The Red Paladins Klance

Chapter 36

“There is a diplomacy meeting coming up in 2 quintants . All the leaders of the Coalition will be there, as well as you, no doubt.” Kolivan said. “Of course. We’ll bring the Castle to space, and you and the leaders can come inside.” Keith said. Kolivan had suddenly contacted Keith early in the morning, prompting him and Lance to come back to the Castle with the others. Kolivan shifted his gaze on something else. “You, Red Paladin. They would like for you to give a speech.” He said. Keith turned to Lance and smiled widely. Lance looked surprised, “Me? Really?” He asked. “Yes. You are Voltron’s co-leader, and you are quite the diplomat besides Allura.” Kolivan said. Lance looked at Keith, then at Kolivan. “I...don’t know what to say.” He said. Keith touched his arm, “Accept it.” He encouraged, proud. Lance smiled at him, then turned back to Kolivan nodded. “I accept. We’ll see you in 2 quintants, Kolivan.” He said.

   Kolivan nodded, and the transmission ended. Keith sharply inhaled, turning fully to Lance. “That’s amazing. You, going up to the leaders of the Coalition and giving a speech. You’re going to do great.” He said proudly. The others agreed, and Lance’s smile widened, “Yeah. And it’s such a big deal too. It makes me think of Shiro, and how many times he’s had to do diplomatic speeches. I feel so honoured that he asked me, it’s such a big responsibility.” He said. And then his smile faded, and Keith knew it hit him. “Oh my god, I’m doing the speech. Oh my god.” He said, his eyes wide. Keith reached out and put his hands on his arms, “Hey, you’ll be fine. Don’t worry so much about it, I’m going to help you. You’re so good at giving speeches, this one won’t be any different.” Keith said. “Yeah, but I’ve never given one in front of the leaders of the Coalition. I don’t really know what to say.” Lance said. “It’s okay, I’ll help you. You have no idea how proud I am of you, Lance. I am so, so proud of you.” Keith said, smiling at him.

Lance slightly smiled back.

“Thank you.” He whispered. Keith took his hand, “Come. If you want, we can get started. You and me, we’ll spar while we figure it out, yeah?” He said. Lance brightened, “Oh. Yeah, of course. That would be great.” He said. Keith smiled at him, leading him down the halls, “Don’t stress out, all right? You’ve got this, I know you do.” He said. They entered the training deck. But when Lance pulled out his bayard, Keith stopped him. “Not actual sparring.” He said as he took off his jacket, throwing it to the side. He put his bayard and Galra blade down as well. “Well then, what do you mean?” Lance asked, confused, putting his bayard away. “We’ll switch it up today. Today we’ll do some hand to hand combat.” Keith said. Lance’s eyes widened, and he smirked. “Hand to hand combat, huh? That’s new.” He said. “No reason not to do it. So come on, then. Come at me, Sharpshooter.” Keith said, beckoning him.

    Lance took off his jacket, getting into fighting stance. He then ran at him, but Keith easily side-stepped him. He turned to him, smiling as Lance turned to him. “I said come at me.” Keith said. Lance ran at him again, but Keith grabbed his arm and threw him down. Lance gasped, and Keith leaned over him, “You all right?” He asked playfully. Lance suddenly moved and swung his leg, and Keith reacted too late, falling to the floor. Lance stood up as Keith pushed himself up with a laugh. “Not bad, Blue. What have you got planned to say to the leaders?” He said as he got up. “Why don’t we talk about that after we’ve finished?” Lance said. “All right, then.” Keith said before leaping at him. He made sure that any hits he actually landed on Lance were soft and light. “You’re going easy, Samurai.” Lance said noticeably, dodging his hit.

“Just trying not to hurt the love of my life.” Keith said, swinging his leg.

Lance grabbed his ankle in quick reflex and pushed him away, “That’s sweet and all, but this isn’t actually doing anything unless you come at me with all you got.” He said. “I’d rather not.” Keith said. “Oh come on! It’s okay, Keith, I can take your hits! You won’t hurt me, I promise.” Lance said in exasperation. “Are you sure?” Keith asked. “Yes, Keith, I’m absolutely sure. I’m not holding back. Come on.” Lance said. He smirked, getting back into fighting stance. “Let’s have a little fun, Samurai. Whadd’ya say?” He said. His confidence made Keith’s heart skip a beat, and he smirked as well, also getting into a ready stance. “You asked for it.” He said, and ran at him. Lance deflected a good amount of his hits, and was even able to send Keith skidding away a few times. “All right, Keith! Time out, let me breathe!” Lance called out at one point, raising his hands up. They were both flushed, gasping. Keith reached up, twining their fingers together. “Giving up so soon, sweetheart?” He teased, leaning to him until they were a breath away.