Masks

After

Set after Us.

Things are different afterwards, after they stumble out of their lions and back together, still more than a touch high on the feeling of being part of five masks at once, after the warm glow has faded and they've settled more fully back into their individual selves, after they've drifted their separate ways again. It's not... not exactly a surprise that something has changed, but there was no way of knowing how donning their masks while forming Voltron would affect them. No one has ever done anything like this before, after all, and it's not really a surprise that they all end up regrouping near one of the Castle's windows later that night, gathering around in the dimness to watch the stars go by.

"I miss Earth so much sometimes it hurts," Lance admits freely, as the rest of them try to figure out where to start, "Everything about it, even the bad bits." Leaning against the window next to Keith, he offers a faint grin, "Having you guys up here helps. Arguing with Keith and being a drama queen helps."

"I didn't know you were aware how ridiculous you are sometimes," Pidge joins in, stepping forward a little, "Or why you're always so careful about using your mask."

"Yours is more similar to mine than I would have guessed," Lance replies, "I didn't know being a Fox could be so complicated!"

"It's flexible, kinda like Comedy," Pidge agrees, then brightens, "You're a lot smarter than I thought you were."

"Ouch."

"What? You act like a complete moron sometimes!"

"I didn't realize Keith had feelings," Hunk interrupts before they can get too far into this, "You know, like beyond 'irritated,' 'intense,' and 'confused.'"

This... actually brings an embarrassed smile to Keith's face and he rubs the back of his neck. "I'm not very good with people. And... I'm not homesick, at all. It's an Explorer thing, my home base used to be that shack in the desert you saw, but now," he runs a hand along the window ledge, "The Castle's home now." Then he turns to back to Hunk. "I didn't realize you and Shiro were so alike."

"Yeah, me neither," Hunk shifts awkwardly but also looks a bit pleased as he turns to the oldest paladin. The ways they go about enacting their desires are different, yes, but both of them care so deeply for those around them. It's just that the Caregiver is obvious in its intentions, and it is easy to forget that the Guardian also finds its roots in love.

Shiro quirks a smile back at him, then grows more serious, a metal hand coming to rest on Keith's shoulder. "I didn't realize how much pressure I was putting on you," he says quietly, "And I'm sorry for that. And for not putting more faith in the rest of you," he adds to the other three...

The talk continues for a long time as secrets come to light and confusions are straightened out. There are so many dangers they're facing, things that promise to leave nightmares that linger for years at best, and all of it so very real. But there is one thing they have learned tonight that they do not have to fear, will likely never fear again.

And that is each other.

OoOoOoOoO

A brief look at some of the repercussions of 'Us.' Would probably be longer, more complex, and far more whimsical, but right now my brain hates me and is expressing this by holding all the writer-magic hostage.