Archive of Our Own ^beta

"Manicure"

The Blades of Marmora were visiting the Castle of Lions to meet with the princess to discuss battle tactics but also to see their kit, whom they hadn't seen in a few quintants. They knew he was in good hands with his team, especially since he admitted that he liked the actions the humans (especially Lance) used to show their affection for someone. Since the Blades had a few vargas before the meeting with Allura, they decided to find Keith and spend some time with him. Strangely, his voice lured them to the lounge, their footsteps falling faster as his words became clearer.

"Lance, must you?!"

"Don't do that!"

"I like my nails. They don't need to be shorter!"

Right after that last comment, they busted into the lounge and rushed over to the Red and Blue Paladins who were sitting on the floor in between all the couches. Ulaz immediately scooped up Keith and examined his nails. Lance nervously glanced around at the rest of the Blades, their expressions a mix of anger and concern. Lance swallowed hard. "Guys, I know how to cut nails. I did it all the time back home with my sisters."

"Yes, but do you know a Galran kit's claws are sensitive and the slightest nick can cause pain?" Thace growled.

Lance shrank back a little. "No, but Keith would've told me if it hurt. He didn't even mind the first part of the manicure."

While Lance was trying to defend himself, Ulaz was examining Keith's nails. Keith was partially glad that his pack got him away from Lance but was also partially sad that the manicure had to stop. It was actually feeling nice aside from Lance begging him to cut his nails. He knew Lance would be careful with his nails, but he didn't really like anyone cutting them, except himself.

"Ulaz, it's okay. My nails aren't that sensitive."

"Are you sure, kit? Damaged claws can be painful."

"I'm sure they can be, but I don't have claws. Just fingernails."

Ulaz blinked. "Do they not hurt when nicked?"

"Well, sure, if you get nicked far enough down, but generally no."

"Can I get back to Keith's manicure?" Lance asked, brave enough since the Blades stopped glaring at him.

"Will you listen to him if he tells you 'no,' kit?"

Lance spluttered. "I'm not a kit."

"You are younger than Keith, are you not?" Antok asked. Lance nodded, to which he replied, "Then you are a kit."

"Lance, if you let me cut my own nails, then we can continue," Keith broke in, hoping to stop the potential argument.

"Only if I can shape them later," Lance retorted.

"Deal." Keith nuzzled Ulaz for a tick before sliding back in front of Lance and snatching the fingernail clippers. He was acutely aware of his pack sitting on the couch around him and watching him intently. They were so interested in what their kits were doing that they lost track of time and missed the meeting with the princess.

Allura was initially mad but when she found out what they were doing, her anger dissipated, and she found their interest adorable. She was glad she had decided to pull up the security cameras first, because it allowed her to the opportunity to make a scene. She was alone, so no one was there to witness her giggle and coo at the scene in the lounge. The Blades were so open in their intrigue with anything involving Keith and Earth culture in general. She took a moment and studied Lance's steady hands and technique. Maybe it would be a good idea to enlist Lance's help the next time she needed (and had time) to relax, especially since Keith was starting to nod off as Lance did his nails.

Fin