Work Text:
"Adoption"
Keith was never more grateful that Red could fly herself than he was at that moment. His lion was flying herself back to the castle ship, which allowed him to focus all his attention on the precious little one cradled against his chest.
He and the Paladins had been on an infiltration and data retrieval mission, when Keith heard a kit's distressed cry. He couldn't ignore it and went to investigate. He located the kit easily enough, but his heart broke when he saw the kit's condition. She was all alone in the dark in a dilapidated crib in only a diaper. He immediately shifted to a complete Galra hybrid form and took of his helmet, purring to the little kit. She stopped whining and looked at him. He held his arms out as he slowly approached her. She held her stubby little arms out for him to pick her up. He scooped her up and put her nose close to his neck, near his scent glands. As she nosed his neck, Keith's eyes darted around the room. There were no adult Galra on the ship, which meant the kit was abandoned! The very idea made Keith's blood boil. He knew how it felt to be abandoned, though his case was unique. He didn't blame his mom for leaving to protect him or his dad for dying in the fire that consumed their home or even Shiro for getting kidnapped during the Kerberos mission. The ones he blamed were the foster families that continuously returned him after a few months of trying to raise him. He hadn't deserved it, and he was determined to make sure this kit grew up loved.
He stroked her headfur and carried her out of the room, heading in the direction of his team, the little kit letting out very soft whimpers every so often to which Keith replied with soothing purrs. The team was surprised to see Keith had shifted, since he normally didn't do that on missions, and was carrying a Galran kit.
"Keith, what do you have there?" Shiro asked cautiously.
"An abandoned kit," was the too calm reply. The Paladins recognized that tone. Keith only used that tone when he was trying to rein in his anger or frustration.
"Are you sure it's abandoned?" Lance questioned.
Keith's eyes flashed yellow and he stopped purring for a dobosh. The kit in his arms whimpered, causing Keith to resume his purring, and he nuzzled her head gently. His purr was heard in his voice, which made his voice sound strange. "She was abandoned, but not any longer. She will come with us."
"The castle isn't a good place to raise a child," Shiro pointed out.
"I will not discuss this any further, especially here. We're going to Red."
Keith carried his kit towards his lion, who purred in his mind. "Who is this, cub?"
"She was abandoned here on this ship, but now, she has me to care for her."
"Come inside, cub. I will fly back to the castle while you look after her." Red knelt down so Keith could enter her mouth. He was pleasantly surprised when he entered her cockpit to see that her lights were lowered, so it wouldn't overwhelm the kit.
While Red flew towards the castle, Keith looked at the kit properly and was surprised. Aside from a couple of details, she looked quite similar to him while he was in his complete hybrid form. They both had fluffy ears, a tail, and short lavender colored fur. Their eyes were the same as well, violet irises with black pupils and yellow sclera. Her headfur looked strange though. It looked like someone had chopped it super short in some areas but left others long and tangled. Keith groomed her headfur the best he could, and by the time they landed at the castle, the kit was looking much better.
Keith quickly changed out of his Paladin armor and into a pair of comfortable black pants that were made out of a knit-type of material and a short sleeved black shirt that was made out of some type of soft material. Both articles of clothing were bought at the Space Mall when he was with the Blades. His pack had been appalled at his lack of clothing and had taken him shopping and bought him several outfits and materials for his private nest at the castle. His little kit had looked around his room in fascination from his nest as he quickly changed clothes. When he scooped her back up, she felt his shirt and chirped in surprise at the texture of the shirt, especially compared to his fur. He cradled her close to his chest, his tail coming up to add another layer of security for her. Keith wasn't expecting her to grab ahold of his tail, but he didn't yank it away either. It was rather endearing yet heartbreaking that the kit was making sure Keith wasn't going anywhere without her.
The Red Paladin carried his kit to the bridge, where the other Paladins were filling in Allura and Coran as to what happened. Allura lifted her eyes when Keith entered the bridge and gasped slightly. Her eyes flicked between Keith and the little kit, noticing the numerous similarities between the two.
"Allura, before you say anything, she is not biologically mine, but I am going to raise her."
"It was abandoned?"
"Yes. She was."
"Galra don't abandon their kits without a good reason. Maybe putting it back would be the best course of action."
Keith's eyes flashed yellow again, but he couldn't help but growl. The little kit mewled in response to the growl, causing Keith to stop growling. He nuzzled her neck gently, making a strange humming sound, which seemed to soothe the kit. His tail rubbed up and down her back as he looked back up at Allura. "With all due respect, Princess, I refuse to abandon this kit to the fate her biological parents had. She is mine now, and if you do not permit this, I will take her with me to headquarters and raise her there. You will still have enough Paladins to form Voltron without me, so it is no inconvenience to you either way."
