Do not own Voltron or its plotlines, settings or characters. All characters are adults.

Katie Holt ran as if her life depended on it, because it did. Some kind of commotion on another level of the ship had caused her guards to make a big mistake. They hadn't properly latched her cell, giving her the opportunity to get the hell out of dodge. A glinting in the corner caught her eye. A pipe. She picked it up and ran. It would have to do. Silently assessing her position and the distance to the hanger where they kept their smaller cruisers she tried to figure out how to get there without getting caught again or caught up in whatever was happening on the other decks.

She was tired and sore but she pushed herself to focus and get out. She could rest when she was free. Now she just had to get her vision to clear properly enough to be able to fly to safety when she made it to the hanger.

So far she'd had to dispose of three sentry's on her travels and she tensed when she heard more footsteps coming from around the corner. She took a deep breath, shook her head to clear the dizziness turned the corner and prepared to swing.

Keith stared, frozen with shock. "P-Pidge?"

Iron pipe held above her head ready to strike, Pidge froze. Her eyes widened. The pipe slipped from her hands and clattered on the floor noisily. "Keith."

His eyes widened when her knees buckled. Stepping forward he grabbed her, lifting one arm over his shoulders the other to her waist to support her. "Hey, I got you."

She looked up into his eyes, weary and fearful. "Is it really you?"

He smiled gently. "If you want proof, look behind me."

Pidge looked up to where Keith had been standing and felt tears spring to her eyes as she smiled. "Kosmo!"

"Let's get you out of here."

She frowned as they started moving back the way Keith had come. "Why are you here?"

"I was sent to get intel but it doesn't matter, we need to get you out of here."

"No wait, you can't throw the mission. We need to get to the control room."

"Pidge I don't need the information anymore."

"Why not?"

"Cos I found you."

She looked at him shocked but before she could get a word out a blaster shot got their attention. Keith leaned Pidge against Kosmo. "Stay here."

Keith jumped forward attacking the guard that had started shooting at them. Pidge watched with equal parts concern and frustration at not being able to help. When she noticed another set of guards coming from the other direction she turned to Keith.

"Keith?"

"Little busy Pidge."

The guards got closer. "Keith?"

"Just a second Pidge I'm almost done with this guy."

Pidge looked around frantically as Kosmo growled, taking an aggressive stance. Looking around she noticed one of the guards had dropped a shield when Keith had knocked them out. Running, she picked it up and lifted it in time to stop a sword from cutting into Keith's back. Gritting her teeth she widened her stance and used all of the energy she had to keep the weapon from reaching its mark.

Keith turned his head and almost choked on air. Finding the opening he needed he quickly disposed of his opponent before turning to strike at the guard pushing on Pidge's shield. As the opponent pulled back Keith jumped forward placing Pidge behind him.

She turned just in time to stop another strike. "Keith we need a new plan."

"I'm thinking."

A blade struck the guard attempting to overpower Pidge. She turned to see Acxa walk out of the shadows. "I guess we don't need that intel after all."

Pidge grinned and pulled the blade out of the guard taking out the next that rushed her. "Guess it's everyone's lucky day today."

Keith dropped the last guy and turned to Pidge. "You okay?"

She nodded and returned the blade to Acxa. "I'll be better once I get off this ship." She leaned back against Kosmo when her legs threatened to give out again and took a deep breath.

Keith noted the fatigue that seemed to weigh on her body and turned to Acxa. "Acxa take point and clear a path for us."

She nodded and ran ahead. Keith quickly took Pidges weight and helped her along. "I'm fine Keith I can walk on my own."

"You're exhausted Pidge. Let me help you."

She sighed and let herself lean on him.

Back on the ship Acxa made sure everyone was on board before setting a course for the closest safe place to dock. Altea.

Pidge leant her head against the cold tiles of the shower as the hot spray washed over her tired and sore body. "Hey, you okay in there?"

She felt her muscles tense and relax again when she recognised Keith's voice. "I'm fine Keith. I'll be out in a minute." It was silent for a moment before she turned off the water and reached for a towel. "How long has it been?"

"Almost twelve months."

She wrapped the towel around her body and used a second to ring out her almost waist length hair. "No wonder you looked like you'd seen a ghost."

"What happened Pidge?"

"We were on a mission to get some crystals for the new MFE cruisers. We thought the base had been abandoned but they got the drop on us. One of the scientists yelled my name and they figured out who I was. They took me -" her eyes widened and she wrenched open the door in a panic running straight into Keith. He steadied her from falling. Her hands came up to his chest, taking a fistful of his shirt "Veronica! She got shot trying to stop them!"

