neck and sat in his lap, crossing his legs across the armrest. "The way he looked at you reminded me of my dad the time I came home at 2 A.M. in the back of a police car when I was ten."

Lotor mindlessly stroked Keith's arm. "If such anger is known to you, how are you still alive?"

Keith chuckled under his breath and guided Lotor's mouth to his own once again. "My dad was scared. So is Kolivan. Though, I don't think paying for a wrecked motorcycle and father-son bonding time will pave over this. I'll head off Krolia and Talias, then talk to Kolivan. Will you be coming to our apartment right away?"

Lotor rubbed his eyes and shook his head. "I need to file the formal reports and then meet with the archivist for a full account. It will take more hours than I care to give."

Keith kissed the rise of Lotor's collarbone. "In that case, I'll be waiting, lover," he whispered before standing and bending at the waist to retrieve Lotor's discarded chest plate. He looked back with a flirtatious raised eyebrow and saw Lotor's eyes snap up to his face.

"So cruel. I don't know why I love you sometimes, dear heart."

"It comes with the territory. You're dating a bad boy, your majesty." Keith beamed at Lotor's blush and caressed the edge of the dark prince's ear, making him shiver. "Welcome home, Lotor."

Outside in the hangar, Gnov and Verolle were deep in conversation, but Gnov rubbed her arm self consciously while a soft, content smile dominated her expression. Lit and Anjac interrupted with animated gestures and oblivious comments, but Verolle very clearly knew something was up if the charming smile he flashed at Gnov was anything to go by.

When Keith walked up, Gnov raised an eyebrow at his dishevelled appearance and Keith smirked with a glance at Verolle. Keith jumped when Anjac grabbed his arm. "Keith, Verolle has invited all of us to supper in celebration!"

"Oh, that's very thoughtful," Keith stammered, "but I have to decline. There's a meeting I am to attend and I believe you and Lit have somewhere to be as well."

A small yelp left Lit and he paled. "That was today?" Turning to his teacher, Lit pulled his sister and excused as they ran, "Forgive us, but we can't!"

Gnov was caught between relief and disappointment. "Another time, perhaps."

"Don't let us spoil the evening, Gnov," Keith commented trying to keep a straight face and nearly failing. "Why don't you two go ahead and Lotor and I'll come by if the night doesn't get too late."

Gnov's flush turned crimson and she glared daggers at Keith, but Verolle said first, "I don't mind. Will you join me, chief adviser?"

Keith could see the struggle on her face, but he'd effectively maneuvered her into a corner. She was probably internally cursing him and herself for teaching him that technique. She blinked with a neutral smile and answered, "I would love to, arbiter."

He gestured and grinned, "After you."

They left, Gnov glaring at Keith over one shoulder. Keith waved innocently and went the other direction. No way did he intend to meet with her before he had to if tonight went well.

Having returned Lotor's armor, Keith stood outside Talias's room, hand poised to knock, when he heard raised voices. "You act as though I had something to do with that," Talias said venomously. "You know how I feel about you and your kind. When Lotor brought him to me, he was nearly dead. At the time, I only healed him because our nephew begged me to. Keith means more to him than you can speculate, as nonexistent as you are in his life."

"Why the hell would he care about Keith? You saved his life and now he feels indebted and empathetic. They have a name for that where he's from as well. It's called Stockholm syndrome, sister," Krolia spat back.

Talias's voice dropped and Keith barely heard her growl, "Oh, you would know all too well about that, Krolia."

"What are you insinuating?"

"I know what you did, who you found on that fraudulent mission. You lied and then vanished with your tail between your legs like the coward you are," Talias accused. "You don't deserve what you're asking."

"That's why I'm not asking. He needs to return to us. Kolivan and I will come to reclaim hi-"

"He is not an object!" Talias was in a spitting rage. "You disgust me, sister, speaking of the boy as though he-"

"Then why has he not come home? You speak of healing him, and yet he is still your prisoner."

Talias refuted, "He has been free to leave at any time following my discharge."

"Then tell me this. When you healed him, what restraints did you use? How did you trap him in your web of lies?"

Keith was caught between entering and leaving. This wasn't meant to be heard by an outsider, but they both had points, whatever they were. Krolia wasn't denying what Talias accused, but Krolia was also right. He had been drugged for who knows how long before he'd woken up. And knowing Talias's history with the blades, he couldn't help but believe she would have let him die if Lotor didn't mean so much to her. Steeling himself, he knocked on the door and called, "Talias? May I come in?"

