Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The war was over.

The battle for Earth had been hard fought and even harder won, with many casualties and injuries, including the Paladins of Voltron.  As they recovered, members of the coalition arrived, word of their victory and the return of Voltron reaching the furthest solar system, sending aid to Earth and to help them rebuild.

As part of the celebrations, and they were to be widespread, Voltron would visit each galaxy, putting in an appearance and helping with all the political rigamarole that went hand in hand, but they would start with Earth.  Having taken the least damage, The Galaxy Garrison stood as a beacon of hope, the centre where Earth’s homegrown heroes had trained, and the surviving world leaders were converging, coming to help in the celebrations of hope.  Once the bulk of the cleanup was complete Voltron set off on its diplomatic tour.  The garrison had provided them with a small crew and cruiser big enough to transport them and the Lions in relative comfort.  It was a straightforward and easy trip, returning them to the Milky Way not long after.  The garrison promised a week of events on their return and each Paladin had been informed they would be assigned an envoy, who’s mission it was to aid them in any way they could during the duration.

Pidge wasn’t so keen on the idea.  She just wanted to go home and spend time with her family, knowing Matt was already there, but protocol was protocol and she had to suck it up.  At least there would be a get together with the families of the Paladins and she planned on making Keith an honorary Holt for the duration, so he had someone to claim him and wasn’t alone.  Not that she had an ulterior motive, no, she was just being nice, very nice, as nice as she could be.  Pidge may have been harbouring feelings for the half Galran on their team, something she had tried to push aside as a crush, having realised after he came to her rescue during a particularly bloody battle, carrying her injured form off the battlefield bridal style, that had made her heart pound and her body do things that she had only ever experienced alone.  The realisation that she liked Keith had hit her harder than the blast that took her down, and all she could do was curl up in his arms and hold on as he raced her back to Green.  That was the turning point, that was when she noticed the little things he did, the way he spoke, the way he moved, every little thing.  She was certain if she had a journal she would have been jotting their initials in little hearts along the margins, but she didn’t and she didn’t want anyone to know, least of all the man himself.  Which was why she now found herself outside his allotted quarters on the cruiser.  She wanted him to know he wouldn’t be alone once they got to Earth, that she was happy to offer him a place at her side, even if he didn’t know her full motivation.  She had never given him reason to believe she thought of him as anything more than just a friend, and why would he?  Keith was her friend and she’d rather have that than nothing.

She ran a hand through her hair, still messy and shorter than when Matt and her father had left for their mission, reaching her shoulders and finally long enough to tie up if she needed to, and hoped she looked presentable.  Her green and white sweater had long since given up the ghost, along with Matt’s glasses, suffering a fatal tear when she got the sleeve caught inside Green, and instead she wore an overlong green hooded cardigan over a white tank top, black skinny pants, and black combat boots tied with green laces she had acquired on their travels.  She was comfortable but it reminded everyone she was no longer a girl but a woman, twenty-one and with more life experience than most people twice her age.  She didn’t care what anyone else thought, as long as they left her alone, other than Keith of course.

She pressed the buzzer beside the door and the sound of movement came from within, the door sliding open to reveal Keith in black pants and t-shirt, his feet bare.  He smiled warmly at her, resting his hand on the side of the door with his arm outstretched.

‘What can I do for you, Pidge?’

She realised his hair was damp and assumed she had just missed him taking a shower, and the thought made her pause for a moment as she tried to mentally regroup and find her voice, clearing her throat to see if it would help.  ‘Keith, right, I just wanted to let you know that I put your name down with mine to have my folks as family, for when we get back to Earth, because you shouldn’t have to be alone, even in a roomful of people.  And you know all of my family, there’s enough of us to go around, and they all like you, so yeah, I thought, if you wanted to, just be a Holt for the week.’

His smile broadened as she rambled on, gazing at her as her cheeks flushed and her hand automatically went up to adjust the glasses she no longer wore.  Dammit, she was adorable.  Keith had spent the last two years ignoring his feelings for the youngest Paladin, or at least he had tried to.  She was so smart, fearless, beautiful, how could he not have fallen in love with her?  He was amazed that no one else saw it, that no one else had made a move on her, because she was well deserving of the attention, but that wasn’t Pidge, she wasn’t one to be won over by pretty words just because.  He wasn’t sure what she looked for in a man, if anything, but he knew that whoever she fell for would be the luckiest person in any of the galaxies they had travelled.

‘You didn’t need to do that, but I appreciate it.’

She shrugged, her cheeks pinking further.  ‘Well, you know, you’re not bad to hang out with, and this way we might be able to help one another out.  You know I hate these fancy gatherings and tend to technobabble if I’m given half the chance.  Maybe I can adopt you and you can stop me from rambling.’

‘But you do it so well.’  He smirked as he leant against the frame and folded his arms.

‘Shut up.’  She punched him in the arm, flustered by such a simple non-compliment, but it was because it was from him and she knew it.  ‘So, is that a yes?  You’re happy being an honorary Holt for the festivities?’

‘I can’t think of anything better.’

‘Good.  Great!’  She said, nervously running her zipper up and down for something to do with her hands.

‘Good.’  He repeated, his mind working quickly as he tried to figure out some way to spend more time with her.  ‘Uh, I was going to get some lunch, do you want to join me?  Maybe you can show me what it’s like to be a Holt.’

‘It’s not that different from being a Paladin, really.’  She shrugged.  ‘We tease each other, we support each other, only there’s more good food involved.  A lot of pasta, not that Hunk’s cooking is bad, but my mom’s is awesome.’

‘That’s a no to lunch?’  He asked, voicing his confusion.

‘No!  Sorry, no!’  She said quickly.  ‘I love lunch, I mean I’d love to eat you, eat lunch with you!’  She groaned.  ‘I didn’t sleep great last night, sorry.’

Keith cleared his throat at the vivid image that sentence put in his mind, unable to speak for a moment.  ‘You want to step inside while I get my boots and jacket?’

‘Sure, I can step in.’  She smiled as he edged back and allowed her entry, the door closing behind her.

‘Are you looking forward to going home?’  Keith asked as he grabbed his socks from the bunk and offered her his swivel chair that his jacket sat on the back of.

‘I think so.’  She swung her legs, her hands on the armrests as she looked at her lap.

‘You’re not sure?’  He asked in surprise as he sat on the bunk close to her.

‘I’m sure I’m looking forward to seeing Mom and Dad and Matt, but I don’t know that Earth feels like home anymore, you know?  We’ve been out here so long it’s going to be weird not to be living with you.’

‘With me?’  He asked hesitantly and she looked up, realising what she had said.

‘I mean you, yeah, and the other Paladins and Lions, you’re my family.  My space family.’  She grinned and he found it contagious, pausing before putting on his other sock to admire how her eyes lit up.  ‘I’ve missed my Earth family but it’s going to be weird, a good weird, but still.  Weird.’

‘I never really had an Earth family, not for a long time, other than Shiro of course.’  He said as he resumed getting ready.  ‘But I think you nailed it.  We’re a space family.  I’m just glad the garrison have agreed to put us all up together in the barracks, because not seeing you for a while would be hard.’

‘Us as in space family.’  She nodded, assuming that was what he meant.

‘Space family, even Lance, to a degree, but you especially.’

‘Really?’  She said, her voice full of hopeful surprise.

‘Really.  You’re still the best partner for games, you come up with the best ideas, and you like the same snacks as me.  Who else would watch all the ridiculous so-called horror movies from other planets with me?’

‘It’s true, and no one else would surreptitiously hold your hand under a blanket when you get scared.’  She teased.

He kicked the edge of her chair, setting her spinning before slipping on his boots.  ‘Hey, we both get benefits from that.’

‘Not denying that, Kogane, but you did it first.’  She grinned as she came a full circle to face him again.

He stood and leant into her, his hand beside her thigh on the seat, and she had a moment where her breath caught, uncertain of what he was going to do, but then he grabbed his jacket and stood up straight again.  ‘Cheeky pigeon.’

‘Hey!  Only Matt gets to call me that!’  She argued as he pulled on the jacket with a small laugh.

‘So what are you going to do about it, Katie?’  He drew her name out exaggeratedly with a smirk on his face she wanted to wipe off, preferably with a kiss, but failing that…she jumped out of the chair and knocked him onto the bunk on his back.  ‘Oh, you’d better run!’  He said as he pushed himself upright, but she was already hitting the door open and bolting down the corridor.

She knew she couldn’t beat him, he had her on speed alone, but she was hoping she could reach the galley before he did and maybe find some cover, or at least put something between them, preferably Hunk.

‘Get back here!’  Keith yelled as he rounded the corner behind her, but all she could do was laugh.

‘In your dreams, hotshot!’  She swung herself into the galley and leapt to try and clear the back of one of the couches, but she wasn’t fast enough, and she felt Keith’s arm snake around her waist as his chest hit her back.  He hauled her feet off the floor and continued the motion she had begun, rolling them both over the couch where Keith landed on his back, Pidge on top of him, and she scrambled around in his loose grip, grabbing his wrists and putting all her weight into holding them above his head.

‘I win!’  She grinned, proud to have got the upper hand, but it didn’t last long.

‘In your green dreams.’  Keith spun them so quickly Pidge barely had time to squeak out a yelp before her back hit the floor, this time Keith straddling her, her hands pinned beside her head.  ‘You were saying?’

‘No fair, you’re a lot stronger than me!’  She argued as she tried, and failed, to push his hands off her.

‘Don’t start what you can’t finish.’  He smiled down at her.  She looked adorable with her hair strewn out around her, her eyes alight with laughter and an edge of anger that was a heady combination for Keith.  He loved the passion that burned inside her, whether it be for technology or her family, she found new things to marvel at every day.  She was contagious and he feared he had come down with a terminal case.  Her lips were parted as she gasped for breath after their chase, and he had to admit they were tempting, bent over her as he was, but he knew if he did this, if he did what his heart desired, it may be the worst thing ever.  He knew pain, he knew rejection, and loss, and he didn’t want to lose her by being foolish and pushing her away, but he also didn’t want to miss what could be their chance.  The war was over, they no longer had to live and travel together, unless he gave her a reason to.

Pidge looked up into Keith’s lilac eyes as he studied her hard enough he could have passed a test.  His cheeks were flushed, it had to be from the run, but he was getting infinitesimally closer and she didn’t know what to think.  Her heart was hammering in her throat, her stomach butterflying with excitement and nerves, but she didn’t dare move.

Keith released one of her hands to cup her cheek, the other hand slipping up to lace their fingers, and in that instant their position changed to something far more intimate.

‘Katie.’  He murmured, the word barely audible, but she closed her eyes as she felt his breath on her lips.

‘God, get a room, you two.’  Lance pretended to retch as he came across the room to the food stations.

The two Paladins on the floor jumped simultaneously, Keith getting off Pidge and offering her a hand up.

‘We were play-fighting.’  Keith said defensively.  ‘I owed her one.’

‘Yeah, but one what?’  Lance wiggled his eyebrows at them before going about fetching the food he came in for.

‘You’re gross.’  Pidge walked over and punched him in the arm.  ‘And don’t just leave the bread crusts this time, you heathen, I know it was you.’

‘You can’t prove anything.’  Lance winked at her even as he placed two pieces of bread on his plate from the centre of the loaf.

‘You lying piece of crap!’  She laughed.  ‘I can see you doing it!’

‘Doing what?’  He asked, taking another piece with a smug grin.

‘Keith!  Back me up!’  She glanced over her shoulder to where he was coming towards them.

‘Lance, you gotta stop, Pidge hates crusts.’  Keith said as he reached them.

Pidge blinked, not having realised Keith knew that little fact about her, but Lance didn’t miss a beat.

‘Been watching her eat, mullet?  That’s kinda stalkery.’

‘I’m observant, you’re selfish, there’s a difference.’  Keith replied without pause.  ‘Stop taking all the centre of the bread.’

‘What, so your girlfriend can?’  Lance snorted.

‘Alright, that’s enough!’  Pidge snatched the plate from Lance and quickly licked each piece of bread and handed it back to him.  ‘Enjoy.’

‘That’s gross!’  Lance pulled a face.  ‘Fine, it’s yours.’  He thrust the plate at her then took another and one crust and one centre piece.  ‘Happy?’

‘Sure.’  Pidge grinned at her win while Lance shook his head and walked over to the next food station.

‘Good win.’  Keith said quietly as he offered her his fist for her to bump.

‘Thanks.’  She returned the gesture.  ‘You really noticed I don’t like crusts?’

‘Kind of hard not to, the cute way you try and slice off every piece before you even start, but you leave a frame perfectly as though the mice have been at it from the inside out.’

She snorted a laugh.  ‘Please, I am not cute.’

‘Do you even know you?’  He chuckled.  ‘I could list ten things off the top of my head that you do that’s cute without even having to think about it.’

‘Seriously, get a room, or I’ll lock you in one.’  Lance called over from where he was now constructing the tallest sandwich Pidge thought she had ever seen outside of cartoons, the crust displayed proudly on the top.  ‘Because all that talk is almost nauseating enough to put me off my food.’

‘You’re just jealous.’  Pidge replied as she and Keith headed over to the next station.

‘What is there for me to be jealous of?’

‘I got the good bread.’  She stuck her tongue out at him.

Lance made a dismissive noise.  ‘It’s not that great.’

‘Crusts are dry and don’t really curl your hair like my mom always told me.’  Pidge replied.  ‘They taste like lies too.’

‘Okay, crusts aren’t as good as the centre, but not really enough to call someone cute.  You have to up your game, Keith.’  Lance said challengingly.

Keith narrowed his eyes at him, knowing full well what he was doing.  This wasn’t the first time he had insinuated he knew, or at least thought he knew, about Keith’s feelings for Pidge.  ‘I have no idea what you’re talking about.’

‘You can’t just say a girl cuts bread cute and claim you think other things she does is cute without proof.  Get with the list.’

‘He doesn’t need to do that.’  Pidge mumbled, her eyes fixed heavily on the food she was putting on her plate.

‘No, but he should.’  Lance took a bite of his food.  ‘Prove it or it looks like a lie.’

‘Jesus.’  Keith rolled his eyes.  ‘Things that Pidge does that are cute?’

‘Ten, like you said.’

‘Oh God.’  Pidge groaned as she edged around the display of food.

‘Okay, first off, how pink she goes when she’s getting complimented about anything but her computer skills, because that she shows off willingly, and with good reason, she gets so excited that that’s cute too.’

‘Still, only counts as one.’  Lance interrupted.

‘Fine.’  Keith put his plate down and glanced at where Pidge had hunched her shoulders as though her hoodie might be able to swallow her up.  ‘The way she still tries to adjust her glasses, even though they’ve been broken for over a year now.’

‘That’s two.’

‘When she’s working on something tough she bites her top lip with her teeth, but when it’s something like a game, she bites her bottom lip.’

Lance snorted a laugh, Keith had definitely been watching her closely to notice that difference.

‘She wriggles her nose at the mice from across the room and they wriggle theirs back.’

‘Okay, enough.’  Pidge interrupted, her face scarlet as she pushed past them.

‘She hates being the centre of attention.’

Pidge deliberately stepped on Keith’s foot.  ‘I said enough.’

‘No fair, we only got to five.’  Lance complained and she shot him a glare.

‘If you want to carry this on, you can do it without me.’  She started towards the door and it was Keith’s turn to give Lance a look that showed just how unhappy he was.

‘Wait, you don’t even know why I came down here.’  Lance called and she stopped and turned back to face them.

‘You came to fill your face.’

‘Actually, I was looking for the two of you, I just got distracted by the food.’  He smirked.  ‘They advanced us the list of names for our envoys when we get home.’

‘And?’

‘And you should go see who you got.’

‘Obviously someone awful.’  Pidge groaned.  ‘They wouldn’t be cruel enough to give me Iverson, right?’

‘Not someone that awful.’

‘Who did you get?’  Keith asked him.

‘Some English woman.  Liliana Cooper.  Probably some stuffy professor.’

Pidge shrugged.  ‘I’ll see who I got once I’ve eaten.’  And she turned and left again, assuming if she stayed they would just continue to tease her.

‘Nice going, you scared her off.’  Lance remarked as Keith quickly threw some more food on his plate and headed after her.

‘I think that was you.’

‘Word of advice.’  Lance called after him.  ‘If you’re going to make a move on her do it soon.  There’ll be too much going on once we get to Earth.’

‘When I want your advice, I’ll ask for it.’  Keith called back as he headed into the corridor, certain he knew where she was heading.

‘Should have left him to kiss her on the floor.’  Lance muttered, before going back to the first station and, taking another piece of bread from the centre, he threw his crust in the trash.

Chapter Text

Keith found Pidge seated crosslegged on the upper most level of the observation deck above the bridge.  The view of the stars from here was almost as good as from the cockpit of their Lions and he knew she came here for not only the peace it offered but the view too.

‘Sorry about back in the galley.’  He said as he took a seat beside her, noting she already had the floating screen open on the wrist computer she wore.

‘You don’t need to be.  I know Lance has no filter.  And he’s a bread hog.’  She remarked without looking up from the information running over her screen.

‘I meant for embarrassing you.’  He said as he played with his food.  ‘I didn’t want to do that.’

‘Okay, you’re forgiven, but no more calling me cute.’  She shot him a sideways smile that made his heart melt all the more.

‘If you say so.’  He laughed quietly.

‘I don’t like being called cute.  It’s like a cursed compliment.’

‘A cursed compliment?’  He looked at her in amusement.

‘Sure.’  She shrugged.  ‘A lamb is cute, the mice are cute, the space fuzzies are cute.  When people say; “Pidge is cute!”; it’s normally something like; “oh look, Pidge is cute, her feet can’t reach the floor in that chair” or “Pidge can’t reach the top shelf”.  Derogatory to my size rather than complimentary to me myself.’

Keith nodded his understanding.  ‘So if someone calls you cute because of your size it’s a bad thing, but if I said you were cute because you’re pretty, that would be okay?’

She snorted a laugh after she swallowed the bite she was eating.  ‘That doesn’t happen.’

‘It could.’

‘Not in a million galaxies.’  She waved her hand at the star field above them.

‘It doesn’t need to be a million galaxies, just the one you’re in, and whichever that is, I think you’re pretty cute.’

He wasn’t expecting her to burst out laughing and shove him away.  ‘Quiznak you, Keith!’

‘I wish.’  He muttered without thinking, but she didn’t seem to hear as her display flashed up that whatever it had been doing was done.

‘Here we go.’  She tapped the display a couple of times.

‘What are you working on?’

‘I’m checking who I have as an envoy.  Lance seemed to think it was someone who wasn’t too bad.’

He leant in close to her to look at the display, trying to ignore the fact she smelt of an intoxicating combination of fruity shampoo and grease from where she had spent the morning working with Green.  ‘Who have you got?’

‘Jameson?’  She said with a small frown.

‘You know him?’

‘If it’s the same Edward Jameson from basic training, yeah.  Bit of a fuckboy but got the job done.’

‘Let’s hope he’s matured from fuckboy.’  He held up a piece of fruit from her plate for her to eat as a reminder, and she took it, chewing thoughtfully.

‘Like, matured into a fuckman?’

Keith laughed.  ‘Quiznakman.’

‘Quiznakman!’  Pidge burst out laughing, her head rolling back as what Keith could only describe as the most contagious laugh he had ever heard set him off too.  ‘Quiznakman, the urban legend who lurks around bars and gyms, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting girls who will surely be impressed by how much he can benchpress and what car he drives to compensate for his tiny penis!’

‘Sounds like a new cryptid for the book.’

‘“Sightings of the mythological quiznakman have doubled in recent months, with rumours that the original fuckboys have reached maturity, turning the into the dreaded quiznakmen of legend.”’  Pidge giggled as she did her very best exaggerated news anchor voice.  ‘“Increased activity was reported around spring break in Florida.”’

‘“And around the Galaxy Garrison.”’

They both laughed together for several minutes before resuming eating in a comfortable silence.

‘Who’s my envoy?  Anyone we know?’

‘Let’s see.’  She pressed a few buttons on the floating display, changing the personnel file to his.  ‘Huh.’

‘Huh, what huh?’  He leant in close to her so he could see the screen.  ‘Is it someone bad?’

‘No, it’s Jameson too.  I guess we’re sharing.’

‘Maybe Shiro or Hunk are sharing with Lance?’  Keith replied, turning to look at her and finding her close enough he could count every one of her lashes if he wanted to, every freckle, close enough that one small movement would bring his lips to her cheek, and he swallowed hard.

‘I guess they could be doubling up.’  Pidge commented, flickering a side eyed glance at him and finding him nearer than she had expected.

‘It would make sense.’  Keith spoke softly as she slowly turned to face him, his breath on her skin.

‘A lot of sense.’  Her voice was barely above a whisper as he edged closer, their hair brushing in the lightest of touches.

‘Pidge, are you here?’

Keith closed his eyes and withdrew, mentally groaning at the fact they were constantly being interrupted today when the opportunities seemed to be presenting themselves readily.  Pidge flicked off her wrist display and turned towards the voice of Shiro, coming from the door on the floor below.

‘Up here, Shiro.’  She called.

‘Do you have a minute?  We’ve had some information come through from the garrison I was hoping you could take a look at?’

‘I’ll be right there.’  She offered Keith a small smile, more apology than happy.  ‘I’ll catch you later?’

‘I guarantee it.’  He shot her a finger gun as she got up and left, cringing as soon as she disappeared down the stairs.  ‘Did I seriously just finger gun her?’  He groaned to himself.

Chapter Text

Lance couldn’t wait to get back to Earth.  Their battle for the planet had been hard and he was looking forward to spending more time with his family; his mom, dad, all his siblings, niece and nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins, more second cousins than he could count, but part of him was worried.  He had been a boy when he left, even at seventeen, he could see that now, see that he thought he knew everything, and it was a long way from the truth.  He had changed, the war had changed him, he had matured; certainly he still flirted and joked around, but his mentality had changed, he thought things through more, considered other people, it was something the team had come to rely on, they all supported one another, but now they were going home.  Home.  Where they had left their families, where the people who once knew them best no longer knew them at all, had no idea what they had gone through, and that was going to be hard.  They had explained to their families and the garrison how they had accidentally been lion-napped and proven themselves worthy of defending every galaxy from here to, well, everywhere, but they didn’t, they couldn’t, understand, and he knew that, but he wanted them too.  He didn’t want his mom guilt tripping him for having literally vanished off the face of the Earth, didn’t want his dad asking him to promise it wouldn’t happen again, because he knew if they were needed then Voltron would step up again, he would step up, without hesitation.  It wasn’t something they could ever understand but he hoped they would at least accept it.  It was a thought that kept him awake at night and he had taken to strolling around the cruiser to try and settle his mind.  Tonight his feet had led him down to the labs, where he could hear Pidge’s fingers tapping on her laptop before he even reached the door.  She still loved the old thing, she had stripped it and replaced the technology so many times it was literally just a shell for an Altean computer now, but she had still personalised it to run on her own operating system, and the clicking of the keys were comforting somehow.

‘Hey, pigeon.’

‘Hey, stupid.’  She replied without glancing up from the screen as her fingers flew across the keys, lines of code appearing not only on the screen before her but on two floating screens she had buddied up to expand her workspace.

‘Aw, don’t be like that.’  He came and leant on the desk opposite her, but she still didn’t glance up.  ‘Lancey Lance just wants to talk.’

‘Lancey Lance is distracting and I want to get this done in the next hour so I can sleep late.  What do you want?’

‘I can’t sleep.’

‘That’s because you’re in my lab.  Try again in your room.’

‘That’s not what I meant.’

She sighed, realising he wasn’t going to leave her alone just yet, and straightened from her hunched position, her hand reaching up for her glasses before remembering and stopping herself.  ‘What’s on your mind, Lancey Lance?’

‘Nothing’s on my mind, what makes you think that?’  He said a little too quickly.

‘The fact you’re up in the middle of the night.  Normally you sleep like the dead, although not the dead on Gzrachnik, because they were still walking around.’

‘Pretty well too.’  He chuckled as he thought back to the planet they had dubbed “world of the living dead”.  ‘But yeah, I guess I do have something.’

‘So hurry up and tell me so I can get back to work.’  She said, continuing typing anyway.

‘Could you at least pay attention to me when I’m about to pour my heart out to you?’  He whined, and she raised her head but kept typing all the same.

‘I can multitask.  Spill.’

He huffed out a breath.  ‘I’m worried about going home.’

‘We’re all worried about going home.’  She replied.  ‘We’re all pleased to be going home, but not necessarily one hundred percent.’

‘You had to bring math into it.’

‘Always.’  Pidge replied.  ‘My assumption is that you’re worried you’ve changed too much for your family to accept you, that you’ve seen more than they could imagine in a hundred lifetimes.  It changes a person and they’re the ones who’ll notice it the most because they think they’re getting their seventeen year old Lance back, not a battle worn twenty-three year old.’

‘That’s it exactly!’  He lurched forward until he was directly above her screen.  ‘How did you know that?’

‘Because I know what my mom will say.  Dad and Matt will have explained that I’ve grown up, but I’m still little Katie to her who disappeared without a trace.  I went missing before we went to space, remember?’

‘Because you enrolled as Pidge Gunderson.’  He said, understanding.  ‘So what was the official story with Katie Holt?’

‘Until we came back there were a few reports that I had run away from home after the trauma of losing my family.  I’d taken my stuff, so why not?  Then it was just a simple case of hacking into the garrison computers and changing Katie Holt to Pidge Gunderson.  And it worked.’

‘What are you going to say to your mom?’

She sighed and sat back in her chair, finally taking her fingers off the keys.  ‘That I’m sorry, that I did what I had to do to find the truth.  I did what I set out to do, I just got involved in something bigger along the way.  And hope she understands that.  When it comes down to it we’re coming home in one piece and we ended a galactic war.  I think we have a pretty good argument for having been gone so long.  Sure, they might freak out a bit, say we were selfish, they were so worried and all that, but we know we did right, we just have to hope they don’t hold it against us.’

‘You think your mom will?’

She smirked.  ‘I think Dad will have had the brunt of her anger, having come back from space without both me and Matt, and Matt has been home a couple of weeks already, so I’m hoping he’s been a bit of a buffer.  We didn’t really get much time to talk while we were there.’

‘I don’t have a buffer.’

‘Sucks to be you.’  She teased.

‘Hah!’  He laughed, not really insulted, he appreciated that things hadn’t changed between the team.  ‘Okay, change of subject.  Has mullet kissed you yet?’

‘Who what now?’  Pidge looked at him in wide eyed horror at his question.

‘Mullet, you know, kinda funny looking, lilac eyes, no sense of humour, irritating as…’

‘He is not funny looking!’  She interrupted.  ‘And he has an amazing sense of humour!’

‘Defensive much?’  Lance grinned.  ‘But, has he?’

She looked back at the screen and started typing again.  ‘No.’

‘Seriously?  Even after what I walked in on earlier?  He didn’t come after you at lunch and mark his territory?’

‘Lance, no!  Keith didn’t mark anything!’

‘Kinda feel like you wanted him to.’  He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

‘Do we have to go over this again?’

‘Until it’s resolved, yep.  You two should be bumping uglies by now.’

Pidge slammed the laptop closed, the two floating screens disappearing as she did so.  ‘I’m out.’  She said, getting up and heading out of the lab.

‘Aw, c’mon, Pidge.’  Lance called as he followed her.  ‘I just want to be your own personal cupid!’

‘I don’t need a cupid.’  She replied without breaking stride.

‘The fact you haven’t made your own move on him makes me think maybe you do.’

‘I don’t!’

‘But you do want to make a move on him.’

She stopped and huffed out a frustrated breath, turning to glare at him.  ‘Why are you asking this?  Do you need me to admit it for you to shut up?’

Lance slung his arm around her shoulders.  ‘Nah, I don’t need you to admit it, I can see it every time you look at him.  I need you to know that I’m totally behind this!  Mullet and Pidge, sitting in a tree!’

‘Don’t finish that sentence!’  She pushed his arm off her and put some space between them.  ‘I admit I might have feelings for Keith that are not entirely platonic, but we don’t need a push, we need to figure this out in our own time!’

Lance shook his head.  ‘I can’t believe he didn’t finish what he started in the galley.  I’m disappointed.’

‘Not as disappointed as I was.’  She grumbled.  ‘We nearly kissed, I think, on the upper observation deck, when we had lunch, but…’

‘But?’  Lance prompted.

‘But work.’  She indicated to her laptop.  ‘I’ve been in the lab ever since Shiro gave me the algorithms from the garrison.’

‘Cockblocked twice in one day.  Ouch.  But I’m here to help you!’

‘Please don’t help me.’  Pidge rolled her eyes.

‘You need the help.  Let’s get the two of you together before we get back home.  I can just see Matt’s face when you show up holding Keith’s hand!’

Pidge spun quickly and hit Lance in the gut with the corner of her laptop, knocking the wind out of him with an; oof!  ‘I’m not trying to give my family a heart attack!’

‘Ow.’  Lance groaned as he tried to straighten, Pidge turning her back on him and heading towards the sleeping quarters.  ‘Pidge, wait!’

‘Goodnight, Lance.’  She replied, ignoring him completely before turning the corner and leaving him behind.

Chapter Text

Keith didn’t like the training simulator on the cruiser.  It wasn’t half as sophisticated as the one on the castleship had been despite the upgrades they had added, and he felt uncomfortable using such backwards technology.

‘You hate it.’  Shiro said as entered the room, the simulation shutting down with the opening of the door.

Keith dropped his fighting stance and lowered his Bayard.  ‘It’s just hard to take such a huge leap backwards.’

‘The simulator doesn’t offer as big of a challenge, I get that, but what I don’t get is what has you here at the equivalent of three am.  Again.’  Shiro gave Keith a somewhat knowing look.

‘I can’t sleep.’  Keith picked up the towel he had thrown against the wall and wiped himself over.

‘Any particular reason for that?’

‘Anticipation of going back to Earth.’

Shiro laughed softly.  ‘You think so?’

‘Aren’t we all thinking about going back?

‘I guess.’

‘Considering the welcome you got first time you came back I’m not surprised you’re up.’

‘Diplomatic immunity this time.’  Shiro passed him the bottle of water he was carrying.  ‘Otherwise we’d all be steering clear, especially Allura and Coran.’

‘You came back with an alien arm and they practically dissected you.  I’d hate to think what they’d do with actual aliens, given half the chance.’

‘They proved their worth by helping save the world.’  Shiro smiled.  ‘There’s still a lot to do but mostly it will be digital paper trails.  Pidge is even now working on some algorithms the garrison sent.’  They turned on some unspoken cue, heading out of the door together.  ‘So, heading to bed now?’

‘A shower, then bed.’ Keith replied as he wiped his brow again before his voice took on an overly nonchalant tone.  ‘Did you say Pidge is still working on something?’

Shiro laughed loud enough for it to echo around the empty corridor.  ‘Just ask her out, Keith.’

‘That’s not what I…yeah, okay.’  Keith replied with a sigh.  ‘I should, but it’s not easy.’

‘Do you remember how long it took me and Adam to get together?’

‘Do I?’  Keith chuckled.  ‘You were mooning over him for months.’

‘Just like you’ve been doing over Pidge for two years!  Honestly, Keith, it’s the longest slow burn in history.  Ask her, you won’t be disappointed.’

Keith glanced away.  ‘And what if she’s disappointed?’

Shiro stopped and placed his hand on Keith’s shoulder comfortingly.  ‘I promise you, disappointed is the last thing she’ll be.’

‘I’ll think about it.’  Keith said gratefully.  ‘Thanks.’

‘I didn’t do anything, just told you what you needed to hear.  I’m glad you found someone who makes you happy.’

‘She always has.’  Keith smiled shyly.

‘Then do the same for her, and ask.’  Shiro said pointedly before taking back his hand and walking away.  ‘Also, if you’re going to talk to her tonight, she was still in the lab when I checked an hour ago, but shower first.’

‘I will.’  Keith called after him as Shiro shook his head.  Oh to be young and in love.

Chapter Text

Pidge wasn’t in the lab by the time Keith got there and he could only assume she had gone to bed.  He didn’t want to knock on her door in case he woke her, and she wasn’t at breakfast the next morning.  He figured she must be sleeping late and decided not to disturb her.  They were scheduled to land on Earth in the early afternoon and would have to attend an official welcoming ceremony in their Voltron armour on arrival.

Pidge had worked long into the night, or at least the early hours of the morning, and finally emerged from her room an hour before they were due to reach Earth’s atmosphere, going and getting herself some food before returning to her room to make herself more presentable.  She sent the information she had found to not only Shiro, but the entire team, and before long she had notifications from each in gratitude.

Their armour had been polished, the Lions tinkered with and cleaned, and Keith hadn’t had a chance to speak with Pidge in private.  The next time they saw one another was for landing, converging in the hangar where their Lions were housed together.  Keith watched Pidge as she walked confidently through the hangar, sparing him a wave as she headed towards Green.  She had a spring in her step as she walked and Keith couldn’t help but smile to himself as she spoke animatedly to Green, no doubt sharing her excitement at returning home.

‘Talk to her.’  Hunk said as he stepped up beside him.

‘You too?’  Keith gave him a raised eyebrow.

‘Me too what?’  Hunk frowned in confusion.

‘Giving me advice.  Everyone is telling me talk to Pidge, to tell her how I feel, ask her out, even kiss her.  I don’t want to rush into this but I also don’t want to lose my chance with her.’

‘You won’t lose her.’  Hunk assured him.  ‘You just need to define what you want from and with each other.  That and actually make sure she knows you like her.’

‘Of course I like her, why would she think I don’t?’

‘Think about it.  We’ve been in space for over five years.  Pidge has never had a boyfriend before, or any sort of romantic interest with or from anyone.  She might not even know what she’s feeling, let alone what you are.’

‘So,’ Keith said hesitantly, ‘I should make myself clear?’

‘Make sure she knows how you feel so there’s no mistaking it.  Be specific.  Don’t just kiss her and assume she knows it means you want her, not that it was a spur of the moment one off.  Go old school, ask her to be your girl, anything, just so long as she knows.’

‘What are we talking about?’  Allura asked as she reached Keith’s other side.

‘Nothing.’  Keith replied as Hunk said; ‘Keith and Pidge.’

‘Oh good!  Did you finally tell her how you feel?’  Allura asked hopefully.

‘Not yet.’  Hunk smiled at her.

‘Oh goodness, Keith, it’s been two years!  Give the poor girl her first kiss!’

‘Is there anyone who doesn’t have an opinion on this?’  Keith groaned exasperatedly.

‘No, we pretty much all want to see the two of you get together.’  Coran stated as he joined them.  ‘I for one can’t wait to see human courtship rituals.’

‘This isn’t a courtship ritual!’  Keith rolled his eyes.  ‘If I promise to talk to her will you all just drop it and let me do this my way?’

They all shared a glance but it was Hunk who answered.  ‘Sure.’

‘Great, thanks.’

‘Well, go on then.’  Allura encouraged him.

‘Fine.’  Keith started forward as the speaker system sounded.

Arrival in Earth’s atmosphere in T minus ten minutes.  All crew prepare for arrival.

‘I guess you have to wait again, buddy.’  Hunk patted his shoulder before setting off for his lion.

‘I can wait.’  Keith murmured, watching Pidge as she entered her lion.  ‘But not long.’

Chapter Text

The Lions escorted the cruiser into the spaceport that had been hastily constructed in the light of the war about to appear on their doorstep.  With the cruiser in the centre, Allura piloted Blue to land on the right, beside her Lance and Hunk in Red and Yellow, to the other side Keith and Pidge set down in Black and Green.

