Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

They were running through the long corridors on the ship, how they had triggered the alarm is a question they don't have the answer to. The shorter of the two has fallen behind. He sees their escape pod, almost there just a few more steps, he can make it, he will make it. The pod started to leave but the door was still open.At the last second he jumped and flew through space into the waiting pod. He landed on his knees, the impact making him  whine from the pain. His companion looked down at him, arms crossed you could practically see the frown through the mask.

“I don’t know how the alarm went off, I promise I was right behind you the whole time!” he said looking up at the others in the pod.

His companion sighed “I know Keith, I’m just frustrated. We were almost done downloading the information we needed.” He pulled down the hood and the mask deactivated revealing the pale purple face of Ulaz. He rubbed a hand over his face and sighed again. “Okay, let's head back to headquarters, we need to report to Kolivan.”

Keith looked down at his feet, sighed quietly and sat at the back of the pod. Why did everything have to happen to him? First finds out that he’s part galra, aka the race that’s trying to take over the entire known universe, and his whole team is shocked because he’s part galra. Allura hates him, Shiro hates him, Lance avoids him more than usual, and Hunk the big kind-hearted teddy bear, is downright terrified of him. Pidge is the only one who doesn't treat him any differently, she just asks a few more questions but that's not a big deal. Then Shiro disappeared and he, Keith,  has to pilot the black lion which he does not want, the rest of the team don't want him as their leader either. He’s too reckless, too impulsive, just too much. And when they finally start to work well together as a team Shiro comes back, but he doesn’t act like Shiro. The team would rather listen to Shiro and than him, so the only thing he could do was give black back to Shiro, and disappear. He took as many missions with the blades as he could. He misses them, they’re  his family. A family how hates him.

He startles when he feels a hand on his shoulder he looks up at Ulaz and looks out the window. They’d already made it to headquarters, he must have been in deep thought. He stands shaking off the hand and exits the pod. Ulaz remains, looking after the young half-blood as he leaves.

“We don’t know who or what activated the alarm, all we know is that we couldn’t complete the mission.” Ulaz finished, he and Keith stood before Kolivan, the head of the Blades of marmora. Kolivan nods once, types something in his datapad and looks back at them.

“You're dismissed.” as soon as the words left Kolivan’s mouth Keith was out the door. 

He wasn't really in a hurry, he just wanted to go to the training deck, but of course he wasn't allowed in. Stupid rules how says he needs rest after a misstion. If he couldn't train then he should just head back to his room. On the way there his stomach started to growl, so he took a detour past the dining hall to pick up some food. On the way to his room, food in hand, the thoughts about his friends start again. Stupid fucking thoughts that preoccupy his brain all the time! His friends don’t want him around. They were his only family, but he should know by now that family wasn't for him, no matter how much he wanted one. He shook his head, no he won’t think about them. He walks around a corner and looks up for a second to make sure the halway is empty, but what he sees shocks him. In the opposite direction walk the three highest ranking members of the blades. That in itself isn’t strange, it’s the fact that the second in command has his arm wrapped around Kolivans waist, who is leaning in to him. When they pass each other Keith makes eye contact with Ulaz for a moment before he rushes down the hallway around two corners and into his room. Hopefully Ulaz didn’t see how shocked he was. 

Meanwhile Ulaz had remained before Kolivan. “Yes Ulaz what can I do for you?” Kolivan sighed knowing full well what that the expression the doctor wore meant. Ulaz just raised an eyebrow, looks pointedly at all the paperwork lying scattered on his desk. Kolivan sighed again “Yes I know, I know.” He stood up and stretched his sore muscles. 

And from what seems like nowhere out comes a big galra with a tail. With his mask activated so you can’t see his face. Kolivan smiles softly at the big galra, his second in command and his mate; Antok. The three galra walk out of the office, and start heading to their room. Antok wraps his arm around his mate’s waist and Kolivan leans into him. They walk around the corner leading to their room and they walk past a shocked looking Keith. Ulaz makes eye contact with Keith for the briefest moment just before Keith is rushing down the hallway.

Chapter Text

Keith laid on his bed in the bare room and couldn't stop thinking about what he saw the other day. What did it mean? Was Kolivan and his second in command a couple, married or whatever it was called in space? Was it something he wasn't supposed to see? But if it was something the blades weren't supposed to see or know about, why show it so openly? Keith wanted to ask Ulaz about it but he didn't know how he could ask. It was better so ignore it and pretend it never happened, that method had worked his whole life.

He wanted to talk to his friends in voltron but they wouldn’t  want to talk to him, not after he left. He sighed and got up from the bed, he didn’t want to hide from the blades just because he was unsure of what to do with the knowledge.

Keith entered the dining hall and looked around to find a familiar face. When he didn’t find one he got in line. The food at headquarters was better than at the castle of lions. He didn’t get why it was necessary to eat that disgusting goo. Today the kitchen served some blue meat (or at least he thought it was meat) with what looked like potatoes but green (can he really eat those?), with the normal vegetables. Keith took a little of everything and went to an unoccupied table, sat down with his tray and started to eat. 

He hadn’t really made any friends at the base yet, but he really liked some of the blades on base. He was almost done with his food when he felt a presence behind him. He didn’t know who it was, the only blades that interacted with him were away. The person behind him leaned over him and placed a bunch of papers in front of him. It was Ulaz,

“I want you to come by the medbay sometime this movement,” he said and tapped the papers once “and read this when you have time. It's about  galran biology. If you have any questions just come by the medbay and I’ll happily answer them.” Keith nodded in understanding and Ulaz walked away. Keith looked down at the papers and growled inwardly. The stack had to be  at least 200 pages. He knows deep inside he is never going to read it.

It had been several quintants since Ulaz asked him to visit him in the medbay. Keith knows he can’t avoid the first checkup forever but he can certainly try. He hasn't left his room for quintants. He doesn't want to see the doctor because if he does, the doctor will take him for the checkup and he’s sure he’s gonna blurt out what he saw. And he’s rather pass on that experience. There's not much he can do in his empty room, he read some of the papers he got from Ulaz but for the most part he’s just laying in bed staring at the ceiling. And when he does he starts to think about volton, his friends that for sure, if not hate dislike at him at the very least. For the most part he thinks about one big happy teddy-bear who gives the best hugs ever and makes the food goo edible and smells nice, and  always has something nice to say. He is a master at making Keith feel like a normal person, as if he’s just  like everyone else. Hunk, who makes him feel that it’s okay to be different. He likes to think back to when they first met.

It was the first day of the term and the new cadets looked lost in the big entry outside the auditorium. Keith looked at them with sympathy, he knew how hard the first days in the garrison could be. And the only reason he was there, witnessing the new cadets to begin with, was Shiro. Keith knew he would give the welcome speech. Shiro had insisted that the two of them would eat lunch together after, so here he was, waiting on Shiro, who of course took forever. The cadets around him were excited and nervous, and the murmur of voices was in some way soothing. Then he heard a scared voice around a nearby corner. He crept carefully towards the corner and looked around it. There stood a big guy with black hair a orange bandana (?) around his head. His chocolate brown skin looked soft, and his chubby body looked so huggable, like a big soft pillow. The eyes of the boy were a dark brown color, they were tender and you could see the love in them. “Mom please, I don’t know what to do, I can’t breathe!” the boy talked on the phone and he panicked. And without thinking Keith walkt up to the panicked boy and grabbed his shoulders, the boy looked at him in surprise.

“You need to take it easy big guy, everything will be okay, you just need to take deep breaths for me okay” Keith said and took deep breaths like Shiro did when he had panic attacks, for the boy to follow. The boy jerked his head in a nod, and then the boy had him in a strong hold against his broad chest. Keith continued to take deep breaths and soon the boy could breathe normally again. The boy didn't let go of him immediately, so Keith had the pleasure of feeling that he was right, the boy really was as soft as a pillow. He pulled away from Keith and looked embarrassed .

“Oh my god! I’m soooo sorry, I didn’t mean to trap you like that!” the boy said, starting to panic for another reason.

“Hey don’t sweat it, it’s okay.” Keith replied quickly, and the boy calmed a bit. Keith smiled a little “Besides you are like a big teddy-bear. I'm also skeptical that someone could ever be afraid of you.”

“Hehe yeah guess you right… I’m Hunk by the way, just so you know who to avoid.”

“Why would I want to avoid you?”

“You know, so you don’t get trapped again.”

“Hunk believe me I've been through worse things than a gigantic hug from a teddy-bear.” Hunk blushed and looked away. “Hey if you ever feel the need to talk, yo..”

“There you are! I thought you bailed on me.” Shiros' voice interrupted them as he walked up to the two embarassed cadets. “Keith, I really hope you aren’t scaring of the new cadets” he said with a fake stern voice.

“Shut it Shiro, I was just trying to help.” Keith turned to Hunk again “Like I said before we got interrupted you can find me if you need to.” Hunk, who had been shocked to see Shiro, turned to look at Keith smiling and nod at him, before they turned, leaving a baffled Hunk behind.

Every time Keith thought about their first meeting he got that strange warm feeling in his chest. He missed looking at those eyes that shined with love. Hunk the boy who now is terrified of him, and his good mood gone. Keith falls in a troubled sleep, with nightmares about his father's death, voltron, and more. 

Ulaz was fuming it had been over a movement ago he had asked Keith to get his checkup and still he hadn’t come by. Why did the boy avoid the medbay as if it were a plague? He decided that tomorrow, he would drag the boy to the medbay by his hair if it was necessary.

He sighed, the day in the medbay was almost done just a varga more, then he could go to their packroom and snuggle with his packmates. Suddenly the alarm went off and a dobosch later a team of four was rushed in on stretchers. He did a quick once over “Prepare operating room five! Koolon take the burn, Prok you take the burn and stab wound, and Levvi you take broken bones!” The team in medbay had worked together so long  that they knew exactly what he meant. Ulaz himself rushed to get ready for the emergency operation.

Ulaz was exhausted. A five varga operation usually requires energy, and doing it in the middle of the night requires even more. Ulaz was on his way to his packroom on dead feet when he heard a whine, a kittlings whine. He looked around, in this section there are not supposed to be any kits. But it’s not unheard of that if a kittlings parent or pack is on a longer mission they stay in another pack’s room. He shook his head. It is what it is, they have everything under control. He continues walking to the packroom where Kolivan and Antok are cuddling in their sleep, he really misses his mate, he sighs and lays down and he is immediately drawn to Kolivan's back by Antok's tail. He smiles, even without his mate here, he has his packmates to keep him warm.

Ulaz shoots out of the nest and startles both Kolivan and Antok a varga or so later. “Ulaz what's the matter?” Kolivan wonders sleepily, eyes closed but ears tilted in his direction indicating that he is listening with full attention. 

“We don’t have any kitts on the base!” Kolivan and Antok looked at each other confused. “We don’t have any kitts on the base right?” Ulaz looked at them with wide, frantic eyes when Antok shook his head. Ulaz was out the door in a tic, with the words “Then why did I hear one?”

Chapter Text

Ulaz was running down the hall at top speed with Antok and Kolivan right behind. They didn’t know what the doctor was on about but knew he was rarely wrong. Ulaz came to a dead stop in the middle of a hall where the blades that didn’t live with a pack were assigned. Listening for the whine, he didn’t hear anything abnormal. His shoulders slumped he must have hallucinated, but he was unwilling to admit that he was wrong. Kolivan and Antok were also listening for a sound, and when they didn't hear anything they shared a look. Ulaz heard Antok and Kolivan walk back to their room, but he didn’t care, he was greatful they had  left without saying anything. He wanted to stay longer to see if he heard it again.

Ulaz stayed rooted to the floor for he don’t know how long, he was so sure he had heard one.

Ulaz sighed, maybe he should go back to the packroom and pretend this never happened. He turned to walk back. He slowly walked back through the corridors, he had gone around a corner when he heard the whine again. He stopped dead in his tracks, to listen. He once again turned around but this time to follow the sound.