"Not now, sweetheart. I'm in the middle of something."

"Don't call him that!"

"Well, someone has to!"

Keith's lip twitched and he cleared his throat. "Actually, I was hoping to speak to you and your sister, Princess Krolia."

"What have you done?" Talias whispered harshly.

"So you haven't told him everything... Interesting, sister."

Talias cursed and answered, "Alright, Keith. Come in."

Keith stepped into the room to see Krolia displayed on the holoscreen. She was pacing her small room, but sat at the desk when she saw him. Keith nodded and she looked him up and down. "Kolivan has told me much about you, Kogane. Your reputation precedes you."

Keith almost held back a flinch. Almost. "Heh, all good things, I hope."

Krolia very nearly smiled. "Of course. Your mission logs have a high percentage of completion for one so young. Color me, and many other agents, impressed."

A proud blush lit his face on fire and he held himself straighter for it. "Thank you, Krolia. I'm sorry I don't know much about your own role in this."

Krolia's mouth opened and closed before she glanced at her sister. "I... Perhaps when you return to the base."

Talias glared and folded her arms. Keith looked between them and said, "I don't know when that will happen."

Krolia's eyes narrowed. It was unsettling how much it reminded him of her sister. "Explain."

"He doesn't owe you anything," Talias snapped.

Krolia's glare flicked to Talias and she looked like she wanted to say something. Her mouth pursed to spout fire, but then she looked at Keith with something akin to... was that fear? Keith put a hand on Talias's arm to calm her and offered a placating smile to Krolia. "Look, I know there's much to discuss, but we have a lot of planning to do before the gala. Krolia, why don't you and Kolivan come a few days early and we can talk more in person."

"A gala?" Krolia asked pointedly.

"It was Keith's idea," Talias grudgingly answered.

Keith sighed. "I can't stay here forever and I've been selfish. I didn't think... I've worried a lot of people and I owe it to my friends to tell the truth. The archivist told me about the parties back on Daibazaal, and I think it would make a good start to our peaceful reign."

Krolia was speechless. Talias raised an eyebrow and smiled smugly. "He's been learning tact from Gnov. You should see him holding the throne room."

"Talias," Keith muttered through his teeth.

She giggled and covered her mouth, momentarily forgetting her anger toward her sister. Krolia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Alright, Keith. If you want to speak more in person, we will come to you. Three days journey brings us to the coordinates you gave Kolivan."

"It will be too late," Talias said. "We leave for the estate late tomorrow."

Krolia frowned. "You're hosting there? We haven't gone back since... Talias, are you sure?"

"Save your concern for those who need it," Talias dismissed, "but knowing that, are you still going to attend?"

"Lethua is less painful to remember than what followed. I will arrive one cycle after you. Keith," Krolia paused, her expression soft, "I am glad you are safe. Do not hesitate to contact me or Kolivan for any reason."

She smiled and the call ended. Keith took a deep breath and folded his arms with a cocked hip. "When were you planning to tell me you were Zarkon's sister?"

"How did you learn?"

Keith relaxed at her tense tone and said more gently, "Kolivan and Krolia interrupted our reunion and Lotor... it was awkward for all involved. I think Lotor might be afraid Kolivan will retaliate."

"He wouldn't be the first. Many galra have lashed out when they feel their children wed below their worth," Talias explained on a breathy exhale as she went to the lounge. "Kolivan thinks highly of you. Not even the prince of the empire may be good enough."

Keith swallowed. "Really? I should probably call him, then." He stopped in the doorway and added, "For what it's worth, I would have run if you'd told me from the beginning. I... I get why you were afraid to tell me."

She started, "I- Thank you, Keith, for understanding my sensitivities."

"It's the least I can do, Talias," Keith replied seriously and admitted, "Really, you've done so much more for me. I love you."

Talias's eyes watered and she smiled the way she did for him. "I love you too, sweet boy."

Keith grinned and went to his room. Bouncing into his chair, he dialed Kolivan and waited. Spinning in the chair, Kolivan answered when his back was to the desk. Keith whipped around, slapping the desk to stop himself. Kolivan raised a bushy brow and quirked his lip in amusement. "I see you no longer have Lance's transponder."

Keith snorted. "Oh no. You didn't?"

"I did. Imagine how surprised I was when Lance answered, berating me with questions about you. I only ended that call because I recieved this one."

"Now you know how Lotor felt," Keith admonished.

Kolivan's playful humor dropped. "About that..."

