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chapter eight
tristeza
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Lance startled, body jumping for what it felt like a millionth time tonight as yet another explosion filled up the screen on his mini tablet.
 In reality, he shouldnât have put an Altean action movie before he went to sleep. If the movies back on Earth were bad when it came to this genre, then those Alteans were even worse. Every scene barely had any characters interactingâand if they didâmost chances were that it would end up in a fight, guns blazing and bombs falling out of the sky. For a very peaceful, diplomatic race, they sure loved to destroy a lot of shit in their films. And do it in the most brutal, gruesome and bloody ways. Even Pidge couldnât handle the amount of violence on one movie night where they gathered together on the couch.
 But Lance didnât have many options whatsoever, and the silence in his room was too unsettling for him, and the thoughts in his head were too loud and too fast for him to catch onto at least one of them. The decision to watch a movie only so he can distract himself from his heavy brain wasnât an unknown concept to Lance. And it usually worked, but it was obvious that tonight nothing would pull him away from his own head.
 With a sigh, he turned off the device and threw it somewhere at the end of his bed. There was no point to even pretend that heâd been paying any sort of attention.
 His eyes slid shut and images from the day attacked him one by one, flashing like film strips behind his lids.
 Keith glowing like a star under the Yekâhitian sunrise.
 Waking Layla up so she can have breakfast in bed with them both together.
 The tour across the city and its beautiful sights, inviting Lance in and the even more beautiful natives, flying around with their butterfly wings. Some even sparkled, but after some observation it turned out to just be a fashion trend among them.
 The clothing boutique and the ⌠dressing room.
 Lanceâs breath tripped on itself as he reminisced the memory.
 Fuck, he had almost kissed Keith like the idiot he was. A lovesick, selfish idiot who had no care for the consequences of his actions as always. And the fact that the Red Paladin didnât look against it either was almost too heartbreaking as it was perfect. Because if there was a slight chance that Keith might feel the same towards him, then Lance was truly in deep shit.
 Because if he chose Keithâthen that would mean he chose someone over his own children and Lance would never live with himself if that happened.
 Children.
 Because Layla, as he incorrectly assumed, wasnât his only child.
 Then the image of his son attacked him and Lance opened his eyes to stare up at the ceiling, despair clutching his heart. And it wasnât despair because of the reveal that he had another kid. No, Ezra seemed like the sweetest boy ever and Lance loved him from the very first moment he saw him and realized he was Laylaâs brother. No, it was despair, because now he had his two childrenâthat were supposed to be in the future where they belongedâhere with him and one of them was a goddamn teenager just like him. Ezra never specified his age, but there was no need to, since it was painfully obvious.
 He looked so much like him and Lance was once again reminded that Layla didnât. Layla was the other piece of the future, the one that would tell him about whom he possibly married or at least had kids together with. Although it didnât sound like him to have little ones before marrying to the love of his life. Those were, at least, his dreams and the things he had hoped to obtain in the future.
 Lance grumbled in displeasure from the small headache that was present ever since Ezra arrived and was about to turn off the lights, perhaps even call it a night and try to sleep, when there was a hesitant knock on his door.
 He furrowed his brows.
 âYes?â Lance called out, wary of whoever mustâve been on the other side at such a late time.
 There was a second of silence.
 âUh, hey buddy! Itâs me ⌠uhh ⌠with Pidge.â
 The Blue Paladin sighed at that, but he felt his lips forming into a smile as he got up from his bed, only to open the door for Hunk and Pidge who seemed sheepish under his gaze and were dressed up in their respective paladin pajamas. Each of them was holding their pillows which earned them a skeptical look from Lance.
 âAnd what is this supposed to be?â
 Pidge raised her own brows in response, looking like she was ready to facepalm at Lanceâs question. She was dressed in an oversized green shirt that reached her knees and long pajama bottoms with weird shapes as imprints. Her glasses were gone and her hair was now long enough to be styled into two tiny pigtails. âIsnât it obvious, Gonzo? Itâs sleepover timeânow move.â
 With that she passed by his side and entered straight into his room. Lanceâs eyes followed her as Pidge plopped onto his bed after she dropped her pillow, snuggling under the blankets. Hunk didnât wait another moment to stand outside and got in as well leaving Lance to close the door after them. âGonzo? Did you seriously compare me to a Muppet?â
 Pidge only shrugged at that, making grabby hands at Lanceâs tablet which he had previously thrown away. Hunk climbed into the bed as well and grabbed the device for her. Lance watched his best friends in amusement, huffing when they left a space in the middle just for him. He wouldnât have admitted, but he did need the support and love of Hunk and Pidge after this long day full of so many confusing and tiring emotions. Lance was just happy he had people in his life who seemed to sense whenever he needed them the most.
 âCâmon buddy! Get in!â Encouraged Hunk with a pat on the sheets, a wide smile on his face. Lance didnât know how Hunk managed to stay in the mood and not want to drop dead after everything that happened. âWeâll watch a movie or just talk. Maybe even do face masks if youâre up to it!â
 The idea of chilling in a face mask did sound tempting to Lance, but the amount of exhaustion that was pulling his bones was stronger so he shook his head. âPerhaps another time. I am a bit tired.â
 Hunk nodded in agreement along with Pidge who stretched her body and hands like some cat, yawning loudly which caused a chain reaction.