Allura remained quiet, but Keith didn't miss the way her shoulders tensed. He frowned. "Then, I am going to contact Kolivan."
"Wait a dobosh, number four," Coran interrupted. "Before you do, may I perform a scan on your new kit? Just to make sure it is safe for her to travel."
"As long as these scans don't cause her pain and can be done in my arms."
"Oh yes. They are quite harmless, and I wouldn't dream of removing a new kit from her parent's arms." Coran led Keith to the infirmary. "However, it might even be more beneficial to your bond with her, if she could feel your fur against hers."
"Are you suggesting I remove my shirt?"
"Galran kits require touch, and the easiest way for one so small to get as much as she can is to remove your shirt." Coran took out a handheld scanner. "Now, just hold her still for a dobosh."
He scanned the tiny kit quickly and efficiently. While they waited for the results, Coran assisted Keith in not only taking off his shirt but also changing the kit's diaper, while not disturbing the kit more than absolutely necessary. Once Keith had his shirt off, his kit seemed to be even calmer than before, a very soft purr coming from her tiny form. Keith lifted his gaze from his kit to Coran's face with amazement evident on his face. "How did you know that?"
"Back before the war began, I would see Galran parents do that with their kits."
Cradling his kit even closer, Keith asked, "What would make someone abandon their own flesh and blood?"
"I do not know, number four, because according to these readings, she is extremely healthy." There was a dobosh of silence between the two of them before Coran inquired, "What are you going to name her?"
Keith paused. What was he going to name her? "I'm not sure. I want her to have a Galran name that starts with a 'K,' but I'm not good with names."
Coran smiled at Keith. "That's alright, Keith. Maybe your pack can suggest some names for your little one."
Keith smiled. "Would you be able to convince Allura to wormhole us to headquarters, so I don't have to pilot and hold her," Keith nodded towards the now napping kit in his arms, "at the same time."
"I'm sure I can manage something." Coran draped Keith's shirt over his back, securing it so it wouldn't fall off. "Go ahead and contact Kolivan, so he will be expecting you."
Keith left the infirmary without jostling the kit, who simply snuggled further into his chest, relishing in the contact. Keith made it back to his room and sat down in his nest with his kit easily seen in the data pad he held in front of him. He initiated the video call to the leader of the Blades.
%%%
Kolivan was in his office, going over reports from his operatives, and wasn't expecting a video call request from his kit. He set aside the reports and answered the call. He was surprised to see his kit in his half-Galran form, shirtless, and with a tiny Galran kit snuggled up against his chest.
"Keith?"
"Kolivan, I am coming in. I found this kit abandoned while on a mission. Allura wanted me to put her back on the empty ship." Keith paused here, letting Kolivan growl. "Obviously, I refused to do that."
"Bring her here, kit. We will assist you in her care."
Keith smiled. "Thank you, Kolivan."
"You're welcome, kit. What is her name?"
"I haven't named her yet. I was wanting a Galran name that starts with a 'K.'"
"And you don't know any."
"Would you guys be able to come up with some I can choose from?"
"Certainly, kit. We look forward to your return." The link was closed, and Keith let out a sigh before setting about to packing. He had a few more things to pack than before due to his pack buying him things. He packed all of his clothes (except the Red Paladin armor, Red Altean Pajamas, and Red Lion Slippers) and his nesting materials. He had just finished packing and had grabbed his bag with his tail when there was a knock on his door. He walked to the door, which opened revealing Hunk on the other side. The Yellow Paladin seemed to deflate when he saw the bag Keith was holding with his tail.
"So, you're really leaving?"
"Yes. Unless Allura changes her mind, I will be raising my kit with the Blades full time."
Hunk looked down at the little kit, who was snuggled against her Dad's furry chest, softly purring. "Uh, why aren't you wearing a shirt?"
"Coran told me that kits need...fur-to-fur contact, I guess is the best term, and this is the easiest way to ensure that."
Hunk nodded. "Can I...pet her? No, that's not the right word. Touch her fur? No, that's not right either."
Keith grinned. "I know what you're asking, big guy. Go ahead. Just be very gentle. I recommend using one finger."
Hunk very carefully trailed one finger down the kit's back. "She's so soft, like a kitten." He turned his attention back to Keith. "Listen, since you aren't staying, are we allowed to contact you?"
Keith's eyes softened. "Of course. I have the data pad that Pidge made for all of us, and I welcome calls from you guys."