Descending the ramps in their Lions’ mouths, the Paladins removed their helmets, tucking them under their arms as they looked over the party waiting to greet them.  Pidge fought the urge to frown as the garrison band started playing, a party of military officers waiting for them, and to one side behind a barrier stood a large crowd of reporters, video cameras rolling, still cameras flashing.

At the centre of the officers stood Iverson, still as stern as they remembered, and Pidge recalled having been at the receiving end of his ire both as Katie and Pidge.  Even now she couldn’t forgive him the fact that he had hidden the truth behind the Kerberos mission.

‘Are you okay?’  Keith asked quietly as they met on their walk towards the officials, leaning closer to her.

‘I’m okay.’  She nodded.  ‘But it’s Iverson.  I know we’ve been able to rub his nose in the fact that Kerberos wasn’t pilot error and reveal the truth, but he still covered it up.  He still helped hide the fact that Dad, Matt, and Shiro were still alive out there.  I know he came through for us, but I can’t forget that.’

‘They didn’t know for sure.’  He replied.  ‘But I agree, their coverup cost valuable time.  We managed to set that right, but their lies will always leave a mark.’

She nodded.  ‘I really don’t like the guy, even after his change of heart.’

‘No one likes Iverson.’  Keith chuckled.  ‘I don’t even think Iverson likes Iverson.  But on the plus side, he does respect us.  We’ve been given diplomatic immunity, they’ve offered us official ranks as captain to meet the experience we’ve had and to keep us even with Shiro, and that has to grate like hell on Iverson that he’s going to have to bestow those ranks on one drop out, three deserters, and an awol alien abductee.’

Pidge gave him her brightest smile and he knew his words were appreciated.  ‘You’re absolutely right.  He’s going to hate every minute of this.  Thanks, Keith.’

‘I didn’t do anything.’  He shrugged as they got closer.

‘You helped cheer me up, that’s no mean feat.’  She said as she stepped nearer to him, her hand brushing his, and he realised she was trembling.

‘But you’re still worried enough to be nervous.’

She nodded once.  ‘Still nervous.’

‘You don’t have to be, I’ll be right here with the whole time.  I promise.’  He decided to take the chance, to be brave and let her know he was on her side.  He slipped his palm into hers, lacing their fingers and giving them a reassuring squeeze.  ‘We’re in this together, sword and shield.’

‘Sword and shield.’  She repeated, relishing the feel of his gloved hand in her own.  Knowing he was with her gave her more confidence, made her feel less stressed and anxious.

Allura noticed as the two Paladins joined hands and had to bite back a squeal of excitement, she was in her official capacity as Princess Allura of Altea and had to act as such, but it was very difficult when she wanted to get excited about two of her friends suddenly holding hands.

The four Paladins stood fanned out on either side of the blue carpet laid down for Allura to walk, standing like an honour guard with their helmets under their arms.  Iverson stepped forward with two officers at his flank to meet Allura, Coran and Shiro a step behind her, and he saluted sharply.  Keith and Pidge released hands so they could salute in return, as did the rest of the Paladins, Allura and Coran choosing instead to simply offer a respectful bow of the head.

‘Princess Allura, Paladins of Voltron, on behalf of the Galaxy Garrison and humanity, we would like to welcome you back to our solar system.’

‘Thank you, Commander Iverson.  It’s good to be back.’  She smiled.

‘It’s…good to see you all safe and well.’  Iverson said with the edge of his trademark growl.  He looked between them and Keith felt Pidge tense, her little finger reaching out for his, linking them together in the smallest of gestures, but it helped.  ‘Each of you will be awarded our highest medal of honour and insignias bestowing the rank of captain, given for your bravery and selflessness in battle.  If you’ll come this way?  We have the welcoming party all ready in the assembly hall.’

The military escort parted to line the carpet while the Paladins took up their agreed formation; Keith and Pidge took point, Allura next with Shiro and Coran directly behind her, Hunk and Lance at the back.

‘Can you believe they’re holding hands?’  Allura said in a loud whisper as she glanced back at Coran and Shiro.

‘They’re only touching fingers.’  Shiro replied, his tone low.  ‘It’s hardly a big improvement.’

‘But it is.’  Allura gushed excitedly.  ‘This is progress!  And they were holding hands properly before they had to salute.’

‘Were they?  That is definitely progress.’  Shiro agreed.

‘Ah, young love.’  Coran sighed.  ‘They do make quite a cute couple.’

‘They do indeed.’  Allura concurred.

The garrison assembly hall had evidently been given a hasty makeover in lieu of their return, the room smelling of a combination of paint and varnish, and Pidge wrinkled her nose at the pungent combination.

‘I don’t think the garrison ever looked this pristine.’  Keith commented as they stopped a little way into the room to await everyone else.

‘And I bet if it came out of Iverson’s budget he’ll be pissed.’  Pidge replied.

‘He always was a tightwad.’  Keith leant close to her as he said it, the conspiratorial tone he used making her bite back a laugh.

‘You’re right, there has to be parts of this situation he hates.’

‘Feel better knowing that?’

‘A bit.  Thanks, Keith.’

‘Anytime.’  He patted her shoulder as the others joined them.

Allura smiled broadly at them, her hands clasped before her.  ‘Pidge.  Keith.’  She greeted them both.

‘Princess.’  They said almost in unison.

‘Tell me, what’s new?’

Keith and Pidge shared a confused look.  ‘New?’  Keith frowned in confusion.  ‘The paint job in here is pretty new, I don’t think they changed the curtains on the stage, but the floor has definitely been varnished.’

‘Yeah, they’re really trying to make a good impression.’ Pidge agreed.

‘No, I mean with the two of you.’  She looked between them expectantly.

‘Uh…’  Pidge pulled a confused face, but before either of them could form an answer the door at the far end of the room opened, allowing entry to all the political representatives from around the world.

‘Looks like it’s showtime.’  Shiro stated, and they all prepared themselves for what was to come.

Chapter Text

‘Well, that sucked.’  Lance grumbled as they followed one of the cadets assigned to escort their group to the high security guest quarters, the rest of the team having already gone with other cadets to their rooms.

‘It wasn’t that bad.’  Keith replied.

‘Yeah, it was.’  Pidge disagreed.  ‘We had to spend two hours talking about the same things repeatedly to a bunch of politicians who have no real clue what it’s like to fight in a normal war, let alone a space one.’

‘Okay, that did suck.’

‘You’re damn right it sucked.’  Lance rolled his shoulder.  ‘I could have gone straight home and even now be eating my mom’s empanadas.  Did I tell you guys how good they are?’

‘Several times, Lance.’  Pidge shook her head.

‘Good, because they’re worthy of multiple brags.’

‘This is your room, Paladin McClain.’  The cadet opened the door with a keycard before handing it to Lance.

‘Thanks, kid.’  He replied and Pidge snorted a laugh then leant into Keith.

‘Like he’s so old himself.’

‘Hey I don’t care what you say I’m a VIP now.’  Lance called back as the cadet led Keith and Pidge further down the corridor.

‘And this is your room.’  The cadet opened the door and stood aside.

‘Sorry, whose room?’  Keith asked, assuming he had missed something.

‘Both of your room.’  The cadet said hesitantly, pulling a list from his pocket.  ‘Paladins Kogane and Holt, room 7B.’

‘Let me see that.’  Pidge took the paper and read it for herself as her heart seemed to leap then sink in close succession.  ‘Maybe it’s, like, a two bedroomed place?’

‘Of course.’  Keith nodded calmly while his mind raced.  What if this wasn’t a two bedroomed place?  ‘We’ve got it from here, thanks.’  He took the keycard from the cadet as Pidge returned the paperwork.

The cadet saluted and made a hasty exit as they walked through the door, Pidge closing it behind her.

‘I guess doubling up kind of makes sense, since there are so many diplomats and political representatives here, but it seems weird that…’  She stopped beside Keith as he folded his arms and looked at the room before them.  ‘Nope, that’s definitely just one bed.’

‘Uh, yeah.’  Keith nodded, noting their bags had been brought here from the cruiser, as though taunting them that this wasn’t some kind of mix up.  ‘Who do you think we call about this?’

‘There has to be a number.’  Pidge went to the desk and started looking through the small pile of paperwork, trying to ignore the large bed, the prospect of sharing it with Keith raising thoughts in her far too active imagination.  ‘You know, for emergencies or whatever.’

Keith walked to the window and looked out at the desert landscape, long shadows being cast by the late afternoon sun.  It was beautiful from their vantage point and he hoped Pidge would take a moment to admire it.  He was aware she had found a number and was calling it, but his mind kept slipping back to the fact they had, if only temporarily, been assigned the same room, and he could think of far worse things than curling up in the crisp white linens with Pidge in his arms.  It was thoughts such as this that had made him realise this wasn’t just a physical attraction, that he wanted to be a part of her life in a much bigger way.

‘Where did you get that idea?’  He heard her growl into the phone and she had his full attention again.

‘What’s wrong?’  He asked quietly as he approached where she was pacing, but she held up her finger to silence him.

‘No, I know it’s busy, but this isn’t…appropriate, or something…okay, fine, you do that.’  She hung up and threw the phone onto the desk.  ‘Well, this is awkward.’  She rubbed the back of her neck nervously.

‘Booking error and they have no more rooms available?’

‘Something like that, it’s kinda my fault though.’

‘How can it be your fault?’  He fought the urge to comfort her, could feel how anxious this had her.

‘When I said you were an honorary Holt they took it literally.  They think we’re space married or something.’  She grimaced.  ‘But it’s okay, this was my fault, so you take the room and I’ll go back to my room on the cruiser.’  She started towards the bags, embarrassment staining her cheeks, but she didn’t make it, Keith catching her arm and drawing her back towards him.

‘Hey, it’s alright, we can work with this, okay?  No one has to sleep on the cruiser.’

‘Keith, there’s one bed and no couch, do the math.’

‘I always prefer to leave the math to you.’  He smiled, sliding his hand down her arm until his fingers could wrap around hers.  ‘We’re adults, we can deal with this for a few days.  And it won’t be the first time we’ve slept together.’

‘First time we what now?’  Pidge’s eyes went wide.

‘When we had to wait for rescue on that desert moon last year?’

‘Right!’  Pidge laughed nervously.  The entire event was etched into her brain as one of her favourite memories.  Sharing a campfire and body heat with Keith for three nights had been amazing.  ‘I forgot about that.’  She lied with a smile.

‘It’s no different other than we have more comfortable surroundings, right?’

‘I guess.’  She shrugged, glancing down at where he still held her hand.  ‘But if they spread what they think is news then my folks will find out, the whole world will find out, and it’s not true.’

‘We can explain to your folks, and I don’t care about what the rest of the world thinks, as long as you’re happy.’

‘You mean that?’  She asked hopefully.

‘With all my heart.’

‘Then, if you’re really sure, I’m happy to go through with this, but if you change your mind you have to tell me, okay?  I mean, what if…uh…you want to bring a girl back or something?’

Keith laughed at the thought of him wanting to spend a night with anyone but her.  ‘How many girls have you ever known me to bring back?’

She shrugged, the movement drawing her hand away and giving Keith the opportunity to let her go if he wished, but instead he kept hold.  ‘I don’t know, you were with the Blades, and then the quantum abyss…’

‘Trust me.’  He lowered his head to meet her eyes.  ‘I’m not Lance.  I’m not flirting with every girl I come across.’

‘I don’t think I’d know if you were flirting.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen it.’  She reached up to the bridge of her nose to push her glasses up but Keith’s other hand caught it.

‘You’ll get used to not wearing them eventually.  And if you can’t tell when I’m flirting then maybe I need to step up my game.’

‘You don’t have to do that.’  Pidge said quietly, hating the thought of Keith flirting with other girls just to prove his point.

‘We’ll see.’  He squeezed her hands gently.  ‘I guess if we’re staying we should unpack.’

‘We should.’  She nodded and he released her hands, stepping back.  ‘We have, what? About a varga before everyone’s folks arrive?’

‘About that.’

‘Then we need to change too.’

‘Ugh, don’t remind me.’  She rolled her eyes as she hauled her bag onto the bed.

‘You’d rather stay in your armour?’  He asked in surprise as he did the same.

‘I’d rather not get all dressed up.  I know Allura and Coran want us all to make a good impression, and they’ve liaised with us and the Garrison to get us appropriate outfits, but my folks won’t care what I’m wearing, just that I’m home.  And wouldn’t it make more sense for us to wear our Garrison uniforms?’

‘It does feel like a lot of unnecessary effort.’  He agreed.  ‘But it’s good press.  Family reunions will sell a lot of papers.’

‘Still don’t like it.’  She grumbled as she opened the closet door.  ‘Speaking of.’  She lifted out the dress she had finally agreed to wear after a lot of negotiation.  ‘Maybe they got my measurements wrong and I can wear my pants and hoodie.’

‘You’ll look great in it.’  Keith told her warmly.

‘Let’s hope.’  She mumbled before hanging it back up and continuing to unpack.

Chapter Text

Pidge looked at her reflection in the bathroom mirror and sighed.  The dress fit fine, the small heeled shoes too, and she had brushed out her hair.  She was as ready as she would ever be.  She unlocked the door, knowing Keith was all ready to go.  He looked amazing in his black suit with red shirt and no tie, she just hoped she didn’t let him, and the team, down.  She stepped out, hoping that she didn’t look as ridiculous as she felt.

Keith’s head turned as the bathroom door opened and he got to his feet in awe at how Pidge looked.  The dress had a scalloped V neck and no sleeves, fitting close to her upper body and flaring out from her hips to her knees in a dark green brocade material.  It made him realise how much she had grown up since they met, how while petite she was definitely a woman, and a beautiful one at that.

‘Katie, you look…’  Words failed him.  She looked incredible, even as she wrinkled her nose.

‘Does it look that bad?’

‘Not bad at all.’  He promised her.  ‘You’re stunning, absolutely gorgeous.’

‘I feel stupid.’  She pouted and it made him smile.

‘Definitely not stupid.’

‘Really?’  She pulled on the material of the skirt.  ‘You’re not just saying that?  Because I know I’ve worn the occasional dress when Allura said custom dictated it, but it’s the first time I’ve had to be dressed up Earth style since I saw Matt off on the Kerberos mission.’

‘I’m really not just saying that.  You look really pretty.’  He glanced at the small wrist device they each wore, a newer addition to their Paladin armour Pidge had designed to work as not only a wristwatch but also as an alarm to the other Paladins, a communicator, heart rate monitor, and so many other things Keith thought he might have forgotten some of them.  ‘We still have half a varga until we have to meet up with everyone. Do you want to see if we can sneak in early and get a drink?’

‘You know, a drink might help.’  She smiled, and it made him happy to know he had set her at ease.

‘Then what are we waiting for?’  He held his arm out for her to go ahead of him.

‘You think word will have got out yet?’  Pidge asked as they entered the elevator.

‘Word?’

‘Word about you and me…you know.’

‘Being a couple?’  He suggested.

‘Yeah, that.’

‘Probably.  I was thinking about it while I changed.  We’re pretty certain our details will be all over the media by now, so everyone will know who we are, and not only that but we walked out of our Lions and held hands this morning.  I think even if it hasn’t been reported after that it’s at least going to be speculated, and we need to be prepared for that.’

‘Oh my God.’  Pidge covered her face with her hands.  ‘This is all my fault.  I’m so sorry!’

‘Hey, you don’t need to be sorry, actually I’m glad.’

‘How can you be glad?’  She peeked out from between her fingers.

He took her wrists and pried her hands away.  ‘There are worse things, hundreds of them, than people thinking that we’re…’  He paused, taking in her flushed cheeks and worried expression.  ‘This could work in our favour, Pidge.’  He said, his voice low.

‘How?’  The words fell from her lips in a whisper as she became aware that yet again he was holding her willingly.

‘It gives us both a degree of protection from other rumours and unwanted attention.’

She frowned.  ‘What kind of attention?’

Keith sighed.  ‘I forget you won’t have had much experience with this.’  He took his hands back and leant against the wall.  ‘It’s like being popular, people want to use you either for prestige or other selfish motives.  If people think we’re together then the chance of anyone trying to use us is lessened.  Does that make sense?’

‘You mean like flirting with us to get their way?’

He fought not to smile at her innocence.  ‘Among other things.’

He watched as the thought took hold in her mind and her eyes went wide.  ‘Ooohhh.’  She drew the word out, each vowel seeming to increase her blush further.  ‘Well, I guess I’m safe anyway, seeing as no one has ever…you know.’  She took up an almost identical pose to him on the opposite wall but folded her arms for good measure before staring at her feet.

‘I…don’t know.’  He said, worrying about what she was talking about exactly, his mind racing.

‘I don’t think anyone has ever thought of me that way.’

He sputtered a laugh.  ‘I don’t think that’s true.’

‘Don’t make fun of me, Keith.’  She huffed.  ‘I know I’m not beautiful like Allura or your mom, I’m just the brains.  No one looks at me the way Matt and Lance used to look at Allura, but I’ve accepted that.  Sticking me in a dress doesn’t change that and neither does the fact I helped stop the war.  If I turn someone’s head that will be why, not because of me.’

He stared at her in disbelief.  Did she really have such a low opinion of herself?  She may not be as statuesque as Allura or Krolia but she was lovely in a way they weren’t.  He adored everything about her.  ‘You don’t mean that?’

‘Don’t worry about it.’  She flashed him a small smile as the elevator sounded their arrival and she straightened.  ‘I came to terms with it a long time ago.  Let’s go get that drink.’

Keith watched as she headed out of the elevator without hesitation, apparently completely accepting of the fact she didn’t think she was attractive.  He quickly followed her, determined to set her straight.

The assembly hall had been reset with a bar and large buffet table, several staff milling around and seeing to the final details.  Keith caught up with Pidge at the bar as she looked it over.

‘So, what’s good for a beginner?  Because anything will taste good after nunvill.’

‘Whatever you choose just pace yourself.’  Keith warned her.  ‘You don’t want me to have to carry you to bed.’

‘No, that would be tragic.’  She muttered to herself.

‘You like sweet things so let’s go with that, but try not to mix or I guarantee you a hangover tomorrow.’  He continued, having not heard her.

‘I’m not planning on getting drunk, just one or two to help with my nerves.’

‘I get it.’  Keith nodded as he called over the bartender.  ‘Hi, what have you got that’s sweet and not too strong?’

‘We have mostly wine tonight, sir, and selected brandies and whiskies, by order of Commander Iverson.’

‘Of course.  The sweetest wine you have then, two please.’  He turned back to Pidge who was surveying the mostly empty room.  ‘You know what you said in the elevator isn’t true, right?’

‘Which part?’  She asked without looking away, her mind preoccupied by the fact that in less than half a varga her parents would be here.

‘Black to Green, do you read me Pidge?’

She snapped out of her daydream at him using their call signs.  ‘I can hear you, sorry, I got distracted.’

‘I could tell.  What were you thinking about?’

‘Mom and Dad.  They’re probably here already, with Matt.  Mom’s always early.’

‘Excited to see them?’

‘Kinda.  I know Mom will be on her best behaviour while we’re here, but if she gets me alone, boy will I be in trouble.’

‘You think she’ll still be mad?  Even knowing you were instrumental in saving the galaxy?’

‘I think so because she hasn’t had a chance to vent it yet.  I think she’ll be mad I ran away to join the Garrison disguised as a boy, mad I went to space, mad I fought in the war, mad I put myself at risk, mad at Dad for coming back without both me and Matt, mad I got hurt when we cleared the Galra from Earth space, mad…’

‘I get the idea.’  He stopped her counting the reasons on her fingers.  ‘But you know a lot of her anger will be because it’s an easier emotion to go to when you’re relieved?’

‘She’ll still yell at me.’

‘Because she loves you.’  He turned back to the bar as the tender set down their wine, taking them with thanks and holding one out to Pidge.  ‘Here you go.’

‘Thanks.  We should make a toast.’

‘That’s not a bad idea.  What shall we drink to?’

‘The end of the war?’  Pidge suggested.

‘Sure, that, but I have something I want to add.’

‘Go on then.’  Pidge encouraged him as she sniffed the wine.

‘To my space wife, a true warrior and genius, who doesn’t realise just how beautiful she really is.’

Pidge stared at him for a moment, touched by his words, but she knew he was kidding around, calling her his space wife, and she decided to react appropriately.  She laughed, her smile bright.  ‘Okay, I want to change mine.  To my space husband, who can seriously sweet talk when he wants to.’

They clinked the rims of their glasses and took a drink, Pidge wrinkling her nose at the unfamiliar flavour.

‘Ugh, people drink this by choice?’  She grimaced after swallowing.

‘Yeah, it’s not great.’  Keith agreed.  ‘If we weren’t waiting for your folks I’d suggest we sneak out to a bar and blow off all this official nonsense.’

‘That’s sounding better by the minute.’  She said as she pressed the back of her hand to her forehead and faked a swoon against his bicep.  ‘Take me away from all this, Keith!’

He laughed and wrapped his arm around her.  ‘I would if I could, but let’s get the reunion out of the way, and if you still want to leave maybe we can have a special signal so we can help each other escape, even if it’s just from talking to boring officials.’

‘That sounds great.’  She grinned as she stood up again, aware of Keith’s hand lingering on her back.  ‘So, a signal, some kind of sign, to help each other out.’

‘As an honorary Holt and your space husband I’ll try not to stray too far from you anyway, but if we do get separated maybe rub your ear if you need backup, ping me on your wrist communicator if you need a rescue?’

‘Sounds like a great plan.’  She shot him a finger gun.

‘Hey, what are you two doing in here?’  They turned to see one of the officers who had greeted them earlier stalking towards them.

‘Drinking?’  Pidge said uncertainly as though it wasn’t obvious.

‘You should be backstage!  You have to be awarded your medals!’  He started ushering them towards the stage.  ‘All the other paladins are there, you’ll get your reunion once you’re through.  You can leave the wine here.’

‘Oh no, we’re taking that with us.’  Keith insisted, his hand still on Pidge’s back and leading her towards the stage.

‘But…’

‘Nope.’  Keith said firmly as they got ahead of him.

Pidge laughed quietly.  ‘Good call on keeping the wine.’

‘It won’t help your nerves if you don’t get the chance to drink it.’  He let her go up the steps before him and they followed the sound of soft talking to a room backstage.

The rest of the team were already there, the Alteans were being awarded honorary ranks, and they were all dressed similarly, at least the male paladins were.  Each wore a black suit, their shirts matching their original corresponding Lions; Allura and Coran wearing Altean regalia.

‘Here they are.  We wondered where you’d got to.’  Shiro smiled as he looked them over.  ‘Looking good, Pidge.’

‘Yeah, yeah.’  She waved away the compliment.

‘I mean it, that really suits you.’

‘So, how long do we have to wait?’  Keith interrupted what was probably going to become another chance for Pidge to deny exactly how she looked.

‘Not long.  They’ll take us to the wings then call us out once family, friends, and press are assembled.  That way the press get the reactions from when they first see us and the full reunions.’

‘The press suck.’  Pidge grumbled.

‘Oh, come on, they’re loving us, make the most of it!’  Lance grinned.

‘You make the most of it.’  Pidge retorted.

‘I plan on it.’  He framed his chin with his thumb and index finger.

‘How come you guys have drinks?’  Hunk asked, looking between them.

‘We came down early and got them.’  Keith shrugged.  ‘We didn’t know we had to come backstage.’

‘Didn’t you read your itineraries?’  Allura titled her head and regarded them curiously.  ‘They were in our rooms.’

‘We were too busy trying to figure something else out.’  Keith said cryptically.

‘What was that?’  Shiro frowned.

‘They screwed up the room arrangements.’  Keith continued as Pidge took another sip of her wine.

‘What did they screw up about it?’

Pidge looked up at Keith then drank her wine again, her cheeks flushed and bobbing her head slightly.

‘Wait, are you sharing?’  Lance laughed.

‘Shut up, Lance!’  Pidge snapped.

‘Holy shit, you are!’

‘It was a mix up.’  Keith explained.  ‘We tried to fix it but there’s no spare rooms.’

‘Ohhhh, Pidge and Keith, sitting in a…’  Lance didn’t get the chance to finish as Pidge lashed out with her foot and caught him in the stomach, doubling him over.

‘I offered to go sleep back on the cruiser.’  Pidge explained as Lance got his breath back.

‘But I said we were both adults and could put up with this for a couple of days.’

‘Right.’  Shiro said hesitantly as they became aware of the noise level escalating from the front of the stage area.  ‘Are you okay with this, Pidge?’

‘Me, okay?  Of course I’m okay, why wouldn’t I be okay?  It’s just sleeping, right?  We won’t even know the other is there because we’ll be just that.  Asleep.’

‘Maybe slow up on that wine.’  Shiro smiled slyly.  ‘Just in case.’

‘I won’t have another after this, I promise, I’m not actually enjoying it very much.’

‘It’s an acquired taste.’  Keith explained.

‘Paladins?’  A voice came from the doorway and they all turned, finding Iverson standing there in his official dress uniform.  ‘If you’re ready you can accompany me to the wings.’

‘We’re ready.’  Shiro informed him, allowing Iverson to lead the way.

Keith finished his glass, putting it on a table to the side, Pidge quickly following suit and immediately regretting it as heat rushed to her cheeks and her head felt momentarily light.  She reached the others last, brushing off her skirt, suddenly nervous.

‘All good?’  Hunk asked her as she shifted from one foot to another.

‘Yeah.  Nervous, you?’

‘Excited.’  He grinned.

‘That’s because you probably won’t get grounded.’

‘You’re too old to be grounded now, Pidge.’  Lance said over his shoulder.

‘You don’t know my mom.’

Shiro laughed softly.  ‘I only met Colleen a handful of times but you’re right, she’s a strong woman, and you’re testament to that, Pidge.  You wouldn’t have accomplished as much as you have without the guidance of your parents.’

‘So what’s mullet’s excuse?’  Lance quipped.

‘Lance!’  Shiro and Pidge snapped, only for them to be shushed by Iverson.

They fell into a companionable silence as they waited just a few minutes before Iverson went out onto the stage to the microphone at the lectern, the room falling silent a moment later.  Iverson cleared his throat and looked out at the crowded room.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, we are here today to bestow our highest medal for honour and bravery on the heroes of the battle against the Galra; the Galaxy Garrison’s finest, the Paladins of Voltron.’  That was their cue to enter the stage and Shiro led the way, followed by Allura, Coran, Hunk, Lance, then Keith and Pidge bringing up the rear.  ‘In addition, the Garrison members of the team will be promoted to captains, in light of their military expertise and experience.  It gives me great pleasure to be the one to grace them with this honour.’

Iverson moved down the line, a cadet following him with a tray of small velvet boxes, shaking Shiro’s hand first before handing him the boxed medal and a new insignia.  He moved on to Allura and Coran, handing them a medal each, and carrying on appropriately.

‘You okay?’  Keith leant in towards Pidge who was fighting not to scowl at Matt in the second row.  He was pulling faces at her, indicating to the ring finger on his left hand and mimicking Pinocchio’s nose growing, letting her know the rumour of her and Keith was definitely out there.

‘Great.  Be thankful you’re an only child.’  She said through her fixed smile, wanting nothing more than to flip Matt off, but knowing she couldn’t do so under such scrutiny.

Keith glanced at Matt who smiled at him pleasantly and gave him a thumbs up.  He wasn’t sure what to make of it but turned his attention to Iverson as he stepped in front of him, offering him his hand to shake then took the two items before he moved on to Pidge.

Just minutes later at the presentation was over, the applause rapturous, and the Paladins held open their medals for the press to take photos of them all together.

‘We will now take a small selection of questions from the press.’  Iverson announced, pointing to one of the reporters as all hands went up.

‘What are you really looking forward to doing now you’re back on Earth?’

‘I think,’ Shiro began, ‘I can speak for all of us when I say we’re looking forward to spending time with our families, but also more Earth food.  No offence to food goo, it does the job, but it doesn’t quite treat the palette like the taste of home.’

‘And we’re looking forward to learning more about Earth culture.’  Allura added.

‘You.’  Iverson pointed to the next.

‘What was the most difficult battle you had to face since you first left Earth?’

‘That’s a hard question to answer.’  Shiro looked between them.  ‘Each battle had its own challenges, while some were not as tricky as others…’

‘All of them.’  Hunk spoke up, Shiro silencing for him.  ‘Every battle was difficult, every single one had so many lives at stake, not just our own, but they were also rewarding.  Not one fight was fruitless because it was towards the ultimate goal; peace.’

His simple answer gained a round of applause from the audience and Lance patted him on the shoulder as he shifted in embarrassment.

‘Well said.’  Shiro smiled at him.

‘One more.’  Iverson pointed to another reporter.

‘Thank you, my question is for Captains Kogane and Holt.  Do you think the constant dangers you faced as Paladins pushed you together as a couple in a way you wouldn’t have been in a normal situation?’

There was a sudden; hah!; from the family section and Pidge glared at Matt who was receiving a tongue lashing from Colleen while his shoulders shook as he continued to laugh silently.

‘I…uh…’  Pidge stuttered, not knowing what to say, so Keith took over.

‘I think the situation came with a lot of challenges, but each of us have grown to trust one another in a way we wouldn’t have in normal circumstances.  It changed all our relationships.’

The reporter wasn’t happy with this answer alone and spoke again.  ‘But love during the heat of battle, it must have been fraught for you both.  Were there times when you thought you had lost the other?  Was there a greater fear of death or serious injury?’

‘It hurts to come close to losing anyone.’  Pidge replied noncommittally.  ‘No matter what your relationship.’

‘But…’

‘Enough questions.’  Iverson said firmly.

‘Kiss!’  A yell came from the crowd and Pidge’s eyes went wide as she glared at Matt again, who was now being told off by Sam.

‘I don’t think…’  Pidge started as excited chatter broke out in the room, drowning her out as Keith gave Shiro a desperate look.

Shiro stepped over to Iverson, who covered the microphone with his hand.  ‘They’re not doing this.  It’s an invasion of privacy, not to mention just plain awkward.’

‘You’re right.’  Iverson nodded and uncovered the microphone again.  ‘Any displays of affection will be undertaken consensually and as desired, not to order.  That is the end of the questions.  Dismissed.’

Pidge groaned, thinking Iverson probably made matters worse, but she was the first off the stage, trotting down the steps on the front towards her family, trying to ignore the press.  She flashed a smile to her parents, handing Colleen her medal and insignia, before throwing her arms around Matt’s neck, allowing him to lift her off the floor in a hug.  What he wasn’t ready for was her hand to wrap around his ponytail and pull it tight enough to tug painfully at the roots.

‘You’re an asshole.’  She growled into his ear.

‘Aww, c’mon, Pigeon.’  He chuckled despite her pulling his hair.  ‘If you two are a couple it’s no big deal, right?’

She leant back and scowled at him, giving his hair another tug, enough to make him gasp.  ‘You’re not funny.’

‘I’m a little funny.’

‘You’re a jerk.’  She kicked him in the shin, making him put her down.

‘You did great up there, Katie.’  Sam said as he wrapped his arm around her and kissed her temple.

‘I didn’t do anything.’  She narrowed her eyes threateningly at Matt who was fixing his ponytail which felt far too tight.

‘You stayed composed despite Matthew’s best efforts.’  Colleen joined her daughter in glaring at her son.  ‘But you could have said something about you and Keith.’

‘Mom.’  Pidge groaned.  ‘There is no me and Keith.  Not like that.’

‘Not yet.’  Matt sung teasingly.

‘So…you’re not dating Keith?’  Colleen asked hesitantly.  ‘Because once you said he was joining our family, after the way he looked at you during debriefings, I assumed the two of you were already together.’

‘I meant he was an honorary Holt so he wouldn’t be alone during these proceedings.’

‘And because you like him.’  Matt added.  ‘Oh shit, act natural, here he comes!’

Pidge stepped very deliberately on Matt’s foot as her cheeks flared.  ‘Quiznaker.’  She whispered harshly before turning an embarrassed smile on Keith as he reached them.

‘Good to see you again, Keith.’  Sam offered him his hand.

‘You too, General Holt.’  Keith smiled as they shook.  ‘Mrs Holt.’  He offered her his hand next but instead she surprised him by taking him in a hug.

‘Welcome back to Earth, Keith.’  She rubbed his back.  ‘And I hear you’re an unofficial Holt now?’

Keith gave a small embarrassed laugh.  ‘Only if that’s not going to be a problem.’

‘Absolutely no problem.  You’ve taken care of our Katie all these years, it’s the least we can do.’  Colleen kissed his cheek.

‘She’s pretty capable of taking care of herself.’  Keith smiled at Pidge who had turned a pale shade of pink.

‘Did Mom just kiss Keith before you did?’  Matt asked as he leant close to Pidge, her response was to elbow him in the stomach.

‘Shut up, Yelmore brain.’

‘I’ve missed you too.’  He slung his arm around her shoulders and hugged her to him.

‘Yeah, okay, but no more teasing.’

‘I missed teasing you.’  He kissed her hair.  ‘And congrats on the medal and promotion.’

‘I don’t really feel like one of the Garrison any more.’  She shrugged.  ‘Not like I was.’

‘I know what you mean.’  He nodded.  ‘We’ve all come a long way since then, been part of bigger things.’

‘Yeah, it feels more honorific than practical.’  Pidge wrinkled her nose.

‘What’s that?’  Sam asked.

‘The Garrison promotions.’  She explained.  ‘It doesn’t feel like we’re actually captains in the real sense of the word, more that we were given the titles so they could claim us as theirs.’

‘I understand what you mean.’  Keith agreed.  ‘Of everything, we’re Paladins of Voltron first.  The Garrison insignia is more like a badge of belonging than a rank we can use.’

‘That!’  Pidge held both her hands out to Keith as he nailed exactly what she was trying to say.  ‘See?  Keith gets it!’

‘Of course I get it.’  He raised his hand for her to high five.  ‘Because I get you.’

She slapped her palm against his but before she could pull away he laced their fingers and stepped close to her. 

‘The press are milling around now. We want operation leave us the hell alone to be a success, right?’

‘Oh absolutely.’  Pidge agreed wholeheartedly.  They hadn’t agreed on the handholding in advance but it did make sense and was probably the least inflammatory thing they could do, and she wasn’t going to complain if Keith wanted to do this and act the part.  It might be the closest she ever got.

‘Operation leave us the hell alone?’  Sam looked between them in amusement as they formed a small circle, Keith on Pidge’s right and fully holding her hand now.

‘Well, the Garrison, and most likely therefore the press too, kinda took my honorary Holt message about Keith as a literal Holt message.  We assume they think we’re either a couple or space married, but this way we have protection against unwanted attention.’

‘What makes you think the Garrison believe you’re married?’  Colleen asked as a waiter brought over a tray of wine and offered it between them.

‘They put us in shared accommodation.’  Pidge replied and Sam shot Keith a look.

‘Don’t worry, sir, I promise no funny business.’  He raised his freehand in a pose of surrender.

‘If you try anything Pidge doesn’t want I think she’s quite capable of not only protecting herself but of making sure you aren’t capable for some time.’  Sam said with a laugh but there was a glint in his eyes that said he knew that statement to be true.

‘Don’t I know it.’  Keith said proudly, knowing how much harder Pidge has started training in recent years, how toned her body and how capable she was against even a much bigger opponent.  He took a glass of wine when it was offered but Pidge declined, determined to stick to just the one glass.  ‘Pidge, do you want me to get you something non-alcoholic?’

‘Hey, you’re old enough to drink now.  Live a little.’  Matt said encouragingly.

Pidge wrinkled her nose as she shook her head.  ‘I had one already. I want to keep my wits about me.’