 âToday really was a long day,â Pidge admitted and scooted further as Lance made his way towards the bed. He tried to fit in the middle which was hard as usual since his bed wasnât obviously made for three people. But he never had it in himself to mind. He grew up in a house with four siblings and his two nephews so Lance was used to not having enough space in a bed and the overwhelming warmth under the covers. In fact, he welcomed the feeling with open arms. Since Laylaâand now Ezraâhad arrived, Lance didnât spend much of his time crying and missing his home and family as he simply didnât have the time. The week in which his daughter was here was definitely an experience filled with taking care of Layla and watching over her attacks. He didnât know if that was a good or bad thing, but it kept his buzzing head in place.
 A comfortable silence followed. Hunk moved a little and soon his head fell on Lanceâs shoulder. Hunk was an amazing big spoon, but he did love to be held sometimes which Lance provided anytime his best friend wanted. Pidge like always took Lanceâs right hand and made herself cuddle onto his sideâher small head laying on his chest. A lot of people (and aliens, he guessed) liked to think Pidge was cold-hearted, too honest or too brash. Which wasnât a complete lie, but Lance would never call her heartless or a cruel girl who only cared about her machines and science.
 In a lot of ways, Pidge reminded him of Keith. Once they let you in their heartâthey showed a whole new part of themselves, filled with love and care. Feeling a surge of affection towards the Green Paladin, Lance squeezed her a little closer to him. Pidge mustâve noticed because she let out a hum that vibrated through his body.
 âHow are you feeling?â She asked, sleepiness tainted in her tone. âNow that all of your kids are here. Well ⌠at least thatâs what we think. I wonât be surprised if you have more in storage in the future. Youâre like one of those family guys who want twenty kids or something.â
 Hunk laughed. âThatâs true. In fact, Iâll be surprised if Ezra and Layla are the only children you have.â
 Lance let out a snort and looked up at the ceiling for a millionth time tonight. âYeah, Iâve always wanted a big family, but you do know I possibly have a partner in the future, right? Maybe they wanted a small family or maybe Iâm the one who suggested to have only two.â
 His imagination ran wild at the thought of a partner.
 I want Keith to be my partner. His mind whined like a little kid like it was denied a candy. I want Keith.
 âWho knows,â Lance sighed and shrugged lightly. âAll this time travel and future theories have been killing me. On one hand I desperately need to know everything thatâll happen. Do we go back to Earth soon? Is this prince Lotor dangerous? Will we always be paladins of Voltron? Has someone from my family died while I was gone? Or âŚâ
 Lanceâs throat suddenly felt on fire, a fire that kept him from continuing. He didnât want to choke up and get tearful in front of his friends, or worry them with his insecurities and fears.
 âOr if weâre all alive in the future,â he managed to choke out. He sniffed as quietly as he could although he knew every sound could be heard right now in this room in which felt like time itself had stopped. âBut then on the other hand, I donât want to know anything.â Lance breathed in. âBecause if I hear from Layla or Ezra that something terrible will happen Iâm going to be spending all my time here trying to prevent it from occurring.â
 This time the silence wasnât comfortable since now Lance polluted the friendly atmosphere with his depressing words and sour mood. The silence was heavy and with every second that passed, it felt that Pidge and Hunk simply didnât have what to say. Or maybe they fell asleep in the midst which wouldâve hurt Lance more than heâd like to admit.
 But soon, Pidge was the first one who shifted under his arm and sighed sadly. âI know how you feel. Whenever I look at them I want to ask about Matt and dad. But also, if my mom is alive.â
 âSame. I hope my parents are alive and healthy.â Hunk suddenly joined, whispering. âBut you remember how Layla said even the slightest changes can change the future? It means that if you hear something bad happensâyou canât do much, Lance. Who knows? Maybe you will end up making it worse.â
 âI know,â Lance sighed. Hunk never failed at his mission of being the voice of the reason in their little friend group. âI just hope this whole thing is over soon. This war is not a good place for kids who probably grew up in peaceful times.â
 At least, Lance hoped the future was peaceful. Except for an unwanted or unexpected pregnancy, he couldnât think of a situation in which heâd bring a child into a world that wasnât safe or free from this bloody war.
 âHey, Lance,â Pidge spoke up and Lance turned his head to her. âWho do you think is the other parent of Ezra and Layla? Do they look like someone familiar to you? Maybe itâs a classmate from the Garrison or âŚâ Then she gasped and tapped his chest excitedly with her hand, evident excitement in her eyes that stared up at him hopefully. As if she could help him with one of the mysteries that Lance received headaches over. Something in him swelled at her hopeful caramel eyes. âOh! Oh! Wait I got it! Maybe itâs someone from Cuba? Some friend from your childhood? Maybe your mom set you up with someone and you went along with itâand then bam. Youâre in love and have two beautiful kids!â
 Lance huffed and rolled his eyes at her antics, a smile nevertheless blooming on his face to match hers. He felt Hunk shaking with laughter on his other side.
 And yet ⌠he couldnât help, but think that Layla especially looked familiar ever since they found her. He ignored the feeling and his instinctive sense every time, but what if Pidge was right? What if he really married and loved someone that he already knew? Ezraâs hazel eyes didnât ring any bells and he couldnât remember having a relative with hazel eyes, but maybe that someone that he was looking for had black hair and hazel eyes? Perhaps he even fell in love with an alien and the human genetics dominated? Lance almost groaned in frustration at every possibility and theory that could be the actual truth. He wished that Pidge didnât mess his head even more with all these assumptions on his future.
 Thankfully, the next words that came out of Pidge switched the topic rather quickly.
