The Stars Between -- (VLD)

[32] He is like me

Lance stepped out of the medical bay, flicking his fringe away from his forehead in an attempt to shift some of the sweat and blood that caked his hair once more. He'd been in the medbay for a long time, and he and Kelaan had finally reached a point where Shiro was stable. Immediately after, Kelaan and had kicked Lance out for some rest.

This was all too familiar. 

Now all he needed was for-

Yup, there she was.

"You gotta stop waiting for me out here, Mikimoo." Lance scolded, even as a smile managed to stretch itself across his face. 

"You need a hug." She said, high-pitched voice firm as she stood, arms raised expectantly and tail swishing side to side.

Lance laughed, scooping the girl up and glancing down the hall. Wherever Mik was, Nea was not far behind. 

"Where's Nea?" He asked as he bounced Mik on his hip. 

Mik yelled something in ploteryin, shocking Lance at both the volume and the language. His grin stretched further as his stomach filled with deep pride and affection for the young Galra. 

Two voices, one familiar and one unfamiliar, responded. And Nea and tiny Lotor rounded the corner. 

"Hey girls," Lance said, dropping to his knees to hug Nea, briefly teaching Lotor to fist bump when she seemed uncomfortable doing the same. 

Together, they walked towards the kitchen, Nea holding the hand that Lance wasn't using to support Mik, Lotor keeping pace on his other side. 

"Is Mr Rolo getting better?" Lotor asked quietly, fidgeting nervously with her hands. 

Lance had almost forgotten about Rolo.

"He is doing better, but he still isn't awake." Lance replied. Lotor looked down at her feet, and Mik and Nea frowned, turning to look at each other. Lance swore he could practically see the silent conversation happening before him.

"Maybe we could visit." Mik said, Nea nodding along in agreement. 

"You think?" Lotor asked, hands moving to grip the edge of her shirt, which Lance noticed was starting to wear a little, despite Lotor only owning it for a few days. 

Perhaps Lotor needed some fidget toys.

"Yeah, maybe it will make him wake up faster!" Nea added in rapid ploteryin, Lance spotting the shiny new translator sitting just inside her ear. He decided to make a fuss over it later, and focus on the conversation at hand.

"I don't know..."

"Come on Lance, you tell Lotty! We should go visit!" 

Lance tried not to chuckle. For some reason, he doubted that Rolo would appreciate the kids visiting.

"Do you think Mr Rolo would like it if we visited?" The tiny alien asked. Lance smiled down at her.

"I think he would love it, Lotty."

Lotor smiled shyly back at him and they continued on towards the kitchen.

"Lance, might I have a word?" 

Lance looked up at Muxis' voice, smile quickly vanishing from his face when he saw the expression Muxis had.

"Um... yeah... sure..." Lance said quietly, waving for the girls to continue playing while he stood up. He trailed after Muxis to just outside the doorway, where the Galra turned to look at Lance, arms folded. He had a datapad tucked in one fist, beeping quietly.