‘Aw, just one?’  Matt said in disappointment.  ‘We’re meant to be celebrating.’

‘I can celebrate without having my judgement impaired by imbibing intoxicating liquor, thank you very much.’

‘Stop pressuring your sister to drink.’  Colleen gave Matt one of her patented mom glares that had him actually take a step towards Keith.  ‘And with children who have been out in space for the last few years that’s the most normal sentence I will probably ever utter.’

They all laughed, the nearest member of the press taking several snaps of the Holt family enjoying a rare moment of amusement.

‘Come on, let’s get you something you’ll actually drink.’  Keith pulled on Pidge’s hand and led her to the scowled back at him.

‘I’m so sorry about them.’  Pidge grumbled as they made their way across the room, acknowledging the other Paladins, their families, and various officials as they did so, Lance shooting Pidge a thumbs up behind Keith’s back.

‘What are you sorry for?’  Keith looked at her in surprise.

‘My folks, Matt mostly.’

‘I think they’re great.’  He squeezed her hand reassuringly as they stopped to pose for a picture.

‘You haven’t lived with them.’

‘Neither have you for six years, not including the brief time Matt and your dad stayed with us.’

‘Yeah, I guess.’  She smiled up at him.  ‘But the teasing I can do without.’

‘What was Matt teasing you for?’

‘Uh, doesn’t matter.’  She shook her head rapidly.  ‘Just a sibling thing.  He’ll do whatever he can to drive me crazy, but it’s okay because I do the same to him.  I just could have done without it today.’

‘It was the dress, right?’

‘Huh?’  She frowned her confusion as she glanced down at herself.

‘The fact you’re wearing a dress?  Wasn’t that what he was ribbing you for?’

‘Uh, yeah!’  Pidge laughed nervously, reaching up to touch the bridge of her nose before remembering, yet again, about her glasses.  ‘You know, if you see me go to do that, stop me again.’

‘How would you like me to do that?’  Keith’s lips quirked in amusement.

‘I don’t know.’  She shrugged.  ‘Slap my hand away or something.’

‘I can’t slap you.’  He sputtered a laugh.

‘Sure you can, you’ve hit me in training before.’

‘I’m not slapping you.’

‘So do something else because I’m really bugging myself doing it, so who knows how much it’s annoying everyone else.’

‘I think it’s…’

‘If you say cute I will drop you right here.’  She shoved him bodily with the arm where they still held hands and it made her realise they were still joined, that he hadn’t let her go and that it didn’t feel awkward, in fact it felt really good.

‘Okay, not cute.  Endearing.’

‘Long word, Kogane.’  She fired him a sideways glance with a smirk that made his heart skip a beat.

‘I learnt from a certain smart pigeon I know.’  He said overly nonchalantly and she nudged him again.

‘Thanks.’

‘What for?’  He glanced down, realising she hadn’t stepped away again, their arms in a solid line, her hair brushing his shoulder.

‘For not making this weird.’  She swung their joined hands slightly.  ‘For not freaking out about having to share a room with me, or what the press said, because it would be really easy for you just to say; ew gross, she’s like a sister; and I could have gone to the cruiser to sleep, it would have been no big deal, and I still can because I don’t want it to be awkward, there’s stuff I can do there to stay busy, so it’s okay if you still want me to.’

He looked at her as she rambled, knowing this was a nervous habit of hers, and he thought it was adorable but also that he was lucky she wasn’t on a complete technobabble as he couldn’t understand half of what she said in those circumstances.  ‘Pidge, you’re rambling.’  He said when she stopped for a breath and she pulled a face at herself.

‘Sorry, I was, wasn’t I?’

‘A bit.’  He smiled warmly.  ‘But it’s okay, I really don’t want you to have to go back to the cruiser and you don’t have to thank me for something that helps us both out, so no more worrying about that, alright?’

‘Alright.’  She sighed.  ‘No more worrying about that.’

He narrowed his eyes at her.  ‘Which means you’re going to worry about something else?’

‘I don’t know, maybe.’  She grinned.

He pulled her to a stop before they reached the bar, turning to face her, his hand changing its grip to cup her palm instead of their fingers being laced.  ‘Just try not to worry and actually take some downtime.’

‘That’s rich coming from you.’  She laughed.

‘Yeah, okay, we could both do with taking a step away every now and then.  You with tech and info, me with…’

‘Everything else.’  She said as she poked him in the ribs, making him flinch.

‘Ow, hey!’

‘Good, you two talked.  About time.’  Hunk said as he passed, carrying a plate of food.

‘We talk all the time.’  Pidge said as he drew level with them and paused.

‘Yeah, but I meant about…uh…’  He looked at Keith, rapidly slashing a line across his throat with his finger behind Pidge to get him to shut up.

‘About…?’  Pidge prompted as Hunk looked between them in a panic.

‘Uh…’

‘What’s going on with you two?’  Pidge looked between them suspiciously.

‘Nothing.’  Keith said rapidly, Hunk rushing off before she turned back around.

‘It doesn’t sound like nothing.  Hunk, what…where’d he go?’  She glanced around but he had been lost in the crowd.

‘Let’s get that drink.’  He tried to get her moving again towards the bar but she turned a look on him that he had seen on one other person when incensed; Colleen Holt.

‘How about you tell me what you were supposed to talk to me about?’

‘It’s not important.’  He assured her.

‘You know, when you lie your left eyebrow twitches involuntarily?  Not everyone, just you.  It’s your tell.’  She smiled proudly.  ‘So how about the truth now?’

He sighed deeply as he looked into her eyes.  ‘Not now, maybe we can go for a walk later or something?’

The smile slid from her face as she regarded him cautiously.  ‘Is something wrong?’

‘Not wrong, no.’  He shook his head.

‘You’re scaring me a bit.’

‘I don’t mean to.’  He gave her a brief smile.  ‘I’ll tell you later.’

‘Promise?’

‘Sure.’

‘Good.’  She let him continue to lead her towards the bar, her mind racing as to what he might want to talk to her about.  She didn’t think she had done anything wrong, she was sure the Lions were okay, maybe he wanted her to go walk Kosmo, or any one of the hundreds of other scenarios she had running around her head.  ‘Because you can tell me anything, you know that, right?’

‘Of course.’  He agreed.  ‘But don’t think about it for now.’

‘Easier said than done.  You have to let me have something to think about otherwise I’m going to start reciting pi to a varying degree of decimals.’

‘Please don’t.’  He laughed.

‘Okay, so you’ll have to tell me.’  She shrugged.  ‘Do you think they’ll have a coke?’  She asked as they reached the crowded bar.

‘I’m sure they’ll have coke, if not they can send out for some to keep our heroic green Paladin happy.’

Pidge was about to reply when an alarm went off through the tannoy system, lights in the hallway flashing on and off.  Iverson pulled a radio from his pocket and barked into it, listening intently before he sought out Shiro.

‘Looks like we might be needed.’  Pidge said quietly as she watched the older man reach him.

‘Suit up, Paladins!’  Shiro called as he headed towards the door and, after sharing a look, Keith and Pidge set off after him, Pidge kicking off her shoes to carry so she could keep up not only with the longer gait of the others but the speed.

‘What do we have?’  Keith called to Shiro as they realised they were heading towards the hangar bays.

‘Part of a zaiforge canon has been found and it isn’t deactivated, local authorities fear it might go off.’  Shiro called back.

‘And they need us to power it down.’  Pidge guessed correctly.

‘You got it.  I’ll aid you from the control room.’

‘You can count on us.’  Keith threw him a smile as the corridor diverted along with their paths.

‘I always can.’  Shiro replied.

Chapter Text

The Lions approached the edge of the safe zone set up by the military, the zaiforge canon power core easily visible in the distance, standing precariously on the edge of a precipice.  It was partially covered with debris from other craft and rocks, but there was no ignoring the lights that still illuminated its surface.

‘That’s, uh, that’s pretty dangerous.’  Hunk commented as they set down.

‘Easy to see why they called us.  You getting this, Shiro?’  Keith asked.

‘I am.  What do you think, Pidge?’

‘Just doing a sweep now.’  Pidge replied as her eyes and fingers flew over floating displays of data and images.

‘Let’s get down there.’  Keith suggested.  ‘Keep doing what you’re doing, Katie.’

‘Will do.’

‘Katie?’  Lance laughed through the comms as Pidge blushed, having not even realised what Keith had called her.  ‘Since when did we start to call her that?’

‘It is my name, Lance.’

‘But no one calls you Katie, Katie.’

‘Shut up.’

‘Can we concentrate?’  Shiro’s voice interrupted them.  ‘Potential catastrophe first.’

‘Yeah, Lance.’

‘Pidge.’

‘Sorry.’  The banter didn’t compromise her task, and she was quickly breaking down the data.

They were greeted as they disembarked by a tall man in his mid-fifties in army uniform, his salt and pepper hair cropped neatly to his head, the lines that edged his eyes enhanced by his worried expression.  ‘Thanks for coming so fast, Paladins.’

‘No problem.’  Keith returned his salute.  ‘What can you tell us?’

‘A construction crew were clearing debris when they uncovered it.  The area is clear of all civilians and personnel, although I doubt we could clear far enough if that thing were to go off.’

‘You’re not wrong.’  Keith agreed.

‘Pidge will work out what we need to do.’  Lance nudged Keith gently from his left.

‘She always does.’

The comms clicked in their ears, Keith and Lance sharing a glance as they wondered what had caused it.

‘Shiro, you still here?’  Pidge asked, having isolated their channel.

‘I’m here, did you cut the others off?’

‘Just for a minute.  I didn’t want the military guys to hear this but the power core has cracks.  It hasn’t ruptured yet but we can’t move it.’

‘Damn.’  Shiro looked at the display of information she had just sent him.  ‘No dragging this out of the atmosphere to diffuse it then?’

‘Nope.’

‘What can we do?’

‘A Galra warship could shut it down completely, but we don’t have one of those lying around, so I’ll have to do it manually.’

‘And how dangerous is that likely to be?’

‘No more than anything else we’ve done over the years.’

‘So, very?’

She sighed.  ‘Yeah, very.  The structure it’s on is very unstable, any small sudden shift in weight could easily send it over the edge and that would be catastrophic.’

‘Could one of the Lions pick it up or hold it steady?’

Pidge shook her head.  ‘No.  The exterior is breached in such a way that any pressure could cause a chain reaction that set it to self destruct.’

‘You plan on going in there, don’t you?’

‘I’m the smallest, lightest, and the only one who knows how to shut this down, so, yeah.’  She transferred the information to her wrist computer and got up from her seat.

‘Then take someone with you, please?’

‘That could be risky.’

‘I’d feel better knowing you weren’t alone.’  A new voice came over the comms and she bit back a groan.

‘Dad, it’s fine.’

Sam gave Shiro a look that said he knew just how stubborn his daughter could be.  ‘Take someone with you who can offer you backup if you need it.’

‘Fine.’  She knew she had lost the argument already, and there would be no point in arguing once the rest of the team knew.  Zethrid and Ezor had been right when they chose her to torture as coercion for the rest of the team.  She was the youngest, the weak link, the least she could do was be useful when occasions such as this called for it.

She clicked the comms back to include everyone as she walked down the ramp from Green, seeing the team turn to watch her.  ‘I need to get in there.’  She stated.

‘Too dangerous.’  Keith shook his head.

‘That’s as may be, but it’s the only way to disarm this thing completely.’  She brought up the breakdown of the core.  ‘There are multiple fissures in the core itself, and while they aren’t leaking it would be too risky to try and transport it.  It needs to be disarmed on the ground.’

‘She needs a volunteer to go with her.’  Shiro said, reminding her that she wasn’t to go alone by taking the choice away from her.

‘I’ll do it.’  Keith said immediately.  ‘After Pidge I’m the most agile and I can help if she needs to access any Galra tech.’

‘Then make your preparations.’  Shiro replied, glad that Keith had taken the role.  If anyone fit the criteria it would be him.

‘I’m almost set.’  Pidge told them.  She brought up a schematic of the core and surrounding area.  ‘If we go in here it gives us the course of least resistance and puts us not to far from where I need to be.  The ground around this side of the unit is unstable, Hunk, I need you and Yellow on that side to bolster it if it starts to give way.’

‘Got it.’

‘Lance, Allura,’ Keith added, ‘be ready to evacuate the military personnel in case the core breaches or even begins to leak significantly.  We need to be prepared for any eventuality.’

‘I’ll send the scan output to each of you so you can watch for signs of leaks too, although I should be alerted to even the smallest of shifts in the surface.’  Pidge did so as she spoke.  ‘And we can only go so far by any sort of vehicle because of the unstable ground.’

‘So we go on foot.’  Keith nodded his understanding.  ‘We all have our tasks, let’s get to them.’

Lance gave Keith a nudge with his elbow before heading back to Red.  Keith glared at the back of his head before turning back to Pidge who was engrossed in the screen on her arm.

‘Ready?’  He asked her.

‘Sure.  Let me just…okay.’  She nodded to herself and lowered her arm, the screen disappearing.  ‘Let’s roll out.  Or walk out.  No wheels.’

Keith suppressed a chuckle before they set off through the barricades together with a final nod at the army officer.  It would take almost ten minutes to reach the core, more if they had to watch where they stepped, and Pidge began to hum into the silence hanging around them, her head moving from side to side as the display in her helmet showed her details of the ground around them.

Keith finally couldn’t take the silence any more and had to speak.  ‘When I suggested we go for a walk this wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.’

Pidge smirked up at him briefly before returning to checking the ground.  ‘I’m kinda glad about that.  Planning a walk to an unstable power core isn’t the most friendly gesture.’

‘Definitely not what I planned.’

‘So what did you have planned?’  She asked as she looped her arm through his and guided him several feet to the right before releasing him again.  ‘Unstable ground.’  She explained.

‘Right.  And I’m not sure.  Maybe to the Grand Canyon, or Black could have taken us to a beach in no time.’

‘You have a thing for arid places, right?’

‘Not really.’  He said hesitantly.  ‘Why?’

‘Deserts, beaches, all arid.’

‘But beaches have the ocean, the Grand Canyon has the Colorado River.’

‘Okay, not entirely dry.  But you did have a shack out in the middle of the desert when we first met.’

‘That was me obsessing over the Kerberos mission, not the sand.’

‘Right.’  She nodded, realising he had out logicked her gentle teasing.  ‘Which means it’s not sand you have a thing for.’

He smiled to himself as he watched her concentration.  ‘No, not sand.’

‘Good, because that would be weird.  Stop.’  She put her arm out across him.  ‘I need you to follow me exactly, okay?’

‘Okay.’  He replied.

She operated her pack and flew over an area around eight feet across before landing carefully and stepping diagonally with precision.  ‘Land where I landed.’  Keith did as she suggested with ease as she continued to scan the area ahead.  ‘Just to be sure, maybe you should follow in my tracks.  There are a few underground fissures here leading away from the core and I can’t tell how stable they are.’

‘I’ll follow your lead.’

They waved as Hunk flew past in Yellow to get into position and continued until they reached the core, towering above them and pulsing with a purple glow that illuminated them both eerily in the oncoming twilight.

‘There.’  Pidge pointed to an opening in the shell of the core about thirty feet above them.  ‘The controls are at the top so if we go in there we can make our way up to them.’

‘You want me to lead?’  Keith offered.

‘Sure.’  She shrugged.  ‘It doesn’t matter the order we go in so long as we don’t disturb it.’

‘Okay.  Team, we’re going in.  Watch for any signs of changes to the core and surrounding area.  Pidge and I will concentrate on not disturbing the site and shutting it down.’

The team all gave affirmative responses as Keith set off for the opening, landing carefully while he waited for any shift in the core’s stability.

‘You’re good.  No movement.’  Lance told them and Pidge joined Keith in the opening, glancing around inside as her helmet took readings.

‘There’s the terminal.’  Pidge pointed to where it sat at a ninety degree angle from where the floor should be, the core essentially on its end.

‘Then what are we waiting for?’

They set off, each firing off their packs to separate way points where they could recharge for a moment before heading to the next, the structure unmoving under their gentle footfalls until Pidge could perch in a crouch on the edge of the terminal, Keith operating it before she began her scan.

‘Okay, should be a simple matter.’  She said as her wrist display showed her what she needed to know.  ‘Just a few doboshes and it will be offline.’

‘Good work, Pidge.’  Shiro said, sharing a proud smile with Sam.

‘What, like it’s hard?’  She smirked as she tapped over the data, Keith giving a snort of laughter at how smug she was about her talents, and deservedly so.  She glanced up at the sound of his amusement and he smiled at her before averting his eyes as though he hadn’t been staring at her from his position on one of the supports surrounding the core, which was when his eyes spotted something below.

‘Uh, anyone picking up movement from within the core?’  He asked as he tried to get a better look at the shadows that seemed to move, uncertain of whether it was his eyes playing tricks on him or not.

‘Nothing from the ground.’  Hunk sounded off.  ‘Seismically or from the core.’

‘I don’t pick anything up.’  Allura added.

‘No heat signatures or shifts in weight that I can see.’  Lance said.  ‘Hallucinating now, mullet?’

‘Quiet!’  Keith hissed.  ‘How’s it coming, Pidge?’  He asked quietly, his eyes still trained on the darkness below.

‘There’s some damage to the controls, I’m having to reroute slightly to make it behave, but it can be shut down easy enough, it might just take a dobosh or two more to…’

‘Look out!’  Keith leapt in front of Pidge and called both his shield and Bayard as purple beams lanced around them.

‘Keith, what have we got?’  Shiro yelled.

‘Drones!  Looks like one squad!’  He replied, holding his position as Pidge continued to work.

‘Can you take care of it or do you need an assist?’

‘I can hold them off.’

‘I’ll be able to help you get rid of them once I power this down.’  Pidge said casually, only half paying attention as she worked.

‘Getting rid of them isn’t my worry.’  Keith said as he deflected more beams.  ‘It’s stopping them from disturbing the core or destroying it!’

‘Just another couple of…’  Pidge’s voice trailed off as she heard something over the sound of laser fire.  ‘What was that?’

‘Uh, guys,’ Hunk started, ‘the ground out here is starting to crumble at the edges!’

‘In a big way?’  Pidge asked as she increased her efforts despite already working at what she had thought was capacity.

‘Just small rocks at the moment, but the cracks are spreading!’

‘Pidge, estimate on the shutdown?’  Keith asked desperately.

‘Quicker if you all stop throwing questions at me!’  She replied sternly as she watched the progress bar on the display.

‘Keith, do you need an assist?’  Shiro asked again.

‘I don’t think bringing anyone else in here is…’  He was cut off as the structure shifted with a jolt, leaving him in need of shifting his position to save himself from slipping.

Pidge wasn’t so lucky, her crouch precarious on the edge of the console and she slid with a yelp as she scrambled to get some purchase, finally stopping when her feet hit the rail around the core.  She immediately threw up her own shield, protecting herself from more beams as she used her pack to propel herself back to the console.  ‘Almost there!’  She watched the progress bar reached one hundred percent.  ‘Done!’  She shifted position so she stood beside Keith, creating a larger wall with their shields together as the power core flickered off then back on again.

‘Shouldn’t the lights be staying out?’  Keith leant towards her.

‘They should have…quiznak!’  She ran another scan and looked at the results.  ‘The damn thing has rebooted instead of shutting down!  It must have more damage somewhere in its circuitry!  Crossed wires or something!’

‘Can you fix it?’

‘What kind of a question is that?’  She pulled a disappointed face at him.  ‘Cover me!’  She called her Bayard and threw the grapple up to the highest point, pulling herself after it.

‘Pidge!’  Keith called after her as a proportion of the beams followed her, but she was faster, part being dragged, part running up the power core, to where it met the ship.

Outside in the crevasse, Hunk carefully edged Yellow near enough that even the smallest of shifts would rest it on her back, taking the risk of it falling away.

‘I’m in position, guys, but if the rock face gives underneath there’s no way to be gentle.  It’s catch it any way possible or let it go.’

‘If it goes, catch it!’  Keith replied, preparing his Bayard as some of the drones climbing the interior began to close in.

‘No!’  Pidge yelled.  ‘If it goes just let it!  Get yourself out of here!  The power is low enough it won’t have a huge blast radius, there’s no point losing any more of us than we have to!’

‘Katie!’  Sam’s voice came over the communicators as Pidge swung herself to stand on top of the core.

‘No, Dad, not now!’  She snapped, pulling her Bayard tight around the point where the core reached the casing.  ‘I’m hoping to have the power out in just a second or two.  Keith?’

‘Talk to me!’

‘Be ready on my mark to get the quiznak out of here!  And that’s on my mark, not after it, not waiting for a sign!  The second I say it you get out!’

‘What about you?’

‘I’ll be right behind you!’

‘You’d better be.’  He murmured.

‘Get ready!’  She called, ensuring her Bayard was pulled completely taut and held it in a two handed grip.  ‘Now!’  She yelled as she jumped backwards, letting her weight pull the Bayard tighter, burning through the metal as her body swung in an arc.  Keith flew by as her grapple cleared the metal, the purple of the core suddenly dimming, the only illumination coming from the lasers still being fired, and she quickly fired her pack to change her direction after him.  ‘The core is powered down!’

‘Good job!’  Shiro said.  ‘Now get out of there, both of you!’

‘Working on it!’  Keith replied as he shoved his sword through the metal casing around the core.  ‘The way in is blocked off, we need to make our own exit!’

‘I’ve got our backs.’  Pidge kept her shield up as the drones grew closer, at least a dozen in various positions with partial cover.  ‘You make us a door.’

Keith carved away the metal as Pidge continued to deflect shot after shot from behind and below them, the core shifting again enough for them to feel the clang as it came to rest on Yellow’s back.

‘I’ve got you, but I don’t know how long for!’  Hunk called.

‘Multiple fissures appearing all around the area!’  Allura warned.  ‘They run down for several miles.  I don’t think there’s anything we can do to stop that now!’

‘The precipice is clear, if it falls that’s all it does, makes a dent in the landscape, so long as there are no Paladins aboard to leave a stain of course!’  Hunk reminded them to get the hell out.

‘Working on it!’  Keith replied through gritted teeth.

‘Switch places!’  Pidge suggested.  ‘You defend, I’ll see if I can get my grapple through it.’

‘On three?’

‘Okay.’

‘One, two, three!’  Keith activated his shield as Pidge dropped hers, shoving her Bayard into the gap Keith had made and beginning to drag it down and around.  ‘It was nearly big enough for you to get through!’  Keith called over his shoulder.  ‘Go as soon as you can!’

‘Now you really are being stupid.’  She replied as she kicked at the metal and enlarged the gap further.  ‘I think we’re good to go!’

‘Then go!’

‘Not alone!  Come on!’  She reached back and grabbed his arm, giving it a tug.  ‘Together, Keith, please!’

He glanced back at her pleading expression before giving a brief nod.  ‘Together.’  He turned his arm so he could grip hers in much the same way before pushing off to the gap, Pidge to one side of it.

‘You go first.’  She insisted.  ‘You’re bigger and will need the cover behind you because you’ll take longer.’

‘I hate your logic.’  He flashed her a quick smile before going about it, sidling through the tight gap without too much trouble.  ‘C’mon, Katie.’  He offered her his hand from outside which she took without question, allowing him to guide her as much as he could while she continued to shield the rear.  She quickly reached a point where she had to lower the shield or remain stuck, and she decided to go for the former, waiting for what she hoped would be a long enough gap in firing for her to get out.

‘Pull me when I say!’  She called to him, not taking her eyes off the enemy.  ‘Now!’  She deactivated the shield and Keith pulled her towards him rapidly.

‘I see them, they’re clear!’  Hunk’s voice came over the comms as Keith’s arm wrapped around Pidge’s waist, his grip on a broken piece of the outer shell keeping them stable.

‘What do we do about the drones?’  Lance asked as Pidge huffed sigh of relief at being free.

‘We need some way to destroy them without cause extra damage.’  Keith said as he helped Pidge find herself a hand hold.  ‘Is the core at any risk of exploding now, Pidge?’

She turned to find their helmets just millimetres from one another and she swallowed when she realised how close they were, how his arm still curved around her like it fit there.  ‘Uh…no…I mean not exploding, but leaking there’s still a big chance.  It won’t do any major damage but will need containing in case something ignites it.’

‘Sounds like we need to do it the old fashioned way.’  Lance said.  ‘If they crawl out after you then we can just pick them off.’

‘That’s an option.’  Keith agreed.  ‘Let me and Pidge get back to Green and Black first.  Maybe we can get the core onto more stable ground and flush them out.’

Pidge nodded.  ‘That sounds like a…argh!’  A shot from inside caught her in the shoulder, knocking her back and out from Keith’s arms, her back hitting the metal of the core before she began sliding down it.

‘Pidge!’  Keith screamed as he lunged towards her, firing his pack to increase his speed as she fell away from him.

Pidge turned in the air as she fired her pack, slowing her fall and bringing her around to face Keith again, but her eyes went wide as she looked beyond him.  The core was shifting, despite Hunk and Yellow’s best efforts, the rock face below quickly falling in a landslide that dislodged the core entirely.

‘Keith, look out!’  Pidge yelped as Hunk brought Yellow around to try and stabilise the core again as it slipped sideways, rocks flying in every direction as though fired from a canon, the speed not far from the truth with the pressure they had been under.

Keith barely had time to turn when a rock the size of a bowling ball hit him in the hip, sending his trajectory off as more rocks glanced off and around him.  The blows were lessened by his armour but still hurt, and were enough to prevent his progress any further, fighting hard to stay in control.  He felt he had finally got himself stable again when a wrong turn put him in the path of a large rock, hitting his helmet hard enough to jar it into his head, rendering him unconscious, his pack switching off immediately.

Pidge watched in horror as Keith began to drop and threw her Bayard, catching him around the waist and pulling him into her arms before throwing the Bayard once more to catch around Yellow’s leg, pulling them both to shelter.

‘Hunk, we’re on your left flank, don’t make any sudden moves!’  She called through the comms as she fought to hold Keith’s dead weight one armed.

‘I have to move, this thing is coming down!’  He replied worriedly.  ‘Can you get to the mouth?’

‘I, uh, don’t think I can move without dropping Keith!  He’s unconscious!’  She glanced from the man in her arms to where her Bayard held them in place.

‘You have to do something!  Hold on tight maybe?’

‘Just stay in position for two ticks!’  Allura’s voice came over the comms.  ‘Green just set off, I assume to come to your aid.’

‘Good girl, Green.’  Pidge murmured and received a roar as reply as Green flew into the crevasse, mouth open welcomingly until she hovered below Pidge and Keith.  She breathed out a sigh as she retracted her Bayard, wrapping her other arm around Keith as she lowered them to safety, the jaws closing around them before she ran up the ramp to the cockpit, leaving Keith where he was for now.  ‘Okay, Hunk, get this thing down.  Allura, Lance, we need to take out the drones but I think Keith needs medical attention.’

‘Take him back to base, Pidge.’  Lance advised.  ‘We’ll clear out the drones.’

‘Thanks, guys.’  Pidge turned away from Yellow and set coordinates for the Garrison before engaging the autopilot.  ‘Take us home, girl, I need to check on Keith.’  She ran back down the ramp, finding Keith hadn’t moved.  His armour was scratched from the rocks and she rolled him onto his back, gasping in pain as she was reminded she had not only been shot in the last few minutes but that she had also pushed her body, the adrenaline that had allowed her to ignore her injury so far ebbing away as they headed to safety.

Glancing over Keith, she found a bloodied smear on the inside of his helmet from a wound in his temple and, after a quick body scan to ensure he had no injuries she couldn’t see, she removed his helmet and checked his breathing, ensuring his airway was clear.  Finding him for the most part okay, other than what would probably prove to be a mild concussion, she sat back crosslegged and looked at him as she caught her breath.  Boy, today had been a shit show.

Chapter Text

The first thing Keith became aware of was a strange metallic taste in his mouth.  It was reminiscent of stale blood, he had had his fair share of scrapes to be familiar with the taste, but he didn’t remember actually being in an up close fight, even as his mind tried to sort through the confusion of what he remembered.  When it came back to him, it did so in a flood.  The zaiforge canon power core, the drones, Pidge being hit…Pidge!

‘You’re all good, you’re safe!’

A hand touched his arm and his eyes caught up with his body, realising he was in a bed in the Garrison hospital wing.  His heart was racing, his head spinning, but he needed to know.

‘Pidge?’

‘I’m here.’

He turned his head and realised the hand touching his arm was joined to the girl in question, and she smiled softly at him, looking none the worse for wear, other than tired.  She was wearing a black tank top and blue jeans, but her hair was still flattened in places from her helmet.

‘You’re alright.’  He breathed as her hand put a gentle pressure on his arm to make him lay back again.

‘I’m fine.  You will be too, if you actually rest some.’

He ignored her trying to get him to recline again and pushed himself up in the bed so he could only sit up.  ‘What happened?’

She took her arm back and gave him an irritated look.  ‘Are you going to lay back down or not?’

‘Not.’

‘Then shuffle down so we can raise the bed properly, at least you can lean back.’  She waved one hand as she picked up the bed control and began doing what she suggested while Keith rearranged himself once more.  ‘How’s your head?’

‘My head?’  He reached up to where his temple felt sticky and found a gauze.  It suddenly started to sting, as though acknowledging the wound had made it come to life.  ‘What did I do?’

‘Do?  Nothing.  Done to you?  You got hit by one of the rocks flying out from under the core.’  She put down the bed control and started rearranging his pillows, this time placing her hand on his sternum and pushing hard enough he knew she wasn’t messing around.

He sat back, mostly to placate her, but his head was also pounding and resting in the pillows helped.  He watched her as she moved pillows, checking he was comfortable, then pulled the blankets around him until she was satisfied.  ‘Are you okay?’

‘Me?’  She looked up at him before perching on the side of the bed with one leg bent, the other dangling.  ‘Yeah, I’m fine.  You scared the crap out of me though.’

‘I didn’t meant to.’

She shrugged dismissively.  ‘I’m used to it by now.’

‘You’re avoiding my question.’

‘I didn’t avoid anything.’  She wrinkled her nose in confusion and it was cute as hell.  Keith wasn’t sure if he had been given any medication or if she just had that effect on him, but it was all he could do not to reach out and pull her towards him and… ‘You asked if I’m okay, and I am.’

‘I saw you get shot.’  He argued.

‘My armour protected me.  See?’  She pulled the shoulder of her tank top away, showing nothing but a bruise he hadn’t even noticed the edges to around her strap.

‘It’s not sore?’  He reached up and brushed the mottled skin with his fingertips, not noticing Pidge’s breath stutter at the contact.

‘No more than any other bruise.’  She said quietly before he swallowed and took his hand back, having not realised he was effectively stroking her.

‘Uh…what happened?  After..?’

‘After you took a rock to the head?’  She teased lightly.  ‘Green brought us back to the Garrison.  Lance, Hunk, and Allura were finishing off the drones, and Dad and Matt have gone out to make sure the core is secure.’

‘You think it might not be?’  He frowned, knowing it wasn’t like her to do half a job.

She shook her head.  ‘No, but it doesn’t hurt to be certain.  We were in kind of a hurry and I might have missed something.’

‘I’ve never known you to miss something.’  He smiled at her encouragingly.

‘No, I guess not, and I did sever the core, but I’d still rather it was checked properly, and a team were going to have to go out and secure the site, so may as well have it checked fully.’

He nodded, a stabbing pain momentarily lancing through his head at the movement, making him flinch.

‘Does it hurt?’  She asked with a worried frown.

‘Just when I nod.’

‘So no more saying yes for you.’  She laughed.  ‘But seriously, if you hadn’t come after me, you’d be fine.’

‘What was I supposed to do?’  He quirked her an eyebrow.  ‘I just saw you get shot and fall into the precipice.’

‘How about trust I know how to get out of something like that, just like I have, uh, hundreds of times in the last five years?’

‘I do trust you, Katie.’

‘You keep calling me that.’  She gave him a small smile and shifted to sit crosslegged.

‘It’s your name.’  He shrugged, flinching as his head spiked again.

‘Hah!  No shrugging for you either!’  She pointed at him.  ‘If we can stop you saying no then we have the set.’

‘Haha.’  He said sarcastically.  ‘Listen, this isn’t exactly how I thought tonight would go…’

‘To be fair it’s better than I thought.  Getting shot at was better than the party.’

‘I didn’t exactly plan on ending the night back in the medical wing.’

‘At least now you don’t have to share a bed with me.  I’m told I talk in my sleep.’  She wrinkled her nose.  ‘And I stay up late with ideas, and tinkering.  That would get annoying real fast.’

‘I don’t sleep much either, you know that.’

‘Yeah, you’re so hardcore.’  She grinned.  ‘But at least try get some sleep while you’re in here.’

‘You mean they aren’t going to discharge me tonight?’  He pulled a face of disappointment.

‘You think they’re going to let you just walk out of here with a mild concussion?  You’re a hero, Keith, they aren’t going to let you walk until they’re one hundred percent certain you’re okay.’

‘Maybe I’ll discharge myself.’

‘Don’t be a stubborn idiot about this.’  She leant forward and brushed his hair away from the gauze on his head.  ‘I know it’ll break the habit of a lifetime, but you have to try, just this once.’

Keith resisted the urge to turn into her hand, it felt so natural to do so, as did the desire to kiss her palm, but she took her hand back and tucked her hair behind her ear before putting it in her lap with the other.  ‘I’ll try, but only because you asked so nicely.’

She smiled at him, her genuine grin he found adorable, and opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a knock at the door.  ‘Come in.’

The door opened and Shiro came in, still wearing the suit he had to the party when he had run to the communications room for the mission.  ‘You’re awake.’  He smiled as he came to stand behind Pidge, his hand coming to rest on her shoulder.  ‘Is he behaving?’

Pidge snorted a laugh.  ‘When does he ever?’

‘Hey, I’m still in bed!’  Keith said defensively.

‘Yeah, but who threatened not two minutes ago to discharge himself?’

‘I was…joking?’  He tried.

‘Okay, kids, no fighting.’  Shiro said diplomatically.

‘See, this is why we call you space dad.’  Pidge looked up at him.

‘Well, this space dad will tell your real dad if you don’t go get some sleep, young lady.’

‘I’m not scared of him.’  She said as she unfolded her legs to hang over the side.

‘Then I’ll tell your mom.’

Pidge pulled a face.  ‘Yeah, that could work.  She’s way scarier.’

‘Tell me about it.’  Shiro laughed.  ‘Go get some sleep.  We’re meeting the envoys at nine sharp.’

‘Yeah, okay.’  She said suppressing a yawn as she hopped down and stretched.  ‘See you in the morning, guys.  Sleep well.’  She waved to them both and headed out, closing the door behind her.

‘You still didn’t talk to her.’  Shiro shook his head and turned back to Keith.

‘I haven’t had the chance.’

‘You’ve had plenty of chances, you just haven’t taken them.’  Shiro pulled up a chair and sat beside the bed.  ‘You know she hasn’t left your side since you got back?’

‘I can’t have been out that long.’  Keith said defensively.

‘Long enough.  It’s almost two am.’

‘It’s what?’  Keith asked in disbelief.  ‘You mean she stayed with me for over five hours?’

‘Well over.’  Shiro folded his arms, and it still seemed weird to Keith with his new floating limb.  ‘She wouldn’t do that if she didn’t like you.’

‘She’s just being…’

‘If you say nice I will slap you up the side of your head.’

‘Kind.’

‘Still slappable.’  Shiro replied.  ‘Get some rest, I’m going to do the same once I’ve spoken to your doctor, see if we can get you discharged by morning.  But for God’s sake, talk to her!  You held hands throughout the party and you can’t even ask her to do it for real?’