 âEy, Hunk! Do you think you and Shay get married in the future? And have kids together?â
 âWhat?!â Hunk exclaimed and raised his head up to glare at Pidge who started cackling at his expression. Lance couldnât help, but join. âDonât bring my future into this! Weâre talking about Lance right now, this isnât fair!â
 âOh, itâs absolutely fair! You guys are so gross together, itâs unbelievable,â Pidge said and rolled her eyes, but Lance knew it was all theatrics. Everyone on the Castle adored Shay and Hunk together and agreed that if soulmates existedâtheyâd definitely fit the description. Even Lance, ever the romantic, could barf whenever heâd stumbled on his best friend face-timing his girlfriend-but-not-really. âNext time she calls you should totally ask her to be your girlfriend!â
 âPidge, shut up!â Hunk spluttered and soon enough, the girl was hit in the face with one of Lanceâs pillows mid laughter.
 But Pidge was stubborn and just as violent now so she grabbed the pillow Hunk had thrown and attacked the Yellow Paladin whilst screaming, âHunk and Shay sitting on a rock! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!â
 Frankly, Lance didnât try to stop Hunk from hurling yet another pillow at Pidge. She usually was pretty annoying when it came to crushes, constantly teasing and smirking.
 But suddenly Pidgeâs knee came in a pretty harsh contact with his groin and Lance couldnât help himself as he yelled out in pain as if a Galra had shot him with a blaster.
 âPidge, I will murder you,â Lance hissed through teeth, the pain shocking every part of his bone. At least she seemed pretty apologetic when she looked down on himâeyes full of regret and sympathy. Perhaps she knew how much it pained whenever you hit a guy there, considering she had a brother who was probably yet another obnoxiously genius and a nerd like her. Lanceâs groans, however, were the perfect distraction.
 In a negative time (with Lance internally thanking for all the paladin training that allowed him to pull off moves like these), the Blue Paladin grabbed her body and threw her in the air with Pidgeâs high-pitched screams bouncing off the walls of his room.
 âHunk! Now!â Lance yelled at the moment Pidgeâs body thumped on his bed. His best friend seemed to know exactly what to do which was crush Pidgeâs shrieking face and smother her with the pillow. Lance didnât waste any time with his tickle attack and soon enough Pidge was crying screeching, body trashing around and Lanceâs ears filled with the beautiful sounds of his best friends laughing.
 And maybe, it was when they finally got tired and fell asleep in a mess of their limbsâLance with a smile on his faceâthat he came onto the realization that if he was too stuck on the future, heâd miss all the moments like these that would make it worth it later on.
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It was approximately two hours after midnight since this meeting had started and Lance was way too sleep deprived for him to deal with all the annoying aliens that were swarming the council room at the Altean Castle.
 Many of them were standing up, arguing between themselves over stupid things instead of thinking about all the ways they could bring Ezra and Layla back to him. Back to where they belonged. And usually, Lance himself would be in the heat of the argument and maybe if everything in his life wasnât completely shattering like broken glass, heâd have the energy to punch or threaten the few aliens just for the pure audacity to think that his own children should be punished when they get back just because they used the Time Travel Prototypes. And if Lance wasnât so fucking exhaustedâthen heâd fight better for his kids. He knew that right now they needed him the most; they needed PapĂĄ Lance to come and save them, think of a solution and make everything better with a smile on his face just as always. Itâs what they deserved, because they were everything good in the world to him, but right now ⌠Lance didnât know if he could give it to them.
 He was so, so tired. Every part of himself felt vacant of life and power even though his hands havenât stopped shaking for the past three days. And without Keith next to him to light up even the darkest corners of his mind, Lanceâs brain was headed into a path that heâd left a long time ago.
 He had tuned out the screaming ever since it erupted and only stared at the same dot for perhaps an hour now. Lance didnât know, nor he frankly cared. It seemed to be a simple chore to care about other things that werenât Keith and the kids. He hasnât gotten a good nightâs sleep either, the same horrible nightmares haunting him again and again giving him no rest. Same went for every thought and scary scenario that crossed his mind every single time he zoned out. Visions of Ezra and Layla screaming out for help, crying for him and Keith, but Keith is either dead or gone, with Lance left alone, stuck on the ground, helpless to watch his worst fears display every time he dared to shut his eyes for a second.
 He blinked abruptly as if waking up from a dream when a cold, slender hand made contact with his own fists that were laying on the table before him. At first Lance could only see the thousands of reports and devices until he noticed the unmistakable royal hand that belonged to Allura.
 He tried not to look at the silver wedding ring surrounding his finger.
 Lance looked on his right; to look at her only to see sympathy and millions of apologies written on her face and eyes. âI am sorry, Lance,â she said, her voice clear and gentle even when the yelling somehow turned louder. âI thought this would help, but ⌠I mustâve made a mistake when I asked them all to come here.â
 She finished her apology with a small squeeze that warmed the cold ice that had seeped into the core of his heart. Then she went for a smile, maybe with the thought that itâd comfort him, but it looked wrong on her face; resembling a grimace more than anything. Lance appreciated it regardless and returned the gesture as he fitted his hand to cradle hers. She looked perfect as ever, maybe to the public eye and to those who only knew her from the universal news, videos and pictures. But Lance could see the little signsâlike how her small golden tiara had slipped on the side, the red lines in her eyes caused by those sleepless nights, the tiny wrinkles on her dress that she wouldâve noticed and fixed by now and the hair that was not as well combed, messy strands falling in her eyes. Allura, and so were everyone that loved or were close to Ezra and Layla, faced the same faith as him.
 But Lance didnât find any consolation in that. In fact, it made him feel worse.
 You couldâve prevented this, something wicked whispered in his ear. You shouldâve seen this coming. You had to stop it before it was too late.
