Vrepit Sa (Voltron Fanfiction) - Completed

Chapter 5: Detached

Lance decided it was best he slept in his own room, leaving the red paladin to sleep alone in his bed. He wandered down the halls, finding his way to the hangar of the Blue Lion. Her particle barrier was up, and she looked like she was in good shape.

He sighed, sitting in front of the barrier cross-legged, looking up at Blue. "Hey, beautiful. I'm sorry for being gone for so long. I hope you and Allura are doing great." He forced a small smile as he whispered those words, putting a hand on the barrier. He heard a low purr, sighing. "I don't know what I'll do now, since you chose Allura. I was right. They didn't need me." He sighed, slouching his shoulders.

The barrier desolved under his hand, Blue lowering her head. Lance looked up, smiling softly, putting a hand on her large muzzle. "I don't feel our connection anymore." He whispered to her, hearing her rumble softly in response. The doors to the hangar opened, and Allura stepped in, hands on her hips.

Lance didn't look at her, keeping his hand on Blue. "Lance, what are you doing with the Blue Lion?" Allura asked, walking over to him. He shrugged, keeping his head down. "Just saying hello to her." Lance retracted his hand, and Blue sat back up, her barrier going up again. Letting out a sigh, Lance stood up, starting to walk to the door. He was wearing some of Keith's spare clothes, and they fit surprisingly well.

Allura put a hand on Lance's shoulder, pulling her hand back when he flinched away. "I'm sorry Lance. We couldn't form Voltron without another paladin, I had to step in." She said softly. Lance shook his head, continuing to walk away. "It took you guys more than a Deca-Phoeb. It just goes to show how important I am to the team." He said sarcastically, stopping by the door. "Allura, Lotor is ruthless. I hope you know what you're doing." Lance muttered bitterly, leaving the hangar and wandering back to his room.

Allura stood where he left her, a look of surprise on her face. She puffed out her cheeks, leaving the hangar as well, practically marching to Shiro's room.

When Lance returned to his room, he wiped at his eyes, gritting his teeth. He stalked into the bathroom, looking at his reflection in the mirror. His skin was unblemished and young-looking, thanks to the quintessence. He muttered a 'thanks' under his breath, running his fingers through his matted hair. He turned his head, seeing the start of a mullet. He laughed softly to himself, leaning on the sink. Lifting his hair, Lance looked at the Galran eye up close, his lips forming a frown.

Someone knocked on his door, making him jump. Lance walked to the door, covering his eye back up, opening the door. Shiro stood outside, Allura by his side. Lance muttered something under his breath, stepping to the side to welcome them in. Allura stayed outside, leaving after Shiro walked in.

Lance sighed, sitting on the edge of his bed. "What?" He asked a nervous looking Shiro, who seemed to be fidgeting with the white tuft of hair. "Allura wanted me to talk to you. From one prisoner of the Galra to another." Shiro answered calmly, sitting next to Lance. "Is this normal? To feel unwanted?" Lance asked out of impulse, looking at the floor. "I mean, I don't have Blue anymore. Keith is still there for me, but I have a feeling he's not going to want me around for long. Hunk doesn't even want to talk to me right now, and Pidge is so busy with her tech. I thought Coran would've wanted to talk, but he said he had some castle errand. And... you, well... I'm afraid to talk to you. You're so much better than me. The whole team loves you, they all want to be your friend, but I'm afraid to get close. I don't want you to-" "Lance, you're rambling. But I understand what you're coming from." Shiro cut him off, putting his human hand on Lance's shoulder. Lance nodded, sighing heavily. "My biggest fear was to be replaced." He murmured, looking up at Shiro.

Shiro nodded, running his fingers through Lance's hair, starting to detangle it. Lance bit his lip, holding his breath. "Shiro, I have something to show you." He muttered, feeling Shiro pull his had away. Lance moved his hair out of the way, showing Shiro his Galran eye.

The black paladin kept a calm expression, leaning in to look at it closely. "Does it hurt?" He asked, pulling away. "No." Lance replied quietly, biting his lip. "Is it bad? Will the team hate me for it?" He asked nervously, looking for an answer in Shiro's expression, not getting one. Shiro sighed, smiling softly. "It seems the Galra like to take from the right side of the body." He joked, seeing Lance smile. "You can show it off Lance, there's nothing to be afraid of. If the team has a problem with it..." He lifted his arm, smiling down at Lance. "Then they can talk to me. I'm here for you." He patted Lance's head, standing.

Lance nodded, smiling softly. "Thanks, Shiro. I'm going to cut my hair, I don't want a mullet like Keith." He got up as well, looking at his feet. "Was that your attempt at asking me to cut your hair?" Shiro teased, smiling when Lance nodded. "Alright, find a seat."