‘It’s not easy.’  Keith folded his arms and sunk down in his pillows.

‘You want me to do it for you?’

‘No!’  He went wide eyed in horror.

‘Then do it or I will.’  Shiro got to his feet.  ‘It’ll be fine, Keith, I promise.  She adores you.’

‘I adore her.’  He replied simply.

‘Then don’t waste any more time.  I’ll be back in time for your discharge.’

‘Alright.  Goodnight, Shiro.’

Shiro smiled and left, leaving Keith with more on his mind than he could remember in a long time.

Chapter Text

Pidge used the keycard to access their room just as the elevator sounded behind her.  She wondered who else could be around at that time of night so hung back, slipping the card back in her pocket and acting as though she was looking for it.  One of the Garrison walked by her to the next room along, leading a young woman carrying a briefcase and wheeling a suitcase.  She was a little taller than Pidge, maybe a couple of inches, with shoulder length brown hair holding a slight curl.  She was pretty, dressed smartly, and well turned out.  Pidge raised her hand and offered her a small wave as she took out her keycard, the woman waving back with a hesitant smile a moment later.  Pidge let herself in and put the moment out of her mind the second she saw Keith’s belongings where he had left them.  There weren’t many, he was notoriously neat and tidy, but he had left small traces.  They had had coffee before they changed and his cup sat beside hers.  His boots sat by the dresser, his jacket hung on the back of one of the two chairs.  She had been so nervous about sharing a room with him and now he wasn’t here all she could do was think about how much she missed him.  She was glad he was okay but all she could see was the moment the rock face gave way, throwing rocks into the air at a speed similar to that of debris from an explosion, the many smaller pieces striking Keith before he was hit in the helmet hard enough for him to strike his head.  It was etched in her mind in terrifying slow motion, her only thought being to get him out of there as fast as she possibly could, somewhere safe, and she had, but the memory of blood on the inside of his helmet still replayed for her.

‘Should have brought that second drink back with me.’  She murmured as she kicked off her boots before slipping out of her jeans and pulling on some shorts to sleep in.  She went about her bedroom routine and grabbed her laptop, pulling back the covers and getting comfortable.  There was always something for her to do, always things she could improve on, and it kept her mind busy.

Pidge was nudged awake from her sleep and she grumbled, wondering why she was laying on her side with her legs crossed.  She shoved at the hand doing the poking on her arm before wiping at her eyes, finding them gritty and sore.

‘You stayed up how late working on what this time?’  Lance’s voice was what made her finally focus.

‘Ten more minutes, Lance.’  She groaned, straightening her legs, every joint complaining about having been in the same position so long.

‘Ten more minutes is how long you have until we’ve got to meet the envoys.’

‘Unngggg.’  Was all Pidge could manage before pulling the blankets over her head.

‘Come on, up.’  He pulled on her ankle and narrowly avoided being kicked for his trouble.  Time for drastic measures.  ‘Wow, and I thought you’d want to be the first to know about a downturn in Mullet’s condition.’

Pidge sat up so rapidly she fell out of the bed by Lance’s feet, her eyes wide and now fully awake.  ‘What downturn?  What happened?  Is he alright?’

‘He’s fine.’  Lance laughed.  ‘He’s already at the meeting room.  Looks better than you do.’

She kicked him in the ankle before getting up, not really for damage but for effect.  ‘What time is it?’

‘I told you, ten to nine.  Shiro told me to come find you.  You missed breakfast and you know he always says it’s the most important meal of the day.’

‘I’m going to shower.  Send my apologies, I’ll be, like, five minutes late.’  She said as she headed towards the bathroom and spotted a tray on the table, a single plate covered in a silver dome with two insulated sealed mugs on the side.  ‘You brought me breakfast?’  She stopped and looked back at him where he was now making her bed like some weird domesticated big brother.

‘Of course.  You won’t eat otherwise.’

She raised the dome and found two slices of peanut butter on toast.  ‘Oh my God, Lance, I love you!’  She grabbed a piece and took a bite, delighted to find it was still warm.

‘No you don’t, my hair is far too stylish for your tastes, you far prefer someone…’

‘Yeah, okay, shut up.’  She took the plate and slammed the bathroom door, choosing to ignore him for now.

She showered in record time, taking a bite of toast between each application or rinsing, and she was able to immediately brush her teeth and came out of the bathroom towelling herself off, only to squeal when she realised Lance was still there.

‘What the hell?’  She yelled.  ‘Why are you still here?’

‘One of the coffees is mine.’  He toasted her with the cup from where he sat at the table.  ‘I got your uniform out, packed up your laptop, you’re all good to go.’

‘You’re being unusually helpful.’  She narrowed her eyes at him as she tried to subtly get out clean underwear.

‘I just think it will be hilarious if we both show up to the meeting together and you still have wet hair.  I can just imagine Keith’s face!’  He laughed.

She responded by throwing her hair towel at him before grabbing her uniform and going back into the bathroom to dress.  When she emerged her hair was still giving the occasional drip but had been brushed, flatter and longer than Lance was used to seeing, and she grabbed her boots, taking a seat and pulling them on without a word, then grabbing the coffee, the keycard, her laptop bag, and walking out the door, not even waiting to see if Lance was following.

Chapter Text

Liliana Cooper was nervous.  No, she was N.E.R.V.O.U.S.   Fully capitalised, bold, underscored, punctuated, and italicised.  This was her first time on any kind of posting, her first time being given an official capacity through her university on the recommendation of her professor.   She was only twenty-three and the youngest person to have been offered such a position, she was proud of herself, but also very far out of her comfort zone.  She felt sick, and hungry, and anxious, not to mention tired.  Her flight had been delayed due to some sort of emergency at the Garrison, meaning she had arrived in the early hours, leaving her less time to sleep and prepare than she would have liked.  Not that she wasn’t prepared, of course.  Her professor knew she was more than capable and the ideal candidate to work as an envoy with the universe-saving Paladins of Voltron, however he hoped she could overcome her shyness and do what he knew she could.  Her job was to work closely with one of the Paladins, she had been assigned Lance McClain, the pilot of the Red Lion, and while she was to aid him in as much as an assistant would, she was also to compile a report, noting any unusual behaviour to be put in their personnel files and reviewed by the chain of command.

The conference room was bustling with other envoys and Garrison members, Liliana spotted Iverson easily, having met him briefly during video conferences, as well as almost all of the Paladins, the two Alteans standing out the most.  She tried not to stare, even though they were probably used to it by now, it still wasn’t polite, and she wandered around the table until she found her seat, putting her bag on the large table before pouring herself a glass of the water in front of her seat.

‘Liliana Cooper, right?’  A tall, handsome man in Garrison uniform offered her his hand, which she took.  ‘Sergeant Edward Jameson, at your service.  I’m acting as envoy to Captains Holt and Kogane.’

‘Of course, a pleasure to meet you.’  She said politely as he released her hand.

‘Are you ready for this meeting?’

‘I think so.’  She nodded.  ‘Although it’s my first time in anything even close to this position.’

‘I think we all are.’  He assured her.  ‘No one has ever done what the Paladins did so we’re setting new standards all round.  A lot of guesswork.’

‘I suppose you’re right.’  She agreed before checking her watch.  ‘It’s almost time to start.’

‘We’re just waiting on the last couple of Paladins.  Their mission kept them out late last night.’

She nodded her understanding, not knowing what else to say, but their conversation came to an end when the youngest Paladin arrived, hair still wet from the shower with a travel mug in her hand, and saluting to the Iverson, closely followed by Liliana’s own charge, Lance McClain.  She recognised him from his personnel file, but it hadn’t done justice to just how handsome he was.  She blushed faintly and averted her gaze; that wasn’t why she was here.  She needed to remain professional.

‘Now that we’re all here.’  Iverson said gruffly as Pidge briefly embraced Sam.  ‘Take a seat.’

‘Allocated seating?’  Pidge murmured to Shiro as he was nearest, having been in conversation with Sam.

‘It means you get to know your envoy.’  Shiro explained.

‘Right.’  Pidge gave an upwards nod of her head as she left him at his seat, walking past the woman she had seen in the early hours with a small smile of acknowledgement.

‘Captain Holt.’  A tall, handsome man with neat sandy blond hair thrust his hand at her as she realised he was addressing her, not Sam.  ‘I’m Edward Jameson, but you know that, don’t you?’

‘Right, from back when we were in the Garrison cadets together.’  She shook his hand as Keith approached from the opposite direction.  ‘I’m surprised you remember me.’

‘It was a long time ago, but I’m not likely to forget the cadet who disappeared.’  He smiled at her.

‘One of three, actually.’  She took back her hand and moved to her seat.  ‘And you and I weren’t exactly familiar back then.’

‘I was a bit of a jerk.  Hi, Edward Jameson.’  He turned and held his hand out for Keith.  ‘Welcome back to Earth, Captain Kogane.’

‘Thanks.’  Keith said simply before taking his seat beside Pidge.

‘How’s your head?’

‘How did you sleep?’  They asked simultaneously, and Pidge laughed.  ‘They took the gauze off.’  He turned his head so he could show her the neat sutures.

‘It doesn’t look too bad.’  She wrinkled her nose as she examined it.  ‘At least you showered the blood out of your hair now.’

‘Looks like you only just showered yourself.’  He remarked on her wet hair.

‘I slept in.’  She said dismissively.

‘I found her asleep on her side with her legs still crossed and her laptop still in position.’  Lance said as he passed them both.

‘Tell tale.’  Pidge cast him a glare as she took out her laptop.

‘Truth teller.  We all look out for you, short stack, and you aren’t the best at sleeping.’

‘There’s too much other stuff to be done.’  She replied as Lance reached Liliana, his body stilling as he took her in.

‘Whoa.’  He murmured under his breath.

‘Mr, uh, Captain McClain?  I’m Liliana Cooper, your envoy.’  She offered him her delicate hand and he just continued to stare at her until Pidge kicked the back of his leg, snapping him out of it.

‘Cooper!  Right, Lance McClain!’  He thrust his hand into her waiting one.  ‘I had no idea you’d be so…uh…so…’

‘English?’  Pidge suggested.

‘English!  What?  No!’  He glared at the smirking Paladin.  ‘You’re…just not what I was expecting.  It’s good to meet you.’

‘And you.  Shall we?’  She asked, a blush marring her pale skin as she indicated to their chairs.

‘Smooth, sharpshooter.’  Pidge whispered.

‘Shut up, mullet lover.’  Lance grumbled as he sat and Pidge laughed to herself.

Iverson stood at the head of the table and a respectful silence fell over the room, every eye on him.

‘Thank you.’  He glanced around, making eye contact with everyone he could.  ‘This meeting is to introduce all the envoys to their charges and answer any questions, clear up what their positions do and do not cover, as well as go over the schedule of events for the next week.’

Pidge only half listened as she opened her laptop and opened the program she had been working on before she fell asleep.  Keith watched her out of the corner of his eye before turning his chair so he leant towards her, his elbow on the table.

‘What are you working on?’  He asked quietly, knowing no one was unfamiliar with Pidge’s penchant for multitasking.

She shifted her position slightly so she was nearer to him.  ‘Just some improvements I want to try on Green, plus it might work on Black too.’  She turned the laptop slightly so he could see what she was running through.

‘That’s good.’  He smiled at her, her stomach flip flopping at how close he was and what he did to her.  ‘Want to go try it later?  I need to check on Kosmo anyway.’

‘And the fuzzies.’

‘Are the two of you done date planning?’  Iverson said loudly and they both glanced up, Pidge quickly closing the laptop.

‘Just going over some technical data for the Lions.’  Keith told him as Pidge sunk down in her seat and blushed heavily.  ‘It can wait.’

‘Good.  Each of you will be sent an itinerary of those scheduled events, travel plans, and after this there will be the opportunity for you to get to know your envoys a little better.  McClain and Garrett, you will start with your home countries and span out across the globe; Kogane and Holt will go to Italy; Princess Allura, you and Captain Shirogane will start with North America.  Each territory has their own events for you to attend including personal appearances, interviews, and the like.  It’s important in this post-war period to keep morale high.  Your envoys will help you with any questions regarding the tour, anything of a professional nature, this does not mean you can use them as your personal assistants to go get your dry cleaning or pick out all the blue M&M’s or whatever.  You aren’t rock stars.’

‘Why is everyone looking at me?’  Lance asked as he realised most of the eyes at the table had at least glanced at him.

‘Because you’re a diva.’  Keith replied simply and a chuckle ran around the table.

‘Hey, I’m not a…’  He started but realised he wasn’t helping his case and folded his arms.  ‘Whatever.’

Iverson cleared his throat.  ‘Your envoys know what their position entails so if they refuse something then it’s out of their job description, if they say no don’t pressure them.  Any questions?’

‘Uh, I have one?’  Hunk raised his hand.  ‘When do we get to spend time with our families?  We haven’t spent any time with them since we got back other than last night’s awards ceremony.’

‘You will have this afternoon to yourselves and to prepare, plus tomorrow morning.’  Iverson replied.  ‘You leave here tomorrow at noon.’  He paused and waited for anyone else to offer up any queries and when none came he nodded once.  ‘You’re all dismissed to get to know your envoys.’

‘Well that was relatively painless.’  Keith remarked as Pidge slipped her laptop back into her bag.

‘Yeah, but things are only just starting.’  She said as she leant towards him to get up, unintentionally putting them close together for a moment.

‘Then let’s get on with it.’  He stood as she slid her chair back under the table.  ‘Come on, Jameson, let’s go.’  Keith led the way, Pidge and Jameson falling into step behind him.

‘We’ve got an office put aside for us on the second floor.’  Liliana said as she picked up her bag and got to her feet.

‘Right.’  Lance said as he rushed to hold her chair for her.  ‘You want to grab a coffee or something first to take with us?’

‘That would be nice.’  She nodded with a small smile.

‘Great.  This way.’  He held his arm out to direct her and they fell into step with one another easily, Lance feeling pretty pleased with his current situation.

Chapter Text

‘Keith, do you have a minute?’  Shiro called.

They hadn’t got far, just a few feet from the briefing room, and Keith stopped, Pidge and Jameson a moment later.  ‘Go ahead, I’ll catch you up.’  He assured them and Pidge flashed him a smile before setting off again, his eyes lingering on her back as she disappeared around the corner.

‘You still didn’t talk to her?’  Shiro said in disbelief as he reached him.

‘Is that what you wanted to talk about?’

‘Actually no, we’ll come back to that.  I just spoke with Iverson.  There’s going to be a small change to the tour.’

‘What kind of a change?’  Keith narrowed his eyes slightly.

‘Your itinerary is being combined with Lance’s so you can travel together.’

‘What?’  Keith blinked as though he hadn’t quite understood what Shiro had said, and he was rewarded with a small smile.

‘I hope this disappointment is because you wanted to spend the tour wooing Katie, but I suspect it’s not.’

‘It’s not a bad idea, but that won’t happen with Lance around.’  He crossed his arms as he tried to hide his disappointment.

‘It will if you make it happen, but it’s not for Lance’s benefit, it’s for his envoy’s.’

‘The English woman?’

‘Yes, Liliana Cooper.  She’s more than capable to do the job but it’s her first official position.’

“Then yeah, it would be cruel to make her spend extended time alone with Lance.’

‘That’s not what I meant.’  Shiro admonished.  ‘I mean it might help her to have another envoy she can ask for help, and another girl around.’

‘Then why don’t you and Allura take them?’

‘Because we’re not taking an envoy, not in the same sense.  Iverson and Sam are coming with us.  It’s more a state capitals tour and I doubt Miss Cooper could get the assistance she needs, should she need any.’

Keith sighed.  ‘Okay, fine, but you owe me for this.’

Shiro laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.  ‘Are we still even keeping track?’

‘We’re starting a separate list of personal favours, this one counts as you interfering with me and Pidge.’  He waved a finger jokingly.

‘Alright.  How about when you finally ask her out and go on a date, it’s on me?’

‘You’ve got a deal.’  He offered him his hand but instead of shaking it Shiro pulled him in for a brief hug.

‘Take care of one another, both on the tour and after.’

‘Are you including Lance in that again?’  He asked as they separated

‘You take care of him too, even if you pretend not to, just not in the same way you care for Pidge.’

‘Definitely not the same way.’  Keith laughed.  ‘But alright, how much does that change our itinerary?’

‘You’ll still go to Italy first, Lance’s destinations will be split between the rest of us and you’ll end in Havana before returning here for one more state function to close the week.’

‘It’s going to make things tight for all of us timing wise.’  Keith nodded.  ‘But not impossible.’

‘It’ll be fine.’ Shiro assured him.  ‘And unless it’s official you don’t have to stay with Lance.  Take Pidge for walks, spend time together, and for God’s sake, make sure she knows it’s a date.’

Keith smirked and bowed his head.  ‘I’ll be very clear.’

‘Good.  Go to it, captain.’  Shiro saluted him.

‘At ease.’  Keith laughed.  ‘Take care of yourself, Shiro.  I’ll see you soon.’

‘You will, and Keith…’

‘If you say ask her I’m going to disown you.’  He replied as he backed down the corridor.

‘Then don’t make me say it.’

Keith waved and turned, heading towards the office they had been assigned with a small smile.  He was going to ask, he just needed it to be the right moment.

Chapter Text

‘Oh hey, more coffee!’  Pidge said with delight when she entered the office, the scent filling her nostrils enough to make her salivate.  ‘You want one?’

‘Please.  How’s the coffee in space?’  Jameson asked as she set out the three cups and poured two.

‘There isn’t any actual coffee, per se.’  She explained as she fixed hers how she liked it.  ‘We used to have a substitute drink that had the same effect, the equivalent of caffeine that is, not as good tasting though.  Kind of had an aftertaste of pickles.’

‘Doesn’t sound good.’  He wrinkled his nose as he added a little creamer to his cup, while Pidge made one for Keith.

‘It could keep me awake for hours but I’d spend at least part of that time cleaning my teeth to try and get rid of the flavour.’  She chuckled fondly at the memory.

‘I guess it was things like that that helped you and Captain Kogane develop your relationship, besides being together in a difficult situation.’

‘Wait, relationship?’  She looked up at him with a blink.  ‘Oh, me and Keith?  No, we’re not, a thing, like a proper real thing.  I mean we’re companions, we work together, and we’ve lived together for years, in the same place, not the same room, but not romantically.  No.’

‘Really?’  He leant on the table and looked down at her.  ‘So, you’re single?’

‘I guess.  Married to my Lion.  Is that a thing?’  She said distractedly as she took out her laptop again.

‘Not a legal one.’  He laughed.  ‘I was just wondering, because…’

The door opened and Keith came in.  ‘Sorry about that.’  He apologised for having been delayed.  ‘Did I miss anything?’

‘Only me making you coffee.’  She held the cup out to him and his face split into a smile.

‘Thanks, Pidge, you’re an angel.’  His fingers brushed hers as he took it and she didn’t reply, she just gave him a small smile, the endearment making her stomach flutter.

‘Nah, it’s nothing.’  She sat in one of the three seats arranged in a small circle in front of the desk.  ‘So, we just talk?’

‘We just talk?’  Liliana asked as she took a seat at the desk, smoothing her skirt as she did so.

‘I guess so.’  Lance shrugged as he crossed his ankle on top of his knee.  ‘What do you want to know?’

‘Uh…’  She said hesitantly, quickly taking the envelope from her bag with the details for their trip.  ‘I suppose what you want from this trip, how I can help you, what you might need help with.’

There was a knock on the door and they shared a look.  ‘Come in?’  Lance said.

‘Captain, Miss Cooper.’  It was Iverson who entered, holding a brown envelope identical to the one in Liliana’s hand.  ‘There has been a small change in itineraries.  The amendments are here.’  He threw the envelope onto the desk before turning to Lance.  ‘And there are to be no arguments, the arrangement stands.’

‘Which means I’m not going to like it.’  Lance replied, even as Iverson turned to leave.

‘I don’t care if you like it or not, Captain.  Those are your orders.’  And he closed the door behind him.

‘I guess we should see what we’ve got.’  Liliana said, opening the envelope.

‘You want a coffee while we work?’  Lance asked, indicating to the tray.

‘Is there any tea?’  She glanced up at him as he stood.

‘Uh…no, you want me to get you some?’

She smiled brightly and Lance felt his cheeks flush at how pretty she was.  ‘It’s alright, coffee will be fine, thank you.’

‘Very fine.’  Lance murmured before shaking his head and making himself pay attention to his task.  ‘What changes have we got?’

‘Hmm.’  Liliana frowned as she read the overview.  ‘We’re to travel with Captains Kogane and Holt.  We’ll start in Italy then end in Havana.’

Lance groaned.  ‘We’re travelling with mullet now?’

‘Mullet?’  Liliana looked up at him in amusement.

‘Keith’s hair.’  He offered her the milk and sugar.  ‘Why do we have to travel with them all of a sudden?’

‘It doesn’t say.’  Liliana shrugged.  ‘Thank you for the coffee.’

‘Welcome.’  He sat back down with a smile.  ‘So, let’s get to know one another.’

Chapter Text

‘That wasn’t so bad.’  Pidge said as she and Keith headed towards the hangar where their Lions and the cruiser were being kept.

‘No, but I still can’t figure how they expected us to get to know Jameson in such a short space of time or in those circumstances.  You can’t get to know someone just by sitting awkwardly and asking questions.’

‘Isn’t that like a first date?’  She teased, glancing up at him as they walked.

‘I guess it is.’  He chuckled.  ‘In that case, that was the weirdest date I have ever been on.’

‘Lucky for you.  That was the first date I’ve ever been on.’

‘What?’  Keith caught her arm, making her stop and face him.  ‘You’ve never been on a date at all?  The entire time we were in space you never once…I thought you meant…something else.’

She watched his confused face as he spoke, waiting for his words to die off before replying.  ‘I wouldn’t joke about something like that.’

‘Let me get this completely straight.’  He held up his hands between them.  ‘You’ve never been on a date?  Ever?’

‘You make it sound like I’m missing something.’  She scoffed before starting to walk again, Keith falling into step beside her a moment later.  ‘I was kind of busy fighting a war, not sure if you noticed.’

‘I noticed.’  He replied to her sarcasm as an idea struck him.  ‘We’re going to remedy that.’

‘What?’

‘You having never been on a date.’

‘No, I don’t need setting up with anyone.’  She said firmly, worrying Keith was about to start playing matchmaker for her.

‘What…what about me?’

‘What?’  It was her turn to stop dead, her eyes wide as his words sank in.

‘Go on a date with me.’  He asked.

She laughed softly, although it wasn’t a particularly amused sound, and shook her head.  ‘You don’t have to do that just because…’

‘I’m not doing it because you’ve never had a date, I’m doing it because I want to go on a date with you.’  Keith said rapidly, before he lost his nerve.

‘You do?’  She questioned, her voice barely above a whisper.

‘I do.’  He smiled.  ‘Would you?’

She nodded.  ‘I’d love to.’

‘Great.’  He laughed freely, a sound he rarely made that Pidge relished.  ‘Oh, but, when?’

‘What about while we’re in Italy?’  She shrugged.  ‘The itinerary says we have an afternoon to ourselves and everything is still recovering from the Galra attack anyway, so it’s not like a traditional date would be possible just about anywhere right now.’

‘I like that idea.’  He agreed as they began walking again.  They stayed silent for a few steps, both unsure of what to say as excited thoughts of the date to come ran through their heads.  Eventually, it was Keith who broke the lull.  ‘Do you want to bring the fuzzies and Bae Bae on a playdate with Kosmo?  The upgrades to the Lions can wait.’

‘Kosmo won’t eat the fuzzies, right?’  She narrowed her eyes suspiciously at him.

‘No, he’s fairly well behaved.’  Keith laughed.  ‘And he likes you.’

‘Great, I’ll see if Mom will bring Bae Bae to us.’

Fifteen minutes later Bae Bae was running circles around Pidge’s room on the cruiser while the fuzzies stayed well out of the way of the excitable dog.  Pidge had checked they had enough food and made a fuss of them until Colleen arrived with Bae Bae then made a sharp exit, the dog being particularly bouncy at being taken somewhere new.

‘Bae Bae!  Stop!’  Pidge cringed as a stack of somewhat ordered parts fell to the floor.  ‘Come on!  I know you haven’t listened to me in forever but give me a chance!’  Bae Bae stopped and looked at her with her head tilted, which Pidge hoped meant she was starting to listen.  ‘Okay, come on up.’  She patted the bed beside her and the exuberant pooch pounced from where she stood before knocking Pidge backwards and insisting on washing her thoroughly.  ‘Oh God!  Bae Bae!  Stop!’  She screwed up her face as she moved to avoid getting tongue up her nose.

The sound of excited slobbering was eventually overridden by a low growl and Bae Bae’s tongue stilled immediately along with the rest of her.  Pidge sat up enough to see Kosmo in the doorway with Keith, a hand resting on Kosmo’s head reassuringly.

‘They’re just playing, it’s okay.’  He assured him with a gentle pat as Pidge nudged Bae Bae aside enough to sit up fully.

‘Hey, Kosmo!’  She said happily, the wolf’s ears perking up at hearing her not in distress.  ‘You want to meet Bae Bae?’  She stroked her pet’s head reassuringly as she regarded the wolf warily.  ‘It’s okay, we’re all friends.’

‘I’ll start.’  Keith came further into the room and crouched, holding his hand out for Bae Bae to sniff, slowing edging nearer until her snout met his skin, scenting him gently before licking him once.  ‘Good girl.’  He stroked her head.  ‘See, we’re all good.’

Bae Bae approached the edge of the bed as Kosmo came closer to Keith, looking the two over before suddenly flashing out of existence, only to return a moment later on Pidge’s lap, which was nowhere near big enough, and she fell onto her back again, this time Kosmo taking over licking at her cheeks, much as Bae Bae had.

‘Keith, make him stop!  I’m clean!’  She giggled as Keith continued to stroke Bae Bae, smiling at how adorable Pidge was.

‘Okay, get down, boy, come on.’  He patted Kosmo, who did as he was told, sitting obediently beside Pidge’s legs as she yet again sat up.

‘Let’s get them outside and worn out.’  She suggested as Bae Bae hopped down and let Kosmo sniff her stomach as she abased herself on her back.  ‘I guess Kosmo is top dog.’  She commented as Keith stood and offered her his hand.

‘I guess so.’  He pulled her up and reluctantly released her, his fingers lingering on hers for just a moment.  ‘Are the fuzzies okay?’

‘Yeah, just a bit overwhelmed by the psycho fur beast.’  She nudged Bae Bae with her shin.  ‘C’mon, let’s go walks!’

Bae Bae was on her feet in seconds and dancing at the door, ready to leave, Pidge threw a grin over her shoulder at Keith before leading them outside to the area the Garrison had designated for them.  Bae Bae immediately ran off into the open space and found a stick, bringing it back and giving it to Pidge after a brief moment of tug of war.

‘Does Kosmo like to play fetch?’  Pidge asked as she threw the stick and Bae Bae took off after it.

‘I tried to teach him in the quantum abyss but he didn’t quite get the concept.’  Keith petted the wolf’s head where he stood between them.  ‘I never had a pet before, I thought it was a thing all dogs did.’

‘But Kossie is no ordinary dog, are you, sweetie?’  She reached out to ruffle his fur as she watched Bae Bae run back towards them, not realising Keith’s hand was there, and she froze the moment her palm touched his knuckles.  ‘Sorry, I didn’t realise…’

‘It’s okay.’  He replied, turning his hand over and taking hers in his.  ‘Is this?’

She nodded, aware a blush was burning its way up her neck to her cheeks.  ‘Yeah, it is.’

As though he were asked, Kosmo raised his head, nudging at them as though he had been left out, demanding attention.

‘Although someone seems to be jealous.’  Pidge laughed as she crouched, fussing Kosmo with her free hand as Keith didn’t try and let her go, rather he stepped closer so they wouldn’t part.

‘He really likes you, a lot.’  He bent as Bae Bae reached them and took the stick she dropped, straightening and throwing it far further than Pidge had.

‘I like him too.  He’s pretty adorable, aren’t you, Kossie?’  She said the last in baby talk and Keith smiled warmly as Kosmo nudged at her before leaning his chin on her shoulder so she could hug him.  ‘Oh, you’re so cute!  All the hugs for you!’

‘Careful, you don’t want to make me and Bae Bae jealous.’  Keith warned teasingly and she looked up at him.

‘Okay, most of the hugs for Kosmo, and if you and Bae Bae get jealous you can have hugs too.’

‘If?  I’m definitely jealous.’  He laughed as though to hide the fact that while he wasn’t jealous he would definitely not pass up the opportunity.

‘You...uh...you want hugs?’  She asked hesitantly, risking a glance up to find him blushing.

Keith cleared his throat, suddenly nervous as to where this conversation had gone.  ‘I don’t...mind?’

‘Stupid emo.’  She chuckled at him before pulling on the hand she held until he joined her and Kosmo on the floor.  The manoeuvre put her off balance and she part fell against him, propped up by Kosmo at her shoulder and her hand against Keith’s chest.  ‘Sorry!’  She blurted as she tried to balance herself again but Keith just smiled, his arm curving around her back to steady her.

‘It’s okay, we were hugging anyway, right?’

Pidge opened her mouth to reply that that’s was exactly right when Bae Bae barrelled into her, throwing the last of her balance away as she was wobbled into Keith, pushing him back even as his arm flailed, landing on his back with Pidge on top of him and Bae Bae licking them both alternately.

‘Argh!  More pupper tongue!’  Pidge pushed Bae Bae away just as Kosmo decided to join in.

‘Ugh!’  Keith tried hopelessly to get away from Kosmo’s attack but he was just too determined, so he decided to try another tactic.  ‘Pidge!  Head down!’  He yelled and she did so immediately, burying her head against his chest and Keith rolled them quickly towards Bae Bae, definitely the lesser of two lickers, and she skipped back rapidly.  Once they were clear he got to his feet and pulled Pidge with him as she used the cuff of her Garrison uniform to wipe at her face.

‘You were not wrong about him being super drooly.’  She grimaced as he wiped at his own face.

‘Nope, he’s definitely that.’  Keith said as Bae Bae brought the stick over again.

‘Memo to Captain Kogane: don’t get on a level with two slobbery doggos again unless you want a tongue bath.’  She said as she picked up the stick and threw it.

‘Memo received, Captain Holt.  A tongue bath is not a recommended level of hygiene for Garrison officers.’

Pidge laughed.  ‘Oh God, imagine if it was!  The smell!’

‘Dogs breath.’  Keith shuddered.  ‘Not good.’

‘Not one bit.’  She agreed as Bae Bae bounded back.  ‘Thanks for doing this with me.’

‘Walking the dogs?’  He checked as she picked up the stick again, but held his hand out for her to pass it to him, holding it slightly out of reach as Bae Bae jumped to try and get it.

‘Yeah, and the rooming thing.  I figured you’d be sick of spending so much time with me by now.’

‘I won’t ever do that.’  He replied, pulling his arm back and pretending to throw the stick, Bae Bae running several meters before realising and coming back to bark at him.  ‘You’re a smart girl, Bae Bae.  Here you go.’  He threw the stick again.

‘You’re giving her a better workout than I can.’  She remarked as the stick bounced further than before.

‘It’s all about strength and technique.’

‘I know how to throw a stick.’  She sassed.  ‘You’re just stronger than I am.’

‘I guess that’s true, but I could give you some pointers.’

‘On the correct way to throw a stick?’  She gave him raised eyebrows.  ‘It’s all about wind speed and direction, velocity, angle, the potential top speed of the stick given the strength of the thrower, and the weight of the stick.’

‘So, just huzz it as hard as you can and hope it goes further each time?’

‘Pretty much.’  She nodded as Bae Bae returned again.  ‘I just need practice.’  She picked up the stick and threw it again, putting as much into it as she could.

‘You didn’t play soft ball in school?’

‘Sports wasn’t my thing.’

‘Science nerd.’

‘Hey, it runs in the family.’  She nudged him with her elbow.

‘And you’re all incredibly talented at it.’  He replied.

Kosmo flashed out, which was nothing new, he would often do so without prompting, but what surprised them was he reappeared at the stick, Bae Bae pulling up short as he picked it up, flashed out again, only to flash back in before Pidge, sitting down and dropping the stick before looking up at her expectantly.

‘He fetched!’  Keith laughed, his face splitting into a smile as Pidge dropped down before Kosmo, stroking as she praised him.

‘You are such a good boy!  Did you learn that watching Bae Bae?  So clever!’

Bae Bae came running back, stopping and barking at Kosmo, front end lowered with her tail wagging frantically.

‘We need another stick.’  Pidge said as she stood and threw it yet again, Kosmo beating Bae Bae to it once more, much to her confusion.

‘Or for them to wear themselves out.’

‘Whichever.  I like it, it’s good to see them playing.’  She stood again.  ‘It’s good to see anything normal.’

‘Yeah, normal is underrated.’  He agreed as they watched their pets play in the waning afternoon sun.

Chapter Text

Pidge had dinner with her family while Keith excused himself to go train with Shiro. He was still testing the limits of his new arm and Keith was only too happy to help.

Pidge was tasked with rinsing the plates while Matt loaded the dishwasher, and she found herself smiling to herself as they did.  She could hear her parents talking in the living area as they went about their task.

‘Someone’s in love.’  Matt sung quietly, causing Pidge to turn a scowl on him.

‘That’s not why I’m smiling.’

‘But you are.’

‘Not why I’m smiling.’  She repeated.

‘But you’re not denying it.’

She stopped mid wipe and gave him a deadpan stare.  ‘It’s still not why I’m smiling!’

‘So why are you smiling?’  Matt nudged her back to work before taking the next plate and loading it.  ‘Did he do something inappropriate?  Do I need to have a big brother talk with him about treating you well?’

‘If you do that I guarantee he will laugh in your face.’  She flicked water at him and he flinched away.

‘Hey!  I just wanted to know if you were any further along, relationship wise!’

‘Maybe.’  She drew the word out and deliberately avoided his gaze.

‘Maybe, what maybe?’  He asked as he poked her in the ribs, making her jump away.

‘Stop!’  She threatened him with a palm full of bubbles.  ‘I’ll tell you if you don’t make a big deal out of it!  I don’t want Mom and Dad to know some of it.’

Matt glanced back at the door before leaning closer to her.  ‘You know I’ve got your back, right?  All teasing aside?’

‘I know.  It’s just…this is really new for me.’  She shrugged, the movement allowing her to huddle in on herself but Matt saw it and knew what it meant.

‘Hey, don’t do that, not with me.  You can tell me anything, you know that.  What the Garrison doesn’t know…’

She laughed and resumed washing, just cutlery left now.  ‘Yeah, same for Mom and Dad, for now.’

‘So, talk to me.’  He suggested, going and turning on the radio just loud enough to disguise their voices and she gave him a grateful look.

‘Keith asked me on a date.’

‘Yes!’  Matt hissed.  ‘When?’

‘No set time yet.  I suggested while we’re in Italy might be okay.  We have a lot of things to do, with this tour and all.’

‘But you’re going through with it?’  Matt checked, taking the cutlery from her and dropping it in the basket.

‘Yeah, I’m going through with it!  I never thought he’d show even the slightest interest in me, even with all the near misses I think we’ve had these last few weeks.’

‘Near misses?’

‘Maybe a more accurate description is near kisses.’  She side eyed him with a small smile.

‘Near…what?’  Matt gasped.  ‘You need to start talking, little sister.’