 The mass of voices escalated to its loudest, like a crescendo of a musical piece, but this one was not as enjoyable and made his headache even worse.
 Lance mustâve made a face that Allura noticed immediately and just as she was about to rise over from her chair, a purple hand stroke down loudly on the smooth surface of the table, the noise cutting short any type of sound. The echo of the impact travelled through everyone like a haunting ghost. All the aliens in the room turned heads and blinked owlishly. Some were sheepish that there had to be an intervention, some looked angry at the interruption and others seemed completely confused like they hadnât even realized the amount of noise theyâd been making.
 âSilence. Or I will ask for whoever is incapable of having a respectful conversation with all the other members of the ministryâto simply leave. We donât tolerate this type of atrocity in our own home,â said Lotor, Prince Consort of Altea, his back straight and hands locked behind his back. The picture perfect of someone who received respect just with a look and never needed to raise his posh voice in order to be heard. âWe have asked you all here to help someone who saved you decaphoebs ago; someone who poured his heart and soul into a war that wasnât his. Someone who was just a child when they put on the paladin armor. All to save you, to save all of us, from my father and motherâs tyranny. So, show some respect to the Blue Paladin of Voltron who needs you now to save his own kids. Save your foolish and inconsequential fights for a time when children donât need to be saved.â
 Lotorâs voice was like a motionless sea, steady and sure, without any suggestion that he was emotionally affected by this all, save for the emphasis on some of the words. But Lance knew him just as well as Allura. Even Lotor couldnât hide the slightly clenched jaw or the tightening of his hands.
 âThose same children,â spat one female from the planet Moniri, her three eyes aflame with anger, âare the reason we might have another war.â
 Lance grid his teeth at the accusation, but Allura pressed down on his hand as if she sensed the rage building up inside him. He couldnât say if she did that to restrict him from lunging across the table or to share with him the same anger that mustâve boiled the blood in Alluraâs veins.
 âI completely see your point of view, Admiral Olphyra,â said Lotor with a slight bow of his head like he made a point not to miss the acknowledgment of her power and status in the room. Lance noticed how Olphyra immediately untensed and tilted her head upwards a little. Lotor never disappointed with his skill as a diplomat and talent to emotionally manipulate any crowd. Even with the years, Lance couldnât master the amount of perfection Lotor practiced on the daily when it came to dealing with all kinds of emissaries. Right now, it was perfectly obvious about which tactic he used, although no one in the room caught it. âBut I fail to see how discussing what punishments should await Ezra and Layla McClain is more important than bringing them back home.â
 âMake them think theyâre better than you. Bow or look down in a sign of submission. Only the ignorant ones are willing to listen if you do this. Otherwise, theyâd fight like stubborn and will turn against you. And you donât want,â Lotor had shared over dinner years ago while on a banquet with aliens who didnât want any association with the Blade of Marmora despite the fact planet Gelia-9 desperately needed their help.
 Olphyra didnât have an answer to Lotorâs words, mouth twitching in frustration, but at the end she sat down in her chairâa few of her supporters across the room following her example. Allura masked a smug cough behind her hand.
 âPerhaps we should ask what progress the Science Council has made in the three quintants since Ezra has left,â Allura then proposed, eyes flitting to the right corner of the table where Pidge, Hunk, Ryner and Naarya sat. Hunk had the unfortunate luck to be the one seated on Olphyraâs left and if Lance had the ability to smile or laugh, he would have when he saw the small, secret glare his best friend threw at her. âDo we have any information that could be helpful?â
 Pidge perked up in her seat, the glasses that were perched on top of her disheveled hair almost falling. Lance almost winced at the size of her eyebags, though he was sure he looked even worse. He hasnât taken a proper shower ever since Layla left, always running on a meeting after meeting, cancelling classes back at the Garrison, denying the missions the Blade kept offering and scrapped all the diplomatic meetings he had to attend. Lance was just thankful Shiro and Allura understood and tried to help in any way.
 âAfter all the readings and data checks with the Science Council, itâs safe to say that the situation isnât as bad as we thought,â Pidge said with Ryner nodding along. A spark of hope travelled through Lanceâs body. âSee, the thing is, the Time Travel Prototypes we created were just thatâprototypes. We didnât do any experiments yet, but now we have an actual proof that Ezra and Layla did travel in time. Which means that weâve successfully created the first known Time Travel machine.â
 It shouldâve been a happy moment, really. Pidge and the rest of the council have been working on time travelling for years now and this was an accomplished that took so much hard work, blood, sweat and tears. It wasnât fair that they couldnât celebrate this all just because Layla and Ezra decided to act like heroes.
 âTo which we congratulate you greatly,â added king Lapsis disinterestedly, his tone bored and low. âBut it doesnât change the fact that Admiral Olphyra is right. The McClain children could change something in the past that would result in horrible consequences for us right now.â
 âIf you could let me finishââ Pidge began, brows locked in frustration, with the face of someone who was ready to fight, but Hunk interrupted as always before she said something that could result in even more arguments.
 He gently grabbed the sleeve of her lab apron and tugged her down without protesting. âI think what Pidge, er ⌠Miss Holt is trying to say is that after everything that has happened, we know that our machine was successful so we can just do the third one faster and more efficient than the first two.â
 âThe only problem we face,â Ryner stepped in, âis the fact the machines Ezra and Layla used are machines that go only one way, meaning, that they can only travel once. Which means our new machine has to be the best and manage to travel to the past and back into this future timeline.â
 âAnd how exactly long will that take?â Asked angrily one representative of one of the planets that Lance didnât bother to learn the name of. âThe first two took you years! We canât wait for that long! The universe is at stake!â
 âMY CHILDRENâS LIVES ARE AT STAKE!â
 Lance couldnât even detect that those words that were just thrown like that, words made of hot and pure rageâcame from him. Hot anger poured into him as he stood up quicker than a lightning, the chair behind him toppling backwards with the force. There was some sick satisfaction coating his tongue at the way everyone flinched from the sound of his voice. He had been quiet the whole night, carefully soaking up every petty word and every pretentious glance. But no more. Now he was going to talk; now Lance would be the one yelling.
