Winter Tree (Voltron: Legendary Defender Fanfic/ONC )

Reality

Seeing Keith hurt – even if it wasn't his Keith – was never a pleasant experience.

Of course, seeing the beautiful purple color leave Krolia's facial features was an experience Shiro was not at all sure about himself. His first reaction was, of course, wondering why she hid the fact she was part Altean from Keith and he, but then Shiro realized she lived in a world which sought the eradication of the Altean people. He also wondered if Kolivan knew Krolia's secret or not, yet the questions went unanswered.

The concept of bonding also bothered him greatly, yet he couldn't place his finger on why.

In the long run, they decided to head back to the Castle of Lions, or the Castle of Lions of this world, but Krolia stayed behind under the encouragement of this Keith. The manner in which this Keith reacted to her presence told him Galra were in fact not a welcome sight in this universe, yet Shiro understood that train of thought given the fact there was a similar reaction from those in their world if the person didn't know there were good Galra out there.

The mood going back was somber, yet the way this Keith greeted this Allura troubled Shiro. They were soon joined by this Lance who seemed frustrated. "Have you seen..." This Lance paused upon seeing the sister of their Lance. "Veronica."

"Wow. Seeing you all grown up."

This Lance rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah. I'm not sure your Lance is going to make it to being grown up. He's seriously messed up."

Veronica's lips pushed together. "You honestly think so?'

"I. Yeah." Lance took a deep breath. "The rest of the family, they aren't on the ship as well?"

"No, but..." Veronica folded her arms as if she were unsure of saying something. She finally took a deep breath. "One of the aliens we know pretty much surmised our world is falling apart because Lance got together with Allura."

"Yes."

Shiro's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. "Wait. How can you be sure of that?"

This Lance let out a snorting sound which indicated disgust. "Why? I'm not sure how to explain how Allura's abilities work, but it may very well tie into however she died. What I do know is I do not belong with Allura, but I'm absolutely shocked any Allura dated someone who..." This Lance looked Veronica in the eye. "Apologies for saying this, but your brother is a colossal jerk and a bully. The way he treats Keith is appalling, but I'm not getting how Allura would be okay with dating someone who treats anybody the way he does."

Veronica tried smiling. "I've been hearing that Allura dating him isn't in character for her, but I've also been told he's a different person than I expected." Her eyes blinked. "Wait. I might as well ask you, but this idea of Lance being a ladies' man..."

This Lance let out a laugh. "I know this is likely going to embarrass you, which is why I personally didn't do it in front of you or mother, but yeah. I am, but I'm not ashamed of it. I like flirting with the ladies and love their attention. It's who I am."

Shiro's eyes widened. "You are very different from our Lance."

That Lance frowned, which added to the surprise Shiro felt.

"Yeah. I noticed. I am so sorry your Lance isn't friends with Keith like we are in this universe. He's missing out on a great friendship. I'm not saying it's better than the friendship he has with Hunk, but I wouldn't give my friendship with Keith up for the world." He watched a few of the younger members look at each other and let out a sigh before looking at Hunk and Pidge. "Hey. Why don't you guys take the younger members to the recreation area before heading back out?"