Lance, Please

The Story of Voltron

The party was in full swing. Groups of aliens surrounded the paladins, offering thanks and congratulations for their most recent victory. They had been there for hours, and Allura could tell that they were getting tired. Moving to help them out, she was interrupted by the planet's leader.

“Paladins, we are eternally grateful for your help. Thank you for coming tonight, though we have one final request.”

Eyebrows went up as the group exchanged glances. Seemingly coming to an agreement, Shiro spoke up. “Depending on the request, it may have to wait till tomorrow. We are willing to hear you out though.”

At this, the aliens cheered, much to the group's surprise. Thanking them again, the king explained.

“My people are historians. Whenever we meet new travelers, it is tradition to have them share bits of their culture, so it may never be forgotten. We were hoping to hear from you, if you would let us.”

“We would love to.” said Shiro, eyes softening. Just give us a moment to think of something. Turning to face the others, he jumped, spotting them up on the stage the band had been using. Somehow, they had managed to get a table up there, and they were currently lounging around it, drinks in hand. Noticing his shock, Lance grinned brightly at him.

“Don't worry Shiro. We got this one, you can relax.” He said as Pidge stood on their chair, turning to face the crowd.

“Back on Earth, we have stories that people put to song.” Pidge started, winking at Shiro. “Several songs make up one story, but that's not the point. We are gonna sing one of the more popular songs for you guys. It's called The Story of Tonight, and we felt it would be pretty appropriate.” Getting a nod and a smile from Shiro, they turned to the table and sat down again.

Taking this as his cue, Keith rose his glass. “I may not live to see our glory.” He sang.

“I may not live to see our glory.” the others echo, copying his motion. Unknown to them, Shiro did the same from his seat next to Allura, earning him a raised eyebrow from the princess. Ignoring the look he was getting, Shiro watched his ‘kids’ proudly.

“But I will gladly join the fight.” Keith sang, grinning widely.

“But I will gladly join the fight.” Another toast, the others matching him grin for grin.

“And when our children tell our story.” Another echo. Lance stood softly, making his way to the edge of  the stage quietly, almost unnoticed as the others continued.

“They'll tell the story of tonight.” Keith finished, smiling softly. Smiling widely, Pidge raised their glass again.

“Let's have another round tonight.” They sang.

“Let's have another round tonight.” Hunk echoed wistfully, glancing over to Lance as he made his way across the stage. He drew back to attention as Keith finished their round, giving another rare soft smile.

“Let's have another round tonight.”

“Raise a glass to freedom.” The audience turned to Lance, who was now sitting on the edge of the stage, right in front of the first row. He was singing surprisingly well compared to the other times Allura had heard him sing, and she was pleasantly surprised at the wide range of notes he was hitting. Standing slowly, Lance began making his way back to center stage, continuing his solo.

“Something they can never take away. No matter what they tell you.” Hunk stood, and was followed by Pidge as they went to join Lance for the chorus.

“Raise a glass to the four of us.” Hunk slung his arm over Lance's shoulder, joining in once more.

“Tomorrow there’ll be more of us.” Pidge hugged Lance around the waist, earning themself a pat on the head as they finished off the verse.

“Telling the story of tonight.”

“They'll tell the story of tonight.” Keith echoed, watching his friends sway back and forth, enjoying the peace the song offered. He silently pat himself on the back for turning down My Shot. ‘This was a much better idea. They really needed this.’

“Raise a glass to freedom. Something they can never take away.” The trio continued, making their way back to the table to sit again. Keith kept singing, winking at them as they sat and earning a giggle from Pidge.

“No matter what they tell you.”

“Let's have another round tonight.” Hunk and Pidge chorused, swaying once more.

“Raise a glass to the four of us.” Lance sang, swinging an arm around Keith, who stiffened before leaning into the touch.”

“Tomorrow there’ll be more of us.” They all sang. Even Shiro joined, singing the words under his breath, eyes slightly damp with emotion.

“Telling the story of tonight.” Klance harmonized beautifully, making every eye that wasn't already damp moist (moist lol) with unshed tears.

“Let's have another round tonight.” Team Punk repeated, Pidge practically sitting on Hunk's lap.

“They'll tell the story of tonight.” Blue and Red sang again, eyes closed as they swayed.

“Raise a glass to freedom.” Green and Yellow echoed. As they repeated the lines, Shiro glanced around the room, taking in the raw emotions of the audience. There wasn't a dry eye in the room, as all the aliens gazes were stuck on the scene before them.

“They'll tell the story of tonight.”

A beat passed, and as one, the crowd stood, cheering and clapping erupting through the room. The group stood as one and without any prompting, bowed before leaving the stage and making their way to Shiro and Allura.

“That was amazing!” the king cried, literally, tear tracks down his cheeks. “We cannot thank you enough paladins. Truly, your story shall be remembered forever.” He turned to Allura, smiling grandly as he held out his hand. “My people would be honored to join the Voltron Coalition. We are at your service.”

Shocked, Allura slowly shook his hand, not trusting her voice at the moment. Noticing her predicament, Shiro stepped in softly, gently pulling Allura back.

“Thank you. We would love to talk to you more in depth about the Coalition, but we best be getting to bed.”

The king nodded in understanding, watching Keith and Lance lean heavily on eachother, both too tired to fully care who it was they were leaning on. Pidge had already taken Hunk's back, clinging like a koala, snoring softly as Hunk yawned. “Go. Rest. The discussion will have to wait.”

Shiro nodded, and with that, he herded everyone away, already calling Coran to let him know they were coming back.