 The whole room fell deadly silent with Lanceâs ragged and heavy breathing as the only sound. Even Hunk looked slightly afraid of the monster that had been unleashed. This ugly monster that was just scared and ruined. Scared that he would never see Keith, Ezra and Layla again. Scared that this was itâall those happy years after the warâthey were the only thing heâd ever get before the universe took it all from him.
 âMy ⌠my daughter,â Lance choked out, his vision getting blurry and hot from the tears that pooled his eyes, but he never took his gaze away from travelling to each and every alien that was seated around the table. They had to see what this was doing to him, what they were doing to him. âMy Layla has the astarsis. And if she doesnât receive her phoebe treatments on time, or if the pills end up not being enough ⌠sheâll die.â Some sucked in a harsh, shocked breath. Ever since they learned about the disease, Lance and Keith never made a big deal out of it even though they were scared to death when it first happened. But the public was vicious sometimes and they had wanted to protect their girl from that. âAnd my boy Ezra,â Lance continued, trying not to cry when he remembered his sunshine son who always smiled and loved like he had two hearts instead of one. âHe just got accepted into the Altean Healing Academy. Heâs always wanted to help the others across the universe and save lives in a way that I could not.â
 Allura grabbed his hand again, squeezing it tenderly and when Lance took a look at her, she had tears streaming down her cheeks, mouth trembling in fear no matter how much she tried to hide it.
 He shut his eyes.
 âQueen Allura asked you to come here today, because you have the resources and the riches to help me and my children,â Lance said. âPlease understand, they never did this with any malicious intentions, they just ⌠they just wanted their dad back. Donât hurt them.â
 At the mention of Keith, he almost broke down. He didnât know he managed to not fall to the floor and cry in all these days, in this whole past month even, but now he felt his broken heart falling piece by piece on the ground. Lance was baring himself in front of them all, hoping that theyâd understand. Theyâd remember that years ago they had a lot to lose, too. Lance understood the fear and the anger from the situation, after all, they had been under Galran rule far longer than these aliens and their people were free.
 âMe and my teammates, my husband, bled for your planets. We almost died to save you without asking for anything back,â Lance kept pressing on. A lot of them seemed to deflate under the weight of his speech, even Olphyra herself with a faraway look like she transferred herself into all those bloody battles where death and destruction reigned.
 âYour sacrifice will be for nothing, Blue Paladin, if those kids of yours do something they arenât supposed to do or say,â one gravelly old voice hissed out from the back. Lance jerked his head and found Zatha, the religious leader of planet Yarruta. They were very skilled at nanotechnology and Lance knew from Pidge that most of the building materials for the tech came exactly from there. The people from Yarruta resembled all kinds of snakes which has always freaked out him and Layla. Keith and Ezra always made fun of them whenever he was forced to interact. Zatha resembled a cobra with a huge green hood and a tongue that swirled creepily over every word. âOf course, we shall bring them back, but there should be a severe punishment for when they come home. We have to make sure something like this doesnât happen ever again.â
 âThose are kids, Elder Zatha,â Dr. Naarya growled, Galra fangs on display for everyone to see. âWhat has been done is done. You certainly canât go back in time right now, but at least we can dictate our future. Instead of doing the work that needs to be done, you are here discussing what horrible things to do on two amazing humans.â
 âHumans that can ruin decades of peace,â argued another alien on Lotorâs right side oblivious to the nasty glare the prince sent to them.
 âI say we leave them in the Daibazaal wilderness,â chuckled the male alien seated next to Lance. He had noticed him the moment he entered the hall. It was hard not to since he was pretty tall, with a bulky muscular build that easily towered over Lotorâs, wearing a mischievous grin like one would wear a new expensive garment. Allura had whispered in his ear that it was the prince of some extremely rich planet that, surprisingly, wasnât ever found by the Galra during the war. Lance had thought it was too suspiciousâand a theory that they might have been working with them behind the Rebellionâs back was kept in his mouth. âThis might teach them a little lesson, huh?â
 Silence swept over the room. Everything and everyone stilled as if the time itself had stopped to listen and observe.
 It shouldâve been a joke. It obviously looked like a joke. But no one laughed.
 And Lance certainly didnât find it funny.
 Images burst like bulbs exploding right in front of him. And Lance could see it all so clearly; feel it even clearer as if it was yesterday.
 Darkness.
 The wet and cold mud under his feet.
 A blade flashing under the moonlight.
 The childish shrill of pain that pierced the blackness.
 Keithâs screaming that rattled Lanceâs bones.
 And just like thatâwith no logic present in his brain, no reasoning whatsoeverâLanceâs left hand wrapped around the princeâs meaty nape and brought his face down to the table with a thundering force that jolted the whole thing. His right hand knew what to do and in negative time, the blue bayard transformed itself into the high-tech pistol.
 Lance confidently pressed the barrel right at the princeâs head.
 âLance!â Allura yelled and stood up from her chair. Pidge and Hunk did too, but Lance ignored them all.