"She's fine, she's recuperating back on Earth."

"What about the others? We had three scientists and James with us."

He gently squeezed her shoulders. "Everyone survived."

Her head dropped to his chest. "Thank god."

"C'mon. You need to get dressed and get some rest."

"Where are we going?"

"Altea. It's the closest port we have. We should be there in a few hours."

"Does everyone know?"

Keith nodded. "I sent out a message when we took off and let them know we'd found you and your condition. Lance is prepping for our arrival."

She scowled and turned out of his arms towards his small closet. Pulling out a shirt she pulled it over her head and then let the towel fall from under it. "I'm fine."

"Your thin, pale, exhausted and that's from what I can see. You need to be checked out by a medic."

She sighed and nodded. "Okay."

He smiled and put an arm around her shoulders, steering her to his bed. "Good, now get some rest."

"But this is your bed."

He pushed her shoulders to sit. "And I'm not using it right now. Get some sleep."

He could see the moment she had decided to give in. She nodded and lifted her legs up onto the mattress. He reached for the blanket and covered her body, hoping she would be warm enough. He watched her eyes close and open as if she was fighting it.

"You're safe, now get some rest."

She looked up at him once more and murmured quietly as she let her eyes flutter closed. "Thank you."

A couple of hours later when they docked Keith stood in the bridge blocking the hallway to the bunks effectively stopping Lance and Hunk from seeking out Pidge.

"Move it Mullet she needs medical care."

Keith carded a hand through his hair in frustration and glared at Lance. "I know that Lance but she's still sleeping and I don't want to scare her with the two of you bursting in the damn door."

"Keith has a point Lance. We don't know what she's been through."

"Exactly! She needs to be checked out..." Lance and Hunks eyes went wide as Lance went silent.

Frowning Keith turned and found a sleepy Pidge, wearing only his shirt, shuffling exhaustedly down the hallway. He noticed the way she seemed barely able to stand on her own two feet and his worry eclipsed his embarrassment.

"Keith?"

She looked up at him and her legs wobbled. Keith moved as Lance or Hunk, he wasn't sure which, made a noise of surprise. He caught her as her legs gave way, picking her up effortlessly. "Easy I got you."

"What's going on?" she murmured tiredly.

"Lance and Hunk came to check on you. They want to take you in to the medical bay."

She frowned. "Oh."

"Pidge, you need to get checked out by a medic or a doctor."

She closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. "Okay."

He looked up at Lance. "Lead the way."

She was checked over and given a mostly clean bill of health. They noted a couple of scars and she told them that they had healed well enough. No breaks in her bones that needed resetting. Apart from the exhaustion, dehydration and malnutrition she was mostly okay physically speaking.

Keith sighed with relief when they gave the report. Lance asked for some clothes to be brought down and Hunk ran off to the kitchens to make up her favourite foods. When she'd been given pants and cleared for visitors the boys came in immediately with food and Kosmo. She nibbled on the food sparingly and leaned back into Kosmo's soft fur as he curled around her on the bed.

"You're parents called earlier. I let them know how you are and that we'd be on our way once you've been cleared for travel."

"Thanks Keith. How are they?"

"They're glad you're okay and they want to see you."

"When can we leave?"

Keith sat by her side on the bed. "As soon as you're cleared I promise. Now lean back and get some rest."

Lance and Hunk stayed until her eyes started to droop. When she drifted off they tried to get Keith to go and rest as well.

He shook his head. "I'm gonna stay."

"Keith you should get some rest as well."

His eyes never left Pidge. "I'll be fine. I'll go up soon."

Lance and Hunk shared a look before leaving. Keith settled at the end of the bed and watched Kosmo softly nestle his head into the bedding around Pidge. He watched her even breathing and really looked for the first time since he'd run into her in that hallway.

Her hair was so long and now that it had been brushed out and cleaned it looked shiny and soft. She had dark circles under her eyes, and even now a small frown marred her face in her sleep from worry. He noticed how gaunt and thin she looked. So fragile and she had weighed nothing when he'd lifted her earlier. He frowned and reached forward, gently smoothing the frown from her forehead. She leaned into his hand and he softly stroked his thumb over her cheek. Leaning forward he placed a small kiss on her forehead before settling in the chair he had pulled up to her bed when they'd first been let in the room, taking hold of her hand. Lance and Hunk pretended not to notice when they came in the next day.