He was standing in front of a door. A door he had almost knocked on several times the past movement, but never did. Now however he knocked on said door, maybe with more force than necessary. Ulaz waited a few ticks before he entered an override code to get into the room.

The room was pitch black, and thanks to galras night vision he could see pretty well. He looked towards where the bed stood but the bed was empty. The whine was coming from the bed anyway. With light steps he walked towards the bed, knelt down to look underneath. There was Keith curled up in a small ball.

“Keith, hey kit what's wrong?” Ulaz whispered in a soft voice. Keith stiffened  at the sound of his voice. 

He started to shiver and shook his head mumbling “ no no no no… I didn’t do anything… it’s not my fault… I can’t breathe, please let me go. no no no I don’t want to… let me go, let me go, let me go” 

Ulaz frowned what did the kit mean? He starts to purr trying to ease the kit. "Keith, whatever you see it's not real you're not in danger you're safe here." Keith loosened a bit so Ulaz continued to speak in the same soft voice. 

"And that's how I met Kolivan, I guess it's kind of ordinary, but it stuck with me. I had been alone for a very long time so that act of kindness made me  the man I am today." Keith turns around to look at Ulaz. "I know, I crossed a line, I will leave you." He stands up and turns to walk away when he feels a hesitant hand on his ankle. Ulaz looks down and sees Keith pull his hand back under the bed. He crouches down to look underneath the bed once again. Keith stares at the floor, his bangs cover his eyes but not the light blush on his cheeks. "You want me to stay." He states, the kit refuses to look at him. "I don’t mind."

Keith looks at Ulaz on the opposite side of the room, head resting against the wall, eyes closed. Keith doesn't know why he stayed.

Keith wants to sit beside Ulaz or more accurately rest his head on his shoulder, or even better lap and feel the warmth from another body. He slowly makes his way out from under the bed. Ulaz always in his line of sight. He makes his way towards Ulaz and his ear twitches in Keith's direction, he stops but Ulaz doesn't open his eyes. When finally, he is at the wall beside Ulaz, he slides down and sits stiffly beside the larger man. He scoots closer every few minutes and when he’s close enough he hesitantly rests his head against Ulaz's shoulder. And not long after he is out like a light.

Keith wakes in his bed and feels more rested than he has in a long time. He stretches with a grunt. He got that warm feeling in his chest. He can’t remember what feeling it is. But he knows he’s felt it before but he doesn't really remember.

“Keith come on down now it’s dinner time!”

“Coming dad, just a minute I need to finish this first.” Keith hears his father sigh deeply and giggles silently. He continues with the drawing. It's almost done. He only needs to color in the house and ship, but the ship doesn’t look like a normal ship, it's looks like a lion. Suddenly he’s no longer laying on the floor, he’s in the air and a pair of strong hands around his waist.

“Now my little artist, it’s dinner time and I know for a fact that your minutes are more than an hour.” His father says and tickles him mercilessly. Keith laughs and trying to get free but his father holds him tight. Then they walk down the stairs Keith over his dad's shoulder like a sack of potatoes still giggling. He’s placed on his chair with a hot plate in front of him.

“Dad, it was delicious. Can you make it again tomorrow?”

His father laughs “Keith we eat this almost every night if you could, we would eat this for lunch and dinner every day!” Keith opens his mouth to reply but his father interrupts him “I know, but if we want to be healthy we need a mixed diet. We have discussed this, so you'll have to be happy with us eating it four nights a week.” He says seriously but ruffles Keith's hair to show he means what he says but isn’t mad at Keith for asking again.

After dinner they prepare for bed, Keith said goodnight to his father and walked up the stairs to his room. That night Keith had a nightmare and hid under his bed like always. His father walked in and sat down beside the headboard. He started to talk about anything, just to calm him. After some time Keith crawled out and into his fathers lap. Head resting against his chest and arms wrapped around his neck. His father stood and brought him to his room. Laid Keith there and kissed the now sleeping child on his forehead “I love you my little shit” he whispered before he walked to the other side of the bed and looked out the window to talk to the stars. “I wish you could meet our little star. He's wonderful and just like you, my love. One day I hope we meet again. But until then I’m not gonna leave him.” Unknown to his father Keith wasn’t asleep, he had heard his fathers word. The warm feeling in his chest had never been this strong before and at his fathers words he fell asleep with a big smile that didn't fade. 

This is a feeling he hasn't felt since his father. And even if Keith thinks about him now he doesn't get so sad anymore. He is relieved he can feel it but why does he? Had something happened the day before that he doesn’t remember? Suddenly he remembers what happened the night before with Ulaz, he must have carried him to the bed. Even if he feels a bit embarrassed that he had fallen asleep on Ulaz’s shoulder, he's not as embarrassed as he should be. He shakes his head and smiles a little, the warmth growing. What a turn of events.

Still smiling he leaves his room for the first time in quintants and makes his way to the dinning hall. Once there he sits like usual at an empty table. The surrounding blades see him smiling and for most of them it’s the first time they’ve seen him smile. Keith, unaware of the blades watching him, continues to happily eat his food. He even swings his legs (cause he can’t reach the floor) to the others' enjoyment. He looks like a happy little kit with a new toy. They smile, happy to see their new member finally showing his emotions (but also a little concerned by his behavior). Keith munches happily on his last piece of something purple that tasted somehow like chicken but not quite.

“I see someone is enjoying their meal.” Keith jumps and looks up at Ulaz who's sitting on the other side of the table. When did Ulaz get there Keith thought before Ulaz continued “I’m sorry if I scared you Keith that was not my intention.” 

“Don’t worry about it, I didn't even know I was smiling.” he says and mentaly berates himself to be more alert. They eat in silens for a minute no, a dobosh (Keith you're in space now) before he clears his throat “I was… wondering if you have time for my checkup today?”

“Of course, if you are willing to wait till I’m finished we can go to the medbay together.”  Ulaz says, he is surprised but pleased.

Keith nods and looks at his empty tray and glances at the foodcourt trying to decide if he’s willing to stand and wait for some more of that purple stuff. Suddenly he has a piece of it on his tray. He looks up at Ulaz who doesn’t look at him but he can see the corner of his mouth twitch the tiniest bit. He eats the meat(?) without commenting on Ulaz's odd behavior.

On the way down to the medbay, the warm feeling disappeared from Keith's chest. What had he felt and why did Ulaz of all people make him feel something only his father had made him feel? And because of that stupid feeling here he was on a examination table in the medbay, anxiety sky high, what if Ulaz needed a blood work or worse what if he needed an injection. He hates needles. Okay Keith, you’re not gonna need an injection, everything’s gonna be fine. And if you need one you're gonna be a good boy and take it without any problem! He thinks, preparing himself.

Ulaz comes in with a datapad in hand and sits on his chair. He asks Keith to open his mouth, he looks at his teeth. He takes his blood pressure, his heart rate and everything. And Keith relaxes more and more throughout the examination.

“Okay Keith just two more things I want to ask you some questions and I want to take a blood sample. I know some blades don’t like them. Do you prefer taking it now or do you want to answer my questions first?”

“Can we do questions first” Keith says nervously “I’m not a fan of shots…”

“That's perfectly fine. Okay, what's your name that we already know, so we skip to question… lets see ah four. Do you have any illnesses you know about?” Keith shakes his head and Ulaz nodes and takes note. “Do you ever have any problems with migraines/headaches or joint pain?” Once again he shook his head.

Ulaz looks over his datapad to make sure he has all the answers needed. “All right, that's all. We just need that blood sample then we are done. Koolon put these in Keith Kogane’s file. If he doesn't have one, make one.” Ulaz says and hands Koolon the datapad and who nods. Ulaz brings out all the necessary equipment to take the blood sample and Keith tries to keep his cool. “I know you're not a fan of this, would it help if I put some numbing gel on the arm?”

“I… I don’t know, maybe?” Keith answers not entirely sure if it would help.

Ulaz smiles at the answer which is more like a question, and decides to use the trick he uses when he gives kitlings a shot.“Okay Keith what can you tell me about those papers I gave you? Ulaz asks as he smears the area with the numbing gel.

Keith frowns and looks at the wall opposite him “Oh, actually I haven't really read that much, but I read about the packsystem. If I understand correctly it’s like a family…” Ulaz is done with the bloodwork and listens to Keith while he reflects on his thoughts about the packsystem “but the packmebers don’t need to have any common ancestors to be a pack… You don’t really need that to be a family on earth either but…” He falls silent, lost in thought.

Ulaz puts a hand on Keiths’ shoulder “Okay we’re done you ca…” Koolon comes in behind the curtains interrupting.

“I’m sorry to interrupt but there’s no age listed for Keith. Not in his file or the form.”

“Oh I thought we already knew that, that's why I didn’t ask…” Ulaz says a bit surprised and looks at Keith expectantly.

“Ehh, let me see we’ve been in space for at least three earth months… so either I just turned 19 or I will soon.” Keith says looking up at Ulaz who looks shocked by his answer.

“Did you just say 19? Like one nine?” Ulaz asks very seriously a growl creeping up his throat.

“Uhh, yeah is something wrong?” Keith asks when Ulaz just continues to growl. He pulls back on the bed away from Ulaz. “Did I say something wrong?” Keith asks and looks at Koolon who looks as surprised as Ulaz. “What's wrong with you two!?”

“Stay, I need to go talk with Kolivan!” Ulaz growls, turns on his heel and walks away “And Koolon please inform the kit what his age means to us.”

Ulaz storms into Kolivan’s office where Antok and Thace, who must have just now  returned from his mission, also are. “Ulaz please I know you are eager” Kolivan starts but stops when Ulaz snarls at him.

Chapter Text

Ulaz storms into Kolivan’s office where Antok and Thace, who just now must have returned from his mission, also are. “Ulaz please I know you are eager” Kolivan starts but stops when Ulaz snarls at him.

“Ulaz please take it easy I was just about to…” Thace is interrupted when Ulaz snarls at him too.

Ulaz places himself in front of Kolivan's desk towering over him “Do you know we have a literal CHILD in our ranks who YOU send out on deadly missions!?” Ulaz snarled pointing at Kolivan “A 19 YEAR OLD KIT KOLIVAN 19!” he screamed at Kolivan who now looks devastated. “19 YEARS HOW COULD YOU LET THIS HAPPEN KOLIVAN! AND IT DOESN’T MATTER IF HE’S A HALF-BLOOD HE STILL HAS KIT INSTINCTS!!” Ulaz takes a breath and says disappointedly “You of all people should know this isn’t right.”

Ulaz turns and walks towards the door but is stopped by Kolivan grabbing his wrist “Ulaz what are you talking about? Who’s 19?” And Ulaz sees in Kolivan’s eyes that he truly doesn't know what he’s talking about.

“Keith, he’s no older than 19” he says in a thin voice.

Keith looks after Ulaz’s retreating form confused by his behavior. And what did he mean by all that about his age?

"Okay, I guess I have to inform you about a galra’s life expectancy. Galra have a longer life than humans' I think. Galra can live up to about 5000 decapheobs if we're lucky but it's more common that we live between 3500 and 4000. So the fact that you only are 19 makes us a bit anxious. Half-bloods can either have the same life expectancy as their non-galra parent or their galra parent but its much more common that they live somewhere in between the two. How long is a human's lifetime?” Koolon says to a very  perplexed Keith.

“Oh a human lives up to 80 some lives longer and some shorter. The oldest a human has been is… 120 i think maybe a couple years younger but around 120.”

“Wow just 120 for us that is barely anything around that time in a galra’s life we start our second puberty…”

“Wait a second do galras have to live through two puberties?” Keith asks horrified “Ah man I barely made it through one!”

“I don't know what a half human half galras life expectancy is considering you are the only one, but if it’s longer you may go through a second puberty.” Koolon says carefully. “We are going to see if we can work out how long your lifespan will be approximately. Of course it won’t be completely accurate but we can get it roughly.” Koolon looks at Keith who looks completely terrified “But only if you want of course!”