 The prince tried to resist a little, but Lance pushed even further and the male froze when he felt more prominently the weapon that could blow his brain off if he tried to move. And when Lance made sure the prince knew his place, he riveted his eyes on all the other present aliens.
 âLance, please think about whatââ
 âIf one of you,â Lance growled lowly, the hot familiar anger pumping his blood; his whole body on fire, every bone threatening to burst in flames, âdares or even dares to think of laying a hand on one of my kids, I will send your heads one by one back to your home planets for everyone to see.â
 Some aliens looked downright afraid and others had pressed some of the devices and papers into their chests like it would protect them from Lanceâs murderous gaze.
 He ignored Alluraâs warning call once again as he banged the princeâs face into the smooth surface another time. He groaned in pain and Lance let him go slide off and fall to the ground, leaving a small trail of blue blood coming from his nose. The thud of his body colliding rang across the soundless hall.
 Lance deactivated his bayard and started walking towards the exit, his fists clenching and unclenching, itching for a fight.
 âAnd for the record,â he said just when his hand pressed over the data pad, âthat wasnât a threat.â The entrance hissed open, but Lance still looked behind him to find all the shocked and fearful expressions. Hunk and Pidge seemed indecisive, like they didnât know if they should go follow him or stay. Zatha had her eyebrows scrunched up like sheâd tasted something sour while Olphyra gaped. Alluraâs eyes were big and full of sympathy, in contrast with Lotor who looked smug and almost proud as he was looking at the fallen prince who had pressed his hands into his broken nose.
 Lance stepped outside the room.
 âThat was a promise,â he said just as the doors shut.
 But even if they didnât hear his last wordsâthe silence he left behind him was loud enough.
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Lance didnât know for how long he strolled in the castle, ignoring every curious glance and concerned looks from the staff that knew him. But it didnât matter at the end anyways, because he ended up in the royal garden as always. It was his favorite place in the whole palace. Everything was bathed in all possible colors Lance could think of with beautiful sculptures standing tall and gracing every corner. He could hear the faint sound of someone humming a gentle song and the water quietly burbling from either the fountains or an Altean gardener irrigating the flowers, the trees and the bushes. Some birds chirped on Lanceâs left, but he still kept his eyes closed, breathing in deeply.
 The anger really brought out the worst in him, for sure. And he was sure heâd get a scolding from Allura despite the fact they were no kids anymore. Despite the fact they both had kids of their own, too. Even after all these years, she still mothered all of Voltron just like Shiro with his dad-like attitude.
 The small artificial lake lapped the shore and usually he would bring Layla here for a swim whenever they visited Altea, but now ⌠now Layla was gone and he didnât know if she was okay, if she was healthy, if his past self at least took great care of her. Although, knowing himself, he didnât think there would be problem. Maybe even Keith instantly recognized himself in Layla with all the eye rolling, sarcastic tongue and blunt sentences with a hint of sweetness that made you instantly love them. The moment she was born, Lance knew sheâd resemble his husband the most. He was sure of it.
 Sure, she might have taken his eyes and his curly hair and at first, quick glance someone would think she took his face. But no. The longer she stood next to Keithâthe better you see how Layla is literally him with blue eyes and darker skin. Even the Keith baby pictures Krolia provided their family with were scarily identical to Laylaâs when she was a toddler.
 Except for Ezra who had always been a mini-Lance. Even now, in his teenage years, he mostly looks like Lance himself when he was at the same age. And his personality resembled Lanceâs too and many liked to joke that Ezra was an actual copy, but that wasnât true at all. Sure, his son loved to joke around and was good with people, but Ezra was a lot gentler, more careful, more delicate. He felt a lot more than Lance and Keith combined, a sensitivity that was closer to Lanceâs mother or Shiro even rather than his parents. An empathy that always made you feel understood and warm.
 He smiled to himself. Ezra would be the perfect for the career heâs chosen.
 Lance sighed and sniffed, gulping down the tears. Donât cry, donât cry, donât cry âŚ
 He wasnât allowed to cry. Not until they were all together again. Not until everything goes back to what it used to be.
 Not until Keithâ
 âLet me go!â
 A faint yell from the distance interrupted his thoughts and Lance met the blue cloudless sky as he opened his eyes. He immediately sat up alarmed and looked to the source. He couldnât identify it right away since there were too many trees blocking his path and vision, but he couldâve sworn that it sounded a lot of likeâ
 There was another shout. âI said let me go! Canât you take orders! Hey, donât touch me! Put me down!â
 This time Lance didnât waste any second and ran between all the fruit trees, slapping every leaf, plant and bush away that prevented him from getting to his destination. However, some of the worry that settled in at the beginning withered away at the moment he recognized the young and familiar female voice.
 Finally, Lance arrived at the main pathway that led to the stairway which guided to the entrance of the castle. On his right there was nothing out of the ordinary. The huge and tall gate made of Altean white stone, the city below with all of its buildings, houses and nature like the green hills and snow mountains in the distance. For a second Lance wondered if he mustâve hallucinated everything since it wouldnât have been the first time. But then âŚ
 âUncle Lance!â Someone from behind cried out.
 Lance turned around.
 And there she was. The crown princess of Altea, the first and only child of Queen Allura and Prince Lotor.
 Princess Melenor, named after her grandmother. Or Mella, as Ezra nicknamed her when they were little kids which stuck for a short name ever since.
 She was currently struggling with two guards, one of which was enveloping her torso, carrying her away from the entrance and going down the stairs. Mella trashed in his arms like a wild animal, teeth bared and purple marks glowing in pure rage. The Altean that was holding her wisely kept his head the furthest he could manage with the way Mella tried to wring it back and hit him. Her eyes caught his again and even from the distance, Lance noticed the relief that passed though.