A week later as they were packed and ready to go a transmission came in from Kolivan about another cell fighting against the peace treaties. It was close and they potentially held important information about other cells existing across the galaxy. They needed that information. Keith called a meeting with his team, Lance and Hunk. They were discussing the layout of the hideout and how to get the data dump uploaded into their system.

Keith glared at the map in frustration. "It won't work. We need someone with the skills to extract the information. We need to wait for a tech or Matt to get here."

"But they might not make it in time." Acxa groused.

He plunged a hand through his hair in frustration. "I know but it's the only option we have."

"No it's not."

Keith whipped around at the new voice. "Pidge."

"I can do it."

He frowned immediately. "No."

Her eyes narrowed. "Keith."

"Absolutely not. You're still healing."

"I'm fine. My strength is back, I've put on weight and I'm well rested."

"No Pidge."

"Maybe she could instruct one of us from the ship?" Lance questioned.

Keith glared at the other man. "No."

Pidge pinched the bridge of her nose and prayed for restraint. "Keith I'm your best bet and you know it. I can do it." He crossed his arms and she sighed softening her expression. "I'm fine, really and I want to help."

He looked at her and sighed in defeat when everyone in the room seemed to silently agree. "Fine but I'm going with you. Zethrid, Ezor I want you running distraction. Acxa, your on hanger duty."

They fleshed out the remainder of the plan before everyone went off to do their own thing. Pidge stayed behind to speak to Keith.

"You gonna explain why you were so adamant about me not being part of this mission."

He sighed. "You've been missing for almost twelve months Pidge and we only just got you back. I don't want to put you at risk again."

She walked up to him and patted his arm, smiling softly. "You're worried, I get it but this might be the only shot we've got to get that information and I want to help if I can."

He sighed in defeat and gave her a hesitant smile. "You're brother is going to kill me."

She chuckled. "I'll see if I can get come stealth clothes from Romelle."

The next day Pidge ran on board with a bag in hand and explained she would need to get changed enroute to the hideout. A few hours later they were approaching the landing point and Keith tapped his fingers on the dash of the ship.

Acxa chuckled. "What's got you so nervous?"

"Matt Holt."

Acxa laughed out loud now. "You are worried he will not approve of the paladin coming with us."

Keith's brow arched. "He's going to kill me."

Footsteps captured their attention and they turned to see Pidge step into the cockpit. Keith's breath stalled in his chest. She was wearing black space safe tights and what looked like a dark maroon sports bra that stopped at the waist band of her tights. Black boots with a small heel adorned her feet and her hair had been pulled back into a high pony tail that ran down her back.

"He's definitely going to kill me."

Pidge rolled her eyes. "Stop worrying."

"What are you wearing?"

Her cheeks tinted slightly as she looked off to the side. "They're Acxa's. Romelle didn't have anything for stealth so I had to raid her wardrobe. Don't worry I've got a cloak."

Keith breathed a sigh of relief. "We're approaching the drop zone."

She nodded and turned to the table with her equipment. Making sure she had everything she needed she adorned the cloak and lifted the hood as they disembarked the ship. With Zethrid and Ezor causing havoc on one side of the base it was easy for Keith and Pidge to slip into the control room, where a large tower stood. The pedestal which housed the computer seemed unoperational and Pidge swore.

"I need to find a direct outlet."

Keith stood guard a few feet away and looked around before his eyes settled on a small compartment hatch. Pidge opened the hatch and used her flashlight to look further in.

"Jackpot."

"I'll get in."

Pidge turned and levelled him with a disbelieving look. "Keith, you're not going to fit."

He grit his teeth and took a deep breath. "Fine be quick and be careful. Any signs of distress and I'm yanking you out by your feet."

She nodded and ditched the cloak before crawling into the small space and getting to work. She had the information in record time and was crawling back out as a large blast breached a pipe from above in the ceiling. Keith yanked her back by her feet and helped her stand.

"Time to go."

They were running through the halls when they ran into a group of guards. Pidge growled and pulled a long dagger from a holster strapped to her leg. She nodded at Keith and they attacked. Just as they disposed of the last enemy they heard foot steps coming towards them. They tensed and took a defensive position waiting.

Pidge froze when a familiar voice echoed in the corridor. "What the hell? Pidge?"

"Matt? What are you doing here?"

"We were sent to help get the data. What are you doing here? What are you wearing? Keith I'm going to kill you."