“Okay… I rather not think about that at the moment. Can you tell me more about half-bloods?”

“Of course I can let's see… a half-blood can have kits instincts, even if the other parent’s race sees you as an adult at a specific age. If you have those instincts that may imply you will have a lifespan more like a galra. But it doesn't necessarily have to be right, you can have them even if the lifetime is more similar to the other parent’s lifetime.”

“Okay I think I got a hang of it. I just need it to settle in first. Do you think I can leave and go to my room? If Ulaz wants to talk he can find me there… or on the training deck.”

Koolon didn't look too sure about letting him go but he didn’t have to make a decision because at that moment Ulaz walked in with Kolivan, Antok and Thace. 

Kolivan looked like a kicked puppy and Ulaz looked furious. Antok and Thace looked a little shocked and upset. Keith looked at the four blades wondering what had happened to them. Maybe they would say he couldn't stay, what if they told him he wasn’t welcome here anymore. He couldn’t hear that for the millionth time. Where was he supposed to go? He couldn’t go back to Voltron, they hated him and he couldn’t go back to earth, he had no one there either. Keith opened his mouth to say something, he is an adult now, he can speak to them and maybe they would let him stay. But like always he can’t get a word out. He doesn't want to talk about his situation so he does what he does best. He flees, he's out the door in an instant. He hears the surprised calls after him but ignores it.

He does what he does best, escapes from his problems. He runs through corridors turning corners fast and without knowing where he’s going. He comes to a dead end and looks around frantically looking for a way forward. All he sees is two doors. He tries to open the door to the right, it’s locked and he tries the second door it opens. Behind the door is a little cleaning scrub. Perfect, he walks into the small room and looks around to find a good hiding place. He quickly finds a good place and climbs up to the highest shelf and hides behind a big box. He’s done this number of times and has never been found. He remembers one time when he hid from one of the foster fathers in their basement, they searched for him for several days before calling the police. The police didn’t find him in the house and started to search the area. In the end he crawled out from his hiding place and waited to be found. The foster father found him and proceeded to beat the shit out of him. This time he wouldn’t come out though, this time he would hide forever.

In the medbay the four highest blades scream at each other to the horror of the medical staff.

“ENOUGH!” Koolon shouts at last and they look at him in surprise. Koolon takes a deep breath “If you don’t stop screaming at each other, I need to ask you to leave NOW. You’ll scare the patients and if I understand correctly, you want to find the little blade who ran away…” he looks at his watch “ten doboshes ago. So I suggest you start looking for him.” Kolivan, Antok and Thace nod and run out to search for Keith. Ulaz looks at Koolon in a new light before he’s out the door too.

It had been a varga since Ulaz had started looking for Keith and he still had no idea where Keith could be. He also doesn't know where his packmebers are, but that doesn't bother him. He wants to find Keith alone because during the varga Ulaz has been searching for Keith, he’s come to the conclusion that four big, anguished galras would not put Keith at ease. That would be more likely to scare him even more. He was also the only one out of the four that had a little insight on how Keith was thinking. And therefore had a better chance of finding him. 

Meanwhile, Kolivan and Antok were in the launch bay looking over the logs of departing ships to see if Keith had made his way to the voltron team. They hadn’t seen a ship registered to him but he could have snuck onto a ship and been on his way to his friends. Kolivan sighed and looked at Antok who wrapped his arms around Kolivan’s waist and went to their office. When they arrive at the room it’s already occupied by Thace.

“I have already sent out a transmission  to the Castle of lions, they should answer soon.” Thace informs them.

“That’s good and if he’s not there he may get there later we don’t know where they are.” Kolivan says and in that moment princesses Allura answer. “Hello princess, how are you?”

“Oh.. I’m good, thanks for asking how are you… any news we should know about?” Allura answers smoothly but can’t entirely hide her surprise.

“We are just fine, as for why we called, it’s about Keith…” Thace started but was interrupted by someone off screen.

“Did I hear Ketih?” the voice belonging to Hunk said and entered the screen. “Oh hi guys how’s Keith? We haven’t heard from him in a while… has something happened to him?” Hunk asked worriedly.

“No he’s not hurt but we may not be exactly sure where he is at the moment he may be on his way to you at this very moment.”

“Oh he’s on his way to visit!? How nice! When do you think he will arrive? Hunk, could you maybe do a quick dinner so we can eat together?” Allura says with sparkling eyes.

“I don’t think you should get your hopes up. He got… upset earlier today so we just wanted to know if he had made his way over to you.” Kolivan informs them with a sigh.

“Oh okay… too bad we have not even heard from him in a while… and it would have been nice to see him” Hunk says disappointed.

“Well I don’t think we can do that much more for now. But if you hear from him let us know. And if he’s still on base we'll let you know.” Kolivan says and Allura nods and the screen disappears.

Ulaz had made his way to a part of the base that was rarely used. He was not sure if he would even find Keith but it was the place he was most likely to be found. Ulaz wanders around the abandoned corridors of the base when he comes to a dead end. He sighs and turns to go back when he hears the faintest sound of something moving against wood.

Ulaz walks up to the two doors and opens the left one, inside is an old scrub. He looks around and sees a larger box that could easily hide a person in Keith's size. He doesn't want to frighten the kit even more so he stays by the door. “Hey Keith I’m not entirely sure if you’re in here, but this area is the best place to hide. Rarely used and this scrub, no one would ever look here, I guess I got lucky when I heard something from here… Look, I know we didn’t handel the information about your age well. And I get why you ran away but I just want to help… if you allow me.”

Chapter Text

Keith had been hiding from the universe for about two vargas now and he was starting to regret running away like that but he was unwilling to come out from his perfect hiding place. And then he heard the door open and he carefully looked around the box to see Ulaz who looked… sad? Why was Ulaz sad, had something terrible happened to his friends in voltron, oh yeah right team voltron don’t like him anymore, they are not your friends remember that Keith. Ulaz stays in the doorway, and Keith is relieved that he stays there. But the door is the only way out, not good, but Ulaz wouldn’t harm him right?

“Hey Keith I’m not entirely sure if you’re in here, but this area is the best place to hide.” Ulaz says his voice hesitant as if he were telling the truth about not being sure Keith really was in there. “Rarely used, this scrub no one would ever look here, I guess I got lucky when I heard something from here… Look, I know we didn’t handel the information about your age well. And I get why you ran away but I just want to help you… if you allow me.”

Keith is shocked to hear that Ulaz wants to help him. He really wants to come out and hide under Ulaz’s shirt instead of behind this box. He doesn't know why he feels so safe with Ulaz, the feeling he has is the same warm feeling he used to have towards his father. Why does he have this feeling again? He doesn't want it. He has lost these feelings twice already, first his father, then Shiro when he disappeared during the Kerberos mission, and Shiro had come back to him. Maybe it was okay to have this feeling towards Ulaz. But then Shiro was lost in space again and when he got back he wasn't the same. Shiro grew tired of him, just like he knew he would, but it hurts in his chest just the same. No he would not accept this feeling, every time he felt safe someone took it from him one way or another.

Keith looks at Ulaz again but Ulaz is gone, he’s left him here all alone. Why was that surprising? Of course he did, no one wanted him. But Ulaz had been looking for him… That doesn't matter now, he is all alone just like he wanted.

“I really hope you come out, you know. So we can have a chat in a more comfortable place. But this is up to you.” Ulaz’s voice says and Keith looks out again searching and sees him sitting on the floor next to the open door. Well he hadn’t left that was good… he hopes. Ulaz has his eyes closed and it looks like he’s not about to leave any time soon. Keith makes his way out from behind the box and carefully makes his way down to the floor. He is positive Ulaz can hear him but his eyes are still closed. He took a seat beside Ulaz on the floor. “Are you alright?” Ulaz asks, concerned.

Keith just shakes his head and Ulaz opens his arms, an invitation for a hug, he can decide if he wants to fall in to them. Keith hesitates just for a moment before he falls into the waiting arms. Ulaz strokes his hair and Keith starts to sob and no matter how hard he tries to stop them he doesn't succeed. He cries into Ulaz’s arms for a varga, the tears stop and his breakdown is over. He wants to stay in Ulaz’s strong arms. He pulls away slowly hoping Ulaz will pull him back.

“You can stay here if you want to, I know how a breakdown feels and right now you need comfort.” open arms waiting to have the strong but broken kit in them again. This time Keith doesn't hesitate and falls back into Ulaz’s arms and crawls into his lap. 

He expects to be pushed away but Ulaz just wraps his arms around Keith and hugs him. Ulaz strokes his back comfortingly and hums a galran lullaby. Hoping that Keith will fall asleep because he knows Keith doesn't get anywhere near as much sleep as he needs. Keith nuzzels  his way into the crook of Ulaz's neck.

Ulaz doesn't know what his kit has been through but at this moment he wants to lock him away, out of harm’s way. He wants to protect him and never see him sad again. He knows his kit has had to endure much in his short life. Now, he doesn't have to endure his hardships by himself. Ulaz wants to be at his kit’s side for however long Keith allows him. Ulaz starts to groom the kits hair and he feels himrelaxe more as he fades into a heavier sleep. 

Ulaz sits with his kit in the abandoned scrub for vargas and doesn't bother to tell the others he had found the kit. His kit needed peace and quiet… wait a dobosh his kit? When did he start to see Keith as his? Would Keith even allow Ulaz to see him as a son? 

He needs to talk to Keith about this but for now he can hold his kit and make him feel safe while he sleeps.

Chapter Text

Kolivan paced his office anxiously, where were Ulaz and Keith, they had been gone for 6 vargas, 6! He had tried to call Ulaz multiple times but nothing! Thace had called him and even that didn’t work. It was past dinner and Ulaz always eats dinner. Apparently not today… Where could they be? Antok, who was standing in a corner, with his arms crossed over his chest, followed Kolivan with his eyes. Worried too but knew that if he lost his cool Kolivan would do somting very very stupid. Thace was out looking for Ulaz and Keith but the leader and second in command didn’t have the luxury of letting everything go, even if they knew the other blades would understand. But Ulaz was an adult and Keith was an adult in human eyes. There was no reason for them all to look.

Thace comes into the office again with a dejected face, Kolivan slumped in his chair and Antok just walks past him out the door. Kolivan looks at Thace hoping he can give some sort of information but Thace just shakes his head letting Kolivan know he has absolutely no information.

Antok didn't know where Thace had looked but he knew one place, one part of the base no one ever went to and he would bet his blade, that he would find something there.

Antok makes his way through the base briskly. Those who sees him scramble out of his way, no one wants to be in the big galra’s way.

Ulaz and Keith had both dozed off, Keith had his arms around Ulaz neck holding firmly, not willing to let go even in his sleep. Ulaz was holding Keith to his chest  just as firmly, he’s not willing to let go either. Ulaz woke first with a stiff neck but warmed by the boy in his arms. He’s not even a little bothered by his neck, if Keith is happy he’s happy. He starts to rub the boys back in an attempt to wake him without scaring him. Keith starts to wake up slowly and a faint purr is heard from the boy. Ulaz smiles and says “Keith kit I… We need to talk about your age and other problems we’ve recently discovered.” He feels how Keith starts to tense and quickly adds “You don’t have to worry, we’re not going to kick you out or anything, but this needs to be discussed. More accurately I’m going to talk a lot and you will listen to me okay?” Keith is still a little tense but not as much, and he nods. “First this behavior of yours, it has to stop. You can’t run away and hide from problems…” After a varga long lecture Ulaz was finished and sighed. “Okay kit time to get you some food and then we can go to bed alright?”

Keith couldn't deny that he was hungry but he wanted this to last  a bit longer. Keith didn’t know how he could ask to stay like this a bit longer. He made one of those strange noises and was about to let go and walk away. But he couldn't because Ulaz held him tighter. Keith tried for all but 1 tick before he slumped back against Ulaz’s warm chest.

