Halfbreed

Chapter 3

After they reported to Kolivan, Krolia went to look for Yorak. Brax followed, just to be sure. She found him in his room, frustratingly taking his armour off and throwing it on the bed.

"Yorak? Is everything okay...?" Krolia asked.

"I hate the red paladin..." Yorak grunted.

"Did he say something about your height?" They've been in this same situation before, and Krolia knew that this was an issue for him.

Yorak nodded, "yeah, and I'm sick of it yknow?"

Krolia nodded as he talked, letting him speak.

"I know he doesn't get it, but I hate hearing this from everyone! I hate being called the halfbreed, the runt, the shorty, all of it! Why can't I just be normal huh? Why can't I go see my father? I just want to be able to do my job without any side comments! I don't want to have to live as the one 'not normal' Galra in the Blades, can't I just be Galra? Heck, I can't even remember anything from when I was on earth! Why is it always me being asked to step out of meetings because they think I'm weak? I've worked hard ever since I've started my training and I'm still not good enough? That's complete-"

"That's enough" Krolia cut him off.

"I can understand that you are angry about the name calling and everything, but don't ever say you aren't enough. You are one of the strongest Blades we have, and everyone knows that. We can work through all this, you are enough..." Krolia hugged him.

He heard Yorak whimper a little, and she encouraged him to let out his emotions. She started to hear him cry, and they sat down on the bed. She rubbed his back and swayed a little as he cried. And just outside the door, there was Brax, realizing that he'd been a key contributed in this. He's called Yorak all of those names he heard him mention. He thought it was all in good fun, but from the sound of Yorak's tears, that wasn't the case. He backed up a bit, going to leave the two alone.

Once Yorak was calm, Krolia slowly let go of him. She cleaned his armour off his bed, then laid him down.

"Now you get some rest ok? I'm going to go talk to Kolivan" Krolia said.

Yorak nodded, and closed his eyes.

Krolia left Yorak's room, and went to Kolivan.

"Kolivan" she got his attention.

"What is it, Krolia?"

"My son... he's very frustrated, have you found time for him to see his father?" Krolia asked.

"No, my apologies... I've made plans for you, Brax and him to work with Voltron" Kolivan said.

"About that..." Krolia started, "when we met with the paladins, Yorak and the red paladin didn't take a liking to each other... so I don't know if this'll work"

"They'll have to cooperate" Kolivan said.

Krolia sighed, knowing she couldn't change his mind, "you'll try to make it work though, right...?"

"I'm doing my best Krolia, but you know Yorak was is one of the best Blades we have" Kolivan said.

"I understand this, but you should understand that this contributes to Yorak's frustration and why he acts out" Krolia said, "he needs this"

"I know Krolia, just give me more time"

Krolia nodded, "fine..."

She returned to her room, to see Keith asleep. She smiled, walking over and giving him a kiss on the top of the head. Then she went to her own bed, going to sleep.

In the morning Yorak had cooled down bit, but he was still quieter than normal. Brax took notice. Normally Yorak was engaging in their meetings and making good points. But today, he was completely silent. He could see that Krolia would occasionally give Yorak small, yet concerned looks. Yorak just shooed her away, telling her to pay attention to the meeting. Once the meeting was over, Brax caught up with him.

"Yorak!" Brax called.

"Hm?" Yorak stopped, letting Brax catch up.

"Everything ok?" Brad asked.

"Yeah, why do you ask?" Yorak shrugged.

"You just seemed really quiet today" Brax said.

"Don't worry, it's nothing" Yorak said.

"I- can we talk for a tick?" Brax finally said.

"Sure" Yorak nodded.

"Um... so I heard you and your mom last night..." Brax started.

"Oh sorry, I lost control of my emotions-"

"Don't apologize!" Brax cut him off, "actually, it should be me apologizing... I've said so many terrible things to you, and I didn't even know how you felt... so I'm sorry, I'll try to be better and respect how you feel"

Yorak looked almost surprised, "w-wow... thanks, I never thought I'd be hearing this from you"

"Could we hug it out...?" Brax asked, "I've heard from your mother that humans do that a lot, and maybe it'll make you feel better!"

"Sure" Yorak smiled.

Brax opened his arms and let Yorak hug him. Turns out Brax was right, hugging was making him feel better. They stayed like that for a bit, then pulled away.

"Thanks, that felt good" Yorak seemed to smile wider.

"No problem, I liked that too" Brax said.

Brax took a good look at Yorak's smile. He's never seen him smile like this before. Sure he's seen him smirk a few times, but he's never seen him so genuinely happy.

Brax didn't notice how long he was staring until Yorak started walking away. He quickly put his hand on his shoulder, "wait!"

Yorak turned back.

"Um... you should smile more, it suits you" Brax said.

Yorak smiled again, "I'll take note"

For the rest of the day, Yorak was feeling better now that Brax apologized. Throughout the day, he was becoming more and more vocal. This made Krolia happy. Seeing Yorak and Brax talking and laughing together really warmed her heart. Now that they were finally friendly, maybe that would help with their missions with Voltron.