Voltron Mini-fics

◇The Blame Game◇

If there was one thing Keith didn't like, it was not being blamed for something that was obviously his fault.

There were times where it was just something small and he wasn't blamed, didn't bother him too much. There were some bigger things, like being too instinctive and running in, people never blamed him for that. That discomfort was only miniscule.

But when Shiro and Allura blamed Lance for Pidge's capture, all the other things felt infinitesimal. It was Keith's fault that he ran in, Keith's fault that he threw himself into battle, Keith's fault Pidge had to push him out of the way. It was all Keith's fault!

But they blamed Lance. All Lance had done was back Keith up when he made his idiotic decision to rush in. He just followed his comrade into battle, he did nothing wrong. He obeyed orders, he did what he was told, but they blamed him.

And Keith knew why. They were biased. It was obvious that Shiro and Allura preferred Keith over Lance, it was obvious that they both would choose Pidge and Keith over Hunk and Lance in a life or death situation.

But Lance didn't deserve that scolding.

"Lance," Allura started, voice scolding and loud. "You just had to be silly like always, you had to goof off. And now Pidge is stuck with the Galra!"

Shiro joined in, not even attempting in the slightest to hide the disappointment, anger and hysteria in his voice.

"Pidge could be being tortured for all we know! They could be hurting her for information! God, Lance, why the hell can't you take anything seriously!?"

Keith was sure he didn't mean it, but it hurt the red paladin to look at Lance's face. He was trying to be strong, he really was, but Keith could tell that tears were rimming his glimmering blue eyes. That may sound gay, but Keith likes Lance, so it's fine, as long as it's only in his head.

Lance hadn't torn his gaze from the floor, not once. Keith and Hunk were forced to watch this, not having enough courage to excuse themselves in fear of setting off their leaders.

Now, since they've started scolding him, the two have said some very rude things to Lance, they were frustrated and needed to get their frustrations out. But one particular thing wasn't just something to let slide.

It was Shiro who said it, Lance hero breaking his heart with just eight words.

"How are you even a Paladin of Voltron!?"

Lance froze, and he finally let the tears fall. He smiled sadly and looked at the two in front of him. Allura covered her mouth, realizing what Shiro just said. The Black Paladin, however, made no effort to take back what he said.

Hunk was about ready to shoot Shiro in the eye, Keith had never seen his friend so mad. But then he remembered, this is Lance. Hunk and Lance had been friends since their first year in the Garrison, and Pidge came along not long after.

Keith realized why he was so mad. Those three had known each other longer than any of the other Paladins, and their supposed "Leaders" are blaming, probably, the most selfless and considerate person on this ship, of getting his little sister, basically, caught by the most formidable enemy they have. It made Keith mad again.

Then, Lance said something. Something that Hunk never wanted to hear again. Something Keith never wanted to hear in the first place.

"I'm sorry I'm such a disappointment."

After that, Lance just walked away, like it was nothing, though tears were continuing to cascade down his face.

After Lance was out of earshot, Hunk spoke up.

"What the hell was that, Shiro!?" Hunk never raised his voice and never cussed. He was really angry. "Do you have any idea what you just said to the most insecure person on the ship!?"

Shiro flinched. Allura stepped up. "I was very out of line," she had a hand over her mouth, making the sound of her voice slightly faded.

"I am such an idiot, quiznak! I knew about the blue paladins' tendencies to feel less than ideal about themselves, though they never say anything... I am a terrible leader"

She was crying now. Shiro's eyes were wide as his eyes stared in no particular direction.

"I can't believe I just said that... I don't deserve to lead Voltron." He mumbled under his breath.

Hunk ran his large hands through his hair, releasing a heavy sigh.

Keith watched Shiro and Allura, he didn't want be mad, but it was hard. He then realized something.

"G-Guys... where did Lance even go..?"

That question weighed heavily in the room, the atmosphere pushing down on their shoulders.

Hunk was the first to move, he bolted down the halls of the castle ship, making his way to Lance's room, followed by Keith. Allura and Shiro felt it more appropriate to stay back.

Hunk pressed his ear against the door, struck by surprise with the sound of loud sobs. Hunk opened the door.

"Lance? You doin' okay, buddy?" The yellow paladin sat next to his best friend on the bed, shocked to have arms wrapped around his neck.

"H-Hunk, I... I just..." Lance stuttered in between sobs. Hunk just stroked his hair and rocked back and forth. He then gestured for Keith to sit on the opposite side of Lance on the bed.

Hesitantly, Keith did, and was pulled into the hug by Lance, who cried on his shoulder. Keith wasn't exactly sure what to do, so he wrapped an arm around the blue paladin and waited for him to calm down

●•●•●•●•○•●•●•●•●

Hunk and Keith had finally gotten Lance to calm down, though all Keith really did was agree with what Hunk said and hug Lance tight.

Lance was still crying, but not as much. He was tired and completely wrung out, but Hunk wanted to talk.

"Lance," he started. "You know, I'm sure Shiro and Allura didn't mean what they sai-"

"No, Hunk! They're right... Why am I even on Team Voltron?! I'm just a useless disappointment who apparently wants to get every captured because of his stupidity!" He wasn't looking at anything in particular, just staring off into space and yelling.

Keith wanted to interject, so he sent Hunk a look before proceeding.

"Look, Lance. If they meant what they said, then fuck them, because you are an amazing paladin. And you're not just another pilot, you're family, dude. And... And maybe... even more." Keith looked away, a slight red tint staining his face.

Lance finally looked him in the eye, shocked. His vision blurred as he cried, joy filling his features.

"Keith..." He wiped away his tears and brought Keith in close.

Keith's pale face turned a dark crimson as Lance connected their lips, hiccuping and crying as they kissed.

Hunk looked at them happily, glad to see that Lance was feeling a bit better.

They'd talk to Shiro and Allura later, right now, Lance needed Keith.