Antok had been looking through the abandoned part of the base for a varga and he still hadn’t found anything. He was about to give up when he heard a voice. Creeping forward to not startle the person or make himself known. He heard a kit noise stopped in his tracks just for a tick. He rounded the corner and saw Ulaz sitting on the floor for some reason. He gets closer to see if Ulaz is injured.

“If you come one step closer Antok, you won’t remember anything until you are out of the cryopod.” Ulaz said with a calmness that made Antok understand that he would die if he didn’t listen, he took several steps back. “Good choice.” Antok watched Ulaz hugging something to him and making a soothing rumbel. “It’s just Antok, my kit. You don’t have to be afraid, he won’t be doing anything to harm you in any way.” 

Everything fell into place, Ulaz had Keith in his arms, the 19- year old kit who they had been searching for several vargas. A kit that Ulaz just had called his… Ulaz had found a kit who he now saw as his and anyone who dared to harm his kit would not live long. All Galra are very protective over their kits. But Ulaz, he was downright terrifying without a kit… They would all die by Ulaz’s hand if anyone were careless around his kit. 

Antok was very aware of how Ulaz considered his smallest movements. He took a few more steps away and Ulaz got a little more relaxed in his shoulders. Keith gets up from Ulaz’s lap and looks a bit embarrassed, he backs further into the room and out of Antoks sight. Ulaz positions himself in the doorframe signaling that Keith was protected from him.

“Ulaz, I will not harm the kit.” he said calmly, Ulaz bared his teeth in warning. Antok just sighed and turned to walk back to Kolivan and Thace and tell them he had found the two missing baldes.

Antok entered the packroom where Kolivan and Thace were cuddling in the nest, very obviously upset. Upon seeing Antok, Kolivan let out a whimper reaching for him with an arm still wrapped around Thace. “Did you find them?” Thace whispered almost inaudibly. Antok gave a weak smile as an answer. Thace gave a relieved huff, laid down again, and promptly fell asleep completely exhausted.

“There is something you aren’t telling me.” Kolivan says, giving Antok an urgent look.

“I don’t know when Ulaz found Keith…. But when I found them, Ulaz behaved like an overprotective father.”

“So you're telling me that Ulaz, who doesn't like kits, now has a kit? And one, who is a little shit?”

“Kolivan Keith is not a little shit, it’s only you who thinks so because he doesn't follow every order you give. And to be honest Ulaz is a little shit himself, they make a good father son duo.” Antok said with a small smile that didn't escape Kolivan’s notice.

Kolivan just groaned and laid back down in the nest. Closing his eyes, telling Antok that the conversation had ended.

Keith walked slowly behind Ulaz. On the way to… he didn’t even know but Ulaz had said sleep was on the top of the “to do- list” so probably to his room. The silence between them was not uncomfortable, Keith was glad that he didn’t need to fill the silence with talk.

Suddenly they arrived at his door. Keith was disappointed, now Ulaz would leave and he had to try falling asleep, alone in his room. He opened the door and walked in expecting Ulaz to wish him goodnight and leave.

"I don't know if I'm overstepping now but… would it be alright if I stayed till you're asleep at least?" Ulaz asked, looking a little nervous but at the same time determined… like a father who wants to protect his child. That warm feeling Keith had in his chest since Ulaz found him got even stronger. Keith looked at Ulaz trying to understand what he meant, what he felt towards him.

"Yeah it’s okay I guess… I'm just wondering… why… you care about me? I can't be that easy to deal with." Keith said in a small voice.

"I have come to a startling realization… a  realization that I have started to see you as my kit. And I would never hurt you or let anyone else hurt you either. But if you want I can leave you alone and be worried from afar." 

Keith was stunned, did he hear Ulaz right? Did Ulaz really see him as a son? No, that can’t be right. He was a selfish, an ungrateful brat so many foster homes had said that. He only thinks about himself, and doesn't understand that he's too cuddly, too childish, too self centered to be a good boy. 

But those who had been nice they, never thought that way. They just let him be who he was never asked questions about his needs. But every time he started to feel at home something happened and he was out again. He remembered the last good foster home he had been, he was 8 years old when he arrived. He had been there til he was 11 and the old couple was not able to care for him anymore.

After that home he had been placed in so many homes and some were hell from start but others started good but in the end they were the worst. Every time hope had started to come that this home was a good home, that hope was crushed, again and again, in the end he lost his hope and didn’t get it back until he met Shiro.

"I don't want to feel like this again! Every time I start to hope that maybe, maybe this time it's different. That this time nothing will happen I’m always wrong! I can’t take this any more! Please let me just die. I can't take it anymore." Keith screamed,, sinking to the floor, while devastating sobs tore through his body..

Chapter Text

Ulaz watched Keith sink to the floor sobbing, what did his kit mean by that? He crouched down to be at Keith’s level trying but failing to catch his eyes. He started to rumble, hoping that he could calm Keith just a little bit. Ulaz was now sitting on the floor showing that if Keith so wished to be cradled he could, but if not that's okay too. Ulaz wanted to just grab Keith and cradle him in his arms and show that he was very much loved and would always be. 

Keith sobbed for vargas without making a move towards Ulaz who was still on the floor waiting. The sobs coming from the boy finally started to die down. The kit had probably cried himself to sleep. To Ulaz’s surprise Keith peeked  up from behind his arms, fear, hope and could it be love in his eyes.

“I don’t know what makes you feel like your life doesn't mean anything. But let me help you feel that you are worth loving.” Ulaz said, looking Keith steadily in the eyes. He saw how badly Keith wanted him, needed him to be strong in his time of weakness. Ulaz opened his arms, a clear invitation and Keith didn’t hesitate this time.

Keith felt safe in Ulaz’s arms, in a way he hadn't felt since his father. Not even Shiro had made him feel this safe. Was he really going to let this happen? What if Ulaz was like everyone else? Was he willing to take the risk? Yes. Yes he was.

“Ulaz about what you said earlier… I just want you to know that I would like it if you saw me as your son. I just don’t know if I’m ready to fully see… no trust you as a father just yet.” Keith said, hoping Ulaz would take it well, but expecting a rejection.

Ulaz tightened  his arms around Keith “I understand that something awful happened in your past and I’m not upset about your trust. In fact I understand it more than you know. My mission now is to show how much I mean what I said and that I love you.” 

Keith didn’t know what he should say, his mind was completely blank. He stared into Ulaz’s eyes trying to find the lie in them. But the only thing he saw was the kindness and love Ulaz felt for him. Keith the unlovable. But if Ulaz did love him he was lovable right, cause if he wasn’t Ulaz would not be able to love him. But he did tell him that just a dobosh ago, and he couldn't see a lie in his body language or in his eyes. He wanted to say something kind, lovely back but words were never his strong suit. Instead, Keith did something he was good at, he acted, he was always good at impulsive actions. He threw himself into Ulaz’s arms and hugged him as hard as he could, no words could form on his lips. Keith stood there in Ulaz’s arms and never wanted to leave the security of them.

Keith felt how Ulaz started to pull away and started to panic a little, was he about to leave him now? No no no no nononononono! 

“No please don’t go, don’t leave me.” Keith said with a voice so small he wasn’t sure it even left his mouth.

“I’m not about to leave Keith I promise. But you really need sleep so I suggest we cuddle in the nest.” Ulaz said looking over to where the nest should be located but was met with the sight of the plain mattress with one pillow and one blanket. “But that doesn't qualify as a nest, barely a bed… come along to our packroom there is a nest and we don’t have to build one, what do you say?”

The packroom, what did Ulaz mean with packroom? Keith had a faint memory, wait wasn't "pack" another word for family. And wasn’t Ulaz’s family or pack the highest four blades in the howl organization? If that was true that meant Kolivan, Antok and Thace would be in that packroom. Keith backed away from Ulaz shaking his head.

“No, I’m fine here. I like my bed, but if you want to go to your family… or pack, you can go, I’m fine! I don’t want to keep you from your family… pack.” Ulaz didn’t understand why Keith suddenly didn't want his company anymore. Then it clicked, of course Keith had already told him that he wasn’t sure he could trust Ulaz entirely There was no way in hell that he trusted his pack members enough to sleep in the same nest.

“Keith, we can build a nest if you'd rather stay here. It's okay. Besides, the others can do without me for a few days.”

( A/N:I didn’t have the energy to write when they built the nest, and I don’t know how or what I would write, I’m sorry maybe I will go back later and write it. Probably not but who knows I definitely don't .)

Thace woke up first the next day, feeling quite sad that Ulaz hadn’t come home. He knew that if Ulaz had put his mind to something it was useless to try and stop him. He got dressed and made his way to get coffee. He smiled a little because according to Keith, was their coffee not coffee it was shit and he didn’t understand how he could drink something like that. He remembered the first and only time Keith had tried it “This shit is not coffee! How in the world can you compare this shit to something as heavenly as coffee? Coffee is blessed by the Gods! They wouldn’t bless this abomination, they would smite it, wipe it and its memory from the universe. Complete and utter shit!” Had Keith yelled, not said, yelled at the top of his lungs. The kit was funny sometimes. Thace shook his head, no time for funny memories, it’s time to focus on the task at hand.. 

Thace had been working for at least 3 vargas when Kolivan sent a message asking if he could come to his office immediately. ‘What does he want now? He always complains that I don’t finish my work on time, but he never sees his own part in this! Stupid! Thace thought on the short way to Kolivan’s office. He didn’t bother to knock on the door, he was anoyd. And if he was anoyd then Kolivan could be anoyd too. “What do you want, Kolivan?” he asked, his annoyance clear in his voice.

“I don’t want anything.” Kolivan started, Thace opened his mouth to interrupt but Kolivan held up his hand stopping him. “ I don’t want anything, but Ulaz wants something. I don’t know what, he just said he wanted to meet all of us here.”

Thace started to lose his cool, he needed to work, he was coding a new message for Antok. It should have been done yesterday but no, Ulaz wanted a meeting and he didn’t even bother to show up! “Okay I’ve been sitting here for two vargas! If I had been allowed to go back to my office I would be done with your message Antok!” Antok looked a little stressed at the mention of the message and was about to nod his approval for Thace to leave. A transmission from the castle of lions stopped him. Kolivan accepted and his screen showed the yellow and former blue now red paladin. There was a momentary silence where the two paladins stared at the three blades.

“Okay we weren’t  sure you would answer…” the red (formerly blue) paladin Lance started but was interrupted by the yellow paladin Hunk (Thace was almost 100% sure that was his name).

“You called like yesterday or something and said you couldn’t find Keith. We promised to call if he showed up here but he hasn’t, and you promised that you would call and tell us if you had found him. We start…” Lance coughed into his hand “Okay I started to get worried, have you guys found him?” 

“Oh we’re so sorry, yes we found him late last night-cycle. If I had known that these three had called you, I would have called and told you we had found him. Again I’m sorry we caused so much worry. But like I said he’s been found and is well.” Ulaz said who had apparently arrived in time for the paladin’s call. “Now if you will excuse us I need to talk to my pack regarding personal matters. I will tell Keith that you wish to talk to him.”

“Oh, we don't want to disturb you. Say hi to Keith and tell him we're waiting for his call, bye” Hunk said waving to them and the screen went black.

The three blades turned to Ulaz who just raised an eyebrow daring them to say something. “I know this is not an ideal situation by any means. I know that I’m needed as a doctor and I will remain as such… just not as much as before. Keith is now my top priority, not just because he’s my kit. He has… suicidal thoughts. I don’t think he’ll  take his own life but I also don’t think he cares whether he lives or dies, and in turn he’s become reckless. Dangerously so.. So we, yes Kolivan we, need to show him that we care about him.” Ulaz sighed and slumped into a chair, when he looked up at them again he had tears in his eyes “Please help me take care of him, he won’t trust us yet, but he will. I know it, just help me.” Thace saw how his mate struggled with this and knew that even if Keith would only ever really trust Ulaz they would be able to help him and care for him. He was just a kit after all.