 âUncle Lance! Help me! Aynas wonât let me go and tell me whatâs going on!â
 âHey!â Lance protested. âCome on, she told you off! Whatâs going on here?â
 Aynas, the guard that was hauling the princess around, looked up just as they dropped Mella off at the bottom of the stairs.
 âSir McClain,â they both said at the same time, hands pressed over their hearts as they bowed at the waist. Lance grimaced at the title and the greeting, never quite figuring out how to feel about it. Obviously, no one in team Voltron was Altean and they never had rights over titles, land or money, but after the war ended, Allura and Lotor both insisted that the citizen pay their respects with the correct title for an Altean knight. Some even called them Lord which always left a sour taste in his mouth, although it was funny to see how Layla preened under everyone daring to call her Lady McClain. âWe were instructed by Prince Lotor to not let the princess into the castle until the meeting is over.â
 âWhat meeting?â Mella demanded nostrils flaring in anger. She seemed to be fresh out of mission. She was wearing the training uniform for the ones training at the Security Schoolâwhite suit that resembled the one Allura wore back in the war, except Mellaâs had purple undertones instead of pink that matched her violet eyes and lilac Altean marks. Her snow-white hair was done in a simple braid that fell down to her waist, but everything was messy with all the strands sticking out everywhere and her wispy bangs stuck a little to her forehead from all the sweat. âI was supposed to be on a mission for two movements, but âŚâ
 Mella took a deep breath and wiped her eyes, her dark brown cheeks glowing under the harsh sun. Then she looked up at Lance, gaze soft and yet hard as steel all at once. Allura had taught her that look well.
 âEzra stopped responding to me a few quintants ago and I got worried,â she said and took Lanceâs sleeve in desperation and shook his hand lightly. âWhere is Ezra? Is he here with you?â
 Mella paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. âI have to tell him something very ⌠um âŚâ Mella looked to the side and Lance couldâve sworn her cheeks flushed with the marks slightly taking a faint glow. Mella was rarely a girl to become flustered or shy and Lance was left confused on what was going on here. She thrusted her head. âWhatever. Just ⌠is he on Altea right now? Or on Earth? Daibazaal?â Something mustâve changed on Lanceâs face, because the small shyness was replaced by suspicion. âWhat? Whatâs going on? Whyâwhy are you looking at me like that?â
 Mella somehow turned her face to the guardâs direction who disappeared the moment they got the chance as if they could answer her why Lance was so silent; why Ezra wasnât here.
 The realization was like freezing waters being thrown at his face. Mella didnât know.
 She didnât know. She didnât know about Layla, and she definitely didnât know about Ezra. Oh stars. Now Lance had to be the one to break her heart and bring the horrendous news to her. Why didnât Allura tell her? Why didnât anyone?
 A fresh memory resurfaced on top of his mind.
 âItâs complicated,â Ezra said that one night to Keith a few months ago when they visited Cuba for Christmas. Lance happened to pass by one of the mango trees on their farm. It was enormous and it had been there since he remembered. Occasionally, when he was little, Lance and his siblings would play here and have picnics. Now Keith and Ezra had done the same as they were sitting on some scratchy old blanket. His son had his head in Keithâs lap while his husband was carding his hand gently through Ezraâs strands.
 Keith hummed. âIs it?â He asked softly. âOr do you make it complicated?â
 âItâs always complicated when it comes to Mella anyways,â Ezra sighed tiredly.
 That had been his cue to leave since it was obvious that their son chose to open up to Keith specifically, seeking out his dadâs comfort which was pretty normal. Sometimes it was Lance and sometimes it was both of themâit never bothered Lance. In fact, it made him unbelievably happy to see the most loved his ones together.
 âWill someone tell meââ
 âMella,â Lance said and perhaps itâs the way he said her voice that made her shut up and look at him. Her eyes were glistening and he could see she tried not to cry. She mustâve sensed that something was wrong ever since Aynas stopped her from entering her own home. Mellaâs mouth slightly trembled and something in Lance panged with hurt. He had seen her growing up just as much as his own children and she had always been proud and strong, loving, caring and protective just like a lioness. It was unnerving to see her like this. So Lance decided not to beat around the bush as it wasnât time for softening such a dire situation and said those ugly words, he had never said out loud, âEzraâs gone.â
 Mella physically recoiled away from him, brows furrowing like Lance had physically slapped her. Her mouth opened and there was such anger and pain gathering in her eyes; pain that could topple entire buildings. Lance idly wondered if he had the same face when he threatened that stuck up prince. âWh-what? What do you mean gone? Where did he go?â
 Lance tried to take her hand before she could run away and do something impulsive or stupid that she might regret in the future, but Mella just stepped away and glared at him with teary eyes.
 âWhereâs Ezra? Tell me,â she ordered with a hard voice filled with wrath, using her princess tone that he heard her use very rarely, mainly since Mella had always been rather indifferent about her status as a royal. Very unlike her mother who had been born ready to rule her people. Mella preferred travelling and exploring much like Lotor did in his teenage years.
 The lack of answer on Lanceâs part made her even angrier. But what he could say? She and Ezra grew up together, they were best friends since childhood. How he would tell her that her best friend is gone without Lance himself falling apart?