She shrugged, embarrassed by what she was about to admit, as she had hoped it was the case, secretly to herself, but didn’t dare to dream maybe that was what had almost happened.  ‘On the way back there were a couple of times I thought it was about to happen but something always interrupted us.  Lance, then Shiro, to be specific.  Unintentional, but it still stopped…anything.’

‘I know you’re smitten with him, Pidge, but I have to ask, you’ve thought this through, right?  This is definitely something you want?’

She felt a blush fill her cheeks as she glanced down.  ‘I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.  It’s like someone threw a bunch of sodium hydrogen carbonate into a flask of ethanoic acid and water, and the chemical reaction is happening in my stomach whenever I see him, or even just think of him!  And he held my hand and I thought my heart was going into a tachycardia rhythm, it sped up so much.  I know love is just a series of chemical reactions caused by hormonal responses but…ugh!’  She dropped her arms by her sides frustratedly.  ‘So, to answer your question, yes, this, Keith, is definitely something I want.’

‘Wow, if it’s got you talking about chemistry then it must be true love, given that’s your least favourite of all the sciences.’  He teased.

‘Stop.’  She elbowed him in the ribs again.  ‘Can you actually give me some decent advice or am I just going to get teased?’

‘Advice?  You don’t need advice.’  He chuckled.  ‘Be yourself.  He likes you for who you are, don’t change a single thing.  Just enjoy yourself.’

‘That’s still advice.’  She told him.  ‘I just don’t want to mess this up.’

‘You won’t mess anything up.’  Matt assured her.  ‘You two are good together, you just have to actually get together for you to prove it to yourselves.  Also, don’t you have to be getting home to bed?  He’ll be waiting.’

‘Shut up!’  She said, but stepped in close and wrapped her arms around him.  ‘Thanks for listening to me ramble, Matt.’

He kissed her hair and held her to him.  ‘It’s not rambling, you needed to air it and I’m happy that you can talk to me.  All I want is for you to be happy.  And maybe happy means you get together with Keith, but you don’t rush into anything else, if you get my meaning.’

‘Matt, I’m twenty-one years old, I would have got your meaning at fourteen and still have been grossed out by it.’

He chuckled and kissed her hair.  ‘Go say goodnight to Mom and Dad then get out of here.’

‘Alright.’  She nodded in agreement and went through to the living area as Matt set the dishwasher running.  He had high hopes for his sister and the leader of the Paladins.  They would make a great couple, if they actually took that first leap of faith together.

Chapter Text

Liliana had spent several hours after her meeting with Lance reading through his personnel file and watching not only his interactions with the Garrison from security footage but also his video home.  She made several notes on things she thought the Garrison may have missed, or that she had questions about, but it was quite basic things that she had already suspected.  Like his bond with his family, his apparent penchant for the ladies, and a possible underlying issue of self worth.  However, after reading what the Paladins had been through she was certain they would all suffer some sort of PTSD at the very least.

She rubbed her sleepy eyes, coming back with more eyeshadow and mascara than she had thought, and groaned.  It was late, she was still a little jet lagged, and her body certainly felt out of whack from being forced into a new routine.  Slipping on her shoes that she had kicked off under the desk, she got to her feet as she put her computer away before slipping on her jacket and clicking off the desk lamp, heading for the door with the intention of getting some much needed sleep.  There was nothing official for her to attend the following day until she and Envoy Jameson left for Italy to meet the Paladins and she hoped to catch up on some sorely needed sleep.

Pidge left her parents quarters later than she wanted but still in good time.  She knew Keith would be back from training by now but there was one last thing she wanted to do before she went back to their room.  Their room.  The thought still made her laugh, quietly and to herself, but laugh nonetheless.  She was sharing a room with Keith, Keith who had asked her on a date just hours ago, Keith who she was pretty sure had almost kissed her twice in the last few days alone, Keith who made her heart race and her knees weak.  Keith.  She needed some advice.

Allura was the only woman that Pidge knew well, besides her mom who she just didn’t feel comfortable discussing this with, but she hoped Allura might be able to hear her out and just listen, even if she couldn’t offer any advice as such.  They weren’t really gal pals, not like she remembered from movies, but they had both just spent the last few years cooped up in a mostly male environment.  There had been times where they had bonded over the disgusting habits of the men, Pidge having refined slightly over the years, mostly late at night over the closest thing to wine and the furthest thing from nunvil they had discovered on their travels, and while it wasn’t what she would consider a classic slumber party, they had been able to talk to one another candidly.  That was what Pidge was hoping for now.

She tracked Allura down to the medical wing of the Garrison, where Pidge knew they were still treating the Altean they had found in the wreckage of the ship after the final battle here on Earth.  Whatever the Galra had given them still had them comatose and unresponsive.

Allura was talking animatedly with the doctors about Altean physiology.  She had given as much information as she could in the hope of aiding them, but so far nothing had worked.

‘Ah, Pidge, good evening.’  Allura greeted her as the doctors left them.

‘Allura, do you have a minute?’  Pidge asked as she looked through the glass into the room where the doctors were now taking more readings of vitals and adjusting fluids.

‘Now isn’t the best time, I’m afraid, can it wait?’

Pidge looked up at her, worry obviously filling her eyes as she watched the doctors work.  Allura had, understandably, taken this matter to heart.  ‘It’s…’  She sighed.  ‘It can wait.  What’s the latest?’

‘No change, sadly.’  Allura said defeatedly.  ‘The doctors are still trying to flush out whatever drugs may be in her system in the hope she will wake, but as of now we are at a loss.’

‘It’s a shame the healing pod did nothing.’

‘It did heal the injuries sustained during the battle with Atlas and Voltron, however whatever is in her system is either taking longer to filter out or we’ve missed something.’

‘Do you think maybe it could be a cerebral inhibitor or something?  An implant or actual cerebral tampering?  I mean, back in time even humans were known for using the crude method of lobotomy for controlling people they considered “difficult”.’

‘Cerebral tampering?’  Allura said thoughtfully.  ‘We scanned for any sign of mechanical interference, like an inhibitor, however we hadn’t considered something so barbaric!  Is there something that might show such damage?’

‘Sure, an MRI, or CT, or PET scan.’  Pidge shrugged.

‘Pidge, you’re a genius!’  Allura embraced her briefly and hurried into the room, leaving Pidge standing alone.

‘So long as it helps.’  She murmured to herself before turning and leaving the medical wing, knowing she wanted some way to clear her head, and if she couldn’t talk it out then she needed absolute peace.

Liliana grabbed something to eat in the mess hall and was on her way back to her room.  It was getting late and she had every intention of going straight to bed, until she saw Captain Holt heading into a stairwell.  Her curiosity piqued, she followed, pausing on the landing to listen for a moment, her reward coming in the form of a door being closed above her.

Pidge sat on the edge of the roof, her legs swinging as she dangled them over the side.  The roof had always been her place to come as a cadet, to listen to radio chatter for any information she might garner regarding the Kerberos mission, but instead it had become her key to a bigger world, that of space exploration, Voltron, and a mission she could never have imagined in her wildest dreams.  The sky was lit with stars and patrols, the Garrison taking no chances despite the newfound peace, and it was soothing, so familiar it eased her mind.  Out there, in the desert, was where she first met Keith, when her life had changed for the better.  Sure, it had been difficult at times, painful even, but worth it.  Every single second.  Every injury, every panic, every fear, it had brought them together and had brought them back home, it had brought peace to the universe.  And now she had a date with Keith.

The small smile that had graced her lips slipped to a more concerned expression as she thought it over.  She really, really wanted to date Keith, and more, but she hadn’t been on a date, she wasn’t the most feminine of girls, despite the Garrison having put her in a dress the day before, and she was unsure how to act.  She had sought advice from Allura, although she was sure all her fellow Paladins would have told her was that Keith liked her for her and to be herself, but she still felt she could do with some advice when it came to…something.

‘Captain Holt?’

She jumped at the gentle voice behind her, turning her head far enough to see Liliana Cooper standing just outside of the door.  ‘Is everything alright?’

‘Envoy Cooper, hi.’  She forced a smile.  ‘I’m just clearing my head before I try and sleep.  Nothing to worry about.’

‘If you’re sure.’  She said, approaching carefully, not only uncertain if her presence was welcome, but the fact she was standing on the roof.  This certainly wasn’t helping her fear of heights.

‘You look a little troubled yourself.  Care to take a seat?’  Pidge offered, patting the roof beside her.  ‘The desert air can help clear your mind.’

‘I…I don’t want to intrude.’  The woman smiled nervously, not moving from her spot.

‘It’s not intruding if I just invited you.’

‘I just…’  She pointed towards the edge.  ‘Not too keen on heights.’

‘Oh.’  Pidge nodded her understanding and she pushed herself back several feet before turning to sit crosslegged.  ‘Is this better?’

‘I think I can just about manage.’  She smiled sheepishly as she took a seat opposite her, resting her briefcase beside her.  ‘I imagine you have a lot on your mind.’

‘A few things.’  Pidge waved her hand dismissively.  ‘Nothing too new, maybe one thing, but nothing really.’

‘This is all new for me.’  She admitted, and Pidge was able to look her over properly for the first time.

She wasn’t much older than Pidge, perhaps Lance or Keith’s age, certainly not as old as Shiro, and she was very pretty.  Her skin was pale and perfect, her eyes a mix of brown and green, her chestnut hair was tied up in a messy bun that suited her.  Pidge remembered Liliana was a couple of inches taller than her, even more so in her heels, but she was used to being the shortest, and her business suit fit her feminine figure perfectly.  She was everything Pidge was not.

‘You’ve never had an assignment to be someone’s envoy before?’

She shook her head.  ‘I’ve been working with my professors in the hope of becoming some sort of cultural attache, but when this opportunity came up they recommended I apply, and here I am.’  She shrugged.  ‘I didn’t think I would actually be chosen.  It’s quite an honour.’

‘You might not be saying that after a week on the road with Lance.’  Pidge laughed, mostly to herself, but Liliana raised her eyebrows slightly, making Pidge clear her throat.  ‘Oh, don’t worry, he’s not crazy, he just…drives us crazy sometimes, but one person’s crazy is another person’s…not crazy.’  She tried.

‘Not crazy.’  Liliana nodded.

‘Did I just get Lance a box ticked on a psychological profile?’  Pidge said with concern.

‘Technically I’m off the clock.’  She smiled.  ‘And you have to make allowances when you have been working and living with someone in close confines for so long.  In that situation anyone would drive you crazy, I’m sure.’

‘Not Keith.’  Pidge said without thinking, regretting it immediately and fidgeting awkwardly.  She didn’t really know this woman but she had virtually blurted out just how perfect she thought Keith was.

Whatever reaction Pidge had been expecting, the warm smile hadn’t been it.  She had expected perhaps a swift change of subject, an awkward throat clearing, but not this.  ‘It’s very sweet that you found love under the circumstances.’

‘Love?’  Pidge laughed nervously, grateful the darkness hid her blush.  ‘Keith and I, we’re not actually…’  She sighed frustratedly.  ‘Yeah, okay, I’m in love with him, but I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell him that.’

‘Waiting for the right moment to tell him?’

‘No, no, I mean, yes, maybe, no, definitely not.  Not yet.  Maybe not ever.’  She said rapidly.  ‘Keith and I, well, we aren’t together like the Garrison thinks we’re together.  We’re not actually together at all, other than friends.  For now.  I think.’

Liliana watched as the famed Green Paladin spewed forth so much word vomit in a matter of seconds that it took her a moment to be able to even vaguely translate it.  ‘So you and Captain Kogane aren’t a couple?’

‘Yes, I mean, no.  No, we’re not.’  Pidge sighed.  ‘It’s a long story.’

‘I have nowhere to be, if you want to talk, off the record of course.’

‘You wouldn’t mind?  I think I just need to verbalise what’s going on in my head to get it clear, it happens when I need to work something technical out too.’

‘I don’t mind.’  Liliana shook her head.  ‘We’re going to be travelling together for the next week, and I don’t know anyone.  It would be nice to have someone I could talk to about something other than work.’

Her words made Pidge realise that perhaps Liliana was in a more difficult situation than the Paladins.  Alone and in a different country was hard enough without the added stress of the high profile job with intergalactic interest.  It would be a lot easier if they were at least on good terms.  ‘That would be good.’  Pidge nodded.  ‘If you don’t mind listening?’

‘I’d actually really appreciate some sort of normality, so talk away.’

‘Okay.’  Pidge shifted in her position slightly.  ‘I’ve been crushing on Keith for a couple of years now but just lately I’m pretty sure he’s started to feel the same way.’

‘Okay.’  Liliana nodded her head in understanding.  ‘What makes you think that?’

‘There’s been a couple of times when we’ve…we nearly kissed.’  She said shyly, unable to meet her eyes.

‘Nearly kissed?’

‘Interrupted.’  Pidge rolled her eyes with an awkward smile.  ‘I don’t know how to even go about approaching him about this, we’ve definitely got much closer as friends recently, and today, today he asked me out on a date.’

‘Then I think he definitely likes you back.’

‘I know, and I am so amazed, and excited, and…worried.’

‘Worried?’  Liliana frowned.  ‘What are you worried about?’

‘First date.  Ever.  With anyone.  And I’m not a girly girl and I’m worried if I’m meant to be on a date that I won’t be any good at it.’

‘Any good at what?’

‘Dating.’

Liliana laughed softly.  ‘I don’t think anyone is actually good at dating, but I would recommend you just be yourself.  He’s asked you on a date which means he likes you in return, and that means he likes you for you.  Act naturally.’

‘That sounds like a really bad idea.’

‘Try it.  If it doesn’t work you can try and be someone else.’

‘But what if this is my only chance?  And who else should I be?’  Pidge asked desperately.  ‘This is just a mess.’  She groaned.

‘I’m sure it will be fine.’  She leant forward and patted Pidge’s knee.  ‘Perhaps you’re overthinking?’

‘I do like to overthink.’  Pidge admitted.  ‘Especially the things I can’t science or math away.’

‘Feelings are about as far from those as you can get.’

‘Technically feelings are biology and chemistry.’  She said weakly.  ‘But I think I understand what you mean.  It’s not something you can plan for, there’s no formula that will work, it’s just an experiment you have to participate in, gauge your responses as you go, and hope for the best conclusion.’

‘That’s one way to put it.’  Liliana resisted the urge to laugh again, thinking perhaps Captain Holt wasn’t joking, that this was the famed genius’ way of coping.  ‘But above all, make sure you have fun.’

‘Fun, right.’  Pidge nodded.  ‘It’s getting pretty late, maybe we should head inside?’

‘Of course.’

They got to their feet, Liliana dusting herself off, and started towards the door.

‘Thanks for listening to me, I feel better for being able to talk about it.’  Pidge said as she opened the security locked door with her wrist computer.

‘You’re very welcome, thank you for trusting me enough to do so.’

‘You seem okay.’  Pidge smiled.  ‘And if we’re doing this tour together it would be nice to be able to talk about anything other than work.’

‘I would appreciate it too.’  She agreed.  ‘But might I ask, if you and Captain Kogane aren’t together, why are you sharing a room?’

‘For sheer awkwardness?’  She suggested.  ‘Actually, that was all the same mix up.  They assumed we were together and planned accordingly.  The whole place is full of diplomats and politicians, they couldn’t find us another room.  I argued I’d sleep on the cruiser, or even in Green, but Keith said no, we could manage.  Feels a little weird now, knowing we’re going on a date.’

‘So you do things a little out of order.  It’s what works for you that matters.’

‘I hope this works for us.’  Pidge said as she pushed her hair behind her ear.  ‘I’d really like it to work.’

‘From what I saw this morning you and Captain Kogane are very close, and certainly natural enough that I assumed you were already in a romantic relationship with one another.’

‘Thanks.’  Pidge took the compliment for what it was.  ‘And if you want any advice on Lance, just let me know.  He’s an idiot, but he’s our idiot.’

‘I know where to come.’

They arrived at the door to Liliana’s room first and paused.

‘I have to confess,’ Liliana began, ‘I feel a lot more comfortable having had the time to speak to you, Captain Holt, thank you.’

‘It’s just Pidge, I can’t get used to a rank.  I don’t think any of us can.’

‘There will be plenty of people calling you it in the next week, but if you’d rather I can call you Pidge.’

‘I would much rather, thanks.’  Pidge smiled.  ‘I guess we’ll see you some time tomorrow.  We’re meeting in Rome in the evening, right?’

‘That’s right.  Safe travels, Pidge.’

‘You too, Envoy Cooper.’

‘Liliana.’  She offered Pidge her hand.  ‘It’s been nice talking to you.’

‘You too.  Goodnight.’  Pidge took her hand back and moved down to her own room, holding the keycard in her fingers as she stared at the door.  There was a light on within which meant Keith was already back.  Her stomach was already butterflying at the fact this was going to be the first time they shared a bed, compounded by the fact he had asked her on a date.  Her heart was racing so fast she could hear it in her ears but she tried to push it aside.  She was a Paladin of Voltron, she had faced far scarier situations over the years.

‘It’s just Keith.’  She murmured, before inserting the keycard and stepping through the door.

Chapter Text

Keith was scrolling through the itinerary when he heard the door click open.  He was tired and had been ready to go to sleep with the light on so Pidge could see when she got back, but now he didn’t need to.

‘Hey.’  He smiled as she threw her keycard on the table and rubbed at her eyes.

‘Hey yourself.  How was training?’  She asked as she fetched her pyjamas.

‘I got a good workout.’  He told her.  ‘I hope you don’t mind, but I picked my preferred side of the bed.’

‘I don’t mind.’  She looked at the large bed with one side glaringly bare and waiting to be filled.  ‘I can sleep almost anywhere so no big.’

‘I remember.’  He chuckled.

She blushed faintly as she turned towards the bathroom, remembering falling asleep on him while they were awaiting rescue, mid-sentence of all things, and while he hadn’t told the rest of the team he still brought it up from time to time to tease her.  ‘I’m going to change.’

Pidge put on her pyjamas and splashed her face with water before brushing her teeth and going about her brief bedtime routine.  She was soon back out in the room and throwing her uniform on the back of one of the chairs.

‘You should hang that up.’  Keith said without glancing away from the datapad, and Pidge groaned.

‘Captain Kogane is bossy.’  She complained.

‘Captain Kogane knows Captain Holt would rather not waste her time on such trivial things when there are other things her awesome genius could be thinking of.’

She pulled a face at him as he glanced up and he laughed, watching as she got hangers from the closet.

‘How was dinner with your family?’  He decided to change the subject as he watched her in amusement trying to get the pants to line up on the hanger, knowing she far preferred a floor-drobe.

‘It was good.’  She replied before briefly biting her top lip.  ‘It’s weird after so long, but a good weird.  There are moments when we’ll be talking or laughing and we seem to forget that we’ve just fought a war, that this isn’t normal anymore, and it’s so familiar, but different too.’

‘Here.’  Keith got out of bed and she glanced up, her breath catching at the sight of him coming towards her in just a black tank top and shorts.  She tried really hard not to stare at his toned legs and arms, a stark contrast against the dark material, small scars marring his skin as a testament to all he had been through both with the team and the Blades.  She found she needed to swallow when he stopped in front of her and took the pants she had completely forgotten about from her hands.  ‘Use the seams.’  He told her as he quickly and easily straightened the pants out before picking up the other hanger.  ‘Jacket?’

‘Uh…right!’  She snapped out of her half-dressed-Keith daze and grabbed the jacket out of the chair.

He took it from her hands and hung it deftly before putting it in the closet beside his own.  ‘Done.’

‘Thanks.’  She murmured as he stood empty handed in front of her.

‘We should get to bed.  We have a long flight tomorrow.’

‘One that’s going to take us about half an hour in the Lions.’  She laughed.

‘And that’s a good thing.’  He said as he backed towards the bed.  ‘Once we get over the initial introductions we should get some time to ourselves.’

‘Time to ourselves with Lance.’  She reminded him as he pulled back the covers enough for them both to get in.

‘I forgot he’d be there.’  Keith grimaced, having thought it would be a good time for them to arrange their date.  ‘Maybe we can send him on a mystery tour, or sneak out without him.’

‘You’re keen.’  She laughed softly as she arranged the covers over herself and laid on her back, Keith settling down beside her to stare at the ceiling, enough room between them that they didn’t accidentally touch.

‘Of course.  You ready for lights out?’

‘I think so.’  She nodded, still staring at the ceiling.

The room darkened, the only illumination the ambient glow from the security lighting outside, and they laid quietly for several minutes before Pidge spoke.  ‘Do you always sleep on that side of the bed?’

‘I tend to.’  He replied.  ‘What about you?’

‘I like to sleep in the middle.’

‘In the middle?’  He asked with a laugh.

‘Sure.’  She shrugged.  ‘Then I have space whichever way I roll over and I can get out whichever side is nearest.’

‘I hadn’t thought of that.’  He replied and they fell into silence again until he found the courage to ask what he wanted to.  ‘So, is there anywhere in particular you want to go for our date?  Dinner?  I don’t know what it’s going to be like on the ground, even after the rebuild, or if there will be working movie theatres, or…’

‘Keith,’ she interrupted him.

‘What?’

‘Why don’t we wait and see when we get there?  Maybe take a walk together and see what’s on offer?’

‘I like that idea.’  He replied and Pidge could hear the smile in his voice.

‘Okay.  Goodnight.’

Before Keith could answer there was a zapoof and a flash of light, their legs suddenly weighed down as Keith groaned.  ‘Kosmo, no!’

‘Aw, he must be lonely!’  Pidge said as the cosmic wolf crawled up the bed towards her, allowing her to fuss him.

‘He doesn’t sleep on the bed!’

‘You’re just mean.’  She said as she scratched behind Kosmo’s ears.  ‘Were you lonely in that big spaceship all alone?’  He licked her cheek once and moved again, this time getting on the opposite side of Pidge to Keith and nudging at her to make himself some space.  ‘Oh, I see why he doesn’t.  He’s a bed hog.’  She commented as he easily pushed her smaller frame towards Keith.

‘Down, boy!’  Keith tried, rolling onto his side and pushing at the wolf, but to no avail.

‘I don’t think he’s going to budge.’  Pidge commented as she was edged further towards Keith.

‘The bed’s big enough, if you don’t have a problem with it?’  Keith suggested.  ‘He might be trained but he’s stubborn too.’

‘Like owner, like pet.’  She laughed as Keith turned his head towards her.

‘That’s pretty rich, coming from you.’

‘I never said I didn’t fit the bill too.’  She shuffled over onto her side to face him, wanting to give both him and Kosmo some space.

‘You look…cramped.’

‘It’s all good, I don’t take up much room.’

‘It’s just, if you wanted to…’  He held his arm out, inviting her into an embrace.

‘Really?’  She looked at him in surprise and he shrugged.

‘We did it before.’  He reminded her.

‘Sure, okay.’  She moved up beside Keith, his arm curving around her shoulder until her head rested on his shoulder.

‘Better?’  He asked, the sound rumbling through him and into her ear.

‘It’s comfy.’  She nodded.

‘Then, goodnight, again.’

‘Night.’  She murmured as she closed her eyes, only to have Kosmo’s head press between her shoulder blades and give her another push.  ‘Okay, he’s not done.’  She said as he did so again, turning her head as he nudged her hard enough move her bodily.

‘I don’t know what’s got into him.’  Keith leant over and tried to get Kosmo to give her some more space.  ‘Sorry.’

‘It’s okay, I…’  She turned back to him, about to speak, but her words were stolen when she found him so close their noses brushed.  She swallowed hard as his eyes found hers, her stomach giving little butterflies of nerves and excitement.

‘Katie.’  He murmured before his lips brushed hers in the gentlest of touches, encouraged when she didn’t pull away and pressing his lips to hers lightly.

Pidge sighed and closed her eyes as Keith’s lips caressed hers, her butterflies taking flight as the hand that rested on his waist came up to touch his cheek.  The kiss was slow and languid, nothing more than their lips brushing in open mouthed motions, but Pidge couldn’t imagine anything better.

Keith hadn’t realised how one supposedly simple action could change everything.  If he thought he felt more for Pidge than the other Paladins before he kissed her, then now his heart all but exploded with emotion.  She was soft and responsive, making a small incoherent murmur that had his arms tighten around her, and they parted breathlessly, leaving next to no space between them, foreheads resting against one another as their eyes fluttered open.

‘That was…’  She started, but he kissed her again.  ‘Amazing.’  She said once they parted.

‘We should definitely do that more.’

She grinned before kissing him herself, his words taking away her worry that her feelings weren’t reciprocated.  ‘A lot more.’

‘All the time.’  Keith replied, nudging her nose with his own.  ‘So, you want to be my girlfriend?’

‘I thought you’d never ask.’  She kissed him again and he was happy to oblige.

They parted again and just looked at one another in amazement for several moments.  ‘You’re still okay with this bed sharing thing?  I don’t want you to feel pressured.’  Keith checked.

‘I don’t think we’re at a point to take this further yet, right?’  She asked uncertainly.  ‘Because it’s pretty new, but I’m happy with all the snuggling.’

‘Snuggling it is.’  Keith agreed.

‘Although being less squashed could…hey, where’d Kosmo go?’  She rolled back partially and realised the space wolf was completely gone, and had probably teleported out while they were busy.

‘Huh.  Maybe he was just giving us a literal nudge.’

‘You have a very cute wingman.’  Pidge chuckled.  ‘Not as cute as you obviously.’

‘Or you.’  He kissed her softly, a slow lingering press of lips.  ‘We should get some sleep.’

‘We should.’  She started to move out of his arms but they tightened around her.

‘Where do you think you’re going?’  He teased.  ‘We might have space but I’d love to keep this up.’

‘I like it too.’  She agreed.

‘Great.’  He tilted his head and kissed her forehead before settling on his back again.  ‘If you get uncomfortable, just say.’

‘You too.’

‘I don’t think anything about this could make me uncomfortable.’  He squeezed her to him as she rested her head on his shoulder.

‘Same.’  She murmured, her body tired and her heart light.  ‘We’re still going on a date, right?’  She asked sleepily.

‘Whenever and wherever you want.’  He assured her before sleep pulled them both under.

Chapter Text

Keith woke first, taking in a deep breath before releasing it in a sigh as he shifted his arm, about to move whatever had come to rest on his chest, before remembering it was Pidge’s head.  At some point in the night she had turned fully sideways in the bed, using him as a pillow.  He smiled at how peaceful she looked, her lips slightly parted and her hair mussed.  He had never noticed how long her lashes were until now that they rested on her cheeks, her freckles sprinkled below them like constellations on her skin.

As he watched her, her brow wrinkled, as though she were thinking out a particularly difficult puzzle, her nose scrunching cutely before her lips moved.  He had expected her to say something that he wouldn’t understand, something about an algorithm or quantum entanglements, but that wasn’t what he got.

‘I can’t do that.’  She muttered.  ‘He might find out, and then where would we be?  No, I’m not.  I’m not telling Keith I’m in love with him.’

Keith froze, his eyes widening as what she had said sank in.  She loved him?  She actually loved him?  He was torn between wanting to wake her and ask if she meant it, wanting to jump on the bed and announce to everyone that she loved him, and wanting to just stay here in this moment forever, hoping nothing ever spoilt it.  Logic prevailed though, or rather time was not on his side, and Pidge grumbled, turning over with a shuffle to pull her knees up to her chest, her face towards his.

‘Turn the light out.’  She groaned, screwing up her eyes tightly.

‘Sorry, it’s the sun.  I’d turn it out for you if I could.’

She opened one eye and squinted at him.  ‘You’re saying you’d extinguish the sun for me?’

‘If that’s what you wanted.’  He chuckled, the sound reverberating through her ear.

‘Well, thankfully I don’t want you to.  The world would be plunged into an ice age and I hate the cold just as much as I do bright lights.’  She closed her eye again for a moment before quickly opening them again.  ‘Morning.’

‘Morning.’  He stroked his hand over her hair on her forehead.  ‘Sleep good?’

‘Slept good.’  She nodded but a second later her eyes filled with something close to panic.  ‘Did you?  I didn’t squash you, did I?  Did I drool on you?’

He laughed.  ‘I slept great, and you neither squashed or drooled on me.’

‘Okay, good.’  She sighed before scrambling up and out of the bed.  ‘Be right back.’

He watched as she headed into the bathroom, rearranging her pyjama top that had risen slightly during the night, not that he had noticed, of course.  He sighed contentedly and tucked his hands behind his head, remembering the night before.  He had never thought he could be this happy, but here he was, back on Earth, he had Pidge, his mom, Shiro, the rest of the team, and the Galra were mostly defeated.  It really felt like everything was coming together in the right way.  He also had to remember to take Kosmo some sort of reward for being the best wing-wolf ever.

Pidge came back out of the bathroom and scrambled up the bed from his feet before laying the full length of his body with hers.  ‘Hi.’  She said quietly with a small smile before kissing him quickly.

‘Hi.’  He replied before licking his lips.  ‘You brushed your teeth.’

‘And mouthwash.  No morning breath here.  Don’t want to scare you off.’

‘It’ll take more than that to get rid of me.’  He curved his arms around her.  ‘How about we get dressed and get breakfast?’

‘Soon.’  She said before laying her head on his chest so they just held one another for several minutes.

‘Are you going back to sleep?’  He asked quietly and she raised her head again, resting her chin on the backs of her hands and looking like the cutest thing he had ever seen.

‘If I did would you leave me be?’

‘No.’  He shook his head.  ‘We have to fly to Italy and you need to eat first.’

‘Then there’s no point.’

He raised his head enough to be able to kiss her, his hand slipping into her hair as his lips learnt hers, memorising every little noise, every response, as her hands pressed against his chest.  ‘You mind if I hit the bathroom?’  He asked quietly once they parted, and she shook her head.

‘I don’t mind.’

‘Alright.’  He rolled them quickly, successfully putting her on her back with a surprised yip before he continued off the bed and to his feet in one fluid motion.

‘Show off.’  She called after him as she gathered the blankets around her, and he flashed her a grin before he closed the door.  She laid still for several minutes, just enjoying the warmth of the bed and comfort of the covers, but then her mind made her want to check for messages.  She grabbed her datapad from the bedside and opened it up.  She had the usual variety of reports she had been receiving since their defeat of Sendak, but what caught her eye was one specifically from Allura.  The message heading read; You Are A Genius.  She had a moment where her brain went; duh; then opened it.  She read over the text twice before closing the message and scrambling out of bed for a second time.

‘Keith?’  She knocked on the door rapidly as she started shimmying out of her pyjama pants.  ‘I have to run down to medical real quick!  I’ll meet you in the mess for breakfast, okay?’

‘What happened?’  He called as she heard the water turn off as she ran back to the closest and pulled out a pair of jeans, dragging them on and jumping the last bit before buttoning them.

‘Nothing urgent, just have to check in with Allura!’  She called back, pulling her pyjama top off and replacing it with a vest, just as Keith came out of the door, wrapped in only a towel, his hair wet.

‘Damn, sorry!’  He turned around quickly, letting her finish, grabbing her hoodie and some socks before jumping back onto the bed.

‘It’s okay, I’m decent.’  She said as she pulled on her socks.

‘What’s happening in medical?’  He asked as he turned back around.

‘I went by there last night.  Apparently, there’s been some kind of breakthrough with the Altean.  Not conscious but any progress is better than none, right?’

‘Right.  You want to wait five minutes and I’ll come with you?’

‘Meet me there.’  She hopped off the bed and slipped into her boots and hoodie.  ‘I want to get down there.’

‘Okay, I’ll see you soon.’  He said as she went to the door.

‘Wait!’  She came running back and threw her arms around his neck, standing on tiptoes so she could kiss him firmly.  ‘Bye.’

He laughed as she went, shaking his head at her obvious excitement before going back through to the bathroom to finish off showering.

Pidge made it to the medical wing in record time, finding Allura at the nurses station looking through a file.

‘I came as soon as I got your message.’  Pidge said as she approached.  ‘What did you find?’

Allura glanced at the nurses standing nearby before taking Pidge’s elbow and gently leading her away until they were in a secluded service corridor.

‘Your brain scan idea was perfect.’  Allura smiled at her as she held the file out towards her.  ‘While there was no evidence of cerebral tampering the same scans revealed this.’

Pidge flicked through the pages of scans, tilting her head to one side as she tried to work out what she was seeing.  ‘I’m no doctor, or an expert in Altean physiology, but that doesn’t look right.’  She pointed to a shaded patch on the topmost scan.

‘That’s because it’s not.’  Allura turned the page to the written report.  ‘All signs point to it being made of organic material, it’s why it wasn’t spotted in any earlier tests.  We were looking for a drug, or an implant.  Not a parasite.’

‘Ew.’  Pidge screwed up her nose.  ‘So, a cerebrum imbedded parasite that keeps its victim paralysed?’

‘That’s what we believe, yes.  We are, at this point, uncertain as to whether or not it would be possible to remove it and therefore revive the Altean, or whether it may be irretrievable or irreversible.’

Pidge nodded her agreement.  ‘Are they going to try or do more tests first?’

‘More tests.  It may take over a week, depending on what they can do.  They will call all the experts they can to aid them though.’

‘Good.  And it means we can go on this tour and know that stuff is being done while we’re gone.’

‘Exactly.’

‘So…what’s the other thing you wanted me to do before we leave?’  She asked about the unanswered question from the message she received.

‘Just this.’  Allura held out her palm to show a small data device.  ‘It’s all the information they have gathered thus far but I’m certain they’re missing something.  Would you go over it while you’re on your tour?’

‘Like, behind their backs?’  Pidge quirked her a small smile.

‘As in I don’t trust them as I do you.’  Allura returned the look.  ‘Their expertise is medical, however, I think you would be a more enlightened expert, having dealt with…’  She paused as she tried to find the right words.

‘With weird shit?’  Pidge suggested.

‘That sums it up perfectly.’  Allura nodded.  ‘Would you mind?’

‘Not at all.’  Pidge took the drive and slipped it into her pocket.  ‘If there’s anything there to be found I’ll do my best to figure it out.’

‘I knew I could rely on you.  Thank you.’  She rested her hand on Pidge’s shoulder.  ‘Now, do you still want to talk to me?  About whatever it was you came to me with last night?  I’m afraid I was a little distracted.’

Pidge smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly.  ‘Actually, no, it’s all okay.  I figured it out.’

‘Oh…I’m glad.’  Allura replied hesitantly.

‘Me too.’  Pidge nodded.  ‘If there’s nothing else, I need to go get breakfast.’

‘No, that was all.’  She replied as Pidge started back the way they had come.  ‘Unless there’s anything else you want to talk about or tell me?’

‘Nothing major.’  Pidge called back as she reached the doors, turning her back to push through them.  ‘But me and Keith are an item now.’  She grinned, before disappearing out of sight and leaving Allura slightly stunned.

Chapter Text

Keith saw Pidge coming out of the medical wing before he reached it and her face lit up in a smile when she saw him, trotting over before stopping in front of him.

‘Hey.’  She said with a wide grin that he couldn’t resist.  He leaned down and kissed her softly as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

‘Hey yourself.’  He replied, staying close.  ‘Did you get everything done?’

‘I did.  I’ll tell you as we walk, but I also let the cat out of the bag, about us, if that’s okay that is?  If not I can go retract it and…’

He silenced her with another kiss.  ‘I don’t mind at all.  If you hadn’t told someone I would have, and the fact I don’t want to stop touching you would have been a giveaway.’  She flushed at his words and he realised what he had said as she gave him raised eyebrows.  ‘I mean like holding your hand.’  He said rapidly.  ‘And…’

‘I gotcha, Keith, don’t worry.’  She chuckled.  ‘And I only told Allura, but if you think even now she’s not sending messages to Shiro and Coran then you’re in denial.’