Chapter Text

Keith woke up in the nest he and Ulaz had made the night before. He felt warm and loved. Something he hadn't felt in forever. He stretched out and the place Ulaz had slept was now empty. Keith sat up and squinted looking around the room for Ulaz, but he was gone. However, there was a note on his pillow that read ¨Keith, I’ve gone to talk to Thace, Kolivan, and Antok. I will fetch breakfast for the both of us while I’m gone. We will talk about arrangements when I’m back but don’t worry, that's my job now.¨ Keith smiled at the note knowing deep down this would be a turn for the better.
A soft knock made him aware of his surroundings, he looked at the door to see Ulaz standing there with a tray.

“I’m sorry Keith, did I wake you?” He said walking further into the room.

Keith stretched and sat up, shaking his head “No, I was awake, saw your note and didn’t know when you would get back.” Keith swallowed, maybe Ulaz would be angry at him for his laziness but let’s see if this is okay. He looked down and continued “So I thought that I could lay in bed till you came and shower after… I’m sorry.”

Ulaz, who had been occupied with the food, quickly looked up at Keith “Why are you apologizing? It was a good decision, if you had been in the shower the food would be cold by the time you were done. And besides, it's okay to have lazy days.” he said, blinking at Keith. Who smiled and hesitantly reached out to take one of the warm sandwiches. Ulaz and nodded his approval.
They ate in comfortable silence, Keith leaning into Ulaz while he gnawed on a sandwich.

After breakfast Keith took his shower while Ulaz cleaned up after their meal. Keith knew that he and Ulaz would have the conversation that he had been avoiding for a wary long time now. He wanted to talk about it but at the same time not, he wanted to trust Ulaz with everything. Was he ready to share his darkest secrets? The secrets he hadn't even told Shiro. Things he never wanted to think of again, but was a constant in his nightmares. Everyone on the voltron team had them, but not in the beginning. Shiro was the one they knew had them almost every night. And Shiro was the only one who knew that Keith had them every night long before he went to space.
Keith walked out of the bathroom dressed and ready for the day. He wanted to get some training hopefully with Ulaz. If he just asked nicely, Ulaz wouldn't say no. He looked over at Ulaz and saw him lying in the nest with closed eyes.

“Hey Ulaz can we go to the training hal?” He asked cautiously.

“Yes, I guess we could do that. And I’m guessing you want to spar?” Ulaz replied but didn’t make a move to get up. Keith waited excitedly by the edge of the nest. A few doboshes went by and Ulaz was still seated in the nest. Then Keith let out one of those strange noises. He clapped his hand over his mouth, eyes wide. “Hmm, are you impatient kit?” Ulaz raised an eyebrow he hadn't even opened his eyes to look at Keith, who huffed at him. A chuckle escaped Ulaz “Okey kit lets go then.” he said moving from the nest and out through the door with Keith following him.

Ulaz and Keith circled around, their gaze never leaving the other. Ulaz launched at Keith’s head with his wooden staff. Keith effortlessly slipped between his legs. They turned and locked eyes, and this time it was Keith who moved first and aimed at his right side. Ulaz moved left to avoid the strike, but Keith staff was there blocking him. The kit quickly turned the staff and kicked him fast and har in the chest. Ulaz hit the floor hard.

“Very good Keith, you have good instincts.” He said and rose from the floor. He saw how Keith was prepared for another turn “No kit no more now.”

“I get you down once and you give up? You had me down like 20 times!” Keith protests high on adrenaline.

“Kit we have been training for three vargas.”

“Oh three vargas, I didn't think we had been at it that long.” he said quietly.

“I know that time flies when having fun, nothing to worry about. I say we go and freshen up and then get some food.” Ulaz replied light hearted. Keith nodded quickly to the suggestion and went to the changing rooms. Ulaz followed in a slower pace after his kit. He had forgotten something, something regarding Keith but what? Food where they were about to get, he had released his pent-up energy in training just now. So what was he forgetting, it was somehow connected to Kolivan's office.

“Ulaz do you have any friends that’s not blades?” Keith’s voice got Ulaz out of his thoughts, and he made a confused sound. “I said, do you have any friends that’s not blades? I was just wondering… you don’t have to answer.”

“Oh actually I do, it’s quite normal to have friends who aren’t blades. They don’t know that we are blades of course, it would ruin the whole "we're a secret rebel organization" thing you know.” Ulaz answered and then he remembered it friends! He was supposed to tell Keith his friend in voltron missed him and wanted to talk! “And speaking of friends, the voltron paladins want you to get them a call.” Ulaz said, pleased that he remembered at least. But the reaction he got from Keith didn’t he expected. The kit froze, his eyes widening and breathing quickened. Ulaz took hold of the boys shoulder grounding him a little “Keith, breathe. You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable doing. I just passed on the message. If you don’t want to call then don’t. I don’t give a damn.” His kit looked at the floor, ears pink. He placed a hand on his cheek making the boy look up at him for a tic then returning to the floor. Instead to continue on their way to the dinning area he turned towards Keith’s room knowing that the kit was not up for a big crowd right now.

“Ulaz I may be a kit but I’m not made of glass. We can go to the hall.” Keith said when he turned left instead of right. Making the older stop in his track and turning to face Keith. “Yes I’m sure.” he said and glared at Ulaz. And turned on his heel headed towards the dining hall. “I can’t talk to them yet…” Keith muttered but Ulaz could not take up more than the start of the sentence before the boy had turned a corner and disappeared from sight and hearing.

Thace was seated at an empty table, and looked at his food without really seeing it. Jumped in surprise when a tile was placed hard on the other side of the table. Looking up at the person who disturbed his peaceful lunch. Keith sat askew in front of him, his face annoyed. Soon after came Ulaz and settled down next to Keith and opposite Thace. Ulaz’s face was also annoyed but Thace could also see sadness in his face. Ulaz opened his mouth.

“No! If you say a single word about it I’m going to smash this plate in your face and I will not talk to you in a month.” The kit threatened and Thace knew from experience that those threats weren't just threats.

“But…” Keith glared at Ulaz with so much annoyance and anger that the words died on his mates lips. No one had ever silenced Ulaz with just a look before, but Ulaz’s kit just did and in front of Thace. It was the best day of Thace’s life he had witnessed a kit who hasn’t been with the blades long silence Ulaz! Their head doctor who even Kolivan was afraid of sometimes. Be silenced by Keith who in that moment had Thace’s respect. He couldn’t help it but he started to giggle and when Ulaz’s eyes met Thace’s he lost it completely. He roared with laughter and fell off the bench. He could feel the eyes from the few blades in the hall look at him. He picked himself up from the floor still laughing and looked at Keith. The kit’s eyes shone with wonder. Their eyes met for a heart beat and the wonderful kit gave him the tiniest smile Thace had ever seen. Then he stood up and left them at the same time Thace was on the floor again.

After a few doboshes Thace had calmed enough to retake his seat at the table. Meeting Ulaz eyes “I'm never going to let you live this one out love, I hope you know that.” he said with sparkling eyes and even Thace himself could hear the giggle in his voice.

Chapter Text

Thace had had the best day in a very long time. He had seen Keith’s death glare at Ulaz, and was positive that if it was meant for him, he would just be a puddle on the floor. No Thace was not willing to anger the boy so he got the death glare. Thace had promised Ulaz to not talk about this to the rest of the pack but Ulaz should know by now he never held his promises. He opened the door to Antoks office knowing that at this time of day he and Kolivan had lunch in the former’s office. “Okay gang I have to tell you what happened in the dining hall! It was wonderful!” He said without any greetings. Antok looked up from his plate and saw the mischievous glint in Thace’s eyes.

“What have you done this time Thace?” Kolivan said with a deep suffering sigh, massaging the bridge of his nose.

“Nothing!” he exclaimed “Why do you always think it’s always me?” Kolivan just gave him a deadpan look which said do you really want me to get into that? Thace huffed and crossed his arms “For your information it was Keith who was awesome. I was about to tell you what happened but I think I changed my mind.” he turned around, hedging for the door while saying more to himself than the other two “I promised Ulaz not to tell anyone so at least he won’t get mad…”

“Wait, did you say Ulaz and promise?” Antok said who now had lifted his gaze from his food and was now peering at Thace with interest. With the nod he got confirming he had heard right he leaned forward “I’m very much interested in what happened that made you promise Ulaz to not say anything. My mate may not want to know but he can leave in that case.” he looked over at Kolivan and gestured for him to leave.

In response to Antok’s words he leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow and looked at Thace.

“Oh so you want to know what happened huh?” said Thace, and Kolivan just looked back waiting for him to continue. “Okay so I was in the dining hall and was eating my lunch all by myself may I add. Then came Keith and he looked really annoyed at something or someone. After a dobosh or two an annoyed Ulaz also arrived. It looked like he wanted to say something important or whatever. Keith just saw that Ulaz was about to say something and said No! If you say a single word about it I’m going to smash this plate in your face and I will not talk to you in a month. ” Yes Thace had memorized every single word that the kit had said to Ulaz cause why not. “And Ulaz became silent and that alone is kind of unbelievable… but then Ulaz was about to speak anyway and that's when it happened!! He gave him a glare that had Ulaz words die on his tongue!! And then he was like imma out of here losers but before he left he had the tiniest smile and he looked me right in the eyes! It was so perfect!” Thace said the last part he said through his purring.

“So you're telling me that Keith has Ulaz wrapped around his fingers?” Antok said amused then a mischievous grin spread across his face “Do you mind if I go and seek out the kit.” he said, not asking and therefore  not caring about the other blades response.

Keith had made his way to the training rooms after his lunch with Ulaz and Thace. A lunch that somehow became very amusing for the latter. Keith had of course noticed that everyone had respect for the head doctor, and some of them seemed even scared of him. Now that he really thought about it even Kolivan the toxic and fearless leader over the blades seemed wary of him. Maybe it was a reason Ulaz seemed so alone apart from the howl pack thing out of that he didn’t seem to have any friends. Or maybe he just wanted it that way. But if he wanted it like that, why did he then so desperately try to and succeeded to adopt him? This just gave him a headache when had everything became so complicated? He had left all the complicated stuff behind. But this stuff was nothing bad right? Okay no now he needs to focus on the thing at hand training.

Keith had been at it for some time now and he still had energy left when the training program shut down. He looked shapely over to the control room where Ulaz stood, arms crossed.

“Okay Keith training is over, you need a break.” he said into the microphone and walked through the door and out to Keith.

“Come on Ulaz I still have energy left  I need to do something!” he whined.

“Nope not gonna happen you’ll just pull a muscle.” the doctor stated confidently “and you need to shower before dinner.” he turned to Keith “I hoped we could join Thace, Antok and Kolivan?” he said like Keith had a choice.

“Oh yeah that’s okay… I will meet you guys in the dinner hall then…” Keith said awkwardly, backing away from Ulaz. He hiked his thumb over his shoulder “guess I head for the showers then.” he turned around making a hasty retreat when Ulazs voice stopped him.

“We don’t need to eat with them. It’s up to you but if you want me as family they come in the bargain. I guess I’m asking you to tolerate them at least.” Ulaz sounded sad and hopeful. “Can you give them a chance? One dinner that’s all I’m asking for.”

Keith looked at Ulazs posture and eyes and he did understand that he really had a choice. When Ulaz asked a question he really did want a truthful answer, he wanted Keith's opinion and he wanted Keith to be comfortable. He smiled at the doctor and nodded “But I do want to try. If they come with you and I want whatever this is” he gestured between them “to continue. Then I have to let you all in, with pros and cons. So yeah I see you and the others at dinner.” Ulaz smiled at him, shaking his head.

“Thats good kit. I see you at dinner” he placed a hand on Keith's shoulder “And it will be fine. And you know I will not let you feel uneasy if you do all you have to do is  let me know, alright?” Keith nodded at him and went in for a quick hug and was out the door, before Ulaz could hug him back.