Keith groaned and cut her a telling look. "I told you he was going to kill me."

She rolled her eyes. "Can we talk about this when we're not in the enemy's base please? We've got the drive."

When they were safely landed on a nearby planet Matt stopped pacing to glare at his sister. "You are supposed to be on your way back to Earth, resting."

Pidge shrugged. "They needed a tech to get the info off of the mainframe."

"We were on our way!"

"Yeah well we didn't know that and time was running out. We needed that information Matt."

"Not at the cost of your life."

"I wasn't in danger and Keith was with me the whole time!"

Matt's voice rose. "You shouldn't even be out here. You shouldn't have been on that mission in the first place."

Pidge growled and glared at her brother. "Don't you dare tell me what I should or shouldn't be doing!"

"The war is over Katie!"

"Not for them! Clearly."

Matt rubbed a hand over his face. "Damn it! Don't you get it? We lost you! For twelve months we worried and we searched and we prayed you were still alive. We can't lose you again. I can't protect you if you're-"

Her glare fell. "I don't need you to protect me Matt. I haven't since I was plunged into a galactic war."

Matts face lost its anger and his face fell with sadness. "Pigeon."

"They took me Matt. Desperate and fighting a war that ended a long time ago they took me like they took you but there was a key difference, I can take care of myself. Have for a long time now."

Keith placed a hand on Matt's shoulder. "She's okay."

Matt nodded then looked back at her with confusion and amusement. "What are you wearing?"

Pidge blushed but scowled. "Oh shut up."

"Seriously though."

"It's a stealth outfit, Acxa let me borrow it and before you say anything else I'm 23."

Keith chuckled and Matt glared at him. "You let her wear that?"

Keith's brow arched. "She was wearing a cloak when we left and I don't let her wear anything. She's an adult and can wear whatever she wants but for the record I did try to keep her off of this mission, we didn't know you were coming and were out of options."

Matt eyed him. "You had her back?"

"Every second."

Matt finally sighed and reached forward hugging his sister. "I'm so glad you're okay."

Pidge felt the tears sting her eyes as she hugged him back. "Me too."

When Matt reluctantly let his sister go he turned back to Keith. "You look after her."

Keith blushed. "Me?"

"Yes you. You saved her and you had her back."

Pidge growled. "I swear to god if you say 'she's yours' I will hurt you."

Matt lifted his hands in surrender with a grin. He winked at Keith. "Good luck man. You're gonna need it."

When Matt's ship departed Keith ushered Pidge into the back of the ship to his bunk. She looked confused when he pushed her in.

"What are we doing in your bunk?"

"You are getting some rest."

Pidge groaned but let herself be pushed inside towards the bed. "Keith."

"You're still recovering and don't tell me you're not exhausted right now because you are."

She crossed her arms and turned around. "And just where do you plan on sleeping?"

He rubbed the back of his neck "Out there."

"You mean in the cockpit?" Keith shrugged and her eyes softened. "Keith you're not spending the next week sleeping in the cockpit. You can sleep in here."

"Okay I'll take the floor."

She rolled her eyes. "You're not sleeping on the floor." Keith froze and blushed. Pidge chuckled. Reaching up she smoothed the frown that had appeared on his face. Her chuckle died out in the silence of the room as her eyes softened. "I've been alone for so long, it's been nice the last week having you be my shadow."

"I'm sorry it took us so long to find you. Took me so long to find you."

"But you did find me and you saved me. Just like I knew you would."

"You knew I'd come for you?"

"I hoped you would. I knew Matt would never stop searching but I hoped-"

A tear fell from her eye as her breath hitched and he brushed it away. "I couldn't stop, not until I found you."

"Thank you." She leant forward and brushed a hesitant kiss to his lips.

He blinked before smiling so softly at her that it took her breath away. Leaning forward he rested his forehead against hers. "Come on, I'm tired let's go to bed."

He let her dig in his cupboard for a shirt and changed while she was in the bathroom getting out of Acxa's clothes. She climbed in carefully and lay facing him.

He turned to face her and brushed a few stray hairs over her shoulder. "So long."

She blushed. "I didn't have an option to cut it while I was being held."

"It's pretty."

"Thank you."

Leaning forward he placed a kiss to her forehead. "Go to sleep Pidge. You need to rest."

She nodded around a yawn and closed her eyes. She could figure out what was happening between them tomorrow. For now she had what she needed. Her freedom, a comfortable place to sleep and someone to watch her back.