Keith huffed, "It was never my intention. He scrambled for a reason and lied to save my life. It hadn't developed into anything more than an act until the assassination attempt that led to the attack on the Pratic system"

"Are you sure he is being honest?"

Keith considered the months since the Kral Zera and a stupid grin grew on his dumb face. "Yeah. He had feelings for me long before I realized I did for him."

Kolivan didn't seem relieved by this, instead frowning and glaring at his hands. He squared his jaw and said, "Keith, there are things I must tell you, but they should be said in person."

"I've already made plans with Krolia. She agreed to come to Lethua. I know you have priorities, but it'd be great if you attended the gala. Did you recieve the invitation?"

Kolivan shook his head with a breathy chuckle. "Yes, but I do not understand the package that accompanied it."

Keith grinned and patted his thighs quickly. "Just bring them with. It'll be great!"

Kolivan agreed, "Alright. I can feel your enthusiasm from here. I don't think you've looked forward to anything so much since I told you we were going to steal those fighters from Quant."

Keith's cheeks hurt. "That was probably more fun, but Talias has been telling me about Lethua. I can't wait to get planet-side again. I've spent too long in orbit."

"Talias... our last call ended abruptly. Is she treating you as she should? You haven't been beaten or..." Kolivan's voice dropped and his worry was in his eyes as he considered everything she could have done to Keith.

Keith leaned forward on the desk, suddenly sober. "Hey, relax, alright? We had a bit of a rocky slide after you called, but we patched it up. She is caring and considerate and I'm learning a lot from her. She was more worried that you..." He looked up at the ceiling. "Kolivan, you break your own rules for me. I don't know how many times you've risked a mission to make sure I return alive. The mission to Faive was one of the first high stakes missions you sent me on alone with the blades. I guess what I'm saying is... I'm sorry I never called. I was so afraid you were disappointed, it never occurred to me that you might not know."

The door opened behind Kolivan and a feminine figure leaned into the frame. She was bathed in shadow, but Krolia asked, "Is that Keith?"

Kolivan cleared his throat and looked over his shoulder. "Yes. He has a new transponder."

Keith whispered, "So are you two...?"

"What?!" Kolivan whipped back around.

"Nevermind," Keith teased.

"Kit, tell me right now what you meant."

Keith giggled. He was the only one who could get away with it. "I have to pack, so I'll see you in a couple days." Waving to Krolia, he added, "Take care of our leader for me, princess!" and hung up.

The giggling didn't stop. He kept randomly laughing for the next hour as he recalled the look on Kolivan's face. He was as whipped as Verolle. When Keith was packed, he finally looked at the clock. Lotor should be back by now. Changing into his pajamas, Keith walked into Lotor's bedroom. The lights were on and the bathroom door was cracked open. Steam billowed out gently near the top.

Sneaking into the bathroom, Keith saw Lotor's broad shoulders where he lay half submerged with his head braced on the edge. On silent feet, he went to the linens and grabbed what he needed before kneeling at the edge of the bath. Swirling the cloth in the soapy water, he gently lifted Lotor's wrist and wiped at the grease stubbornly stuck to his skin.

Lotor groaned and opened his eyes. "I didn't hear you enter."

"I didn't want you to. I believe I owe you for my 'cruel' words earlier."

"If this is your apology, feel free to be cruel to me as frequently as you wish," Lotor teased.

Keith smiled and rolled his eyes. "I've prepped everything for our journey to Lethua. We leave whenever you are ready."

Lotor closed his eyes with a sigh. "You are incredible. Thank you, Keith."

Keith rolled up his pant legs and put his feet in the water. He started cleaning the side of Lotor's neck. The dark prince rolled his head to allow him to continue. It made Keith happy, even if he was blushing furiously as a result. When the skin was clean, Keith leaned down and kissed Lotor's neck behind his ear. "You are more than welcome. It is nothing for you."

Lotor moaned and reached back, holding Keith where he was so he could meet his lips. "I think there is one more thing you can do for me."

Keith murmured against his soft skin, "And what is that?"

Lotor's eyes flashed mischeviously and he turned, wrapped his arms around Keith's shoulders, and pulled him into the pool. Keith shouted while the water splashed up over the edge of the tub. Keith sputtered and came up. "You could at least have let me undress first," he said with a laugh.

Lotor chuckled and wiped the wet hair off Keith's face before cupping his face in both hands and kissing his lips. "This is more fun."

Keith laughed against Lotor's lips and repeated what he'd said in the ship. "Welcome home, Lotor."