Chapter Text

The kit was hard to find, Antok had searched the howl base (that was available for Keith) but nothing! Therefore he was at the medbay. He took a deep breath through his nose and entered through the door and made his way to Ulaz's office which was on the other side of the medbay for some reason. Why was it placed there? Why not by the entrance? “Hey Ulaz have-” he pulled off his hood and dissolved his mask and looked up at ”Keith!” the boy jumped up from his seat in Ulaz chair and looked at Antok with wide eyes. Antok had obviously startled the kit. Maybe Keith was tired and had come here to take a nap and Antok had disturbed him!

“I’m sorry, Ulaz said I could sit here…” Keith trailed of uncertainly as if he wanted to continue his sentence but didn’t know if Antok would believe him.

“No, don't apologize Keith. We tend to just barge into each other's offices without knocking…” Antok rescued Keith, his tail swishing nervously behind him. 

“And Ulaz is okay with you doing that,” Keith raised one of his jet black eyebrows at him “in his medbay office where he’s talking to patients or packmates of patients?”

Antoks eyes avoided Keith “Yeah… no he’s not. He has chewed us out  many times… but we never learn.” he rubbed his upper arm. “Anyway I was not looking for him. I was looking for you, Ulaz told us that you would join us for dinner.” Antok liked to cook, it helped him calm down after a stressful day. “We said that we would eat in the dinding hall but I wanted…”

“Antok why are you nervous?” Keith asked, looking confused for a tick before a thought struck him “Oh… you don’t want me there…” Keith said softly, nearly inaudible.

“What no! Keith, that’s not what I meant! I was trying to invite you to our personal quarters so I could cook dinner!” he said, shell shocked. The small boy before him was taken back by this it seemed “Don’t worry I like making dinner. It helps me calm down, I haven't had time to cook lately.”

“If you don’t have time don’t do it just cause I will be there. Do what you have to. I’m fine with the food in the dining hall.”

“Oh don’t worry kit! I was going to do it today anyway” that was a lie Antok hadn't planned to cook that night. He had promised Kolivan a little mini date before dinner but when Ulaz had informed them Keith would join dinner he told Kolivan that could wait till tomorrow.  Keith  made a happy little kit noise, and when Antok heard it he knew he made the right decision. 

But Keith's eyes widened and he clapped his hands over his mouth and said a muffled “Okay” behind them when the door opened and Ulaz walked in. 

He looked between the two of them. Noticing Keith's hands over his mouth and Antoks angry and sad expression. Ulaz stalked over to Keith, slung an arm over his shoulders purring to calm him. Keith instinctively leaned into him, hand still over his mouth. Ulaz shot Antok a look, urged him to tell him what the hell he was doing to his kit.

“I was just here to ask Keith if he wanted to come to our quarters and eat dinner there instead for in the hall. I was planning to cook tonight.” Ulaz frowned, opened  his mouth to ask about his and Kolivans date.

“But you…” he trailed off by Antoks glare “oh yes now  when you say it I remember!” Ulaz said looking down at Keith “I’m sorry I forgot that but it has been some stressful days… Now tell me, why do you cover your mouth?” 

The kit lowered his hands and looked nervously over at Antok. That was his que to leave them alone. He turned around pulled up his hood before walking out of the office leaving the kit and his father alone.

Keith looked at the closed door Antok had just left  thru, then at Ulaz. Who looked back with concern. “Do you want to tell me?” Ulaz asked, tilting his head slightly to the right.

“I made one of those noises again… I know you told me those are perfectly normal for galra, just give me some time alright?” Keith said gazing at the floor. Ulaz huffed a little and ruffled Keith’s hair. He looked up at Ulaz and smiled “I’m glad he wants to cook even when I’m coming.”

“Trust me kit, he loves cooking. He would gladly cook for the howl base if he could. He actually has two times, the first time was when he and Kolivan mated and the other when I mated Thace.” Ulaz shook his head and chuckled “It was a disaster both times. Do you wanna hear?” Ulaz looked at Keith with twinkling eyes, and Keith nodded exactly “Okay the first thing you need to know about Antok is a disaster in the kitchen! His cooking is great. I may even go as far to say he’s the best I have met. One time he cooked I fond batter on the ceiling in the nestroom. Okay so when he cooked for their mating, he was so excited. He would not be able to cook on the actual date of their mating but he did it the day before. Everyone thought that he was capable in the kitchen but oh so wrong they had. He had turned the kitchen upside down in 30 doboshes. The kitchen stab was shocked to say the least. They wanted to kick him out right then and there but he managed to convince them to let him stay. It took a whole day for Antok with the stabs help ofcourse to cook for everyone. Antok doesn't know this but the staff had messaged Kolivan so he could let the other blades know that they would not be able to serve any food that day. Kolivan naturally wondered why so in the evening he went to ask them why. He walked into the kitchen and saw all of the kitchen staff, even those who were supposed to be off duty that day were there and they were quite disturbed. He just needed one look and said ‘Antok I love you but you are from this day banned from this kitchen. I'll make sure it will be cleaned here, if not tomorrow then the day after.’”

Keith had been giggling behind his hand for the entire story, he took a breath and asked “But if he got banned from the kitchen how come he could cook for your and Thace mating?”

“He begged Kolivan and the kitchen staff, and Kolivan said no just like the kitchen staff. But he pleaded for phoebs and in the end they gave in, on two conditions he would listen to the staff and try to have it tidy around him and two he would help clean the kitchen after. He agreed and the kitchen was not as bad as the first time but it was not far from it.”

Keith giggled once more then he looked at Ulaz shyly and moved slowly but with some self-confidence into his space for a hug. Ulaz purred happily to his kit and kissed the top of his head. Keith nuzzled Ulaz's shirt and gave a snort from the strong sent off disinfectant there. Keith broke the hug to rub his nose to prevent a sneeze.

“I think I’ll go and read or something before dinn-” he sneezed into the crook of his arm, Ulaz handed him a tissue “Thanks, I’mma go and read before dinner… can you come and get me? I’m not entirely sure where your queters is.”

“Of Course I’ll come, don’t sweat it- did I use that right?”

"Thank you Ulaz and yes you did.”Keith said walking to the door but stopped before exiting to look at Ulaz over his shoulder “Do I need to dress fancy or anything? Cause I don’t have any other clothes than the blade suit and these clothes.”

“Oh no nothing fancy I’m sure and if they are fancy dressed then it’s their problem not ours.” Ulaz assured him.

Keith didn’t know what was happening, he was perfectly fine to have dinner in the hall with the other members of Ulaz pack. Then Antok came and asked if he could think of coming to theirs for dinner instead. Maybe that wasn't too strange but Keith knew for a fact that Antok and Kolivan would have their weekly (movemently?) mini date before dinner that day. How did he know that well he did talk to other blades too. He and Prok had talked just when he had arrived at Ulaz office and Prok had told Keith that he would want to get to the observation deck after his shift but that he couldn't. Keith asked why and that's when he was told that Antok and Kolivan had a mini date every movement and it was today on the previously mentioned deck.

So why did Antok lie? Was it because he didn’t want to be seen with Keith? Or did Antok want to make Keith feel more at home in all of their presence? They all knew that Keith was more comfortable in smaller gatherings but they didn't think about how uncomfortable he was in the presence of authoritative figures. And now he would have dinner with the four highest blades.

Keith entered his room and face planted into his pillow and groaned. Face still in his pillow he let his thoughts wander. Everything from voltron to that night's dinner and the fact that you couldn't breathe that well in a pillow. His communicator buzzed and pinged to let him know someone had sent a message, it was from the castleship. Keith groaned not wanting, yet another pleading for him to come back and talk. He was about to turn off the communicator when a second message arrived ‘ my com is broken so I used the castles// Hunk ’.

Keith smiled, if Hunks com was broken everyones was but it was only Hunk who would get the ‘brilliant’ idea to send one in over the open communications. 

“Well better not be something embarrassing Hunk” he said softly.

‘ Hi Keith! We haven’t heard from you since you joined the blades, hope everything is okay. Here is everything like it usually is, except you know…. you are not here. We were on a new planet yesterday. It was strange but beautiful strong color, mostly red. It made me think of you. That time when I assumed your favorite color was black, and you got so defensive and told me it was red and (no you would kill me if I wrote it here wouldn't you?)

I miss you actually everyone misses you, even Allura. I know we all got off on the wrong foot when you left, hurtful things were said and I get why you haven't come back yet. But I think you need to know that we’re not angry. I never was, hope you know that. I’m looking forward to seeing you again. I hope it will be sooner rather than later. Have a nice day many hugs- Hunk 🙂

Hey Mullet, I know it’s rude to read others messages but I need to know your other favorite color now, if you're willing to kill if we get to know. And everything Hunk wrote about not being angry is true 😀 And we miss3s you and all that jazz- Lance

I don’t have time for this but Hunk forced me to… Not that I don’t want to write to you but everyone's coms have stopped working for some goddamn reason! (And I need to fix it like yesterday) I will write to you when I have my own com so no one can read this LANCE! I see better see your ugly face soon Keith!- Pidge

I’m sorry we I got so angry Keith. I’m stressed and you know how I get when I’m stressed. That’s not a good reason for why I got angry. I love you so much Ototo, and I miss you more than you know. I will always be your Onisan even when your not here and when I’m a shity brother- Shiro

Hi Keith, I hope everything is well. I will make this short and to the point. I am so sorry for the things I said to you. I really am. I know this will not make up for it but I hope you can consider visiting us so we can talk it out- Allura

Hi number four I %&¤"#¤#")(=??++'***@@$€$$$ &&[{\\$¤ ##"%&&%£$@ [[]}}=="#¤¤¤¤#%  ¤¤&&/]}}=''£##@€€ %%¤&{[€€ &/€€€§§§¤¤#() /&&?++++*** **€${{[]£$$¤¤"#@@

Coran is no longer allowed to write messages; it took us over a varga so we could write again. He hopes you are well and that he will take a good look at your teeth (wtf Corna???) when he sees you again- Allura (and Lance)

Keith woke up by Ulaz shaking his shoulder with a concern written all over his face.

“Keith are you alright? Have you been crying? We can have this dinner some other time if you're not ready!” Ulaz said frantically while purring to calm his kit. Keith laughed sleepily and shook his head.

“No Ulaz it’s fine I promise. I got a message from the castle. I’m not sure what I will do just yet about them. But I will go to this dinner, I’m here now. Not with them and it’s their fault more than mine?” Keith said looking smaller than he was.

“I don’t know why or how you left, all I know is that they hurt you. And it’s fully up to you if you want them in your life or not. Now go and wash your face, dinner is being served in-” he looked at his bare wrist “ten doboshes!” Keith smiled at Ulaz antics and went to do as told.

Chapter Text

Keith and Ulaz walked side by side through the base. Keith played nervously with the zipper to his jacket. And Ulaz noticed the nervous fiddled but didn’t say anything letting the kit decide if he wanted his comfort or not. They turned a corner and came to the older parts of the base.

“This part of the base was built first, when the blades had grown large enough to need a own base where its members could have some place to go. Now it’s mostly quarters for bigger packs and some utility rooms.” Ulaz told Keith as they passed doors, far apart with names on them and some of them even had  welcome signs or mats. The last door in the corridor was adorned with a sign that read welcome to our simpel home . “Well here we are, ready?” Keith nodded and Ulaz opened the door.

The first thing Keith noticed was the smell, he couldn't describe it but it was amazing. He took a big breath through his nose and made a happy little noise. He slapped a hand over his mouth to keep the noises inaudible. Ulaz had walked into the apartment so he didn’t see Keith's actions, and so he didn't get a reminder that it was okay and completely normal to make his noises. He took a deep breath trying to calm his nerves and stumbled after Ulaz into the fragrant quarter.

Keith walked through the corridor and passed the kitchen where Antok made dinner in his messy chaotic way and entered the living room. Ulaz was already sitting on a big gray couch by the wall with Thace clinging to him while whispering into his ear. Keith stood awkwardly in the doorway looking around the room.