‘You might have a point.’  He turned with his arm still around her and started them towards the mess.

‘So, by the time we get to Italy the entire Garrison will know.’

‘Good.’  He leant down and kissed her temple, making her stomach flutter.  ‘Because I don’t care who knows.  The more the better.’

‘Ohhh.’  She grinned at him.  ‘Keith’s a territorial romantic.’

‘A romantic, maybe.  I’ve never done anything like this before.  You’re the first, but I do know I want you to know how much I like you and if that means I get to hold your hand and kiss you whenever I like then I’m all for it.’

‘Aw, you are a romantic.’  She leant into him, daring to wrap her arm around his waist and was rewarded with him squeezing her to him.  ‘But I like that.  It’s new for me too but I definitely like it.’

‘Good.’  He couldn’t resist pressing a soft kiss to her hair again and she blushed, reaching for her glasses, but he caught her hand in his free one.

‘Are we…dancing?’  She looked at him in confusion.

‘No.’  He laughed.  ‘You said to stop you if you tried to push your glasses up again.’

‘Right!’  She chuckled.  ‘Thanks.’

‘You’re welcome.’  He released her hand but kept her close.  ‘So, breakfast…’

Shiro looked at the message as it came through and decided he was suddenly hungry.  Hungry enough to make a trip to the mess hall.  He finished what he was doing and grabbed his jacket as he headed for the door.  It was still strange, putting on clothes with what was essentially a disembodied limb that he controlled.  He could use the hand and arm to help dress himself but also had to only dress his right side from the shoulder.  It was a weird situation.  He was buttoning the last of his jacket as he reached the bottom of the stairs, turning right and seeing something he had hoped for for a long time; Keith and Pidge with their arms around one another, approaching the mess hall while they chatted quietly.  He pulled out his phone and opened the message from Allura, bringing up the camera and sending her a quick snapshot with a brief message before walking towards the two as he put it away again.

‘Good morning.’  He said as he reached them, Pidge physically jumping and he was sure she would have pulled away from Keith had his arm not been firmly around her.

‘Shiro, hey.’  Keith greeted him with a proud smile.

‘I’m glad to see you two finally did something…’

‘Whoa!’  Pidge interrupted, eyes wide.  ‘We didn’t do anything!  Not like that!  I mean…’

Shiro laughed.  ‘I meant did something about your feelings for one another.’

‘Oh.’  She breathed, relieved.  ‘I guess we did.’

‘We did.’  Keith confirmed.  ‘I asked her on a date yesterday.’

‘And you got this just from asking for a date?’  Shiro said with enough exaggeration they knew he knew something else had happened.

‘You want a fully labelled diagram?’  Keith replied saltily.

‘Just your assurance that although you’re sharing a room you’re still not rushing into something more physical.’  Shiro looked between them and Pidge’s blush was enough to let him know the subject hadn’t even been broached let alone anything else.

‘We kissed!’  Pidge said defensively, and certainly louder than she meant to as they had just entered the mess hall.

‘Woooooo!!!!’  The cheer came from Lance, they all knew without even having to look over, but they did all the same, finding him on his feet with his hands raised above his head in celebration.  Hunk was beside him, Veronica opposite them, both applauding quietly, while further across the room Griffin seemed to be handing Rizavi a few bills.  ‘About damn time!’

Pidge tried to turn to leave but Keith kept his arm around her.  ‘It’s fine, Katie, we’ve got this, I’m with you.’

‘Lance had to beat us here, didn’t he?’  She grumbled.

‘This will just get it out of the way before Italy.’  Keith assured her as the three of them joined the line for food.

‘I guess.’  Pidge muttered and Keith couldn’t resist pressing a kiss to her cheek that made her smile despite her irritation.

‘That’s better.’

‘Yeah, okay.’  She nudged him with her shoulder and he tightened his arm around her.  After a moment she rested her head on his chest with a contented sigh.  She had had no idea that such a simple shift in their relationship, one small moment, could make her feel so satisfied with life, no matter what else was going on.

The two took their trays and sat with the other Paladins and Veronica, who had now been joined by Romelle and Coran.

‘Well now, isn’t this a turn up for the books.’  Coran said cheerfully as Pidge offered Keith her toast and he passed her his milk.  ‘Never thought you’d get around to it, despite acting like an old married couple all this time.’

‘Despite acting like what now?’  Pidge pulled a face at him as she froze with the milk in her hand about to add it to her coffee.

‘You didn’t know?’  Romelle laughed.  ‘Until I was told otherwise I assumed you were in a relationship but were private about it.’

‘We are not like an old married couple.’  Keith said defensively, making Lance all but choke on his breakfast, everyone looking at him as he tried to laugh, breathe, and swallow at the same time.

‘Sorry, Coran is right, you really are.’  Hunk gave apologetic smile.  ‘Like right now.’

‘What?’  They both stopped what they were doing.

‘Keith, you got Pidge’s sugar and you’re even now loading her cup.’

They looked down at their hands, Keith tipping packets of sugar into her coffee as she stirred.  How many times had they done this without realising?  It had become a routine for them.  Pidge always forgot sugar, Keith realised and compensated for her.  She never ate her toast so more often than not he did, and she liked extra milk.  It never occurred to them that they were in such a synchronised  routine together.

‘Uh.’  Pidge rested her spoon on her tray and blushed as Keith carried on what he had started.

‘Is there a problem with it?  With us being an…us?’  Keith glared at everyone before blatantly taking Pidge’s hand on the table between the trays and lacing their fingers.  ‘Because you’re acting like it’s a big deal.’

‘Defensive much?’  Lance asked before nodding to Shiro as he took a seat.

‘If I have to be, yeah.’  Keith turned his gaze on Lance who shrugged.

‘You don’t have to be defensive with us, mullet, it was a compliment, I’m sure.  Right, Coran?’

‘Absolutely.’  Coran poked at his scrambled eggs while examining them carefully.  ‘Being completely in sync and comfortable with one another was something highly regarded as the pinnacle of a relationship on Altea.  Some couples spent their entire lives trying to reach the state of synchronicity you two have.’

‘If it’s just a matter of synchronicity then it’s understandable.’  Pidge replied as she stirred her cereal.

‘Very much, especially for the two of you.’  Shiro joined the conversation for the first time since sitting beside Keith.  ‘You’ve had to work together from day one, as the arms of Voltron, and then later when Keith took over piloting black, just in a different way.’

‘And there’s the way we all bond through our lions.’  Hunk pointed out.  ‘It makes total sense that we’re all close, but you two have…I mean, are, um…’  He looked to Shiro for help.

‘You two have a connection that runs deeper than just the spiritual and intuitive ones needed for Voltron.’

‘Are you talking mystical or something else?’  Keith asked as he finally began to pay attention to his food.

‘Something else, more emotional.’  Shiro replied.  ‘We have all felt the connection through the lions, we all care for one another, but the two of you go beyond friendship.’

‘Okay, I think I get it now.’  Pidge nodded before eating some of her cereal, hoping that if she said that then the matter would be dropped.  She was worried someone might mention the “L” word and, considering she and Keith had just got together, it was kind of soon to be bandying that around, even if she was pretty sure that was exactly what she felt for him.  She didn’t want to scare him off.

‘It does make sense.’  Keith looked around the table.  ‘Sorry if I jumped down your throats, I just wasn’t expecting an inquisition over my toast.’

‘Which, by the way, you could butter easier if you let go of Pidge’s hand.’  Lance waved his fork in their general direction and Keith realised he was right.

‘Right, sorry.’  He flashed Pidge a small smile before releasing her hand, allowing her to hold her bowl still as she ate.

‘No problem.’  She smiled, quickly slurping up the dribble of milk that threatened to run down her chin.

‘So, is everyone ready for the off?’  Shiro asked to fill the silence that had descended over them.

Everyone answered affirmatively and soon the conversation slipped into something more normal, less questioning of new relationships, and Pidge was grateful.  Familiar she could deal with, interrogations about her personal life she would rather not.

Chapter Text

Pidge sat crosslegged on the bed with her laptop before her.  She had plugged in the data device Allura had given her and was now watching her personal encryption program running through the data.  There wasn’t a lot here but she wasn’t sure how quiet Allura wanted it kept so decided caution was best.  No one would know what she had been looking at, no one would be able to uncover anything she found that the medics had missed.  She knew the medical doctors didn’t like outsiders meddling with patient data but the paladins just had a better grasp on what was actually possible, a lot of what they had dealt with the last few years coming beyond the realms of speculation for even the most vivid imagination.

Pidge’s eyes flitted over the scans and x-rays, already knowing the only visible sign was the shading of the parasite, but it still didn’t feel completely right.  What were they missing?  The next page held blood and culture numbers, some columns registering as zero due to the form being designed for human haematology results, others higher than they should be, but for an altean, who knew?  She tapped at her keyboard and initiated a call to Allura, hoping she was alone or at least with people they trusted, and as she answered Keith came through the door.  Pidge waved at him in greeting before answering Allura.

‘Yeah, it’s me.’  She said as Keith sat beside her and kissed her cheek.  ‘Can you talk?’

‘Just a moment.’  Allura said, followed by the sound of her shoes on a metallic floor and a door opening and closing.  ‘Go ahead, Pidge.’

‘I was just looking over the data you gave me.’  She said as Keith took a seat beside her and she turned her laptop so he could see the information.

‘Did you find something?’  Allura asked hopefully and Pidge felt a pang of guilt at not having anything for her.

‘Not really, not yet, but I was wondering if we had what classes as a normal blood count for alteans?  Something we can compare it to?’

‘It’s true, our blood composition is a little different to yours.’  Allura said understandingly.  ‘Would it help?’

‘Maybe.  Do you have a composite of the elements found in your blood?  Or does Coran?  Because comparing the numbers to what would count as I guess average readings might help.’

‘Why do you only guess average?’

‘Because there’s only three of you, not including the patient, to tap samples from, and if we only use you, as far as I can tell, you’re pretty damn powerful.  Your readings might be different.’

‘That is a very fair comment.  Thank you, Pidge.  I will have Coran and Romelle meet me in the infirmary and send you the data as soon as we have it.’

‘Great.  I’ll close this back up until later.  Speak to you soon.’

She cut the contact and turned her face towards Keith, giving him the opportunity to steal a brief kiss.  ‘Working for Allura?’

‘Yeah, although I need the comparison for me to get any further, I think.  Are the lions all loaded?’

‘Ready and waiting.’  He pointed to the clock on her display.  ‘And we still have half an hour to say our goodbyes.’

‘We’re not going to be gone long.’  She reminded him as she shut down her laptop.  ‘But I would like to stop in and say bye to Mom, Dad, Matt, and Bae Bae.’

‘I thought you might say that.’  He got to his feet and she followed him a moment later.  ‘Get that done and I’ll see you for takeoff?’

‘What are you going to do?’  She asked as they headed towards the door together, her little finger brushing the back of his hand subconsciously until his fingers entwined with hers.

‘I have to check a couple more things with Shiro, nothing important.’  He shrugged.

‘Okay, I’ll see you soon.’

‘Promise.’  He cupped her cheek with his palm and gave her such a soft, lingering kiss that it left Pidge leaning further towards him even when he broke the contact, a small smug smile on his face.  ‘You can get the rest when we reach Italy.’

‘Tease!’  She called after him as he walked away, trying to remember how her legs worked.

Chapter Text

‘Mom, it’s just a week!’  Pidge’s mumbled voice came from her mom’s shoulder where her face was buried, making Matt laugh as Bae Bae jumped up at their legs.

‘She’s been further and for longer, Mom.’  He reminded them unnecessarily, which earned him a glare from both women.

‘Yes, but this time I get the chance to actually say goodbye.’  She gave Pidge one last squeeze before letting her go, as though to remind her she was still mad about the whole running away to the garrison then space thing.

‘Yeah, okay.’  Pidge straightened her tunic but was immediately engulfed by Sam. ‘Dad, you already hugged me!’

‘There’s no law saying I can only hug my little girl once.’

‘There should be.’  She grumbled despite closing her eyes and holding him tight, remembering the last few times they had had to say goodbye.

‘Now, Katie, you don’t mean that.’

‘Yeah, okay, maybe not.’  She admitted as he kissed the top of her head before letting her go.

‘Don’t forget you have to radio in when you reach Rome.’

‘I won’t.’  She promised as she grabbed the duffle bag of clothes from her old room that she and Colleen had bought during her last stay on Earth but she hadn’t taken with her.  ‘And I won’t forget to brush and floss.’

‘Make sure you do.’  Colleen insisted.

‘You’re not coming down to the hangar, right?’

‘I have to prepare to leave with Atlas.’  Sam told her.

‘And I don’t want to embarrass you.’  Colleen gave her a challenging look, as though daring her to say it was true, when she would no doubt insist on doing so.

‘I’m leaving now.’  Pidge replied diplomatically as she headed towards the door.

‘I’ll go with you.’  Matt said, briefly hugging Sam before kissing Colleen on the cheek.  ‘See you soon.’

They were almost at the hangar before Pidge spoke again.  Matt was being uncharacteristically quiet and she didn’t trust it one bit.  ‘So, why are you doing this?’   Pidge asked.

‘Doing what?’   Matt asked innocently.

‘Walking me to Green, seeing me off.  Are you planning on giving me the big brother talk?’

He laughed.  ‘No, I wasn’t planning to.  But while we’re on the subject.’

‘Jesus Christ, Matt!  You’re so unsubtle!’  She shook her head.

‘It might not be such a bad idea, you know?  What with you and Keith sharing a room.’

‘We might not be sharing on the tour.’

‘No, but just in case.’  He shrugged.

Pidge groaned and rolled her eyes.  ‘I’ll use protection, Allura fixed me up with some Altean birth control when my periods went nuts in space, and we literally just kissed!  And I don’t know if I’m ready to rush into…physical things!’

‘You might think that now,’ he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, ‘but you kids with your raging hormones and peer pressure…’

‘Matt, you and Keith are almost the same age!’  She shoved him away from her playfully.

‘Which means I’m an expert!’  He pushed her back as he laughed.  ‘But in all seriousness, if you want me to pick you up some more traditional means of protection, just let me know.’

‘Ugh.’  Pidge groaned.  ‘Fine, I promise not to do anything stupid, and if you say anything to imply Keith is the stupid I might do then I will punch you in the dick.’

‘Well, that’s fair, seeing as you can’t reach much higher.’

Pidge didn’t answer with words, instead she swung her bag in an arc towards him, turning as she did so.  When her bag struck home she was facing him with an irritated look on her face.  ‘I’m big enough to kick your ass, and don’t you forget it.’

‘Aw, come on!  You know you love me!  You went to space to look for me!’  He said as he regained the breath she had knocked from him.

‘Go quiznak yourself, Matt.’  She called over her shoulder as she turned and walked faster ahead of him.

She was through the doors and halfway to Green by the time he caught her up.  ‘I’m only teasing.  You know I’m just looking out for you, right?’

‘Yeah, I know.’  She gave him a sideways glance, her expression still unhappy.  ‘But first you tease me about my crush on Keith and when we finally get together you side step from annoying brother to annoying protective brother!  I’m old enough to know what I’m doing, who I’m doing, and how to protect myself while I’m doing it!’  It was only when her voice echoed around the hangar that she realised she had been yelling and they had the attention of everyone else who was there loading up and doing pre-flight checks.  ‘I hate you.’  She muttered before ducking her head and forging ahead towards Green.

‘No you don’t.’  He reminded her again.

‘No, I don’t.’  She concurred, stopping at the foot of the ramp into Green.  ‘I’ll see you in a week.  You have that time to get your head out of your ass and be supportive.’

‘I thought I was being supportive.’  He shrugged with a cheeky grin on his face.

‘If that’s what you want to call it.’  She scoffed.  ‘I think Merriam Webster would argue with your definition.’

‘C’mon.’  He approached slowly, his arms wide open for her.  ‘Give your brother a hug.  Mom will worry if we part on bad terms.’

‘We’re never really on bad terms, it’s just you’re a teasing asshole.’  She replied, stepping into his arms and allowing him to pull her in, squeezing her tightly.

‘I’m your teasing asshole.’

‘Yeah, yeah.’  She mumbled.  ‘Just try and have as much of the asshole as you can gone before I get back, okay?  You have a week.’

‘A week?’  Matt leant back and grinned at her.  ‘I’m coming with you.’

‘You’re…I’m sorry, what?’  Pidge blinked slowly as she tried to process what he had said.

‘I said I’m coming with you.’  He let her go and started up the ramp.  ‘My bags are already on board.’

‘Hey!  I pilot this cat!  You want on board you have to get my permission!’  She followed him, finding his bag in the hold already.

‘Actually, Mom suggested I come along.’

‘I don’t need a chaperone.’  She threw her bag down and headed towards the cockpit.  ‘And I don’t need you along.  Get your bag and get out of my Lion.’

‘Hi, Mom.’

‘You’re telling on me?’  Pidge gasped as she ran back towards him.  ‘Hang up that phone, now!’

‘Yeah,’ he continued, turning side-on so she couldn’t reach the phone, ‘Katie doesn’t want me to go with her.’

‘You tattler!’  She punched him in the arm.

‘It’s for you.’  Matt held the phone out to her with a smile.

‘You bastard.’  She scowled as she took the phone.  ‘Hi, Mom.’

‘Katie, did you just cuss at your brother?’

Pidge winced at the tone in Colleen’s voice, knowing she was in trouble for that alone, and probably more.  ‘Just a little, but he started it.’  She said defensively.  ‘He wants to come to Italy with me!  I don’t need him in Italy, I need him here with you and, Bae Bae.’

‘Bae Bae and I managed just fine while you were off playing galactic hero.’  Pidge cringed as she was reminded of the fact.  ‘The least you can do this time is have Matthew with you to call me and keep me up to date.’

‘What makes you think I won’t call?’  She kicked Matt behind the knee as she passed, knocking it out from under him.  He caught himself on the wall with an indignant; ‘Hey!’

‘Please, Katie, I know you won’t call.’  Colleen laughed.  ‘Just accept Matt is going with you and move on, you’re on a schedule.’

‘Mom…’

‘No more arguing!’

‘Ugh, fine.  I’ll get the suck up to call you when we land.’

‘Love you, Katie.’  Colleen said cheerily.

‘Love you too, Mom.’  She hung up and threw Matt’s phone to him.  ‘Okay, fine, you’re coming too, but no…big brothering me.’

‘Real talk, Pidge.’  He said as he followed her to the cockpit.  ‘I’m happy for you and Keith, really.  He’s a great guy and he adores you, but I don’t want you to think that just because your relationship has changed that you have to rush anything.  I’m not saying never, just make sure you’re certain, and prepared.’

Pidge sighed and closed her eyes for a moment, pressing her lips together.  ‘You know, if you’d said that in the first place chances are I wouldn’t have reacted how I did?’

‘Where’s the fun in that?’

She whipped her head around to find him smiling apologetically and it completely dissolved any remaining anger she held towards him.  ‘You suck.’

‘You love me.’  He hugged her tightly from behind.  ‘Anyway, I do have an ulterior motive for going to Italy.’

‘Sounds suspicious.’  She narrowed her eyes at him as she started her preflight checks before going into the back and removing her garrison jacket so she could slip on her armour.

‘Not suspicious, just…something.’

‘Suspicious.’  She sung.  ‘Because if you’re not spilling the beans immediately then you’re plotting.’

‘Not plotting.’  He hung up her jacket that she had thrown haphazardly on the floor.  ‘Planning maybe.’

‘What are you planning, exactly?’

‘A little shopping.’  He shrugged.

‘That’s all?’  She asked in disbelief.  ‘Because the mall is kinda open here again now.  It would save you the trip.’

‘Not something I can get at the mall.’

She looked at him in confusion.  ‘Panettone?’  She suggested his favourite holiday sweet treat.  ‘Because I can just bring you some home.’

‘Not panettone.’  He shook his head.  ‘Don’t sweat it, Pidge.  It was just something someone mentioned they liked and I thought I’d do something nice and bring it back for them.’

Pidge narrowed her eyes and looked at him hard.  ‘Who’s the girl?’

‘Who said it’s a girl?’  He said defensively, far more defensively than he should have to be innocent.

‘So, not a girl, a guy then.’  She shrugged.  ‘I’m open-minded.  Whatever floats your boat, man.’

‘Okay, a girl.’  Matt admitted as his cheeks flushed a dusky pink.  ‘But she hasn’t shown any interest in me, not like that.  I just want to do something nice for her.’

‘You mean to make her notice you.’  Pidge smirked.  ‘Is it someone from the garrison?’

‘I’m not telling you who it is, Pidge.’  He stated.  ‘There’s nothing between us.’

‘You’re no fun.’  She picked up her helmet and walked past him into the cockpit.  ‘But I bet it’s someone I know, or you’d have said I don’t know her.’

‘It doesn’t matter, I’m still not telling you.’

Pidge thought for a moment, slipping on her helmet as she took her seat.  ‘Is it Rizavi?  I remember seeing the two of you in the lab last week.’

‘Not Rizavi.  Don’t keep pushing.’  He shoved her shoulder before taking his seat for takeoff.

‘I’m not pushing, I’m asking.’  She pressed a few buttons on the console before opening communication with the garrison.  ‘This is Captain Holt, prepared for takeoff.’

‘Tower to Captain Holt; Captains Kogane and McClain are just finalising their preflight checks then you’re clear for takeoff.’

‘Roger that.’  Pidge replied.  ‘You there, Keith, Lance?’

‘I hear you, Pidge.’  Keith replied.

‘Same.’  Lance added.  ‘No mushy stuff over the comms now, you two.’

Pidge rolled her eyes.  ‘Hey, we can be professional, thank you very much.  Also, don’t know if you were told, but we have another passenger.’

‘Who?’  Keith asked.

‘Matt.’

‘Hey, guys.’  Matt said, leaning forward slightly.

‘Good to have you along, buddy.’  Lance spoke as he slipped on his helmet.  ‘To what do we owe the pleasure?’

‘I need to pick something up in Italy, no big deal.’

‘Except it’s a secret.’  Pidge gave him a teasing sideways glance.

‘Who’s the girl?’  Lance asked.

‘He’s not telling.’

‘We’ll have a few drinks later and get it out of him.’

‘Not gonna work!’  Matt called and Pidge laughed as she replied.

‘That sounds like a challenge.’

‘Accepted.’  Lance and Keith chimed as one.

‘You’re going down.’  Pidge grinned at Matt as he settled back in his seat.

‘I’m still not telling.’  He crossed his arms, irritated at how quickly Pidge had been able to turn the tables on him.

Chapter Text

‘That’s it; Piazza Navona.’  Keith said as their destination came into view.  The rectangular marketplace was clear of pedestrians with only the Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi in the centre.  The edges were decorated with banners and signs, hanging from buildings and being waved by the crowd held back by barricades, all cheering their arrival.  The far end held a rostrum filling almost the entire width, various officials standing in line awaiting their moment in the spotlight with the galactic heroes.  Beside them, in their official capacity, stood Jameson and Liliana.

‘Hey, Matt,’ Pidge said casually, ‘wanna try on my armour and stand in for me?’

He laughed.  ‘Sorry, you’re on your own.  They want to see you, darling of the garrison.’

‘Oh please, I’m not the darling of anything.’

Lance’s scoff came over the comms and Pidge immediately rolled her eyes at whatever was about to come.  ‘Come on, Pidge, even Zethrid and Ezor knew we’re all protective of you.  It’s only natural everyone else is too, you’re the cute one.’

‘I am not cute!’  She yelled as Matt started laughing behind her.

‘You are too, you’re so cute!’  Matt patted the top of her helmet, making her shrink in on herself.

‘Screw you guys!’

‘Concentrate, we’re supposed to be professionals.’  Keith reminded them.

‘Yeah, professional what though?’  Pidge muttered.

Keith heard but chose to ignore her, letting her have the last word and smirking at her sass.  It was one of the reasons he had fallen for her, after all.  He radioed to let the Italian authorities know they were coming in to land before speaking to his fellow paladins again.  ‘Okay, guys.  I’ll take the centre, Pidge on my left, Lance my right.  Got it?’

‘Got it.’  They replied almost in unison before beginning their descent.

The landing took just minutes and Pidge was soon removing her helmet, shaking her hair to get rid of the sensation it left.

‘You coming?’  She turned to Matt as he hadn’t got up when she did.

‘I think I might stay out of the way, I’ll join you when we go to the accommodation.’

She tilted her head and frowned at him.  ‘Come on, at least disembark with us.  You can just melt into the crowd or stay behind the scenes or something.’

‘Don’t you trust me on your lion alone?’  He grinned at her.

‘She’ll spit you out before you mess with anything.’  She returned the smile.  ‘But to tell you the truth, Matt, I’d feel better with you out there with me.’

That made him frown and he got to his feet, following her through to the cargo hold.  ‘You have Keith and Lance, surely they’re enough for even your loathing of posturing for a crowd?’

‘Forget about it, it was a joke.’  She replied flippantly.  ‘I was just trying to convince you to come out with us.  You can stay here and sneak off into the crowd whenever you’re ready.’

‘You weren’t joking, Pidge.  Something bothers you about this situation.’

She shrugged.  ‘The last time we did this Keith and I had plausible deniability, that there was nothing between us.  Now if they ask it’s somehow going to be worse.’

‘That’s all in your head.’

‘Of course it is!  The problem is if it comes out of my mouth!’

‘If they already think you’re together surely that makes it less awkward?’  Matt asked as he followed her towards the lowering ramp.

‘And if some idiot follows your lead and tries to get us to kiss?  This is our business!  I don’t want Keith to regret it as soon as it goes public!’

‘I think regret is the last thing on Keith’s mind when it comes to you.’  Matt raised his voice over the cheering of the crowd outside.  ‘At least this time if someone asks then just kiss him.  It doesn’t have to be anything flashy and, honestly, a little romance after what the world has been through gives people hope.’

‘Yeah, well, you wanna hope Keith feels the same way.’  She muttered, taking the first step down the ramp.

‘Aw, c’mon, Pidge, I’m sure he can’t be that bad at kissing.’  Matt called after her.

Pidge shot him a glare over her shoulder before flipping him off.  ‘Quiznak you, Matt!’

Chapter Text

‘All done.’  Allura passed a cotton ball to Romelle, who looked at it curiously.

‘What’s this for?’  She asked as Allura placed the blood sample into the machine.

‘Apparently, it’s something the humans give after a blood test, although I’ve no idea why.’  She shrugged as Coran looked over her shoulder.

‘It’s to stop the bleeding.’  He said nonchalantly, his finger reaching towards the readings before Allura slapped his hand away.

‘To stop the bleeding?  What bleeding?’  Romelle frowned.

‘Well, when they take a blood sample it’s not as refined as our method.  Instead of simply scanning the results through the skin they stick a needle in their arm and draw blood straight from the vein.’

Romelle rolled her eyes.  ‘Nice try, Coran.  Half of the things you’ve told me about humans and their culture have been ridiculously off.  I choose to believe they aren’t as primitive as you say they are.  Putting needles in veins, indeed.’

‘In this case, it’s true.’  Allura said as she sent the results off to Pidge.  ‘For some reason, for all their advances in technology, in most cases they still need a sizeable blood sample to get even the simplest of results.’

‘That’s barbaric!’  She gasped in horror.  ‘Why would you choose to allow someone to stab you?’

‘They claim it’s relatively painless.’  Coran sniffed his cotton ball.  ‘I assume this is made of the same stuff their cotton candy is?’

Romelle and Allura shared a look.  ‘I’m sorry, what?’

‘Cotton balls.  They must have a similar composition to cotton candy, otherwise, why share the name?  Maybe it doubles as some sort of sweet treat to take away the memory of the needle.’  Before Allura could correct him he popped the cotton ball in his mouth, almost immediately spitting it back out.  ‘Nope, not the same.’

‘Just what do you need the readings for?’  Romelle asked, trying to ignore Coran as he continued to pull little bits of fluff out of his mouth.

‘For a comparison to the Altean in the medical unit.’

‘Is there any further progress with her?’

‘Not yet.’  Allura turned at the sound of the tap turning on, finding Coran rinsing his mouth.  ‘Coran, just go and rinse properly.’

‘No, this is fine.’  He continued.  ‘What are you looking for in the comparison?’

‘Anything.’  She sighed.  ‘We’re still no closer to figuring out why she won’t wake.  It was Pidge who suggested it.’

‘Well, I hope you’re not holding out hope that she’ll be any help with it.’

‘What do you mean?’  Allura frowned as Coran finally turned off the tap and wiped at his moustache.

‘I mean she’s a human and she’s now in a relationship with Keith.  Because of their short lifespan she will begin seeking him out for procreation at every opportunity until she’s with child.’

‘That doesn’t sound very much like Pidge.’  Romelle pulled a face.

‘But it is the human way.’  Coran said knowledgeably.  ‘At it like yelmores in mating season.’

‘Colleen and Sam are very much in love and they aren’t…at it like yelmores.’  Allura was certain he was wrong and hoped this might end the conversation.

‘Because they’re in their twilight years.  Past their prime.  They’ve already passed on their genes.’

‘I’m sure Pidge won’t allow physical attraction to interfere with her job.’

‘It’s not just Pidge though, there’s Keith’s desire to copulate with her as well.  It’s a complicated thing, from what I understand, human mating.’

‘I don’t think I want any more details on human mating, thank you.’  Romelle wrinkled her nose.

‘Oh, really?’  Allura shot her a knowing grin.

‘Yes, really…why are you looking at me like that?’

‘No reason.’ Allura turned her attention back to finishing the message to Pidge.

‘Then if there’s nothing else I’ll be going.’  She started toward the door.

‘No, that’s all.  Thank you for your help.’

‘You’re welcome.’

As the door closed Coran stepped close to Allura, who was barely keeping her amusement in check.

‘Maybe, as Keith is half Galra, the mating customs will differ.’  He said casually.

‘Mmm, maybe.’

‘And maybe they’ll differ again with a human and an altean.’

Allura grinned at Coran.  ‘Only time will tell.’

Chapter Text

The introductions and presentation of local gifts to the Paladins took longer than it should have, or at least Pidge thought so.  First there was a speech by the local garrison representative, then she introduced the President.  His speech was over twenty minutes long, Pidge knew that for a fact as she subtly timed it on her wrist display.  Lance looked over and nudged her lightly, giving her a grin that said he knew what she was doing and an eye roll that said he was just as bored.  They were each presented with a medal of honour for their services to the planet from the people of Italy and then it was time for photos.  Pidge knew people commemorated with photos, her mom had made her sit for enough family ones over the years, but when video was so high quality she always wondered why at events like this they were made to sit, or in this case stand, through photos when there would be thousands of screenshots to choose from.  She would rather someone chose from screenshots about now than continue posing.

When they were eventually allowed to leave they were met at the side of the staged area by their envoys and Matt, who had snuck off Green while the crowd were distracted by the heroes.

‘I think that went well.’  Jameson clapped his hands together as they reached him.  ‘Just a few pointers; Captain Kogane, if you could say a few words next time that would be great, and Captain Holt, it would be better if you used that pretty smile of yours instead of pouting.’

‘Used my what now?’  Pidge replied as Matt hugged her, distracting her from what Jameson had said.

‘You were great up there, absolutely natural.  I told you you didn’t need me.’

‘I don’t think you actually said that, you just gave excuses.’  She stepped back again.  ‘What’s happening next?’

‘Next,’ Liliana began, ‘we’ll take you to the accommodation, where you can freshen up.  The festival goes on until late and the garrison suggested you be seen out among the people for a little while.’

‘Sounds like fun.’  Lance grinned broadly.  ‘Are you going to accompany me?’

‘Uh…that’s up to you, I suppose.  It’s not mandatory.’

‘Have you ever been to Italy before?’  Lance leant a little closer to her and it took Liliana a few moments to remember she wasn’t supposed to be staring into his baby blues, she was supposed to answer.

‘Actually, no.  I haven’t.’

‘Well, neither have I.  How about we get lost together?’

‘I’d…it sounds better than being lost alone.’  She smiled shyly.

‘Great!  Then how about I ditch my luggage and we can see what this festival has to offer?’

‘It sounds good.’  She agreed, yet again reminding herself she wasn’t here for romance, she wasn’t here on a date, but how was she supposed to remember that when Lance McClain looked so…handsome all the time?

‘We’ll accompany all of you to the festival.’  Jameson stepped close to Pidge as he spoke and she fought the urge to step away.  His closeness made her uncomfortable.  ‘That’s our job as envoys, after all.’

‘I think we’ll be okay.’  Keith stated.  ‘Right, Pidge?’

‘Right.  We’ve explored alien civilisations.  Rome should be a breeze.’

‘All the same, I’d rather keep an eye on you all.’

‘That sounds like garrison orders.’  Pidge grumbled.  ‘We were told we’d have time to ourselves when we got here.’

‘Perhaps they just meant time out of the spotlight while milling with the locals.’  Jameson suggested.  ‘Shall we?’

Pidge’s spine shot straight as she felt Jameson’s hand land on her lower back but one quick side step put her on Matt’s other side.  ‘It would be nice to freshen up.’  She tried not to glare at their envoy.  Maybe he was was touchy feely, or wasn’t used to interacting with women, not that it was an excuse, but she didn’t need him treating her like some fragile flower or new play thing.

‘Let’s go.’  Keith put himself on Pidge’s other side, his gloved fingertip subtly stroking the side of her hand comfortingly.  He had seen how uncomfortable Jameson’s actions made her and wanted to make sure she knew he was there for her.  Actually, that wasn’t true.  What he wanted was to get Jameson around the throat and warn him if he ever touched her again he would be eating his meals through a straw, but he resisted, he was proud of himself for that.

Pidge responded to Keith’s touch by catching his little finger with her own and giving it a brief squeeze, releasing him only when they reached their lions to direct those waiting to go ahead with their luggage.  She didn’t want protecting, she was quite capable, but Keith wanting to do so made her…happy?  Was that even the right word to describe the emotions she felt from such a simple act?  Probably not but this was all new to her.  She just liked it when he was protective of her, and it had always been done as part of the team, not just because she was the smallest, or a girl.

Their accommodation was only a few streets away.  It had been a hotel, perhaps it still was, but it bore signs of the war as did most places around the globe.  It didn’t hold the same hustle and bustle that a central city hotel should, the staff they saw were less hotel workers and more assigned by the local military, making the building feel more like a barracks.  Perhaps it was for their benefit, to keep security high; they were technically VIPs after all; but it felt weird for them to be escorted through such elegant surroundings by armed uniformed officials.

Liliana beckoned for Lance to follow her down one direction of the corridor while Jameson led in the other, Matt staying close by as their military escort waited by the elevator doors.

‘Okay, this first room is yours, Captain Kogane.’  Jameson handed over a keycard to Keith, who glanced briefly at Pidge, realising they were being housed separately.

‘Thanks.’  Keith replied, slipping it into the slot and opening the door but not entering.  ‘So we’ll all meet in the lobby in, what?  Half an hour?’

‘Works for me.’  Matt nodded.  ‘Pidge?’

‘Me too.’

‘Great.’

Jameson carried on down the corridor past the next door.  ‘This is my room, so you know where to find me if you need me.’  He smiled at Pidge as he held out a keycard.  ‘And you’re right next door.’

‘Thanks.’  Matt took the card off him.  ‘I had the garrison call ahead.  Pidge and I are sharing.’

‘We are?’

‘Wait, you are?’  Jameson frowned.  ‘There’s nothing about it in my paperwork.’