Hunk looked like he wanted to sweep Keith up in a tight hug but didn't want to hurt the kit. Keith set his bag down and wrapped his tail around Hunk's waist, tugging him close to his side. Hunk took the hint and wrapped an arm around Keith's shoulders and gave them a tight squeeze. "We'll miss you, man."
"I'll miss you guys too, but she needs me." Keith unwrapped his tail, which signaled Hunk to release his grip on Keith's shoulders. Keith picked up his bag with his tail.
"I can carry that for you if you'd like," Hunk offered.
Keith paused. Having Hunk carry his bag would allow his kit to hold onto his tail. He held his bag out for Hunk to take, which he did. He brought his tail forward and allowed his kit to grab ahold of his tail and snuggle it. "Thanks, buddy."
"Aww! She really loves your tail."
"I thought it was because she didn't want me to put her down," Keith said as they started walking.
"Do you mean you haven't put her down? Not even to change clothes?"
Keith thought about that. He had put her down in his room, and she didn't fuss. "I guess she felt safe in my nest."
"It was probably your scent surrounding her," a new voice spoke up.
Keith looked up to see the team, Allura, and Coran waiting for him in the hangar, where a Marmoran pod was docking. The one who had spoken was actually Pidge.
"You guys didn't have to see us off."
"Nonsense, Mullet," Lance replied. "You know we're going to miss you."
"I'm going to miss you guys too, but like I told Hunk, my kit is my top priority now. She deserves a loving home, and she'll have that with the Blades, with me."
"Then, she'll have all the love she needs and more," Shiro responded. "We wish you all the luck, Keith, but I doubt you'll need it with your pack to help you." Shiro gestured to the pod and the Marmoran exiting it.
Keith grinned. It was Kolivan! Kolivan walked over to his kit and nuzzled him in greeting. Keith nuzzled back and turned slightly so Kolivan could greet his daughter in a similar fashion. Kolivan used one claw to stroke the little kit's headfur. She slowly blinked at the Galra who was essentially her grandfather and chirped at him. He smiled and rumbled to her. She settled back into her Dad's arms with a purr.
"I came to get you so you wouldn't have to pilot and hold her at the same time, my kit. The path is treacherous enough without a young kit in your arms."
"I appreciate that, Kolivan. Thank you."
"We should leave before the path closes."
Keith nodded and started to follow his leader to the pod but paused when he heard Allura call out his name. "Keith!"
He turned around and watched as Allura approached him. "Yes?"
"I just wanted to apologize for angering you earlier. This situation is an unusual one."
"I appreciate your apology, Princess, but I am not staying. Shiro was right earlier when he said that the castle is not the best place to raise a kit. Perhaps visiting would be possible, but for now, I should take my kit to her new home."
"Be safe, Keith. I hope to at least hear from you soon."
Keith continued into the Marmoran pod and settled into a seat while Kolivan started the launch procedures. Once they were complete, Kolivan piloted the pod out of the castle and through the narrow path to the headquarters. All the while, Keith was cuddling with his kit as his thoughts were swirling in his head, creating a maelstrom which made it hard to focus on one thought. The situation was finally catching up to him, and it made him feel exhausted. He had been running on adrenaline and following his instincts this entire time. He forced himself to stay awake while Kolivan landed the pod in the hangar.
Kolivan realized that Keith was tired as he powered down the pod. He carefully led his kit down the ramp, and once they were away from the pod, he scooped Keith up into his arms, making sure his kit had a secure hold of his little kit. The tick Keith felt Kolivan pick him up, he knew his father would ensure he made it to the nest safely.
Kolivan entered the nest room and set Keith gently into the nest before climbing in himself. He settled in behind Keith, nuzzling his kit's neck. Keith purred and noticed that the rest of his pack (Antok, Thace, and Ulaz) were there. The three other adult Galra gathered around him and his little one.
"She's so tiny," Thace mentioned.
"Where did you find her?" Antok asked.
"She is adorable." Ulaz remarked.
"I found her abandoned on a Galra ship the Paladins infiltrated. She was so scared and crying. I couldn't leave her there. I rescued her, but the Paladins, mostly Allura, didn't want me to keep her. So, I left to raise her here with my pack." Keith smiled at his four father figures. "I just need a name for my kit; a Galran name that starts with a 'K.'"
"We actually have one that means 'bright light.' Krairl," Thace suggested.
"Krairl...Krairl...it's perfect." Keith looked down at his kit. "My little Krairl. She's definitely a bright light in my life." Keith yawned.
"You are tired, my kit," Kolivan stated. "You and Krairl sleep. We will watch over you."
Keith curled around his little kit as they drifted off to sleep surrounded by their pack, safe and sound.
Fin