The room was surprisingly not purple, like every other room (except the infirmary) in the base was. The walls were a soft green with photographs of the residents behind the couch. Two armchairs were placed opposite and they looked very comfortable. A larger coffee table in between was cluttered with books, cups, folders and pens, the only thing Keith guessed was supposed to be there, were some kind of flower. A table stood at the other end of the room, it was beautifully set with dark colors, and a sculpture of some kind of animal in the middle. A mismatch of shelves along the walls with small trinkets and photos. It made Keith truly understand that this was not just a base but a home for the blades. Ulaz lived here with his pack and yet he had chosen to stay at Keith’s small unpersonal quarters.

“Keith…  kit come and sit.” Ulaz called softly, patting the cushion beside him. Keith made his way over to the pair, and was promptly pulled down by Thace, and the man’s arms surrounded him. Keith jerked violently back and Thace let him go.

“I’m so sorry Keith I didn’t think…  it wasn't my intention to startel you!” Keith, now on the far end of the couch pulling his hair, looked up at him with tear-filled eyes.

“It’s okay I know you didn’t mean to but… please ask before you want to tou… err hug me,” he said with a weak smile.

Thace nodded “of course” but took to mind that the kit was about to say ‘touch’ and tears in his eyes. Tears he tried to blink away.

The conversation took a halt. Keith was still anxious after the hug and the other two didn't know what to say to the kit. They were saved in the form of Kolivan stepping out of a door Keith hadn't noticed yet, it was probably a home office. Kolivan scanned the room and when he saw Ulaz and Thace cuddling he smiled and when his eyes falled on Keith his smile grew a little and got gentler. Then he registered the mess on the coffee table.

“Thace didn’t I ask you to clean the table?” he asked annoyed.

“Oh yeah I knew I forgot something.” Thace said but didn’t seem bothered that he got reprimanded.

“You are hopeless Thace! We have a guest.”

“Eh it’s better the kit see how it really is don’t you think?”

“What Kolivan means is that it’s polite to clean up. A little at least when we will have guests over. This table isn't usually this cluttered and you are well aware of that.” Antok says when he passes them to place a dich on the dining table. Then turned around with hands on his hips and a welcome smile at his lips. Then he saw how uncomfortable Keith was and walked over and kneeled before him “do you want to help bring in the other dishes I need an extra pair of hands?” he asked the kit to make an escape from the situation. Keith nodded quickly, happy to get away from Kolivan’s almost death stare at Thace.

He followed Antok to the kitchen, and was not surprised at all that the chaos had increased since he peaked in when he walked past. He stepped over a green paste resembling mashed potatoes.

“Ehh Antok how did that get up there?” Keith asked, forgetting his nerves pointing when saw the same green paste on the ceiling. Antok looked up and a faint blush covered his cheeks.

“I’m sure Ulaz has told you about his wedding… and my time in the kitchen.” Keith gave an amused smile and he continued “Yeah I don’t know how I do it it just kind of happens. I swear I’m trying to keep it clean but yeah I haven’t succeeded yet. Anyway dishes out to the table-” he picks up a salad bowl and hands it to Keith -”can you take this out?” Keith accepts the bowl with a nood and walks out and is careful to not step in anything. He places the bowl beside the first dich and then walks back to the kitchen where Antok still is and is trying to carry four things. 

Keith hurries over to him and takes a bowl from the crook of his arm, places it on the counter and then takes the pan from his hand that is also holding a large pot. “You know I broke my arm trying to hold so many hot things. I tripped over my own feet when I rushed to the table so as not to drop anything. In the end I ruined dinner and my arm when I fell into a side table with a stone slab. I take this out then I come back and get the bowl.” he said leaving Antok not releasing he had just told the biggest galra an event he didn’t like to talk about. When Keith returned he gave Antok a questioning look but didn't say anything, just took the bowl and left again. Antok shook his head chasing away his thoughts and followed Keith into the living room. He got time to mull over the piece of information he got later now it was time to eat and have a nice time with their new pack member. Even if that new member wasn't comfortable with all of them Antok was sure he would find his place among them, it just would take some time.

Chapter Text

They sat around the table, Ulaz and Keith on one side, Antok and Thace on the other and Kolivan at the head. Someone had moved the sculpture to make room for the food. And easy for everyone to reach. At Least for the three full grown galra men. Keith was a tad too short for the table so he struggled a little. But it wasn't something he thought of, all the tables in the base were a bit too high, he had learned to accommodate.

“I hope you like this Keith. It's one of my favorites to make and serve.” Antok told him, smiling “So let's eat and let her energy be passed on to those of us who need it.” he finished like Keih had heard many others in the base do but hadn't reflected over.

“And I made sure that he wouldn’t serve something that was poisonous for humans. It’s all safe for you to eat.” Kolivan told them knowing Ulaz would ask before Keith ate anything. Keith looked a bit startled at the food and then up at Kolivan then at his food but he saw that the consideration was much appreciated.

“Thank you,” the boy whispered.

The food Antok had made was more than amazing, it was the best thing Ketih had eaten since he, Shiro, Hunk, Pidge and Lance had left earth. 

Dinner went as well as it could. Keith was part of the conversations, got to know things about all of them. He learned that Kolivan loves singing and does so every night before bed. Thace, despite his playful nature, is the most serious of them when he needs to be. Ulaz was one of Haggars students and an eager one too. When it turned out that he could not become a druid, he chose to become a doctor. These studies helped him understand pain and what he was doing under the leadership of the Empire was wrong and left for the blades. Antok and his sister had grown up in the blades and had seen many leave and never come back including their mother. Their father had retired many years after the death of their mother and died of old age. And Keith told them some things about himself too. Things that people on earth and the paladins knew. Things he didn’t want to hide, how he loves the feeling of flying. how he loves to draw and paint but how little time he had to do it since he was drawn into the war. 

But all good things come to an end at least for Keith. He had thought he would be the one to ruin everything as usual. But this time it wasn’t fully his fault, nobody’s fault really. They had been laughing at one of Ulaz's misadventures as a new blade recruit over dessert, with a strange saucedrink. Keith had been hesitated to try the drink but it was part of the desert, so how bad could it be? He took a tiny sip of the drink, it tasted like a mix of pineapple, strawberry and cinnamon but still not quite. It wasn't bad but not good either. One tick everything was fine and he took another sip of the drink, the next an itch started all over him then his throat started to close up he couldn't breathe. He was aware that Kolivan was saying something but he couldn't hear what. He looked for one of his epipens that he usually had in one of his pockets but soon realised that he didn't have any in space. He hadn’t brought any in his bag when they had started looking for the blue lion in the desert. He gasped trying to get air down in his lungs. He collapsed and fell to the floor. He heard shouting and saw Ulaz’s worried face before everything went black.

Levvi was almost alone in the infirmary, only one patient which she was glad for don’t take her wrong but the evening/night shift was so long. Nothing to do really, just wander around examining the patients without waking them. 

She could work on her study of human biology, but didn’t quite feel like it. And now she had an actual human to talk to everyday, so why not. Before she met Keith she had seen and read a little about humans and had started her studies to know more about them. But knowing deep down that information would hardly be in handy. And when she told her colleagues about her interest in human biology she was met with incomprehension and comments about how unnecessary it would be. But then Voltron came and the five paladins were rumored to be human. Her curiosity about humans was suddenly relevant, they wanted to know more about them, how resistant they were and how to help them if needed. 

And then two came to the base, the black and red paladins. She was there when Keith awakened his blade and she wanted to take him to an examination room. The very first human-galra hybrid, how fascinating? One she could talk to and ask every question that came to mind. She knew it wasn’t right to experiment on them (of course) but some answers on her questions and maybe a test or two she could hoped to get. So she stayed in the background hoping to have a quick conversation with one of them. But she didn’t get a chance because as soon as they could leave they did. To be perfectly honest with herself she was bitter she had had the perfect opportunity to have some first hand information but that went out the window.

And now Keith the human-galra hybrid was here, a member of the blades and he had become a friend. One that lets her talk without getting annoyed and always listens with half a ear. And let her take tests on him and answered her questions to the best of his ability. She didn’t know if they were friends exactly but she hoped they would be (deep inside she saw him more as a brother). She didn’t have many so it would be nice to have another. 

She smiled a little at her spiraling thoughts, took a last glance at her patient and went to her computer to look over the latest test she had run on Keith. She had only been looking at her screen for about ten doboshes when she heard shouting in the corridor leading to the infirmary. She got up to look out and tell the person to ‘keep it down this is an infirmary you know’. The words stopped in her mouth when she saw Ulaz with Keith in his arms with the other three members of his pack closely behind. She opened the doors fully and quickly made a nearby bed ready for the small hybrid.

“Place him here and tell me what happened,” she ordered, already checking his vitals.

“He drank darksanyfruit juice right before he collapsed.” Ulaz told her fast but clearly so she could do her job.

“And you made sure nothing was poisonous for humans?”

“We made sure of that, yes,” Kolivan answers softly.

She kept working fast but surely, it was only one way Keith was leaving this infirmary and that was on his own two legs. “He must have gone into anaphylaxis. At my desk in the blue box labeled Keith is a black syringe. Go get it and inject it into his thigh,” she said and inserted an IV into his arm. Ulaz usually worked well in stressful situations but now he stood there at a loss. “Ulaz! He needs it now! snap out of it!” she snarled. Startled, he looked over at her now here in both mind and body and ready to help. “My desk, blue box, labeled Keith, black syringe, inject into his thigh now!” Ulaz was back and injected the syringe in Keith's thigh. A dobosh after the injection Keith started to breathe normally.

Ulaz gave a shuddering exhale and looked up at her with tears in his eyes “Levvi thank you. I don’t know what would have happened if you weren’t here.” Ulaz took her hand and squeezed it hard, that action was worth more than words.

"Of course, if you need me I’ll be at my desk.” She left the pack hovering around their child’s bed. Waiting for him to wake up.

Time passed slowly for Keith’s pack. Levvi wasn’t a part of the pack but she considered Keith one of her closest friends. It was hard to see him so pale. She did her duties to make time pass faster. And when morning came and the day staff came to relieve her. She gave them a quick report of the night's events.

Then she walked over to Keith, his pack all asleep around his bed. 

She combed her fingers through his hair. “I’m glad I could save you-” she choked on her nex words, emotions catching up to her -”You're one of my only friends… no you're like a brother to me and I can’t lose another one.” She gave him a quick kiss on the forehead before leaving the infirmary not looking back. Levvi didn't see a pair of tired eyes following her. Little did she know that her silent confession to an unconscious boy in a hospital bed, had awakened parental instincts in one of the sleeping leaders around it.

Chapter Text

Keith woke up to fingers running through his hair and a warm hand holding his. Someone was talking in a low voice, it was words of kindness and reassurance. Keith couldn't hear the words. A warm feeling he hadn’t felt in years spread through his body. He felt loved and taken care of. Then his stomach turned inside out, he quickly turned to the side and let everything out.The hands that had been in his hair didn’t disappear, they stayed to hold it back. He had unconsciously grabbed the hand holding his harder. The fear that he would be left alone again was overwhelming. When his stomach was empty, he felt a light kiss on the top of his head and words he couldn’t make out. An exhaustion that only came after an allergic reaction took over his body. Keith didn’t have the strength to roll over to his back again so he shifted to find a more comfortable position. He drifted off to sleep, with a firm grip on the hand even in his sleep.

Next time Keith woke, his mind wasn't foggy but clear. Ulaz sat in a chair sleeping beside the bed. His hand was in Ulaz’s hands. He started to pet Ulaz’s arm hesitant at first but then more frimley when the man didn’t wake. Keith started to purr along with Ulaz, it felt nice. A feeling he hadn't had before like, a feeling making him relaxed and happy. He had a feeling this was a biologically response that made every galra feel this way.

Ulaz woke not too long after his kits pur while stroking his arm. A warm feeling stronger than he ever felt before filled him. He was so grateful Keith was alive, grateful that this incredible little creature was his. That this boy chose him. Out of everyone he could choose from on the base, Keith chose Ulaz. Tears of happiness formed in his eyes and he did nothing to hide them. Keith saw them and made a questioning whine. Ulaz, full of love, took him in his arms.