‘Last minute change of plans.  You were probably on your commercial flight at the time.’  Matt patted him on the shoulder.  ‘And what kind of a brother would I be if I let my little sis stay in a strange city all alone?’

‘A shitty one.’  Pidge smirked at him.  ‘Come on, let’s see what we’ve got.  Thanks, Jameson.’

Matt made sure Pidge was in the room before shooting a superbly smug smile at Jameson.  He closed the door and let out a disgusted sigh.  ‘Seriously, who is that guy?’

Pidge laughed as she walked over to the open windows, taking in the view of the street below, the sounds of the festival reaching her easily.  ‘Some jackass the garrison assigned.  So why did the garrison decide to make you my bunkmate?’

‘They didn’t.’  He admitted as he came to stand beside her.  ‘But after I saw how that jerk looked at you I wasn’t about to leave you to sleep alone.’

‘He’s an asshole, Matt, not a predator.  I can take care of myself.’

‘Okay, that first part is true, but the second I’m not so sure of.’

She frowned up at him.  ‘What do you mean?’

‘I mean he leered at you the entire time you were on stage and it only got worse once you got down.’

‘Now you’re just being ridiculous, and if he checks with the garrison he’ll know we’re not bunking together.’

‘Not if I contact Dad and tell him why.’

‘He is not leering after me, or whatever it was you said.’  She turned and pulled her bag onto the bed.  ‘What are we going to do, about sleeping I mean?  One bed.’

‘We can share, it’s no different than when we used to go on cross country vacations with Mom and Dad and stay in motels.  Of course, if you don’t like that, you can always sneak over and bunk with Keith.’

Pidge shot him a glare.  ‘Did you do this on purpose?’

‘Yeah, to make sure you’re not alone long enough to give Letchy Letcherson next door any opportunities.’  He hooked his thumb towards the door.  ‘If it’s that much of a problem I can find out if there’s a twin room we can move to, or adjoining ones, but I’m not letting you sleep alone.’

‘You’re being overprotective.  And weird.’  She waved a finger at him before unzipping her bag.  ‘You’re keeping me out of the way of one guy while suggesting I get into bed with another.’

‘Yeah, but the difference is I trust Keith, I don’t trust this Jameson guy.’

‘High praise, coming from you.  Shorts or skirt?’

‘I thought I’d stick with pants, if that’s okay with you?’

‘I mean me, dumbass.’  She pulled out a pair of black and white spotted shorts and a black skater skirt.  ‘Mom got me some smart casual stuff so I’d be comfortable but presentable.’

‘How short are the shorts?’  He eyed them carefully as she held them up against herself.

‘About there.’

He looked at the sheer length of leg she would have on show and pulled a face.  ‘Definitely the skirt.  It’ll be smarter.’

‘The shorts are tailored so they look smart too, but alright.’  She pulled a green top from the bag.  ‘I’m going to change.  Don’t do anything else stupid before I get back.’

‘Nothing stupid, I promise.’  He called after her as she closed the bathroom door.  He only planned on doing smart things while she was gone.

Pidge stripped out of her armour and did a quick sniff check.  She still smelled fresh enough she didn’t need to shower and was glad about that.  It took less time for her to put on her clothes than it did to undress and she was soon examining herself in the vanity mirror.  Her mom was right, it was comfortable and smart casual, it just wasn’t something she was used to seeing herself in.  All the same she thought she looked…presentable.  She pulled her hair out of its ponytail and ran her fingers through it.  It was bouncy from the style but didn’t look too bad either.  A quick brush, some shoes, and she would be done.

Matt didn’t really need to change, he had travelled in light pants and a short sleeved white button down, so instead he started channel hopping, seeing what Italy had to offer now that global, and even galactic, entertainment channels were on air again.  He was just passing a rerun of a science show he and Pidge had watched as kids when she came out of the bathroom.  ‘Hey, guess what’s on?  I’ll give you a clue…you can’t go out like that!’

Pidge wrinkled her nose.  ‘I don’t remember any shows with that as a catchphrase.’

Matt clicked off the TV and sat up from where he had been lounging on the bed.  ‘No, you can’t go out like that!’  He gestured to her.

‘Why not?  Mom said it suited me.’  She glanced down at herself before taking her brush and anti-frizz spray out of the case.

‘Because you look like a girl!’

‘I am a girl.’  She deadpanned at him.

‘But…I can see your legs!’  He gestured more urgently.

‘Funny how that happens when you wear a skirt!’  She started spraying her hair.  ‘If you’re just going to moan about it don’t look.  I’m not dressed like this for you.’

‘You’re dressed like that for Keith.’

‘Actually I’m dressed like this for me.’  She fixed him with a glare.  ‘I haven’t worn feminine clothes of my own choice in years!  Let me have this!’

He came towards her.  ‘You gotta promise me you’ll sit with your legs crossed.  And don’t bend over.  Or lean forward.  Or…’

‘Good grief, Matt!’  She shoved him hard enough to knock him back to sit on the bed.  ‘Give me some credit!’

‘You’re my little sister…’

‘I’m twenty-one!  There had to come a day where I’d look like an actual woman instead of a tomboy!’  She waved her brush at him threateningly.  ‘And unless you want this crammed up your ass for talking crap you’ll be supportive of me and try and convince me that just because I feel like I look like an idiot doesn’t mean I actually do!’

He caught the brush with a sigh and pulled it out of her hand.  ‘Turn around.’  She did with a huffed breath as he got to his feet, running the brush through her hair as he spoke.  ‘You look great, you really do, but…’  He pulled a face at himself.  ‘I know I keep being protective…’

‘Overprotective.’

‘Okay, overprotective, but I do approve of you and Keith.  The outfit suits you, Mom’s right, I mean she’s always right, but she’s really right.  Keith will love you in it, just be careful that this Jameson guy doesn’t try to love you in it too.’

‘I appreciate you worrying, Matt, but if he does anything I don’t like then he’s going to get up close and personal with my bayard.  And not in a fun way.’

‘There’s a fun way to get electrocuted…you know what, I heard it, don’t answer it.’  He said as she chuckled.  ‘Your hair got long again.’

‘Not too long.  Just tameable.’

‘You’re done.’  He told her, holding the brush over her shoulder.  ‘Oh, and I forgot to tell you; Keith said to meet him early, in the lobby as soon as you’re ready.’

‘Just as well I didn’t want to shower.’  She threw her brush in her bag and looked for her shoes, a simple pair of black ballet pumps.  ‘Honestly, I look okay?’

‘You’ll knock him dead.  Keith metaphorically, Jameson maybe really if he tries anything.’

‘Maybe not kill him.  Slap down maybe.’

‘Okay, no murder.’  Matt held his arms out for her to step into.

‘I’ll be careful.’  She hugged him tight.  ‘But seriously, get your hormone levels checked for mood swings.  I can’t deal with this!’

‘Funny.’  He jabbed her in the ribs, making her flinch, before releasing her.  ‘I’ll see you around the festival.’

‘Don’t think you can’t hang with us if you want to.’  She pulled her small wallet out and tucked it in one of the two pockets hidden in the material of the skirt, another reason why she liked it.

‘And cramp your romantic style?  I’ll pass.’

‘Later, loser.’  Pidge saluted him sassily as she went out the door, leaving Matt to laugh while wondering if he really should get his hormones checked.

Chapter Text

When Keith got a message from Matt saying that Pidge wanted to meet earlier he wasn’t surprised.  She wasn’t one to take a long time getting ready and it definitely motivated him more.  He decided to take a quick shower without washing his hair to freshen up before putting on his black jeans and t-shirt, his hand pausing over his jacket before changing his mind.  It was probably a little too warm to wear it and, if he was honest, it was just habit.  He was back in the lobby with time to spare and sat on one of the plush couches, watching the world go by out of the glassed front until he heard the elevator ping its arrival.  He looked up in time to see Pidge, eyes on a floating display from her wrist computer, but that was the only thing about her that wasn’t out of the ordinary.  The top she wore was gypsy style, cutting across below her clavicle, leaving her shoulders bare and on display.  It fit her ribs perfectly and stopped about an inch from her skirt, giving a tantalising glimpse of more pale flesh.  The skirt floated around her thighs as she walked, her legs seeming longer than ever, until they reached the ballet pumps on her feet.  He didn’t remember getting up, yet he was on his feet as she reached him, giving him a cursory glance before returning to the screen.

‘Hey.’  She said casually.  ‘I just got the data from Allura.  Once I’ve transferred it over I’m good to watch where I’m going.’

‘Right.’  He said, still stunned by her appearance, her hair hanging loose and brushed until it shone, the usual fluff of untamed locks replaced by a wave of silk like strands.

‘You can guide me if you want to go now.  I’m almost done.’

‘Okay.’  He managed before deciding the best way to do so would be to wrap his arm around her waist, his thumb accidentally brushing her skin, and she jolted into him.

‘Easy, I’m ticklish.’

‘Noted.’  He laughed softly, moving his thumb onto the material of her skirt as she continued unperturbed.  She started walking when he did and they were soon outside in the bright sunshine, the screen adapting to the change in lighting immediately.

‘Two more things.’  Pidge muttered before the screen closed.  ‘And I’m done.’  She looked up at him, squinting in the sunlight.  ‘Wow, it’s bright.’

‘Maybe because you’re used to cosseting yourself away in dark labs?’

‘That’ll do it.’  She shrugged.  ‘Can I?’  She edged her arm around Keith and the innocence of her question made him smile warmly.

‘Any time you want.’

‘Great.  Are we just heading back towards Piazza Navona?’  She asked as she rested her hand on the waist of his jeans.

‘The festival does stem from there, and we just have to be seen and mingle.’

‘I hope they have plenty of food.  I’m hungry.’

‘There did seem to be a lot on offer.’

She looked at him curiously, an idea having popped into her head.  ‘Is this the date?

Keith was taken by surprise by her words and it took him a moment to think about it.  ‘I wanna say no?’  He replied hesitantly.  ‘When we go on our date it’ll just be the two of us, not a public event where people are looking at us, waiting for us to show up.  If anyone recognises us on our date then fine, we’ll make time for them, but this has been arranged for the publicity.  The date will be just for us.’

‘I can deal with that.’  She grinned.  ‘By the way, why did you want to meet early?’

‘Me?’  He gave her a puzzled look.  ‘Matt told me you wanted to meet early.’

Pidge pulled a face.  ‘Sneaky little shit.’  She muttered.  ‘I think this was his way of getting us out on our own and not having to wait for the others.  He approves of you, you know?’

‘I’m glad, because I thought he was going to be harder to win over than your folks.’  He laughed but there was truth behind his amusement.  He had worried how Sam and Colleen would take their daughter being with a half-Galran orphan, even though he knew in his heart that they at least  seemed to like him.

‘Don’t worry about him.’  She waved her hand dismissively.  ‘Yeah, he’s protective, yeah he’s a dick, but he does like you.  I do too.’

‘Well, that helps.’  He chuckled as he pulled her close and pressed a kiss to her hair.  ‘Also, I wanted to say but you kind of threw me, you look great.’

‘Oh, thanks!  I wasn’t sure, Mom said it was okay, I like that it’s comfy, but it’s different, and Matt complained he could see my legs.’

‘What’s wrong with that?’  Keith asked in confusion.  As far as he could see her legs were great.

‘I don’t even know.’  She shrugged as the sounds of the festival became loud enough that she had to raise her voice.  ‘I didn’t think they looked so bad.’

‘They don’t, at all.’  Pidge’s cheeks flushed not only at his compliment, but at the fact he had to have looked at her legs.  ‘Your whole outfit is great.’

Pidge opened her mouth to reply but a small gaggle of children ran by, laughing and shouting with balloons on strings.  ‘Guess we’re getting close.’

The Piazza Navona was heaving with people now that the barriers had been taken down.  More had been constructed around their lions, but stalls had sprung up in the centre as well as down every side street and alleyway.  People were serving homemade food, selling pottery and other handcrafted items, music filled the air, but not from an organised band, rather from locals coming together with various musical instruments, all playing together in harmony.  Around them, couples and small children danced, the entire atmosphere one of joy and celebration.

An elderly lady at a table spread with food beckoned to them, her face lighting up as she saw them.  She spoke rapidly in Italian, offering them both a small dish of what to Keith looked like set custard.

‘Panna cotta?’  Pidge asked as she took one, nudging Keith to do the same.

‘Pistacchio panna cotta.’  The woman specified.

‘È il mio preferito, grazie!’  Pidge replied as the woman passed them each a spoon.

‘Pistachio panna cotta?’  Keith asked as they walked away, Pidge already digging in.

‘Mmm.’  She ate the first bite, her tastebuds exploding at the creamy taste.  ‘It’s good.  She said it’s her family recipe.’

Keith sniffed it before taking a small bite, pleasantly surprised he nodded his approval.  ‘It is good.’

‘And I suspect that’s just the tip of the culinary iceberg.’  She laughed.  ‘And don’t tell Mom we started with dessert.’

‘My lips are sealed.’  He promised.  ‘I don’t think I ever realised you could actually speak Italian.’

‘It’s not something we really do at home.  Mom and Dad taught it to Matt and I when we were small, more for when we saw our grandparents than anything else.’

‘All the same, speaking another language fluently is a good talent to have.’

‘You know what they say, non solo una bella faccia.’

‘Which means what?’  He looked at her curiously.

‘Not just a pretty face.’  She grinned before taking another bite.

‘Definitely not.’  He laughed.

Most of the tables and stalls offered small samplers of the food on offer, from local produce to pasta dishes, risotto to salads, and so many good desserts Pidge was sure she was going to burst by the end of the night.

‘What about this?’  Keith pulled out a black silk scarf from a rail and showed it to her.  ‘It would look good with your outfit.’

‘I don’t know.’  She wrinkled her nose.  ‘I’m not much of a scarf wearer.’

‘I guess that’s true.’  He put it back.  ‘But you have to choose something to take home as a memento.’

‘Then so do you.’  She picked up what was obviously a tourist souvenir, the replica of a gondolier’s hat, and placed it on his head at an angle.  ‘Oh, real dashing, Keith.  You should get it.’

‘Yeah, I don’t think so.’  He glanced at the mirror on the table and turned back in time to find her taking his photo.  ‘What are you doing?’

‘Saving this moment for posterity.  I think your mom will love it.’

‘Let me see it.’  He said as he took off the hat but she moved her arm away.

‘No, you just want to delete it.’

‘I want to see it, that’s all.’  He tried to reach for her arm but she turned her back on him and quickly pressed a few more buttons.

‘Not until I’m done!’

‘Don’t press send!’  He argued playfully, enjoying their banter.  It was something they had rarely had time for the last few years and he treasured it.

‘Too late!’  She laughed with a flourish of her wrist before setting off towards the next stall, Keith pursuing her a moment later.

‘Who did you send it to?’  He pestered as they passed a family, the small boy staring at them both in awe as he recognised them.

‘I didn’t send it to anyone.’  She grinned over her shoulder.

‘You saved it to another device so I can’t delete it.’  He guessed.

‘I always backup, Keith, you know that.’

He reached out and caught her around the waist, pulling her around to face him while ensuring she couldn’t get away.  ‘So something else?’

‘Something else.’  She nodded as she tried to ignore the tingling sensation his fingers left on her skin.  ‘Hashtag Paladins tour.’

‘Hashtag…social media?’  His eyebrows went up as he realised and Pidge couldn’t help but laugh.

‘Shiro might have mentioned that good press is never a bad thing.’  She laughed.  ‘So I’m going to take some photos on this trip and post them.  Official Pidge pics.’

He swallowed hard.  Despite being in such a large crowd, the way her body fit to his was distracting.  He wasn’t one for public displays of affection but damn she was testing him.  ‘Is that what it’s called?’

‘Nah, Shiro shot that idea down.  It’s on the garrison webpage.’

‘Great.’  He murmured but he didn’t seem annoyed, more distracted, like the word was expected so he said it, his mind elsewhere.

‘Uh…’  Pidge suddenly realised just how close they were, that he was looking at her intensely, and she had to swallow despite her mouth being dry.

‘There you are!’

Any thought of what might have happened next was shook from their minds as Jameson came through the crowd, smiling at them, or rather at Pidge.  Keith sighed and his arm dropped from around her, making it less an embrace and more just standing close together, which wasn’t unusual, given the crowds.

‘Thought you could ditch us, mullet?’  Lance teased as he approached with Liliana and Matt, who offered his sister an apologetic look.

‘Why would I ever think I could do a thing like that?’  Keith replied sarcastically.

‘We got the times muddled, is all.’  Pidge said defensively.

‘It doesn’t matter, we’re all together again now.’  Jameson rested his hand on her shoulder and, standing this close, Keith could feel her tense up at the unwelcome contact.  ‘Let’s go see what’s on offer.’

‘I just need a minute with Pidge.’  Keith said firmly.

‘Yeah, I bet you do.’  Lance said with a wink before inviting Liliana to walk with him.

‘We won’t be far.’  Jameson squeezed Pidge’s shoulder briefly before heading after Lance while Matt pulled a face behind his back before shooting a glance back at Pidge that seemed to ask if she was okay, to which she nodded briefly.

‘What is it with that guy?’  Keith asked as he slipped his hand into hers, lacing their fingers.

‘I don’t know.’  Pidge groaned frustratedly.  ‘Matt doesn’t like him either.’

‘And what about you?’

She flashed him a sideways smile.  ‘You can’t be jealous.’

‘Not jealous.’  He shook his head.  ‘But I don’t want him to make you uncomfortable.  If you’re not okay with it then neither am I.’

‘I’m not great with it.’  She admitted.  ‘Maybe he’s just into casual touching, I’m pretty sure it’s not a come on, at least.’

‘What makes you so sure?’  He quirked her an eyebrow as they slowly started walking towards the others.

‘Really?’  She replied, her words dripping with sarcasm.  ‘I don’t think I’m his type.’

‘The beautiful, heroic, genius, galaxy saviour?  No, I’m sure he’s way more particular.’  Keith scoffed.

She seemed to squirm in her own skin for a moment before answering.  ‘Matt said he looks at me.  I mean Jameson, not Matt.  Matt said Jameson looks at me.  I guess I’m not used to the idea of anyone thinking of me like…that.’

‘There’ve been others.’  Keith told her which made her give him the eye contact he thought she was avoiding.  ‘You just never noticed.  You were always so focused on your work, but he’s not the first and won’t be the last.’

Pidge squeezed his fingers in hers.  ‘I guess that could be true.’

‘It is true.’  Keith assured her.  ‘Hell, I’ve been looking at you like that for a while now.’

‘Have not!’  She laughed before nudging him with her hip.

‘I absolutely have.’  He laughed.  ‘Which is why you should trust me, I know what I’m looking for.’

‘If I believed that then it would mean you ignored me looking at you like that for years.’

‘Can’t be as long as I’ve liked you.’  He argued.

‘You think so?’

‘I do.’

‘Try me.’

‘Two years.’

She laughed.  ‘Hah!  Four, I win, sucker!’

‘Four!’  He stuttered out.  ‘Four?’

‘Four.  More if you count the time I decided it was just a crush and would fade with time.’

‘Four years.’  Keith breathed in disbelief.  ‘When did you figure it wasn’t just a crush?’

‘Remember the prison ship orbiting Ohshong Prime?’

‘The time you almost died?  Yeah, I remember it pretty vividly…wait?  Then?’

‘Then.’  She nodded.  ‘I would have died quite happily if the last thing I felt was you holding me.’  She flushed bright red as she realised what she had said.  ‘What I mean is…’

‘It’s okay.’  He squeezed her hand.  ‘I think it’s adorable that you felt like that.’

‘I vowed I would never tell you.’  She admitted as she glanced down, her hand coming up and touching her face as she remembered too late about the glasses.  ‘Hey, you’re meant to stop me.’

‘Sorry, I was too busy admiring your pink cheeks.’

‘Quiznak you, Keith!’  She laughed as she let go of his hand and pushed him lightly, much to his amusement.

‘Having a tiff?’  Matt asked as they reached the group.

‘Not yet, but it might not be long.’  She jabbed at Keith behind her with her elbow.

‘She’s just too cute.’  Keith stepped up behind her and rested his hands on her hips as she stopped beside Matt.

‘Would we like to get some food first?’  Liliana suggested, feeling confident in the suggestion.  ‘There are lots of dishes to try as well as local alcohol, and craft goods to buy.’

‘We had a little already.’  Pidge said, trying to ignore Keith as he gently stroked over her skin with his thumbs, knowing he was teasing her ticklish spot.  ‘It’s good.’

‘As good as Mom’s?’  Matt enquired with a smirk.

‘I’m not admitting that.’  She grinned back.

‘Then Pidge can lead us.’  Jameson reached over and took her hand, pulling her towards him, out of Keith’s loose grip.

‘And Keith!’  She reached back and grabbed the latter’s hand, pulling him behind her.

‘Sure.’  Jameson shrugged offhandedly, Pidge turning and giving Keith an apologetic grimace while Matt rolled his eyes.  At this rate he wouldn’t have to kick Jameson’s ass, Keith would beat him to it.

Chapter Text

‘This is a real treat.’  Jameson pushed the sugared cookie towards Pidge’s lips so suddenly that she jolted back into Keith, who was standing close behind her.  Jameson was doing his best, repeatedly, to try and feed Pidge by hand.  So far she had managed to avoid it, but he was getting more insistent.  It was getting on Pidge’s nerves and she could only imagine what it was keeping both Matt and Keith from reacting.  ‘It’s a walnut biscuit served during the summer with gelato.’

‘Actually,’ Pidge corrected him as Lance passed them out to everyone, ‘they’re almond and candied fruit, and normally served at Christmas.  On their own.’

‘And the summer.’  Jameson argued, fixing her with what could only be described as a condescending smile.

‘Pidge is right.’  Matt agreed.  ‘Our family is Italian, and that’s exactly what the stallholder just said.  Cavallucci.  It roughly translates as little horse for some reason, and they traditionally use Tuscan honey in the recipe.’

‘They’re good.’  Lance said around his second pastry.  ‘What’s the spice I can taste?’

‘Coriander and anise.’  Pidge finally picked up one of the pastries and turned far enough to offer it to Keith.  ‘Which is why they’re a Christmas thing.  Summer desserts tend to be citrusy, light.’

Keith didn’t even try and hide the smug grin on his face as Pidge corrected Jameson, even as he bit into the pastry.  He wasn’t overly hungry after all the tasters of food they had had so far, but he had to admit the treat tasted all the sweeter for her words.

‘But it’s summer and they’ve made it now.’  Jameson offered, though his voice was less compromise and more irritation.  ‘And it would go well with gelato.’

‘That’s your opinion, and thousands of Italians would disagree.’  Matt said nonchalantly as Pidge and Keith made eye contact, trying not to laugh.

‘Fine.  Onto the next?’

This time he didn’t try and take Pidge’s hand or arm, instead, he pressed his palm flat against the base of her spine, his fingers brushing lower, and she jumped.

‘Hey!  Watch where you put your hands!’  She snapped as she glared at him.

‘A simple mistake.’  He smiled at her, no apology forthcoming in either his words or expression.  ‘Shall we?’

‘Yeah, you lead.’  She insisted as she flexed her fingers, reminding herself not to electrocute their envoy in the middle of a state visit.

Lance fell into step behind Pidge and Keith, leaning forward and speaking quietly.  ‘Wow, did he just cop a feel?’

‘He damn well tried.’  She growled unhappily.

‘The next time he tries…’  Keith began, but Pidge cut him off.

‘The next time he tries anything I’ll electrocute him so hard he’ll wake up in a puddle of his own shit.’  She stated fiercely.  ‘I guess you and Matt were onto something after all.’

‘Well,’ Lance patted her shoulder amiably, ‘now I’m watching your back too.  What a douche.’  And with a shake of his head he followed the others.

Chapter Text

Afternoon turned to evening yet the festivities continued.  Games began across the plaza, Lance quickly finding himself in a soccer match with a large group of children, bragging he had been the best in his class.  Matt, after checking that Jameson was busy fawning over various diplomats, felt comfortable enough to leave Pidge with Keith, knowing he would watch over her.  He was determined to start his hunt for the thing he wanted to buy a certain person and, as they were only in Italy for a matter of days, he felt this was the perfect place to begin his search.

Pidge and Keith talked Liliana into joining in with a game similar to bocce with some of the locals.  It was a much calmer pace than the running around and yelling Lance was doing and, with Pidge’s translations of the banter the locals were giving, it was a lot of fun.

It was Pidge who yawned first, not bothering to even try and hide it, running her fingers into her hair and scratching her scalp as she did so.  ‘I think I’m done for the night.’

‘Probably not a bad idea.  We have an early start tomorrow, right?’  Keith looked to Liliana in askance and she nodded.

‘A meeting with the president and descendants from the Italian royal family.’  She replied without having to refer to anything.  ‘That includes a photo call and lunch, then the afternoon and evening to yourselves.’

‘Date?’  Pidge looked at Keith, her eyes innocent yet hopeful.

‘Date.’  He nodded with a smile.

‘Is that a show for the garrison’s benefit?’  Liliana asked.

‘Oh, right, that was the last thing you heard.’  Pidge snapped her fingers.  ‘We actually are together now.’

Liliana smiled warmly.  ‘That’s good to hear.  Congratulations, both of you.’

‘Thanks.’  Keith kissed the back of Pidge’s hand where it was joined with his, and she was grateful the lighting was dim as her cheeks flushed hot.  ‘We’re pretty happy too.

‘You both deserve to be.  I’m sure the garrison only made it a public thing when you returned because they didn’t want to pass up what they thought was the perfect opportunity to market a wartime romance between two galactic heroes.  But, and I hate to say this as they are paying my wages, they really should have confirmed matters with you both first and received your permission on what is, quite frankly, an enormous invasion of privacy.’

‘No argument here.’  Keith toasted her with the glass he was holding.  ‘But it all worked out.’

‘Eventually.’  Pidge smiled up at him.

‘Hey, what are we talking about?’  They all looked around to find Matt approaching, a padded package under his arm.

‘Heading back to the hotel.’  Pidge stretched as she got to her feet.  ‘I’m tired.’

‘You’re actually going to sleep, and not work?’  Matt looked at her doubtfully.

She shrugged.  ‘It depends on if Allura has sent me back any more data.’

‘You should sleep.’  Keith nudged her gently.

‘Yeah, and you shouldn’t go back to the hotel alone.’  Matt indicated towards Jameson, who was making his way back towards them.

‘Shit, okay, I’m out!’  Pidge started forward but Matt caught her arm.

‘Not on your own, I’m heading back anyway.  Keith?’

‘I might stay and make sure Lance doesn’t get into any trouble.’

‘I’ll come back too.’  Liliana stood.  ‘It’s been a rather hectic couple of days and it’s only going to get more so.’

‘Then allow me to escort you ladies back to our hotel.’  Matt held his arm out gallantly for them to join him and Pidge snorted a laugh.

‘Don’t include me in that ladies description.’

‘You raise a good point.’

Rolling her eyes, she shook her head and turned towards Keith.  ‘I’ll see you in the morning?’

‘You know it.’  He smiled softly before lowering his head to kiss her, only to be interrupted by Matt loudly clearing his throat.  ‘You know what, I don’t care.’  Keith smirked before planting a tender kiss on Pidge’s lips.  ‘Sleep well, okay?’

‘You too.’  She murmured before starting back towards the hotel.  ‘Oh, and don’t let Lance lead you astray!’

‘Please, Lance couldn’t lead a thirsty horse to water.’  Keith scoffed, making Pidge laugh.

‘Just cows.’  She called back, and she smiled to herself when she heard him laugh out loud.

‘You two are…’  Matt started, but Pidge glared at him, stopping him from finishing.  ‘Don’t give me the stink eye, you’re not Mom.’

‘Just watch which words come out of your mouth.’  Pidge warned him.

‘You’re cute together, that okay?’

‘I don’t like the word cute, as a rule,’ she mused, ‘but in this case I’ll allow it.’

Matt slung his arm around her and pulled her close.  ‘So long as you’re happy, that’s all I ask for.’

‘I am.’  Pidge admitted, pondering on how one little change could make such a big difference.

Chapter Text

Lance came back to where he had last seen the group to find only Keith seated, a mostly empty glass of beer in his hand.

‘Hey, where’d the girls go?’  He asked as he spun around the chair and sat on it backwards, folding his arms and resting his chin on them.

‘Matt escorted them back to the hotel.  They were tired.’

‘And you’re not?’  Lance eyed him suspiciously.

‘No, I am.  I just figured you’re stupid enough to get yourself lost trying to find your way back.’

‘Shut up, mullet.’  He complained.  ‘I only did that on two planets, and in my defence they didn’t have any landmarks!’

‘Whatever, are you ready to head back?’  Keith asked before draining his glass.

‘Yeah, we have an early start tomorrow, right?’

They both got to their feet.  ‘We do.  Liliana said it’s meeting the president and royals with a photo shoot and lunch, but then the rest of the day is to ourselves.’

‘To ourselves?’  Lance curled his lip slightly.  ‘To do what?’

‘I don’t know what you’re doing but I’m taking Pidge on a date.’  Keith said as he got to his feet and tucked his chair neatly under the table.

‘Ohhh a date!’  Lance got up and slung his arm around Keith’s shoulder and drew him close.  ‘This is my time to shine!’

‘Why is it your time to shine?’  Keith gave him a confused look.  ‘I’m dating her, not you.’

‘Yeah, but who knows more about dates than me?’

‘Maybe someone who’s actually been on one?’  Keith lifted his arm off his shoulder and started walking back towards the hotel.

‘Ouch, that hurt!’  Lance clenched his chest dramatically as he fell into step beside him.  ‘But seriously, let me tell you how to woo her…’

Keith laughed.  ‘Seriously let you?  No, I think I’ll take my chances, thanks.’

‘Just some hints and tips!’

‘If I start acting like you do around women, Pidge will not only dump me, she’ll slap the shit out of me for good measure!’

‘Fine, but don’t say I didn’t offer.’  Lance shrugged, as though Keith was giving up a golden opportunity.

‘I won’t.’

‘So, uh…’  Lance said hesitantly.  ‘Did Jameson go back with the others?’

‘You think I’d be babysitting you if he had?’

‘No.’  He laughed.  ‘I think you’d be standing over Pidge like some kind of big scary bodyguard.’

‘She doesn’t need me to protect her.’

‘That doesn’t mean you like how he’s been trying to hang off her like a cheap suit.’

‘I don’t think any of us like that.’  Keith gave him a knowing look.

‘I know I don’t.’

They walked in silence until the hotel came into sight, when Lance spoke up again.  ‘So, really, where are you taking her on your date?’

‘Honestly?’  Keith pulled a face.  ‘I have no idea.’

Chapter Text

Pidge was just dozing off when an arm flopped across her face, making her heart jump and her body do the same with a small yelp.  Matt hadn’t been a settled sleeper since his time in Galra custody.  Though he still slept deep, his limbs sometimes thrashed and he groaned aloud.  Pidge hated that whatever they had done to him still affected him so greatly but, more than that at this moment, she hated the fact he had scared her half to death when she had finally reached the edge of sleep.

Sighing, she rolled over, getting herself comfortable with her ankles crossed and knees bent.  She had hoped that facing away from Matt as far over to the edge of the bed as she could get, would help her be out of reach.  She was wrong.  This time his knee came up fast and hit her in the lower back, knocking her solidly off the bed with a squawk of surprise, her feet staying on the bed in a tangle of themselves and blankets.

‘Goddammit, Matt.’  She grumbled as she pulled her legs down beneath her and got to her feet.  This had been going on for over an hour.  She didn’t want to wake him, she knew he was self conscious about the fact he still had nightmares, and it wasn’t really his fault, but the calm, deep sleeping, slightly cuddly brother she had shared many a motel bed with in her childhood, was gone.

Sighing, she grabbed her pillow and held it to her chest tightly.  She didn’t want to sleep on the floor, but there was no way in heck she was getting back in the bed with Matt again.  It wasn’t worth the bruises, like the one on her back she could already feel developing as she rubbed it.  There were armchairs, but no couch, so that idea was out.  Maybe there was a third option.  Biting her lip for a moment she made her decision, grabbed her discarded clothes, and headed to the door.

Liliana had just finished sending her report for the day to the garrison when there was a soft knock on the door.  That made her frown.  The hotel had high security, due to the presence of the paladins, and she knew she hadn’t ordered anything, nor was she expecting anyone.  Going up on her toes, she checked through the peephole and saw Pidge standing there in her pyjamas, barefoot and clutching a pillow.  Quickly throwing off the lock and opening the door she regarded the green paladin with surprised concern.

‘Pidge, is everything alright?’

‘Pretty much.’  She nodded.  ‘But Matt isn’t a good bed buddy.  He’s a kicker.  And a puncher.’  She rubbed her back where it still ached.  ‘I was wondering if you had a couch or something I could crash on?’

‘Oh, of course!’  Liliana stepped back, allowing Pidge to step inside.  ‘Come on in.’

‘Thanks.  I didn’t really know who else to ask and, as you’re the only other girl, I figured you were my best bet.’

‘Not Keith?’

‘Oh, uh…’  Pidge flushed.  ‘I could have.  I mean we’ve bed shared, but it still feels really soon and new, you know?  I didn’t want him to get the wrong idea, not that it’s that wrong an idea, but it could be seen as, I’m rambling, aren’t I?’  Pidge stopped abruptly as she realised what she was doing.

‘You know what, it’s fine.’  Liliana laughed.  ‘Make yourself at home.’

Pidge looked around the brightly lit room, neat and nowhere near the chaos Pidge had managed to reap in less than a day.  Toiletries were laid out neatly on a dresser, there were no clothes strewn about, and a laptop sat neatly on the table by the window.  The decor was less fancy than Pidge’s room but it did at least have a small couch, certainly large enough for Pidge to sleep on.

‘So it’s good if I take the couch?’

‘You take the bed, I really don’t mind.’  Liliana took a pillow off her bed and held a hand out for her.

‘Nah, and don’t say it’s because I’m a paladin or whatever, because I’ve slept on boxes in the back of Green before now and been perfectly alright.’

‘On boxes?’  Liliana looked at her in confusion.

‘Yeah, just a couple of times.  We had bunks put in eventually because sometimes we needed to rest in between stops.  Really, the couch is good.’

‘If you’re sure?’

‘Certain.’  Pidge nodded firmly.

‘Okay, I’m going to go do what I need to in the bathroom and I’ll be ready for lights out, if that’s alright with you?’

‘Perfect.  I tried to go to bed an hour ago, but Kicky McGee kept waking me up.’  She laughed.

Liliana chuckled as Pidge went about moving some cushions off the couch, propping herself up on her pillow with her knees bent.  She fiddled with her wrist computer until Liliana came back out, when she turned it off.

‘Let me get you a blanket off the bed.’  Liliana offered as she did so.  ‘Can’t have you catching a cold.’

‘Yeah, the one thing humanity still didn’t find a cure for.’

‘Do they have colds in space?’  Liliana asked as she handed Pidge the blanket before getting onto her bed.

‘Variations, kind of.  The Arusians had a contagious bug they called wuglumps, which is basically lumps on the back of your tongue that made you lose your voice.  To them it’s like a common cold is here, they don’t think twice about it, but Lance caught it and was a huge baby the whole time.’

‘Was he?’  Liliana asked, trying not to sound too keen.

‘Oh yeah.’  Pidge smiled to herself.  ‘He took himself off to bed for three days, kept sending messages to us whenever he wanted something; fluff my pillows, bring me a water pouch, I need soup, my throat hurts, scratch my toe.  Total baby.’

‘Did you ever catch anything?’