 âMel, lookââ
 âTell me!â
 âHeâs just gone!â Lance yelled, his voice cracking like ice under all the pressure. Mella flinched at his outburst, and for a small second, he felt bad about it, but ⌠it just felt so good to let it all out. âLayla used the Time Travel Prototype to go back in time and Ezra followed her three days ago! I donât know where they are, I donât know if theyâre safe and I donât know when theyâll come back! A-and ⌠Keith is gone too and I have no idea what the fuck Iâm doing! I feel so helpless and alone. And all people in there,â he thrusted a hand towards the castle angrily, âare trying to hurt my children and I donât know what to do except threaten them, because otherwise I will crumble into nothingness!â
 Lance didnât realize he was crying until it was too late. Mella stared at him in shock, huge purple eyes swimming in pain and regret. Lance wished he had the power to apologize, tell her it wasnât her fault he lost it, that it was just a matter of time.
 A bird cheeped somewhere in the distance.
 Mella took one step towards him, then twoâher hands hesitantly raised before her.
 Lance could barely see her Mella through his blurry eyes as her face screwed up in misery. And then, with all her might, she lunged towards him with a heart wrenching sob, burying herself in his chest. Lanceâs response was automatic and he embraced her while Mella started crying her heart out, warm tears staining his shirt. She fisted some of the fabric in her hand and Lance simply squeezed her closer, some tears escaping him too. He hid his face in her hair, both of them crying out for the people they loved.
 He had never heard Mella cry this much before and it was scary as much as it was painful, every bawl taking him back into those nightmares that kept him up every night.
 They stayed there for a long time. In front of the Altean castle, hugging each other.
 Lance hadnât realized how much he needed to do this. To comfort and hug someone who could fully understand his pain. He had always thrived under such circumstances, to just be someoneâs rock only so he could convince himself that he was fine.
 Soon, Mellaâs sobs turned dry and Lance never let go even when it all stopped. Not that she seemed ready to pull away either.
 The Altean sun streamed on them both, the golden light warming him up and that hollow hole in his chest ⌠didnât feel so bad anymore. He breathed in and kissed Mellaâs head crown, a loving gesture he has always done ever since she was a small baby that Allura passed over to him with a shaky smile, trembling hands from happiness and turquoise eyes shining with unconditional love and care. It reminded him of Layla and Lance tried to suck back the tears, his throat feeling like it had a rock settled in there.
 âIâm sorry,â Mella rasped out, but before Lance could protest, she looked up at him. Her eyes were red and puffed, and her cheeks were glistening wet from all the tears. âIâm sorry I yelled at you like this. I know it has been heartbreaking for you ever since uncle Keith disappeared and now this. I shouldâve been more considerate.â Then Mella hid herself in his embrace again and muttered, âForgive me if you can.â
 The words about Keith made Lanceâs breath hitch, but he masked it well and caressed her hair in a gentle manner. âI forgive you,â he said softly.
 Mella exhaled in relief. âI justâ this was so stupid of him!â She growled. âHow could he do this to everyone? And Layla too on top of it all! I swear, when he comes back, I will punch him in the face!â
 And then, there it was.
 So unexpected, but oh, so relieving.
 Lance laughed.
 It came out sounding so wrong, but so right at the same time. His laugh was scratchy like an old record, like his cords have long forgotten how to make this pure sound of joy when none of his most loved were here with him. But he laughed and it was the more consoling than he could ever imagine. It was comforting, he thought. That he could produce a laugh even when he felt like his soul was dying; that even the loudest and horrendous thunderstorm could turn into a delicate drizzle. Drizzle that reminded Lance of those peaceful times at his parentâs house in Cuba, Keith in his arms in the early morning as they watched Ezra and Layla playing in the rain. Smiling because they loved the children; smiling because they loved each other.
 Those memories were the only thing that kept him from completely dropping hopeâs fragile hand.
 Mella chuckled with him and that made Lance even happier. He opened his mouth to say share how the meeting went, when urgent steps on the left stopped him.
 They both turned on the side only to see Aynas from before running towards them like his life dependent on it.
 âHeyââ
 âLord Lance! I was ordered by Queen Allura to bring you back into the meeting hall immediately! There has been very important news that concern your husband, Lord Keith, you see!â Aynas breathed in and out so quickly that Lance had almost missed the words that stumbled out of his mouth.
 His whole world tipped sideways, his heart stuttering like it was ready to stop right here, right now from all the excitement. Mella seemed was ready to support him as Lance stumbled on his unstable legs towards Aynas, feeling like a newborn deer on ice.
 âWhat is it Aynas?â Lance demanded like a man on his dying breath and grasped the man on the shoulders, shaking him with vigor. âWhat news?â
 Please donât be dead, please donât be dead, please donât be dead. I donât know what Iâll do with myself if heâs dead.
 Aynas stayed silent, eyes wide with something Lance couldnât translate for the life of him.
 âSpeak for fuckâs sake!â Lance growled in ire and thrusted the guard back and forth. âWhat news?â
 Aynas seemed to come to his senses and his eyes cleared up as if a fog was lifted, a curse breaking. And then he smiled with all his teeth like a some Altean goddess graced him with her presence in his dream, which was scary on its own because Lance couldâve sworn in all those years, he never saw Aynas smiling, not even grinning or huffing in humor.
 âCongratulations, Lord McClain,â he said and bowed again, this time more sincere and genuine. This time Lance couldnât hold his sobs and fell on his knees, Mella following as she immediately engulfed him in her armsâher laugh sounding like holiday bells, sounding like the pure happiness that bled through his body as he heard the next words.
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âTheyâve found your husband. Heâs coming back home.â
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pssst ... sorry for butting in like that on this emotional ending, but here are some pictures from my prom, because i consider you guys my friends and i love you all so much! thank you for being with me throughout these moments! and i wanted u to have a proof that i was truly busy LMAO.
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