The Galra Boy [discontinued?]

Departure

Krolia, Keith, Allura, Coran, and the other paladins sat at a table in the bridge.

"Krolia," said Allura, "Keith has told me that you and he are part of a group of Galran rebels, is that true?" she asked in a serious tone.

"Yes," Krolia replied. "The blades of Marmora. We are a resistance group, and secret society, that has existed for centuries. We have the goal of liberating the Galra people, as well as all who are enslaved by the Galran Empire."

Allura nodded. "I see."

"I know who you all are," Krolia said to the paladins. "The Paladins of Voltron." Krolia held her hand out to Allura. "Consider us your allies in the fight against Zarkon."

Allura looked at Krolias hand, and shook it. "Uh... Thank you!"

Krolia laughed a little and shook her head. "I should be thanking you; you saved my son. He means the world to me, you know."

Allura nodded. "I understand."

"You know, I can't thank you enough, but Keith and I really should get back to the base. I need to report that I've found him, and Voltron." She stood up and headed for the door.

"Wait!" Keith stood up abruptly. "I... I need a few minutes." He looked at Lance and nodded towards the door, signaling him to follow.

Keith paced around Lance's room, gathering his few belongings anxiously. Lance leaned against a wall and watched him.

"So... You're leaving?" Lance asked.

"You know I have to," Keith murmured without looking at him.

"I do, it's just..." Lance struggled to put his feelings into words.

"If there was some way I could fight with Voltron, I would, but my place is with the blades."

"Yeah..." Lance sighed.

Keith finally brought himself to look at Lance. "Hey," He came up to him, placed a hand under his chin, and lifted his head so the two made eye contact. "We'll fight this war together. We may be attacking from different angles, but we'll be together in spirit. And when we win, because I KNOW we'll win now that you and the other Paladins are here, we can be together in person, and build a new universe, side by side."

Lance took a moment to gaze into Keith's eyes again, taking note of every detail so that he'd remember while they were apart. Finally, he nodded. "Here's to a new universe?" He put a hand on Keith's shoulder.

"To a new universe," Keith agreed, lowering his hand from Lance's face and putting it on the back of Lance's neck. The two kissed deeply and held each other close.

Lance watched as Krolia and Keith climbed into the cruiser.

"Lance," Keith called from the door. The two made eye contact, and Keith quickly mouthed three words.

I love you.

Before Lance could reply, the door closed, and the cruiser took off. Lance watched as it got smaller and smaller, until its warp engines kicked in and it blasted out of sight. He stood there for a moment, gazing into the empty space, before sighing sadly and looking down at his feet. "A new universe," he whispered to himself.

Keith gazed solemly out the window of the cruiser.

"So," Krolia said. "You like that guy?"

"Mom!" Keith said, embarrassed. "I-... Yeah, I.. I do."

Krolia hummed thoughtfully. "A blade of Marmora and a paladin of Voltron..." She nodded to herself. "That's a potential power couple right there!"

"Mom, stop it," Keith nudged her shoulder.

"That was a compliment!" She said defensively.

Quintants passed, which became movements, and then phoebs. Though their time together had been short, it had left an impact on Lance. Not a quintant passed when he didn't think of Keith.

Across the galaxy, Keith continued to think of Lance just as frequently.

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A.N. Oh geez, here be the sad part. You know I had to do it to 'em. But don't worry! This is definitely NOT the end!