“It’s alright kit, I’m happy you’re awake. I know that these beds aren’t comfortable. Shall we see if you can get checked out?” Keith nodded and made himself more comfortable in Ulaz’s arms.

Only a dobosh later Levvi walked in, clipboard in hand. Making her morning round checking on her overnight patients. She gave Ulaz a look not liking that Keith wasn’t in bed. When she looked at Keith and saw how relaxed he was she couldn't be that irritated.

“You guys look comfy.” she said and walked over to them  placing her hand on Keiths forehead “But I would really like to check your vitals Keith so if I could just have your hand for a dobosh or two.” She made it quickly and thoroughly. 

Once done she smiled at Keith who looked a little worried “No need to worry little bird, you are fine. A couple of quintans in bed wouldn't hurt so no training or mission.”

“Thank you Levvi, do you want me to come by in two quintans to make a final check up?” Keith asked her knowing from experience from Ulaz that she probably would.

Levvi chuckled and ruffled his hair “Yes that would be great, come by any time I don’t have any appointments that day. If I get some I will let you know. Sounds good?” Keith smiled and nodded “Well then you're free to go whenever you feel like. Be careful now little bird alright,” she said ruffled his hair again and left.

Ulaz took his kit in his arms again and stood fully intending to carry Keith all the way to his room. Keith didn’t make any protest about this, he was too tired to feel emberset and he felt safe in Ulaz arms.

At Keith's door Ulaz let him down, Keith opened it with his hand and dragged Ulaz in behind. He walked over to the bed with Ulaz hand in a firm grip. He laid down on the bed near the wall making plenty of room for the bigger galra. Ulaz climbed in after his boy and as soon he was comfortable he had his arms full of angsty teenager.

“I’m sorry, ” said the boy in a choked voice, hiding his face in the pillow.

“Oh but Keith you have nothing to apologize for,” Ulaz said, squeezing the boy in his arms “you can’t help you’re allergic to somethings.”

“I know but… it went so well and then you had to spend your evening and night at the hospital wing,” Keith had a small voice barely audible through the pillow. Ulaz didn’t have the chance to comfort Keith before the boy started to talk again “It was bad this time, I was so close to giving up I’ve wanted to die before but now… I was so scared. In a very long time I have, people who want me around. People who would be sad that I’m gone. That's why I apologize, for almost giving up.”

“Oh Keith, kit I was so scared that you would die. And I’m so so grateful you are still here with me, that you were strong enough to not give up. You are the son I never knew I wanted,” Keith had turned around to look at him and Ulaz pressed their foreheads together “I love you, more than I words can tell.”

A gasp came from Keith, and in that gasp Ulaz could hear surprise, happiness and fear. Ulaz smiled at him. A smile promising an undying love, and support no matter what.

“I love you too,” the boy said, wrapping his arms around Ulazs neck and whispering “dad.”

Chapter Text

Keith had a dad, he had a dad. A father who had been so happy to be called dad. Ulaz was his dad, a person he never would have thought would be so warm and open. The first time he met Ulaz he gave this cold and neutral impression, a man you don’t want to talk to if not necessary. But because Keith was Keith he would end up in the medbay relatively often… okey pretty often, with pulled muscles, burns and other wounds he got either on missions or in training.

And Ulaz had started to ask questions about him. Not just about his wellbeing but things about his persona. His likes and dislikes and with time Keith started to ask questions in return.

He fondly remembered the first time Ulaz had asked a question that didn’t have anything to do with his well-being. Ulaz had asked just out of curiosity. 

Keith was in the medbay again. And not because he had been stupid or reckless during a mission but because a new half galra recruit had accidentally poked him with his poisonous tail tip.

“Keith, my favorite patient! What have you done this time?” Ulaz said when he entered the room looking at his tablet.

“I didn't do shit!” Keith said angrily not liking that Ulaz assumed he had done something “A new recruit hadn’t told anyone that his fucking til tip could be poisonous to some species and guess what. Humans don’t like his tip!” He continued lifting his arm twice as large and redder than usual. Ulaz looked up at Keith's anger and promptly dropped his tablet to rush to his side to examine his arm.

“Okay, the antidote you were given made sure to stop spreading of the poison, I’m not sure how your arm will be in the next few days so I would like you to stay here so we can monitor it and make sure nothing happens.” Ulaz said when he had examined his arm and gotten the lab results back.

“So you mean I must spend my days in this bed and do nothing?” Keith asked, accepting his fate.

“Yes I’m afraid of that,” Ulaz said sympathetically.

“Can you atleast keep me company when you can?” Keith asked without thinking.

Ulaz smiled a small smile "Of course I can.” he said and took a seat in the chair next to Keiths bed “Now I have asked you many things the times you've been here but I have never figured it out… do you really love red as much as it seems?”

Keith snorted and shook his head, “Red is a very pretty color and I really like it. But no it’s not my favorite. My favorite is actually pink.”

“Oh yes pink it’s really pretty, it can be this hot pink that everyone notices or it can be so light that you easily miss it if you don't know it’s there. Very beautiful and charming.” Ulaz nodded in approval.

“So what's your favorite color?” Keith asked the man in return.

“Oh mine, I can hardly pick just one… green is very pretty and so is brown but not as much as orange or… turquoise! That's a beautiful color turquoise, that's my answer.” Ulaz said satisfied.

Keith sat on his own bed, looking around his room. It had been a week since he said dad for the first time to Ulaz. Every time he said it Ulaz got this happy look, and he almost got heart eyes. And every time Keith felt his heart heal, and his love for his dad grew stronger. He had a new home, a palace he knew he always could go to and feel loved. He had thought he had a home in the castle of lions, his friends were there and on earth he didn’t have anyone waiting. No one who made him want to go back. He had now, and he understood that home wasn’t about your things but about the people. He still missed his friends in voltron, but he had never felt comfortable enough to let them in, not really. He wanted to but the rivalry that Lance had made up made it hard. He still loved the castle but he had never seen it like a home. Maybe he would contact them and see how everything was going for them. He took his communicator to send of a message to the castle.

He got interrupted by the door opening and Ulaz walked in with snacks in hand, handed over one to Keith and sat down in his armchair he insisted Keith would have.

“Okay kit hang on to your socks. Voltron has just made great progress! They have liberated the planet Sondokti! It was one of the bigger food resources for the empire and now they will help the rebellion.” Ulaz said happy for the now free people of Sondokti and for their willingness to help the rebellion.

“That's great news dad!”

“Now,now I’m not done yet! The planet is not too far away so they decided that our next meeting would be in person. So they are coming here!” Ulaz smiled bigg happy his kits friend would finally come and visit. But his smile dropped when he saw Keith's hesitant smile in return “What's wrong kit?”

“I… I don’t know.” Keith answered he was happy he would meet his friends again but the thought of them coming here to see his new home. Almost as bland as his room in the castle made him anxious. “I don’t want them to see my bland room. I want my room to be more homy… but I never wanted my room at the castle to be homy. Will that upset them? How will they react to me wanting to do this my home, but never wanting to do a home with them?” Keith continued when Ulaz sat silent letting Keith think.

“If they really are your friends they will be happy you found a palace you want to make your home. A little sad that that place wasn't with them, yes. But happy you found it. If they aren't they are not good friends or never really were your friends. Whatever happens I will stand by your side and so will Thace, Antok and Kolivan.” Ulaz told him and warped his arms around Keith.

“Thank you,” Keith said and made himself comfortable and slowly drifted off to sleep. Ulaz gave him a little kiss when he believed Keith was asleep.

Chapter Text

They were finally close enough to the Marmora headquarters. So Allura had decided that they would have their meeting with them in person and not over link. That meant they would finally see Keith again. Hunk were excited to see the headquarters from the inside for the first time. But to be honest he were more excited to see Keith again.

“Okay team we’re soon at headquarters. We are going there in the green and the red lions, so it's time to get ready and head to them” Allura announced when they had 30 doboshes left.

“Princess I’m afraid I won’t come with you. Someone needs to stay and keep an eye on the ship and I have some things that need to be done,” Coran said, a bit sad he couldn’t  follow.

“Oh are you sure Coran?” Allura asked disappointed, Coran nodded sadly “I’m  sure the ship’s can be left for just a few vargas.”

“No I’m sorry princess but the ship cannot be left unattended, someone has to stay,” he said then he smiled and clapped once “Okey team on you go and I will go and clean the submotor room,” he said twirling his mustache, turned around and left.

Shiro came and placed his hand on her shoulder and smiled encouragingly. She smiled back and straightened her already straight back, gave orders to get in the lions and off they went.

Back at the ship Coran stood, tears falling down his cheeks not bothering to hide them, no one saw him anyway.

Hunk were the first to exit the lions. He saw Keith stand there arms crossed waiting on them with Kolivan and two other blades. Hunk didn't notice that the blades stood protectively around Keith.

“Keith!” Hunk exclaimed, arms flying out a question for a hug. Keith’s arms fell to his side, hands directed towards him. Hunk knew Keith's body language. Keith wanted a hug from him. He rushed forward and threw his arms around Keith's waist, lifted him and spun around a couple times making Keith laugh quietly into Hunk’s shoulder. “I have missed you,” Hunk said, putting him down.

“I’ve missed you too big guy.” Keith answered then looked over at the other paladins who patiently waited to greet him. Keith greeted all of them, he got a hug from Pidge and surprisingly Allura, a fist bump from Lance. And Shiro ruffled his hair before he hugged him too. Keith looked around searching, “Hey where's Coran?” he asked.

“I’m sorry Keith but he could not leave the ship unattended I’m afraid,” Allura said with a sad smile.

"Oh okay… he is a part of the team so I thought he would come with,” he said 

“We too dude he told us he couldn't follow. He has missed you a lot.” Lance said and saw his teams distrusting faces “What!? It’s true, haven’t you seen how he looks around in search of Keith when he wants to tell us something. Or how he looks sad when he comes out from the training decks control room.” he continued.

Keith gave a small smile when he heard Lance’s words.

“All right voltron let me show you where you will be staying,” said a blade smiling big and waved for them to follow.

Voltron stod where they were. Allura looked a bit uncomfortable and Lance placed his hand on her shoulder. The blade stopped when he didn’t hear voltrons footsteps. He looked over at Keith who gave a small almost inaudible snort. The only ones who heard it were Hunk and the blades.

Keith walked over to the waiting blade, patted him on the arm, and indicated for Voltorn to follow “Come on guys you will be sleeping in guest hall.” he said and then and the team followed the two blades woh chated while leading them thru the corridors of the base. Keith looked up at the blad who was still smiling and said “Prok stop showing off all your teeth! It’s making them uncomfy.” 

“But you told me that a welcoming smile is appreciated,” the blade answered dejectedly.

"Yeah but not if you show off all your sharp teeth. It has the opposite effect,” Keith whispershouted at the blade.

“Oh man… hey wait a minute you told me it was a good smile!” Keith started to laugh “Stop it’s not funny” the blade Prok pouted.

“Yeah cause the smile you showed me was good I don’t know how it got that big.” Keith then turned around to look at them now walking backwards “Like I said you will be staying in the guest hall. You will share two smaller rooms or a packroom. You can decide what you want when you have seen the rooms-” the team saw how they approached another group Allura were about to open her mouth to warn Keith, when Prok picked Keith up and placed him on his other side. Keith stumbled a little and glared up at the blade -”haven’t I told you not to do that?”

“Yes and I will stop doing that when you stop walking backwards.”

Pidge walked up to Keith and attempted to slung her arm around his shoulders. Keith placed his arm around hers and she let hers rest around his waist.

“I have some cool things to show you. And you must show me some cool things around here,” she said. Keith smiled at her and nodded his agreement.

“If you show her something cool you need to show Hunk and me too!” Lance objected.

“Everyone who wants to come can come Lance,” Keith sighed.