‘Two bouts of Crydor pox.  Kind of like chicken pox but blue spots cover your entire body.  I have never itched so much my entire life.  In the end Shiro made me soak in a bath of some kind of milk-like substance to stop me scratching.’

‘Did it work?’

‘Only when he drugged me.’  She chuckled at the memory.  ‘Woke up in a harness dangling in the stuff with the most wrinkled hands and feet you’ve ever seen, but I didn’t itch any more.’

‘You really have seen more than most of us could ever imagine.’

‘Yup.  From space illnesses to genocidal maniacs, we pretty much saw it all.’  Pidge clasped her fingers together and stretched her arms above her head.  ‘There was good stuff too though.’

‘Am I okay to get the lights?’  Liliana checked before doing so.

‘Oh, yeah, go ahead.’  Pidge yawned.  ‘And thanks again.’

‘It’s really no trouble.’

They lay in silence for several minutes before Pidge spoke up.  ‘Hey, did you know Jameson before this assignment?’

‘Never met him before.’  Liliana shook her head to herself.  ‘He’s definitely a lot more full of himself than anyone I’ve ever worked with.  What about you?’

‘We were in the garrison together, I guess before he went into diplomatic stuff.  Our paths didn’t really cross that much.’

‘You trained with Captain Garrett, didn’t you?’  Liliana asked casually.  ‘And Captain McClain?’

‘Yeah, I did.’

‘What was that like?’

Pidge laughed.  ‘How long do you have?  I could tell you so many stories.’

‘I’m not going anywhere.’

Pidge grinned to herself.  ‘Then buckle up, because this is going to be one crazy ride.’

Chapter Text

‘Where were you last night?’  Matt asked, taking a seat at the breakfast table with Pidge and Liliana.

‘You’re a rotten bed buddy, so I slept on Liliana’s couch.’  Pidge replied as she poured herself a coffee.  ‘And when I came back to get dressed you were in the shower.’

‘You still could have let me know.’

Pidge stuck her tongue out at him.  ‘Don’t baby me.  We had a girls night, right?’

‘Perhaps not a full girls night,’ Liliana smiled, ‘but it was enjoyable.’

‘I’m glad you two had fun but I gotta say, I’m a little disappointed.’  Matt reached for the coffee as Pidge put it down, drawing it towards her slowly so it got further away as he tried.  ‘Quit it.’

‘Pssshh.’  She hissed at him before turning the pot so he could reach the handle.  ‘Why are you disappointed?’

‘I figured you’d snuck off to Keith’s room and were in post-sex coma.’  Matt grinned wider as Pidge’s cheeks flushed.

‘We’re not there yet.’  She glared at him as she noticed Keith and Lance coming towards the table.

‘I’m just teasing.’  Matt stirred his coffee.  ‘I’m sorry I stopped you from sleeping in our room.’

‘No biggie.’  She shrugged.  ‘I don’t mind giving you space.’

‘Morning.’  Keith greeted them all, but his eyes were only for Pidge, a soft smile on his lips as he bent and kissed her cheek.  ‘Sleep okay?’

‘Yeah, you?’

‘Yeah.’

‘God, the conversation at this table is riveting!’  Lance remarked exaggeratedly as he sat beside Liliana.  ‘Let’s liven things up, huh?’

‘What do you suggest?’  Keith asked as his fingers slid under Pidge’s hand to lace with her own, earning him a smile.

‘You already know the schedule.’  Liliana reminded them.  ‘So unless any of you need reminding then that’s off the table, so to speak.’

‘I want to know what Matt’s going to do while we’re schmoozing up to the Italian head honchos.’  Pidge smirked as she took a bite out of the roll she had buttered before everyone arrived.

‘Shopping.’  Matt shrugged nonchalantly, glancing over the basic menu on offer.  ‘I still have to find that thing for that certain someone.’

‘What about what you got last night?’  Pidge asked.

Matt shook his head.  ‘I got something for Mom and Dad.’

‘So, a thing for a certain someone.’  Lance said thoughtfully.  ‘So, we already figured Matt likes a girl, and he’s trying to woo her with some Italian goodies.  Let me guess, you’re getting her a nice girthy sausage?’

‘Lance!’  Keith spat at him as Matt’s face flushed even pinker than Pidge’s had a moment before, while the girl herself laughed at the fact Matt was so embarrassed.  ‘I’m so sorry for his crude behaviour, Miss Cooper.’

Liliana’s own cheeks were slightly dusted with a faint blush but she shook her head.  ‘It’s quite alright, but please, everyone can call me Liliana.  I’m sure we can come up with a more suitable topic of conversation for the breakfast table though.’

Pidge raised her hand to look at her wrist display as she received a notification, her brain toning out the rest of the conversation.  Keith noticed her look of concentration and released her hand to allow her to read it easier before taking one of the rolls from the basket in the centre of the table and ripping a piece off.

‘Yesterday was pretty full on.  I’m glad today starts a little later.  I think we all needed a little downtime, even if it’s just these few hours before the next engagement.’

‘Oh, who’s getting engaged?’

Everyone looked up at the sound of Jameson’s voice except for Pidge who was completely engrossed in her computer.

‘I meant the public engagements for this tour.’  Keith pointed out bluntly.

‘That’s a shame, nothing new to celebrate.’  Jameson grinned at his own joke as he sat before his eyes fell on Pidge, still ignoring everything else around her.  ‘Good morning, Pidge.’

‘She’s working.’  Matt replied on her behalf.  ‘You’ll get no sense until she’s finished.’

‘I’m sure I could…’  He began to sit forward from his seat on Keith’s other side, but the black paladin held a finger up to stop him.

‘Don’t even think about it.  This is important so leave her be.’

‘Huh.’  Jameson gave Keith a look as though sizing him up before turning his attention to the table.  ‘Has anyone ordered yet?’

‘Not yet.’  Lance frowned at Jameson, pondering just what his deal was.  ‘We can all order together this way.’

‘I just have to…’  Pidge muttered, pushing her chair out and getting up from the table before heading to the terrace on the front of the building.

‘She okay?’  Lance tilted his head towards her before looking between Matt and Keith enquiringly.

‘She’s been running some data from Allura on the Altean back at the garrison.’  Keith filled him in.  ‘I can only assume it’s something like that.’

‘Did she eat yet?’  Matt looked to Liliana.

‘Just a small piece of roll.’  Liliana glanced at Pidge’s side plate.

‘I’ll bring her something if she doesn’t come back by the time we’re done eating.’  Matt smiled knowingly.

Pidge’s brows knotted as she scanned the data, not believing what she was seeing.

‘This can’t be right.’  She muttered.  The numbers didn’t make sense, or rather they did, just not in a way they should.  They were…too high in some places, too low in others, completely absent elsewhere, and what the heck was this element?  ‘That shouldn’t read that.  That’s only present in…’  Her eyes went wide as she realised what she might have been seeing.  ‘No, no, no, no, no!’  She took off running back into the dining room and past the table, not even sparing a glance at her friends.

‘Pidge?’  Keith called after her but got no response.  He looked at Matt, hoping to get his input on what he thought was right, and he nodded.

‘If you’re going anyway, take her some food too.’  Matt threw some packets of butter and jam, and a knife into the basket of rolls and held it out to Keith.

‘Thanks.’  Keith grabbed it and, while he didn’t run, he did take the stairs two at a time.  He found the door to Pidge and Matt’s room ajar and he pushed it to find Pidge sitting on the floor crosslegged with her laptop, muttering under her breath.  ‘Hey.’  He said quietly, not wanting to surprise her, but he got only the briefest of responses.

‘Uh huh.’  Her eyes shot across the screen as she set a comparison running.

Keith was used to her becoming engrossed and simply sat beside her.  Taking one of the rolls, he tore it in half, spread it with butter and jam, then ripped a bite sized piece off and held it towards Pidge’s lips.  She took the food without even realising, eating it with measured chews that seemed overly drawn out.

This continued until she had eaten half of the roll when Keith decided to speak.  ‘What happened?’

‘Data.’  She replied.  ‘Doesn’t make sense.’

‘If you can’t make sense of it, maybe it’s corrupted.  Or contaminated.’

She gave two large blinks before turning to him, wearing the most adorable confused expression he had ever seen.  ‘Contaminated?’

He shrugged.  ‘If it’s the blood work you’re talking about for the Altean then contaminated is more accurate, right?’

‘Maybe.’  She chewed her lip for a moment as her eyes went out of focus while she thought.  ‘But maybe not in the way you mean.’  She turned back to her laptop and rapidly sent a message to the garrison.  ‘I think I might be late to meet the prime minister and stuff.’

‘Do what you have to, I’ll make your excuses.’  He rubbed her back gently.  If she noticed, she didn’t react.  ‘Maybe sit somewhere more comfortable if you’re going to be doing this for a while?’

‘Right.’  She replied, but showed no sign of moving.

‘Do I have to carry you?’

‘No, I can walk…where are we going?’  Her voice was almost disjointed

‘Okay, hold your laptop.’

She did as he said automatically without tearing her eyes from the screen, not registering the fact that Keith had got to one knee beside her until he scooped her up in his arms, causing her to give a squeal of alarm.  ‘What are you doing?’

‘Sit.’  He placed her on one of the two chairs at the small tea table in the window, where she placed her laptop.  ‘I’m going to leave this here and go get you some coffee and juice.  Okay?’  He put the rolls on the table beside her, but not before waving it under her nose to get her attention.

‘Okay.’  She replied as she took up typing where she had left off.

‘You’re not actually listening.’  Keith said rhetorically, knowing she wouldn’t take that in either.

‘If you say so.’

He shook his head, a small smile appearing on his lips as an idea struck him.  He bent forward as he cupped her cheek with his palm and turned her face towards him, her eyes still following the screen, fingers unceasing…for a few more moments at least.  Keith’s lips pressing against hers had them still, her eyes finding his face a second later before closing and succumbing to his kiss.

Pidge hadn’t realised her brain actually had an off switch.  Even in her sleep she dreamt up devices and schematics, but apparently Keith had found it.  Or Keith was it.  Either way, she’d take it.  She had no idea that this sort of sensation was even possible.  Keith’s lips moved in what was more a caress than what she thought of as a kiss, her own learning their way as his hand slipped around to the back of her head.  She didn’t remember getting to her feet, she would later assume it was her body’s way of trying to get closer to him, her hands pressing firmly against his chest.  The heat from his body seemed to burn her skin even through his clothes, but not in a bad way.  From personal experience, she knew how heat could flood a body with deliberate ministrations, she was a scientist after all and not afraid of experimentation.  But this, this was something else.  This was out of her control and felt new and exciting.

Keith’s hand came to rest on Pidge’s hip as his tongue tentatively traced her lips.  He wasn’t sure if they parted consciously or if she gasped, but he wouldn’t rush her, this was enough…until he felt her tongue brush against his.  Suddenly he was pulling her closer, her arms wrapping around his neck as the kiss grew more heated.  No longer a measure for distraction, they both lost themselves in one another.

Pidge’s fingers tangled in Keith’s hair as deep inside her throbbed, reminding her on a subconscious level that this was something her entire body wanted, that he was was what she wanted.  His fingers splayed across her lower back, it was all she could do not to attempt to climb him.  Her breathing was heavy, her heart pounding hard, but this rush felt like the most natural thing in the world.

Keith hadn’t realised there was this much tension built up between them.  He knew he desired her, he had hoped eventually there would be a closeness between them that only they shared, but this made him think that perhaps they were on the same page.

There was no doubt in Pidge’s mind that this heavy mix of lust and love could go further, but that perhaps it shouldn’t, not yet at least.  The problem was she didn’t want to stop, and even if she did she wasn’t sure how.  That decision was then taken away from her as her laptop and wrist computer began to chime an incoming video call.  They suddenly broke away from one another, their breath falling from their lips in rapid pants, their cheeks pink and lips swollen.  They stared at one another for a few breaths, Keith’s eyes dark with desire, Pidge’s slightly wide as her entire being tried to relearn how to operate.

‘Katie, the phone.’  Keith’s voice was low and husky, which for some reason sent a jolt of need coursing through her.  They were still close enough to derail her train of thought and it took another moment before her head jolted around.

‘Right!’  She all but yelled before lowering her voice to a normal level.  ‘It’s Allura.’

Keith reluctantly let her go as she sat back down and answered the call.

‘Is everything alright?’  Allura asked immediately.  ‘You sent me half a message, I was worried something had happened.’

Pidge felt a pang of guilt and had to force herself to look back at Allura’s worried face.  ‘Sorry, I got…distracted.’  Pidge shot Keith a side eyed look before returning to the screen.  ‘Let me send you the highlighted data and see what you think.’

‘Hey, Allura.’  Keith came into view of the screen behind Pidge and Allura gained an intrigued look.  ‘Sorry to interrupt, Pidge, I’m going to get you a drink, make sure you eat something, that’s an order.’

‘Right.’  Pidge rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help grinning at him all the same.

‘I can see why you were distracted.’  Allura said as soon as the door closed.

‘I was not…’  Pidge wrinkled her nose.  ‘Back to these results.’

‘Indeed.’  Allura smiled broadly.  ‘Though I’m quite happy if you want to talk about anything more personal…’

‘Nope, I’m good.’  Pidge pushed her hair behind her ears as heat flooded her cheeks.  She was still getting used to this herself, she certainly wasn’t ready to share.

Chapter Text

‘They can’t wait any longer.’  Liliana gave the two paladins a sympathetic look.

Lance looked to Keith, the latter’s arms folded over his dress uniform.  ‘We go ahead with the ceremony without Pidge.’  Keith’s answer was firm.  ‘She said she might not make it, and this garrison matter is more important.’

‘More important than international relations?’  Jameson raised an unimpressed eyebrow.  ‘This tour is…’

‘Captain Holt is the only expert in this field.’  Keith snapped, deliberately using Pidge’s rank.  ‘No one else can do this job other than her.  If the Italian government have a problem with it they can take it up with the garrison, but they will be reminded that without her input this war might not have ended, let alone with as many lives saved as it did!’

‘The Italian government understand.’  Liliana quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation. ‘She was there for the ceremony yesterday which was the most public event here.  It’s fine.’

‘I wasn’t warned there would be any other business that would prevent my charge from performing in these events.’  Jameson scowled.  ‘It is my job to…’

‘It’s your job to shut the hell up!’  Lance cut him off.  ‘Can you even hear yourself?  You think this tour is more important than Pidge’s actual job?  She’s a galactic hero, what are you?  Some jumped up garrison nobody who needs to get his damn priorities straight!’

Jameson looked as though he was about to argue further, his cheeks flushed and eyes blazing, but then thought better of it and spun on his heel, leaving them behind him, much to Keith’s relief.  He huffed out a breath as the atmosphere seemed to lift.

‘Nice going, Lance.’  Keith patted him on the shoulder.

‘I just couldn’t stand and listen to him bitching any more.’  Lance straightened his jacket.  ‘That and I thought you were going to punch his lights out.’

Keith gave a small laugh.  ‘I mean, you’re not far wrong.’

Liliana looked between the two of them before clearing her throat.  ‘I assume this means you’re ready?’  She smiled hopefully.

‘Absolutely.’  Keith replied.

‘I’ll let the president’s aide know.’  She turned and walked away only to stop again when she felt a hand on her arm.  Turning she found Lance with an apologetic look on his face.  ‘Is everything alright?’

‘Yeah, I just wanted to say I’m sorry you had to see that.’

‘I don’t blame the two of you for Jameson’s behaviour.’  She assured him warmly.

‘I meant me, blowing up.’  Lance rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.  ‘I’m not sorry I did it, but it was kinda rude.’

‘Actually I think it was rather gallant, the way you set him straight.’  Lance’s brain malfunctioned for a moment as she complimented him, leaving him for once speechless.  ‘I’ll come back for you when we’re ready.’  She patted his hand and walked away again, leaving Lance to feel his blush finally reach his cheeks.

‘She thinks I’m gallant.’  He grinned to himself, feeling pleased with himself that his outburst had made such a positive impression.

Chapter Text

‘This is a completely unknown element, different to anything I’ve ever come across before.’  Pidge pointed it out to Allura on the screen, the latter’s brow knitted with concern.  ‘It’s close to Altean DNA, it almost resembles pure quintessence, but there’s something else there I can’t figure out.’

‘I would never have thought to look at it at a genetic level.’  Allura shook her head.  ‘But I suppose that’s why we have you.’

‘I knew you didn’t keep me around for my looks.’  Pidge smirked as she set another program running.  ‘I’m going to try and dig further into it, see if there’s anything I can pick out and break down, but I can’t promise fast results.’

‘Don’t worry, you take as long as you need.  The Altean’s vitals are steady, we just need to know what’s keeping her unconscious so we can, hopefully, wake her.’

‘Okay, good to know.’  Pidge closed the display on her left, no longer needing it.  ‘If I need to cancel the plans we have for this afternoon then no biggie, it will depend on how soon I get something back.’

‘I thought your schedule was free this afternoon.’  Allura’s puzzlement making Pidge look away from her and to the numbers, something she understood.

‘It is, mostly.  Keith and I were going to go on our first date.’  She mumbled.

‘Well, I order you not to cancel that!’  Allura said firmly.  ‘You’ve waited long enough as it is and I won’t have you cancelling on the off chance you get any data!’

‘But if the data is going to help…’

‘It will wait until your date is over.’  Allura said with a tone of finality that made Pidge not want to argue.  ‘Date over data.’

‘Okay, fine.  I won’t cancel.  I don’t even want to cancel, but I know we need this data to help the Altean!’

‘In this case romance is the priority.  Specifically yours and Keith’s.’

‘Why do I feel like you’re all as invested in this as much as we are?’

‘Because we’ve all had to watch the pair of you pine over one another for the last few years.  Now, what are you wearing?’

‘What am I what?’

‘Wearing, for your date.  Do not say garrison uniform or shorts and boots.’

‘Actually Mom packed me some stuff I wouldn’t normally choose myself and there’s a nice green playsuit I was going to try.’

‘And what is a playsuit, exactly?’

‘Let me show you.’  Pidge brought the item back from the closet to show Allura.  ‘See, it’s an all in one, but they're shorts.’

‘I actually like that.  It will look lovely on you!  The khaki green with the different greens foliage motif is very smart.  And what about on your feet?’

‘I have flat ballet pumps.  I wore them yesterday to the festival and they’re plenty comfy enough.’

‘Well, I suppose we couldn’t expect you to pack heels for the amount of travelling you’re doing.’  Allura sighed.  ‘What about makeup?’

‘What about it?’

‘You’re going to wear some, I assume?’

‘A bit.’  Pidge shrugged.  ‘I’ve got some neutral shade eyeshadows, matching lipstick, and some powder and mascara.’

‘Are you sure that’s enough?’

‘Plenty.’  Pidge replied as she draped the playsuit over the other chair.  ‘Is there anything else for now?  Or shall I get back to work?’

‘You may, but only until Keith returns to take you out.’

‘Okay, okay, you got it.’

There was a knock on the door that had Pidge glance over.

‘I’m going to get that, I’ll catch up with you later to go over any new data.’

‘Sounds wonderful.  Thanks again, Pidge.  And have fun this afternoon!’

‘I will!’  She waved Allura off before shutting off the screen and heading to the door.  She hadn’t ordered room service, she was still nibbling on the rolls Keith brought her and she still had plenty of coffee.  ‘Speak to you later, and enjoy Washington!’

‘I will try.’  She promised before they both signed off.

The knock came again as Pidge made her way towards it.  ‘I’m coming, I’m coming!’  Pulling it open she started at who was standing there, face serious and arms folded.  ‘I thought you were at the ceremony, Jameson?’

Chapter Text

Keith unbuttoned his garrison uniform the moment they left the building.  The air-conditioning at the venue had broken down, apparently having been on the fritz ever since the Galra attacks, and the weather had turned stiflingly warm.  Fanning himself with his hand he was grateful to find the slightest of breezes graced the air.  It wasn’t a cold breeze in itself, but it did at least bring some movement to the air, compared to the stagnant atmosphere of the greeting room.

‘Man, it was stuffy in there, and I don’t just mean the politicians.’  Lance followed suit, but removed his jacket entirely, leaving his white vest a stark contrast against his tan skin.  Not that Liliana noticed.  Not at all.

‘Uh, yes, it was rather close.’  Liliana felt her cheeks heat up for a whole different reason, and that may have been the broad expanse of Lance’s back suddenly before her.  ‘Is there anywhere you want to go before we return to the hotel?’

‘I think we should get back.’  Keith replied, his eyes closed as he enjoyed the air against his face.  ‘I have plans this afternoon with Pidge, if she’s done with her data that is.’

‘You are never going to get on a date with her if that’s the condition.’  Lance scoffed.  ‘Just take candles and wine and pass it to her while she works.’

‘We’re doing this properly.’  Keith glared at Lance who he now realised had a teasing grin on his face.

‘Glad to hear it.  Shall we?’  Lance held his hand out to Liliana, inviting her to walk beside him.  It wasn’t too far from the hotel and they were all happy to walk rather than using the limos that were being offered constantly.

‘Let’s.’  Liliana nodded, hoping her flaming cheeks would be put down to the humid room and now the heat on the streets.

‘You know, it’s kinda weird Jameson didn’t come back.’  Lance mused as they walked.  ‘As an envoy he should have been there for you, Keith.’

‘I guess his temper got the better of him, and I can’t say I missed him.’

‘Yeah, but as a garrison trained operative he should know better than to let his emotions get the better of him.  Oh well, I guess all we can do is hope he went off and blew off some steam somewhere.’

Keith’s brow furrowed as he considered Lance’s words.  He was right, Jameson should have known better, he was trained to know better.  The only reason he wouldn’t have returned was if he had some kind of underlying personal agenda.  ‘Oh quiznak.’  Keith muttered, before bursting into a sprint, heading towards the hotel.

‘What do you suppose that means?’  Liliana asked as they paused and watched Keith disappear around a corner.

‘With him, it could be anything.’  Lance shrugged.  ‘Anyway, do you have any plans this afternoon?’

‘Me?’  Liliana looked up at him in surprise as they began walking again.  ‘I was going to write up my report for the meeting this morning.’

‘So, nothing that you couldn’t do later?’  He asked hopefully.

‘I suppose not.’  She shook her head.

‘Then, you wanna have dinner with me?  I mean, if not it’s all good.  I just figured you’re alone, and I’m alone, and we’re in this romantic foreign country that has amazing food, it’d be a shame to let it go to waste, and…’

‘I’d like that.’  Liliana interrupted Lance’s tirade of words as he took a breath, which made him stop despite having had more word vomit planned.

‘You would?  Of course you would!  Everyone likes dinner!’  Lance laughed awkwardly.  ‘How does meet out front of the hotel in an hour sound?’

‘It sounds very good.’  Liliana smiled sweetly, lowering her gaze out of sheer shyness.

‘Awesome.’  Lance grinned.  He wasn’t sure if this was what would class as a date, wasn’t even sure if she was interested in him that way, but he was going to do his best to win this girl over while he had the chance.

Chapter Text

Keith raced through the hotel lobby, hoping his instinct was wrong.

Jameson wasn’t that stupid, was he?

He bypassed the elevator, taking the stairs three at a time.

Deep in his mind he knew that Pidge could take care of herself, that she was already on the defensive when it came to their envoy, but it only took one slip of awareness to lead to disaster.

He stumbled into the wall beside the door to their floor, his lungs burning from running in such heat, dragging it away from the frame with such power it hit the wall.

Jameson was angry and, like all strong emotions, it could make you do irrational things.

The door to Pidge’s room hadn’t seemed this far away earlier, as though running towards it brought it no closer.

If Keith’s fears were true, the least Jameson could expect was a dishonourable discharge with criminal charges.

Keith angled himself as he ran down the corridor, throwing his shoulder at Pidge’s door hard enough to wrench the frame, and it swung open hard.  Keith drew to a sudden stop as he took in the scene before him.

Pidge wiped her thumb across the corner of her lips, removing the cookie crumbs from them.  ‘Wow, I know you’re keen for later but no need to break down the door.’  She chuckled, and was joined a moment later by Jameson sitting opposite her, a coffee cup in his hand.

‘You know, the garrison is going to have to foot the bill for the damage to that door.’  Jameson waved his cup towards it, which was when Keith turned around and surveyed the splintered wood.

‘Quiznak.’  He muttered before turning back around, his face flushed with embarrassment.

Jameson put down his cup and got to his feet, stepping over to where Keith stood.  ‘I owe you an apology, Captain Kogane.’  He offered him his hand.  ‘For my behaviour at the meet and greet.  You were right and I should have trusted your judgement, for that I’m sorry.’

Keith glanced at Pidge who did a drastic head bob towards Jameson, and Keith snapped out of it, taking the other man’s hand.  ‘Don’t worry about it.  We’re all under pressure and these are extenuating circumstances.’

‘Very true.’  Jameson nodded, a friendly smile on his face.  ‘Well, I’ll get out of your hair.  Thanks for joining me.’  He flashed Pidge a wink before turning back to Keith.  ‘Captains.’

‘Jameson.’  Keith replied as he walked by him.

‘Oh, I’ll speak to someone about either fixing your door or getting you another room to use.’  Jameson waved at the frame and Pidge offered him a small smile.

‘Thanks.’

‘No problem.’

And he was gone, leaving the two of them alone.  Pidge draped her arm over the back of the chair and leant back, toeing off her shoes as she spoke.  ‘So, what was that all about?’

‘He threw a hissy fit about you not being there.’

‘Oh, I know that.’  She waved her hand dismissively before picking up another cookie.  ‘I meant the door.  Rushing in here like some kind of hero saving me from the big bad wolf.’  She took an exaggerated bite.

‘That’s not what…’

She cut him off with a smirk.  ‘Not gonna lie, it was kinda hot.’

Keith paused for a moment to make sure he had heard her right.  ‘It was…what?’

‘Hot.  I mean dramatic, sure, but definitely hot.  Kicking a door down because you were worried about me.  My hero.’  She mock swooned.

‘Now you’re just making fun.’  He affected a scowl but it didn’t faze Pidge in the slightest.

‘Awwww, but you’re so cute, coming to my rescue.’  She got to her feet and came and stood toe to toe with him, his arms folded over his chest as he made a concerted effort not to look at her.

‘You don’t need rescuing.  Even if he did something you’d stop him.  You’re perfectly capable.’

‘Come on, I appreciate it, I’m grateful!  Lemme show you how much!’  She tugged on his arms playfully but he stood unmoving, knowing that they were both now just teasing one another.  It had happened before they got together and he was glad it still went on now.  It was one of his favourite things.  ‘Okay, fine.’  She shoved her head under his arms and pushed.

‘Hey!’  Keith sputtered as she made some literal headway, forcing herself between his arms and chest until he was hugging her.

‘It’s not that bad.  Take your reward like a man!’  She tugged on his jacket where her arms were pinned by her sides.

‘You didn’t mention there was a reward.’  He regarded her with casual curiosity.

‘A hero has to get a reward from the fair maiden, right?  Or, in this case, me.’

‘You’re a fair maiden, no matter what you might think.’  He argued as she wiggled enough to get one arm free and wrapped around his shoulders.

‘Fine, whatever, do you want this reward or not?’

‘Of course I want it, it’s from you, short stack.’

‘That’s fair short stack to you.’  She narrowed her eyes at him.  ‘Okay, close your eyes and you can have your reward.’

Keith closed his eyes, a small smile ticking the corner of his lips.  ‘I’m kinda looking forward to this.’

‘So you should be.’  She said in a hushed tone, pulling him closer…before pushing a cookie into his expectant mouth.

His eyes shot open and she burst out laughing, one of his favourite looks on her as she threw her head back with abandon.  ‘Whaf vuh heyul if vith?’

‘Amaretti cookie.’  Pidge giggled the words.  ‘They’re good!’

Keith turned his head while keeping a tight grip on her, spitting the biscuit as far from them as he could.  ‘That’s not the kind of reward I was thinking of.’

‘A cookie is a great reward!’  Pidge gave him a look of mock horror.  ‘What could be better than that!’

‘I’ll show you.’  He murmured before stealing her lips with his.

The small, satisfied noise Pidge made in her throat did things to Keith that such a simple noise shouldn’t, but there it was.  Awkward.  If there had been even the smallest doubt in his mind as to whether he was in love with her this banished it.  His body reacted to the smallest of her touches and now, apparently, noises she made.

Pidge’s fingers tangled in Keith’s hair as his lips softly caressed her, taking the kiss no deeper, but it was like a revelation.  She had always had this image that passionate kisses had to be messy and, well, a lot more tongue-y, but as their breath mingled under their continuous caresses, she realised she had been so, so wrong.  Her stomach was fluttering and lower down felt hot and tight, like it was just waiting for them both to follow through.  But not now, it was too soon, but the kissing?  Perfect.

‘Oh good grief.’  Matt’s voice broke them apart with a gasp as he toed at the broken door.  ‘I know you two are crazy hot for each other but don’t start breaking stuff.’

‘That was just Keith.’  Pidge said as she leant around Keith to see her brother.  ‘Jameson’s going to find out about repairing the door or getting us a new room.

‘A new room would make more sense.  It’s just for one night but it’s not exactly secure or modest.’

‘True.  Oh, whatcha got?’  Pidge finally broke out of Keith’s arms and tried to grab the package from Matt’s hands.’

‘Nothing for you!’  He held it over his head so she couldn’t reach.

‘Don’t make me climb you like the fucking redwood you are!’

‘I did get you something though!  It’s in my right pocket!’  He tried to divert her and it worked.  She was quickly pulling a paper bag out of his pocket and scrambling to see what was inside.

‘Nougat!  You’re the best!’  She popped a piece in her mouth before rushing back to Keith.  ‘Try one!’  She held one up to his lips before he could respond and he took hold of her wrist to hold her excited fingers still while he took the candy.  It made the moment more intimate than he had meant it to be but the blush that coloured her cheeks was well worth it.

‘Quit it with the PDAs, jeez!’  Matt implored them.  ‘Don’t you two have a date to go on or something?’

‘He’s right, we do.’  Keith nodded.

‘Okay, let me shower and change…wait, that’s going to be weird with a non lockable door.’

‘Change in the bathroom, I’ll guard the door.’  Matt offered.

‘Thanks, Matt.  ‘So shower and change, meet you downstairs in half an hour?’

‘Make it an hour.’  Keith suggested.  ‘We’re in no rush and we have all afternoon and evening.’

‘This just keeps sounding better and better.’  Pidge grabbed his arm and bounced enough to be able to kiss his cheek.  ‘I’ll see you in a while, my hero.’

‘Hero?’  Matt asked as Pidge started gathering her things.

‘Probably best you don’t ask.’  Keith shook his head, no doubt leaving Pidge to tell Matt exactly what it meant.

Chapter Text

‘Oh my God, look at you!’  Matt gushed as Pidge emerged from the bathroom.  Her playsuit fit perfectly and was easy to move in.  Her makeup was subtle, and her hair caught away from her face but loose in the back.  ‘You look adorable!’

‘I’m changing.’  Pidge turned to walk back into the bathroom but Matt caught her arm, pulling her away from the door.

‘Don’t!  You don’t look adorable!  At all!  You look badass!’

‘Keep talking.’  She narrowed her eyes at him, knowing badass wasn’t exactly right but she didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to bolster her currently fragile confidence.  She wanted to look nice for Keith but makeup, an actual hairstyle that wasn’t a ponytail, and an item of clothing that required her to pretty much get naked whenever she wanted to pee, were giving her a hard time.

‘You look like a girl who’s about to knock her date’s socks off.’  Matt smiled warmly, holding her arm above her head and making her twirl for him with his other hand.  ‘Yup, yup, looking good, little sis.  Those slip-ons you wore the other night too?’

‘I was debating my sneakers.’  She looked at them longingly, sitting haphazardly where she had thrown them when she unpacked, taunting her with their familiarity.  ‘But I told Allura I’d wear the pumps.’

‘Wear the pumps.’  Matt agreed.  ‘And since when did you and Allura discuss fashion?’

‘Since everyone else is equally as invested in this relationship as we are, apparently.’  She picked up her small bag and slung it across her body.  It wasn’t big enough to contain much, but she didn’t need it to.  ‘We were just chatting about the date when we were done comparing notes on the Altean.’

Matt sat on the bed, his curiosity piqued.  ‘How’s that going?’

‘Weird.  But let’s talk about it when we have a door we can close for privacy.’  She nodded towards the opening in their room.  ‘And maybe we can throw some ideas around, because I’m kinda stumped.’

‘If you’re stumped it’s gotta be a doozy.’

‘A doozy?’  She cackled.  ‘Did you visit the nineteen-fifties today?’

‘Shut up!’  He laughed along with her.  ‘We’ll catch up later, and I’ll message you to let you know what’s happening with the room.’

‘And what’s in that package.’  She hinted as she slipped on her shoes.

‘Nope.’  Matt shook his head.  ‘Nice try.’

‘Oh come on, that’s two you brought back now!’

‘Maybe one is for Mom and Dad.’

‘If it was you’d tell me.’  She narrowed her eyes at him before taking a bottle of water from the mini fridge.  ‘Which means it’s not.  So you’re either gonna spoil this girl or you have your eye on two women.’  Matt shifted in embarrassment and Pidge gasped.  ‘Oh my God, it is two women!  You’re actually playing the field!’

‘I’m not!’  Matt got to his feet defensively.  ‘I just…’  He lowered his voice.  ‘I don’t know what girls like, not really, and every time I see something I think she might like I start to doubt my previous choice.’

Pidge sighed.  ‘Listen, I’m not exactly an expert on what girls like, but if she doesn’t like you for you then she’s not worth it.  Give her a gift, see how she reacts, but don’t go batshit crazy if she doesn’t seem that into you.  There’s plenty of girls out there who’d give you more than the time of day.’

‘I’m not about to go batshit over a badly received gift.’

‘I didn’t mean batshit as in get mad, I meant don’t keep pushing it if she’s not showing interest.’  She shrugged as she did a final check in the mirror.  ‘I’m pretty sure at least one person at the garrison wouldn’t be unhappy if you looked her way a bit more.’

‘Wait, what?’  Matt put himself between her and her reflection, his face both shocked and excited.  ‘Someone at the garrison likes me?’

‘I think so.  She does look at you with sickeningly sweet eyes.’  She fluttered her eyelashes to make her point.

‘Who?’  Matt grabbed her upper arms and all but shook her.

‘I’m not telling you mine unless you tell me yours.’  She gave him a grin so smug he had only ever seen her pull it when she was showing someone how wrong they were regarding something technical.

‘Dammit.’  Matt groaned, knowing she had him.  ‘Okay, I’ll tell you mine, you tell me yours, on three.  Deal?’

‘Deal.’  She put her hands on his upper arms so they were on a level with one another physically.  ‘You wanna count down or shall I do it?’

‘Both.  Ready?’

‘Ready.  Three.’

‘Two.’

‘One!’

‘Romelle.’

‘Romelle!’

‘I knew it!’  Pidge whooped.  ‘You are so quiznaking easy to read!’

‘What?’  Matt took his hands back in horror.  ‘What do you mean you knew?’

‘I mean, I wasn’t sure.’  She bounced excitedly.  ‘But I know she’s your type; she’s cute and pretty, funny too and not dumb.  Good for you, making a move though!  I’m pretty sure she won’t let you crash and burn.’  Pidge grinned to herself as she went for the door, almost time to meet Keith.

‘Wait, what do you mean you’re pretty sure?’  Matt looked at her in horror.  ‘Does she like me or not?’

‘How would I know?’  Pidge shrugged.  ‘I didn’t even notice Keith liked me.  Later!’  She chuckled to herself as she left Matt to no doubt have himself the freak out he deserved for having teased her so much.